Randolph, an NBA prospect out of LSU, is almost assured of being picked somewhere in the first round of tomorrow’s draft. And, according to ESPN.com stats guru John Hollinger, he has the biggest potential to be an NBA flame-out of anyone in this year’s potential draft pool. Here, Hollinger writes:
Seen in many quarters as a high lottery pick, Randolph has virtually nothing in his statistical record to justify such a lofty selection. In particular, his woeful ball-handling numbers are a major red flag. Randolph had more turnovers than any prospect except Beasley and Thompson, but those two players had every play run through them; I’m still waiting to find out Randolph’s excuse. Additionally, his 49.9 true shooting percentage is alarmingly bad for a guy who is supposed to dominate athletically. He can block shots, and the fact his team was such a mess probably didn’t help his numbers any, but gambling on Randolph with a high first-round pick looks like the basketball equivalent of hitting on 19 in blackjack. Hey, maybe the dealer throws out a 2 and everyone thinks you’re a genius, but chances are you’re going to bust.
The Dallas Morning News, in its laudatory profile today, acknowledges the “bust” concern as well. All I know is, the guy has Tayshaun Prince-style wingspan. That’s got to count for something, right Wick?
