[Vermillion]

So far, I only like Rubio and Mullens..but I expect that to change as next year's draft rolls in.

[bball2223]

weak terribly weak. 2010 is going to be a good draft though.

[kwyjibo]

Originally Posted by Pacers Fan Forever

not really, that sounds about right, his learning curve is incredibly steep because of his late-bloomer"ness" and his incredible athleticism

i read on ESPN that most experts think that this upcoming draft will be relatively weak compared to the last two, but like many of you said, it's very premature to start making these analysis. I will say this though: watch out for Brandon Jennings - he's the real deal when we talk about PGs

I guess you didn't get the double entendre. Read the second sentence more carefully...

[luther]

Like every single draft class ever, there will be plenty of chances for any execs with half a brain to improve their teams, regardless of where they're picking. The "great" classes are rarely as great as people want to believe, and the "weak" classes are rarely as weak as advertised. Regardless, you wait and see. I don't know about any real superstars, though. I believe Rubio could be one, but as mentioned, he may not come over. (Besides, whenever his current contract runs out and depending on the financial climate at the time, he may stay in Europe regardless. If he can become one of the top-paid players in Europe, that would be well above the rookie scale regardless of where he'd be picked.)

[croco]

Originally Posted by luther

Like every single draft class ever, there will be plenty of chances for any execs with half a brain to improve their teams, regardless of where they're picking. The "great" classes are rarely as great as people want to believe, and the "weak" classes are rarely as weak as advertised. Regardless, you wait and see. I don't know about any real superstars, though. I believe Rubio could be one, but as mentioned, he may not come over. (Besides, whenever his current contract runs out and depending on the financial climate at the time, he may stay in Europe regardless. If he can become one of the top-paid players in Europe, that would be well above the rookie scale regardless of where he'd be picked.)

His contract with a team might be, but don't forget about endorsement deals, shoe deals and such. This is much more lucrative than a rookie contract and certainly a factor that could weigh in his decision. It also depends on whether an owner would be willing to pay the buyout, some owners might, others would never.

[luther]

Originally Posted by croco

His contract with a team might be, but don't forget about endorsement deals, shoe deals and such. This is much more lucrative than a rookie contract and certainly a factor that could weigh in his decision. It also depends on whether an owner would be willing to pay the buyout, some owners might, others would never.

Owners can only pay a few hundred thousand toward a buyout. I know it was upped in the last CBA, but I think it only went from something like $300k to 500k allowable. The rest, he'd be responsible for. Endorsements, no question are an enticement, as is the dream of playing in the world's best league. But major Euro deals also tend to include side arrangements for cars, housing, etc., that go well above and beyond NBA contracts. Not to mention, as a European, he may prefer staying closer to home--he wouldn't be the first. (He would be the most high-profile draftee, of course, beating Fran Vasquez, I suppose, for that "honor." That or Danny Ferry and his ol' Clipper-spurning self back in the late 80s. But that was a whole different thing.)