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This year's draft was a case study in the false gospel of upside. In the past I've referred to GMs and scouts as worshipers at the altar of potential, and they did not disappoint in 2009. I said a few days before the draft that my philosophy is always to pick people who can play, and to leave the upside drafting to someone else. I've been advocating that for years, and unfortunately very few people seem to be listening. Every June we have mock draft after mock draft full of prospects who are described as having tremendous upside, unlimited potential, etc. but need to 'learn how to play'. And as I always do, I look at these projections and say 'what?' How can you stake millions of dollars and a two to five year guaranteed roster spot on a guy who 'needs to learn how to play the game' or 'needs to learn the nuances of his position' or needs to learn how to play a new position entirely? Well, even in a down economy that you'd think would limit risk taking, NBA GMs and scouts apparently don't consider it to be a bad idea.

#1 mistake Brandon Jennings made was being friends with Joe Budden. If you are going to be a NBA star you can definitely do better than Joe Budden as your "hip hop" buddy. Having Joe Budden as your Hip Hop sidekick just screams out you are destined to be the 9th man on an eight man rotation team.

#2 mistake and this is up for debate, but regardless if Jennings knew he was being taped or not you can't be recorded by a rapper who claim to fame is not his lyrics, but by putting his girl's ass on camera.

*Sidenote* I respect that hustle. Keep yourself in the spotlight anyway you can even if that means exploiting your girlfriend's booty.