The Blazers made Greg Oden the league’s No. 1 overall pick in Thursday night’s NBA Draft. The heralded center was just one of many to have his name called and join the pro ranks earlier this week. The Sonics took Kevin Durant with the No. 2 pick and the Hawks made Al Horford the third selection of the night. The Bulls, who picked ninth, took Horford’s college teammate, Joakim Noah.
Media attention was heavy for the players before, but there will only be more in the coming months. How will they handle the pressure?
RedEye gives the rookies some advice for the road.
Don’t mess with the fans
Because the customer is always right … even when he is wrong. Adam Morrison forgot that rule last year as a rookie. After being heckled by a fan (or enemy) about his infamous moustache, Morrison gave the fan the finger, and the incident made SportsCenter. Now people know exactly how to get into Morrison’s head. Nice job, Adam.
Stay away from motorcycles
Just over four years ago, former Bulls guard Jay Williams showed why this rule is more serious than all the others. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 draft, Williams’ basketball career all but ended when he was in a serious motorcycle accident.
Leave the weather to Mother Nature
Avoid “making it rain” at the strip club or anywhere else. Just ask Adam “Pacman” Jones.
No playoff guarantees, please
See Raymond Felton. His team was 18-64 the year before he arrived, but Felton said they would make the playoffs in his rookie season. The result? 26-56.
Try not to be all about the money
Remember what former Bulls rookie Tyrus Thomas said when asked about his participation in the NBA dunk contest? “I’m just going out there, get my check and call it a day,” Thomas told the Tribune in February. “I’m just into the free money.” You don’t want that type of reputation so early in your career.
DOT COMMENTS
Chicagosports.com asked: Bulls draft Joakim Noah at No. 9. You like?
50.2% Oh, yeah. Love the energy.
37.7% No. He’s a doofus.
12.1% Doesn’t matter; they’ll trade him.
