The AP is reporting that Leon Powe has hired an agent, solidifying his move from the Golden Bears to the NBA.
I think it’s a little early for him - too much raw talent still, not enough team play experience. But this potentially could seriousluy hurt Cal’s chances of returning to the NCAA Tournament next season.
Thoughts?
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Too early.
Comment by John — May 23, 2006 @ 4:02 pm
From what I’ve been reading on Sports sites, right now he’s at best an early second-rounder (ie, he won’t get any guaranteed money).
The problem is that he’s just too short. NBAdraft.net did a write-out on Powe’s workouts and said he looks cut like 50 cent and is in great shape, but he’s not speedy enough to be a small forward and he’s 6′7″.
His best hope I guess is to be like a Corliss Williamson style power player in a small body.
Having said all that, it makes sense he left. The team didn’t look like it was gonna be a powerhouse or anything next year, so it’s not clear how waiting another year putting up huge numbers would’ve helped. Though I guess it would’ve demonstrated more fully that his knees are okay.
Comment by Simon — May 23, 2006 @ 4:06 pm
sad for Cal, but it’s probably the right decision. his biggest shortcoming is his height, and he’s not going to grow any taller next year. plus this year is the ‘weak’ draft without any high school kids, so it’s probably in his advantage to go now.
Comment by crayon — May 23, 2006 @ 4:19 pm
No way Powe is leaving too early. This year’s draft is weak, partly because of the new NBA age limit having gone into effect this year. If Leon can’t get picked this year, there’s no way it’s going to happen next year.
Comment by h — May 24, 2006 @ 11:27 am
Powe is leaving too early. He’s not going to have much of an NBA career without further honing his skills. We are royally screwed. We’ll be lucky to finish 6th in the Pac. No tourney.
However, Powe WILL BE A FIRST ROUND PICK. Probably mid to late 1st round. Powe has maintained that he would not hire an agent until he was sure the NBA teams would pick him in the first round. Apparently, his performance at the camp has ensured this. Additionally, the scouts are now comfortable enough with the strength of his knees for it not to be a factor.
If he had stayed one more year, Cal might have been pretty solid–top 3 in the Pac. We would have seen tournament action for sure and Powe would have had much more national spotlight. Assuming that he stayed healthy, his contract would have been at least triple what he’s likely to get by leaving now. But he’s not willing to gamble. He has worked hard to get this far and cannot pass up a sure opportunity.
Future predictions? Powe just doesn’t have the body or athleticism to turn any heads in the NBA. He’s going to need to finish up that Berkeley degree once his contract is up!
Comment by J — May 30, 2006 @ 3:54 pm
I don’t think your post makes any sense. NBA teams make draft picks based on potential and upside, not college performance. That’s why high school kids and one year college players go in the first round every year. If you are correct that he doesn’t have the body or athleticism to be an NBA star, than another year putting up 25 points against Pac10 teams is not going to triple his contract. It’s not going to have any affect on his draft position.
Comment by brigadier anonymous — May 30, 2006 @ 5:00 pm