TA is only disappointing if your expectations exceeded his performance. Wxpectations for a 25th pick should probably be taken in perspective. Someone earlier suggested that TA should be a starter by now. Look at the 2004 draft -- a pretty solid draft that included 1st rounders like Okafur, Dwight Howard, Iggy, Big Al, JR and Josh Smith, Deng -- and you'll find many late first rounders in no better position than TA. From picks 16 thru 29 including TA (#25), 5 are out of the league, 5 are starters (or starter quality) and 4 are role players. A quick look at the 2003 draft and the breakdown is similar if not worse for the second half of the first round.
TA is a $2.5 million role player who has shown flashes that leave many of us wishing for consistency. But his injuries, mental fragility, and size challenges in some match-ups simply lend credence to the wisdom of his late first round selection. A good gamble who has turned out to be an average 25th pick to this point. If TA can maintain consistency defensively, and be patient for his 'moments' on offense he can be a valuable role player for this team in the playoffs (more valuable IMO than today's Bill Walker). Hopefully, TA can give us an edge in a game or 2 -- something he is capable of doing. I have given up expecting him to be a consistent threat off the bench -- I'll settle for an occasional threat who can play some consistent defense.
