Future's So Bright

I know I probably should be talking about the thrilling Lakers-Nuggets game from last night, but, to be honest, I didn't watch it. When you have to get up at 6:00am everyday, most playoff games end too damn late to watch (wow - what an old man comment that was). No, I'm here today to talk to you about the NBA draft. Besides, the future is always infinitely more interesting than the present. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side concept comes into play here.

First of all, condolences to Blake Griffin. A player with his skills and strong character shouldn't have to start his career off with the Clippers. To follow in the shoes of Michael Olowokandi, Darius Miles and Shaun Livingston is every ball-bouncing youth's dream come true. And to top it off, he gets to learn the ropes of his position and the pro game from none other than Zach Randolph.

Maybe Griffin will end up being a martyr for future pro prospects thinking of declaring early for the draft. Beware or you might end up a Clipper.

But the player's fate that I'm most interested in is the player who make the young girls' (and GMs') heart aflutter. A heartthrob and rock star on the level of Pistol Pete (minus the brooding). None other than the cutie pie below.

But Ricky does more than just make the girls swoon. He's also the most exciting player in this year's draft, an 18-year-old who had the label "Next" placed on him years ago. His ball-handling and passing ability is otherworldly, and he is a magnet for steals on the defensive end. And we need to make sure he gets drafted by Oklahoma City.

Why Oklahoma City you say? Because with Rubio on that squad they would become must-see-tv. A terrifically exciting - and flawed - team playing in relative obscurity. A backcourt of Rubio and Russell Westbrook - both undersized defensive menaces with no jump shots - would be like watching a summer league game all season long. And on OKC it wouldn't matter that Rubio isn't a shooter or scorer - that is what that Kevin Durant kid is for. And if the thought of one of the best young passer/playmakers in recent times dishing to the best young gunner in the League on a full-time basis doesn't turn your crank then maybe its time to get a new crank.

It doesn't appear that the Clippers will get in our way of making this dream a reality - they have stated that Griffin is their man. Now we have to get Memphis on board with the plan. We have to convince the Grizzly Bears that Mike Conley Jr. is the second coming of Zeke. And that O.J. Mayo is a very capable backup point guard. And that Hasheem Thabeet is Dikembe Mutombo resurrected. Even Ricky would probably prefer to play in Memphis, considering fellow Spaniard Marc Gasol is there. But trust us Ricky - we know what's best for you.

I know - we have hard work ahead of us, but pairing Rubio with Durant is worth every bead of sweat. Together I know we can make this dream a reality.