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I remember people questioning Lawson's lateral quickness going into the draft, which is part of the reason he wasn't selected in the lottery (a mistake, in hindsight). People have to realize there is a big difference between measurable tests in a workout and in an actual game. There is quickness measured in drills and there is 'he can get to the rim' quickness. There is speed and there is 'he can grab a rebound and go coast-to-coast' speed. The same could be said for wide receivers in football who can get open regardless of their speed tests.

It's not a knock of JT or his great college achievements to question his potential in the association. I think he could possibly contribute in the right situation but probably not immediately. That's just my own opinion. He would have to hit the three at a high percentage, learn to defend really quick point guards, and improve his playmaking in a different offensive system. I hope he develops and can do those things.

While Boulder's clip was just a one play example of Lawson dunking, I don't think people realize how difficult it is for small guards to finish at the rim. One of JT's go-to moves was to jump stop a few feet from the hoop, shot fake, and shoot it as his defender is on his way down. I felt this was less effective his senior year after teams learned how to defend him. Again, I'm not saying he can't develop his game to use more runners and 'tear drops' but it's a very difficult feat.

One more thought about translating success from the Big Ten to the NBA, does anyone here watch Evan Turner play much for the 76ers? He's just one example of a guy who went from a Big Ten god to someone who struggles to score. I think it's fair to question the huge increase in competition and athleticism for players in the Big Ten. While it's among the best conferences, it's hard to find a big list of players who had smooth transitions to the pros in recent years. Eric Gordon was an elite recruit and is on a different level of ability than most others I can think of.

Last thing. Bobadger, you bring up some good points, especially on the risk/reward decision-making of teams bringing in veterans instead of young players to develop. I recommend you learn how to make such points without being a complete dick. That's the reason people don't like you here.