When looking over various reports and mock drafts for the most overrated NBA prospect, one name kept coming to mind–especially when relating what some are projecting to what I watched all season in college basketball.
There is no greater difference in my opinion to what is being projected as in the case of California freshman and former five-star recruit, Jaylen Brown.
While he’s currently a projected top-five pick, I still struggle to project him in any meaningful way towards the NBA. Here’s why:
Versatility or Mediocrity?
At times, we have a tendency to overlook the lack of skill that a guy like Brown may have in favor of calling them versatile. Just because someone is 6’7″ and can dribble while running, doesn’t mean they’re the next Iggy or otherwise. Brown doesn’t do anything on the basketball court at a high level other than finishing through contact, something he’ll have to beat NBA defenders towards the rim to have a chance at doing.
Grown Men vs. Growing Boys
While at Cal, Brown often looked more physically mature than some of the seniors he was competing against. That’s what the top freshmen in college basketball can do, dominate older but less gifted competition. In the NBA, Brown will be just another guy in terms of physicality–his athleticism will serve him well, but he’s not explosive by NBA standards.
Expectations Out of Control
When you’re a top-five pick, that comes with a level of scrutiny and pressure that even being a one-and-done CBB talent doesn’t equal. Will a franchise give him time to develop his skill set while paying him top-five money? Will he take advantage of that time, should it be given? These are the questions facing him.
