Scouts: OKC should take Thabeet
By Mike Baldwin
If Hasheem Thabeet is available when the Thunder picks No. 3 in the upcoming NBA Draft, it’s a no-brainer for Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti to select the UConn 7-foot-3 center, according to a couple of NBA scouts.
Thabeet’s offensive game is limited. His basketball IQ has come into question. But two scouts said what he brings to the defensive end with his shot blocking and rebounding more than warrant selecting him No. 3 if the Grizzlies don’t select Thabeet.
“He changes games,” said one Eastern Conference scout. “If he doesn’t give you anything on the offensive end he can change the game defensively. There’s not a lot of guys in this draft that can come in with their presence alone who can alter the game.
“I’m not saying he’s as good as Blake Griffin but I think he can alter a game defensively more than Blake Griffin. That’s why (Thabeet) is unique, especially in this draft that has so many point guards.”
Another scout had a similar comment.
“It’s not like he’s a stiff offensively,” the scout said. “He has a couple of signature moves. That’s something he can develop. If he does develop a little offensively, and picks up his intensity a little bit, he could become an All-Star.”
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And another thing, you all know in Feb. or Mar., the Thunder acquired Tyson Chandler. The Hornets are pegged out for cap space, and they want to unload Chandler for expiring contracts. But a day later, he failed his physical (on account of his toe), so Sam Presti rescinced the trade. However, Chandler was a perfect addition to the Thunder, Presti likes Chandler, and Chandler likes OKC (he lived here when he was transferred in 2006, the second year when the Hornets was relocated to OKC). During the playoffs, HoopsWorld ran a story about his injury as “not going to get better.” There was widespread speculation that the Hornets will be shopping Chandler this summer. Right after the Horners were finished, Chandler had surgery to repair his ankle and toe, in part of the voided trade in OKC. I have a hunch if the surgery was a success, the Thunder might trade for Chandler again.
At Thomas,
There’s no way they will acquire Tyson Chandler. I like him, but he has been injury prone his whole career. His toe was an issue last year, and I almost guarantee that he will miss a number of games this year.
After seeing Blair from Pitt run over Thabeet more than once, I don’t think OKC should draft Thabeet. We need to find a big man with a little experience, like Gortat from Orlando. Let’s pick up a FA center, pay him to be our big man, and split time with Kristic. We don’t have enough time to groom another big. We’ve spent too much time on Petro, Swift, Hill, Sene, and others. We need someone we know can do the job.
Rod, I don’t remember Tyson Chandler when he was playing in Chicago. I remember when he was drafted 2nd overall by the Clippers, and he was immediately traded to the Bulls. Then I remember Chandler when he was transferred to the Hornets (in 2006) when they were relocated here. After the summer of 2006 until now (3 seasons), the only time when Chandler was injured was 2008-2009. He was healthy (and has career best in scoring and rebouning) the 2 seasons before that.
tyson chandler=damaged goods.
if a doctor says, “don’t take the risk,” especially a doctor that can only make enemies by making the unpopular decision, i’m going to agree with him. did you see tyson chandler in the playoffs? not exactly the guy i want slowing down my young team…
You meant to say:
Tyson Chandler before surgery = damaged goods.
Like I said earlier, if doctors say, “The surgery fixed the problem,” the Thunder might trade for him again (Sam Presti will make the final decision).
A week or two ago, I agree with your blog. But I found out the Thunder (#25 pick) is negotiating with the Pistons (#15 pick) to swap picks (plus extra). If we are successful, that is enough to draft B.J. Mullens (Sam Presti likes Mullens) with #15, and any sane person doesn’t believe that taking two centers in the same draft is the way to go. Ricky Rubio is the 1st choice, and if Memphis drafts Rubio, OKC will pick James Harden.