You're mostly right. But scouting is much more intense nowadays than it was back in the Phi Slama Jama era - for the teams, the media, and the fans. A lot of the Badiane hype comes from a Chad Ford article than ran before that draft, describing a workout where Badiane wowed scouts with his raw speed and power. Some other media outlets ranked him as a potential steal. And, of course, you always get gushing reviews on NBAdraft.net. Needless to say, you didn't have these hype sources back in the Akeem days. Anyway, these reports have led folks here to believe that Badiane is some kind of physical freak on par with Ben Wallace or Theo Ratliff. But if that was really true, he wouldn't be playing in the German junior league. I'm sure he's a specimen, but he's not so ripped that he can get by without basic offensive skills. Whether he ever develops those skills is a huge question mark. But even if he does, it's easy to see that he'll never be exceptional at any one aspect of the game. Face it - if he was an exceptional defender or rebounder, he'd already be on the roster.
well not for me; i think i get excited and want him to make it onto the roster becaues he's the only thing we've got in the past year or 2. I mean, apart from yao and nachbar, we don't have jack crack. Plus add to the fact that we still need a backup C, and you don't ask for too much at the backup C apart from playing some defense and block a shot or 2.
Personally, I've see Badiane play in two summer league games, and all the hype he deserves. Like Ben Wallace, took awhile before he was a impact player. Brad Miller, undrafted free agent. Badine arms are as long as i have ever seen, he runs like a deer, and he does have some moves on offense. He was only 19 and 95% of the scouting agencies had him going in the first round, which was and extremly deep draft. Remember what Dallas did with Josh Howard and Daniels. If you haven't seen Badiane play I understand your concern, but this guy is the truth. I was so impressed that I guarantee in three years he will start at power forward and be the perfect compliment to Yao.
Interesting that Badiane is being described as someone who will never be anywhere near the likes of Ben Wallace or Theo Ratliff, especially since the above description sounds like reasoning that was likely used back when Ben Wallace wasn't even drafted. I have no idea whether Badiane is going to make it or not. I've never seen him in person, and everything I know of him comes from media reports and these message boards. But I do know that there are lots of players that surprise a lot of people after being taken in the 2nd round or going undrafted (just ask the Mavs), so I'll just trust that the Rockets management who plucked guys like Mario Elie and Chucky Brown from obscurity have taken a good, well calculated risk here. (Not even much of a risk considering what was left in the draft.)
You could have mentioned Venson Hamilton and or Tyrone Washington, or Albert Burditt or Serge Zwikker. Being late 2nd rounders they are probably more appropriate comparisons.
All Time Rockets Line-UP... C - Malick Badiane PF - Eddie Griffin SF - Bostjan Nachbar SG - Matt Maloney PG - Tierre Brown Honarable Mentions: Matt Bullard, Serge Zwikker, Moochie Norris, Scotty Brooks (by the way who is Scotty Brooks)
Those of you GIVING UP on a 20 year old that is just learning the game are incredible. You do realize that he would only be a sophomore in college, right? Give the guy a chance, if he is a gifted athlete and has a good work ethic, who knows where he could end up. I just hope he gets on the Rockets 15 man roster so he can learn from high level competition. DD
Oh for crying out loud!!! Ordinarily I do not criticize posters here, but this one really needs some serious criticism. I mean, where do you begin? Never mind, I just can't, it's too overwhelming. DJ, how old are you, kid? Did you ever watch the Rockets play before Steve Francis and Yao were here? I'm guessing, what, 15 maybe.. Stop posting.
Put Brent Price in there for Brooks, and throw in Rodrick Rhodes for Bullard and you have a more complete squad.
No no.. Sarcasm I get. But that post was just.. just.. NOT. I know what he was trying to do. He was trying to lump all those named players together as 'busts', obviously. You don't take our little Scotty (the good Scotty), and you don't take our Air Bull, and our Boki (not yet anyway) and lump them in with the likes of Zwikker and Maloney. It just was not good, ok. I understand the backlash against all the hype for Badiane, a guy who has not done anything here yet. I understand Jeff's point. But heck, I think all we all really hope for is that the guy can become a Bo Outlaw type player, not necessarily the greatest skills, but strong, determined, and quick. That wouldn't be that bad, would it? 'who the hell is Scotty Brooks?' ... indeed! grumblegrumblegrumble..
Hey, I just found out that Malick Badiane is built into NBA Live 2004 as one of the few players you can "unlock." I wonder why that is? http://www.cheatcc.com/psx2/nbal2004.html
The players who I have listed is just those whose names stick around even though they were just role players (none stars). I have nothing against them. I was just being sarcastic By the way, who was Scotty Brooks
Getting Reece Gaines in the deal is pretty much the same as getting a 2003 draft pick. He played sparingly in his rookie season with Orlando. Maybe we can groom him into our future point. 6,6.....we would have a huge starting 5.
