Posted by BRIGGS:

we got 3 good ballplayers, i feel good about that--would i have liked to see some different things, yES, but Im also very glad that we are going in the position we are.
Lee is a good ballplayer--the reason I ask this question is because taft can really play 5, hes a shot blocker and Lee is a small 4, a position we are clogged up in. was his value discounted to much because of youth and perhaps poor development by the PITT staff?

Posted by roblackman:

I think we'll be capable of 45 wins after Isiah is done dealing this summer.

Posted by diderotn:

the reason why Isiah passed on Taft is because he failed the psychological test that he was given miserably. Isiah did his homework on the kid just like he did for Frye...what he found out after questioning Taft's teammates, coaches and friends forced him not to pick this kid...Yes he is talented, but Isiah value guys with high moral standard, and Taft is not that type...

Posted by BRIGGS:

we got 3 good ballplayers, i feel good about that--would i have liked to see some different things, yES, but Im also very glad that we are going in the position we are.
Lee is a good ballplayer--the reason I ask this question is because taft can really play 5, hes a shot blocker and Lee is a small 4, a position we are clogged up in. was his value discounted to much because of youth and perhaps poor development by the PITT staff?

Posted by Knixkik:

A little off the current topic, but can David Lee play any minutes at center?


[Edited by - knixkik on 07/02/2005 11:42:02]

Posted by Knixkik:

A little off the current topic, but can David Lee play any minutes at center?


[Edited by - knixkik on 07/02/2005 11:42:02]

Posted by BRIGGS:

Posted by roblackman:

We needed more than athleticism--we needed maturity and leadership--I don't see Taft providing that anytime soon.

Taft is 30 pounds heavier an inch taller with 2 more inches on his wingspan and out-jumped Lee on the vertical by an inch

I agree with you that Lee has the IQ part of the game down, but did we dsicount that Taft was 1 year away of solid devlopment from being a monster?


In terms of measurements

taft 6-10 261 7-2 wingspan 33 inch vertical
Lee 6-9 230 7-0 32.5

thats quite a physical diference. i think taft was hurt by poor coaching his second year, not that he didnt bring some problems on himself, but we are talking pick 30

I can see Lee as a role player Taft on the other hand can be a starter in this league one day.

Briggs,

I appreciate most of your posts but this one seems to methodical for me. We do need athleticism, but throw in some heart, otherwise it only shows up every 5fth day... I think we've had it with that (Not to mention all the other teams that passed on him. Remember, he went from lotter to mid 2nd round). Basketball is not about numbers. Really no sport is. It's about chemistry (and talent, intangeables, etc.). Look at the Yankees, need we say more? Tell me what 2" more of wingspan means when compared to David Lee? Ok, let's do the math... 2" & 50% effort is much much less than -2" and 110% effort. Throw into the mix chemistry. I can't overstate this. The Yankees are again case in point. I have such a good feeling about this team know. I can just see Chuck Daly smiling at the "role" players we have. I quote it because they are not really role players... they are a group of individuals playing as a whole and that will beat a bunch of all stars playing on the same team. No more numbers, it's too one dimensional. 2" in Wingspan when you are talking 84" compared to 82" just don't make sense. Not at all. Throw speed, heart, timing, will... you'll see who the winner is.
Ok, now imagine Nate coming in and getting the crowd going. Playing D to inspire the rest of the team. You can't put a number behind that...OH, poor coaching didn't hurt taft. Don't make excuses for the guy. If he was so poorly coached he could have showed heart at the camps, he showed nothing from what the reports said. That's a number I'll believe. If he suddenly turns into something, that's a chance that I and most of the experts helping these teams to draft are willing to take. "I got this feeling and it's back again" (Beasie Boys)... I'm really looking forward to seeing this TEAM play. Still needs some work though.
With all due respect,
Albert

ps - David Lee was what, the 11th highest rated "athlete" at the combines and first in his group of forwards? Forget that he's white, that is awesome. Don't look a gifthorse in the mouth.