Profiles in Draftage: Ty Lawson

by MikeMid on May 30, 2008 5:08 PM EDT Comment 50 comments

From the FanPosts. A look at the first prospect to work out for the Wiz this year. -PM

I've always had bad luck whenever I've been to lazy to attend a basketball game featuring future stars. A couple of years ago, I had the chance to see Oak Hill Academy play Montrose Christian in a matchup between two top-10 teams in the nation. Kevin Durant, Michael Beasley and Ty Lawson were among a host of star players playing in the game that would end with a frenzied comeback by Montrose Christian capped off by a buzzer beater, ending Oak Hill's undefeated season.

To quote Oleksiy Pecherov, er, Stewie Griffin, "Huh, guess I shoulda gone to that thing."

Lawson would later join the Tar Heels as one of the most highly ranked guards in the nation. During his two years in Chapel Hill, he would show flashes of why he was so highly touted but struggled to become a consistent force. He had strung together an eight-game streak of double digit scoring, including a 23 point 10 assist performance against Miami, when an ankle injury sidelined him in the middle of ACC play.

His play in the tournament would reflect most of his career at UNC, as he had his ups (19 points and 7 assists vs. Arkansas) and his downs (9 points on 2 of 8 shooting vs. Kansas).

Lawson enters the draft with several point guards firmly entrenched ahead of him in most rankings, but Maryland native has a lot going for him. The first note on any scouting report on Lawson is his speed. YouTube is littered with highlights of Lawson getting out on the fast break and either finishing or setting up a teammate. Lawson's more of a playmaker than a true scorer and finished second in the NCAA in assists/40 min.

But Lawson still has a lot of question marks surrounding him as he prepares for the draft. Though bulky and muscular, Lawson is short for an NBA point guard, measuring in at a shade under 6-feet on a good day. His perimeter shooting can be streaky (36 percent from three-point range as a sophomore) and a slow release can make it difficult for him to catch and shoot.

At the NBA pre-draft in Orlando, Lawson has done some damage control on his draft stock. Though reports vary, most observers were impressed with Lawson's play on the second day against Tennessee-Martin's Lester Hudson. From Draft Express :

Ty Lawson was a cut above everyone else on the floor here, showing incredible quickness taking an outlet pass and getting his team out in transition, and fantastic court vision finding open teammates on the move. He made the game very simple for all of his teammates, as all they had to do was run with him and make sure their hands were ready for the pass.

Whether Lawson is a good fit for the Wizards remains up in the air. His play in a half-court offense is still a work in progress and he's not a lock-down perimeter defender like Mario Chalmers or other point guard prospects. But the Wizards are clearly interested, as they've already invited Lawson to work out for the team.

So what say you, Wizards fans? Where does Lawson rank on your wish list for potential Wizards draftees?

This represents the view of the user who wrote the FanPost, and not the entire Bullets Forever community. We're a place of many opinions, not just one.

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Comments

I think you pretty much said it . . .

I’m a UNC grad so I’ve watched Lawson play a lot, and you pretty much hit things right on the head with your profile. Personally, I think he would be a good fit with the Wizards, 1. because they could use a legit young point guard to bring in off the bench, and 2. because I like to see the Wizards collect former Tar Heels. The shooting issue you mentioned can probably be remedied with work and time (I’m too lazy to look up the numbers, but I feel like his shot has improved)—the height issue, not so much.

He’s not Raymond Felton version 2.0, which is who he was brought to UNC to be, but I think he’s got enough potential to merit the Wizards picking him if he’s available. He definitely fits one of the Wizards needs . . .

by Bucky Katt on May 30, 2008 8:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Only problem

Raymond Felton 1.0 isn’t all that great right now.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on May 30, 2008 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

14.4./7.4 a night isn’t exactly peanuts.

by Jheiser3 on Jun 2, 2008 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You forgot

The 13.8 PER, the 44.2 effective field goal percentage, and the 28% three-point percentage.

All for someone who uses nearly 21 percent of his team’s possessions. Efficiency is not one of Felton’s strengths.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/feltora01.html

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 2, 2008 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shooting percentage is the big thing, as he is not scoring enough on the shots close to the basket or from 3pt range. The rest of the numbers look solid and his team scores more and shoots a better percentage when he is playing. He’s only going to get better now that he’s working with Phil Ford and Larry Brown.

by Jheiser3 on Jun 2, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To be fair, on your last point

It’s easy to be better than Earl Boykins and Jeff McInnis.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 2, 2008 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those schlubs have what to do with his game improving exactly? He is only going to get better working under experienced coaches like Ford and Brown as opposed to ‘first timer’ Friends of Mike.

by Jheiser3 on Jun 3, 2008 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I misspoke

It was a response to your second-to-last point about the team being better with him on the court.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 3, 2008 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

not enough there

I may be wrong, but I think he’ll be just a good backup point… His shooting is not such an issue… That can be corrected with a good shooting coach, or just with time and work effort.

