Back when J-Dud didn’t have a number.

Jared Dudley’s story is like the inverse of Josh Howard’s. Four years ago, Howard won the ACC Player of the Year but surprisingly fell to 29th in the NBA Draft. For Dudley — who won the same ACC honor this past season — his draft position was only surprising because it seemed too high; the Charlotte Bobcats took J-Dud at #21 overall last summer, several spots higher than most people had predicted. While no one was knocking J-Dud’s production in college (19 points per game as a senior), his pro potential was in doubt because he’s not a great athlete and is one of those “Does everything good but nothing outstanding” types, just like Howard.

Almost a third of the way into his rookie year, Dudley is getting decent PT for the ‘Cats, averaging 14 minutes a night and putting up 4.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per. He went for 16 points, 10 boards and three steals against the Raptors earlier this month, dropped 16 points and 11 boards on the Suns in November, and had 11 points and 9 rebounds in a memorable Thanksgiving-weekend loss to the Celtics.

I talked to J-Dud last night in between Wednesday’s loss to the Wizards and tonight’s home date with the Hornets to talk about his rookie year, his new toys and what it’s like to guard some of the League’s best …

Dime: Has your rookie year been about what you expected?
Jared Dudley: I knew it would be difficult. I had some success early, starting in four or five games, getting a couple double-doubles, then I’d go from that to not playing at all in some games. But I know we’re a team searching for options. It’s difficult when you don’t know when you’re gonna play, but you have to stay ready, and when you do play, play your best. But it’s been great. I’ve gotten to guard Tracy McGrady, Paul Pierce, Andre Iguodala … It’s everything I imagined and more.

Dime: Does the fact that the Bobcats are losing make it harder to deal with the inconsistent playing time?
JD: Of course everything’s a lot easier when you’re winning. Winning solves everything. We’re 10-16 right now, so we’re trying to figure things out. But once you’re winning, everyone’s happy.

Dime: Going to the Bobcats on Draft Night, what were your expectations?
JD: I thought I’d have an opportunity to play, but honestly, I didn’t know I’d start this many games so early. I thought I’d be able to help the team grow and improve. I didn’t set any individual goals as far as scoring points or anything like that, because you never know how much you’re going to play when you’re a rookie. The Bobcats weren’t one of the top teams in the League, so I knew the opportunity was there. And you know, we have a brand-new coach; it’s his first head coaching job, so he’s learning just like this team is.

Dime: Most rookies say the biggest difference between college and the pros is the travel. How have you been holding up?
JD: We’re about 25, 30 games in, and my body is holding up pretty good. The most difficult thing for me is that we had more off-days in college. And I know didn’t go to the gym on those off-days; I’d be at home, playing video games or something. Now on your off-days you’re always doing stuff, getting shots up and working out, because you’re in the NBA and you have to be ready to play against the best athletes. I might lift on gamedays, which I never did in college.

Dime: What was your “Welcome to the NBA” moment?
JD: I don’t think I’ve had it yet. Paul Pierce gave me about 20, 21 points, which is his average, and I had a double-double against him. I think I did well against Tracy McGrady … I haven’t had that moment where I’ve gotten dunked on or crossed over or someone just destroyed me. One time Caron Butler said something like, “Ain’t no rookie guarding me,” and hit a jump shot on me, but that was the only time he scored on me.

Putting in work at BC.

Dime: Who’s one player on the Bobcats that you didn’t know was as good as they were before you joined the team?
JD: Matt Carroll, by far. I think he’s one of the top five best shooters in the NBA. I know I’m just a rookie saying this, but he is. And the thing is, when Matt comes into the game, teams know he’s shooting. They know he’s not gonna post up, they know he’s not gonna drive. He doesn’t play on the Suns where he gets a lot of wide open shots, and we don’t have a Shaq on our team where Matt will get a lot of kick-outs from the post. But still he hits shots game in and game out.

Dime: Do you keep up with the progress of other rookies? What about your old teammates at Boston College?
JD: A little bit of both. I keep up with the rookies; we’re kind of in it together. I watch BC as much as I can … I know they have a big game coming up against Kansas. When I took over the reigns from Craig Smith (at BC), I could see players who were growing, but were kind of held them back because it was my time to shine. Now I’m seeing Tyrese Rice; he could be putting up the best numbers in the ACC so far in points and assists.

Dime: What was the first thing you bought with your first NBA check?
JD: A car, a 2008 white Escalade. I had never owned a car in my whole life, so I went and test-drove a Benz, a BMW, a Range Rover – but I thought I shouldn’t go with something too big, you know? Like if you get a Benz, what’s after that? A Bentley? So I figured I’d get the Escalade and move up to the next one the next time I get a car.

Dime: How do you guys pass the time on the team plane?
JD: The vets play cards. The rest of us will watch DVDs or joke around, clowning who’s the worst-dressed when we have to dress up. Some people are sleeping in the plane, some listen to their iPods, some watch movies, some play cards.

Dime: So who’s the worst-dressed player on the Bobcats?
JD: Well, the most-clowned are me, Jermareo Davidson, Ray Felton and Jeff McInnis. But we’re not the worst – we just clown on each other the most. I’d say the worst-dressed is between Ryan Hollins and Emeka Okafor.

Related posts:

1. We Want You For Ballers Network
2. Q&A With DJ Augustin
3. Jordan Ol’ School II