I looked earlier at PG rankings and saw Nelson below Livingston and Telfair and that made me neaseous. Now I am looking really hard at draft prospects and at the NBA in general. Why the hell are teams wasting time with HS players?? Garnett was a phenom and all acknowledge that. But really. Mcgrady had Carter ahead and he was best player available at the time. Toronto could afford the risk. Kobe was taken at pick 16 and was traded to the Lakers who could afford to stick him on their bench behind Eddie Jones at the time. Jermaine Oneal didnt blossom until he left Portland. What does Portland get for drafting him?? Dale Davis?? hahah. The NBA finals have had two late rounders who were very productive college players make an impact in Luke Walton and Tayshaun Prince. Rip Hamilton played for 3 years at UCONN. Billups was in college for two seasons before jumping ship. Hell,college phenoms arent even guarantees but looking at impacting rookies and young players as a whole,they usually have come from college. Looking at these guys in this years draft,why on earth are they late first material behind guys like Josh Smith,Dorrell Wright,Robert Swift.etc. Gerald Fitch- Can play point, can defend,has size,and can hit the three. This guy should be more of a player than the likes of Livingston and Telfair for sure. Chris Humpries- Why not more ink on him?? He has a pro body and has played against big time competition. We will be mistaken not taking him if he fell. James Thomas- Want a Jerome Williams or Bo Outlaw? Every team could use one IMO. He would be a nice addition off a bench and contribute. Andre Emmett- I saw something saying well all he does is score inside and defend. AND THE PROBLEM IS??? Ron Artest wasnt much of a three point shooter and lasted into the teens until Chicago picked him. Just makes me scratch my head sometimes.
Todays NBA is about "upside" and "potential" IMO they go on the theory that if you get a guy early enough, you dont have bad habits to break. Not saying I agree with it, but that seems like the way it is.
