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Can you guys name some early draft picks who were raw when drafted and panned out?

Discussion in 'NBA Dish' started by WinorLoseMate, Aug 22, 2012.

  1. DonatasFanboy

    DonatasFanboy Member

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    i think this thread is getting way off-track by looking at first year performance.

    we are talking basically about 19-20 year old guys in most cases. These guys improve a lot summer to summer and year to year, even month to month. Especially supreme no-lifer hard workers like Westbrooks and Kobes.

    if the question is raw when drafted, then we have to look at predraft expectations and final college/high school year.

    Did Westbrook have skills? Sure. But he didn't have a strong handle coming in. Or strong mid range jumpshot. Or good ability to create his own shot.
    He established himself as a high energy defensive minded super athlete.
    His offensive game was mainly cutting in DeRozan style.

    If you are going by the OP examples.... Did Anthony Randolph have no skills?
    As far as I understand, that's what you are saying, but that's just not true.
    He had skills, even amazing skills, he simply had too many flaws, lacked proper decision making and wasn't able to put his skills together into a fluid overall game.
    He was drafted because of his body/athleticism and ('raw' but still impressive) skills he showed. His skillset was just incomplete and unpolished.
     

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