The only certainty in the 2009 NBA draft is that Blake Griffin will be the No. 1 pick. After that, it’s anybody’s guess because of the lack of potential franchise players and immediate impact players.

“Last year, you were hoping to get a starter or a star,” one league executive said. “This year, you’re looking for help.”
Another potential problem is that no one wants to play for the Memphis Grizzlies, who own the second pick Thursday.
Teams are trying to trade out of the first round; some with multiple picks want to make two-for-one deals; and some want to trade up to the first round (Orlando and Houston). The Knicks, Bulls, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Wizards and Blazers have been among the most active teams.
1. Clippers: Blake Griffin, 6-10, 250, F, Oklahoma
Considered the only sure thing in this draft, Griffin is a beast inside and should make some of the Clippers’ big men expendable.
2. Grizzlies: Hasheem Thabeet, 7-3, 267, C, Connecticut
A project and not too skilled offensively, but he’s big and blocks shots. Real questions are whether he wants to play for the Grizzlies, and will they keep the pick?
3. Thunder: Ricky Rubio, 6-4, 180, G, Spain
Could go No. 2, but reportedly doesn’t want to play for Memphis does anyone? A good fit with up-and-coming Thunder, but Knicks are interested.
4. Kings: Tyreke Evans, 6-6, 220, G, Memphis
Could go anywhere in the top 10. The Kings are high on Evans’ ability to play both guard positions. They also like Rubio and Jonny Flynn.
5. Wizards/Timberwolves: James Harden, 6-5, 220, G, Arizona State
Pick expected to go to Timberwolves, who can package it with No. 6 for the No. 2 choice and take Rubio or Thabeet, or keep it for draft’s top shooter to replace Mike Miller.
6. Timberwolves: Stephen Curry, 6-3, 185, G, Davidson
New GM David Kahn would like to make a splash. If he keeps this pick, taking this point guard and scoring sensation would do that.
7. Warriors: Jrue Holiday, 6-3, 185, G, UCLA
They’re said to be high on the 19-year-old Holiday or Curry, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they went for a forward such as Jordan Hill.
8. Knicks: Jordan Hill, 6-10, 230, F, Arizona
First choices are point guards Rubio and Curry. If the Knicks can’t get them, Hill would give them insurance if David Lee bolts Broadway.
9. Raptors: DeMar DeRozan, 6-7, 210, F-G, USC
In need of plenty of help, the Raptors like the athletic swingman, who isn’t a finished product, but would protect them if free agent Anthony Parker leaves.
10. Bucks: Jonny Flynn, 6-0, 185, G, Syracuse
Trading Richard Jefferson freed cap room to re-sign Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions, but Flynn is good insurance if they let Sessions walk.
11. Nets: Terrence Williams, 6-6, 215, G-F, Louisville
Nets’ first choice is Flynn and they hope the Jefferson deal makes the Bucks go for a wing. Otherwise, the versatile Williams or Gerald Henderson could be their pick.
12. Bobcats: Gerald Henderson, 6-4, 215, G, Duke
They may have given a guarantee to Williams, but if the Nets take him, they’ll go with Henderson. They’re looking for a combo player who can play right now.
13. Pacers: DeJuan Blair, 6-7, 275, F, Pittsburgh
Rebound machine might have gone higher if not for knee troubles, but recent MRIs reveal he’s better. Indiana is willing to take a shot.
14. Suns: Brandon Jennings, 6-1, 170, G, Italy
Young guard can play the Suns’ speed game and become Steve Nash’s heir apparent. Forwards James Johnson and Earl Clark are possibilities.
15. Pistons: B.J. Mullens, 7-1, 260, C, Ohio State
Rumors abound that Detroit gave a promise to the athletic, young, raw big man, but don’t rule out Rahway product Clark.
16. Bulls: James Johnson, 6-7›, 257, F, Wake Forest
They’re trying to package picks to move up and make sure they get Johnson, who’s big and quick enough to play both forward spots, or perhaps Clark.
17. 76ers: Ty Lawson, 6-0, 195, G, North Carolina
Andre Miller is a free agent, so they need point-guard insurance and Lawson is ready to play now. Jeff Teague or Eric Maynor could go here.
18. Timberwolves: Earl Clark, 6-10, 225, F, Louisville
If he isn’t gone, Minnesota should pounce on the versatile forward, who can back up big man Al Jefferson or slide in at small forward.
19. Hawks: Jeff Teague, 6-2, 175, G, Wake Forest
This quick combo guard would give the Hawks insurance in case free agent point guard Mike Bibby signs elsewhere.
20. Jazz: Tyler Hansbrough, 6-9, 250, F, North Carolina
NBA-ready player who will be 24 in November. Would be protection if Jazz lost Carlos Boozer or Paul Millsap to free agency.
21. Hornets: Eric Maynor, 6-3, 175, G, Virginia Commonwealth
They need someone to spell Chris Paul and this four-year guard could slide right in, but Hornets also could go for forward help.
22. Mavericks: Austin Daye, 6-11, 195, F, Gonzaga
Athletic wing player runs the floor and needs time to improve; Mavericks could take a point guard with Jason Kidd a free agent.
23. Kings: Sam Young, 6-6, 220, F, Pittsburgh
They’ll address point guard higher and here they’ll go for a versatile swingman to play with shooter Kevin Martin and set up their future.
24. Blazers: Patrick Mills, 6-0, 175, G, St. Mary’s
With five picks, Portland likely will make moves or take some international players who’ll remain overseas. Mills has Australian citizenship.
25. Thunder: Chase Budinger, 6-7, 210, F, Arizona
Thunder are building a nice young team and this solid wing player could contribute now as Kevin Durant’s backup or at shooting guard.
26. Bulls: Toney Douglas, 6-2, 190, G, Florida State
If they don’t package their picks for Johnson, Bulls could use this one on the compact scoring guard to cover them if they lose free agent Ben Gordon.
27. Grizzlies: Darren Collison, 6-1, 160, G, UCLA
If they pass on Rubio or move the pick, they could go for this steady point guard for depth behind Mike Conley Jr.
28. Timberwolves: Demarre Carrol, 6-8, 212, F, Missouri
Hard-working, hard-nosed power forward who also can play center. He would give Minnesota much-needed depth up front.
29. Lakers: Omri Casspi, 6-9, 215, F, Israel
Champs want to use their money to re-sign Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza, so expect them to take a foreigner and keep him overseas, or trade the pick
30. Cavaliers: Wayne Ellington, 6-4, 200, G, North Carolina
They need someone to help LeBron James, and this solid contributor played big in the Heels’ biggest games and can play multiple positions.