What I want to know is can the guy play at the NBA level? I know he won't set the league on fire, few rookies do, but can he play? Is he strong enough to establish position on the low block? Is he smart enough to pass out of post to the open man when/if the double team comes? Is he willing to fight for rebounds against players much tougher, smarter, and more aggressive than he is? Does he dive for loose balls and is he willing to do the dirty work it takes to win in the paint? Does he understand rebounding is half ability and half desire? Does he understand the importance of his footwork in the post? Does he know not to go for the head fake? Can he stay out of foul trouble? Does he hustle down court after every play? Will he work hard in the off season with the team's Coaches to improve his game and develop chemistry with his teammates? Will he make the players around him better? Is his ultimate Basketball Dream to win a World Championship (NBA Title) for his team? If you can answer yes to all of those questions within the next 3 years I think you MUST risk the number one pick on him.
Which questions can you already answer yes to? Not having seen him play against NBA players its hard to judge how polished his game is and how dedicated he is to improving. I hope by the time the draft comes the Rockets management have a much clearer view of how far along he is.
I hope so too....and remember no matter how good he is or how good he will be, he is still a rookie and he needs to be polished to become a great player....give him playing time and time to adjust
Based upon interviews and play to date, I think you can say yes to: "Game Smarts" will not be a problem, and there isn't a whole lot of question about his passing game. The unknown here is how good his court vision is. Does he spot the open man? Again, he does that now against smaller and quicker guys. No reason to expect that to change, although coaching will hopefully make this a bit more "situational" (ie: to avoid injuries) From what I've seen this isn't an issue. In comparison to Cato and the loping Olajuwon of the past few years, this should be a pleasant change of pace. "Team" and "dedication" come up repeatedly in interviews. Winning / "Desire" do to. No telling how this will translate, but I would expect it to be the same. Agreed that there any many (strictly basketball) unknowns. However, I think the team needs to take the chance, especially considering where the obvious holes are on this squad.
