Gunnin’ For That #1 Spot DVD Giveaway
Who will be best among the kids in ‘Gunnin”?If you aren’t in New York to make it to the Virgin Mega Store in Union Square between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM tomorrow to get a copy of Gunnin’ For That #1 Spot signed by director Adam Yauch, we’ve got what you need. We’re giving away five free copies of the DVD and five limited edition BAPE tee’s to the winner of today’s contest.
In the comments section below, make your best argument as to which one of the eight players who star in Gunnin’ will have the best NBA career. For those of you who are waiting to pick up a copy of the DVD to see it, here are the guys featured:
* Michael Beasley
* Jerryd Bayless
* Kevin Love
* Lance Stephenson
* Donte Greene
* Brandon Jennings
* Tyreke Evans
* Kyle Singler
Though Beasley, Bayless, Love and Greene are the only four who entered the draft last year, that doesn’t guarantee that they’re going to have the best run.
Make a compelling argument for one of these guys below in the comments section, and make sure to include your e-mail address so that we can contact winners.
October 20th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
vinny says:
Just to start an argument i’m gonna go with Evans- in the NBA with his skills- size, and feel for the game he is gonna be a bitch!! He might not show it in college but wait till he gets in the NBA. HANDLE, PASSING, HE EVEN CAN PLAY DEFENSE! and he can shoot. Beasley would seem to be the most talented but can he manage the mental aspect of being a ’star’.
October 20th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Dwight Brown says:
I think that if i had a choice to pick one of these guys it would Mike Beasley, Im a huge fan of Brandon Jennings and Tyreke but Mike B has the totally package, the shot, power and the speed. I havent seen a power forward with these types of skill Sir Charles. But i think my man tyreke will be a star as and I wish the best of luck to Brandon too this kid is one of the nastiest young pgs I’ve seen in a while.
October 20th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
jlinks says:
Don’t mean to seem to go w/the obvious but it has to be Michael Beasley hands down.
He has the NBA size now!
He has the NBA strength now!
He is very crafty and unpredictable on offence.
He has that “DOG” in him to be the best NOW!
He has a superstar along side him to help guide him on how to be an NBA professional.
He is only like 20 i think and really is a “Manchild”
He is on a team that has a coach who will grow w/him and allow him to really develope NOW!
Defensively he is ahead of where a “sophomore” in college should be on the NBA level.
Lastly, the competition is not that great for him i only see maybe 2 guys here that will have a serious impact besides him on this list.
October 20th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
JIMBO says:
Who gives a SHIT.
October 20th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
James says:
I have to go with my man Brandon Jennings for several reasons. He played at Oak Hill which is known for producing great PG’s- Rajon,KC Rivers etc. He was the best scorer in oak hill history- and led his team to 41 wins his junior year. He has such athleticism and speed he will be able to compete at the NBA level. His handles are just stupid, and I think that the overseas experience will do him good- he will be playing against better competition than he could of gotten at Arizona for the most part. He will come to the league and have a better season than Rondo did last year.
October 20th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
This poses a very interesting question. Considering the diffence in each players game. Some shooters, some post players, some great passer (i.e. Kevin Love)B-Easy supposed ROY for this years class.
My choice is the one player who is going to change the way we see College Basketball as a whole. Brandon Jennings, will be the best player of the eight and I know that he has plenty of doubters out there. Allow me to explain why:
Brandon is the first HS player to sign with a team overseas instead of going the college route. He is the first basketball player to be sponsored by X Armor basketball at the age of nineteen he is already making strides to become the most marketable player since (dare I say it) Lebron James. He is currently playing for Lottomatica Roma in the Italian League. American basketball has changed from the days of team first attitude and become a me first, look at the playgrounds around you will see better one on one players than play makers. Going overseas will allow Brandon Jennings to learn the international game which is built on team first attitudes and play against top competition day in and day out. The kids in college play against other college kids, this guy is going to go up against Ricky Rubio of Spain who handled the lime light of playing in front of the world in the Olympics against two of the best NBA point guards in the game today. Ricky has been ranked as high as going number one next year. This gives Brandon more playing expierence and life expierence than the rest. Also his numbers and accomplishments back this up
Wikipedia lists his accomplishments as follows
As the most prolific single-season scorer in the history of Oak Hill Academy, Jennings averaged 35.5 points, 7.5 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 steals per game in his senior year of high school. His on-court performance earned him a number of high school basketball’s most prestigious awards including the 2008 Naismith High School Basketball Player of the Year, 2007-08 Gatorade Player of the Year - Virginia, 2008 Parade Magazine Player of the Year and 2008 EA Sports Player of the Year. In addition, he led his 2006-2007 team to a 41-1 record and a No. 1 ranking in the USA Today Super 25 national rankings.
