So what if Brandon Jennings used the ‘N’ word. So what if Brandon Jennings dropped the ‘F-Bomb’. So what if Brandon Jennings thinks the Knicks should have taken him with their pick. So what if Brandon Jennings thinks he’s the best point guard in the draft. What does any of this have to do with basketball, or Jennings ability on the court?
The video embedded below of artist Joe Budden and the newest Milwaukee Buck Brandon Jennings has been spreading like wildfire among the basketball blogosphere. What does the video actually mean for Jennings? It means that he needs some lessons in public relations pronto, as he will be under the public spotlight more and more now that he’s entered the world of professional sports. It also means, he may want to be careful of which friends he trusts, as Joe Budden broadcasting their private conversation to the world clearly gives Budden some nice exposure. That exposure comes with a cost though to Brandon Jennings already tarnished image. Timing was just perfect though, huh Joe? NBA Draft just passing and all? Jennings already the topic of conversation as the draft pick who shows up late for his grand entrance….
What does the video NOT mean? It doesn’t mean Jennings isn’t the top point guard in the draft. It doesn’t mean Jennings wasn’t right that the Knicks should have drafted him, or that they have tough times ahead. The Knicks better hope the latest rumors of landing Jason Kidd are true, because they certainly missed a golden opportunity with Jennings. He may not be the most “NBA Ready” point guard in the draft. But in my personal opinion, Jennings is far and away the best point guard in the draft as a long term prospect. Once he develops his mid-range jumper and outside shooting stroke, he could revolutionize the way the position is played. He has all the substance in his passing game that a Jason Kidd or Steve Nash has, but all of the flash that a Jason Williams and a Sergio Rodriguez have. To be effective and entertaining is a deadly combination for an NBA franchise looking to improve, and having the biggest stage in New York at MSG, the Knicks really missed the boat.
Cut Jennings some slack on the video, he may be speaking the truth. But I guess only time will tell:
