NBA Draft 2012: Bobcats Shouldn't Draft Harrison Barnes with No. 2 Pick
Harrison Barnes worked out for the Charlotte Bobcats on Thursday, but Michael Jordan would be wise to pass on the former North Carolina standout.
While I think Barnes will have a decent NBA career, the Bobcats should take a different route at No. 2.
Charlotte has needs all over the court, and they can't afford to spend the second overall pick on a prospect with limited athleticism and an under-developed perimeter game.
Barnes lacks an explosive first step, which hinders his ability to create his own shot. He doesn't have the strength or athleticism to finish at the rim, and when his outside shot isn't falling, he's a complete non-factor on the offensive end.
He also disappeared in UNC's final two tournament games, going a combined 8-for-30 from the field (2-for-14 on threes) in the Tar Heels' narrow win over Ohio and 13-point loss to Kansas.
While I think he would be a decent pickup in the 6-10 range, Barnes has too many question marks to be the second overall pick.
Instead, Charlotte should select a guaranteed contributor with superstar potential, like Florida's Bradley Beal or Kansas' Thomas Robinson.
Beal is an Eric Gordon-type player—an explosive guard with a powerful frame and gorgeous outside shot. He can get to the basket whenever he wants, he's a good defender and he has a high basketball IQ. He's the best perimeter player in this class, and if he lands in the right situation, he could end up being better than consensus No. 1 pick Anthony Davis.
If Charlotte wants a post presence rather than a guard, Robinson should be their guy. He is an absolute physical specimen with a solid array of post moves and a decent mid-range jumper, a la Amar'e Stoudemire. He's also an amazing rebounder (11.8 per game last season), which is the most translatable skill from college to the pros.
Either of these guys would be a better option than Barnes, who has too many holes and not enough upside. I'm not saying he will be a bust, but Barnes is certainly not worth the No. 2 pick in the deepest draft in years.
