[Senator Clay Davis]

The Dwight Howard comparision is wrong. Yes Okafor was a a potential number one, but not because he was viewed as close to the same player, but because he was the safest pick. In terms of talent, this wasn't even close between the two of them. Everyone saw the huge upside to Howard but of course with huge upside is huge downside. Centers are much more difficult to develop in the NBA (see Olawakandi, Michael and Milicic, Darko) as opposed to other positions which only increases the risk. A franchise center in the NBA is more akin to a franchise goalie in hockey. And Howard didn't get time to develop against lesser competition, it was right to the big show day 1. Obviously no way would the Flames do this to Jankowski.

I also think this kid has a whole lot more to develop over time than Howard did. Howard has only developped a limited offensive arsenal (within 12 feet, mostly back to the basket), because he doesn't need an extensive arsenal. Being 7 feet essentially allows him to keep his game within 12 feet because he's so physically dominant compared to other centers. Defensively obviously he simply needs to hang around the paint and opponents have to respect him.

To me the better comparision here is Manu Ginobli. The Spurs drafted him late in the 2nd round, stashed him over in Europe for a few years to further develop, then brought him over when he was ready to contribute. Jankowski's development is going to take 3-5 years, so he's a long term prospect whose best chance of succeeding will be to avoid playing for the Flames until he's 21-22.