Former Tennessee Volunteers point guard Jordan Bone was taken late in the NBA Draft. Here’s why he’s the major steal of the night.
It came very late, but Jordan Bone was finally able to allow Tennessee basketball to make history. The three-year point guard for the Vols was taken late in the second round of the NBA Draft, pick No. 57 out of 60.
Bone was initially taken by the New Orleans Pelicans, but the Atlanta Hawks owned the rights. He eventually ended up with the Detroit Pistons. Even the Philadelphia 76ers were involved in all the movement with him.
With the pick, Bone became the third UT player taken in the NBA Draft, following Grant Williams to the Boston Celtics and Admiral Schofield to the Washington Wizards. The Vols haven’t had that many players taken since 1950, when the draft was 12 rounds.
But Bone is the steal of the night, not just among UT players, but among all players. There is legitimate reason to believe that he has the most pro potential of all three former Vols taken in Thursday night’s draft.
Remember, Bone had athletic results, including speed and vertical, that were better than what Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook had coming out of college. And Bone is a better shooter than both and certainly a better decision maker than Westbrook. As a result, his raw potential combined with his proven production is through the roof.
Meanwhile, he’s going to a team that needs a true point guard. Sure, Reggie Jackson is an elite scorer, but he’s never been able to effectively manage an offense. And don’t forget that Jackson’s contract is up in a year anyway.
As a result, Bone is heading to a team that could need a point guard sooner rather than later. Considering that, they are certain to give him a look. And given what he has already proven at the combine and on the court, there’s a chance Bone could be a surprise star for the Pistons.
Yes, he’s that much of a steal with the No. 57 pick in the NBA Draft. Bone will certainly need some help, as he’s never going to be a primary scorer. But his 6’3″ size and athleticism combined with his fundamental skills make him the perfect NBA point guard.
Bone is going to a team that doesn’t have a true point guard who can start right now and will have no point guard in a year. So look out for him to become a surprise breakout player very soon. His skills are the perfect match for the pros.