Month: June 2008 (Page 5 of 40)

Coach Z’s scouting report: Being drafted solely on potential… very long and rangy… shot blocker in college, but lack of strength will limit him in the pros… to compare him to Lamar Odom or Tayshaun Prince is an insult to them… raw as a garden full of carrots…risky pick, as bulking up will be his biggest challenge…

Randolph is very raw. Given how Patrick O’Bryant failed to develop under Don Nelson, I’m not optimistic about Randolph’s chances to develop in the same situation.

I’m going to comment on one more pick and then I’ll be back later with a recap of the last half of the first round and some comments on the second round.

Coach Z’s scouting report: Great kid, which can be both good and bad… he’ll be a good teammate, but doesn’t always have the edge you need… capable of ESPN highlights and Rip Van Winkle lowlights… consistency and strength will be key… if he develops the “edge” he will be an All Star… potential All-Defense performer… no edge, no glory…

Blazers are set for the next decade at off guard (Brandon Roy), power forward (LaMarcus Aldridge) and probably center (Greg Oden). Travis Outlaw is probably starter quality, but Rush will provide excellent shooting and good all-around play at the small forward position. He’s a nice addition to the Roy-Aldridge-Oden core, and since he’s willing to defer, he’ll fit in well at Portland. Great pick.

Coach Z’s scouting report: Pundits will knock his competition at Rider… all I know is that he averaged 20 and 10 for 2 years… Long and athletic with a desire to get better will make him a 10 year pro… love his bounce and nose for the ball… rebounds and blocks shots well… could be the sleeper in the draft…

Thompson is a face up power forward that fills a need for the Kings. Scouts have been down on his upside, but he looks good on film. He has a nice stroke and rebounds well.