IMO, if we end up only having #'s 14 and 16, we should take Melo there. I know that it is a big jump from where he is being projected, but he is the player you need playing next to Motiejunas. Sorta like having our own Dirk and Tyson Chandler combo......for years.
We should look to nab him or Ezeli with late 1st round or early 2nd round. Need to start investing in 7 footers from the draft.
You know, for a big man who is supposedly raw and not ready for the NBA, Melo's basketball iq is good. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OvB9aZypXK4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Again, (not concerning the Rockets), if Miami does not take Fab Melo or Festus Ezeli, they are screwing themselves. Most mock drafts, I've seen and what I've gotten indication from they are looking for a point guard or swing man. Even though, Melo and Ezeli are both projected to go after Miami has already picked Miami needs bigs in the worst way, and have to get them with very little cap space. They need to draft a center or trade up a spot or two, to make sure they get Fab Melo. Out of all of the teams in top 10 elite category, Miami is the only one who desperately needs a big man. The biggest reason, they are struggling against Indiana is not because of LeBron and DWade. The Heat have absolutely no inside presence on defense or offense, as either prospect could start for Miami, next season out of the gates. From what I've seen, even with inexperience and primitive post game, can they really be any worse than Eddy Curry, Joel Anthony, or etc? I love both prospects, defensively and becoming consistent rebounding big men. It would be foolish for Miami to pass on any quality big man, right now. Ironically, I've seen in 3 mock drafts ... OKC taking Fab Melo and in another one they are taking Festus Ezeli, a bit early.
Fab Melo looks like a good defender. A bit more athleticism and offensive potential than i thought too. If he can stay in front of guys with that 7foot body, he'd be worth drafting in the middle of the 1st just on that alone.
The Heat started Dexter Pittman the other night... how did that work out for them? The Heat need to focus on getting players that will be able to contribute right away. If Fab Melo is that guy then so-be-it. However, this organization has championship aspirations and a player like Fab Melo will need alot of work, and will likely see no playing time in his first two or three seasons due to his defensive skill level, and exposure on the offensive end. Teams in contention should NEVER draft based on need. Thats why the owners and the players negotiated the two different mid level exceptions and veteran's minimum signings teams like Miami, LA, and Boston can use to sign players based on need where the CBA does not force them to address those needs through the draft or D-League.
1. Dexter Pittman has nowhere the ceiling Melo has, and was drafted later in the 2nd round in a much weaker draft. Nor is he as athletic gifted and skilled as rookie versus Melo. 2. Based on what observation, you do not think he could beat below mediocre players, such as Pittman and Anthony who often times are showing themselves being incapable of doing such things that are expected of veterans. How much worse can Melo be? Physically, both players do not matchup very well to Melo or Ezeli, while the two prospects are better players coming out of college. Both players could realistically win a starting center spot on the Miami Heat. 3 Teams in contention should NEVER draft based on need. - BASED On what notion? Yes, you would if you can find a quality free agent who is willing to take a paycut or play on such lower salary. You cannot tell that's not a gamble in itself. If you see a quality player, late in the draft and they fit that position, why not draft them, especially when that is one of the best available player. Yes, it would make more sense to draft a slightly more talented small forward who may not get any minutes, playing behind an already crowded backcourt of talented. Moreover, who says a rookie cannot beat out or be a better starting option than veteran you can bring in from free agency.
Started workouts. http://blog.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2012/04/syracuses_fab_melo_is_working.html .....
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If we only have 14 and 16, i would take him at 16. Scouts have him slated to rise during the draft process.
Taking Melo at #16 would be a terrible pick. There are 3 or 4 big guys who are better then him who be on the board at that point.
Well if you are restricting the choices to 7 footers then you have maybe 4 guys to choose from in the entire draft. However if you want to look at big men who can play the 5, who we could potentially draft at 16, Leonard, Moultrie, and Zeller are all better (although Moultrie is more of a 4). Fab Melo is not a can't miss prospect, and he has character issues (arguments with his coach, inability to pass classes ON HIS OWN). I mean, he was suspended twice during the season. Pass on him.
None of that will matter once he hits the court. As you can see, he is very quick for a guy his size and is also a very good weak side defender/shot blocker. Besides, having character issues in the NBA can be expensive.
