Wasn't athleticism one of the reasons EG was so touted? If he is an undersized "stiff" who still needs time to grow, then trade him for someone who can play now. Who is a bigger project at this stage, EG or Yao Ming? I would trade him and a future first for Zo if possible, who is a true big man, and who could start at either PF or C immediately. Trade Steve and Rice/filler for KG while they're at it. Then pick JWill or Ming with the first. Odom for KT, Mooch and the 15th/future pick would be icing on the cake. Zo KG Odom Mobley JWill/Ming Anyone else want in on my FANTASY.
It probably doesn't matter so much whether Griffin's official position is a 3 or 4. Robert Horry and Donyell Marshall are a couple of good comparisons (though of course we hope EG gets better than either). Horry played the 3 some for us (94 title team) and the 4 for us (95 title team). He mostly plays the 4 with the Lakers but he still takes a floor position beyond the 3 line. Marshall plays the 3 when Malone is in, the 4 otherwise--but where he is placed on the floor (at least offensively) is pretty much the same. You use a players strength where ever he plays and try to cover his weaknesses as much as possible. Personally, I think Horry became a better player putting on that 20lbs of muscle because Horry just couldn't hang with quicker SFs and he fared less bad versus PFs with the extra strength. Because skills can be complimentary, that is why I think for instance Gooden and EG could compliment each other (if we trade down a couple of spots Drew would be high on my list). Defensively Gooden could guard SFs man on man and is stronger, and EG can be a weak side shot blocker. Offensively Gooden has a much better low post game and probably better court sense down low, EG has better range on his shot (unless Gooden extends his range to the 3 which he might a la Wallace, Horry, etc,). Further, to me the fact EG hit a respectable % of 3s in his first year of pro ball with the pro line means he probably will be taking more. KT has probably been told to avoid taking 3s because he isn't that good at it.
