[2021 NBA Draft; 24th overall] Rockets select Josh Christopher

"What kind of motor do they have? Do they work on their game?"

THIS. This is what separates a guy from "looking the part" like Wiggins to someone like Giannis who blossomed. MOTOR, COMPETITIVE SPIRIT, DRIVE. These are the intangibles that portend to growth for these unfinished products. The older I get the more I focus on this stuff.

It is also why I was high on Jalen Green because I see THOSE QUALITIES in him.

 

It's also what sold me on Green. It wasn't his flashy dunks that people like to bring up. I see fire and desire to get better.

I don't see that with Mobley for example which is why i didn't want him.

 

Did somebody say fire and desire? Allow me to introduce you to the foremost expert on such matters.

 

I think the right call was made with Green, but I don't get this criticism of Mobley yet. In demeanor, he reminds me of another kid that went to college in LA who had many of the same criticisms (aloof, no passion for the game, too many outside interests, too intellectual, etc.) coming out and then got a lot more folks angry at him for some personal choices like changing his name from Lew to Kareem. You never know how someone will respond and anecdotally, it seems even tougher with gifted bigs. Give it 1-2 years and then we'll be able to clearly see what path Mobley is on.

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to a Rockets game for the first time in almost a year. That it is a summer league game is not lost on me though.

 

I think Cade, Green and Mobley will be all stars within 3 years. I'm happy with our choice. Mobley could have worked out for the Rockets.
He rejected overtures to him. I don't think Green was a done deal until Mobley declined to come to Houston. These things matter a great deal in making a final decision. Stone has shown bigs matter to him a lot.

 

JC is a really good ball handler too. In fact that’s considered one of this strengths iirc.

 

if he can reach another level of handles he could tear up the league

 

I don't get the knocking of these players, either. Especially since a lot of players take a while to mature and also develop/use their skills further. Not to mention a lot of college coaches don't exploit player talent like NBA coaches do. That being said, I think the Mobley/Alcindor comparison is basically on personality alone because in college, Kareem/Lew dominated and was a force of nature -- and everybody knew it. The one knock people had on Mobley was that he didn't dominate like that, so I get that part. That being said, he may tear it up in the pros -- we'll see. I'm excited to see where this class goes in the next 5-10 years.

 

I suspect that it has nothing to do with Mobley, but is rather the same tribalism dominates politics. Once you choose your side, you immediately have to tear down the other guy (Mobley) to build up your guy (Green).

 

The hate towards Mobley became personal.

I never understood why other players had to be torn down to elevate Green.

Thriller did not need that.

 

Yeah because i complety tore down Mobley by saying that i don’t see a fire within him.

Mobley fans still going strong on the narrative that Green fans „tear him down“ but it’s just based on overexaggerating what someone said.

 

Hope I didn't come off rude! Apparently I might be the one who needs correcting. People are saying his ball-handling is actually very good. Can't wait until tomorrow!

 

Not at all. I welcome your comments. I'm excited too.

 

He can't do that without a reliable jumper. It's going to take quite a bit of time to get to that level.

 

So do you DO admitting to over exaggerating Mobley's faults?

Good for you.

 

Does this look like someone who doesn't have good handles? Seem pretty legit to me. I am not saying he's Harden, Curry, or Irving, but they look more than solid.

 

Josh Christopher Speed, Athleticism, Handles, Lateral Quickness on Defense, Shot Blocking is very Impressive.

3 Point Shooting needs work, I think the G League can help him improve as a Player.

KJ Martin Jr improved so much coming back from the G League. He looked like completely different player. Looking like a Star Player, improved 3 Point Shot, Improved Shooting Form, Higher IQ.
Shot Blocking 7 Footers.

 

JC definitely should work hard in the G-league. KJM's jumper was far weaker than JC's.

 

gotta love the weird system...