I think a lot of fans are getting down on Adam Morrisson WAAAAAY too early…a lot of people had issues with taking him at the #3 spot, and obviously he’s not worthy of that, nor was he coming out of college.  But these blanket statements of “He’s horrible!  He can offer nothing to an NBA team!” I think are a little bit premature. 

There are many players that come into the league after being good in college…and get smacked on their ass and flat out suck at first.  Sometimes these guys never make it, and are swept away in the “What have you done for me lately?” category, and are buried on benches in Europe or the CBA, never to be heard from again.  But there are plenty of others that take the opposite attitude, work their butts off, learn the NBA game, become more self aware of their own game, and do what they need to improve so they CAN be an effective player in the NBA.

Adam Morrison is certainly capable of being a productive scorer off the bench.  I’m willing to cough up his rookie year to a case of jitters and a big wake up call.  No one can judge his year two because he’s injured…I still think the jury’s out on him. 

Sean May: Agree with what the Recliners have said…love the guys talent, great inside game on the offensive end…unfortunately injuries have just killed this guy’s chances.  I’m rooting for him to put his talent into action, but after two major knee (I think it’s the knee?) injuries…that’s tough to come back from.

Jason Richardson: I think J-Rich is going to surprise a lot of people this year, and move up a few slots into the 6th or 7th best SG’s in the country.  This won’t happen right away…most scoring guards used to a free wheeling style don’t find success at first with LB.  But if you really look at last year’s box scores with this guy…first half of the season he was very mediocre and underachieving, in what I’d guess was him getting used to the new offense (and a seemingly inept coach).  But the second half of the year, Jason absolutely tore it up.  He had regular multiple 30 point games, games where he’d be hitting 4-6 threes, or just go on 10 point scoring bursts in one quarter.  Now that he’s had a year to get used to his teammates, I see him picking right up where he started.

Gerald Wallace: If he stays healthy…he’s a total Artest-lite.  Love this guys versatile talent…saying a lot because I HATED him coming out of Alabama early and on the Kings, but he has really, REALLY improved his game.  Able to be a lockdown defender, nice passer, very effective rebounder, plays a team game, his jumpshot has improved…I love this guy’s talent, and he and J-Rich form an interesting combo of talent…one a classic SG shooter/scorer, the other an Iguodala like versatile game.  Larry Brown is going to nut himself over this guy’s game.

Jared Dudley: Loved him in college…but thought he literally had no shot of sticking in the NBA.  After watching a few Charlotte games, he was a pleasant surprise, and I think he’ll become a solid rotation guy if they keep giving him time (a la Ryan Gomes).  Real worker that has the ability to take SF’s down on the blockand score, and tough as hell on defense and rebounding.  Really didn’t see it coming with him, but it looks like he’s found a good niche for himself. 

Nazr Mohammad: I’ve always thought this guy has been criminally underused and underrated.  Sometimes coaches don’t play guys for a good reason…other times it’s because a player is in the wrong place, for the wrong coach, in the wrong time with log jam situations.  Story of Nazr’s career, and he’s proved time and time again when he does get PT, he puts up very effective numbers.  I would imagine (hopefully there is SOME logic to the Augustin pick) that Nazr impressed them enough over the summer or at the end of last year to warrant them NOT picking the obvious B Lopez choice, and letting Nazr get 30 mpg in the middle. 

Dannie: I’m identical to you…I picked the Bobcats the last two years to make the playoffs or land in that 9th spot…they’ve dissapointed my twice due to injuries.  But they DO play hard, and if injury free, and with a great teaching coach, I think they have a good shot at finishing around 10th or so with 35-37 wins.

I’ve got them at 30-52.  Michael Jordan + Larry Brown = Worst Talent Evaluation combo in league history.

morrison sucks though. I saw him play twice in person. worst defender in the NBA and Carroll is a far better shooter and rebounder.

Hahahaha.

He isn’t anywhere near as good a “shooter” as Korver, not even close.  He was a scorer in college and that scoring ability doesn’t translate well to the NBA.  He would need to turn into a straight shooter to be successful in my opinion and I am not confident he can.  And what’s the point anyway if he did anyway that is what Matt Carroll excels at now.  No, they need Morrison to be a complete player at the small forward position off the bench and I just don’t think he is that good. Loved him in college though.