In a word–a candid word–it’s because he’s white. As a recent hit movie pointed out, white men can’t jump-and they’re slow, too. Since leaping ability and speed are critical requisites for NBA stardom, virtually every white college star enters the league suspect. Even Larry Bird had his doubters. “The white-guy rap will never stop,” says Laettner. “And I don’t really mind that.”
The 6-foot-11 Laettner may have more than his share of detractors because his college statistics mirrored those of his former Duke teammate Danny Ferry. Ferry, who is also white, was the second player taken in the 1989 draft (Laettner was the third this year) and signed an equally lucrative contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In two seasons Ferry has flopped, averaging just seven points and three rebounds a game.
Christian, however, is averaging a very creditable 16 points and nine rebounds–and, in one game, displayed definite leaping ability by blocking five shots. Laettner is certain that he will excel in the pros and is only chagrined that “I haven’t totally dominated a game yet.” Timberwolves coach Jimmy Rodgers has a more modest assessment of Laettner’s rookie performance–“a bit of a roller-coaster ride”–but adds, “Christian will be an outstanding player.”
Laettner is part of what may be the best NBA rookie crop since Bird and Magic Johnson entered the league in 1979. Led by the Orlando Magic’s Shaquille O’Neal, who became the only rookie ever named NBA Player of the Week in his first week on the job, some dozen rookies are scoring in double figures.
Few of them, though, have Laettner’s marketing potential. Marketing is, of course, the one NBA arena where being white is an automatic advantage. Christian, with his blue eyes and chiseled chin, has appeared in a fashion spread for GQ, had a local burger named for his number (“The New 32”) and is negotiating a lucrative shoe contract. Still, his off-the-court riches will ultimately be determined by his on-the-court prowess. They don’t sell Ferryburgers in Cleveland.
