Did they make a mistake by trading for Eddie Griffin instead of Randolph? It sure looks like it. Oh my god. You would rather have Zach Randolph than Eddie Griffin? I will bet anything you want that Randolph doesn't have even close to as good a career as Griffin. THESE ARE SUMMER LEAGUE GAMES! SUMMER LEAGUE! Randolph is 6'9 270, and with a good post game. What defenders in the summer leagues are capable of defending him? Most of these players are CBA scrubs! And Randolph is a horrible defender, but wait... who exactly is there to exploit him? CBA scrubs! There are good summer league players every year, but very few translate that to NBA success. If you seriously think Randolph is even in Griffin's league, it's obvious you didn't watch a second of college basketball or put way too much emphasis on summer league games. GB, He had a 50 pound disadvantage, and he was not guarding Zach the whole time. What is he supposed to do? It's better than going scoreless in 28 minutes, like another rookie... ------------------ Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more! The Mo Taylor Fan Site
I think alot of the summer league guys would be good street ballers. I do think Randolph will be a good pro, but I think Eddie may be a superstar. Who went scoreless in 28 minutes ? ------------------ "norm, would you like to buy an indian scalp ? This deal isn't gonna make or break me Norm, so don't jerk me around." Harry Carey "Norm, if I had a mohawk scalp, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you."
Having watched the matchup up-close and personal, I can tell you that Cat, you are exaggerating when you say Zach is not in Eddie's league. Eddie got a block or two on him, but Eddie had all kinds of trouble with him. I certainly don't think the Rockets made a mistake drafting Eddie instead of Zach. I think Zach was a very good pickup for the spot he was drafted at. Also, I don't think Randolph used his body on Eddie as much as he just used good moves and positioning. He pump-faked Eddie into the air at least a couple of times. You are also way off trying to discount the matchup by saying Eddie didn't guard him all the time. Okay, does 90 to 95% of the time make that much difference? Eddie should be the better pro because he has more versatility. What Zach did should not be discounted. ------------------
I don't know where all of you are coming up with that just because Randolph was a lower selection than Eddie, that he's worse. In high school the guys were evenly rated, and Randolph's college numbers were lower due to the immense talent of his team. He could easily be better than Griffin, although not likely, but his draft stock just plummeted because of questions about his ultimate production(such as he will be the next Tractor Traylor). ------------------ Mmm Queso.
Yeah... just wanted to re-reiterate that Eddie was by far definitely the primary Randolph defender. I don't know exactly what the reason was/is for Randolph's explosion, but I do have a some theories... Some or none of them may be true... 1. His offensive intensity led to lapses in his defensive focus. (I personally believe this had a lot to do with it) Because he was scoring, I think he allowed himself some private celebration that caused just enough lapse in his concentration for him to get back down on defense a little slower than he would have been. Randolph had several quick, easy baskets... 2. It's been discussed ad nauseum, but Randolph does have a significant weight advantage. I think this is how Randolph drew as many fouls as he did, which forced Eddie into more of a reactionary stance. 3. Randolph does have great footwork for a guy his size. See #2. 4. Sometimes guys are just on fire. Randolph had it going on on Monday. There were times where you couldn't really argue with Eddie's defense at all, Randolph just made the tough shot. 5. I think it's clear that Randolph is more NBA ready than anyone Eddie's seen before for an extended basis. He'll learn. ------------------ "There are three kinds of lies: Lies, Damned Lies, and STATISTICS..." - Mark Twain -
Who went scoreless in 28 minutes ? Not tmo. He had two points thank you very much. ------------------
Tyson Chandler a few days ago. I was saying that statement in response to GB's crack on Eddie's defense, because his rookies are doing a lot worse! ------------------ Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more! The Mo Taylor Fan Site
Randolph has the great advantage of having an NBA ready body. If you watched his Michigan St. games, the thing that was most obvious is that he was nearly automatic from around the basket. But that he doesn't have a great shot - and he's explosive, but needs to lose some baby fat. Randolph went after he should have in the draft. But he's going to have to learn to shoot and defend if he's going to have a successful NBA career. ------------------ Clutchcity.net... source for all your Rockets, Astros, political, music, humor, and Gordita news.
Achebe seemed to imply that players like Jensen had a fair amount of time on Randolph too, but I'll concede that point. I'm sure several rookies will do what Eddie did. When you are a shotblocker, and you are facing the highest talent for the first time, it is a natural inclination to go for everything, to go for the pumpfakes, etc. It's a different atmosphere. That combined with the fact that Griffin clearly has the body of a small forward tells you that Randolph can have a good game against him. I know Randolph has some post moves, but there is hardly anyone in that league to exploit his very poor defense, and there are very few NBA caliber defenders strong enough and seasoned enough to deal with him in the post. Eddie is neither. Once Randolph goes against some seasoned NBA competition with some bulk, I don't think he'll do much. Honestly, I can't see him getting off the bench much in Portland next year, if he isn't on IR. ------------------ Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more! The Mo Taylor Fan Site
Randolph is exactly the kind of player I would expect to do well in these leagues. Like Haven said, he's got a great touch around the basket (almost automatic), but has othella like range and athleticism. While at Michigan State, he put up very nice numbers off the bench, double digit points and around 7 boards, in only 15 minutes of play. Haven... Randolph, explosive? I think alot of teams made a mistake in not drafting Randolph though, and I expect him to get playing time. ------------------
sorry for the misunderstanding The Cat, but Eddie guarded Zach most of the time. BTW, you should see Zach... his arms are long. He's a very interesting physical specimen. Will he become a superstar? Who knows.... but I believe that he has a lot more energy than scouts gave him credit for. He's not fat... and he's not slow. I wouldn't be suprised if he does turn into something special. ------------------ Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen...
Remember he dropped in the draft b/c of weapons charges, not talent. Otherwise he easily would've been a lottery pick. ------------------
Interestingly enough, my brother who is a big Utes fan said that Zach did not score against Jensen. I can't confirm that, but he is probably right, as he was watching Jensen closely. ------------------
I'm sure some of you that have been misinformed about Randolph's weight will find this interesting: http://www.nba.com/blazers/news/Randolph_Diamond_in_Rough010919.html Anway, I doubt anyone cares about it anymore but if somehow you were still under the impression that Randolph was weighing close to 300, don't say that you didn't learn something today. Nobody ever seemed to believe me when I argued otherwise....
