<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">LAS VEGAS - Every now and again, Warriors rookie forward Chris Taft shows you the kind of player he can be. In Monday's summer league game against the Washington Wizards, Taft was the recipient of a sweet no-look pass from rookie guard Monta Ellis off a pick-and-roll. Taft then exploded from the dotted semicircle to dunk it with one hand over Wizards rookie Andray Blatche, continuing the uproar created by Ellis' dime. It was the kind of aggressiveness that made one think, 'Man, this kid's gonna be good.' "That's why I respect a guy like Amare Stoudemire so much," Taft said. "He will finish on anybody. If there were (players) 8-foot, 9-foot tall, he'd try to dunk on them. (I want) to have that attitude, that approach." Taft's potential is clear after just three summer league games. There's no doubt why he once was considered one of the top post player in last month's NBA draft, why the Warriors happily jumped on him when he was available at No. 42. Just 20 years old and at 6-foot-10 and 261 pounds, he certainly has the makings of a solid, if not dominant, post player. What has to make the Warriors happy, even more than his obvious promise, is that he's been playing with purpose. The most common knock on Taft, a University of Pittsburgh product, is that he doesn't play hard unless he's motivated. But he's clearly driven this summer league, mostly by slipping so far in the draft. He's still raw and doesn't go all out every play; on occasion he trots to the defensive end. But his play has been marked by spurts of assertiveness and physicality. He isn't dominating games or embarrassing opponents, but he's showing the Warriors some of what they need to see. "He's really explosive and he plays hard," fellow Warriors rookie power forward Ike Diogu said. "He's going to be really good. ... He's pretty strong. He can hold his own down low. He's a big body and he has some nice moves down low."</div> Source
I dunno, I feel like this guy is going to be Kwame Brown with better hands. It'll be frustrating for fans to watch because you don't know which guy is going to show up on the floor. He's still a good pick though, considering he was number one overall at one point based on his potential alone. Not too many big guys weighing 260 that can run and jump. He's like a Nene hilario type player with the same soft hands, but hopefully better rebounding. He's already a better free throw shooter.
I believe that Taft will be a pretty good PF/C in the league. He may be a little lazy but from what I've read he has no problem chasing down a rebound and lives to posterize anyone with a big name. With the body and shot blocking ability he already possesses i believe that there is no way he can turn out as bad as Kwame or Foyle. I think he will end up having an offensive game similar to Stromile Swift (lots of dunking and FGAs close to the rim) but with better defense and shot blocking.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Run BJM:</div><div class="quote_post">I believe that Taft will be a pretty good PF/C in the league. He may be a little lazy but from what I've read he has no problem chasing down a rebound and lives to posterize anyone with a big name. With the body and shot blocking ability he already possesses i believe that there is no way he can turn out as bad as Kwame or Foyle. I think he will end up having an offensive game similar to Stromile Swift (lots of dunking and FGAs close to the rim) but with better defense and shot blocking.</div> Actually,if he's as good as Adonal or Kwame,he'd be a damn good pick in round 2. S Swift is a bit Quicker,more spring,Taft has more bulk,but niether has a lot of range or finesse. As to shotblocking ability,Foyle was the NCAA record holder,Taft had fewer blocks than Diogu. Kwame had an NBA body when he was drafted,indeed,that was his main plus. Now he's bulked up some 30lb,isn't as buffed or agile,but has the bulk for C. Foyle played at 270 last year,but ought to play at about 260. He's quicker if not too bulked. 6-10 260 would be the same dimensions as Taft,except Foyle has a longer wingspan by 4". Taft needs to hustle. Hopefully he sees that now. He has good basic post technique,but the rest of his skills need work.
Apparantly, Taft was hospitalized with back spasms this week...according to the Contra Costa Times. "Power forward Chris Taft, the Warriors' second-round pick, said he is doing much better one day after being hospitalized with back spasms. He was walking under his own power, however gingerly, and was able to sit down and get up without much problems. He did not play in Wednesday's scrimmage and likely won't play in today's 5 p.m. game against the Boston Celtics' summer-league entry..." As far as the pick, I loved that the Warriors were able to get him in the second round. No pressure to keep him from the developmental league and let him develop. There's no room on the roster right now, anyways, so they can take their time with him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting goldenstatefan:</div><div class="quote_post">Apparantly, Taft was hospitalized with back spasms this week...according to the Contra Costa Times. "Power forward Chris Taft, the Warriors' second-round pick, said he is doing much better one day after being hospitalized with back spasms. He was walking under his own power, however gingerly, and was able to sit down and get up without much problems. He did not play in Wednesday's scrimmage and likely won't play in today's 5 p.m. game against the Boston Celtics' summer-league entry..." As far as the pick, I loved that the Warriors were able to get him in the second round. No pressure to keep him from the developmental league and let him develop. There's no room on the roster right now, anyways, so they can take their time with him.</div> Great. Taft getting hurt. At least it isn't J-Will TJ Ford type.
