Wiz Second-Round Pick: Disappointed
Finally read a sort of depressing pre-draft Q&A with Wiz second-round draft pick Dominic McGuire, the kid from Fresno State. Among his thoughts, given to the Fresno Bee:
"I'm getting great feedback right now and I'm confident that when the draft comes, I will be a first-round draft pick."
"I think unless you're actually working with an NBA team, you don't really know what's going on in the inside. Trust me, I wouldn't be leaving Fresno if I wasn't sure I would be a high pick. "
"Really, I never went off of the draft Web sites because the more and more I get deeper into this, I'm learning that all depends on what agent you go to. When it was up in the air what agent I was going to go with, they had me late first round on NBADraft.net. When they found out what agent I was going with, I dropped to like [No.] 45. I think a lot of agents control those Web sites, so you can't really trust them."
"My mom [Desiree] is working two jobs right now. She's working from 6 in the morning to 9 at night. I really want to help her out so she doesn't have to do that anymore."
"I'm very confident that I'll be a first-round pick. And if not, I'm willing to go second round and make a team. I don't have a problem with that."
"I would be disappointed going anything after 35. But at the same time, there's only 60 picks. There's so many people in this world that dream about going to the NBA. Just to be one of those 60 picks, I feel would be a great honor. At the end of the day, you've got to be honest with yourself. If I'm wrong about myself, that's something I have to live with. But I'm pretty positive about it."
As you might recall, he went 47th. That means no guaranteed money. A Fresno columnist devoted an entire column to this idea: McGuire screwed up. His brother and agent and college coach try to see the positive in this story, but I still haven't found McGuire quoted since the draft. Plus, after spending his high school and college careers in Cali, he now has to come 3,000 miles East to D.C. Although I guess he'll be the fourth Californian Wizard, so that'll be nice.
By Dan Steinberg |
July 2, 2007; 5:03 PM ET
| Category:
Wizards
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Posted by: Barno | July 2, 2007 6:37 PM
Yeah, he shouldn't have much of a problem making the team.
Posted by: Unsilent Majority | July 2, 2007 9:07 PM
Well yeah, sure, but it's not exactly what he had in mind. I didn't say I felt sorry for him, but it still feels sort of depressing somehow.
Posted by: Dan Steinberg | July 2, 2007 9:32 PM
Maybe he should have stayed in school and received his degree. Then he would, hopefully, have been able to get a good job if the basketball thing didn't work.
Another example of a kid thinking that athletic ability is a substitute for academics.
Posted by: I DON'T FEEL BAD FOR HIM | July 3, 2007 12:15 AM
"Julie Andrews would get more attention at the Playboy Mansion." The NBA, it's FANtastic!
Posted by: Rob Iola | July 3, 2007 12:29 AM
"Julie Andrews would get more attention at the Playboy Mansion." The NBA, it's FANtastic!
Posted by: Rob Iola | July 3, 2007 12:29 AM
I think there's some example close at hand of a second-round pick who used his snub as motivation to excel...hmmm...trying to remember...
Posted by: Lindemann | July 3, 2007 8:23 AM
Oh well, he has to miss a magical season at Fresno St. to play in the NBA. Somehow, I think that works out well. By the way, who is his agent? That clearly was not the best of ideas to hire one who would make you slip from first to second round status.
Strengths: Basketball and whatnot.
Weaknesses: Agent's negotiating tactics?
NEW FAVORITE WIZARD!!!
Posted by: TP | July 3, 2007 8:51 AM
Well if he wanted to help out his family leaving school was still a good decision.
Posted by: Unsilent Majority | July 3, 2007 9:31 AM
Fine, fine, it's a glorious story of dreams realized and checks cashed. I take it all back. Listen, you all try to think of something to write about in the dead of summer. I'm going to get an iced coffee.
Posted by: Dan Steinberg | July 3, 2007 9:33 AM
We pray for your buttocks and your family, Dan.
Posted by: Rob Iola | July 3, 2007 10:34 AM
I highly recommend the Wiz scheduling an exhibition game out here before the season so all their California kids can feel at home. Also, so I can see them play without having to drive up to the danged Staples Center.
Posted by: Mike in SD | July 3, 2007 12:32 PM
just the buttocks, actually
Posted by: pack4life | July 3, 2007 12:44 PM
Any footage on this guy? I can't find anything on youtube about him...Agents can talk
Posted by: where is waldo | July 3, 2007 2:07 PM
Any footage on this guy? I can't find anything on youtube about him...Agents can talk
Posted by: where is waldo | July 3, 2007 2:07 PM
Any footage on this guy? I can't find anything on youtube about him...Agents can talk
Posted by: where is waldo | July 3, 2007 2:07 PM
is anyone wondering if there is any footage of this guy?
Posted by: firepeterangelos | July 3, 2007 2:58 PM
...I am looking for footage....
Posted by: NOVA | July 3, 2007 9:41 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Look, ever since the NBA expanded rosters to 15 people instead of 12, 2nd round picks have made it on the their respective teams at a much higher rate. Not saying this kid will make the team this year, but in all likelihood, the worst case scenario is he'll go to the Developmental league this year. He should make enough money doing that to help out his mom.
Don't feel sorry for a guy who gets drafted by an NBA team. Seriously.