On the other hand, size and defensive intensity are things that can’t be taught.

His status has risen after the first couple of days at the NBA Draft camp, so hopefully someone will take him before the Wizards pick in the 2nd round.

by Rook6980 on May 30, 2008 10:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not the one

though he has a pass first mentality that I think the Wizards need in a young point guard, I don’t think he has the size to be the defensive minded point guard that is also needed. I would not be disappointed if he is chosen, I just don’t he is what Ernie D is ultimately looking for.

by LoneWiz54 on May 30, 2008 10:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Great write-up

I must admit that Ty Lawson first came to mind for the Wizards to draft, knowing they had the 18th, and believing that getting a point guard of the future would not be the worst idea in the world.

I’d agree with Rook6980….Lawson is a back-up point guard at best. But every NBA team could use a damn good PG coming off the bench. And let’s face it, you’re never really going to get a PG of the future with the 18th pick.

Lawson’s height is an issue for me….Draft Express compares him to TJ Ford (best case) and Jamaal Tinsley (worst case)...NBADraft.net throws out Terrell Brandon. All fine talents….injury and off-court issues notwithstanding.

I consider Lawson to be more like Brevin Knight. You never think much of Knight….small, not much of a shooter, but then you realize that he must be doing something right since he’s been in the NBA for 11 years. Knight is the active NBA leader in assist % (an estimate of the percentage of teammate field goals assisted while on the court).

Could the Wizards use a quick guy who can get the ball moving? Perhaps. Would I mind if they took Lawson with the 18th? Nope.

by Truth About It on Jun 1, 2008 1:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rare Exceptions

And let’s face it, you’re never really going to get a PG of the future with the 18th pick.

Tony Parker would like words with you. Derek Fisher was 24th in 1996, and looks to be on his way to collecting his 4th ring with the Lakers. Interestingly, Steve Nash was not that far from the 18th, being the 15th pick also in 1996. Perhaps ‘96 was the year of the underrated point guard.

You’re right of course, but I like being a contrarian for the sake of being a contrarian.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Jun 2, 2008 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're right...

Maybe I should have stated it differently, as in “you’re most likely not”

by Truth About It on Jun 2, 2008 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here We Go Again

I have nothing against Ty Lawson. I’m sure he’ll be a solid back-up PG some day. He may even become a starter somewhere. But I have to wonder what Ernie must be thinking to invite him first for private work outs. For the second off-season in a row, the Wizards have been in dire need of a low-post presence. For the second off-season in a row, the Wizards are looking to draft a guard in the first round. I just don’t get it.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Jun 2, 2008 12:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Because

We have too many bigs on the roster already.

Jamison
Haywood
Thomas
Blatche
Pecherov
Songaila

Six people to fill three spots. Meanwhile, we have only two point guards, one of which is getting old, while the other is coming off a devastating knee injury. We also have two small forwards, one of which is a second-round rookie.

What low-post presence out there would be worth selecting at 18 that is better than the bigs we already have?

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 2, 2008 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Big != Low-Post Presence

I’ll give you Haywood. Jamison has improved his D, but still is lacking in that area. Etan has no D. Blatche can block a shot every now and then, but is too skinny to hold his ground against stronger PFs. Songaila is too small and fouls too much on D. Pecherov? Don’t you have to post-up every now and then to be considered a low-post presence? The guy fancies himself as the next Mehmet Okur. He has too much love for the 3-point line.

I wouldn’t be heartbroken if Thomas, Blatche, and Pecherov were all gone next season. I’d miss Blatche a little bit, but would risk losing him if it meant acquiring someone who could consistently rebound and defend the paint.

As for worthy low-post players at 18, Rook6980 mentioned both Robin Lopez and Roy Hibbert as potential picks. I’d much rather have either of them than another guard.

