I certainly thought about Sabonis, and wouldn't have minded him, but this seems a couple of rounds too early for him given the injuries and that he couldn't play anywhere near a full game (or the modern version). He was essentially a half of the game player, which makes the 4th round seem way to high for him.
I had Sabonis as a mid to late fourth rounder. Maybe early to mid fifth if he slips.
I thought he was best available (big bodied) center. Only one other smaller center I might take ahead of him. So I think he is fine value here.
I love Sabas' highly skilled offensive game in this CB Historical League. I think he'll do a wonderful job orchestrating an offense from the low post, elbows and high post areas with his passing, post moves and jump-shooting. Very strong rebounder also. His size too at 7-3, 280lbs, will be useful in matching up against some of the bigger centers here in this league.
The minutes thing is a concern but Sabonis played 32mpg one year and averaged 16/10 (3 assists, a block, 58% TS%) and generally played around 30mpg in the playoffs. You can get around 27-30mpg out of him easily enough.
Especially with these suped up teams we all have. It's not like I'll have Stiemer and Hollins coming off the bench to back him up.
But to stick with the half a game argument, would you rather have half a game out of a complete player with a unique skill set lacking from many others at his position (passing, shooting, ball handling) that can play on both sides of the ball, or a full game (or I guess 75-80% of a game if they play 35-40mpg) from more limited players like Chandler, Rodman, Mutombo, or Ben Wallace? The dominate bigs already taken (Shaq, Robinson, Ewing, etc.) aren't going to have it easy against him, they'll actually have to guard him. I mean he shot 38% from 3 one year (and 37% two others). He’s just such a unique, skillful center, he’s a matchup nightmare. A big reason why those Portland teams were so good without a superstar. I really think he’s a gem.
And hey, now I have 2 HOFers on my team
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO3IundC-e4