Mbah a Moute was less predictable, though he had very good defensive ability in college. from an immediate value perspective the obvious choice was Chalmers, not Giddens or CDR. Many were very high on him as an underrated guy going into the draft. Jordan also would have made some sense.
Yeah, even I, a proud owner of a MouteKicksBoute t-shirt since his freshman year and a big fan of how Coach Howland teaches defence have been surprised by how fast he caught up with the NBA game. I never understood how could anyone doubt he'd be able to be a contributor to a NBA team though.
Chalmers I always saw him like a Gerald Henderson type of player and someone who could be our backup PG this season already and for many years to come (or eventually serve as a trade bait). He's even better than expected, but it's no surprise he can play. About CDR I said several times he'd go undrafted if the Nets didn't have multiple picks. He should have spent this season in the developmental league, he may become a player but he's ways to go. Jordan I didn't want him at all, because of his high bust potential and due to the fact that I never believe that he could contribute this season (too many liabilities that wipe out what he brings to the table at this point of his career, rebounding and open dunks). However, I must reckon he's been better than I was expecting (better motor, more active and less lethargic). There's still a good chance he'll be out of the league in 2 seasons.
Reports were he was simply going to draft Erden with that pick, he didn't want it but couldn't move it. The problem with taking a Euro project at that point in the draft is that you are almost ensuring they never come overseas, the salary slot is too low.
I never read those reports, but drafting Erden with the 30th pick would be bizarre - there's a reason why he was still available with the last draft pick.
New Orleans were able to move their pick for 3 million dollars. Ours was slightly worse, but I'm pretty sure it could have been moved, even if for less money.
Anyway, the salary slot can be a problem in those situations, but certainly not in this particular case. The problem you point out exists for players like Splitter or Pekovic, not for Erden who I can't see making #30 pick kind of money ever in his career. Well, maybe if he explodes in the future, but next year he'd be lucky to get a contract for a quarter of Giddens salary.
Topic: Danny Messed up the Giddens pick (Read 17529 times)