It's Draft Day!!

So much going on today with the 2009 NBA draft!! First off let's take a look at the press release for the Sergio Rodriguez trade posted on Blazer's Edge:

TRAIL BLAZERS ACQUIRE DRAFT RIGHTS TO FORWARD JEFF PENDERGRAPH

Portland sends Sergio Rodriguez, draft rights to Jon Brockman and cash considerations to Kings



PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Trail Blazers acquired the draft rights to forward Jeff Pendergraph (31st overall pick) from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for guard Sergio Rodriguez, the draft rights to forward Jon Brockman (38th overall pick) and cash considerations, it was announced today by General Manager Kevin Pritchard.

"Sergio was a big part of our turnaround and we'd like to thank him for his contributions to the Trail Blazers over the last three years. We wish him all the best going forward," said Pritchard. "We're excited to add a player like Jeff, who is a four-year starter, hard worker and has a strong athletic presence inside. We feel he can help this team."

Pendergraph, 22, played four seasons at Arizona State, where he finished with career averages of 12.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.04 blocked shots and a 58.0 percent shooting percentage.

The 6-9, 240-pound forward set school records for games played (126) and started (120) and his 1,588 points are sixth best all-time.

As a senior, Pendergraph averaged 14.5 points and was named to the Pac-10's First Team. His 66.0 percent shooting percentage led the nation.

Rodriguez, 23, averaged 3.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 12.4 minutes over three seasons with the Trail Blazers. Portland originally acquired the draft rights to the Spanish guard from Phoenix for cash considerations in a 2006 draft day trade.a

Sad day indeed as the original Spanish Armada is over, we wish you luck in Sacramento Sergio!! BUT a new Spanish Armada is on the rise with Blazer's 22 pick Victor Claver from Spain, hopefully Rudy takes Victor out to Pata Negra for some celebratory tapas!!

As stated in the press release above, the Blazers traded the 38th pick for the 31st and drafted Jeff Pendergraph, a forward from Arizona.

At the 33rd pick Portland picked up Dante Cunningham from Villanova

At the 55th pick Portland selected Patrick Mills, a guard from St. Mary's.

I think it's fair to say that the Blazers' GM Kevin Pritchard did some good work tonight, Patrick Mills was a possible late draft steal for Portland so next season is looking bright!!