Jodie Meeks wasn't the best prospect in the 2009 NBA Draft.
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Longevity key for Meeks' NBA career
But that didn’t matter to him or his family as the Milwaukee Bucks selected Meeks with the 41st pick in the second round.
As a rookie, Meeks will look to prove to management and other teammates that he belongs. He certainly made enough of a case for the Bucks to initially draft him, going against what many critics had said before the draft.
Many people believed that Meeks wasn’t big enough for an NBA shooting guard and didn’t have the tools to be an NBA point guard. Needless to say, Milwaukee felt differently from other teams as they bring Meeks in to learn from another sharp-shooter and current Olympian, Michael Redd.
Redd is much like Meeks, in that they both were heralded college stars, but were question marks going into the NBA draft process. Another second round selection, Redd will look to take Meeks under his wing and teach him about NBA life and play.
If his junior season means anything, Meeks will fit into his new role comfortably. Likely to come off the bench in his first season, he will need to make shots. His 54 point outburst against Tennessee this past season was a big reason why the Bucks took a look in the first place. But Meeks will also need to improve upon his defense and ball-handling.
During play last season, Meeks struggled to get off his own shot. The NBA is predicated on creating your own shot and scoring baskets. Players like Redd, Charlie Bell and former UK star Keith Bogans will help Meeks along the way.
I don’t foresee Meeks being an All-Star during his career, but anything is possible. No one thought he would break a 30-plus year record held by Dan Issel, but he did. I think Meeks should focus on continuing to get better like others around him, but recognize that longevity is just as good as the instant fame that comes with being an NBA player.
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