As expected, the National Championship game between Kentucky and Kansas did very little to alter anyone’s draft stock.
Anthony Davis couldn’t hit anything in the first half, and everyone still walked away talking about how remarkable it is that he can impact the game without scoring. Thomas Robinson’s team lost, and everyone still walked away talking about what tremendous heart he has. The only guy who may have sort of boosted his draft stock was Doron Lamb, and even that is questionable. Everyone knew he could score, it was just a matter of the talented youngster getting his chance to shine on a very deep and unit.
With the college basketball season officially over now, though, it’s time to move on to bigger and better things. We already took a look at how the first seven picks of the 2012 NBA Draft will go, and today we’ll examine how the next eight picks will ultimately shake out. Admittedly, that Terrence Jones at No. 7 selection is something that isn’t etched in stone, but we’ll stay pat with that for now.
As you progress towards the middle of the first round, you start seeing teams take a lot more chances. Players like Baylor’s Perry Jones who seemingly have all of the skills necessary for a successful NBA career but have serious attitude question marks – this is where they ultimately end up getting selected. Ditto for raw young talents who don’t have character issues, but need more molding and development from franchises patient enough to do that sort of thing.
The other thing to watch for in this part of the draft: what sort of emphasis is placed on experience versus young, unproven talent. Generally the bad teams (who are at the top of the draft) tend to go with young undeveloped talent because these guys’ ceiling is so much higher. On the flip side, teams higher in the draft (read: good teams) tend to take more proven players who may not have All-Star talent, but who will be able to play a specific role.
With all that in mind, here is how we see picks Nos. 8-15 turning out.
*Team standings based on Week of March 25.
(Note: Tune in on Tuesday to the Bottom Line Sports Show as they talk all things NBA and NCAA hoops, and also have one lucky Draft prospect on to discuss what the future holds.)
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