Jordan and the NBA. For obvious reasons we are going to follow this story very closely for next few weeks. Here is the latest from the LA Times:
UCLA Coach Ben Howland says he will try to call every general manager in the NBA during the next week to gauge interest in his starting guards, sophomores Jordan Farmar and Arron Afflalo.
"If the feeling is they are top-20 picks, that is something they would have to consider," Howland said. "We always do what is in the best interests of our players. I will meet with them and their families next week [after his GM survey]. Ultimately, Jordan and Arron and their families will make the decision."
Although general managers can't comment publicly on underclassmen, one, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "Jordan Farmar is a bubble guy. He might go in the first round, and he might not. Arron Afflalo is a second-round pick.
"Right now, I think Farmar is more advanced than Afflalo. Farmar is a point guard and they are harder to come by. But he has to cut down on his turnovers and work on his shot. They both have a chance to be NBA players as long as they continue to develop, but, personally, I think they should both stay in school right now."
One person who I am hearing will be pushing Jordan to stay at UCLA for one more year is his Mom - Mindy Kolani. She wants him to come back for at least one more year and continue to develop under Howland."If the feeling is they are top-20 picks, that is something they would have to consider," Howland said. "We always do what is in the best interests of our players. I will meet with them and their families next week [after his GM survey]. Ultimately, Jordan and Arron and their families will make the decision."
Although general managers can't comment publicly on underclassmen, one, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "Jordan Farmar is a bubble guy. He might go in the first round, and he might not. Arron Afflalo is a second-round pick.
"Right now, I think Farmar is more advanced than Afflalo. Farmar is a point guard and they are harder to come by. But he has to cut down on his turnovers and work on his shot. They both have a chance to be NBA players as long as they continue to develop, but, personally, I think they should both stay in school right now."
Personally of course I want Jordan to stay. If he stays I think we are going to be a very strong contender to bring home banner no. 12. But if he leaves it may not be the big disaster as it may appear on the surface. Yes DC was erratic at times last year, but he has unlimited upside to his game, and if he can work on that weird sling shot of a jump shot he has under Howland, he will turn out to be one of the best. The only thing that worries me if Jordan leaves is that it will hurt our depth.
At least it is good to see Howland helping out so aggressively in this situation and making sure Jordan can make an informed decision. That's the key - Jordan needs to get informed opionions on his draft status. And Howland's reaching out to NBA officials will be huge. It is all gonna work out.
GO BRUINS.