Derrick Rose, Dime #32Derrick Rose, Danilo Gallinari and Eric Gordon all got hurt before most of us could get a decent look at them in the summer league. Brook Lopez had one outstanding run (Orlando) followed by one awful one (Utah). Joe Alexander and Nicolas Batum appeared unprepared and uncomfortable throughout their summer stint in Vegas, and Kosta Koufos wasn’t quite dropping jaws in the Utah league, either. And Donte Greene showed he can get major buckets against borderline NBA-types, but yesterday he got traded for the second time since June.
The ‘08 NBA Draft class has a lot of potential to be great — witness the summer performances of Jerryd Bayless, Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Randolph, to name a few — but the group also has a few guys with high “bust” probability, some of which haven’t gotten off to the best start heading into training camp.
With each team’s ‘08-09 rosters getting closer to rounding into shape, which of this year’s first-round picks will we be calling a bust a few years from now?
Related posts:
July 30th, 2008 at 9:08 am
lakeshow says:
1st bitches!!!
July 30th, 2008 at 9:09 am
btown says:
if he doesn’t stay focused oj mayo could end up as a bust.
July 30th, 2008 at 9:14 am
B-Easy says:
Hope Rose lives up to the hype..Bust!
July 30th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Dagomar says:
There is an implication in this article that performance in the summer league in some way indicates future performance in the NBA. That’s a mistake - else Nate Robinson would be the next Lebron James. We have no idea how any of these guys are going to do, including Bayless.
July 30th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Celts Fan says:
Mayo could be a “bust” for the expectations he’s had, but at worst, he’ll be a solid 3rd option that can play good D (as long as he keeps his head on straight, which, all indications are the “headcase” label he got in HS was complete BS.)
In terms of an out-of-the-league-faster-than-Yaraslav Koralev bust, Alexis Ajinca and George Hill seem the most likely (though you’ve gotta trust the Spurs front office til they prove otherwise…) Brook Lopez seems like a stiff, but he’s a legit 7 footer, so he should stick around, even if it is just to get dunked on over and over and over…
July 30th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Celts Fan says:
@Dagomar, true Summer League performances don’t mean anything, but if you crap the bed in the summer league (when healthy of course,) chances are you’re not lighting the league on fire that year, and if you have a good summer league, that usually means you’re as good/better than the better-than-college-level comp you play there. It’s no guarantee, but it’s usually an indication as to whether or not you at least belong in the NBA…
July 30th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Kobeef says:
@Dagomar
Actually, based on college performance and physical traits you can somewhat accurately predict how these guys will do.
For instance, Mike Beasley is pretty much certain to be an elite NBA player. His college numbers and combine measurements are so good that there is almost no way he fails.
Other guys are suspect for the same reasons:
- Alexis Anjinca: well for starters MJ picked him. He was not dominant in euroleague, he got killed in summer league (a good prediction of failure)
- Kevin Love: Sure he can make the “outlet pass” but then what? This is the same guy who was shut down in the final 4 by 2nd round pick Joey Dorsey who is actually shorter than Love. Good luck to him when he faces NBA PF’s like Gasol, Duncan, Garnett, Brand, Camby, Bosh…..I predict the second coming of Oliver Miller.
July 30th, 2008 at 9:49 am
shake&bake says:
I’ll go with Alexander being a bust. I like his game for the college level, but I don’t think he’ll ever be big time in the League. I shouldn’t say bust, but not up to the level of a top 10 pick.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Jay26th says:
Alexander…
July 30th, 2008 at 10:08 am
YOUNGFED says:
Gallineri. Yall saw how they tried to hide ole’ boy after his 1st. summer league game.
He’s 2008’s “Bust It Baby” lmao
July 30th, 2008 at 10:12 am
YOUNGFED says:
Oh by the way Mayo is faaaaaaaaaarrrrrr from a Bust Celts. Come on man your were doing so good last season, but your BBall IQ and Predictions have been kinda suspect this year. lol
Also Celts did I miss something cause ain’t heard nothing bout the DIME spring cleaning winners. WTF? Have been Bambouselled.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:14 am
rell says:
Kevin Love
July 30th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Young Lebron 23 says:
I think the two players who will highly be busts are DeAndre Jordan and Anthony Randolph. Jordan is raw offensively and maybe a worse FT shooter than biedrins(OUCH!!!) but Camby can actually help him in the league(remember Camby was only thought to be a shot-blocker and rebounder also was skinnier than Jordan 225 vs. 240 and no offense). Randolph can do just about anything he wants but needs to get stronger(An anylast send that he makes Brandan Wright looks like Mr. America!?!?). But that might not matter as skinny big man can’t be on their was to the HOF(KG anyone???????)
July 30th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Truth says:
Post 10. LOL
Fed you crazy!!! LOL!!!
