Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Four-year college players are en vogue again, especially since players such as Draymond Green were bypassed in the first round primarily because of their age. Green has turned into a premier defender and All-Star player, and fellow Michigan State standout Denzel Valentine will likely see his stock rise because of Green’s success.
[…] “I thank [Green] every day,” said Valentine, who is considered a combo guard. “He’s doing his thing. He’s definitely making it easier for me. He’s paving the way. He says that all the time. He worked and he was picked 35 and had to do it the hard way, and he’s paving the way for guys like me and guys that fit my mold.”
Once upon a time, coming out of school early meant skipping your senior year. The 1984 draft (a.k.a the Michael Jordan draft) featured six juniors, one international player, and 40 seniors through the first two rounds (they had more than two back then).
A lot has changed over time, and now staying in school for four years gets the “well, why weren’t you good enough to leave school earlier?” questions. Teams now want to take those 19th, 20th, and 21st years of life to cheaply vet players under rookies deals and get them used to the NBA grind. By the time they turn 22, teams will want to make an investment decision with them.
But Buddy Hield, for example, will turn 23 two months into his rookie season, He’s only three years younger than Avery Bradley… and it feels like Bradley has been in the league forever. By the time teams figure out if he’s really going to be an NBA player, he’ll be approaching his athletic prime.
On the flip side, though, college seniors are coming into the league with a higher maturity level. They’ve done a lot of growing up.. they’ve actually gone to classes and worked at something other than just basketball. They’re not on the Ben Simmons plan of going through the motions for one semester and then basically dropping out after the basketball season ends. So what if it took them four years to get their game to the NBA level? If they’re there now, that’s really all that matters.
So holding the four years of school against a player doesn’t make much sense. I get the apprehension nowadays of drafting an almost 23 year old when you’re putting a long-term plan together, but in the end, good is good. If it took Draymond Green to hammer that point home with some people, then those people aren’t really in the best mindset to make decisions. I get going for the younger guy if you feel the talent level is even, but in the end, it’s always about the talent.
Page 2: LeFlop James
Flop not necessary on that one, LeBron. https://t.co/NpgBBxFj07
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 22, 2016
Every post about flop comes with the obvious statement “yes I know we have Marcus Smart” but this one is too good not to share.
Yes, that was his own teammate that hit him. He flew across the court like he was kicked like this
This is a big reason why people hate LeBron. He’s too good for this crap… but there he is… flopping away.
The rest of the links
Herald: A giant jigsaw puzzle for Celtics | Globe: Does technology really make games better? | CSNNE: Don’t forget… the Celtics are loaded with picks other than no. 3 | WEEI: Austin Ainge trying to find gems at 16, 23, Ainge gets “bored” at workouts
