LaVine Needs to Grow Up

It’s been recently announced that the Minnesota Timberwolves have decided to sign the one of the rookies they selected in the 2014 NBA Draft, Zach LaVine.

 

Congratulations to the young man.

But part of me feels a certain sadness. I'm not a T-Wolves supporter, I admire a few of their players, but I couldn't be called a fan. I do feel sympathy, however, for fans of the franchise. In LaVine, they have signed a player with plenty of potential. He has an incredible vertical leap and has a nice jump shot that can make up for other guards (such as Ricky Rubio) that have less consistent shots. He could be a real prospect for the team.

Despite all of this, people are already calling him a bust from a draft class that was stacked with talent. Why? Because when we found out he was going to Minnesota, his initial reaction was to slam his head on the table. When he raised his head to face the music, he could clearly be seen to say “F**k me”. I mean, seriously? You’ve just been selected to play in the top league in the world and you’re not happy with it? And it’s not like the Timberwolves are a bad franchise to play for either. Yes, they are more than likely going to lose Kevin Love, but they still have good young talent in the form of Rubio and Chase Budinger. They may have missed out on the playoffs this year, but they still had a record of 40-42, which would’ve been enough to get them into the post-season if they were in the Eastern Conference. This is a team that could go places, and instead of thinking of the potential that’s there, LaVine instead chooses to act disrespectfully towards his new club.

Compare this attitude to that of Isaiah Austin. You may remember him as the center from Baylor University, who was told a few days before the draft that he couldn't play professional basketball. This was due to him being diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a severe condition that affects a person’s cells and body tissue. When he was ceremonially drafted on behalf of the NBA, tears were flowing from everyone, including Austin himself. He was humbled to even be allowed on the stage of the Barclays Centre to shake Commissioner Adam Silver’s hand, never mind to play in the NBA.

Just to clarify, this isn't a smear campaign against LaVine. I wish him all the best in his career, and I think he could make a big impact on a struggling T-Wolves team (if he can keep his temper under control).

I just wish that people would realise what they have

Wiggins Is #1 Pick of 2014

For the second year in a row, a Canadian has been selected as the number one pick in the NBA Draft. In 2013 it was Anthony Bennett who took the top spot, and this year shooting guard Andrew Wiggins had the honour of being number 1.

Even as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took to the stage in Brooklyn's Barclays Center, there was still discussion as to who would be the first pick. Duke's Jabari Parker and Kansas' Wiggins seemed to be favourites, whilst some pundits still backed Joel Embiid despite his recent injury problems.

After months of speculation, Silver put all rumours to rest. The Cleveland Cavaliers had selected the young man from Toronto, leaving the Milwaukee Bucks with forward Parker. Then, the Philadelphia 76ers took the stage with a big decision to make. Do they take the promising but injured Embiid or take a more conservative pick on a player without the injury concerns. When it came to it, they selected the centre from Duke to join their roster.

Andrew Wiggins became 2014's Number 1 Pick

Then came one of the biggest shocks of the evening. Much praise has been heaped on Melbourne born Dante Exum, with one NBA General Manager (who stayed anonymous) saying he could be the next Kobe Bryant. Despite these recommendations, the Orlando Magic decided to select Aaron Gordon, a power forward from Arizona, a move that didn't seem popular with fans. This allowed the Utah Jazz to take the Australian at number 5, which could be considered to be a steal.

Marcus Smart, the point guard from Oklahoma State was next, being drafted to the Boston Celtics, while Julius Randle went out west to Los Angeles, to join a Lakers franchise in desperate need of a bright new star. Nik Stauskas was the 2nd Canadian to be drafted on the night, joining the Sacramento Kings at number 8 and Noah Vonleh became the first ever pick for the newly named Charlotte Hornets. Unexpectedly rounding out the top 10 was Elfrid Payton who was drafted to the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he was immediately traded to the Orlando Magic. In return, the 76ers received the rights to Dario Saric, who will be playing in Europe for the next couple of years.

Other notable picks included sharpshooter Doug McDermott (number 11 by the Denver Nuggets, later traded to the Chicago Bulls), Canadian point guard Tyler Ennis (number 18 by the Phoenix Suns) and Connecticut point guard Shabazz Napier (number 24 by the Charlotte Hornets, moved to the Miami Heat). For a full list of draftees, see the end of the article.

The feel good story of the night was the one of Isaiah Austin. Formerly a center with Baylor, there were talks of him becoming a first round pick in the 2014 Draft. However, Austin was recently diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, thus ending his dreams of ever playing professionally. Then, between the 15th and 16th picks, Adam Silver called Austin to the stage and picked him as a ceremonial member of the NBA. Austin received a standing ovation from the crowd, and a draft night experience he never thought he would have.

Adam Silver (left) and Isaiah Austin (right) provided one of the most emotional NBA moments of all time

For a full list of draftees, visit - http://www.nba.com/draft/2014/draftboard.html
To watch Isaiah Austin's emotional induction, visit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuKKhMls0bs