Looks like he's been in contention for Dallas' last roster spot. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/081206dnspomavslede.12351e0.html - 6'9 PF - selected 23rd overall in 2003 out of highschool - Houston native, played at Houston Westbury Christian - under the tutelage of the Dream himself (with Dream commending him) Even if he isn't really as ready as the Olajuwon says, wouldn't this be great for other reasons? Think about Hakeem having more incentive to work with the Rockets again and that Ebi's a Houston native (I hate when we passed on Rashard Lewis). But a big reason I would hope we're getting involved is because I have respect for Phoenix and Dallas' scouting (although we'll have to see about Phoenix this year due to personnel changes).
I think we should be "having a look" at everyone. Anyone who gets big ups from Dream especially. Whether or not they end up taking a flyer on him I doubt. Seems Azabuike is that guy for this offseason.
Ebi is a SF, we have McGrady, Battier, Novak and Ryan Bowen. Not even close to play the PF spot in the NBA yet. And I think we should accept Hakeem is not going to work for us. Basketball was just a phase in his life, his spiritual journey, the only reason he returns to Houston is to look over his financial assets here.
I guess that basketball camp he's conducting, him wanting to give back to basketball, and coach Yao Ming is just him returning to that phase...
Both Darius Washington and Pat Carroll got long looks by Houston's coaching staff during the summer league. I was surprised that Carroll was not signed actually. But the Rockets seem to be stocked at SG w/Snyder, Head, Spanoulis (plus McGrady & Battier able to spell that spot). But I would have liked to see Barea (love his game), but perhaps too similar to JLIII. Ndudi Ebi is a PF in a SF's body. I agree tho, trust Dallas & PHX's scouting (add SA too) over Houston's, all day, any day. Sign him to training camp roster.
Any chance we can get Melvin Ely??? We really need a pf I think he would fit iono if the salaray would work but it would be nice
This guy's more injury prone than Jonathan Bender. Even the talent deprived T-Wolves decided it was more beneficial for them just to cut their losses and let this kid go. Potential is nothing if he can't even stay on the court. Here's someone who got bad advice and left from HS when he should've attended at least a year or two of college (I think he would've gone to Arizona, which could've done a lot for his game and body.)
Not everybody jumps to the pros for the same reason. He could have needed to support his family so he chose the NBA paycheck over school. Everyone isn't born rich, so going to the NBA instead of college could have been better financially for his family.
First of all, T-Wolves are stocked at PF. Ebi was scratching for minutes behind KG, Griffin & Madsen. That was a no win situation for him, especially after trying to convert him to SF with dismal results. However, I agree that Ebi should have played for Lute Olsen for a year or two, min. He could have used that time to polish up his game and his body. He is still too skinny to play his natural position, PF. But this guy was second only to Lebron coming out of HS. He was a shot blocking phenom & very good low post defender and rebounder. But it is his competitiveness and desire to improve that should prove attractive to even JVG. For a guy with his athleticism and length (6'9 with over 7 ft wingspan) plus a very good inside/outside game (albeit inconsistent) makes him an intriguing prospect. His game would complement Yao. I would look at both Ebi and Badiane. Right now the PF spots lack length, athleticism, outside shooting and shotblocking. Both of these guys can immediately contribute 3 of the 4. Refining your shot is something that can be learned at the NBA level. The willingness to play D cannot.
Yeah, for the summer. If he can tutor Yao during his short time here that would be great. But he isn't partaking in a full scale job for the Rockets which would involve him travelling with the team.
NBADraft.net listed his weight as 205 coming out of HS, NBA.com lists his current weight at 195. I guess the Wolves didn't even bother asking him to bulk up in an attempt to play the 4. Might be the only way to resurrect his career now.