With those numbers flashing before your eyes, is there really another player you could make an argument for sure, but the difference will be in the year that Jennings spent overseas to learn the international game.
October 20th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Ray says:
Michael Beasly is the most NBA player coming out of the draft in years. Even LeBron James had to take time to get his game ready to play with these caliber of players. Beasly may not be the tallest big in the league but by far is as athletic as the best, such as Keven Garnet, Amare Stoudemire and Dwight Howard. Beasly has a great feel for the game and can shoot the ball. He’s going to need practice and time before he starts nailing NBA 3’s down but can hit a mid-range jump shot consistently once he gets hot. He can run the floor with ease and grabs down boards like an animal. Playing with Dwayne Wade will make him a much better player and that is why Michael Beasely will have a better NBA career then these other great players.
October 20th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Ray says:
*most ready
first line my bad guys lol
October 20th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
mar ofresh says:
i believe that michael beasley has what it takes to have the best NBA career. He is still at a young age but he has the skill set to mature into a high prolific scorer. This rookie year should give him alot of NBA playing time to develop his game to an NBA level. He has a matured,NBA champion and finals MVP teamate (dwayne wade) to show him what it takes to make it in the league. He has an attitude that public eye can feast off of and he enjoys taking the spotlight. He also has a hall of fame coach/GM, who picked him, to teach him the proper x’s and o’s of the game. If he dedicates his life in the NBA towards basketball he could have the potentials to be one of the greats to play his position. But in order for him to have the best NBA career out of them all he must learn to learn from his failures that will follow him through the years in NBA.
October 20th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
shak says:
i think brandon jennings will have the best career out of them all.he got the flash and the personality to stand out. also hes a point guard that can fill it up from any were and he can past wit the best of them. im oler them him and hes one of my favorite players to watch. plus with the expereince in europe and learning the way they play even gives him more to his game. jus to put it short and simple hes athletic and a good game and marketable total package.
October 20th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
The saint says:
Lance.He’s played wit pros a rucker since he was 14.Hes 6 foot 5 in 225 lbs. Sounds ready enuff
October 20th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
J 694 says:
Brandon Jennings - High Top Fade
October 20th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
hustleharder says:
I feel the best among the eight mentioned will be no other than Jerryd Bayless. With his combination of strength, speed and handles, JB can get to the paint at will (as witnessed in this years summer league). He can finish with both hands, go left or right, and has the ups and athleticism to finish at the rim. And if he gets fouled, JB shoots it from the stripe well like all them Arizona guards. And I haven’t even mentioned the J yet. Dude is nice. He’s gonna have to get better with the passing but playing with all those studs in Portland, he’ll do that. Lastly and most importantly is the defense, which he does need to improve. He got lit up a few times in college but it’s obvious he does have the desire to work hard at it and improve. JB will be on his 2nd max contract in ten years while these other cats (B-Easy excluded) will be out like Lenny Cooke.
October 20th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Penny says:
Brandon Jennings- Initials are B.J. nuff said
October 20th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
rob stewart says:
I have to go with Beasley and not just because he is the most talented of the bunch. With Pat Riley as the head man (not head coach) in Miami I believe he can and will have a great influence on MB. Dwyane Wade is also a great leader and role model to show MB the ropes. MB’s superior athleticism, versitle game, power, and soft left handed touch are all things you can’t teach. He has the best combination of skills and a great environment that will nurture and develop his growth as a player. I have to go with Beastley one this one, assuming he doesn’t spend too much time in South Beach!