Stop listening to plies!! he’s Garbage!!!LOL!!!
Gallineri is 2008’s Bust of the year!!!!
July 30th, 2008 at 10:23 am
speedcat says:
i’m worried about rose, despite all his promise
July 30th, 2008 at 10:25 am
YOUNGFED says:
Yeah he is garbage but that ish was funny.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Thunder D says:
Donte Greene
July 30th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Celts Fan says:
@Youngfed, reread my post. Didn’t say he’d be a bust (I actually said that, AT WORST, he’s a solid 3rd option that plays good D,) just that, for the expectations, he MAY be a bust since people are predicting superstardom (and that was in response to someone else saying he’d be a full out bust.) If people are expecting LeBron and you get Shane Battier (which I think is his WORST CASE SCENARIO,) that’s technically a bust BASED ON THE EXPECTATIONS HE HAD even if Shane’s a solid NBA player. That’s all I meant by that. I think he’ll be a star in the mold of Caron Butler, just saying, if he’s not a superstar, he’s a bust by those extremely lofty expectations, and it’s definitely possible he’s more of a 2nd option (which again, isn’t up to the expectations people had.) The very next line I said was something like, “about the real busts” (meaning out of the league in 3 years busts, or a real bust, not just a “didn’t live up to the huge expectations but still a solid player.”) My whole point was that OJ definitely won’t be that kind of bust, but may not live up to the really high expectations some people have, which can technically make him a bust in their eyes. Probably not the best way of explaining it, but that whole thing was a way of saying that even if he doesn’t live up to the huge expectations he has, he won’t be a full-fledged bust in the mold of Kwame Brown or Yaraslov Koralev.
Also, no word on anything from the spring cleaning my way either, so maybe that Larry Legend DVD went to someone else…
July 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Celts Fan says:
that explanation was pretty confusing too. I need more coffee… to be clear and concise, OJ won’t be a real bust, but may be to the people expecting a top-tier superstar.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:42 am
nick says:
I am thinking gordon but hope I am wrong.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:44 am
YOUNGFED says:
Celts Dude will be a star/maybe superstar in 1-2 years, not a 3rd option. Yeah Celts DIME need to say whats good. I’m beginning to think they frontin’. and to quote MC Breed “Aint No Future In Ya Frontin’” DIME. Now Pony-up my Sheed Throwback Jersey. lol
Garuanteed Thoroughbred List
1.) Beasely
2.) Mayo
3.) Rose
4.) Bayliss
5.) Love
Sleepers: Randolph, Westbrook, Walter Sharpe(Pistons), Lopez(The Sweet One)lol, and Gordon
July 30th, 2008 at 10:48 am
wanabballer says:
Westbrook, i honestly don’t think this kid should of been taken so high!!
July 30th, 2008 at 10:50 am
miamiVIS3 says:
@ young lebron
Deandre fell semideep into the 2nd round so he’s pretty much out of bust territory.
And a good summer league isn’t completley irrelevant it just doesn’t absolutley gurantee success.
And my bust pick is Anthony Randolph because there were big question’s about him coming out and there isn’t really a big chance that he plays a role that allows him to do what he did in summer league with Monta, S-Jax and Maggette monopolizing the ball.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:54 am
miamiVIS3 says:
And I think randolph will be a bust in the way Celts said O.J. will unless maybe he changes teams in a few years.
July 30th, 2008 at 11:10 am
MoxWestCoastRep says:
I concur w celts….
HOLD THE MAYO…ITS BUSTED!
July 30th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Mr. A says:
derrick rose will be the next kwame brown.
BUST
July 30th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Celts Fan says:
not busted Mox, just maybe not the superstar predicted. Still think he’s legit. (and remember Fed, I said 3rd option AT WORST, which means he won’t be a true bust regardless.) We’ll see, could definitely be the superduperstar some predict. I see him being more like a slightly better Caron Butler (nothing wrong w/ that at all, but Caron’s not a top tier star, that’s all.)
Fed, how much do you know about Walter Sharpe? Haven’t heard much…
I agree on Randolph too. Definite sleeper. He’s shown more all-around skills than people expected in the Summer League, which is a nice start for a guy people were calling “extrememly raw,” and “years away from contributing.”
July 30th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
shake&bake says:
I disagree with everyone saying Rose will be a bust. He has too much physical ability and (unlike Kwame) has passion for the game.
July 30th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
YOUNGFED says:
@Celt’s
Dude is supposed to be that deal, but sort of a head case. He’s a 3 with point guard handles, vince carter hops, and defense. Thats about it.
