Round #6/Pick #201: Joe Barry Carroll
Who? The 7'1" 255 lb Joe Barry Carroll was the 1st overall pick in the 1980 draft by the Golden State Warriors. Those who were following the NBA at the time are quick to call him a "bust", but
wikipedia claims "A great deal of Carroll's negative press, however, can reasonably be attributed by the fact that he often declined interviews and the fact that the Warriors traded Robert Parish and the draft choice used to select Kevin McHale to the Boston Celtics for the first overall picked used to select Carroll." I mean, when you give up God McHale and Robert Parish to pick someone coming out of college, how can someone reasonably fill those shoes?
Here's why he wasn't a bust:
In his first 7 seasons (not counting the one he played in Europe), Carroll averaged 20/8/2 with 1 steal and 1.7 blocks. He played 35.5 mpg and missed on average only 4 games per season.
His shooting efficiency wasn't anything extraordinary (.519 TS%, .474/.747), but still very good (one of only 5? available players with over .500 career TS% and 17 career ppg)
Here's why he lasted until the 6th round:
Attitude. Carroll was a holdout in his age 26 year, and played in Europe as a result (this was back when players weren't paid as much). Hopefully with two very good "character guys" in McDyess and Eaton, and two "team-first" guys in Moncrief and Smith, Carroll won't join forces with Vince and start a mutiny.
Reasoning:
Scoring big men are rare enough to have as starters, but having a legit scoring big man coming off the bench is extraordinary for rotation flexibility. Depending on the matchup, he's both durable and effective enough to play starters minutes (as he showed during his career). If I need more of a defensive presence, Eaton will take control. Against twin towers (or if McDyess is in foul trouble), they can play side by side. I'll elaborate more as the rest of my bench shapes out, but a talent like JBC is a rare and valuable asset coming off the bench.
My team is far:
PG: Kenny "The Jet" Smith
SG: Sid "The Squid" Moncrief
SF: Vince "Vinsanity" Carter
PF: Antonio McDyess
C: Mark Eaton
BN: Joe Barry Carroll (PF/C)
Green Kool Aid, you are on the clock...