NBA: Playing The ‘Just Imagine Game’ With 10 Alternative Scenarios – Part 1

Apr 7, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski (right) and guard Quinn Cook share a laugh during a welcome home ceremony at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

6. Just imagine…if Duke University players actually lived up to the hype

A:  For every Elton Brand or Carlos Boozer there is a Daniel Ewing, Jay Williams or Bobby Hurley. We know Coach K is a master at the college level, but when some of his players get drafted the light goes out on their game.

There were plenty of Duke players that made it to the NBA. Some of those players had pretty decent NBA careers, while the majority of them never really reached the level of success they had while playing college ball. Christian Laettner was a “God” in college.

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He was unstoppable with a nice back-to-the-basket game and a decent mid-range jump shot. He started out in the NBA with good numbers, but injuries forced him to become a shell of himself. Grant Hill was the one who was going to lead the NBA in a new direction as the “next Jordan,” but he couldn’t shake the injury bug as well. He still went on to have a solid pro career, but he didn’t get to truly breakout like everyone thought he would.

Chris Duhon was another big man on campus at Duke, but once he entered the NBA, it was quite clear his career would be defined by the splinters he collected on the bench.

Jay Williams was an artist with the basketball while at Duke and was viewed as a can’t- miss superstar once he entered the league. Unfortunately, a motorcycle accident ended his career before it had a chance to take off. A few exceptions – Carlos Boozer and Elton Brand have had success in the NBA over their long careers.

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I still, for the life of me, don’t know why people thought Bob Hurley would have success in the NBA. Danny Ferry has been a bust in every role he has been in since joining the NBA. Corey Maggette was instant offense off the bench for his career. Shane Battier managed to carve out a long career in the league. The main stars of that program will give you one or two good years, then some freak injury or lack of production would either take them out the league or reserve them to bench duties.

The new wave of Duke Players are showing great potential. Kyrie Irving is one of the best players in the league. The Plumlee brothers are solid contributors for their respective teams. Gerald Henderson finally showed promise in Charlotte. J.J. Redick is a vital part of the Clippers. Luol Deng has been solid throughout his career as well.

Maybe it’s a good thing that Kobe skipped Duke and went straight to the NBA. Now, we get to see where Jahlil Okafor stands in this group.

Stay tuned for Part 2…

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