NBA Draft Reflection

Well, a few weeks have elapsed since the NBA draft took place, and upon reviewing some summer league information it appears that some teams may have done their research. Most notably, Dwight Howard as the first pick in the draft was a great idea, as I predict he will be the 3rd most coveted eastern conference big man within 3 years (surpassed by Shaq once the deal is done, and another player he is actually very similar to in style, Jermaine O'neal). I base this prediction on his performance at a recent summer league, in which he averaged 12 pts, 10 boards, and 3 blocks a game, with the last 2 stats tops in the entire league. I know any of you out there who are familiar with the summer leage will question the importance of such stats against teams full of potential 10-12 roster spots, but that's still damn impressive for an 18 year old (his performance is similar to that of Amare Stoudamire a few years back). Also, fellow Magic pick Jameer Nelson impressed with his point guard skills, adding that Howard was far better than he had ever imagined he would have been, sighting his athletism and ability to learn as unbelievable.

On another note, many draft analyists have tried to peg fellow high school entry Josh Smith, a choice by the Atlanta Hawks, as the most likely bust in the draft. I watched Smith play in the Nike Hoops Summit against international pro players a couple months back, and I find that assertion ridiculous. He will not play much his first year, but his skill and athleticism are unparalled in the draft (unfortunately, his lack of court sense and understanding of the game are equally as lacking, not to mention a streaky at best jumper). I see him becoming the next Vince Carter in 3-4 years, a player who can score and make highlights, but never really be a winner. While that was not a glaring compliment, his eventual 20 pts a game scoring potential will make it hard to call him a bust. My choice for biggest bust would have to be Robert Swift, the 7 foot white center who's stock rose by not working out for a single team. I think he'll be decent, but the expectations suddenly put on him are unreasonable...I see a future Nestorivic (Spurs center), a guy who averages 10 and 7. While speaking of white centers, look out for Chris Kaman of the Clips, he'll easily become the best American born white post player within 2 years in the league.