Posted by fishmike:
[quote]Posted by BRIGGS:
--->Randolph strikes me a little to meek for this league. A guy thats going to spend his career shooting 3's and long jumpers because he doesnt like getting tossed around in the paint
This is not true at all. He barely shot a three point shot all season. He averaged close to a double double as a freshmen and mixed it up in the paint very well. Did he get pushed around? Yes but Kevin Garnett would have been pushed around his freshmen year if he played at UCLA. Randolph projects very very well for the NBA game. What he doesnt have in girth he has in length athletic ability and skill sets. And at 18 years old he's going to get much stronger. I think most people just have not seen him. I think you may be talking about Donte Grteen A guy who settles to sit out on the perimeter at the same size. Randolph is the complete opposite he is either posting up dribb;e drive penetration or 12 foot jumpers--he does not sit outside and take 3s at all.
neither did Frye. Frye had a nice jumper but in CBB he played under the basket and was a pretty tough player. Then he got to the NBA.
I am not predicting Randolph being another Frye, but its a very hard to tell if a guy has the mental makeup to make it here. I think we all agree Westbrook does. He's going to relish defending guys like Wade, Gordon, Redd, etc just as much as he will relish scoring on them. Thats a guy I want on my team.
I cant disagree with you. If my job was on the line I would go with Westbrook. Although I prefer the bigger players[because the history of the NBA dictates it] that I mentioned--it would be hard pressed for me after reviewing Westbrook so many times[and believ me I was down on him at first]--I taped Memphis UCLA and he was just so impressive even in the shots he missed as he seemed to just gravitate to the hole at will against a VERY VERY good defensive team[better defensive team than anything you would see in foreign countries] He brings speed excitement toughness that the NY Knicks haven't seen in a LONG time. Even though he is 6-3 he really plays 6-6 and would be just a terror in an open system on both sides of the ball. If his jump-shot improves--you really could have a very very special player and just with his tenacity and world class athletic ability--the odds of a buts are almost negligent as there must be a way to make great use of his physical prowess
i.e the compariosn Frye and Randolph--two diffent type players. Randolph has the ability to intiate the fast break and bring the ball up at his size--he also has great promise in this kind of system where diversified skills in a big man count big time. His size doesnt scare me--if he can pull down 19 rebounds in a game as a freshmen in the SEC hes going to be darn good.
Im open to a few players--the guys I want to stay away from start with Gallinari and I dont like the fact that he might have some bias with the kid because of a relationship. If I really felt I saw asuperstar in Gallinari I would personally say it--I see Boston Nachbar skilled can do somethings can look like a superstar in a few plays but now eher near that level as a player full time. I really see much more of a bench player.
[Edited by - BRIGGS on 05-26-2008 1:41 PM]
6/26/2008 10:06 PM