crazybuckfan40;1439711; said:
My talking point has nothing to do with the money...Obviously it is a good decision in that realm...The kid could be set up for life...But the thing is, he is not saying, he is going to take care of himself, put money in the bank, and let it grow...He plans on taking care of family, probably other friends, buy him self big things, etc...If he falls to the second round, good luck with making big money...Everyone would do it, it makes sense if he sticks in the first round, and doesn't have to worry about injury next year...
My talking point is this...The kid is not mentally prepared for life in general. Now I don't know BJ personally, but I do know alot of people that do. His coment in the paper about people not understanding the rigors of college practice...I mean does he not think they are relentless in the NBA? Can I make it at my job if I don't work hard? Do you think GMs/Coaches in the NBA are not going to have these comments beside his name when they think about drafting him? Do you think they are not going to see him not listening to his college coach? If the kid was a hard worker, and understood more I would not be talking about this, but college is cushy...I figured you know he might say going to class sucks or something like that...But college you travel maybe once/week, and you are with you friends, you have 50,000 people on campus to meet, hang out with, practices are about 3 hours/day ocmbined wih film...You have quite a life...Obviously basketball is number 1, but there is still time for a life...In the NBA you are on the road, playing sometimes 5 times week, how often is he going to get to see his family that he is going to provide for? Start flying them to all games, then the money is going to go real fast...especially if it is 2nd round...The guy can't handle a college coach trying to light a fire under his ass...Go to NY, LA, any where were the fans are calling you a bust if ou don't produce after 2 months into the season...Look at Oden, he was ready for the NBA...yeah he got hurt, but many are calling bust, can't play with pain, etc...Could Mullens handle that? He is still a kid up there, and I don't think he is mentally ready...
Couple bad workouts and he falls to the second round...Then is it a good decision?
Is worst decision was not buying into what coach Matta and staff was selling to him all year...
but he isn't falling to the second round. Bad workout and all. He is a first rounder.
Every year, its almost the same argument...why is Daquan coming out, why is Kosta coming out...they aren't ready, they won't get taken in the first. They can be so much better and develop their games in college.
These guys get TWICE as much development in the NBA riding pine, and they get paid doing it. There aren't NCAA restrictions on practice time in the NBA. BJ will work with specialists every day for hours working on his game, getting stronger, and will likely learn from the bench for a year. Maybe he provides a few minutes a night in depth. Hell, DeAndre Jordan has started double digit games this year.
The only downside, is basketball is a profession now, so you're not a kid anymore. Basketball is top priority, and they're paying you millions, so they expect you at the workout facility all the time, and especially for younger guys, its expected you're living in the gym.
BJ will learn real quick it isn't college anymore, but I hate the argument he won't develp because he's going to be buried on the bench. He'll become a better player because he is going to get worked out far beyond NCAA max limits. (not that you said he wouldn't CB40). I agree with your point on whether BJ is mentally ready or not.
If he isn't mentally ready, he's at least got his first round money, and by the time his second contrcat comes around, he's still a young guy, and some team will be willing to pay millions in hopes tapping into his talent.
One other point.....like Daquan Cook, I think BJ's game is better suited for the NBA. Daquan struggled at tOSU b/c the game is more restricted and good shots at the NBA level, get your ass put on the bench in college.
BJ is so athletic for a 7 footer, he should beable to feast on living around the hoop, where there is a 3 second violation for the defense. No more big defensive players, just camping out in the paint, making sure BJ catches lobs over their head. I'd imagine we will get accustomed to seeing BJ finishing a lot of dunks off of slashing guards. The spread court will help him a lot....
