Every game I tell my son to "watch Braden". Absurd basketball skill.
I wonder if he won't make more staying over going
He probably could.
He shouldn’t go unless he is guaranteed first round. He will make more money at Purdue next year than he would being a second rd draft pick
I had no idea Wolf was climbing the draft boards. He didn't have a great shooting night against Purdue
Jon Chepkevich
@JonChep
Really tough go for Wolf and the Wolverines tonight.Purdue jumped out to a double-digit lead before the first media timeout and never looked back, giving Michigan hell at every corner and never taking their foot off the gas.
Braden Smith continues to kick ass every time I see him. One of the best guards in America and, despite limited physical tools, is building a résumé that NBA scouts won’t be able to ignore.
I think this is where the whole NIL world is going.. I read/heard somewhere that "they" are talking about extending years of eligibility.. if so .. then the NBA basically will turn in to a retirement league.
I get that TKR could be poached, but I also think that he has a lot of reasons to stay including playing with an incredibly gifted passer at point guard. He is also playing for a coach who has recognized his talent for years and understands how to feature it.
Memphis Grizzlies have a 5'8" guard from Japan. I think Smith will get a shot at the NBA, but it's a long road for sure. He's quick, but does his speed translate to NBA speed? He is a playmaker and is in one of the top assists leaders in college basketball. He has a nose for the ball, can rebound, and doesn't back down from a challenge. He's a good, but not elite 3 point shooter. He will be making money playing professional basketball somewhere.
Maybe Memphis will grab him so he can play with Zach again
I've had similar thoughts. If Braden is so unathletic, why does he beat everybody to so many balls?
Speaking of Zach, dude tried to test him last night and then immediately back tracked when Zach was up for the challenge:Maybe Memphis will grab him so he can play with Zach again
I love that it took that guy running full speed in to Zach just to get him to move a step back... And then like you said ran like a little ho when Zachzilla went right back at him.
Yep, he’ll be in college next season. In the old days maybe he leaves, can’t see it now.
Yes, unfortunately I don’t see that happening, the NBA is a different game. Might as well make bank in college 1 more season. Hopefully, Purdue can pony up, he’ll likely have opportunities from others for a huge payday.
I would be surprised if he were guaranteed first round, as if the scout that loves him said "limited physical tools."
Oh I agree. And there are things he need to works bit more on in his offensive game (finishing around the rim in traffic and going more iso—he’s starting to do this more). His defense has definitely stepped up. IF he were to lead Purdue to the natty a la a Carsen Edwards run, then I could see him slipping into the last pick or 2 first round.
Actually a little more worried about this than NBA. If BYU is giving the number one high school recruit in the nation whatever it is they are paying him, how much might a top program offer someone who has already produced at the college level like Braden has? What if someone threw a 5 million dollar offer his way?
I don't think 5 million is enough to pry Smith away from Purdue. That's a lot of money, but Smith is in a VERY unique position at Purdue. He was under-recruited, and Painter took a chance on him. He's become a massive star, but I think he's a Boilermaker for life.
Maybe. I don't know what the numbers are or would have to be. I do think he values playing for Purdue. But with no sure path to millions in the NBA, I could see someone in his position also looking at it as potentially his last opportunity to make multi million dollars in a season and not wanting to let a couple extra million fall through my fingers either. Again, no clue what actual numbers are here, but I see the money from another program as a bigger threat than the NBA at this point.
If Smith can get paid $5M, I would be incredibly upset for him to leave Purdue, but that’s some life changing money and I would totally understand.
TKR said in the Journey that the portal is always thought about by everyone. But he said he didn’t really give it a long thought process and was coming back here (talking about this current year). The big 3 will be compensated accordingly. Don’t you worry BBG.
All these “big dudes” are used to being the biggest and able to push others around. Now Zach is bigger and stronger and they are trying to test him. Eubanks backed up real quick when Zach took steps toward him.Speaking of Zach, I see he goaded some dude into an ejection last night.
Edit: Found some backstory.
How 'enforcer' Zach Edey stood up for Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies: 'Is he bothering you?'
The Memphis Grizzlies have an enforcer in Zach Edey, and his teammates love it. Scotty Pippen Jr. said: "He's got everyone's back."www.commercialappeal.com
I dunno. Zach was a lot more unique of a player than Braden physically speaking.
If TKR wanted to leave I think he would've done it while waiting behind Edey. He did his time and now he's reaping the benefits of getting all of our post touches and a featured spot in pick and roll action with one of the best points guards in the country.
Don't watch the NBA but saw this on Twitter today and thought it was kind of funny. Apparently Morant will be covering any fine he might incur from it.
