Second-rounder puts skills honed in Germany on display for Rockets http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/3264019 Malick Badiane passed the basketball with his feet and knees as if it was a hacky sack. He then kicked it off the arch of his foot straight into the rafters of the Rockets practice court. He waited for the ball to drop into his hands, then turned and sank a fadeaway. The sequence made it evident the native of Senegal can play soccer. It's his basketball skills that will be scrutinized this month, however. Badiane, 21, will play on the Rockets' summer league team in hopes of impressing team officials enough to sign him prior to the fall training camp. The summer players, who have spent the past week practicing, leave for Minnesota on Thursday. Weight added to tall frame The 6-11, 240-pound forward was Houston's second-round draft pick in 2003 and has spent the past two seasons playing in Germany. The Rockets, who hold his rights, said they like his progress. "What's really impressive is he's gained about 18 pounds," Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said. "He was a beanpole when we drafted him. He's starting to get a body that can play in the NBA and endure the longer seasons. "He's gotten more experience over there and gained in basketball stature." That progress is exactly what the Rockets have wanted to see, but Badiane might still return overseas. The Rockets like Badiane's athleticism, and team officials say his offense has improved. It's his post presence and ability to shut down a lane that the team values most, however. Rebounding and blocking shots are his strengths. "Rebound every time," said Badiane. "That's what (the coaches) told me, because only rebounding can make me in the league. They don't need me for scoring or whatever." The Rockets like what they see from Badiane but do not want to rush him into the NBA. But the team has to sign Badiane in order for him to be at training camp. That means they will no longer have the option of sending him overseas. If he is not ready, the Rockets risk hurting Badiane's confidence and setting back his progress. Or if they cut him, he becomes a free agent. "It's early yet," said Rockets assistant coach Tom Thibodeau, who is coaching the summer league team. "We've only had four practices, so I think you want to wait and see where he is at the end. And sometimes you have to make the decision, is he better off being here or is he better off there where he can get more playing time?" Badiane said he agrees with the Rockets that he wasn't ready to play in the NBA when he was drafted. But he hopes he might get his opportunity this season. Badiane said he often watched the Rockets games and thought of ways he could help, especially when injuries depleted them at power forward and they struggled to rebound. Area for improvement Thibodeau said he was impressed with Badiane's rebounding, but added he needs more consistency. The Rockets also want Badiane to improve in blocking shots. Last season, the Rockets learned how valuable such a trait can be when Dikembe Mutombo was able to come off the bench and shut down the lane. While Badiane's summer league statistics won't exactly determine how successful he might be in the NBA, the Rockets are confident they will get a good idea of where he stands. Regardless of whether he is ready this fall, the Rockets are confident Badiane will be a part of their future. "We knew it was going to take two or three years when we drafted him, but it's hard to get a second-round pick to make your team," Dawson said. "So if you can find one that will be able to help your team down the road and be a sort of diamond in the rough, that's even better. "He's looking like he was well worth that second-round pick."
Looks like you cant tell everything from a practice.... Froget Stromile we got the franchise rite here.
I saw Badiane at the Comets game tonight, he's long as hell. I saw him with Tmac and Mutombo after the game. If Mutombo could take him under his wing that would be perfect.
I certainly agree it's not a good idea to rush him but in all honesty, we have two old, washed up PF's on our roster already in Spoon & Baker that have little to no shot of making any actual contribution this coming season. If you ask me, even if Badiane MIGHT be ready for the NBA that's still good enough for me since I am opposed to carrying around worthless, deadweight on our roster. Cut Spoon under the new CBA rule regarding the luxury tax (Allan Houston rule). Bring Badiane on board and let him learn 1st hand how to play in the league.
I would love to give him a roster spot, there are other non-contributers taking up a spot on the roster. Get rid of one of them and bring in Badiane. He looked good today on tv. (local news sports)
Couldnt we just sign him to a two year minimum deal and if he sucks just send him down to our minor league team.
For real. Spoon and Baker makes Badiene look like Deke. Well, not really...but still, Spoon and Baker aren't playing much and, frankly, they aren't going to get any better. Badiene might, and even if he doesn't, we won't lose much by getting rid of Spoon and Baker. It's win/win.
Are you talking cutting one or both of those two and giving the roster spot to the Bad-man? I hope you realize it would be truly foolish to cut either one until the trade dealine passes. That's $10 million in expiring contracts. Beyond that, I'm inclined to believe this KAS13 guy (see "Rockets Update..." thread) is in a position to know what he's talking about, and he thinks Badiane is pretty much a nothing. Don't get me wrong, he could still contribute eventually, but we don't want to ditch valuable assets just to find out now. The level of optimism still following this guy around baffles me.
You're right. With expiring contracts of Baker, Spoon, Moochie and Wesley we have a great oportunity to land players we need.
I have hope in him. He also has the P word. Beanpole! He can become a quality solid backup power forward/center..and who knows if he can improve even more he could be an impact backup 6th man type..and who knows maybe like Reggie Evans or Haslem...start!
next year when spoon and baker oren't on the roster we will find a spot for him. he won't get any PT since he would likely be the 12th man but at least he can start to move up.
I don't see him making the team this year. KAS13's reports on him corroborate what we have already heard from various other scouting reports. If he isn't ready to play, he is better off in Europe where we can still keep his rights. Time is on his side because he is still very young.
No kidding. Reminds me of all the Boki hype. I just have a feeling this guy will never play for the Rockets or the NBA. If he had any potential, he would have already been over here.
Looks like Ill-Skillz is running a bit late. I don't see how Badiane could be THAT much worse than Steven Hunter when he first came into the league... And everyone inexplicably seems to like him.
Looking good on TV is one thing. Looking good against live NBA players is another thing entirely. This is just another fluff article to appease the true believers. The bottom line is that if this kid had NBA level skills, there would be NO question of his making the team. No big loss AFAIK because he was a longshot to make it in this league anyway.
I buy that. From what is described of him, his path seems to be along the lines of a Bo Outlaw type. IMO,at best, hell be a pseudo situation role player. Ya know, one of those that will be in and out of the rotation for most of his career, mainly dependent upon matchups.
not one person has actually seen this guy play, but everyone is turing into a scout/GM I love this board... Poster 1 (he believes): Sounds like this guy is another Garnett - lets cut Howard, Spoon, Baker and break off negotiations with Swift and Walker so he can get some much needed PT. Poster 2 (he wants to believe, but spends too much time on real GM): Well.. if we package Ward, Spoon, Baker and Moochie and a future second rounder we can get Kidd and then SAR in a sign in trade three way with Portland and New Jersey. I looked it up !!! Poster 3 (too much time in the GARM): We can get Kidd and SAR !?! CD - get it done !!! Poster 4 (joker): sura faints... Poster 5 (hater): This guy will never play in the NBA/NBDL or Euroleague - he is anther ROderick RHodes - we should have drafted (insert unsersized college PF here) this year - CD is an idiot - trade Yao - bring back Francis... Poster 6 (JVG hater): can we PLEASE just fire JVG !
