The 2010 NBA draft class may have been more loaded then people expected. When one looks at a draft class after a few years, a few things usually need to standout. How many starters still exists, how many players have contributed in meaningful ways to their teams? How many All Star game appearances or International tournaments have they participated in? Do any of the players have that "It" factor? Interestingly enough, many of the players that were drafted in 2010 do fit the bill and could now see a hefty pay day going into year 4 of their NBA tenure. Below we will look at some of the players that have already inked deals and which players I would offer an extension. This class has the potential to alter to the course of league history with a few subtle shifts, so lets hope it all works out well.
The "STUDS"
Larry Sanders: (15th pick: Milwaukee Bucks) Just inked 44 million dollar extension. So if Wall is a possible reach for 80 million, why does Sanders deserve 44 million with less production? UPSIDE!!!! Sanders has ridiculous defensive potential. That's once every 10 year kind. The kind that made Mutombo and Mourning household names. From December until April he averaged over 3 blocks per game and only 3.3 fouls, meaning he knows how to maximize his potential and stay on the court. His offensive game continues to grow and no one will complain about 9.5 rebs per game when its up from 3 a game in the previous two seasons. If the growth continues into this season we are looking at 16 ppg, 12 rebs and 4 blocks; putting him in rare company.
DeMarcus Cousins: (5th pick: Sacramento Kings) Speaking of rare company, DeMarcus Cousins might be the most talented big man in the league. Cousins who is no stranger to controversy has shown remarkable growth from a skill level point of view. His maturity however remains the lone question. If he can overcome his emotional shortcomings and push through he should be a All Star for the next 10 seasons. His combination of size, talent and drive makes him the ideal candidate for an extension.
Paul George: (10th pick: Indiana Pacers) George is one of those rare talents. He has the chance to transcend the game. He was a first time All Star and Most Improved Player in 2013. When he was drafted he was compared to Tracy McGrady, now he appears to be more Kobe like. He can create off the dribble, guard multiple positions and has the clutch gene. The Pacers have a big decision to make, whether or not to part with Danny Granger to open up more room for the young phenom to operate or allow him to test the Free Agent waters and risk losing him.
Greg Monroe: (7th pick: Detroit Pistons) Since Monroe entered the league he has been the lone bright spot on a terrible Pistons team. Now Monroe will be joined by the improving Andre Drummond, the hyper talented Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings. Monroe, who has a traditional big man game with quality numbers to back it up (16 ppg/9.6 rebs in 2013). He is in the odd predicament of not knowing whether or not he will gain the extension because the Pistons have options, they can actually afford to let him walk because of the potential for Drummond and recent signee Smith. I am not sure if I would sign him to long term money, when you could move him for assets or sign a more complimentary player if the trio doesn't work out together.The "Role Players"
Evan Turner: (2nd pick: Philadelphia 76ers) When Turner was drafted out of Ohio St, fresh off of winning National Player of the Year, hopes were high. Turner has been a solid contributor, but has failed to fulfill the potential of a 2nd overall pick. He has great intangibles, but needs to take a step forward in the upcoming season to earn a extension, personally I would let him walk.
Gordon Hayward: (9th pick: Utah Jazz) Hayward is work-a-holic. He is a glue guy in the mold of Mike Dunleavy and Tayshaun Prince. He essentially can fit in any system and always plays hard. His numbers are good (14.1 ppg/3 reb/ 3 ast) and on a team caught in the middle of a rebuilding project he could be an important piece to keep around. Extend.
Patrick Patterson: (14th pick: Houston Rockets) The talented power forward from Kentucky has had a roller coaster experience since he came into the league. His numbers have gradually improved, but his playing time has been all over the place. He was traded to Sacramento at the half way point last season and continued to play well. He is capable of being a consistent contributor however I would sway away from a major extension, maybe a mid level pay day.
Quincy Pondexter: (26th pick: OKC Thunder) Pondexter came alive during this past season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He can handle the ball pretty well and guard opposing small forwards. His true value lies in his ability to score the ball. He can spread the floor and open things up for Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. I say give him a deal, shooters are a necessity in the game and when you find one that gels with your teams you need to keep him on the roster.
Jordan Crawford: (27th pick: New Jersey Nets) Crawford has a similar game to another notable Crawford. He is not much of a passer, nor is he a natural leader but when you want buckets he will deliver. So far he's averaged 12.7 ppg in a bench role, if he can control his shot selection and mature his game will develop. His ceiling is Jamal Crawford/J.R. Smith. For a Celtics team that is rebuilding but in need of buckets I would extend him. You can always trade him, but for now 30 million should do it.
Greivis Vasquez: (28th pick: Memphis Grizzlies) Vasquez had a monster year for the New Orleans Pelicans. He ended up filling the void that was supposed to be filled by Austin Rivers. He averaged 13.9 ppg/9 ast/4.3 rebs per game, while leading a young Pelicans team. His growth gained notice league wide and although he was dealt this past off season to the Kings, he will serve as major upgrade for the rebuilding Kings. If I run the Kings and he makes the big fella happy, then I say extend him.
Avery Bradley: (19th pick: Boston Celtics) Bradley has grown from a D-league rotation player, to a contributor on a veteran playoff team, to one of the few familiar faces left on the team. Bradley was a highly rated high school prospect when he was recruited by Rick Barnes at the University of Texas. When he was drafted it was assumed that he would be a primary back up to Rajon Rondo, instead he became a part time starter and defensive stalwart. In the midst of the rebuilding project, good defensive help on the wing will be hard to come by and if the Celtics part ways with Rondo eventually Bradley has performed enough to warrant a second look. Extend.Still Blossoming
Derrick Favors: (3rd pick: New Jersey Nets) Favors has shown tremendous growth during his brief NBA career. He will finally get a chance to start and I believe he will live up to the enormous potential that made him a top 3 pick in 2010. DEFINITELY EXTEND.
Ed Davis: (13th pick: Toronto Raptors) Davis played relatively well in spotty minutes during his two year stint with Toronto. During the 2013 season he was traded to Memphis and his value increased with better playing time. He is still pretty young and has all the physical tools to be a great long term replacement for Zach Randolph in the event of injury or trade. I say extend him, his size and skill are hard to come by.
Eric Bledsoe: (18th pick: LA Clippers) Bledsoe could very well be in the STUD category, but he has been primarily a back up. He is too talented to call a role player so I have placed him here because he will finally get a chance to start and produce on a large level with Phoenix. You have to extend him, his speed, athleticism and poise could make him a potential All Star later down the road.
Lance Stephenson: (40th pick: Indiana Pacers) the only second round pick to make this column is worth is weight in gold. He is without a doubt the best second round pick from the 2010 class and has out played most of the first rounders as well. He had a breakout season last year averaging 8.8 ppg and is a outstanding wing defender. His draft stock may have suffered, but he has more than made up for the mistakes of his youth. Extend him.
The Draft Fanatic
I think this is your best work.
ReplyDeleteThanks bruh, that means a lot
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