Badiane Showcases Skills by Trevor Mitchell, rockets.com July 3, 2003 - Malick Badiane, who the Rockets selected with the 44th overall pick in this year’s draft, arrived in Houston this week and began working out for the Houston coaching staff. The 19-year-old Senegal native went through various post player drills with new Rockets assistant coach Steve Clifford and Rockets scout Melvin Hunt. At 6-10, Badiane seems to have raw athletic talent and explosive quickness. Although it is still questionable whether Badiane will crack this season’s roster or spend another year overseas for seasoning, he will get a good look by Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy and his staff. Badiane will get his first shot at showcasing his skills next week in California as a member of the Rockets summer league team. “I’m going to show them my skill for rebounding and blocked shots, and that my offense will get better,” said Badiane. “I have to prove (myself) and work hard to get to the next level." When asked whether he thought he would be in Houston this season or return for another year in Germany, Badiane immediately said that it would ultimately be the coach’s decision that determined his fate. “It’s for the coach if they would like me to play for the team,” he said. “I’m coming in new. I have to learn.” The Rockets draftee is a big fan of new Rockets assistant coach Patrick Ewing and former Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon. “Hakeem was here and did a very good job, so I’m very happy to be here,” said Badiane. “He learned a lot and was one of the top 50 players in the world. And with Patrick Ewing being another big man, that will be good for me.” While Badiane still has a contract with his team in Germany, if he turns enough heads in the summer league, the Rockets may opt to bring him into their system this season. Right now the ball seems to be in his court. Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson is in no rush to bring along this season’s draft choice, but is pleased to have access to him whenever the timing is right. “Its going to be interesting to get him in summer league,” said Dawson. “We liked what we saw today and we feel like when he’s ready, we can get him.” http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/badiane030702.html
I love this. Ewing being another big man. He says Dream is top 50 all time and then there is Ewing. Too funny.
I predict he will be on the opening day roster. Without Morris, Troll, and Collier, and no other draft choices, we have a number of roster openings. We will sign several free agents, cheap ones mostly like undrafted players and those who make it via the summer league. At least a couple of these players will be young. I'd bet the farm he is one of them.
i don't think we will sign any undrafted players. we will fill the roster with experianced veterans. hopefully we will sign DA to the $1M exception, then use the MLE on either zo or P.J.
LMAO @ troll. Tito Maddox did look like a little troll. Maybe he can find a part in the next Lord of the Rings movie since the basketball thing didn't work out for him.
* I dont think we have any chance to get players at that level when there are so many teams after them!
* I don't think there's any chance any other team signs Darrell Armstrong other than the Magic, despite what may be said in the press. Like I mentioned in the other thread, the only holdup is contract length, and that is likely to be worked out soon.
Wouldn't it be funny if Badiane is everything Taylor and Griffin isn't? I'm real interested in seeing what he can bring besides an explosive player. I would rather him stay on the team and they have him practice everyday instead of going overseas. Its funny because everyone in Sa before last yr thought Daniels was the heir after Avery then Popovich throws a curve ball and inserts a 19yr old rookie French pg. I wonder what will happen if Malick really rips up not only the summer leagues, but in practice as well. I can't wait till this stuff starts.
Kid in a candy store. Imagine Ewing or Hakeem coming up to you (a rookie), and saying, "Hi, let me show you some moves!"
Lets not get carried away. Badiane is barely 19 years old, has only played 1 season of professional basketball, plays on the 2nd tier of German professional teams. He also lasted to the 2nd round. I suspect he will spend 1-2 years in Germany and then possibly come here assuming he has developed. I am not bashing him, or drafting him. I think it is a good gamble. Also everything Badiane has said has been positive and he is by all accounts a hard worker. Still...... it is a stretch to think he makes the roster.
I can't see the video on the Rockets page. Anyone else having problems? Does it show Badiane palying? Thanks in advance!
The major reason he fell to the second round was because there were rumors going around that he was older than what he had told the NBA. People started whispering after they found out his birthday was 01-01-84 or something. Another reason was because there was a good chance that he would spend the next season or two training over seas. Before the draft, many people had him around the 20th draft pick.
I know it's the only draft pick for the Rockets this year... but treating a second round pick with the expectation of a star? I just wondering why Maddox didn't receive more attention last year
man what do you guys want. would a more random birthdate sound "more realistic". you forget how unrare any given birthdate is.
