Good News For Low First-Round Teams

This definitely isn't the time to be doing much talking about the Celtics' draft prospects, given the fact that we are, you know, in the midst of a Finals battle and all.

That said, we'll label this tidbit of news as generally meaningful to teams with picks late in the first round, not just the Celtics.

As reported by ESPN:

Kansas guard Mario Chalmers, the 2008 Final Four most outstanding player, has decided to forgo his senior season and remain in the upcoming NBA draft, joining teammates Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur.

The 6-foot-1 Chalmers, the Big 12 co-defensive player of the year in 2007, averaged 12.8 points per game for the national champion Jayhawks and tied his own Kansas single-season record with 97 steals in 2007-08.

As someone with Mizzou connections, I'm generally not a big believer in the 'Rock, Chalk Jayhawk' crowd.

As someone who has always held pro basketball well ahead of collegiate affiliations, here's hoping I can still recognize a decent player when I see one.  Mario Chalmers can play.  He defends very well, handles the ball confidently and can get his points when necessary, too.  Smart basketball player from a winning program.  Not a character problem.

Sounds like a very solid back-up point (if not starter for the right team) just in case anyone were to be looking late in the first round.