I love basketball, that is no secret. And I love college basketball, and the NBA draft. People now a days are so down on the draft, saying the one n done rule in college is killing the draft, making it a complete crap shoot, cause we really have not seen the players enough.
That's bull crap. Its has been a crap shoot for 40 years. Even the argument that the college players with only one year on experience have less experience then the college players in previous generations, is a farce. My dads generation, freshman where not even allowed to play on the varsity squads. and an average season was 20-25 games. So many of you top players played two years of varsity ball, got maybe 50 games under their belt. A freshman now can get 40 games under his belt in one year, and given the amount of playing experience they get prior to college, with summer leagues and such, they get it said experience way before players of 40 years ago.
That being said look at the 1980 draft. There was only 2 players drafted that could be considered franchise changing or perennial all start players. Kevin Mckale and Kiki Vandaweigh. Picked 3rd and 11th. The first two picks, though had decent 10 year careers each, made a collective ONE AS game.
Take a look at 1990. that year only ONE perennial all star, Gary Peyton. The 1st pick Derrick Coleman again had a decent carer, but again only ONE AS appearance. The p[layer probably ranked second in impact was Toni Kukoc, picked in 2nd round. 1995 the best pick came in the 2nd round with Michael Redd, who, ya maybe you know who I am talking about.
Then there are years like 1994 with Olajuwon, Jordan and Barkley or 2002 with James, Melo and Wade. Years where you do end up with a 1-10 shot to get a HOF championship quality leader.
But all in all its a crap shoot, with only about 1 sure thing every 3 years or so. Davis 2012, Wall 2010, Rose 2008, Howard 2004, James 2003, Ming 2002, Duncan 1997, Shaq 1992, ETC.
So all that being said, I am tired of hearing two things around the draft. How the youth is killing it, but also how prior to the draft, all the hype that is given to all the different players. I also am sick of hearing about all the possible greatness around the euro players. Cmon, we have had 3 in 20 years really pan out. Dirk, Pau, and ??? I am sure there was another.
So here is my prediction for 2015.
There are possibly 3 franchise leading players, just like every other year. Those 3 are, yep, the predicted top 3 picks. That was hard huh. Towns, Okefor, and Russell.
Here's the tough part, after those 3 where are there some players that you can use as building blocks, cause in the end that is what the draft is for 80% of the time. if your not one of the 3 teams getting the possible franchise, then you hope for a positive addition to pair with your current franchise player, or one your going after in free agency. So who are they. Well your in luck I will tell ya.
1st I'm gonna go with two UK blue breds. Willie Cauley Stein, and Devon Booker.
Stein will never end up being a 20 point big man, but what he is going to be is a GREAT defender, not only at the rim, but in PickNroll. He has great athleticism for a 7'1" man, and his footwork is top notch. Think Jordan with the clippers, or a taller version of Ben Wallace from the Piston teams that went to 6 str8 conference finals.
Booker is a 6'6" two, that is the BEST shooter in the draft hands down. He averaged 10 points on a team in which he never had a play called for him, and he played less than 20 minutes a game. Give him 32 minutes and game, and a spread floor, he will light it up. He can also defend the 1, 2 and 3 positions.
Norman Powell, 6'4" guard from UCLA. Want a two guard, with GREAT athleticism and leadership. This is your guy. Put him on a team, who has a top notch PG, and Big man, and he will add a piece you might be missing for a championship. Its to bad the clippers gave up their 1st rounder, but not a surprise its the 28th pick, close to where many project Powell will go.
Jerein Grant, 6'3" PG from ND. Pure point guard with great shooting ability. Leadership and experience is their as he played 4 years at ND, and though some say he has already hit his ceiling, I say no way. He needed better skill around him, so he didn't have to force it so much. He can start at point on many teams NOW. He is not a lottery pick talent, but could make major impact for a team needing a PG and picking late 1st round. Lakers, Cavs, Spurs!!!!
Well there you have it, if your one of the 10 people who read this and want my suggestion for your team let me know.
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