“With the 29^th pick in the 2008-09 draft the Detroit Pistons select forward D.J. White out of Indiana” came the words of NBA commissioner David Stern as the Big 10 Player of the Year was announced to Motor City fans as the next Piston. But later that night the Pistons traded D.J. White to the newly formed Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Walter Sharpe (32^nd) and Trent Plaisted (46th), two second round picks who seem to better fit the Pistons’ mold.

D.J. White, who played his college ball under the Sampson fiasco (regime) at Indiana University, earned Big 10 freshman of the year honors, and then matched that with Player of the Years honors as a senior, along with being named to the 2008 2^nd team All-American squad.

White not only brings athleticism to the OKC Thunder, but the team will also benefit by his eagle-like wingspan that should reek havoc on defenses throughout the league.

White should be able to step in and relieve forward Chris Wilcox, who looks to get most of the playing time while White learns the system. After the learning curve of the NBA, the roles should be reversed in the favor of the Indiana rookie.

White’s wingspan should be an added plus on the boards where he averaged a double-double in his senior year in the rough-and-tumble Big 10 last season. The rookie’s strongest suit might possibly be in the half court game where he has developed a strong 10-15 foot mid range jumper and can take it to the hoop if needed.

[Read more...]