Some prospects aren't getting enough respect on draft boards. PLEASE DRAFT ME aims to change that.
The problem I have with the NBA draft is that too many teams try to hit home runs instead of taking players that can come in and help their team right away. Listen, not all of these kids are going to turn into 20 point per game scorers. However, having players that can come in and knock down an open shot and play excellent defense is probably just as important to building a winning team as having a 20 point scorer is.
I mean, look at Raja Bell, Shane Battier, and Bruce Bowen. All three of them have carved niches for themselves within the league as charge taking defensive stoppers. They've also all honed their offensive games so that they can be successful on that side of the floor without actually having the ball (in other words: all of them have become solid spot up shooters). They also all have been winners throughout their careers.
When I look at this year's list of draft prospects, there are two players in particular that I feel can come in and fill the Bell/Battier/Bowen role for a team. Those two players are none other than Aaron Afflalo and Jared Dudley. Just like the current pros mentioned above, when I think of these guys, one word comes to mind: Professional.
Without possessing freak athletic ability Afflalo and Dudley were both players of the year in top conferences last season. That just tells me that these guys are both as heady as they come. As well, both are known as hardworking guys that are willing to do anything to help their team win.
With their shooting touch and their willingness to focus on the defensive side of the floor, teams like the Spurs and Suns (whose systems require heady, committed, role players) shouldn't hesitate to draft one of these two guys.
Previously at Fanhouse:
Aaron Afflalo: The Next Raja Bell?
(All Photos By Getty Images)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-21-2007 @ 5:42PM
Alan said...
I hope the Blazers use some second rounders to move up and grab Afflalo, he is gonna be solid in the NBA
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6-21-2007 @ 5:52PM
anny said...
I was thinking about Afflalo for the Suns too. I lived in LA last year when UCLA made it to the Final Four and I was so impressed with Afflalo. I don't understand why everyone keeps saying the Suns should draft a point guard to help Nash. They need size and defensive help and they need it now. With how little D'Antoni uses his bench, am I really supposed to believe he's going to let a rookie point guard play enough minutes to give Nash rest, especially in the playoffs? I don't think so. Wasn't that supposed to be Banks's job? Get guys who will help them get through Texas. Nash can rest when he's retired.
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6-28-2007 @ 9:24PM
Dede Ogbueze said...
Aaron afflalo is a very solid player and i have no doubt tht he should go in he first round teams are overlooking him because he doesnt have freakish athletic abiblity but he is a hard worker and can do well in just about any nba system
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