October 20th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
ryan rhodes says:
this is hard but i think the best has to be jerryd bayless if you think about it he’s been really overlooked coming in a class with oj mayo mike beasley and derrick rose but he still gets his shine and because he is so underrated i think he’ll use that and take it out on nba teams. personally i think he’ll be like a former wildcat in gilbert arenas. i like bayless’s game and i watch his game film to practice things he does so i can use them in my high school and aau games. thanks
October 20th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Justin Solomon says:
This should be an easy one for Dime to figure out. My choice is the player that you guys introduced on your cover a few years back, Tyreke Evans. I recently read that people are already forgetting about Rose in Memphis with the way Evans is holding it down. His composure leads me to believe that he will have success. Tyreke seems down to earth and realizes that he has tons of talent that he cannot throw away by acting stupid. Reports suggest Beasley may have problems for this very reason. I saw Evans play at the Primetime Shootout in Trenton this past year and the dude was like a silent assassin, everyone knows he can ball, but on the floor he is reserved and barely shows emotion. There is almost no flash and before you know it he filled the stat sheet on you. I wish all the players success, even Singler despite the fact he is a dukie, but I feel Evans will prosper as a freshman and come right into the league ready to make some noise.
October 20th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Liz says:
i think i’d probably be mike beasley. he is so darn strong and a great player he would definitely have a great nba career.
October 20th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
jayslay says:
since the popular votes are for beasley and brandon jennings i’ve heard some bayless and a couple evens im gonna go with the rout of donte green….
green has the ability be a great player…..he can shoot from anywhere on the court he can rebound and has enough handles to play at least 2 positions (2,3) put that together and u get a versitle player…now some may argue that he could turn into tim thomas…to that arguement i can say each of these player has a very high bust potential…and while greene has bust potential bcuz of the fact that he was drafted so low its not as high….there are really no expectations for this guy..hence y none of u are picking him…. but the others everybody is watching them whether in college or the league we al have our eyes on them….greene has nuthing to lose….no pressure and when a guy as talented as him can play without any pressure he can do great things
October 20th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Dan says:
Let me go away from everyone else here, I gotta say that Lance will be the best pro going forward. The thing that lance has apart from the others is his physicality that he possesses already and the fact that he more than likely continue to develop physically and mentally. This is a kid who has had the spotlight on him like few others outside of OJ. He has been through the rigors of the spotlight and has come out shining in almost every case. Once he gets out of high school and gets a challenge in an every day on the floor he will hopefully (and likely) step to the challenge as he has usually done (Elite 24 is a prime example of him stepping up) Dont underestimate the fact that the NBA is still largely an isolation league still (Kobe and Lebron are prime examples) and I still think Lance is pretty unguardable one on one. All in all i think he will continue to develop as he has been wether its in the NCAA or in Europe until he is a top pick in the draft and goes on to 15 years of success and a whole bunch of all star selections. Keep up the good workin DIME
October 20th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Drink the Haterade (Kobe Rocks) says:
A Dan what’s up with your boy, gettin arrested
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2008/10/18/2008-10-18_lincoln_high_school_hoops_phenom_lance_s.html
October 20th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Al says:
I should just get one for being me , but I going with Anthony Randolph if I need to choose .
He has looked damn good with the Warriors so far
October 20th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
R.ELI says:
Out of all them guys, Beasley is the only one who has the capability to a dominite force in the NBA right now. Put him against anybody on that list and he would beat them. The teams that drafted the other three guys didnt even keep them. Are you serious? It has to be Mike B aka ROOKIE OF THE YEAR! This guy had K-State on his back and led them to the NCAA Tournament. Futurwise, he’s the one thats really going to stand out. And if Riley gets you for his team, that pretty much says right there. Plus, I think hes marketable. I cant to see him in an adidas commercial with KG and Dwight. They going to have to do another brotherhood commercial.
