Negrodamus wrote:Hey man, I just don’t like the kid’s stats. There is no Ace crusade, I’ve been actively avoiding discussing his game because it clearly has ruffled everyone’s feathers. I don’t know if you all are part of his PR campaign or what, but bravo to him; I’ve never seen such staunch supporters for a random draft prospect on the heels of a forgettable college season. I guess people liked Fultz and Simmons a lot too.
To be fair to Fultz; he did have good statistical numbers in college. Don't know when the "hitch" happened, but his shot and mechanics were definitely different by summer league. The mental side of things is something we really can't get a read on b/c we're not given access to the player like teams are.
Ben, I'll admit I believe I was pro-Ben over Ingram and I put way too much weight in trusting that Brett gave us inside intel on Ben's mental makeup and desire and Brett would be able to give Ben tough love. Had I known Brett was going to coddle Ben b/c he was an emo-cripple boy, yeah I'd have punted. Again things we wouldn't know looking from the outside in.
I've put a lot more weight into the intangible basket since the Shai draft where I pegged him as the guy I'd want after Knox (yep missed on Knox, but got SGA down). Since then guys like Maxey and McCain have ticked that box where you see a team's trajectory altered by their presence entering the lineup.
It's why I just can't quit VJ b/c his FIBA impact was very real and it felt like a Shai/Maxey/McCain type trajectory change. Kon is the other guy that ticks that box with the way he stepped up to keep Duke afloat when Flagg got hurt in the tournament. The problem I have with Kon is athleticism and length which is a bigger deal breaker at 3 than it was at 16 for McCain.