Take a look at this:

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/09/15/nba-top-50-andrew-bynum-no-24/

Now, you may say “but xphoenix, Oden isn’t proven in the NBA either.” True, but Bynum didn’t come into the league as the most heralded center prospect since Tim Duncan, and he didn’t spend a year being the best center in college basketball despite having no right hand for most of it.

The issue with Yao is always going to be health. Can he shake the injuries that have plagued him his whole career? If so, he’s probably the best center in the league.

1. Oden
2. Bynum
3. Howard
4. Ming

I think Oden and Bynum have the greatest potential. And neither one of them has realized that potential. Howard’s ceiling may be the highest, but there’s something about his mentality that tells me he’ll never have the full package.

And Yao is what he is. I don’t think we’re going to see any more improvement from him. It’s just a matter of him staying healthy.

How would you rank these four guys? If there were a draft TODAY…what order would you rank these guys on your draft board?

here’s mine:

1. Dwight Howard (youth, muscle, skill, coachable – complete package)
2. Yao Ming (even though he’s older, he’s proven)
3. Greg Oden (injury aside, his potential is out of this world)
4. Bynum (also battling injuries, but seems to have a lower ceiling than Oden; also less muscle)

I hope you’re wrong, but I fear you’re right.