October 20th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Shawn says:
Michael Beasley. It’s the obvious answer. To go with another would be purely for show or arguments sake over rational reality. Not only should he have been the number one pick overall as the most talented, phenom gamechanger…moreso than an oft compared Kevin Durant. He’ll be with Dwayne Wade, who in this offseason went from slipping all-star to possibly one of the best 4 players in the NBA and he can edge closer if he continues to play as he did in the Olympics to a higher seed than that. The coach is a legend. The team is rebuilding, so he’ll get “play now” experience and he’ll run with it, much like a Kevin Durant, but he won’t have the big shot pressure with DWade. Miami doesn’t have a proven center, so they’re thinking of rolling with 6′8″ Haslem and running small ball offense. While this may not be conducive to lots of wins, it will be conducive to lots of points for Beasley. He’ll have a field day in that system. Confidence builds great players, moreso than talent. He’ll have both. The play now, solid people and staff around him will assure his success. The anser was simple. Say it with me…Micheal “40-1 at Oak hill” “Better college rebounding and scoring stats than Durant” Beasley. Peace.
October 20th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
yungKevo says:
o please no competition at all.
CHECK THE NAME BABY BORN READY WAS BORN TO DO THIS.
Give him a year in college,two years in the league and i garuntee Lance will be dominating the NBA.
The kid had an NBA body in the 9TH GRADE!
Lance will be a shorter Lebron James, very strong and able to score at will. i mean i see beasley,tyreke, bayless, klove,and singler(possibly but probably not because he’s a dukie and they just cant succeed in the league)having solid maybe even allstar NBA careers but none will compare to BornReady. FUTURE HALL OF FAMER BABY. now gimme my DVD please!
October 20th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
JChau says:
The name says it…Michael BEASTley. If will take time for him to get used to the league, but trust, he’s gonna make a run for the top salary. He’s actually 6′8″? Oh no problem. He’s still gonna shoot on you, dunk on you. Can you stop him? Maybe right now you can. In a few months? Who ever drafts Beasley in fantasy drafts, those owners won 50% of the battle already.
October 21st, 2008 at 12:01 am
webbie352 says:
Their is no doubt in the mind of any NBA executive all eight of these players have tremendous talents and would be an asset to any team. You could make a case that any of these eight guys would have a long and successful career in the NBA. In my opinion though the clear cut guy has to be Kevin Love out of Minnesota. At 6′9″ and 250 pounds Love is very developed for post player at his age. He has many tools in his arsenal from his foot work down low in the paint to being able to step out knock down the J. On any given day you could confuse him with a seasoned vet. Everyone is talking about Oden, Mayo, Rose and who will probably win the ROY but look for Love to have a solid frosh year along side AL. He is gonna experience starter minutes from opening night and most likely will be focal point of that team. His love for the game is evident upon watching tape, he has a motor that no other player has just constantly working and battling. Being soft should not be an issue during his career. For those who want to try the white boy angle, i.e. saying he is to slow and flat footed is absurd. In the NCAA tournament he went for 12 & 9 on a veteran player in Dorsey who works just as hard if not harder in the post than Love. Being in Minnesota helps too, no added pressure the media will be focused on all the guards and 2nd yr rookie. Also basketball is just in his blood from his father, Love really should have no problem dealing with the transition and keepoing it going during his career.
October 21st, 2008 at 12:07 am
Drew Ricketts says:
Although Lance has my attention as a New Yorker, I feel the spotlight is hurting him in ways that will affect him more as a professional. He certainly has professional stature and skill, but he will be a bruised pup when the fame and fortune starts to poison his so-called inner circle. I wrote about him, admiring his game and feeling that he could The Next, as they say. When I watch Bayless, however, I get that Arenas feeling others mentioned. He’s a calm shooter, very aggressive with body control after contact, and has shown some vision as a floor leader. I think Bayless will be the best guard of this group. Beasley will certainly be a good scorer. We’ll have to see how he takes deferring to Mr. Wade and Mr. Marion in his first year.
