The 2011 NBA Draft is about predicting which players will go to which teams. It is also about predicting which ones will even declare themselves eligible at this point.
Jared Sullinger of Ohio State said that he was going to return for his sophomore season with the Buckeyes. But he said immediately after Ohio State was upset in the 2011 NCAA Tournament by Kentucky. A lot can change, and Sullinger has plenty of time still to declare for the draft.
Sullinger is unquestionably a top three or four pick, and he could fit in perfectly with the Washington Wizards. Washington already has its backcourt of the future in John Wall and Nick Young, but Sullinger would fit in very well with the likes of Andray Blatche and JaVale Mcgee.
In just one season in college, Sullinger was able to dominate in the paint at Ohio State. He has a great post game and also plays solid defense. His game should translate very well into the NBA, and he may be the most ready freshman in the draft pool, provided he does in fact come out early.
Many underclassmen should return to school for another season. It would make them a better player, help them win a national championship and possibly avoid becoming another first round bust. But Sullinger is ready right now, and I'm not sure that returning to school for another season would help his draft stock at all.
Chad Ford of ESPN says of Sullinger that "Given that his biggest negatives are his lack of height and explosive athleticism, which won't be easy to improve, another year of college experience should only marginally help his draft stock next year. Look for him to be a potential top-five pick again in 2012."
Given the uncertain state of the NBA with rookie salary caps and lockouts and all, I truly believe that Sullinger would be better served coming out this season and entering the 2011 NBA Draft in June. Ford is right in saying that his status would not really change whether he comes out this season or next.
He has the size and abilities to dominate inside on both ends of the floor for many years to come. If he does declare early, the Wizards would have to consider themselves lucky and thrilled if Sullinger fell to them.
For more on the draft and some possible first round selections, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Cavaliers Featured Columnist Jesse Dorsey, who previews the NBA Draft 2011: Has Jimmer Fredette Worked His Way Into the Top 10?
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