There have been numerous mentions of the phrase ''instant millionaire'' in relation to Steven Adams preparing for the NBA draft.
Shame, really, that the potential earnings, as extraordinary as they are, of a New Zealand kid from the wrong side of the tracks are deemed more significant than his entry into one of world sport's elite clubs.
Let's be clear: what we should witness today is an epochal moment in New Zealand sport.
A young bloke with insanely high potential is about to enter a sporting arena that, globally, is only matched by something like the English Premier League.
Adams won't technically be breaking new ground - fellow Kiwi Sean Marks was drafted in 1998 and hung around the league for over a decade, and Kirk Penney had a couple of brief NBA spells - but he should become the first New Zealander taken in the first round of the draft.
Yes, he will earn lots of money, especially if he is a ''lottery pick'' (first 14 players). But what's more exciting is that he could be set for a long and thriving career at the top.
The emphasis here is on could, because there is no sure thing in the NBA draft, which is neither a science nor an art but more of a crapshoot.
Adams could be drafted by one team and traded to another, just as Marks was drafted by the New York Knicks and immediately traded to the Toronto Raptors.
Being drafted does not mean Adams will be a starting NBA player on opening day. Or a year from now. Or five.
Remember Michael Olowokandi? Possibly not. He was drafted No 1 - so he was considered the closest thing to a guaranteed success - by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1998. And you certainly don't hear ''The Candy Man'' linked with Jordan and LeBron.
Adams is considered to have huge ''upside'' (potential) but, as this description from Sports Illustrated's Andy Glockner shows, there is also scepticism over his ability:''Adams is raaaaaaaaaw. He has poor hands. Even in a draft with this many question marks, the lottery is way, way too high for a long-term project like Adams.''
While this is not considered a strong draft (one full of potential superstars), there are three or four big men judged to be ready for the NBA. There is no ''consensus No 1'' but it could be Alex Len (Maryland), going to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
So, how high will our Steven be drafted today? My five best guesses as to where Adams could end up:
Sacramento Kings
The pick: No 7.
Why it might fit: Seems too high for Adams but there have been whispers the Kings like the look of him. They are a battling team with nothing to lose.
Previous No 7 draft picks: Stephen Curry (2009, Golden State), Luc Longley (1991, Minnesota), Chris Mullin (1985, Golden State).
Philadelphia 76ers
The pick: No 11.
Why it might fit: The Sixers are desperate for some size and will also want someone prepared to work hard.
Previous No 11 draft picks: Allan Houston (1993, Detroit), Robert Horry (1992, Houston), Reggie Miller (1987, Indiana).
Oklahoma City Thunder
The pick: No 12.
Why it might fit: For Adams, this would be a dream scenario. The Thunder is a great young team and could also use a centre to challenge Kendrick Perkins.
Previous No 12 draft picks: Gerald Henderson (2009, Charlotte), Julius Erving (1972, Milwaukee).
Atlanta Hawks
The pick: No 18.
Why it might fit: Atlanta will be looking for size, with franchise player Josh Smith set to leave in free agency. The Hawks also pick at No 17.
Previous No 18 draft picks: JR Smith (2004, New Orleans), Joe Dumars (1985, Detroit).
Brooklyn Nets
The pick: No 22.
Why it might fit: Another team looking for a big body, to back up Brook Lopez. Whoever the Nets draft will be under the spotlight as the draft is in Brooklyn this year.
Previous No 22 draft picks: Kenneth Faried (2011, Denver), Jarrett Jack (2005, Denver).
NBA draft
Hoop dreams come true
Where: Brooklyn, New York.
When: Today from 11.30am (NZ time).
TV: Live on ESPN
