8/12/2004 07:16:04 PM|||Shep|||http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3422/news

DeShawn Stevenson came out of high school. He's been in the league for 4 years. He's ready to blow up. Last season in 26 games with the Magic, he got 11 ppg, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and almost 1 steal. He's like a baby in the cradle about to wake up. It's no coincidence that most players coming from high school take about 4 years before they reach their full NBA potential. I'd argue for them going to college instead, but I guess they might as well be learning from the pros and making money to go along with it.

I don't think I'd take Stevenson above where his numbers from last year would probably put him, since he'll be backing up Cuttino Mobley (aka C-Mob) and not starting anymore. But his shooting with the Magic was only 40%, and he started taking more 3's and improved his rebounds and assists by about 1 per game. His minutes will probably go down, but he should be more efficient than last year, so if he plays well enough, he could end up splitting time with Mobley. He's definitely got more upside than many players who will give you 11, 5, and 3. Of course, his free throw shooting is AWFUL, so bear that in mind.
|||109234560409247841|||Ssssshhhh... He's a sleeper (D-Steve)