James Gist could be a good backup PF/SF for the Rockets. He's obviously a second round pick which means he's likely a bench player at best. He played PF in college but some project he could play SF in the pros. If so, I like him best as a defensive stopper off the bench. Averaged 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks a game playing for Maryland this year. I know combine results can often be taken with a grain of salt, though I do believe that measurements are important with regards to length. Gist is 6'7", 6"8 1/2" with shoes. If he can play SF then that's a good height. But his wingspan is 7'4"! Thirty five inch vertical, not very strong. He was a senior but doesn't turn 22 until October. Sites say that he's very athletic though probably not very polished. He's an "upside" player. I feel like defensive prowess is often translatable to the pros especially with good coaching. A second round pick who's a (potentially) great defender, athletic, and "upside."
I question whether he can really be a pro SF. He's very long and athletic but I really see him as just an undersized PF. I could be wrong though, i've only seen him play a few times.
I'm not familiar with Gist, I can only really comment on what I've read. That being said, some sites have Gist listed as a SF, while most will agree that Landry was a PF throughout college. If Gist can play SF then that's the position we want him to play for us. He's only a 31% 3 point shooter but he's only been shooting them for 2 years. With his wingspan, you'd think he could get the 3 off in the NBA, so maybe his % improves with more practice. He's named on the ACC All-Defensive Team on some sites and his steals and blocks totals show he could be a versatile defender in the pros. FWIW he's not a great scorer; I'd prefer CDR in the first round for that (if we can get him). However, Gist did score over 20 points in 9 games last year (2 over 30 points).
Gist primarily scored in the low post, offensive rebounds, and transistion for Maryland. I think he profiles as an athlete off of the bench who could be effective in limited minutes. I don't think he is what people traditionally think of as a SF, but the NBA game is changing. You see teams playing 3 guards, and 2 forwards a lot. He could come in and be very disruptive when playing against a smaller lineup.
If he's limited offensively but can play great D then he's already Shane Battier! But seriously, a hustle player who plays great defense on perimeter players should be embraced by this team. If he gets a 3 point shot then he's pretty close to what I'd look for in a SF (If he can play that position). If he could slash that'd be great too but let's not get carried away with a second round pick.
