In Reply to: Hogwash. I wouldn't claim to know more than this writer posted by Cachorro on July 20, 2026 at 11:00:00
Still, I don't think it's fair for that to have been the expectation. He wasn't the No. 1 pick, or even a top-five selection. Early in the season, many mock drafts had him projected in the 30s. I think Oklahoma City made a smart decision drafting him and allowing him to develop at his own pace behind Hartenstein and Holmgren. They don't seem to be in any rush with him.
I agree with your point that he probably would have benefited from returning for another year, and I also think Cronin likely would have helped him continue to improve his game. But as you said, we'll never really know how things would have played out.