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The 2009 draft class has been called one of the worst in recent years. Many compare it to the 2000 draft, in which Kenyon Martin was drafted first overall. Although Martin has carved out a niche in the NBA, he is certainly not one of the best number one draft picks in the history of the league. That season’s first round brought us laughable selections such as Darius Miles at number three, Erick Barkley at number 28 and Mark Madsen at number 30, but the 2009 draft could end up being just as disastrous.

The Cavaliers, because of their league best 66 wins, earned the final pick of the first round this year. At that point many players who could bring an immediate impact to Cleveland were off the board. Gerald Henderson from Duke was drafted by the Bobcats at number 12. The Timberwolves took UNC’s Ty Lawson with the 18th pick and the Jazz took VCU product Eric Maynor with the 20th selection. When the Cavs were finally on the clock they decided to go with a project by the name of Christian Eyenga.

Eyenga, a 6′6″ forward from the Congo, is a name you more than likely have never heard. He averaged just 0.8 points in four games for DKV Joventut Badalona in Europe, but did put up 13.3 points per game for CB Prat Juventud, a lower affiliate of DKV.

Do not expect to see Eyenga in a Cavaliers uniform anytime soon. One would assume he will stay over in Europe for a minimum of one year, but the Cavs must surely intend on him joining the team at some point over the next several seasons and making an impact on the court.

“It’s an intriguing pick for us.” said Cavs GM Danny Ferry, “I think Christian, if he can develop, can be a good player with the level of talent and athleticism he has.”

Eyenga is just 20 years old and has much to work on. He is a very raw player, but if he continues to improve could turn into one of the best players of the 2009 draft.

With the 46th overall pick, the 16th of the second round, the Cavs selected North Carolina product Danny Green. The 6′6″ swingman played four years for the Tar Heels and was a key piece on their National Championship in April. He scored 6 points and had 4 assists in the title game against Michigan State. For the season he averaged 13.1 points on 47 percent shooting.

An accomplished defensive player, Green was named to the ACC’s All-Defensive Team his senior season. He is also valuable on the offensive end. He has the ability to hit from the three-point line and takes good care of the ball.

The Cavs made a trade to acquire a third player in the draft. After Phoenix selected Emir Preldzic with the 57th overall pick, he was traded to Cleveland for cash considerations.

Preldzic hails from Slovenia and is 21 years old. He has terrific height, standing 6′9″, but can play both the power forward and small forward positions. He has been playing with Fenerbahce Ulker of the Turkish Euroleague since 2007.

“He is a guy that is obviously going to stay in Europe,” said Cavs Assistant GM Chris Grant. “He’s got a chance at the level he’s playing to continue to grow and become an interesting player.”

At this point it appears his biggest asset is his size as he is an inconsistent shooter and has trouble finishing around the hoop.

Overall, the Cavs didn’t do much to improve the team in the short run. In the long run, players like Eyenga and Preldzic could become competent NBA talents, but that remains to be seen at this point. Green could become a rotation player in his rookie season, especially if he can be a consistent threat from the beyond the arc.