Oscar Robertson (SG)

[Drew]

PROS: Oscar Robertson is one of those special players who comes around once and a while and has the chance to change the way the game is played.  At 6-5 Robertson isn't necessarily a giant at his position, but he utilizes his size very well on both ends of the floor.  He is a finisher first and foremost, with a dynamic scoring ability which extends well beyond the three point line.  Oscar is the type of player who can knock down the open jumper as well as create his own shot off the dribble. The threat which Robertson poses on offense from anywhere on the floor may very well lead to an increased adoption of the zone defense with few teams possessing a true top tier defense stopper necessary to play him man to man.  Robertson is also a gifted athlete, with great quickness and jumping abilities.  Stamina should is also a strength in Robertson's game.

CONS: Oscar Robertson's game requires the offense to be run through him in most situations.  The problem that arises from this is his mediocre ball handling and protection abilities.  Robertson could run into trouble when faced with an elite level defender, or even the trap defensive set.  In other words, it is likely that Robertson's high scoring output will come at the cost of a turnover or two.  Passing is also a weak point, which will only further encourage the use of the trap against him.  Questions have been raised about his rebounding ability, particularly on the offensive glass.  While guards are not often expected to rebound, ones with Robertson's level of athleticism are.

OVERALL:  A truly gifted player on both ends of the floor, Oscar Robertson is the definition of a franchise player.  His exciting play style is also likely to draw increased support for the franchise which finds themselves lucky enough to select the Big O.  The sky is the limit for Robertson, we are talking about a possible MVP caliber player here.

PROJECTION: Franchise Player

PICK: 1-2

[Detroit]

Player Description
Oscar Robertson is college basketball's finest player and will win the Naismith College Player of the Year award without any competition. Averaging 37.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 3.9 APG, he may have had college basketball's finest season of all-time. Possessing very good size (6-5, 215) and unbelievable athleticism (A- QKN, B STR, A- JMP, A STA), he's going to be a nightmare matchup from the day he enters the ABCA. However, what sets him apart from the rest of the pack (save Jerry West) is his ridiculous potential.

Player Strengths
In terms of what he brings to the table, the athleticism package is the first thing to stand out. Very few players in basketball history have had the physical gifts Robertson has been blessed with. Due to his quickness and stamina, he'll be able to cover PG's and SG's with ease. On the other hand, his Hulk-like strength will also allow him to switch onto SF's, effectively making him a position-less back-court player. In terms of skill-set, the first thing that stands out his shooting ability from 23+ feet out. In college, he shot 40% from the 3pt line and most came from NBA range. GMs worried about his shooting not transferring need only to look at his free-throw percentage (88%) to be reassured that regardless of if he becomes a superstar or not, he'll always provide quality shooting. He's a really good inside scorer who'll be able to contribute offensively even if his jump-shot isn't falling. Rebounding will not be an issue for Robertson; he'll be one of the best swingman rebounders the minute he enters the league. Lastly, based on his physical attributes and aggressive play, Robertson projects to become a lock-down defender. Failing to accomplish this will be a monumental failure on his part as someone with his gifts should truly have no problems becoming a two-way player.

Player Weaknesses
For a potential 3-position player, his ball-handling and passing leave a lot to be desired. Robertson doesn't have tunnel vision, but he isn't blessed with a natural feel from making his teammates better, instead preferring to try to do things himself. It would probably be best if the team drafting him has a PG in place to take over play-making duties until Robertson gets acclimated to the league

Player Review
There is almost no chance Roberston becomes a bust. In a draft featuring potentially 5 franchise players, he may very well be the one who rises to the top. In terms of what kind of player he projects to be, it would be foolish to assume he becomes anything less than a perennial all-star simply based on his athleticism. His peak will probably consist of MVP-quality play. A franchise player in every way, Robertson will have a long and illustrious career barring unforeseen circumstances.

Draft Projection
#1 or #2