IM not saying that Edey can't develop into a decent player. But can he become Smits? He was taken right after Ewing so its not like he was a project, he was well thought of.
Naturally we get "march madness" and this kid carried his team to the championship game.
Maybe he defies common sense like Brunson did? Maybe. These scouting reports and mock drafts are often more correct than not. There is no science that is perfect.
I see size and its advantages Vs. Clingan he was tested and size mattered. Clingan has an outside shot. Will it convert to NBA? What other moves does Edey have on offense and what about moving the ball?
Sometimes National player of the year goes lower in draft and has to prove themselves. Sometimes they go higher and still don't play to the draft position. If your using Brunson as the litmus test, consider Mr. Obi Toppin.
Past winners:
2023 Zach Edey Purdue
2022 Oscar Tshiebwe Kentucky
2021 Luka Garza Iowa
2020 Obi Toppin Dayton
2019 Zion Williamson Duke
2018 Jalen Brunson Villanova
2017 Frank Mason III Kansas
2016 Buddy Hield Oklahoma
2015 Frank Kaminsky III Wisconsin
2014 Doug McDermott Creighton
2013 Trey Burke Michigan
2012 Anthony Davis Kentucky
2011 Jimmer Fredette BYU
2010 Evan Turner Ohio State
2009 Blake Griffin Oklahoma
2008 Tyler Hansbrough North Carolina
2007 Kevin Durant Texas
2006 J.J. Redick Duke
2005 Andrew Bogut Utah
2004 Jameer Nelson Saint Joseph's
2003 T.J. Ford Texas
2002 Jay Williams Duke
2001 Shane Battier Duke
2000 Kenyon Martin Cincinnati
1999 Elton Brand Duke
Some of these guys turned out just fine as pro's. Some did not. Some really looked good in March madness and fans were enthralled by them. Thats what happens. How does Jimmer not translate to the NBA? Maybe he was before his time?
Some of these guys had careers cut by injuries, and some had pretty good careers. Dougie Buckets!!!!
I have read Boston perhaps takes him at the end of the 1st. Good teams can take guys like this and work with them for a few years. Bad teams need improvement sooner than later.
I posted video of smith and reminder of that nice mid range jumper he had. Perhaps today they extend it to the 3. Granted, Those are NBA highlights and Edgy career is still ahead of him. Smits was durable, avg. 26 min a game, 15 and 6 totals made just one all star game in the era when Giants ruled the paint. He played along two very big tough 4's who perhaps also carried the defense better than he did. Donnie Walsh constructed some really good teams in that era that contended but never broke thru in the Detroit, Knick, Cav's and Bulls era.