October 21st, 2008 at 2:24 am
Kobe says:
Tyrone will have a solid career.
True thugs never lie.
Kobe
October 21st, 2008 at 3:03 am
Trevor R. Jefferson says:
This is an interesting question with an interesting prize for the best answer.
My answer to your question is Jerryd Bayless.
The fact is, you didn’t ask which of these eight players would score the most career points (Stephenson), grab the most career rebounds (Love), record the most career steals (Evans), hit the most career threes (Greene), change the way high school athletes look at the NCAA (Jennings), make the most career “Be Cool, Stay in School” commercials (Singler), or even make the most career money or all star game appearences (Beasley). You asked which of these eight players would have the best NBA career.
When I consider what constitutes an all time great NBA career I don’t think of the amount of points scored (you won’t see Glen Robinson in the HOF anytime soon), dimes dropped (Stephon Marbury will need to pay for his admission to Springfield), money made (Juwan Howard couldn’t buy his way into the HOF, despite stealing from multiple employers) or even the specific talent level of the player being considered (Anyone heard much about J.R. Rider lately?).
Many of the eight players may be more physically gifted then Jerryd Bayless, but this has little to do with whether or not they will have a better NBA career. Who do you think was more physically gifted, Larry Bird or Richard Dumas? Who had the better NBA career?
When I think of a great NBA career, I think of certain criteria, such as:
Career Statistics (CP3 has some crazy stats so far, but do you really think he’d get into the Hall if he retired tomorrow?)
Production Level During Prime (Dennis Johnson was a steady as a tricycle but he was never truly dominant and this is still preparing his HOF speech)
Longevity (If only Penny Hardaway would have had 5 more prime seasons …)
Individual Success (Robert Horry may be a winner but he isn’t getting into the Hall by simply riding on the backs of three modern day giants)
Team Success (Chris Webber experienced some incredible individual success but may miss out on the Hall due to his team’s failures)
Legacy (Dennis Rodman experienced amazing individual and team success as well as putting together and long and productive career but his legacy alone may keep him out of Springfield)
Michael Beasly may have the best production level during his prioce, Kevin Love may put up the best career stats, Tyreke Evans may have the longest career, Lance Stephenson may experience the greatest individual success, Kyle Singler may end up experiencing the greatest team success and Brandon Jennings may retire with the greatest legacy in tact, however I believe Jerryd Bayless has the best chance to experience all of the above and therefore have the best NBA career.
In regards to “career statistics”, one must remember that Jerryd is entering the league at a very young age (unlike a player such as Kyle Singler or even a past great like John Stockton) and therefore will have a great chance at posting some incredible career stats. I would not at all be surprised to see Bayless record 20,000+ points and 8,000+ assists which would put him in rare company.
In regards to “production level during prime” one mst understand that Bayless is a supremely gifted athlete and not a mere “system player” like Steve Nash or even simply a “fundamentally sound backetball player” like Adam Morrison. Bayless is a bonafide freak athlete. I would not be surprised to see him average 25+ points per game many years and maybe even 30+ points per game a time or two, as well as 8+ assists per game in his peak.
In regards to “longevity” again one must understand that Bayless is getting started young. He coule retire early at 32 or so and still play more years then many former greats who retired in their mid 30s after breaking down physically.
In regards to “individual success” it has been noted that Bayless has a bit of “me first attitude” which isn’t at all bad when you consider he is being called on by the Blazers to be a scoring guard rather then a traditional pass first point guard. I don;t hear anyone saying Michael Jordan would have made it to the Hall of Fame had it not been for his “me first attitude” do you?
