Every single season when it comes time for the annual NBA Draft, one or two prospects drop, sometimes inexplicably, to late in the 1st Round or early into the 2nd Round. Reasons range from a perceived bad attitude, poor practice habits, or because NBA doctors discovered a previously undisclosed medical issue that may limit how long a player can compete on a high level in the Association.
In past years, players like John Wallace at Syracuse, DeJuan Blair of Pitt, and even former #1 rated HS player Brandon Jennings fell all the way to the #10 pick in 2009 after venturing to Europe to play rather than compete in the NCAA. While all of those players have had some sort of success on the NBA level, most teams get it right when it comes to possible reasons for why a player isn’t taken as high as originally expected.
This season, red flags went up for two elite level sophomores Jared Sullinger and Perry Jones III, who slid on draft day because of medical issues or concerns. While Sullinger was never truly ever considered a future superstar, his slide to the #21 selection by Boston because of a bulging disc issue may be a blessing in disguise since the expectations aren’t as high and he is a perfect fit as a doppelganger replacement for former Celtic favorite Glen “Big Baby” Davis off the bench. Early on the returns already look good as Jared totaled 20 points and 6 boards in his first Summer League game.
But arguably the most enigmatic player in the 2012 NBA Draft pool was Baylor’s Perry Jones III. Although still wiry thin, Jones was predicted as being the 2nd coming of former NBA superstar Tracy McGrady as early as high school because of his above average ball-handling and scoring prowess from the perimeter, even though he stands an impressive 6’11. Many still predicted big things as a future NBA player in waiting for the former Top 5 rated HS player despite putting up just average numbers in 2 seasons, being forced to play mostly within the painted area.
One look at his Baylor highlight video and it’s clear that there has rarely been an NBA prospect with the combination of size, athletic ability, and perimeter scoring that Jones possesses. But despite having Top 5 talent, reports citing a perceived passive demeanor, lack of drive and desire, and a late report by NBA Combine doctors that he had a potential knee issue, Jones fell all the way to #28 and the OKC Thunder. Like they need another 6’11 player with elite perimeter skills, right? Ha.
To his credit, Jones didn’t fight the slide and relished the chance to earn some playing time for one of the NBA’s best and rising squads, even putting in an impressive 16 points and 8 rebounds in his first Summer League game. But, then he subsequently went down with an unfortunate ankle injury in his 2nd game on Tuesday, potentially ending his Summer season almost as quickly as it began.
Now, in the days and weeks following the 2012 Draft, details finally emerge as to the seriousness of a knee condition Jones had that prompted his career altering slide. Acclaimed Sports Illustrated NCAA and NBA columnist, Seth Davis, recently got the scoop from NBA team doctors that felt that his condition would limit his playing career to a relatively short 3-4 years.
Check out Seth’s Tweet:
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen has also provided content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, Cleveland.com, CSN Philly.com, Buckets Magazine, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
