If we can trade Eddie for Brand, I am all for it. If not, I prefer to allow the 20 year old more time to develop.
The young studs that have turned out well all had good FG% stats, just not high points because of the lack of PT. Eddie's had good PT and his FG% increased 4% to 40% - but for a PF that is bad. If he can bring it up 4% a year for the next 2 years (to 48%) that would make him worth keeping. But I don't think he can keep increasing his percentage that much. Has there ever been a case where someone in the NBA has consistantly increased his stats that much over a 4 year period or is Eddie that special that he will be the first? Like a used Daewoo - trade it while the miles are low and get a decent car that you'll be happy with and will last.
First off, Bender and Miles were never designed to be the post player that we all envision Eddie to become. Miles is in the same form of Odom, a tall, long, athletic swingman. Bender is also in the same form, but he doesn't have the dribbling ability of Miles I think. Also, Miles basically had no shot to speak of, whereas Griffin has a shot that needs some refining. Every high schooler/young player that enters the league needs weight training, but Griffin has already added 10 to 15 lbs from last summer. I have mixed opinions on Griffin, but i agree with francis4prez in that season #3 will reveal a lot, and we should keep him around for that. Everyone says Griffin hasn't improved, but THERE IS IMPROVEMENT. It's a little bit, but he does look a lot more comfortable in the post than last year.
Just to be clear, 40% is HORRIBLE for a PF. 40% for a PF playing alongside Ming and Francis is downright crap.
Eddie is horrible at shooting. I liked him...I loved him blocking shots. And I thought it was unfair when he made a spectacular block and was called for a foul. But then he looked horrible. His shooting is horrible. His footwork is horrible. His defense is decent. But man...his shooting. And a 20 year old smoking mar1juana is horrible. I agree. Do not trade him..YET. Wait until the trading deadline. Unless the Clippers offer us Elton Brand. I don't really think he can improve much...
