http://sportstwo.com/NBA/Story/NBA/2610288 This was a smart pick for the Raptors because Jawai was likely to come right over, given that the Australian salaries are considerably lower than NBA salaries, unlike in the Euroleague. Jawai-type players get overlooked a lot in the draft, and then they wind up being the steals, because everyone's focussing on the athletic wings with "upside" this time of year. I was advocating the Grizzlies take Jawai at #28, and while they wound up with a complete steal in Darrell Arthur, if he and Greene were off the board, I would have been very happy picking the Aussie. I've never seen him, so I'm not going to pretend I know his game for a fact, but reading all of the reliable sources, he sounds like a no-nonsense, dirty-work type of player that's never going to average 15+ ppg but will always be a consistent rebounding threat and an overall physically intimidating post presence, like a taller but poor-man's Reggie Evans.
The Raps showing this much faith in a second rounder, this quickly, is unprecedented. Colangelo and co. must really see some legitimate potential for them to bring him over this quickly. I'm excited to see him play.
we needed another center on the cheap so it might as well be one that may develop into something the team can use. i'm looking forward to seeing him play in summer league.
Hi guys, I'll admit I'm not a Raptors fan, but neing an aussie myself, I'll be following you guys closely this season. I'm very intrigues with what Jawai can do in the NBA. Last year was his rookie season in the Australia's NBL (National Basketball League), and I must say that no rookie ever dominated like he did. He was the all-star game MVP. It's very hard to describe how he will play like in the NBA because it is such a different level to the NBL. In Australia, he was the closest thing to Shaq our league has ever season (and this is in one rookie season). He ginishes incredibly song, attempting to dunk every inside possession he can and he uses his size very well. Now... in the NBA it's safe to say he won't be as strong, and he won't be that offensive powerhouse that he was in Aus. He's a good rebounder, but is more reknown for his scoring right now. Though I would say the only way he survives in the NBA is if he works hard on his defensive game because I agree that he will have to be a utility player to do well in the NBA.
Thanks for the assessment dakeem! I was hoping to find someone who had seen him play in the NBL. What do you think of his athleticism and skill level? Some people have suggested that he's just bulk and could lack conditioning (its something that worries me, but I have to take it with a grain of salt since I don't think most people have seen him play). Also like you said, he's not going to have that physical edge in the NBA any longer. So I'm interested to see if he can offset that with good technique in the post. btw, he didn't play in our summer league opener because of a sprained ankle (its the same one that's bothered him during pre-draft workouts). Hopefully he recovers soon because I can't wait to see him play.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dakeem1 @ Jul 14 2008, 09:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Hi guys, I'll admit I'm not a Raptors fan, but neing an aussie myself, I'll be following you guys closely this season. I'm very intrigues with what Jawai can do in the NBA. Last year was his rookie season in the Australia's NBL (National Basketball League), and I must say that no rookie ever dominated like he did. He was the all-star game MVP. It's very hard to describe how he will play like in the NBA because it is such a different level to the NBL. In Australia, he was the closest thing to Shaq our league has ever season (and this is in one rookie season). He ginishes incredibly song, attempting to dunk every inside possession he can and he uses his size very well. Now... in the NBA it's safe to say he won't be as strong, and he won't be that offensive powerhouse that he was in Aus. He's a good rebounder, but is more reknown for his scoring right now. Though I would say the only way he survives in the NBA is if he works hard on his defensive game because I agree that he will have to be a utility player to do well in the NBA.</div> Dude, welcome back and thanks for that. And like Chutney said, how has he been injury wise in the NBL? I think he should be okay, but I'd like to know. Also, it's awesome to hear how dominate he was there, in his rookie year! All-Star game MVP, and it's good to hear he is using his size well. I agree with you, that he won't be as strong, but he'll be able to flourish in the NBA, I think. I can't wait to see him play.
