Ron Baker, NBA Prospect

[Dan]

I don't watch a lot of NBA games, but I was watching the Houston Rockets game last night and realized we have 3 shooting guards 6'4" and under. I don't understand why everyone says Ron has to be a point guard in the NBA. For Toure Murry, he isn't a good enough shooter to play the 2 in the NBA, but Ron is and he's a much better shooter than Toure was at WSU. Jason Terry, at only 6'2" has been the league for a long time. The other Rocket that sees time, Troy Daniels, played at VCU and is 6'4". He's a 3 point shooting specialist and a pretty good player. I think Ron is just as good as this guy and see no reason why Ron can't excel at the 2 guard in the NBA.

[ArtVandalay]

Jason Terry was a PG for much of his playing career and is one of those scrawny quick guards who also shoots very well from 3 point land. I think Ron will be fine in the NBA. Speed is always something that you can't teach and can't really acquire. To me, speed (and more acceleration than speed) is really what would hold Ron back in my view over height. I am still, however, in the mindset that he will leave WSU after this year for the NBA. Heard a lot around draft time last year about Cle being "too old" and that he already "peaked" as a player and wouldn't have as much development left. Can't see Ron sticking around for a 5th year and having to listen to even more of that.

[SHOXAAC]

Being drafted in the NBA is a slippery slope. Remember Cle was "projected" as a mid-late first rounder. We all know how that worked out. He has no guaranteed contract. Unless Baker gets a notarized promise from Adam Silver that he is a sure fire mid-first rounder at worst, he's back next year.

[wsushox1]

Being drafted in the NBA is a slippery slope. Remember Cle was "projected" as a mid-late first rounder. We all know how that worked out. He has no guaranteed contract. Unless Baker gets a notarized promise from Adam Silver that he is a sure fire mid-first rounder at worst, he's back next year.

Cle's contract is guaranteed.

[shocktheheart]

Cle's contract is guaranteed.

He may have a guaranteed contract now, but second round draft picks are not guaranteed a roster spot or contract.

[SHOXAAC]

Cle's contract is guaranteed.

What is the contractual difference between a 1st and 2nd round pick? Isn't a first rounder guaranteed a 2 year deal with the option of the team to pick up the 3rd? I didn't think a second rounder's contract was guarenteed.

[wufan]

What is the contractual difference between a 1st and 2nd round pick? Isn't a first rounder guaranteed a 2 year deal with the option of the team to pick up the 3rd? I didn't think a second rounder's contract was guarenteed.

If you sign as a first rounder, you are guaranteed money. As a second rounder they don't have to pay you squat, but can choose to guarantee you as part of the signing.

[WSUwatcher]

Yes, there are certain minimum requirements imposed on teams by the NBA under its agreement with the players, which is the source of the rules for first rounders. But teams are always free to exceed the minimums for their own reasons (e.g., giving a second-rounder a better deal than is required). They just don't usually do so.

[AZ Shocker]

So only 30 guys get a guaranteed pay check. Wow....them are some slim pickens.

[Dan]

So only 30 guys get a guaranteed pay check. Wow....them are some slim pickens.

Not even 30. A big chunk of late round first rounders are project foreigners that never make it over. This is the main reason a lot of late round legit talent, like Cle, slip into the 2nd.

[AZ Shocker]

Interesting point Dan. Tough league to get into no doubt. Thank goodness the international game pays well. It would suck to have a really great overall game (skill) as player and KNOW you could play professional but not get drafted by the NBA. Nice that a kid can go make a living abroad using their God-given talent. I do think Ron will get drafted 1st round and be on a NBA team fer sure. I even think Fred has a terrific opportunity to find a home. If Fred does not get that NBA chance...he could and would go play for 5-7 years somewhere across the pond and retire from the "players" game fairly comfortably. I also think that we will see him someday on the sidelines learning from Marshall. At least I sure hope so!!!

[wsushox1]

He may have a guaranteed contract now, but second round draft picks are not guaranteed a roster spot or contract.

Yea I know. But part of Cle's contract was guaranteed.

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

Yea I know. But part of Cle's contract was guaranteed.

The contract Cle signed included guaranteed money. He was not, however, guaranteed money when he was selected in the 2nd round.

[Dave Stalwart]

I really hope we get Baker back. If I'm thinking about him and his career, I want him to get out there and be successful, but if I'm thinking about Shocker Global Domination and a run at a title, I want him back.

We need a ltitle more than just him and Fred as seniors, though. If we could maybe land a top 40 transfer guard to jump into the mix and provide depth, that would help. And if we could recruit/develop some really talented forwards... Wait...

:)

[wsushox1]

The contract Cle signed included guaranteed money. He was not, however, guaranteed money when he was selected in the 2nd round.

That's what I said.