You can block a shot here and there in the NCAA just because of your 7'3" frame. Not in the NBA though.
I don't think people should be so quick to call this guy a bust. Roy Hibbert barely sniffed the court last year, but looks to be a legitimate starting five this year. Sometimes it just takes guys a bit longer to come around and fully translate their game to the NBA. Good luck Thabeet!
I think this shows also how much the D-League has grown in the minds of NBA executives, it used to be a third rate league like the CBA, but now even the highest draft picks are now being sent down there to develop and get some playing time, it is moving closer to becoming a true minor league to the NBA.
Hibbert and Thabeet are not the same player just because they are both 7 foot 2ish guys from East Coast powerhouses. Hibbert actually has some semblance of game, whereas Thabeet is way too raw. I wouldn't say he's a complete bust, but I don't see him ever becoming more than a marginal player in the NBA best case scenario.
Not every player can come into the league and make an immediate impact. Some players need a transition period where they can develop their game [in practice] and build up their bodies. Think of it as a 'redshirt' year for a college freshman. FYI Hakeem Olajuwon did redshirt his freshman year.
NBA big men take longer to grow and stay at their peak longer (barring injuries). Hopefully he does grow to be a good player.
Is Samuel Dalembert considered a marginal player? I don't think too many people would complain if he developed into that. I'm assuming they drafted the guy with the knowledge that he won't ever be a big option on offense, but if he can develop his defense he can stick around for a long time.
Fail. I know what you are going here, but technically they never stepped on the court their "rookie seasons" therefore that doesn't count as an actual season on the records.
Yup. You don't draft a guy that high who has Samuel Dalembert upside when there are much better players available.
Thabeet was only good because there is no defensive 3 seconds in college, it was a joke to watch. I love that Blair broke his arms off and body slammed him straight into hell.
That was hilarious to watch. Dejuan Blair ended his life so horrifically on every possession that I immediately knew Thabeet was going to be a huge bust.