July 30th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Kobeef says:
@Celts and Fed
Randolph looked way better than anyone thought he would. I am not sure if people didn’t do their homework or what
- the kid had a solid handle (draft reports said he had no ballhandling skills) and
- a nice outside shot (draft reports said he had less offense than Tyrus Thomas)
- finally - he actually had some muscle on him (draft reports said he was skinnier than Shaun Livingston)
@Wannaballer
Westbrook? Are you nuts? The kid ran the point for the best team in College ball for the first half of the season AND had the dunk of the year. The kid is legit. I would not be surprised if he has a better carrer than Rose.
July 30th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Celts Fan says:
Fed, if you’re talking about Sharpe, then it sounds like you guys got a STEAL if he can keep his head and you can keep him away from Rasheed
July 30th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Brown says:
Gallinari. Another example of an overhyped European. He won’t produce in his rookie year and the NY fans and media will eat him alive because players taken lower will outshine him. He’ll be back playing in Europe in a few years.
Joe Alexander won’t get much PT behind Richard Jefferson. People are wowed by his athleticism, but I wasn’t impressed with him as a ballplayer last year. He played a lot in the post and his moves are far from developed. He won’t be able to shoot over guys in the NBA.
Brandon Rush. I honestly don’t think he’s quick enough to play the guard position in the NBA.
Alexis Ajinca. MJ, so far, has a horrendous draft track record. It seems like the greater you are as a player, the worse you are at spotting talent (Bird, McHale, Isiah, MJ, etc.).
Kosta Koufos. Another player destined to return to Europe in the not-so-distant future.
July 30th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Celts Fan says:
agreed Kobeef, heard all that stuff too, then you hear he’s practically playing point forward for the GS summer league team (though I heard he’s still rail thin, but regardless.) He went from a PF prospect that needed to gain weight to a potential Tayshaun Prince if he doesn’t fill out more overnight. Sometimes teams out-think themselves.
I’m not w/ you on Westbrook. I think he’ll be solid, don’t get me wrong, but he needs to prove he can be a TRUE PG on the next level. If so, he’ll be a stud, if not, he may be a slightly above average starter (anyone’s an upgrade over the Earl Watson/Luke Ridnour combo, so he’ll get plenty of tick, play good D regardless, and won’t be a complete bust, just don’t think he’ll be better than Rose.)
July 30th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Celts Fan says:
@Brown, Kosta’s American, his ‘rents are Greek, but he’s born and raised here in the US. He’s also got a pretty jumper from what I hear, so he could definitely stick, though probably as a back-up.
Gallinari was the leader on his Euro-league team as a youngster. He’s not afraid of the bright lights of NYC. He’ll be an NBA player. Don’t know how successful, but he’ll be in the league for the long-haul I’d guess.
Brandon Rush is gonna be a 3 from what I’m hearing.
Bobby Knight called Joe Alexander, “The most valuable player to his team in all the country.” I’ll take the General’s opinion and the measurements on him. He’s in a good situation tht he can develop slowly behing Redd and RJ, so he’ll have every chance to succeed…
Alexis Ajinca though, pretty sure he’s on the next flight back to Europe after his rookie deal’s done…
July 30th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
daquest?on says:
javalee mcgee
July 30th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
YOUNGFED says:
@Celts
You saw what Joey got outta Stuckey and Affalo.
@Kobeef
I never said anything bad about Randolph, actually I said he was a sleeper.
July 30th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
doc says:
OJ Mayo will NEVER be a 3rd option.He is to good.Yall disrespecting D-Rose with him on here.It will be Joe Alexander.And summerleague dont mean shit for real.People get off every year who dont do shit in the league.John Salmons was MVP,then Raja Bell.They averaged 25 and 30.Just last year people was on here talking about Marco Bellini and Nate Rob was gonna kill the league.Yall still dont learn.Al Horford aint make no noise in summer league last year.Stop being so gullable.
July 30th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Celcts says:
“Gallinari was the leader on his Euro-league team as a youngster. He’s not afraid of the bright lights of NYC. He’ll be an NBA player. Don’t know how successful, but he’ll be in the league for the long-haul I’d guess.”
-Ya just like that guy in Golden Stat, whats his name…….Bellinelli or something. lmao
July 30th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Young Lebron 23 says:
I really like Alexander. He came out as a junior but he has a lot more upside than the usual junior
July 30th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
GEE...them young kids don't trouble me says:
Imma say the Batum cat won’t turn out. I was so glad Houston go rid of dude. This is probably me hoping more than predicting, but I just don’t see him being a major factor. First round bust.
July 30th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
shake&bake says:
I don’t think someone who was a rookie last year can be labeled a bust yet. Belinelli didn’t even get much of a chance, but when he did, he looked like a decent player and a good shooter. I just think it’s too early to judge him, or anyone from the ‘07 Draft.
