Stephen A. Smith: Peterson's Health Key to Draft

0:00On March 3rd, Kansas Freshman Guard Darren Peterson has drawn a lot of hype as a possible number one overall pick in next year's NBA draft. But ESPN analyst Stephen A Smith isn't buying it for the top spot on his board. He praises the kids' skills but says reliability trumps raw talent every time. Earlier this week on First Take, Smith explained his view plainly. He won't take a player first overall if they're sidelined by things like the flu or cramps during college games. For Smith, you need someone who shows up consistently night after night. Peterson has put up strong numbers when he's on the floor this season. He's averaging 19.7 points and 3.8 assists per game while hitting 40% of his 3 pointers. He leads all freshman guards in Box Plus Minus and ranks 11th among all freshmen overall. That streak includes scoring at least 10 points in 18 games straight, something no Kansas freshman has done in the last 20 years. Fans and scouts love his electric play. Still, hamstring strains, a sprained ankle and nagging cramps have kept him out too often,

1:04turning potential dominance into juic sclimpses. As the season rolls on, Peterson's health will decide if he climbs those draft boards for real. As the season rolls on, Peterson's health will decide if he climbs those draft boards for real. For real. For real. For real. For real.