The Wright move?
Word is that Carolina's Brandan Wright will announce that he will enter the NBA Draft at a 4 p.m. news conference.
No one asked me, but I think he'd definitely benefit from another year in college, and would, in fact, increase his NBA worth by developing a better free-throw shooting touch, a more accurate jumper and more upper-body strength, all of which could come in another year of ACC ball. Plus, he's got some work to do on his defensive skills.
But what do I know?
Comments (5)
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All true.
But I'd be willing to bet Brandan's watched (more than once) that horrible video of Shaun Livingston's body completely giving out on a routine play. It's one thing to come back to school if you're a top-10 or top-15 pick; but when you're pretty much a guaranteed top-5 selection, it's not like you can go that much higher in the draft anyway, and the money must be particularly hard to turn down.
Posted on April 23, 2007 7:27 PM
What does it matter? He'll get 10's of millions of dollars no matter what his starting situation is. Even if he has a worst-case career in the NBA, he'll have enough money to live comfortably for the next 500 years, even with inflation taken into account.
Posted on April 24, 2007 1:37 PM
Two words: Chris Washburn.
Washburn, you may remember, is the former N.C. State and NBA player who wound up homeless.
That's more the exception than the rule, of course, but Wright probably could maximize his marketability and long-term earning power if he maximized his physical talents, court savvy and mental maturity.
As for all that money, you'd be amazed at how millions can disappear so fast in the sports and entertainment fields.
Ask M.C Hammer.
Posted on April 24, 2007 2:28 PM
Skills aside, he never learned how to be a go-to player. He would disappear for halves at a time, only to reappear in brilliant glory the next game. Learning how to play as the #1 threat--a role Wright never had--is crucial for college players who want to be NBA stars. Given his lack of a consistent jumper, I predict a 6th man transitioning to a solid starter (12 ppg, say) in year 2 or 3. Never an all-star.
Posted on April 24, 2007 4:58 PM
I hope he proves us wrong. I'd like to see him do better than that. But I think you're right, Brian.
Posted on April 24, 2007 5:22 PM