I’m not worried about small forwards. As was said before, the Princeton doesn’t need specific forwards or guards. Songaila started at SF several times in Butler’s absence and did quite well. As for guard shortages, there’ll always be Mike Wilks types floating around the league to pick up in a pinch.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Jun 2, 2008 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Low Post

Yeah – except of the 6 guys you mentioned, 4 are perimeter players. The Wizards lack a low-post scoring threat…. and worse, they need low post defense…

The only thing the Wizards need the Point Guard to do is bring the ball up the court. Once that’s done, he becomes just another cutter in the Princeton Offense.

I’m not saying that we don’t need to draft a PG…. I’m just saying it shouldn’t be with the 1st round pick.

There are plenty of quality big men available in the middle of the 1st round. Robin Lopez (my choice), Roy Hibbert (my second choice), JaVale McGee (please don’t draft HIM). Marreese Speights, DeVon Hardin ......

And very few quality PG’s available…um….uh…... Ty Lawson (5-foot nothing)... and no one else.

There ARE some PG’s available in the 2nd round – - – especially if you’re willing to live with major flaws in their game, like shooting, or lack of athleticism, or tendency to turn the ball over, or all of the above… BUT some very good PG’s have been taken in the 2nd round (see Gilbert Arenas)...

My choice would be Kyle Weaver (6’6”) PG from Washington State. A true shut down defender

by Rook6980 on Jun 3, 2008 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meh

I don’t get the need for a true low-post scorer. Jamison’s pretty solid on the block, and Haywood really developed his post game this year. Defensively, Haywood’s among the top defensive centers in the league. It’d be nice to have an energy guy off the bench who grabs rebounds, but we’ve already invested 7 million in Etan Thomas to do that.

All Robin Lopez would add is another young, unproven big man to go along with Blatche and Pecherov. Hibbert might provide more because he’s bigger, but again, if you draft Hibbert, you give up on Pecherov, because there’s nowhere for him to play. I’m fine with giving up on Pecherov, but there’s no reason to keep him on the roster if you go big, and that means you have to trade him and his guaranteed contract.

My point is that we’d be reaching a bit to go big at the 18 spot. Speights could very well be off the board, Hardin stinks and McGee is another Pecherov. Hibbert and Lopez might help, but again, you have to clear space on the roster to develop them.

If we really believe that Lopez or Hibbert is the best player available at 18, then by all means take them, but I don’t think it’s a pressing enough need to avoid solid players just to draft by position. I am admittedly a huge Chalmers fan, but I’d rather draft him and either roll with the bigs we have or sign one in free agency. We could really use another strong perimeter defender, and Kansas was the best defensive team in college basketball last year. Chalmers or Brandon Rush would both be nice fits, IMO.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 3, 2008 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let Me Explain

I’ve got no problem with Haywood whatsoever. He’s solid as the starting center. But he only averages 28 MPG. A game is 48 minutes long. When he comes out, what low-post scorer do we have? Pretty much, only Jamison. Teams collapse their bigs on him and the Wizards are instantly transformed into a jump-shot only offense. Furthermore, for those 20 minutes that Brendan sits, who protects the paint defensively? Of all of those names you mentioned above, I would say that Jamison is the best defender next to Brendan. Think about that.

Yes, I know we are going to pay Etan 7 million dollars next season. Unfortunately, paying Etan more money isn’t going to fix his broken chest-bone or improve his defense. Nor will it cause him to improve his relationship with Brendan. I don’t want to see more practice fights between our centers next season. If we can’t dump Etan, then we need to bury him on the bench and let someone else take over as the backup center. Someone who has the size to body up against NBA centers. Someone who can rebound and block shots. Someone not named above.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Jun 3, 2008 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

Because WHEN (not if) Thomas gets injured, someone needs to come in for Haywood.

Blatche is a Forward – he proved last year that he can’t defend Centers.
Pecherov is a perimeter player.
Anyone and everyone else is too small (god forbid playing Songaila or Jamison at Center)

As a GM, you cannot rely upon a player that has been consistently injured. (Thomas).

This draft has a dirth of very good big men (Centers), especially in the middle to end of the First Round… (Kosta Koufos, JaVale McGee (please NO), Marreese Speights, Roy Hibbert, Robin Lopez, Alexis Ajinca, Jason Thomson, DaVon Hardin…etc….)

The draft has some nice PG’s early (Rose, Bayless, Mayo, Westbrook D.J. Augustin ) – but no one that will fall to the midle or late 1st round.

