The chatter amongst NBA folks is that James wants to stay in the draft; and according to him, it may not require a first-round guarantee to make it happen. James said he would strongly consider something akin to what former Texas guard Daniel Gibson received last season, which was an assurance from Cleveland that he would not slip past its pick in the second round, and then a guaranteed two-year deal once he was selected in that spot. "I'm just looking for a guarantee, that's all," said James.Is it just me, or does it seem that DJ desperately wants to close the book on his college career? Of course, DJ doesn't want to become the next Chris "The Polka King" Thomas either. Regardless, good luck this week in Orlando, DJ.
Still, with MU's own Travis Diener and Steve Novak signing guaranteed multi-year contracts based on second round draft slots - - James' logic is sound. Somewhat risky, but sound. Consider that players like Carlos Boozer, Michael Redd and even Jim McIlvaine benefited greatly by being second round picks. As second rounders, these players became free agents more quickly where they each cashed-in big time rather than being locked up with a deal that would have paid them less than the average annual value of their second contracts.
(FWIW, Daniel Gibson signed a two-year guaranteed deal with the Cavs worth $412,748 in this season and $687,456 in 07-08.)
Doc Rivers was also a second round pick.
ReplyDeleteI think everybody is judging this situation incorrectly. If you ask me, if he returns to MU next year, his stock will continue to go down as his shooting is never going to improve. I think he's making the right choice to go for it right now.
Yeah, I'm tired of this act. Please leave DJ. You had a nice Freshman year and if you think you need to take it to the next level, then leave. He's typical of what the NBA has become...no one cares about winning, all they care about is the money. I don't think he is that good.
ReplyDeleteIt appears as though he is willing to settle to ride pine in the NBA for the 2 year guarantee and find himself out of a job.
ReplyDeleteWhile I would not mind making NBA cash for even two years, it appears that he is afraid to challenge himself to come back and prove he has the talent (insert shooting ability) to make it all the way to being an NBA regular with a longer career span.
I, for one, hope he stays. But that is for my benefit, not his. I happen to believe his shot will improve with another year at Marquette, but no one knows. If it does not, he may never get drafted. While I want him to stay, for OUR sake, I think he should go and take care of himself and his family. I am thankful he came to Marquette and will enjoy watching his team in the pros.
ReplyDeleteDon't like the NBA? I, for one, can't wait to watch an exciting finals featuring the Spurs and whichever eastern team with final scores like 79-76. It is the only sport that drops off from college to the pros. It has become an ugly, unwatchable game.
ReplyDeleteI guess I don't get it. Do Marquette fans feel slighted because the guy didn't get us a final four before leaving like D Wade or not play at Marquette four years like Diener or Novak? To say a guy will not improve his shot with correct coaching would tell me, why have a coach then? I believe DJ has been put under the microscope and criticized the most of any Marquette basketball this close to NBA level. DJ has a gift of creating his shot which few have. Especially considering his height. I am pretty excited about another Marquette player in the NBA.
ReplyDeleteTime out. Part of this criticism of DJ was brought on by himself by not telling people from day 1, "i'm not concerned about the NBA. I'm concerned about MU." You bring the microscope on you when you don't do that. It's not all his fault, but he doesn't get a free pass either.
ReplyDeleteI hope he does well. But if he does poorly in the camp and still stays in the draft, I won't have much sympathy for him.
If the one commentator who said he knows his shot's not getting better, so he's going for it now? Well, what NBA GM is going to take a guy that recognizes that? Wouldn't you rather take a guy that wants to work at getting better, versus taking the easy way out and hoping beyond hope that he strikes it rich w/a contract of some sort with absolutly no guarantees for later?
Gene -- no NBA GM is going to draft a "project" 5'9" guard. Ever. When you're that small, your game had better be fairly polished. DJ's is not and he's gotten horrible advice from all corners. Nobody can look him in the eye and tell them they gave him their honest assessment of his chances.
ReplyDeleteThe difference between Daniel Gibson and Dominic James is that Gibson is a consistant shooter. Always was in college and is proving to be one in the NBA too. To put it lightly, that is not James strength - if you can shoot, even if you can't move real well, there will always be a spot for you on an NBA roster.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that DJ is going the way of Aaron Hutchins, Tony Miller, etc. Good solid college PG's, but not quite good enough to make it at the next level.
ReplyDeleteI just hope he doesn't end up Marquette's Maurice Clarett.