In regards to “team success”, this is perhaps the area where Bayless looks to be head and shoulders ahead of the pack. We have literally no idea where players like Stephenson, Jennings, Singler and Evans will land when they get drafted. It’s also quite obvious that Love and Greene are in far inferior situations then what Bayless is in with the TrailBlazers. As for Beasley, he may have a solid running mate at the moment in Wade, but Mr. wade is known to be injured quite often and many also do not feel he will stay in Miami for his entire career. However, even if he did, any GM in the league would trade one Wade for a package of Oden, Aldridge, Roy, etc that bayless has been blessed with. I would not at all be surprised to see Jerryd bayless win multiple NBA titles in Rip City and become one of the biggest “winners” in NBA history.
In regards to “legacy” this is probably the hardest criteria to predict, however jerryd Bayless has a lot going for him. He has been blessed with immense talent, a scorer’s mentality, a great team and perhaps most importantly a good head on his shoulders, all of which makes for some great ingredients to mix into the legacy concoction!
All of the above said, I believe Jerryd Bayless is the correct answer to your question!
Peace,
Trevor R. Jefferson
Webmaster: bcsportsblog.com
October 21st, 2008 at 6:18 am
Franchise Baller says:
Brandon Jennings no doubt. I think he will stay in Europe another year after this buthe has great handle. Hes got more handles than pots and pans. He also has court vision so he can see anyone on the floor . Don’t forget about his lefty stroke. It is pure wet. But the most important thing is his swag and marketability and that is what the NBA wants, marketability plus he’s never been in trouble(Like BEasley)
October 21st, 2008 at 8:10 am
Da Coach says:
Tyreke Evans will end up as the best pro of the group. His size, strength and skill set are perfect for the new wave of lead guards in the NBA. More and more the teams in the league are going to lead guards (not true 1’s or true 2’s) such as Detroit with Chauncey, LA Clips with Baron, Portland uses B-Roy, Washington has Agent Zero. Tyreke fits this mold. He is strong enough to post up smaller guards and quick enough on the perimeter to drive by bigger guards. With an more than adequate jumper, he can extend the defense away from the basket and open up scoring opportunities for any post players that may be on his team.
Tyreke will get the chance to shine this year with Memphis much like Derrick Rose did last year. If Evans learns how to effectively run the pick-and-roll combined with his intangibles and skill set then he will the longest, most consistent career in the league.
October 21st, 2008 at 8:22 am
MSkittle says:
Michael Beasley is like Derrick Coleman in his prime.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:09 am
Thundersucks says:
I will go with Brandon Jennings. His skills were already top-notch for a point guard. However, after he gets some big-game experience in Europe, his skills will be even better. He will have to focus on intangibles and teamwork while in Italy and will thus be a better pro down the road. All of the other prospects are gunners and don’t make their teammates better. Jennings does. The only knock on him is his size, but CP3 answered that question.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:35 am
Mike says:
Kevin Love. He has hood potential!
October 21st, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Ryan says:
This is a tough question. The players that I feel will be the best pro’s will be Beasley, Evans, Stephenson and Jennings. There is a part of me that feels that Beasley will be the equivalent to Derrick Coleman or Kenyon Martin even. A top pick that doesn’t live up to his complete potential. There has already been issues with Beasley’s lack of defensive intensity, but then again, it’s the NBA. Jennings might have revolutioned the game by starting a trend for players that want to avoid going to school for one year and rather make money and be exposed overseas and in the big time markets for a year. He is going to be an electric and explosive point guard. I can see him being one of a kind, unable to make a comparison to another past or present player. Evans can play three different positions, with his size and speed. I see the same skills coming from Stephenson. I feel that Stephenson will be the best player to ever come out of Lincoln High School. We all know about Stephon’s career, how his tremendous skill but awful attitude brought him down. We all know about Sebastian Telfair (unfortunately my favorite player)’s career, where he still has not lived up to his potential. Overall I am going to go with Jennings. Not only is he the most prepared from playing in Europe, but he is going to change the game in ways that will not only be shown on the court. He will create a new style and wave of point guards.
