Off-topic Tuesday: Draft time

Which is off-topic only if Drew Neitzel goes undrafted Thursday night. And it sounds like, after his workouts, there's a slim chance someone might scoop him up in the mid- to late-second range.

    The question for players in that situation always is: Would it be better for them to go undrafted and pick a spot? Alan Anderson thought so when he surprisingly slipped through both rounds in 2005. He ended up deciding on Charlotte and carving a niche for himself there, albeit for a short period of time.
    It'll be interesting to see what happens with Neitzel. It'll also be interesting to see what happens at the top. If I'm Chicago, I take Derrick Rose and never look back. It doesn't matter that he's a local kid. What matters is that he could be a great player and leader in the NBA. Beasley? More questions.
    At Detroit's No. 29, I'd think the Pistons would grab the best big body available, even though ESPN is projecting Kansas State small forward Bill Walker. If J.J. Hickson happens to still be around, he'd be an easy choice. I really think Joe Dumars should consider D.J. White there, too. He can be a nice big off the bench right away.
    Back on topic: Look for a resolution in the LSU-David Grewe situation some time on Wednesday.

Comments

[JMoist]

Drew needs to play in Europe to work on his defense if he wants to play in the NBA. More questions with Beasley? The guy is the best player to come out of college as an impact player in quite some time... never underestimate the power of having a double double guy with range on your squad in the Association.

[B Knapp]

I like DJ White as a pick. He fits the Pistons draft mold of hard worker, smart player, and enough talent to still get better.

Bill Walker is another good pick. I think in Beasley's shadow, he's overlooked. He has a knee issue - but a huge upside if his knees heal fine. And we all know the Pistons' trainers track record with injuries.

The number one pick will go to Rose. He's a good kid and a hard worker. Obviously his talent, athleticism, and bball IQ are keys too. And it never hurts to bring in the hometown guy.

Beasley will be a solid player. He reminds me a lot of Derrick Coleman, good or bad.

The rumor tonight (Tuesday) is that the Heat will select OJ Mayo, though I think the team is just putting out an empty lure to see if anyone bites. They'll take Beasley, though the Miami nightclub scene could be his demise.

[ryan]

Rose has been overhyped again and again. Beasley, IMO will score at will and eventually be a 20+ ppg scorer. He's not 6'10 though, just 6'8 according to draftexpress and the measurements from orlando.

Pistons need to seriously look at Jason Thompson from Rider. He's an all around stud on offense, though he might be too much like Sheed in that he's too finesse at times.

bill walker just hurt his knee again... he could fall way down.

Good luck to drew!
http://www.collegefastbreak.com/nba-draft-garbage-where-westbrook-goes-top-5-happens/

[db]

Hey Joe,

I know this is off topic but I just moved back to the Lansing area after 7 years out of state. I would love to go see some of our hoops players in the Lansing Summer Pro Am league. Any info on who's playing and when the games are? Is the new guard from Wisconsin hurt?

Neitzel will play in Europe and end up on a bench coaching somewhere.

db

[dmbtierney]

If he's still available, I would think the Pistons would seriously consider Kosta Koufos. He's got the size they need, plus he appears to be constantly improving. Let's face it, Antonio and Rasheed are getting long in the tooth, and the team really needs to address the big man situation right now. I hope Koufos doesn't turn into another Darko, but at some point you have to take a chance. Look at Kaman with the Clippers--no one expected him to turn out like he did.

[Joe Rexrode]

To db, yes, many MSU players are in the summer league, but they often have conflicts so it's hit and miss as far as who will show up for games. The Wisconsin guard, Korie Lucious, had a minor shoulder repair this summer and is still recovering, as we reported last week in a story on Delvon Roe. He should be able to go soon.

[woodman]

It is laughable to think that Rose will be even close to the NBA player that Beasley will be. He will have to be double teamed in the NBA. Not many NBA bigs will have the strength to check him. On top of that, he is versatile.......

[BeantownSparty]

Hey Joe,

Any info on this latest committment, an OL from Lansing Sexton??
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080625/SPORTS07/80625070/1055

Thanks!

[spartandog]

Since you mentioned Alan Anderson, I find it shocking he has not made an NBA team. I saw him play in a D League game and he was dominant. He even made the D League all star team. If he was given a chance on a team I don't see how he would not thrive. Last I heard he was playing in Italy.

No question Beasley is the better choice at number one. He is far better than Rose in my opinion.

[Joshua]

I think Drew will be fine in the NBA if he is given a chance. I don't think he needs to play in Europe to work on defense, Europe players are not known for that. Besides there are only a handful of guards in the NBA who plays D anyhow.

[billy]

nba is a joke, the rules are bent for the popular players(Bryant, James...)

[Chris]

Well, as I said before, if Coach Grewe wants to go to LSU, a level 3 university, more power to him. Currently the baseball program at LSU is on scolarship reduction by the NCAA for a low APR of 908.

[Joe Rexrode]

Hey BeantownSparty, we had a story on Reynolds in the newspaper and on our Web site Tuesday. It was originally in general sports rather than MSU sports, but you should be able to find it now. Thanks.