Hasheem Thabeet - Detroit Pistons Fan Community

NTC · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Sources close to the situation have indicated that center Hasheem Thabeet will enter his name into the 2007 NBA draft. He will likely test the draft process and wait to hire an agent.

Thabeet, from Tanzania had a solid first season playing for the UConn Huskies. He averaged 6.2 ppg, 6.4 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game.

He is extremely raw offensively and would benefit in the long run by returning to UConn for his sophomore season. But he is anxious to help out his family and bring his mom to the United States.

With such a premium on centers, NBA teams do not hesitate to take a player such as Thabeet with a high pick. Just in the past three years five center projects were taken in the lottery: Andris Biedrins - 11th pick in 2004, Robert Swift - 12th pick in 2004, Andrew Bynum - 10th pick in 2005, Patrick O'Bryant - 9th pick in 2006 and Saer Sene - 10th pick in 2006. As centers with limited immediate impact, but a lot of potential these are high risk/reward picks.

Thabeet is considered a great kid with an excellent work ethic and enthusiasm for the game. He's not to be confused with Peter John Ramos, or considered a player with questionable motivation or off court concerns. He has proven himself (at least defensively) on the NCAA level.

Having played the game for just a few years, Thabeet can be awkward on the offensive end and easily pushed off balance. But as former coach and current ESPN analyst Rick Majeras described him, he has "soccer feet", his dexterity and foot speed are freakish for such a big player. His balance and offensive skills will improve with experience and added strength.

At worst, Thabeet will be a defensive stopper and rebounder. His offensive game could really come around as he shows solid shooting form and touch from the free throw line. Although he shot just 50% from the line, his numbers are sure to increase with repetition.

With considerable upside, Thabeet is considered a lock to be a first round pick and likely a late lottery to mid first rounder.

Source

What do you guys reckon, would you be for, or against drafting this kid?

He has been compared to Dikembe Mutombo but with a stronger body, I personally would love to see us take him, based solely on his inside defensive presence, which is somthing we have been lacking a bit of since the loss of Ben Wallace.

buddahfan · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 05:22 AM

If he comes out this year and gets drafted it appears he could benefit by a playing in Europe for 2 or 3 years.

I don't think that is what Joe D. will be looking for out of this draft.

I think he will most likely draft the best 4 player, who got lots of minutes in a top notch college basketball program that plays man to man defense who is still on the board when we pick.

This will then be someone who can hopefully get some meaningful minutes next year.

More projects we don't need at this time.

NBADraft.net - Hasheem Thabeet

buddahfan · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 05:23 AM

Corr:

That was supposed to be 4 year player not 4 player.

ggazoo69 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 10:58 AM

Despite being at UConn, I haven't seen much of this guy. I only attended one men's game this year. But from what I've heard, this guy needs A LOT more seasoning. Taking a chance on him would be like taking a chance on, uh, uh, the name of our No. 2 pick from four years ago somehow escapes me.

Joe D needs to draft someone who will make a difference NOW.

roscoe36 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 11:13 AM

If he falls into the mid-to-late teens, he might be worth the pick. But we already have a big raw athletic center. Cheick Samb. Unless the Pistons are ready to write him off, I'm not sure our need is another big raw guy.

LanierFan · #6 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 01:25 PM

The guy hasn't done anything except measure 87 inches tall. He has serious economic need, so I don't begrudge him his chance to make some money. But I'd rather be in the position of offering him his second contract, after he's shown something.

mercury · #7 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LanierFan

The guy hasn't done anything except measure 87 inches tall. He has serious economic need, so I don't begrudge him his chance to make some money. But I'd rather be in the position of offering him his second contract, after he's shown something.

I think raw prospects are more in demand in lieu of the D-League (providing he gets the right coach)... this could open up the debate of college vs D-League development... but at least you have bird rights in case the kid takes off.... Darko came along two years too soon.

Roscoe, I would like to think of Samba Mama as a center too... but unless he can get in the 250+ LB range it won't be an option.
Honestly I believe Thabeet will be long gone before our pick arrives

J-Train · #8 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 07:31 PM

I don't see this kid falling out of the lottery. The Deke comparison is a good one. This kid just owns the paint defensively. If he's sitting there at pick #13 or #14, it would be hard to pass on him. He could very easily have a Mutombo-like career.

LanierFan · #9 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 08:20 PM

Or a Priest Lauderdale type career. I'd gamble with the second first rounder, but not the first.

mercury · #10 (**permalink**) 04-08-2007, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Train

I don't see this kid falling out of the lottery. The Deke comparison is a good one. This kid just owns the paint defensively. If he's sitting there at pick #13 or #14, it would be hard to pass on him. He could very easily have a Mutombo-like career.

Whassup my man?
Yeah, ya gotta grab a big while the opportunity is there... don't see too many lotto picks on the horizon... nice to known we'll finally see our Otis Thorpe/Darko mulligan.