October 21st, 2008 at 3:50 pm
AP007 says:
first of jennings isn’t even goin to hav a better pro career then derrick rose….so hez somewat irrelevant and the ony reason he didn’t go to college iz not because hez some pioneer itz cuz hez dumb as rocks nd couldn’t make the minimum on hiz SAT……after that I wanna pick mike beasley….but wat about lance…..Lance could probly be in he league now and contribute in a small role and he hasn’t even played hiz senior year yet…..and how can u not count on a kid who basically haz been bussin ass for more years than he’s spent in high school….nd wat happens wen he get to college and learns something…..nd last u can’t go against the most talented player frm brooklyn in years
October 21st, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Kavi Gill says:
Im going with Jerryd Bayless. He not only has the obvious non-skill wise gifts (hops, quicks, strength, court-awareness etc. ) but he’s got mad work-ethic. He puts in crazy hours in the gym, the weight room and everything else. His one and only goal is to be the best baskeball player ever. He eats, drinks, and sleeps basketball, which cant be said for everyone (see: Lance Stepheneson). The determination is there, and it’s blatantly obvious. At Arizona, he willed that team to at least 5 wins by himself and that was’nt just scoring. He carries his team like a true leader by doing whatever is needed from him. Being a playmaker (led team in assists 10 times), leading the team in scoring, all while playing almost the entire game. With his work-ethic, drive, talent, and god-given ability, Jerryd Bayless will have the best pro career of any player on the list.
October 22nd, 2008 at 4:50 am
boki says:
I say Kevin Love, cause he has a very special skill set (think Sir Charles).
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:11 am
arry says:
I’ll have to go with Born Ready.
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
dueces says:
it has to be jennings. i don’t know what it is about him, he just has that special “it” factor that makes me believe that he will undoubtedly be a premiere player in the L and have a better career than the other seven talented players listed above. His basketball prowess is clear to anyone who watches him on a basketball court — whether that’s in person or on video. There were others before him who I thought stood in a similar light when they were around his age. The first few names that come to mind are iverson when he was at georgetown, dajuan wagner (who i’ll always believe would have been a force if he never go hurt), and most recently mr. derrick rose. as i’m writing this i think i may have figured out what it is about these guys that got me so excited about seeing how their careers would unfold — their creativity. creativity has always been the future but never more so than at the present time. if you are not different in some way from what the world has already seen before, then no matter how ill you are there will always be room for you to be more ill. im sorry, but textbook just won’t cut it.
why is money considered the greatest? obviously he has a wonderful story with the whole “not making the varsity team in his sophomore year and winning six ‘chips” thing, the dunk title(s), his incredible committment to the game, etc… but one big reason why even just the occasional fan of professional basketball knows that he was so dope is because of the dumb creative plays that he pulled off to give his team a chance to win the game. in 2003, why was everyone waiting for sunday to watch dante hall? it’s because one man would have the entire kickoff team shook cause he was a threat to go the distance whenever his gloves met pigskin (people forget he was being mentioned as a first half mvp candidate that year). why was everyone on reggie bush’s nutsack when he was at usc? i dont even like those trojan bastards, but you know i loved to watch lightning! their physical tools mixed with their creativity (is that what talent really is?) equals domination, great television, and unforgettable moments.
when i watch brandon jennings i’m not just excited to get in a few “ooos” and “ahhhs”, i’m excited because i might see something i’ve never seen before. maybe if you watch a little more of this kid you would realize that you didn’t leave me much of a choice in my decision making. now, give me my t-shirt.
October 22nd, 2008 at 2:47 pm
ace says:
I think Beasley will have the best career. He is an agile forward that has the best skill set. A big that can shoot the three, score in the post, drive to the basket is a triple threat to score. Plus he can shoot the mid range jumper which is an anomly today. Couple that with has athleticism, swagger, and his ability to rebound in traffic and you a superstar in the making. I would pick Jennings second and evans third. I dont like the way evans shoots. He needs to work on his mechanics.
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:16 am
TK says:
Lance Stephenson will be the best pro in the group. The kid has pro talent and he has the drive to make it. Has an exceptional quick pull-up J and has the strength to take it into the lane over the big man. On the other end, he will not let anyone get by him on D. He will make the all-defensive team once in the league too. He is a game changer!
