Would if the rockets drafted the kid they are comapring to Gasol and another center like Stoudamire or Marcus, Hilaro is too short from what I understand.So draft two seven footers, and use the exception to resign Walt.Maybe the Georgian kid will turn into the spot player we could use(3,4,5). if he excels at the 3 in a Kirelenko manner that would be awesome. If not we still have a backup at 3. Or what about a Dunleavy and Stoudamire. I'd like a 3 and a 5, but the rockets desperately need a back to the basket guy. Not sure who the best back to the basket and defensive 3 are, but whoever they are, get them.
Why do you say "hopefully" ? What if he developes into a dominant 5 naturally? Are you going to be depressed? Lets just let him develope and then he can play where he plays best.
After watching raef in these playoffs, do people still want him? Friffin is in the same mold as Raef and that doesn't bode well. Its hard to make a guys something he's not. He doesn't want to be a 5, so why force it upon him. He wants to shoot jumpers all day and stay outside. How many perimeter players can a team have? Webber didn't want to be a center,J.Oneal didn't want to be one. Rasheed wallace,garnett you could go down the list. Why? As long as Shaq's playing, no one wants to have to guard him. Once Shaq retires, there may be a lot of hybrid centers, but until then, they'll run scared.
Differentiate between what Griffin wants to do and what Rudy had him do in the offense. In his limited post-up opportunities, Griffin seemed pretty excited to get the opportunity. I don't think the kid is averse to playing inside.
I know what you're saying JeffB, but since I've been watching basketball, there are a few things that I can say I've never witnessed. I've never seen a guy shoot 42% in college, come to the pro's and all of a sudden become a good shooter or have good shot selection.I've never seen a big guy start from the outside then move his game inside and be a accomplished player down low. I've never seen a coach not to roll to the basket on a pick and roll. You might what does this have to do with Griffin and playing center? I think its pretty obvious that as skilled as he is, he will be a perimeter,poor shooting big man like Walker of Boston and Coleman(in his prime) . Of course he will get double doubles, but a frontcourt player, especially a big man shouldn't be a high volume shooter /scorer. The only way a player can learn to get his shot off in traffic, or post moves is to try them, not launching from 23ft. Coming out of college, Duncan had the range to probably shoot three's, but that wasn't in the best interest of his team. It's ok to be versitile, but some of these players are so versitile that there aren't good in anything, just avg. I could list them, but thats not to say they're not good players, its just that they hinder themeselves or don't have the ability to get a good shot when th team needs them too.
