Re. Holiday: Let The Emotions Settle, Don't Jump To Conclusions

And yeah, I think we all kind of shifted into “Yeah, well, come back next year Nova and THEN WE’LL SEE WHAT’S UP!” mode right after the loss. In this economic enviornment, you have to leave open the possibility that Jrue could leave just to get his guaranteed early-second-round money and not take any risks. That’s definitely a possibility, and I’m pretty sure he’s at least going to put his name into the draft to gauge his position.

Still, I should point this out: Afflalo was the 2007 Pac-10 player of the year and easily our best player that season, and on all NBA mock draft sites was considered a top 15-25 pick in a loaded draft the entire season. Jrue isn’t even listed on any 2009 mock drafts, and he arguably wasn’t even one of the three best players on our team this last year (he was only our fifth-leading scorer). He has to know that with a full season of playing the point, his stock will skyrocket. In Afflalo’s case, I don’t know if staying in school for another year would have boosted his stock at all, considering that his role in the offense would likely take a hit with Love coming in.

Nestor, both you and I have posted that we felt that at times he was playing like someone who had limited desire to return. I think we have to admit that we underestimated Holiday’s character just because he doesn’t act fiery.

In that vein, I was very excited to see him say that. Clearly he could draft very high and make the decision to leave (the right personal decision because of the impending 2011 year), but he is definitely considering demonstrating more of his potential and increasing his draft next year as well. I think Jrue Holiday is a “cool” character, and so his leaning right after a loss is possibly more meaningful than AA (a more emotional character)’s leaning.

I have to assume Jrue is gone until the deadline passes without his name on the list. That being said, I would be surprised if his draft evaluation is positive enough for him to conclude that leaving now is in his best interest. I have been one of Jrue’s biggest supporters, but it’s unprecedented for a freshman who has average size, athleticism and quickness (by nba standards) to go to the nba without having shown some ability to dominate in college. Jrue, for all of the good things he has done, is far from dominant. He has not shown an adequate handle, finishing ability or outside shot for an nba point guard. He has not had the opportunity to show that he is a great point guard at the college level. It’s hard to imagine someone using a first round pick on those credentials.

I am shocked that JH goin to the draft is even being considered. Did anyone watch the games this year. He clearly has talent but was awful this season. Sure he could put up double digits on a weak D every once and a while but his basketball IQ still needs to improve, his D needs polishing, he turned the ball over far to much, and IS INCAPABLE OF FINISHING AROUND THE BASKET. How many layups did he miss in the 2 tourney games alone? Frankly, he should have lost his starting spot.Granted he may have been out of position at the 2 but then why would any NBA team want him before he has proven himself at the 1? Weak draft class and all I cant see how him going to the draft is beneficial for anyone!