Yeah, I know, everyone wants to talk recruiting and football. Yet I keep coming back to Taft in the draft. Here’s why.
1) It absolutely fascinates me.
Usually there is a range where you can expect a player to be drafted. Even for Taft that has been true. It’s just that the range has been dropping steadily. I like keeping track to see how the various prognostications finally look compared to reality.
2) Then there’s the reason for Taft’s fall. Everyone is suddenly questioning his work ethic, like it was a revelation, while still conceding his huge potential. Yet at the same time, Charlie Villanueva is consistently listed in the teens, while having the similar work ethic and effort questions — and upside. One mock draft even used the term “airhead” to describe him. Now if you have a choice between similar players with questionable work habits and potential, wouldn’t you slightly favor the one who wasn’t also being questioned for where his head is?
3) Finally, there is the practical aspect. Pitt will have its first player drafted since Vonteego Cummings. Not simply drafted in the 1st round. Drafted, period. And before that? Mark Blount. Kind of spotty, and not exactly names of legend in the NBA.
Pitt needs more exposure of its players making the NBA if it wants to get the talent. That’s part of the selling point for the major programs. “Come here, we produce NBA players. We think you can be that good and can help you get there.”
Here’s the closest thing, I’ve read to something approaching positive towards Taft.
Falling fast are Pittsburgh’s Chris Taft and Alabama’s Kennedy Winston. Taft, a 6-foot-11 talent, was a likely lottery pick last season and didn’t improve. He brings to mind Cliff Robinson freefalling from the lottery to the 36th pick n the 1989 draft. And Robinson just finished his 15th very productive season in the NBA — the first eight in Portland — where he was a steal.
I guess there are worse comparisons. Taft, though, isn’t worried. Onto the remaining Mock Drafts. None have Taft falling out of the 1st round.
Another, Taft falls to the Heat at #29.
The Spurs pick with #28, but this is the first time I’ve seen them mentioned as a possible destination. That doesn’t seem to be a great fit there.
The Rockets at #24 make some more sense, and I think he would fit and thrive with their game and coaching.
Strangely, the idea of Taft going to Sacramento with the 23rd pick seems to be making a resurgence. Even Chad Ford at ESPN.com is back to that (Insider Subs.).
Just a few hours left.