This draft is very weak on quality Point Guards in the middle to late First round. (Ty Lawson and Mario Chalmers, although most mock drafts show Chalmers going in the 2nd Round)

SO – go with the draft’s strengths. Obviously there won’t be a quality PG available at #18, but there will be a good selection of Centers…

In the Mid-Late 2nd round – there ARE some quality PG’s available…Lester Hudson, Mike Taylor, Kyle Weaver (my favorite), Jamont Gordon, Goran Dragic, etc…) – so again, why not draft to the strengths…. Select a PG in the second round.

by Rook6980 on Jun 6, 2008 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Ty

There are a few of reasons why I think Lawson would be a nice fit with the Wizards.
1. He would give the second unit a jolt of uncommon speed. The Wiz have one guy that compares but there is no way to be sure he’ll ever be the same player again. Ernie focused on adding bench scoring last year when he pick NY. Then he picked an all around kid in the second. I think he could do something similar this year by picking a player who speed-wise rates with the best in the draft. Only reason he would be available at 18 is because of the ankle injury.

2. AD can’t play forever. He’s already slowing down and isn’t much of a threat to penetrate off the dribble. Given that Gilbert isn’t exactly a pure PG to begin with I like the idea of adding a playmaker.

3. The Wiz need players who make other guys better and get them baskets. Ty makes other players better and has good instincts around the basket (a nice reverse pivot into a fade away for example).

4. I look around the NBA and see speed carving up defenses. Meanwhile we have a team of jump shooters.

I say all this understanding his size and long range limitations. I think he will develop a solid jumper, maybe not all the way to 3 point range but we don’t exactly get that from AD anyway. Which brings me to size, here we are talking size with a potential back up PG while our starting 4 is smaller than some NBA 3’s and our first interior guy off the bench is the same size. If there is a “size” concern for me its with injuries. He’s had only a few bumps here or there against far less physical play. When he does get a little beat up his speed suffers.

by Jheiser3 on Jun 2, 2008 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like the idea of getting a backup point

But I’m not a huge fan of Lawson. He’s fast, but he’s not a great defender and he’s susceptible to injury. I also don’t like the idea of another point guard who can’t shoot running the Princeton offense. You need guards who can shoot for the offense to work.

I’d rather have someone like Mario Chalmers.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 2, 2008 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i thought chalmers might be your guy

i like chalmers a lot. steady player, outstanding shooter, and good defender. came up big in the tourney. i’d be surprised if EG drafted him at 18 though. EG seems big on athleticism and that’s not chalmers strength.

i’ve never seen lawson play. i wouldn’t be excited about that pick, but i don’t know enough about him to frown on it either. if EG sees something special in the guy so be it.

by DarrellWalkerFan on Jun 2, 2008 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Chalmers too

I think if the Wizards are going to take a PG, they should choose someone with some size and someone who is a good defender.

Chalmers is not a 1st rounder, but he’ll be gone before the Wizards pick in the 2nd round.

In the second round, I like Kyle Weaver – called the best defender in College Basketball.
Jamont Gordon might still be available when the Wizards pick in the 2nd round as well.

by Rook6980 on Jun 2, 2008 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could tell ya all about Jamont Gordon....

He’d be an interesting “risk”

by Truth About It on Jun 3, 2008 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If we wait until the second

then I’m all for Lester Hudson or Gordon. Not sure I see the point in drafting Chalmers when we could have former KU PG Miles for the vet minimum.

by Jheiser3 on Jun 3, 2008 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because

Chalmers is bigger, shoots better, is just as good a playmaker and defends just as well.

He’s a better fit for the Princeton, which isn’t the best system for small “pure” point guards. AD took a while to get used to it, and it only works now because he’s bigger than most points.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 3, 2008 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, that!

Couldn’t have said it better.

The Princeton is not a PG oriented offense. Rather, it relies on ALL the players being able to pass the ball, and cut.

Once the ball crosses the mid court line, the PG becomes just another cutter….. just another shooter.

Which is why, if the Wizards are going to draft a Point Guard, they should choose someone with a good ‘handle’. A good spot-up shooter. Someone who can finish at the rim, through contact. And, MOST IMPORTANTLY, a good defender.

by Rook6980 on Jun 3, 2008 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mario Chalmers

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 3, 2008 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Except

he won’t be there at #47 when the Wizards pick -

That’s why I like Kyle Weaver – not because he’s “better” than Chalmers….. (I actually think that Chalmers is a better prospect….) but because I like dealing in realities.. and Chalmers will NEVER make it to #47

by Rook6980 on Jun 6, 2008 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd pick Chalmers at 18

Of course, I’m in the minority.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 6, 2008 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then you would like

truthaboutit’s trade scenario where the Wizards trade the #18 & #47 picks to Seattle for # 24 & #32…

