http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/03/17/1569041/stampede-roll-against-another.html Wow, the Stampede already have a player named Bobbitt. Almost sounds like a tongue twister, Rubber Baby Babbitt Bobbitt, Rubber Baby Babbitt Bobbitt, Rubber Baby Babbitt Bobbitt.
I still think he has the potential. He just needs to get stronger, get more confidence, and get more experience. But if Matt Bonner can be in this league for 10 years, than Babbitt has a chance. The off season will be huge for him. Portland may not be the right fit for him, but I bet San Antonio would take him.
When the Blazers acquired Babbitt in the draft day trade, I think they envisioned him knocking down open 3s off the Roy iso drive and kick out. With Roy out most the season and not being the same old Roy when he has played, Babbitt hasn't really had a chance to show what he can do in that role. With the addition of Gerald Wallace, there are even fewer back-up minutes at the 3/4 spot. I do think it's too early to give up on Babbitt. He'll never be a star, and probably not even a starter, but I could see him developing into a taller, better rebounding Kyle Korver or Jason Kapono. He rebounded well in summer league and in the D-league. He needs to show he can do that against NBA level compeition - and stick the open 3. If he can do those two things, he could be a decent NBA bench player. BNM
I really don't see it, and I will get crap fior repeating this, but my scout friend from Dallas has always said he reminds him of Mullin a bit. I guess we will see. He did great in Idaho last time as well. I'm thinking it doesn't translate well to the NBA?
It wasn't just our team. The general league opinion was that Babbitt was the best shooter in the draft. But he has limitations, so my prediction is... Kyle Korver.
You're scout friend sounds like a horrible scout. The only thing Babbitt has in common with Mullin is a left-handed jumpshot and ugly hair. Babbitt couldn't dream of the ball handling ability that Mullin had.
Offensively his game should be decent Defensively he'll always be a mess, though. Too slow to guard 3's and too small to guard 4's. Just a huge liability. He has some offensive talent but trying to dump him wouldn't be the worst idea.
Defensively, can he possibly be any worse than Korver or Kapono? If he can develop into a taller, better rebounding version of those guys, I'd be willing to keep him around as a future 8th man. Of course, those guys were both 2nd round draft picks. So, hoping Babbitt can someday develop into a similar type role player indicates he was drafted too high. But, what's done is done. Hopefully, he can eventually contribute SOMETHING. BNM
I think you misheard your friend. Perhaps he meant Jeff "Pork Chop" Mullins, not Chris Mullin. And, while he may not have been a member of the original Dream Team and named one of the 50 greatest players, I'd be more than happy if Babbitt came close to being the player Jeff Mullins was (3 time all-star, >20 PPG four years in a row). Or, maybe he meant Byron Mullens who has similar, but slightly better career stats than Babbit: Byron Mullens: 25 games, 110 minutes, PER = 1.2 Luke Babbitt: 21 games, 100 minutes, PER = -0.6 Maybe some day, Babbit will reach his full potential and have a PER in the black. BNM
Yea, he's been a MONSTAR for Idaho during this stint. All of his boxscores from his 5 games so far can be found HERE (notice the free throw attempts, very impressive). I think it's time to call him up. Might as well get a taste of playoff basketball atmosphere. I'm not sure what dropping 30 a night in the NBDL will do for him at this point. I think he's exactly like Webster. He has all the tools and talent, but upstairs he's shaky. If he plays with confidence, we'll have a good one on our hands.
