Except what may have been excessive play against Francis, I think, Amare was very impressive. He did look like what Cato may have looked like at that age, in terms of body frame and type. My biggest concern would be mentality and attitude. As far as basketball skills, given his age and playing years to date, I am very impressed with the teenager. Since we may not be in the lottery for a while, let's take a very hard look at him.
I was not that impressed with Amare's game. He did not have a go-to move on the low block. He really struggled on O and seemed lost on D, albeit this game is not meant to be a defensive showcase. His physical abilities (but not his game) did impress. In some ways he reminds me of a slightly smaller KG. He ran the court like a guard or small forward. KG I believe had a better O game coming out of HS, so I expect Amare to struggle more than KG did. Amare has a lot of work ahead of him before he becomes an everyday NBA player. Whoever takes him is taking the risk that he will realize his potential. If his O game never develops, he will be a big time bust.
I don't like the idea that we should only address someone that can "play now." Yes, we're all getting sick of losing. But taking the guy who's more prepared isn't always the best long-term decision. I would definitely take it into consideration... ...but just a couple years ago, this board was fed up with Rudy's infatuation with 4 year college players. Now that we've been losing, nobody wants the more glamorous pick... but rather the hard-working guy with a little less potential. Either one if fine with me, so long as it's a well-considered pick. If Rudy looks at a lot of Stoudamire's game tape, and says "wow, this guy's the next KG..." he'd be a fool to pick some 13/5 career player over him. If he looks at him and says, "too risky," then maybe the other guy might be more appealing.
Really? I thought Amare looked A LOT bigger than KG when he entered the draft. Hell, Amare looks bigger than KG does right now. Garnett is lanky. He might have an inch of height on Amare, but he's definitely not bigger.
True, but then we got Eddie Griffin and got considerably younger and obviously less experienced overall. It's all about balancing. Just being nitpicky. Good post, actually. I personally want Ming. As long as he's not injury prone, I don't think we can go wrong with him even if he doesn't turn out significantly better than Shawn Bradley (although don't get me wrong, I'd be EXTREMELY disappointed and unhappy in that situation), but that's a worst-case scenario I'm willing to risk. You can always trade cheap big men. I agree that we have enough talent now. We need players that really complement our present cast more than raw athleticism and a knack for a single skill like blocking shots. I think Ming does that. I also think Odom does that. I'm against going for Woods, Amare, and other young high-potential, high-risk picks unless we immediately trade them.
If you want balance, look to free agency for a solid backup that is cheap. Almost never do you find a rookie, even a 5 yr senior, going to contibute dramitically. In the draft I believe always taking the best player long term. We are in the current situation because Rudy wanted Bryce Drew instead of Rashard Lewis. Did Bryce immediately contribute as a rookie? no.
KG has grown since he was drafted. I think he is 7'1" (if not 7'2"). His current listed weight at 220 lbs is also dubious; 235-240 lbs, I would believe. I agree that AS is thicker than KG. Just to clarify, what I meant by comparing AS to KG was their ability to run the court. AS like KG has really sick physical abilities.
