That's the problem with giving these kids the big pay day right from the jump when they are drafted. There is no motivation to improve there game and work hard they already are set for life. I bet Kwame doesn't even lift weights or a basketball in the off season to work on his game.

There are more than a few big men who succeed in the NBA without being able to hit short jumpers or FTs, but very few who lack court sense and work ethic. Ben Wallace was never that much more skilled than Kwame offensively, if at all, but the difference in their basketball IQ and dedication to playing hard are...rather obvious.

Admittedly, it's not like JMax or Amir have played much better than him so far this season. But both of those guys have shown enough in the last season or two to make it reasonable to expect more out of them. Kwame's track record at his other stops doesn't inspire much confidence.

Gosh, he's been a lot better than I thought he would be. I think he's a prefectly fine 12th guy, an extra big man who plays five minutes every couple of games and steps in when someone gets hurt. But, he won't replace Dyess, and he sure isn't a starter.

I don't know, maybe he doesn't work hard off season. I'm not sure you can tell that based on how cut he is, different bodies react differently to strength training, and not everyone develops or looks the usual way. He looks strong to me on the court except when he's flopping.

Basically, I don't think he really knows how to play the game, a low BB IQ. He doesn't seem to have a feel for what's going on. That is of course something he ought to be able to work on, but maybe he ought to be a soccer goalie.

I think his biggest problem though is expectations. He just shouldn't have been drafted in the first round, much less first. If he were a late second round pick, or even a late first round pick, we might think about him differently. What was he supposed to do, say sorry Mr Mike, I think you've greatly overestimated my abilities and I think you should take Tyson Chandler, Pau Gasol, or Eddie Curry if you want a big man. Dalembert was 26th, Scalabrine 35th, probably around when Kwame should have fallen.

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"But first, are you experienced? Or have you you ever been experienced? Well, I have."
Jimi

Makes you wonder if John Hammond was the brains behind this organization. The last few moves from Joe have been questionable based on data available at this point i.e. signing Amir and JMax to long terms deals at their respective $ figures, signing Nazr/Kwame. Not saying that JMax and Amir are bad players but at close to $9M in combined annual salary it would seem like they don't offer bang for the buck. The Pistons still don't have a consistent difference maker coming off the bench. Thankfully Stuck and Aaron are decent picks. Last year's draft was a non-event. Could have traded the pick.

Absolutely, you my friend hit the nail squarely on the head. Problem is that he is making over $4mill when he's really only worth the Biannual exception. Sad, that even a professional basketball player who sucks commands a million dollar salary, ONLY IN AMERICA BABY!!!!!!

Wasn't it Don Nelson who once famously said "you can't teach height"? The NBA has always been in love with the 7 footer and if Kwame was 6' 10" he wouldn't even be a ball player. It's one of the biggest myths in basketball to want a big man for your center. Unless your big man is Tim Duncan and he doesn't even want to play center. Kwame has the physical gifts but he lacks the basketball IQ required to put the package together. I'll take Amir anyday of the week because he's got the raw talent and the smarts to put it together.

I would be happy to trade Kwame to Toronto for Kris Humphries and the rights to Carlos Delfino and call it a day.

True That has yet to be determined......sometimes I jus dont know....

When we signed him my mouth fell open just like ! I couldn't believe it. I mean he has no hands, no footwork, and no all around game really in the post. He was signed just for defense (where ever that is). Joe completely lost his mind. I guess he thought he brought all the other players that built their careers here in Detroit but I don't think he's one of those players. I with Dre and say I rather have Nazr as well.

i hate how people say he's a good defender just he's a big body that knows his role in the post. people thought just because Joe took a chance on his that it meant he was going to actually give a **** and try to improve.

to his sympathizers, he's not even reaching the ridiculously low expectations that were set for him: play solid D and grab boards, which shouldn't be so effing hard at 7 feet!

To be fair...a lot of us didn't like Kelvin Cato right from the start either.