Memo to Chris Antonetti: Go Get Carlos Lee
June 25, 2012Steelers release former Buckeye Troy Smith
June 25, 2012This is not hyperbole right now. I’m not sure Ohio State has had a player with higher character than Jared Sullinger since Thad Matta took over. First round draft picks rarely need sympathy, nor to be hyped up, and it’s tough to feel bad for a guy who is about to be very rich playing the game he loves.
Never the less, things keep going bad for Sullinger. The latest comes from ESPN’s Andy Katz who reported that the NBA did not invite Sullinger to the NBA Draft Green Room. The distinct priviledge, normally reserved for the top 10-15 prospects, was once an inevitability for Sullinger. However, after the crushing blow of having doctors red flag him for his back issues, Sullinger’s stock has been in a free fall.
Surely being in the green room, while not the most important thing in the world, was a long time dream of Sullinger’s. Now that dream will never be realized, as he will be stuck on the outside looking in. Sullinger, who made the decision to return for his sophomore year rather than face an NBA lockout, was a likely top 5 pick last year. The decision to come back likely cost Sullinger at least 10 draft slots and millions of dollars over the lifetime of his rookie contract. Hopefully the experience and lessons learned from the extra year of seasoning will allow Sullinger to eventually make up the difference. Because, really, this could not have happened to a nicer guy who deserves it less.
9 Comments
Draft him at 24.
assuming his back issue wouldn’t have been discovered last year during workouts/evaluations
Gosh, that’s a tough one. As much as I’d love to see him in Wine and Gold, I have to wonder if my gut instinct would be “NO THANKS” if he played for anyone other than OSU. It’s a shame because I think he could be a David West caliber player in the Association… if healthy.
I have no loyalty to Ohio State so I am not wearing Rose colored glasses with this guy, but I wouldn’t touch him in the first round at all. Now the Cavs have two 2nd Round picks, and if he is sitting there, he is the type of risk/reward player teams usually try and pick in that round. I would be totally fine with taking him there, but no way at 24, especially if Fab Melo is still on the board when we pick. When I look at Sullinger, I think I see a smaller Greg Oden with the health issues. Too risky for the first round in my opinion.
I really hope we can get some extra draft picks. This draft will be loaded with talent all the way into the high 20’s now. I would love to get sullinger some how in the 2nd round now maybe. I think #24 is too early to risk but with one of our 2nd rounders it’s a no brainer to take that chance.
As much as I love the idea of drafting a high upside foreign player at the end of the first round, I’m not sure how you can pass up a guy who projects as at least a legitimate rotation player at 24. Getting someone who can dress more often than not at that point should be considered a plus.
OVERRATED.
Condolences Jared!
I’m sure he made enough cash at o$u to last quite a while as long as he doesn’t go crazy.