Beware of pre-draft evaluations and rookie summer league games! (from a game in 1999, fun to go back and read btw): Kenny Thomas: Grade: D For one thing, he seemed to have a hard time posting up all night. For a guy with as many moves as he's got, he spent a lot of time hanging around the perimeter waiting for things to happen. Looked very passive in the first half. Came out stronger in the second half, but couldn't find the hole. Blew 2 layups, and at one point fired up 3 consecutive three-point attempts. (all misses) Finished the game with 4 points. Mark Young: Grade: A- Finally, a bright spot. I had a chance to talk to Mark after the game, and I have to say, I really like the guy. He's a hustle player on both ends of the floor, and he plays with a lot of enthusiasm. His first bucket came under the basket off a nice pass from Moochie. Later he scored on two strait possesions, then followed that up with a quick steal. Did a little bit of everything. Passed on a 3 at one point, but turned it into a dunk. He's got springs. Finished the game with a team high 16 points, and may have had the play of the day for the Rockets with a nice reverse layup off an isolation. (Ironically, he wore the number '5' during the game, but I resisted the urge to ask Rudy if that meant anything afterwards) The only knock on him was his poor free-throw showing. I think he was 1-6 on the night. You'd expect better from a guy that's 6'5", but all in all a great night http://www.clutchfans.net/feature.cfm?FeatureID=77
I don't think Malick could be an answer anytime soon. But with some experience and if he gets his body to an nba-level he can provide us all the things Cato does. I've watched him play a couple of times this season in the BBL. He is quick, he hustles, he gets rebounds, he blocks a lot of shots. And he also can't hit free throws and has no offense at all. The good thing on the other side is, that he won't get the contract Cato has. Don't expect too much from him, but I think he won't turn out to be a completely bust.
no, he was picked 26th overall by Philly in the 2001 draft...but, for some reason yipengzhao won't leave it alone.
What I do believe in is his work ethic. Do you think that is being hyped? Give me a guy with a good work ethic and adequate skills and I'll take him over some lackadaisical idiot with all the talent in the world who has already designed the look for his own line of sneakers.
Anybody, and I mean anybody, who has his own shoe is a million times better than Badiane will ever be. I haven't read the whole thread but this stuff cracks me up. People wanna trade Mo or Cato or Steve or whoever for a tuna sandwich. Badiane, from all we know so far, is a tuna sandwich. Be careful what you wish for.
nbadraft.net profile NBA Comparison: Keon Clark The best athlete out there. The next big center out of Senegal. More athletic than all those who have been pros from Senegal before, he has terrific upside. Long arms, wide shoulders, great body. Has soft touch around the perimeter and can hit the open 15ft jumper. Good shot blocker, and outstanding rebounder. He won¡¯t box out but will move his feet to wherever the ball is. Was the African Junior Championships best rebounder, and if Senegal guards were up to his level, he would have been the best player. Weakness: Only problem¡_ The mind. Has to get tougher mentally in order to get to the next level. He will never go to a US college as he signed with a club team in Germany last month. Still very raw offensively, must develop some go to moves, back to the basket skills, and a better 15 foot jump shot. -Babacar Sy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strengths: Very intriguing athlete who needs polish but has considerable potential. Size, agility and instincts. A very good dunker and a great shot blocker. He is very tall with extremely long arms. And has a surprisingly good shot out to 15 feet. Weaknesses: Lacks strength and true basketball skill. Could add lots of muscle as well as a post game. Played at the 2002 ABCD high school camp and impessed many with his athleticism and potential. -Nathan Stacey
I think the Rockets would have a better chance at giving Eddie Griffin another try this offseason than hanging any hopes that Badiane will pan out.
I don't know. Badiane as the answer at PF? Probably not. But Badiane as energy off the bench? Why not? I'd like to see both Eddie and Malick on the summer roster.
Judging from the reports, it would have been in our best interest to keep him here and have him add strength and polish. It's good that he got some experience and he's only 20, but it's going to take him a while to get stronger. Once he adds enough strength, can he be.... the ultimate compliment to Yao.... Cato with a 15-footer and more mobility?
Ok, thought maybe it was time to bring EVERYONE an update on Malick. His team, the Opel Skyliners has made the playoffs and advanced to the 2nd round. Malick had a few solid games in the first round and averaged around 18 min/game. For those of you who think he won't be playing in the NBA anytime soon, you are wrong. Right now, it looks like Malick will return to Houston as soon as his German season is over and will prepare to play in the Summer League. Houston has already indicated that they plan to sign Malick following the summer league. Malick is in a tough situation in Germany. The Head Coach does not play him for an entire game because he knows Malick does not have long-term plans to stay with the Skyliners. Despite his limited minutes, Malick ranks in the top 5 in both rebounds and blocked shots. Take it from me, Malick has a fantastic work ethic and is extremely excited about the opportunity to play in the NBA and with the Houston Rockets. He can not wait to return to the states and begin preparing for the summer league. The 2nd round of his playoffs begins tomorrow and I will keep all of you posted as to when he is headed to Houston.
Thankyou o3gs! That's great news! Keep the reports flowing! Gooooood job! PS -- I forgot to ask if you are his agent?
The update on Malick is much appreciated, o3gs. That's good to hear that he'll be coming back for summer league action. I hope he does well. If there is significant reshuffling this summer, maybe minutes will open up for him in the frontcourt.
