Good ESPN article on Fab Melo

[esel1000]

http://espn.go.com/boston/columns/nba/story/_/id/8113246/tracing-fab-melo-journey

I'll be the first to admit he wasn't my first choice in the draft. But I'll also admit that i didn't really know a lot about him. The more I look into it the happier I am with this pick. I think he has a lot of upside, and is still learning. He's definitely a project... can either be a very serviceable NBA big man or a bust depending on the environment. I think a team like ours can bring the best out of him.

Now lets just hope KG comes back. There isn't a better mentor out there

[lightspeed5]

Sullinger and Ohio State knocked out the Fab Melo-less 'Cuse team out of the NCAA tournament in the East region, which was played in Boston. Weird.

[LarBrd33]

the one thing I wanted out of the draft was a raw 7 footer with potential.  That's the one thing. 

My reasoning was simple... Rajon Rondo wouldn't have become the player he became had he not had mentors like Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge, Sam Cassell, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce during his early years.  It was like a master-class in being an NBA star.  But KG has never had a true apprentice.  A true 7 footer for him to mentor.  Maybe Fab Melo is that guy... he's certainly as raw as it gets.  Probably too raw. 

[mkogav]

How could you not root for the kid after reading that article?

Perk was raw as a sushi bar when he was drafted. Give the kid a year or two of practice with KG, Rondo, and PP and he may just surprise everyone.

Mk

[csfansince60s]

http://espn.go.com/boston/columns/nba/story/_/id/8113246/tracing-fab-melo-journey

I'll be the first to admit he wasn't my first choice in the draft. But I'll also admit that i didn't really know a lot about him. The more I look into it the happier I am with this pick. I think he has a lot of upside, and is still learning. He's definitely a project... can either be a very serviceable NBA big man or a bust depending on the environment. I think a team like ours can bring the best out of him.

Now lets just hope KG comes back. There isn't a better mentor out there

TP for the article....hope the Cs don't use him as trade bait...I think many on this board will hold his poor academic choices against him forever....he has paid his penalty by a lower draft position and consequent less $$$$$...

academic indifference does NOT equate to basketball indifference...some people don't get that and think that if you are a lazy student that you are a lazy hoopster...silly

[Celtics18]

the one thing I wanted out of the draft was a raw 7 footer with potential.  That's the one thing. 

My reasoning was simple... Rajon Rondo wouldn't have become the player he became had he not had mentors like Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge, Sam Cassell, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce during his early years.  It was like a master-class in being an NBA star.  But KG has never had a true apprentice.  A true 7 footer for him to mentor.  Maybe Fab Melo is that guy... he's certainly as raw as it gets.  Probably too raw. 

Well, he did have Patrick O'Bryant, who he couldn't reach, and he had Semih Erden the year before last, who seemed to be developing nicely with KG as a mentor until Danny shipped him out of town.  Stiemsma seems to be turning into a real pro under this team's tutelage, as well.

I have high hopes for Fab Melo.

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

http://espn.go.com/boston/columns/nba/story/_/id/8113246/tracing-fab-melo-journey

I'll be the first to admit he wasn't my first choice in the draft. But I'll also admit that i didn't really know a lot about him. The more I look into it the happier I am with this pick. I think he has a lot of upside, and is still learning. He's definitely a project... can either be a very serviceable NBA big man or a bust depending on the environment. I think a team like ours can bring the best out of him.

Now lets just hope KG comes back. There isn't a better mentor out there

This to me sums up why he struggled academically and with his immaturity issues...

"Imagine as a 17-year-old you packed your bags and flew to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to pursue your lifelong dream not knowing any Portuguese, not knowing what school or life in Brazil was like, and you did it without your parents or any kind of adult supervision," Ross said. "How do you think you would have done? Personally, I would have folded.


I mean, how well can you do in college with that? Think about all the small-town valedictorians that either flunk out or are barely hanging on in college, who speak the language natively and learned using that language all their lives (I don't have the stats but reportedly it happens often)... if they can't do it, it should be understandable that Fab struggled! You can't speak to his failure in education and just attribute it to laziness or work ethic. The guy put in WORK from freshman to sophomore year! Everyone that talks about him (people who actually KNOW him, coaches and scouts alike) said the guy is a hard worker... I think I will take their word for it rather than the word of people who just look from the outside!

[cltc5]

Good read.  Good for this kid.  Im on board.  Hell I backed the Hollins pick up I can back this guy.  NBATV also stated how ell Boston develops its players.  I can only imagine the D league and having the Maine Claws on board will help iwht this.  This could get fun.

Oh and O bryinat didnt want to put in the work becasue he thought he didnt need too.  Melo is conscious that he needs to improve, which is half the battle/

[LarBrd33]

the one thing I wanted out of the draft was a raw 7 footer with potential.  That's the one thing.  

My reasoning was simple... Rajon Rondo wouldn't have become the player he became had he not had mentors like Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge, Sam Cassell, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce during his early years.  It was like a master-class in being an NBA star.  But KG has never had a true apprentice.  A true 7 footer for him to mentor.  Maybe Fab Melo is that guy... he's certainly as raw as it gets.  Probably too raw.  

Well, he did have Patrick O'Bryant, who he couldn't reach, and he had Semih Erden the year before last, who seemed to be developing nicely with KG as a mentor until Danny shipped him out of town.  Stiemsma seems to be turning into a real pro under this team's tutelage, as well.

