Azubuike24;745921 wrote:Liggins' situation is really about family and age. He's 22. He is engaged. He has a 1-year old child. He's not going to be a first rounder, in-fact, he's probably a mid-late 2nd rounder this year or next. His situation is the toughest to project because it really doesn't have anything to do with basketball. It could be he's completely done with school, wants to make money playing basketball (whether in the D-League or overseas) or he's simply taking the free evaluation and making contacts with the intent of returning.
Jones' situation is definitely debateable because his stock slipped as the year went on, but it rose a bit at the end of the year as he showed other dimensions of his game. There's a consensus out there that he does have the goods to maintain lottery status even with a strong draft next year, evidenced by many of the guys who are returning Jones was projected with or ahead of them at one point this year anyway. He could conceivably improve his stock, especially since his role will be the same or expanded next year with the loss of Harrellson. Then again, he may be happy with a top 15 pick with the outside shot of the top 5-10 depending on what type of showing he has.
Knight's situation, using logic and also looking at all factors, has no reason to come back. He would share the PG duties with Marquis Teague and the SG duties with Doron Lamb, and his role would definitely be less next year if he returns. He's also nearly guaranteed to go in the top 10, possibly top 5, so there isn't much room for improvement there.
Like I said, I'll stick with my 90/10, 50/50 and 20/80 predictions to leave.
Agree with all of the above and that is exactly why I think they leave. Liggins stock may not be as high as it is now. And as I mentioned in another thread, his role could even be more diminished next year. Although Jones has slipped..I think he sees the samething. I mean his role already dimished as the season went on. With the talent UK has coming in, I can't help but believe he has that in the back of his mind as well.
Knight, in similar situation as you mentioned above.
I could certainly be wrong, but if you put yourself in their shoes...you can certainly see how they might be leaning towards leaving more than staying.
