Is Greivis an NBA player?

Recently, I read in the paper where Greivis Vasquez worked out for the Washington Wizards. As I pictured GV running around the top of the key, trying to impress Bullets brass with his ability to can open 3 pointers, I wondered to myself, "I wonder if that guy is going to make it in the NBA." And as I sit here writing this, I am not sure. I don't think anyone is. He's not a "can't miss" type of prospect like John Wall, or even a borderline lottery pick like Butler's Gordon Hayward who, my agent friend recently told me, is the best white North American player since Steve Nash. Not that that necessarily means anything.

But back to Greivis. I would love to see Greivis succeed at the NBA level, if for no other reason than no one on the planet just plain wants it more than that guy. I am quite certain that getting to the NBA has been on his mind all day every day for the past dozen or more years. He likely makes daily basic decisions based on whether or not that decision gets him closer or further from the NBA.

But desire is not enough. Playing in the NBA, if you're not a sure thing, requires the right mix of luck, opportunity, and timing. The good news is that only one team has to fall in love with Greivis and use one of its precious picks on him, most likely in the second round.

And if they take Greivis, what they'll get is a guy who will do literally anything to get on the court and help his team win. We learned that in four years during his career at Maryland. We learned that GV doesn't always make the best decisions, but he is capable of carrying a team, making clutch shots, throwing outrageous passes, and giving everything he's got.

Is that enough for the NBA? Is there' a place for a 6-6 point guard who isn't particularly quick and can't jump particularly high? Could he possibly guard the waterbug guards in the league like Chris Paul, Ty Lawson or Jameer Nelson? Probably not. But Greivis, with his long frame and ability to hit the running floater or spot the open man will give those guys match-up problems too.

Often in the NBA, as in life, it's about getting a chance. Here's hoping someone gives Greivis a chance. I think Maryland fans will agree that he's earned it.