Larry Bird came into the NBA at 23. Does he become Larry Bird if he was drafted at 19? Used to be that just about all players came into the league at 21-22. MJ came in at 21. Dumars at 22; Worthy at 21; KAJ at 22; Havlicek at 22; Bill Russell at 22; Jerry West at 22; Lionel Hollins at 22; Walton at 22; Clyde at 21; Terry Porter at 22
I have a hard time believing the talent of those guys wouldn't have determined the arc of their careers whether they entered at 19 or when they did
I really don’t know, there are a lot of factors.
They came into the league a lot more polished and developed — and a lot more confident.
There is something called the Winner Effect, which is essentially what boxing is based on.
You beat up on a lot of shitty opponents because it makes it more likely you’ll beat a good opponent.
If MJ is drafted at 19 — does he get the same development that he got at UNC?
Does his confidence remain the same?
Does he stay out of trouble?
(Because you’re also giving these 19 year olds a lot of money, where at 21-22-23 they’ve gone thru college and have learned a bit — and matured a bit).
There are a ton of factors and I frankly don’t know.
And obviously you’re using examples of some of the best players
ever.
Obviously is LeBron went to college or not doesn’t particularly matter. Damian doesn’t have that talent level.