Wiz could select a big man (Hibbert or Lopez) with #24 and STILL get Chalmers at #32

by Rook6980 on Jun 6, 2008 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was Jake

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 6, 2008 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chalmers

I’m glad someone shares my love for Chalmers. I wouldnt be upset at all if we reached for him at 18. The kid is a baller.

by Romans12 on Jun 4, 2008 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ty Lawson charged

for driving drunk.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/basketball/ncaa/06/06/lawson.ap/index.html

Probably a more serious concern than Blatche’s arrest.

by Aldo on Jun 6, 2008 12:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

To say the least

So much for picking him.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 6, 2008 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

funny

this one i would write off as a kid making a dumb mistake and it wouldn’t affect my opinion of the guy – unless he has a prior record of making the same mistake before.

by DarrellWalkerFan on Jun 6, 2008 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, except

The Wizards may be gun shy now, especially after the Blatche incident.

by Rook6980 on Jun 6, 2008 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't really read the story initially, which was my mistake

After reading it, I’m a lot more sympathetic to Lawson. He didn’t really do much.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 6, 2008 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Revoked license

So – this kid (under 21) was illegally drinking alcohol (beer, whatever).... driving around on a revoked license,... with the music playing so loud, the Police stopped his car?

Not so sure of this kid’s intelligence…. but just the same, I’d bet the Wizards just moved him OFF their draft chart…

by Rook6980 on Jun 6, 2008 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a mistake

And it’s stupid, but how many times do police pull someone over who is simply playing music loudly?

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 6, 2008 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know about you,

I don’t know about you guys, but if I was one of the top 5 Point Guards in the country – working out at the NBA pre-draft camp – working out for individual teams – hoping to be drafted in the 1st round to get a guaranteed contract for Millions of dollars.....

Even at only 20 years old, I’d be holding a Bible in one hand and a 4-leaf clover in the other. I wouldn’t cuss. I wouldn’t jaywalk. IF I ABSOLUTELY HAD TO DRIVE, I’d make sure my license was up to date, and the plates and stickers on my car were current. Better yet, I’d have my agent hire a driver. I’d say “Yes Sir”, and “No Sir”... My pants would be pressed. My dress shirt would be clean. I’d be wearing a TIE! If I went out to dinner, I would order a Coke. I’d be in bed by 9pm. I’d go to Church every day. Say my prayers every night. – and I swear I’d stay away from women.

That last part might be hard – but let’s face it – we’re talking MILLIONS here !!

by Rook6980 on Jun 6, 2008 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

But if you were one of the top five point guards in the country, you’d have probably grown up differently and had a completely different view on the world, which probably would have affected your actions.

Kids do stupid things. Yes, even kids who have a million dollars on the line. Don’t pretend like if you were in that spot, you’d be perfect.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 6, 2008 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you telling me

that if I offered you a job, starting at about $1.5 Million per year, with 10.5% raises each year… Guaranteed money, whether you get hurt, or get ill, or perform poorly.

And all I ask in return is for you to work hard at your craft; try to get better; stay clean and out of trouble; and play nice with the other employees…. You couldn’t do it?

Sorry – but for that kind of money, I’d become a chior boy.!!

by Rook6980 on Jun 6, 2008 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But both you and I

would make mistakes. Don’t say you wouldn’t … everyone does.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 6, 2008 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You would because it would be akin to hitting the lottery for you. Whereas for these kids, Lawson as the top rated PG in his HS senior class, its a foregone conclusion that he’ll play in the NBA and make millions. And despite this slip, he still will.

Classic fan overreaction aside, I’ll second that its literally nothing in NBA terms. Lets not forget Anthony Peeler got drafted 15th less than a month after an assault charge and he had already had a felony weapons charge. This is a noise ordinance gone DWB IMO.

by Jheiser3 on Jun 9, 2008 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He hasn't hired an agent yet -

and could still return to school. After this he might be better off going back to UNC

by ooba on Jun 6, 2008 9:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

this makes him more likely to leave actually. He doesn’t want to go back and resume his place in Roy William’s doghouse. He was there early in his career at UNC.

Btw, the kid blew a .03.

by Jheiser3 on Jun 10, 2008 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True-

I initially thought it was a bigger deal that it turned out to be and I was thinking another year of college might help his maturity. But teams don’t appear to be turned off by this so I don’t think its that important to go back for another year.

by ooba on Jun 11, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs