First, I’d like to say that I originally thought the McGee draft pick was bad. Really, really bad. As a matter of fact, I decried it as one of the worst picks in recent memory. I wanted the Wizards to pick Roy Hibbert.

I may now have to revise my thinking.

Brendan Haywood doesn’t give out praise lightly. He’s always come across as a very intelligent and thoughtful guy – especially in the interviews that I’ve seen on TV. He’s a 7-year pro; most of that time as a Starting Center. He’s been studying the other Centers in the league the whole time; and he has a great feel and knowledge of the game. I’m certain that he’d make a great NBA Coach or NBA color commentator on TV after he retires.

We keep hearing “coachspeak” from Eddie Jordan about Javale’s athleticism. We hear “GMspeak” from Grunfeld about his potential.

Haywood’s almost glowing remarks about McGee provide us fans with a glimmer of hope for the future – from a neutral source. Jordan can’t dis one of his players, and Grunfeld would never speak in anything but positive terms about HIS draft pick – but Haywood bangs against this guy every day in practice. Just as he has banged against the Centers in this league for the last 7 years. Brendan has no alternative reason, no ulterior motive, to say positive things about McGee.

Like I said…. perhaps I should revise my thinking about JaVale McGee…