Well, the NBA Draft is upon us and it appears that only one MSU player, Goran Suton, has a chance to be drafted. The Detroit Free Press has reported that he has recently worked out for 11 NBA teams.
Goran was never invited to any of the "official" camps or the Portsmouth Tournament for potential draftees, but he has been told that his regular season and NCAA Tournament efforts have attracted the attention of a number of NBA GM's.
I personally believe that Goran's career at MSU has really prepared him for a chance in the NBA. Tom Izzo's reputation as a coach is well-known among NBA coaches, and most players coming out of MSU are fundamentally sound and intelligent. The talent may not always be there, but the players themselves always give a good account of themselves. Even if they don't make an NBA roster, many have gone on to very lucrative careers playing overseas.
Sometimes, not getting drafted is better because it then allows a player to strike a deal with any team where he feels he can fit in. If drafted, a player is stuck with only one team, and if you are a second-round choice, there are no financial guarantees. This is what Alan Anderson did a few years back.
So, Spartan fans, what do you think about Goran? Will he get drafted at all, sign with a team after the draft or end up overseas? Also, Paul Davis is looking to sign a free agent contract with some team this summer. What are his chances of coming back home and signing with the Piston's now that he is healthy again?
There is no way the Pistons sign Paul Davis. His game hasn't developed enough to warrant a deal. Suton would be a nice fit with a lot of teams but don't expect to hear his name called on Thursday night.
Posted by: JMoist | June 23, 2009 at 04:49 PM
I expect Suton to be a early to mid second round pick. Between what he did in the tourney and how he has impressed with workouts, I think someone will want him as a solid practice player with the possibility to contribute later.
Everyone seems to agree that it is a weak draft. That should help him.
Posted by: Fresh | June 23, 2009 at 08:16 PM
Since I follow Yao Ming in NBA, I see Suton's game to be quite similar to Luis Scola of Huston Rockets. They have the about same height and neither can jump. Both are smart players who can shoot and play decent defense. Both are good rebounders below the rim.
At this point, Suton's low post game is not nearly as good as Scola's. However, Suton is still developing and may get there. The real difference between the two is competitiveness. Scola is a fierce competitor and tireless worker, while Suton needs someone like Izzo to push him.
Scola was a 2nd round draft and played in Europe for a long time before joining NBA two seasons ago. If the unathletic Scola can shine as a starting power forward on a playoff team, Suton can certainly develop into a rotational player under a right coach.
Suton's development is one of the finest coaching works Izzo has done. He is getting better every year. Hope he get a chance with an NBA team.
Posted by: ChicagoZeke | June 23, 2009 at 11:57 PM
I hope Davis gets an opportunity with somebody. His career with the Clippers can only be described as bad luck. After a decent rookie year, Davis was earning regular back-up minutes in the Clippers rotation and then tore up his knee. Last season injuries cost him as well, as did the Clippers trading for Zach Randolph. Davis was a lot better player at MSU then many people give him credit for.
Posted by: Mark | June 24, 2009 at 12:53 AM
I think Suton will be drafted in the 2nd round. He is a great rebounder and solid defender, but what will attract teams the most is his scoring touch from all over the court. He is the perfect guy to bring in as a backup PF in the NBA because he can rebound and score, and just having a PF that draws defensive attention is a big advantage in the NBA. He is like a shorter version of Ilgauskus, because he lacks athleticism, but makes up for it with his strong fundamentals.
Posted by: Aaron B. | June 24, 2009 at 12:55 AM
I wish Suton all the best and hope he makes it on an NBA team. Suton is an intelligent and good natured guy, so i'm sure he'll successful in life either way.
I also think its a testiment to Izzo's coaching abilities that he brought the Spartans all the way to the final game, and there's not one guaranteed NBA player on the team.
Posted by: Spartan_Legacy | June 24, 2009 at 12:40 PM
As someone who bleeds Celtic and Spartan green, I'm watching Suton with interest. He's a tall, heady player who tends to stay on the perimeter. I think some might see him as a possible Hedo Turkoglu-style player and that can't hurt Suton's draft chances.
Posted by: Long distance Spartan fan | June 24, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Tanner and Gorman best buds baby !!!
Posted by: Tanfan | June 24, 2009 at 11:21 PM
Tanner on fire baby !!!
Posted by: Tanfan | June 24, 2009 at 11:24 PM
I haven’t seen a mock draft that has G’s name on it. I applaud him for his development after being the third scorer at Everett after D Nelson and Clyde. The Scolia comparison is probably the closet. Hedo shoots the ball off the dribble to well to have comparisons made to Suton. Suton can make a NBA squad however I see it 2-3 years down the road after playing in Europe.
Posted by: eman groove | June 25, 2009 at 06:24 AM
G was the Big Ten's leading rebounder. Not too shabby. I haven't seen anyone talking about his passing ability and his hands which I think are both well above average.
Posted by: drmuffin | June 25, 2009 at 11:12 AM
how about a comparison to Mehmet Okur? I don't think he shoots it quite as good as Okur, but could be a better rebounder and passer- maybe a cross between Brad Miller and Okur
Posted by: DenverSpartan | June 25, 2009 at 11:20 AM
why not a comparison to Bill Laimbeer? He can shoot the 3, play defense (just ask Taj Gibson)and rebound, all while having a vertical leap of about two inches.
Posted by: msu 76 | June 28, 2009 at 11:01 PM