There is some reason to believe that he can be a useful player. I think it's obvious that he will never be able to live up to that #2 pick, but there is still hope for him. This season, he is averaging 1.2 points and 1.7 rebounds, down from his 3.1pt and 3.6reb effort his rookie year. It would appear Memphis gave up a little too soon. In another thread I pointed to the final month of the 09-10 season when he was consistently given significant minutes in the only stretch where he was a starter. During that time, he averaged 20 mpg and averaged 5pts, 5reb and 2blk. Obviously, those a re not All-Star numbers, but I think they give a better idea of what he can build from. Given some good coaching and a consistent spot in the rotation with 15-20 minutes, he could gradually become a serviceable player and maybe get closer to the numbers he put up in the D-League (30min, 13pts, 11reb, 3blk).
For some reason a lot of the naysayers seem to be missing this important fact. Besides, he has only been in the league less than 2 seasons. Good post.
I guess it depends what your expectations are of Thabeet but the thread title implies high expectations. If you think Kwame, Candy Man and Darko were busts then Thabeet will be a bust. Kwame, Olakandi and Darko could run circles around this kid. He's 24, old enough to have a polished game and to be putting up numbers in the league. His game needs too much work and I doubt the Rox have the time and patience to invest it.
I wouldn't call him the hope of the Rockets future. But we do have an advantage in that we likely have the guidance of one Hall of Famer and two potential Hall of Famers to help him along.
Personally I think we should make him a starter. Let him do the jump ball and sub Hayes in after the first deadball. Getting the ball first in 4th quarters could perhaps helps us get on a rhythm.
