This is ridiculous... I hear the same thing from NBA GM's every year, and its just

[Danell S]

silly. Why? I swear, this single most overused term in amateur sports drafts is "upside." Teams are willing to pass on a player because he doesnt have the "upside" that projects him to be a superstar player at the pro level. And they are more prone to taking a risk on a player who has this "upside," over a more proven player. I know BBall inside out, have played all my life and am a student of the game. I truly believe if a player can help my team win now AND down the road, is a proven player, I dont care about his "upside." Not everybody is a star in the NBA, but if I have a chance at a guy who can make my team a winner (a big man who can get me 15 - 10, and guard his position; a guard who can score, defend, and get others easy buckets) I take that player. what do you guys think? "Upside," or proven player who will help you win now?

 

[BasketballFan88]

Definitely upside. Teams who are drafting high are rebuilding for the future. You get a proven player if that player is the missing piece to a championship. But you have to take a chance on players with potential in the future. GM's jobs are on the line if they miss on a potential great all star player they might be fired. And most proven players are great and thats why you see teams like the Spurs and Pistons do well in the draft because they take those players who then become good role players like Maxiell for the Pistons. But I agree that's why not all teams are good the people making decisions don't make good decisions. That's why so many teams always stink every year.