The debate for the top pick ended shortly after it began. The second pick could have gone the same way, but Kentucky’s DeMarcus Cousins‘ talent and character have clashed, leaving him one of the biggest risks in the NBA Draft.
The word “head case” applies.
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“He’s not a bad kid, he’s just really immature,” said ESPN college basketball and draft analyst Jay Bilas. “If it were a talent thing, and nothing else, he’d be the second pick or maybe the first pick. I’d let someone else take on Cousins; I wouldn’t take him.”
Cousins, at 6-foot-11, 290 pounds, offers size in a league where big men still rule.
Philadelphia, picking second, has its eyes on shooting guard Evan Turner and Georgia Tech big man Derrick Favors. And the Wizards shouldn’t even consider Cousins for a second. Well, maybe for one, but that’s about it. John Wall, even with a rough upbringing, is not considered a risk.
Bilas and Fran Fraschilla, who were both on a conference call Monday, have worked with Cousins at the Nike Skills Academy.
“He will either get a GM fired or get him executive of the year,” Fraschilla said. “If he figures it out, he has a chance to be an All-Star. If he doesn’t, he has a chance to be Mel Turpin. He’ll be somewhere in-between. [Kentucky coach John Calipari] put a great face on him, but I know there were issues.”
Thing is, even Bilas admitted that once outside of the first four picks, Cousins should be considered because he’s that much better than the others. So he can’t be that big a risk, right? But if choosing between Favors and Cousins? Opt for the former. Bilas compares Cousins to Josh Smith, drafted 17th overall by Atlanta out of high school in 2004. Smith has overcome his maturity issues. Will Cousins?
“[Cousins] is not coachable right now and has not been,” Bilas said. “He needs a babysitter. If you’re willing to do that, that’s fine. He can be terrific … if he grows up and acts like a professional and treats his job the way the best pros do. The only person who can stop him from being great is him.”