On the other hand, I don’t see Tyreke Evans living up to his potential. I was at his espn game vs St Anthony’s in JC and got to see him up close. He has all the talent in the world, but he lacks the heart as well as team leadership. Once St Ants made a run, he would just have a blank look on his face, not say anything to his teammates and just casually walk around trying to look “cool”. Can’t see his attitude getting any better once he gets a couple million in the bank.
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:03 am
Mike says:
Though many tenents could contribute to a solid definition of “the best career,” three things immediately jump to mind: titles, MVPs and endorsement money.
All the players on the list are capable of winning titles but I think Kevin Love will win the most due to his unselfish play and untangible contributions on the court. Lance however, is the only player I can see single-handedly carrying a squad to a chip. Jennings can do it with a good big man.
MVPs are going to be tough to snag with LBJ around for the next 10 yrs but again, I think Lance can get one. I’ve done minimal research on this, but I woould venture to say that his body type is more predispositioned to the popular stats like scoring, rebounds, steals and assists.So with big numbers, he’s more likely to get an MVP nod.
MVP nods will certainly bring endorsements (or vice versa) but I love the endorsement potential of Jennings. HIs unique style is very marketable and his flashy play will make him popular around the ccountry. However, the wholesome image that big $ companies love will almost certainly gravitate to Lance.
This is really a tough one to call and all the players are excellent. But Lance is the rare gem. He should have a sterling career.
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Chris Kazyas says:
Kevin Love.
Guards are almost always the most athletic players, but to have a “big” who can pass , pays attention to the game (i.e his outlet passes) and never gets intimidated is key for me. I have coached b-ball for 4 yrs and i’d trade 2 gifted guards for a “big” who is more than a shot blocker and dunker anyday.
He is a future McHale.
October 24th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
DZ says:
I want this DVD but I didn’t bother to answer the question since I don’t know. But you keep mentioning it in Smack, so I take it as an invitation. If you gave me the DVD I’d have a better chance of telling you — so I think I deserve to get one.
October 24th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
LazyChuck says:
I very well believe that Michael Beasley strictly out of that bunch of players will be in that #1 spot at the end of the season. I say ’strictly’ because his most legit competition for that spot aren’t even on the list. Players such as D. Rose, Anthony Randolph (he won’t get much PT though this yr) aren’t on the list. Please don’t forget about ‘the Spanish dude that dunked on Dwight’ Mr. Fernandez will be gunning too… Anyways, back to the subject. Mr. 40 some odd tattoos will be very well equipped to be ROY this year due to factors such as his comfort level exhibited at pre-season. He was offensively flowing for a PF and does the dirty work in rebounding and banging. Could easily be a 20 and 10 guy given the Miami Heat situation. Great player, good location + opportunity is a good formula for the #1 spot my friends. I am out like the rest of the ppl on that list! peace
October 27th, 2008 at 2:49 am
Dave L says:
Michael Beasley is my favorite player. And I have no doubt he is going to have an amazing NBA career. Starting out in the NBA with D-Wade on your team? Come on now. If thats not a confidence booster and a push towards superstardom, i dont know what is. But the player i think will have the biggest impact is Brandon Jennings. See this guy is made for baketball. And he also has the will to keep going no matter what obstacles he has laying in his way. Dude didnt make the the cut for ACTs to get into Arizona. For some ballers that would be heartbreaking and would have an effect on them like none other. Especially being one of the most prolific point guard ever. Most would probably be too embarrassed to even keep trying. But not Brandon Jennings. Instead of hiding from everything, he picked himself up and kept doing what he loved to do. Its not always easy to keep going after a harsh blow like that. But players with real heart always find a way. You cant teach heart. All of the greatest players in the NBA have had the LOVE for the Game. The emotion. The passion. I believe Brandon Jennings will have the greatest career not only because of his superior court skills, but because he has something that cant be taught. He has Heart. He has the will to push through anything. Good luck Overseas BJ! Holla at ya boi! do ya thang!