That's why you have scouts, bring players in for workouts and interviews, etc...in order to determine if the guy can make the jump, and if the guy can make the jump immediately. After all that work, the book on Rudy Gay, according to both Rockets and Grizz, is that he'll likely not be an impact player until sometime down the road. Whenever Jerry West talks about Rudy Gay, it's always premised on what he can "one day" become, not the next season. In fact, West has said next season will be used to try and develop youngsters and that fans should have some patience.
I agree that like Maggette that Gay showed flashes of great play versus consistency. However, I don't think he's much like Maggette in other ways. I think a guy like Maggette would've had a hard time fitting in with the Rox, but Gay was on one of the most talented teams in NCAA history and he fit in fine. I really think he would've blended in well.
down the road is not that far away. we're not talking about a kid from high school. he played 2 years of college ball. i don't expect him to become great next year, but even if he's good in another year or two we made a mistake unless Battier is the piece that helps us get the trophy.
