That is not completely true. In fact that reasoning/logic is flawed from the get go since it does account for depth or rather quality of depth of eligible draftees. Simply put, if a draft only has 5-10 quality players and all somehow picked in the top 15, it then means that 16 thru 60 will like you described. But in certain years like this one, it arguable that the depth of quality players go as far as 30-40 (sounds much but remember I am basing this on all the players currently elligible). So picking in the 20s, 10s, 40s, and getting something tangible or quality in return should not broadly (generally) viewed through the prism of history.
For example, in last year's draft, the pre-draft breakdown was something like, 1-2, then maybe 3-10, then 11-30, meaning it was thought that the top 2 were a notch above the rest (howard, okafor), then the next 7 were about the same value, but then the talent level was so bad that the next 20 or so picks were about the same in value, to the point where teams were literally trying to give them away for free. I didn't follow college basketball last year, so I'm not familiar with any of these prospects mentioned. My natural reaction is that all of these players suck anyways, maybe because the last few drafts have been so weak, or maybe because the Rockets' recent draft incompetence has made me sour completely on the entire process, but it seems for the most part from all reports that this is a very deep draft. would for example, the #24 yield as valuable a player as the #13?
It's a deep draft,and there will be some steals,but we can't take any chances.There is also a plethora of potential busts.The Rockets need to target their man and move up to take a relatively known commodity. I like Ike well enough I guess,but our PF concerns could be addressed via a deal for a young veteran.We don't have time to develop a greenhorn 4.This is obviously a very strong draft for 4's,but other than Sean May,there aren't any guys I'd want either that we could realisitically get. McCants has mad talent and should be long gone by 24.I would love it if we made a move up into the 10 - 14 range to get this guy.The problem is that the cat is out of the bag.His workouts show athleticism,that when combined with his skills say... . perrenial All Star.He will be huge in the Association. Williams has overshadowed the rest of the Tarheels. May,McCants,and Felton figure to be much better than most are giving credit for.The ACC is the class of the field. BTW...I like Jack too. All said though,if we can't get McCants or May,I'd trade the pick in the deal for our PF.It should be pretty valuable considering the depth of this draft.
This draft is deeper than most. Why? The rumor is that there will be an age limit to enter the NBA (I'm 90% sure that it's going to happen). Is this a good thing? I don't know. This draft probably has more guys that seem to have potential than most drafts. There will probably be some great talent in this group, but I'm happy to see this age limit in basketball. It's just a smart business decision not to pay a kid millions when you have no clue when or if he'll be good. The downside to this deep draft and the rule changes that will follow it: Next year's draft will be 'shallow'. Also, the kids that won't develope their games in college and developmental leagues that give up on the game will be a loss for the NBA. I'd put a Jermaine O'neal and Kobe Bryant in that catagory. Overall, I like this rule change. Less gambles in basketball and wasted money. I think it'll be better for fans and players too. Also, current NBA players that will be pushed out of the league by this artificially deep draft will get screwed. Age Limit Idea: There are definitely guys in the NBA that wouldn't be there if they couldn't make the jump from High School to the pros. Is there a way to make a flexible age limit? Example, some math genius is stuck in 7th grade math and gets bored. The age limit says that calculus is not taught in Junior High so they bus these kids that are ahead to the high school. Is there a way to bus the Kevin Garnetts around the age limit? My idea for the flexible age limit is to have a farm system. So you say to the high schoolers that want to be pro, go to this league and if you prove that you are ready for the NBA then you will be called up to a team that plays in the league. (I must be a genius to think of these brilliant ideas that the MLB has already thought of.)
