Very pleased with the pick. It's the 2nd round. We could have taken a more proven player like Kyle Korver. But hell, it's the 2nd round. Why not go for the slam dunk? What you see is what you get with Korver. Badiane is the X-factor - could turn out to be a force in the future. Sure, he needs some seasoning overseas. But it's not like Korver would have gotten off the bench next year either. Definitely worth the gamble. You can never have enough athletic big men in this league. Look at the Mavs - a bunch of p*ssies playing on the front line cost them a chance at a Finals appearance.
I love this pick...PF of the future for the Rocks. A perfect compliment for Ming. He is a guy who is aggressive and goes and gets the ball....also he is explosive, something the Rockets lack up front. A great pickup at 44...could be a couple of years, but let's see how he does in the summer league this year. With that attitude he may surprise a lot of people. DD
He will nevert suit up as a Rocket. How many times have we seen this. He will stay over seas. Rockets don.t have they patience. They don't have to pay this guy. Surely there was somebody fro the US that could play immediately? They will trade his rights for a future 2nd round pick.
Reading his description, I thought of James Thomas. Always active around the boards, and wants to grab every loose ball.
I hope he's better than James Thomas because James Thomas can't make a 2 foot layup and can barely dunk. Why do you think he gets so many rebounds?
About this connection He has with the Mavs, 610 said last night that he was some how related to somebody on the Mavs staff. (I think they said who but I can't remember. Maybe a scout or a trainer?) Remember these people were fans before they became N.B.A. players so they probably have there favorite teams. With that being said how many players get drafted by there favorite team? My guess would be not that many. Jeff Bagwell's favorite team was the Red Sox and he has been with the Astros his whole career so far. Now about him sliding down to the Rockets pick. It could be because he has only been playing for five years now. (I could have read that wrong, not sure?) I don't think many teams would want to take that chance on a project in the first round. I never heard of training with a rubber band tied around your waist and trainer while you attack the hoop. That just sound very difficult. If that's the way he trains all the time then I like that about him. Or do you think that was just an exercise to impress the scouts? Blatz Edit: Bad example on Jeff since he did get drafted by his favorite team. But the point still stands, it doesn't matter.
I must admit I don't know anything, other than what i saw today, and it looks promising... I waited for over three hours to see the Rox pick and damn ESPN went to commercial and did no analysis...
I have to say I'm getting really tired of all this b.s. about how Badiane can't really be any good if he slipped to the second round. Give me a f-ing break. There are plenty of good players that "slip" to the second round. Previous posters have listed many of them. Nick Van Exel is another. It happens. Sure it's not as much of a likelihood as a first-rounder. Hey, there's a news flash. But, more than ever, with the influx of international players, talent is out there in the second round. Every team has different needs and there are all kinds of reasons someone may "slide." Getting a raw, enthusiastic, athletic-as-hell big man at 44 is something I'm excited about. I swear, some of you would b**** about anything. Welcome to Houston, Malick.
I'm with the leebigeze and the other guy. I have a premonition that the guy will be extremely good. If he is just about the best big guy in the draft athleticvally and he works hard, why not?
I doubt we'll see him on the team for the regular season next year. But who knows? Why do you guys keep saying he'll take away EG's job security. You don't think Kelvin Cato has anything to worry about? Just a thought to ponder. Like most, I think he'd be best served playing alongside Yao, cleaning up the garbage and delivering a hard foul when we need one.
Many big players are called athletic in their ability to jump up in the air and to run fast, but that doesn't always mean they are coordinated. Jumping up in the air really has nothing to do with coordination. Making moves with the ball, catching the ball, moving laterally with sound defensive footwork,,,, basically not getting your feet tangled....that is footwork and coordination. if he had athleticism combined with footwork, coordination, and hands, I doubt he falls to #44. I hope is stays with the Skyliners for at least another year. We don't need JVG spending time on developing a raw 2nd rounder when Griffin needs work....let the German's do it.
I am definitely satisfied with Badiane's selection. Have you seen a picture of this kid's body? He is long, has broad shoulders and is yoked up. He reminds me of a young Karl Malone who I met in Indianapolis at the Olympic Trials in 1984. With the continued work in the weightroom and some hands on teaching of low post moves, Badiane has great potential. According to his stats, he has had several 27 point games in Germany, so he has some offensive skills and he is not only a defensive project. Hope the ROX can get him signed and into training camp ASAP.
The guy looks like Chris Bosh. They consider Bosh raw and will take a few years to develop. From what I hear, Badiane is almost the same type player, not as good on the offensive end, but much better on the defensive end. And at 44? Not bad considering Bosh was selected 40 picks before Badiane. CD made the most of this pick. As for his age 19 or 22, big deal. 3 years is not that big of a gap. The guy is an athlete. I believe he is worth the gamble, if you consider the 44th pick a gamble!!!
If Griffin does not have any fire burning within by now or even an ounce of concern after his first two poor seasons, then I seriously doubt that this will light anything within him save for the urge to fire up another doobie. They say the same thing up here about Shawn Bradley and after 14 years you'd think that there would at least have been a spark or two or a few glowing embers by now. Griffin has to SHOW that he wants to be a player - no one can force this out of him but himself. Right now, he stinks of bust...
Your last statment is how some of us feel as well. Not all are over-hyping him. All I care about is if he's a "energy" guy. Not a scorer. That would be a bonus.
