🏀 Avery Johnson updates Braxton Key's status

RTB X Bot

RTB X Bot

Member


Alabama freshman forward Braxton Key will declare for the 2017 NBA Draft, Alabama and head coach Avery Johnson announced Monday.

Key will not hire an agent, however, therefore maintaining his amateurism and will have until May 24 to decide whether to remain in the NBA Draft or return to the Crimson Tide for the 2017-18 season.

Key was named to the SEC All-Freshman team this past season after leading the Crimson Tide in scoring (12.0) and minutes (29.8) per game, while also topping the team in double-figure scoring games (20) and games scoring more than 20 points (3). In addition, he ranked second on the team in assists (2.5) and rebounding (5.7).

Key was even better in SEC play, ranking 17th in league games only with 14.0 points per game and 14th with 6.1 rebounds per contest.
 
Sgt. Lincoln Osiris said:
Yeah, he just doesn't strike me as a lottery pick, so not sure why he's testing the waters.

Don't get me wrong, hee one of the better freshmen we've had in quite some time, but he's just too inconsistent to be a first round lock.
Click to expand...

To be frank, he looks a lot more like a D-league player than someone ready to take on a grown man game. Just shows how the NBA is so much more in the minds of some of these basketball players than other sports. Of course, looking at NBA salaries, it's hard not to stare. :shock:
 
NBA allows these guys to enter the draft one year removed from high school. Look at the readiness to compete and be strong contributors of NFL vs NBA rookies. Percentage wise. To come out early, you have to sell yourself as one of the top 60 players in the college ranks (or non-NBA world ranks). I'll list the 10 draft picks from the 2016 NBA draft. Anyone heard of these guys after leaving college? Honestly, did you hear their name through the NBA season, other than about Simmons being hurt and maybe Buddy Hield (played 4 years of college ball) some for good play. I'll list there production below also. These guys come in for the easy quick money and are usually not ready for the level of competition and talent they are facing. Their game is just nor refined enough and mature enough. Wonder why... Heck, there's been a good number that leave early that don't get drafted, again as there are only 60 picks. It's just my view, but I don't like the rule. Of note, only 2 of the top 10 picks played more than 1 year of college ball (Hield and Dunn).

#1 Pick - Simmmons, did not play due to injury
#2 Pick - Brandon Ingram, avg. 9 pts, 4 rbs, 2 assts
#3 Pick - Jaylen Brown, avg. 6.6 pts, 2.8 rbs, .8 assts
#4 Pick - Dragan Bender, avg. 3 pts, 2 rbs, .5 assts
#5 Pick - Kris Dunn, avg. 4 pts, 2 rbs, 2 assts
#6 Pick - Buddy Hield, avg. 15 pts, 4 rbs, 2 assts
#7 Pick - Jamal Murray, avg. 10 pts, 2.5 rbs, 2 assts
#8 Pick - Marquese Chriss, avg, 9 pts, 4 rbs, 1 assts
#9 Pick - Jakob Poelti, Avg. 3 pts, 3 rbs, 0 assts
#10 Pick - Thon Maker - avg. 4 pts, 2 rbs, .5 assts

So these top 10 picks averaged 6.3 points per game, 2.2 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. I can't find good recent stats to determine the average of these three stats for a starter on an NBA team, but I'll bet you big money, it's well above 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. None of these guys were anywhere near all star talent. Look at the first round of the NFL draft from last year. There's more guys in that round that ended up starting for their teams than those who didn't. The first 18 guys are all solid starters for their team, with the #1 pick Goff, having the toughest year. Not even comparable which league brings in more ready talent.

Now, will someone push me off this soapbox, I'm getting old...
 
@Rolltide24 It's my view this is a lot like football players, specifically corners in this example. We see guys like Marlon getting drafted while people are saying he needs another year to develop. But, as we've seen, a lot of these CB drafts are about potential versus ability to contribute immediately.

With the NBA, I look at it the same way. They are looking at potential, not where they are right now in terms of development.
 
On a bit of a different note:

We know the NFL has established limits on how many kids can get draft grades while they are underclassmen. Do we know if the NBA has any kind of limit like that of the NFL? I doubt it, but am curious.

