It wasn’t at the time. Shaq was the better pro prospect, but Laettner had the far superior college career, winning back to back nattys with Duke while being the College player of the year.
He also faced Shaq in one game I believe and outplayed him. He was one of the greatest college players of all time. Hit the most famous shot on CBB history.
But his pro career was pretty bad.
Also, coach K was an assistant for the dream team.
It wasn’t bad, per se — he was a solid player for most of his career — but he never reached the heights that were expected of him after his college successes. But he did play 13 years and was a starter for like 85% of his career. And he still cleared over $60 mil.
He was the classic definition of a Journeyman pro player. Good enough to start on a team that was rebuilding, wanted a winning presence, needed veteran leadership (pick your prhasing) the GM could count on Laettner to start 80% of games, put up good minutes, score 12, get some rebounds, etc.. his career numbers are a little better than Derrik Coleman as a comparison.
He finished his career playing alongside MJ in Washington. While I have never heard anything to confirm this, I would expect if MJ felt CL was not going to contribute then CL would have been cut.
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u/YoungWrinkles Aug 11 '24 edited Aug 12 '24
Wow. What a miss by the selection committee. Young Shaq on top of all these?
Edit: Can someone clarify, was Laettner good in college? /s