I happen to believe most return next to form the basis of an outstanding team. And I’m clearly aware there isn’t a Wall, AD etc on this team by watching them play. Lol
I agree. Now players can surprise us, and make unwise choices. But:
- Vanderbilt is not a first round pick, he can't shoot from more than arm's length from the basket, I would fire a GM that spent a 1st round pick on him this year
- Washington has not been projected as a 1st round pick all season, and honestly isn't even a 2nd round pick right now because of both his performance and that he is an undersized PF
- Richards, while I think he has the most long term potential and maybe even for next year, he probably is at best a early 2nd round pick right now (only because of his size & athletcism)
- Green is simply too short, unless he is able to perform as an elite player, which he has not, to ever leave early
- SKJ is a nice complementary piece, but he is probably a 4 year player, but I think he could be a pro someday
- Gabriel has progressed from last year, but is still not a first round pick, and is a questionable 2nd round pick. Although I think some believe he may go anyway for financial reasons knowing he would play in the D/G-league or overseas.
- Diallo we all believe really wants to go. But he's done nothing this season to improve his stock, mainly to show he can shoot, in fact if anything he has probably lowered his stock. But he I think is still likely to go, but it's not a sure thing any longer.
- Knox is the surest 1st round pick right now. Projected in the teens. But he isn't progressing, and I think could drop into the low-20's. He doesn't have that burst of quickness the NBA wants from a SF. If projected in the low 20's, I could see him returning to try & get a significantly bigger initial contract of a top 5-10 pick.
- SGA could be the most interesting choice. Before the season nobody saw him as a potential OAD. But he has been our most consistent player. Still he's not a true PG, doesn't pass enough to be a pass first PG, nor score enough to be a scoring PG. He's good at a lot of things, but not great at anything. His height/length is one of his biggest assets/advantages, but in the NBA he wouldn't be bigger than most PGs like he is now. If still projected in the 1st Cal might advise him to leave, because I'm not sure he will have higher stock later if he were to return.