I have high hopes for Fab Melo.

Yeah... hard to believe O'Bryant was a 9th pick.  Dude was a serious bust well before he arrived in Boston.  Erden was the 60th pick... a nobody.

It can't just be any ol 7 footer.  I wanted it to be one who was athletic and had serious potential.  I really don't know if Fab Melo is that guy either.  It almost sounded like that Perry Jones kid was a better fit for the "super athletic, 6'10+ kid with serious potential"... and ideally the best fit for "raw physical freak with unlimited potential in the right situation" was Andre Drummond, I guess.  Anyhow... at least Melo displays the ability to play defense.  He's only been playing basketball since 9th grade, apparently.  If he has the right attitude, he could learn a lot.

[Celtics18]

the one thing I wanted out of the draft was a raw 7 footer with potential.  That's the one thing.  

My reasoning was simple... Rajon Rondo wouldn't have become the player he became had he not had mentors like Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge, Sam Cassell, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce during his early years.  It was like a master-class in being an NBA star.  But KG has never had a true apprentice.  A true 7 footer for him to mentor.  Maybe Fab Melo is that guy... he's certainly as raw as it gets.  Probably too raw.  

Well, he did have Patrick O'Bryant, who he couldn't reach, and he had Semih Erden the year before last, who seemed to be developing nicely with KG as a mentor until Danny shipped him out of town.  Stiemsma seems to be turning into a real pro under this team's tutelage, as well.

I have high hopes for Fab Melo.

Yeah... hard to believe O'Bryant was a 9th pick.  Dude was a serious bust well before he arrived in Boston.  Erden was the 60th pick... a nobody.

It can't just be any ol 7 footer.  I wanted it to be one who was athletic and had serious potential.  I really don't know if Fab Melo is that guy either.  It almost sounded like that Perry Jones kid was a better fit for the "super athletic, 6'10+ kid with serious potential"... and ideally the best fit for "raw physical freak with unlimited potential in the right situation" was Andre Drummond, I guess.  Anyhow... at least Melo displays the ability to play defense.  He's only been playing basketball since 9th grade, apparently.  If he has the right attitude, he could learn a lot.

I still think that Semih Erden will be a good NBA player.

[Roy H.]

I'm going to start calling him Fabrico de Melo.  I like that so much better than "Fab" or "Melo".

[SHAQATTACK]

the one thing I wanted out of the draft was a raw 7 footer with potential.  That's the one thing.  

My reasoning was simple... Rajon Rondo wouldn't have become the player he became had he not had mentors like Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge, Sam Cassell, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce during his early years.  It was like a master-class in being an NBA star.  But KG has never had a true apprentice.  A true 7 footer for him to mentor.  Maybe Fab Melo is that guy... he's certainly as raw as it gets.  Probably too raw.
  

TP...all well said.  Thats really all I wanted myself out of the draft a raw true center prospect.  All I can add...is that it more important than ever for KG to return another year , so this young man can watch a true professional at work and learn.  Please resign KG!!!
[/quote]

[Change]

The same people who give grief to Fab Melo for underperforming academically wanted Royce White someone with rap-sheet.    A little hypocritical. Hopefully Fab proves all his naysayers wrong.

[CelticsFan9]

Despite my initial reactions to Melo's selection, I've warmed up to the idea of having him on the team.  Not only will he have KG to mentor him, but a teammate in Kris Joseph to be with him through this process.

The biggest thing for me when evaluating Sully and Melo is to have low expectations.  When we drafted 3J, I worked myself up thinking he would be a great role player for us last season.  Unfortunately, that didn't work out.  I just want these two to take their time, learn as much as possible from KG, and commit themselves to learning Doc's schemes.  That's all I'm asking for this season.  Some actual contributions during games would just be a cherry on top.

I'm rooting for you Sully and Melo!

[gar]

the one thing I wanted out of the draft was a raw 7 footer with potential.  That's the one thing.  

My reasoning was simple... Rajon Rondo wouldn't have become the player he became had he not had mentors like Doc Rivers, Danny Ainge, Sam Cassell, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce during his early years.  It was like a master-class in being an NBA star.  But KG has never had a true apprentice.  A true 7 footer for him to mentor.  Maybe Fab Melo is that guy... he's certainly as raw as it gets.  Probably too raw.  

Well, he did have Patrick O'Bryant, who he couldn't reach, and he had Semih Erden the year before last, who seemed to be developing nicely with KG as a mentor until Danny shipped him out of town.  Stiemsma seems to be turning into a real pro under this team's tutelage, as well.

I have high hopes for Fab Melo.

Yeah... hard to believe O'Bryant was a 9th pick.  Dude was a serious bust well before he arrived in Boston.  Erden was the 60th pick... a nobody.

It can't just be any ol 7 footer.  I wanted it to be one who was athletic and had serious potential.  I really don't know if Fab Melo is that guy either.  It almost sounded like that Perry Jones kid was a better fit for the "super athletic, 6'10+ kid with serious potential"... and ideally the best fit for "raw physical freak with unlimited potential in the right situation" was Andre Drummond, I guess.  Anyhow... at least Melo displays the ability to play defense.  He's only been playing basketball since 9th grade, apparently.  If he has the right attitude, he could learn a lot.

I still think that Semih Erden will be a good NBA player.

Is Stiemer that much better than Semih. Stiemer gets more blocks but Semih bothered a lot more shots.