...wonder how many are "declaring" without an agent this season?
 
Levi Randolph played all of his four years and was a decent player drafted by Boston I believe. Does anyone know where he is now? How does Key's numbers stack up against Levi's? Does anyone have those numbers on handy?
 
footballer said:
Levi Randolph played all of his four years and was a decent player drafted by Boston I believe. Does anyone know where he is now?
Click to expand...

As I recall he wasn't drafted. I do remember reading about him in the summer leagues of the NBA (as recently as this past summer.) The last I read—again, if memory serves—he was headed to Italy to play.

footballer said:
How does Key's numbers stack up against Levi's? Does anyone have those numbers on handy?
Click to expand...

Braxton as a frosh ...

1.png

Levi as a frosh ....


2.png

IIRC, Levi was projected as a second rounders before his senior season.
 
Avery Johnson reacts to Braxton Key's NBA decision

The Monday news of Braxton Key's NBA decision wasn't surprising for Avery Johnson or his teammates.

The idea to leave early for the draft without hiring an agent was first addressed three weeks ago, Johnson said. It's a matter of getting workouts with pro teams as he sorts through the next crossroad: Stay in the draft or return for a sophomore season.

By all indications, being selected in the 60-pick draft isn't probable for the SE All-freshman team member.

"I advise kids to do whatever they think is in the best interest of their family," Johnson said after the team banquet Monday evening. "I think it would be very hypocritical for me to tell a kid to not declare for the draft or (say) 'you're making a bad decision.' Especially as somebody that's had a long history with the NBA. I think what I advise him to do is to get all of the facts and do all of the research and let's get feedback if you're going to get drafted ... The main thing for me is to be a resource."

Johnson won't hesitate to give his opinion.

"If they ask for my advice, then I'll give my advice," he said. "And that advice is going to remain private between me and the family."

Johnson said there's been no discussion about the possibility of playing overseas if the NBA draft doesn't work. As far as he knows, Key would be back on campus for the beginning of summer classes at the end of May if it doesn't work out with the NBA.

Key was not present for the team banquet Monday evening.

Teammate Riley Norris said he knew Key was exploring the possibilities of an NBA jump. He wants to talk with Key in the next day or two about what's going on.

Dazon Ingram said he got a chance to talk to Key on Monday.

"I wish him nothing but the best," Ingram said. "But it would be nice if he could come back next year."

Ingram said he spoke to Avery Johnson about any options he might have with the NBA, but decided against any further exploration of a jump.

Avery Johnson reacts to Braxton Key's NBA decision
 
TerryP said:
...wonder how many are "declaring" without an agent this season?
Click to expand...

I haven't looked to find the answer to this question. I did look back at last year just for references sake.

In 2016 there were a total of 162 players which included 117 NCAA players, that declared early for the 2016 NBA Draft. That number has now been reduced to almost half. 57 prospects have withdrawn their names from the Draft and are headed back to the NCAA. Expect to see more of this in the coming years when players find themselves not so favorable on draft boards. - Clutchpoints.com
​



​
 

Similar threads

It Takes Eleven
🏀 More Poison from Gambling - Over Seventeen College Teams Implicated
    • Like
Replies
6
Views
232
alabama mike
alabama mike
S
🏈 Fade Texas? Four College Football Playoff bets to consider - ESPN
Replies
5
Views
944
50+yeartidefan
50+yeartidefan
RTB X Bot
🏈 What we’re hearing ahead of college football Week 1: Ryan Grubb, Matt Campbell, Notre Dame-Miami
Replies
1
Views
2K
Bama Guy
Bama Guy
S
📡 The 2025 college football season was wilder than usual — here are 35 reasons why - The Athletic
Replies
4
Views
568
alabama mike
alabama mike
RTB X Bot
  • Article Article
🏈 “We’re not going to let it not be great.” — Kalen DeBoer With a deeper comfort level, and some brutal honesty throughout the program...
    • Like
    • Roll Tide!
Replies
1
Views
1K
Justneedme81
Justneedme81
Back
Top Bottom