Berman: Ty Lawson Is Short

by Ben Kopelman on May 31st, 2009 at 7:29 pm

Marc Berman reports that after official heights and weights were taken at the Draft Combine, UNC leading man Ty Lawson seems to have gotten the short end of the stick.

“Lawson came in at 5-11¼. Lawson believes it’s a reason why he is not considered a top 5 selection despite being the floor general of the dynamo Tar Heels. It’s why he is a definite longshot for the Knicks at 8.

“Word here is Lawson didn’t look too impressive in some of the drills in comparison to the more sizeable Jrue Holiday (6-3¼ of UCLA). “It’s my height,” Lawson said of his mid-first-round draft status. “I don’t think it’s that big of a deal, my height being 6-foot. Hopefully whoever picks me I’ll show I’m a better player than most people think.”

Related to my previous comments, I am big on Ty Lawson and think he projects very well to the NBA game.  Coming out of a UNC program that experienced both the let down of a Final Four loss and the elation of a National Championship win, there is something about Lawson that I can’t seem to shake.  He has received accolades for his speed and his floor-IQ. Paired with D’Antoni I believe he could excell.  

But.

The height could VERY well be an issue.  I’ve never played in the NBA so I really don’t know how much of a difference being 6’0” instead of 5′ 11¼” makes, but I scanned current rosters, and the only guys that are listed under 6’0” in the league today are Brevin Knight (5’10”), Mike Wilks (5’10”) Speedy Claxton (5’11”), Chucky Atkins (5’11”), and of course, the shining star that is Nate Rob (5’9”).  

Not exactly the NBA company you want to be rolling with…
  • JRSlim

    TJ Ford is generously listed at 6′ and when he’s not injured is pretty decent. An ideal PG that I think the team would consider.

  • CircleLimit4

    I don’t think Aaron Brooks is actually 6 feet either.

    I like Lawson. His speed and floor general general experience on NCAA’s grandest stage are big pluses. But I think there are better options at the 8th pick. Still, I think could be a sleeper if he doesn’t land in the lottery and would be on my list if we landed a mid/late first round pick.

  • KBT1615

    What Cavs Fan Can Be Comfortable Watching This.http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4220161

  • BiggieSmalls

    Yankees cap is a nice touch

  • Chris Alvino

    He was the first guy I thought when I read this as well.

  • Chris Alvino

    Lawson is short, but he is a big dude. He is probably as strong as players that are taller than him. As a true floor general, Lawson’s height is not as much of an issue as it is for let’s say Nate Robison who is really a two guard.

  • Mucha

    No thanks. Not only is he small but he has an aligator wingspan. He has a serious lack of upside on top of that in my opinion.

    Maybe he’ll be a good player but we need a star – he doesn’t have the potential to become one in my opinion.