[UC1000Participant]

When evaluating talent, many factors have to be considered and productivity in college is not as high on the list as most think. Sullinger is one example. He is very productive in college but his lack of size and special athleticism will limit him in the NBA to being a Elton Brand type figure imo. The three best talents I see having the size, skills, and athleticism for NBA stardom( or at least being an ALL-Star) are Terence Jones, Jordan Hamilton, and Derrick Williams. Does anyone really see Sullinger being better than those three on the next level? I’d say Kanter, Vesley ( I’ve seen him play in Europe a few times), Irving (small, average athlete, good IQ for the game), Perry Jones (good athlete but doesn’t play hard all the time), Sullinger (undersized PF and average athlete), Kemba Walker (good athlete, Very Nick Van Exel like), Kyle Singler (steady player) would be from 4-10. Can’t say much on the Lithuanian player because I have not seen him play yet. Tristan Thompson has size and good hands which makes him more of a factor than Leonard as well. The only difference in many players in the NBA is lack of athleticism. Brandon Roy at his best could not be at Dwayne Wade level. Evan Turner lack of that attribute will keep him as an average player. The John Wall, Westbrooks, Holidays, Lawson, and Roses of the world will be good players for a long time because they have that burst you need to be sound players for years. Andre Miller is an average athelte and has always been a average player even though he is cagey. 

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

Elton Brand was a good player for many years until injuries sidetracked his career. I do think Sullinger will have that kind of impact in the league and I also think he will be better than Hamilton, Williams and Terrence Jones on the next level.

IMO only Kyrie Irving and maybe Enes Kanter will be better than Sullinger in the NBA.

Although I am a big Terrence Jones fan as well, I feel that he needs to change that weird looking shot of his, establish himself as a true SF and improve on his ball handling (which appears to have been vastly overrated coming out of HS) and consistancy before he leapfrogs Sullinger as a prospect. Let’s not forget that while Sullinger isn’t very explosive or fast, neither is Jones.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Wow, he will only be good for multiple All-Star appearances and 20-10. That would totally suck for whatever team gets that guy. Even if Jared Sullinger is "limited to Elton Brand", THAT IS GOOD. I think some people expect way too much from these players. I saw someone yesterday say that you should be choosing every player in the first round like they will start on your team or fill a void. Well, beyond a certain pick number, the chances of that happening are slim. That is why it can be acceptable to draft on talent rather than need, to stack up on depth rather than reaching for someone who plays a certain position of need. I could easily see Sullinger being better than those guys, especially if he reaches the Elton Brand mark. All of those players you listed have major question marks concerning their productivity on the next level.

I agree that college production is not the only factor in judging prospects, but you have to judge it on a case by case basis. It is a difficult decision taking someone who might be better than another player is at that current time. Jordan Hamilton is putting up amazing numbers right now, but Sullinger still looks the more sure bet for being a good NBA player. Terrence Jones and Derrick Williams are both great athletes, but neither has the brute strength or post scoring ability of Sullinger. Their are a lot of angles you have to take, and you can not only judge on production, but saying that you think three players will be better than another player who appears better at the current time, you are taking a gamble as well. Also, if your floor or ceiling is "only Elton Brand", he was a first pick in the draft, won rookie of the year, and has the highest career scoring average and rebounding average of anyone in his draft class, all while shooting 50% from the field. Does this draft look better than 1999? Time will tell.

[Ghost01Participant]

I think all the reasons i believe Sullinger wont succeed in the NBA also apply to Terrence Jones. I like Hamilton’s game, but still, give me Irving, Barnes, and PJ before anyone else.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Sullinger wishes he can be as succsessful as the 100 Million Dollar Man, 17th highest paid player in the league, Elton Brand. Not the best comparison imo, but if he can be that successful im sure he will have no regrets. Irving is going to be the best player of the draft, undoubtedly I think.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Since noone actaully made a list Ill make one. Talent, thats what Im basing this on.

1-Irving

2-Sullinger

3-P. Jones

4-Williams

5-Fredette

6-T. Jones

7-Walker

8-Hamilton

9-Henson

10-Kanter

[OhCanada-Participant]

I would actaully throw Tobias Harris in there. He is an extremely unique and underrated prospect.

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