6/29/2005

Thoughts on the NBA Draft

I missed the first few picks (I blame The Target Corporation and their lack of efficiency and organization), So I can't really comment on what happened, I am happy that Mr. Andrew Bogut (left) was the first pick. Otherwise, I have a few other thoughts about tonights happenings.

-I'm SOOOOO happy that the Jazz did not draft Chris Paul. I could have no longer associated with them and it would have been tough to let go of the last 13 years.

-After listening to the Gerald Green/Martell Webster interview on the Draft preview on Monday night, I wouldn't have drafted Green too early either. The young man cannot complete a sentence or use proper grammar. How can he master a complex NBA offense?

-Too much UNC

-All the Seniors were great. Some of my favorites are: Channing Frye, Danny Granger, Julius Hodge, David Lee, Salim Stoudamire, Ronny Turiaf, and Travis Diener. I realize that this is almost all the Seniors, but that's ok. I can't imagine a greater asset than a successful college senior on your team.

-On that note, I don't understand why "upside" prospects that might possibly turn out SOMEDAY are drafted so high that they get guaranteed contracts while sure thing college seniors are taken in the second round even though they can help immediately. That seems backwards to me. For once I think the Spurs have it right. When they had a lottery pick, they took a sure thing. When they have a late first round pick they take projects that they can develop and as much as I hate to say it, it works for them.

For the most part I thought this was a good draft. Too many high schoolers got bad advice and are stuck trying to earn their way in from the 2nd round. I think this validates the new age limit. If these kids aren't good enough to go in the first round, they should go to college. That's it. Too many high schoolers aren't coming through for as many teams to take a shot. The Era of the high school phenom has mercifully ended. Next up...The Era of the prep school phenom. It's not quite a sequel, but the plot will be similar.

No comments: