On Ledo and the 43rd Pick

Ricky Ledo waited four hours to hear his name called on Draft night. For all of the talk of terrific workouts and his potential rise to the middle of the first round, the Providence native was selected 43rd overall – a mid-2nd round pick.

The longest running saga in Friartown is now complete. Ricky Ledo is headed to Dallas to play for the Mavericks, and if recent history is any lesson he’ll sign an NBA contract, but as a 2nd round pick that contract is not guaranteed.

If Ledo is looking for inspiration out of the 43rd slot he need look no further than the 2009 draft when Marcus Thornton was drafted by Miami and immediately shipped to the New Orleans Hornets where he averaged 14 points per game as a rookie.

Thornton made over $7 million last season, his fourth in the league, and will make over $16 million over the next two.

Still, Thornton is the best case scenario, and certainly a rarity.

Last year’s 43rd pick, Mike Scott out of Virginia, played in 40 games for Atlanta this past season, and is signed through next year. If you remember Scott from this past season you’re a better NBA fan than most.

Malcolm Lee went 43rd in 2011 and was one of the few 2nd rounders to sign a three year deal. He’s played in 35 career games and will make roughly $800,000 next season.

2010’s 43rd pick, Devin Ebanks, has stuck around for three seasons and most likely played himself into a few more years in the league after filling in ably for the Lakers in Pau Gasol’s absence.

Patrick Ewing Jr, Adam Haluska, and Marcus Vincius de Souza – the three previous 43rd picks – were non-factors in the NBA, playing under 40 games combined in their careers.

It’s going to be an uphill climb for Ledo.

One Comment

1. 

   Mike

   June 28, 2013 at 1:06 pm

   Uphill battle, you got that right. One year on the floor in a Friar uniform, definitely Top 10 pick?

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