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With the ninth overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft; the Toronto Raptors select Duke shooting guard Gerald Henderson.
Why Henderson fits
The Raptors have size and skill in the post with Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani, they also have an extremely underrated point guard in Jose Calderon - but their starting off-guard is 33 year-old Anthony Parker. Parker is still a solid performer, but isn't a strong offensive player, lacks athleticism and has diminished defensive skills.
Which brings me back to the explosive and athletic Gerald Henderson. The former Blue Devil would immediately upgrade Toronto's athleticism while giving them solid defender who still has plenty of upside. He could easily develop into a Richard Jefferson type player. Henderson flashed his all-around game last year with Duke; scoring 16.5 PPG, grabbing 4.9 RPG and dishing out 2.5 APG.
He still needs to work on becoming more consistent with his jump shot and his ball-handling, but he has the skill-set to excel in both of those areas.
The Raptors aren't far from being a playoff team in the Eastern Conference, with the added athleticism and defensive ability that Henderson would provide, Toronto would be one step closer to to the conference elite.
Gerald Henderson on the net
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Gerald-Henderson-1042/
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/gerald-henderson
Sports Examiners: 2009 NBA Mock Draft
Sports Examiners from around the country are making the first-round picks in the inaugural Examiner.com NBA Mock Draft. Check out the full list of each Examiner's selections and see who your favorite team is predicted to take!
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