Word is circulating that Chris will declare for the NBA draft any minute now (as 'expected'). He is projected to go in the early to middle range of the first round of this year's draft. Now I ask again - what do people see in him? I have seen him now more than 5 times now playing for Pittsburg and all I see is poor man's Malick Rose or Melvin Ely. He comes accross as someone with poor work ethic as well. This lad is as overrated as they come imho. What are these scouts looking at? The cheerleaders maybe? His video game performance and stats? Someone please sell me on this guy.
Body. He has an NBA one. Athletic ability. He's pretty athletic for a big guy. Post. He likes to play there (unlike many big men now). I don't see him as the world's greatest prospect, but he brings things to the table that most big men don't anymore. He's also young and there is a general feeling that his team didn't know how to use him properly. That buoys his stock a bit. I probably wouldn't spend a top ten pick on him, but anything after that and he's a good gamble.
Chad Ford ranked him #2 out of the Top 10 at the PF position. http://bbs.clutchcity.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=93678
His whole career has basically been a litany of excuses about why he isn't putting up better numbers. If you watch a game, the true reason becomes clear: he just isn't trying. With his size and strength, you'd think he'd be dominating the glass but he struggles to grab 8 a game. His teammate Chevy Troutman has half of his athletic ability but actually manages to hustle. I don't see Taft making an impact unless he works on his skills. Wouldn't mind him much if he weren't so cocky.