July 30th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Luigi says:
im guessing Eric Gordon since he plays for the clips. [clipper bias]
but 3-4 yrs from now we’ll look back at this draft and we’ll see some late round crazyness n think wow [insert high pick here] was taken ahead of [insert low pick here]?!?!?
like ‘01 the jazz had a chance with tony. but passed him up for Raul Lopez? yeah
n ‘04 the wiz had a chance with barbosa or any other role player but we get jarvis hayes?
but yeah ur a bust if u cant consistenly produce. not a good character. doesnt have high mentality so yeah
oh as 4 more busts. i practically HATE the word bust since i like almost EVERY rook. so yeah im gonna put my money on DJ Augustin. idk why but i have that feeling. oh n also JJ HIckson from da Cavz.
July 30th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Celts Fan says:
@Youngfed, Marco’s only in his 2nd year and Nellie hates rookies. Let the kid play before we label him a bust. Also, I never said Gallo’d definitely be good, just that he doesn’t seem to shy away from publicity (so NYC won’t bother him like it could some people) and that he should stay in the league for the long haul. Marko Jaric’s been here for the long-haul too, so that’s not saying much other than you’re good enough to be in the league. For a 19 year old to be the unquestioned team leader on a top-flight EuroLeague team is an accomplishment. Doesn’t mean crap here, but it says he’s at least got the talent and resume to warrant the shot he’s getting and SHOULD have the talent to stay in the league long-term in some role.
I was just responding to the, “He’ll be back in Europe in a few years” comment Brown made, not saying he will or won’t be a bust.
@Doc, read post 6, but shortening it up, Summer League’s no guarantee, you’re dead on with that, but if you’re a high pick and do badly, chances are, you’re not ready for the league yet/will be a bust (bust only pertaining to older college guys, a freshman still has plenty of time, a 5th year senior is what he is.) If you do well, chances are, you’re an NBA player. Anything beyond that is reading way too much into it…
July 30th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Brown says:
Celts, I don’t know why, but I get a feeling Gallinari is the next Skitishvili. I’ll wait until I see him actually play some NBA ball to comment on his game any further. I’m always hesitant to believe the hype with all these European dudes with “skills” (i.e. Andrea Bargnani, although the jury is still out on him too).
I liked the Jaric comparison though. David Stern will keep him in the league just so fans can see Adriana Lima at some of his games. If a career backup like him can bag a chick like that, I’d bust my ass just to stay in the league too.
July 30th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Allan says:
Team USA 2012
Guards- Chris Paul
Deron Williams
Brandon Roy
Micheal Redd
Andre Iguadala
Forwards- Lebron James
Carmelo Anthony
Kevin Durant
Bigs - Dwight Howard
Greg Oden
La Marcus Aldrige
Al Jefferson
Alternates - Andrew Bynum
OJ Mayo
July 30th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Jayo says:
Rose reminds me too much of Jay Williams minus the jump shot. Before he ended his career with that motorcycle, he was looking like a pretty average PG.
July 30th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
the mamba says:
Off Top, I think these few guys from this class will be stars in the league…
1) beasley
2) Rose
3) Gallinari
4) westbrook
A few others will be solid role players like donten green, bayless, and love
As for notable busts, i would say:
1) OJ Mayo (1-dimensional, and thats a limited skill set)
2) Brook Lopez (someone had to take draft him, so the nets dont lose much with a 10th pick, but hes gonna be a stiff)
July 30th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
godfreyallstar says:
kevin love
he blows
July 30th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
fLaVa says:
OJ Mayo will not be a bust.. he’ll be ROY
July 31st, 2008 at 9:34 am
peoples champ says:
I see what celts fan is saying about Mayo in regard to the expectations. He had a ecxcellent statistical year at USC but people(media)said he didnt have a good season. They obviously expected him to win the chip or average 25+ instead of 20. I fell as long as he does better than or equal to westbrook he shouldbe fine as westbrook was pick higher.
My pick is Joe alexander as he’s such a project.
July 31st, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Kevin K says:
mayo has and had the highest expectation than any other rookie… it’s not fair to call him a bust even if he never becomes a superstar as he will most likely be a solid nba player… a bust would be more of a kwame brown or candyman… i would say the biggest bust potential is derrick rose. he IS the 1st pick of the draft and unlike mayo, his skills set is not quite there yet although he is a freakish athlete.
July 31st, 2008 at 6:38 pm
jamesinva says:
mayo wont be a bust. klove wont be a bust either, dude has crazy work ethic and will put up solid numbers. being a blazer fan its be nice to see oden bayless or fernandez take ROY, but i doubt bayless will be anywhere near how he was in summer league, bust? hell no.
joe alexander has a high chance of being a bust. he was rated so highly in college but dang, didnt do much in SL.
gallinari will turn out to be a better version of bargnani IMO.
rose will have some big games but i just dont see him being some franchise player.
beaseley will jack up way too many shots disrupting dwades game.