I think he can play and shoot, but he never gets in the game... What the hell is Rudy thinking... Yeah he missed a couple of shots playing cleanup in Utah, but when is RT going to start giving him some minutes... I don't want him to end up another 1st round waste (e.g. Jason Collier)...
Or like Terence Morris? We spent a conditional first round pick on Morris and he rarely played in his first season despite staying in college and entering the draft very seasoned. But, he's playing more this year, even playing in some crucial minutes. I expect Nachbar's career to take a similar trajectory.
Rudy has said that Nachbar is this year's first round pick, since Memphis is getting ours... Right now, the small forward spot is the "defensive stopper" position with Posey, Morris, and Hawkins. Euros aren't known for their defense, so Nachbar is the odd man out this year. Rice is basically a statue on defense, so his minutes should decrease this year and next year. If the Rockets re-sign Posey, he should start at SF next year with Rice coming off the bench and Morris or Hawkins behind him, depending on which one the Rockets sign...or, maybe a free agent?? One thing the Rockets haven't had in a long time is a multi-faceted small forward that can take the ball to the basket and shoot the mid-range jumper, which Nachbar seems to be if he gets some playing time... damn, and that's just the small forward situation!
The vast majority of veteran coaches do not play rookies significant amounts of time unless the rookie is so good (or the team is so bad), that they just have no choice. In this case, Boki came in not quite ready for the NBA. He wasn't quite strong enough and he had an injury that left him out of shape. He also is a little behind defensively. That doesn't mean he won't be an impact player later or that he wasn't worth the pick. Every player is different in terms of development. Patience is a virtue.
I think the consensus on this topic is that Rudy drafted Nachbar as more of a project and as a replacement for next season's draft pick which goes to the Grizzlies (I think). With that in mind, the Rockets can afford to let him mentally adjust to the game while polishing the pine. There really is no urgency. Actually, I have been thinking that if Nachbar could beat the other 3's in practice, he might have more of a chance getting into the rotation. Maybe he's not doing that. I don't think it was a wasted pick. And I definitely don't compare him to Collier (who really isn't that bad, but just hasn't been given enough chances to succeed). Nachbar might just be too talented to be a "bust." All the tools are there, he just needs to capitalize on them. You don't just draft a guy at #15 overall and not expect him to have talent. Trust me, he'll eventually get his due respect, and start to pay off for this team. All in good time.
Fans will just have patience, till he gets a chance to learn the NBA Game! He should get the chance by playing and working out this off season.
Does anyone regret passing up on Qyntel Woods? I have to admit My gut feeling was to take Woods cus of his potential, but we chose Nachbar who i still think is a Superb choice. Yet I dont want to be one of the teams Woods comes out and kills later down the road because we passed up on him. To tell you the truth i was hoping he would slip down to us when i thought we had the #5 or 6 pick. and what do u know he went down to 15!!!!! but then we made sure he slid some more :-(.
Yeah, that guy is tearing it UP for the Blazers! Woods had some significant issues off the court (perfect for the Jailblazers) and apprently he was REALLY lazy on the defensive end. Not that he couldn't defend, he just didn't. Pass
Yeah! Boki is the next Yao Ming. You guys can rag on him now but I'll expect you to eat your crow later next season.
What is the expectation for #15 pick in the draft? That's solid starter for his career in my book. All star for a #15 pick is a bonus. I see no reason Boki can't be developed into a solid starter yet.
I forget how high Nachbar was picked. I feel bad for the kid because all the other early first rounders seem to have gotten more time than him. I have no idea how he'll turn out, but he's definitely got potential. I just wish they could squeeze some minutes for the kid.
Yeah, we gotta give Boki a flier for 2002-03. Boki: Rudy's quest to find himself. Damn Lanky didn't cut it. Boki will be that white small forward who can play. And Boki, being Yao's good buddy, will certainly be around awhile.
Are you asking for our opinion now, or our opinion on our opinion 3 years from now? my opinion now is he wasn't worth being a 3rd round draft pick, much less a 1st. but I can gurantee you in 3 years he'll be someone who produces as much as Brent Barry does for his team.
All the other guys we have talked about in Boki's slot...Woods, Welsh, Rush, Prince, Jeffries (Chris) have done nothing. Only Boozer and R. Butler, 2nd rounders have been much of a contributer for later picked players and their teams suck. Now I really wouldn't have minded a play up a few slots up for Miami or Phx's pick (take Butler/Stoud) using the Boki pick and KT or MO, however if we re-drafted where we were I think we would still stick with Boki.
I rememer when Peja first entered the League, he was on the bench until the last part of his first season, and look at him now. Same went for Dirk. I think Boki is a capable player, he will get there sooner or later.
