A DeAndre Jordan level player is probably a realistic best case scenario for Melo this season.

I could see Melo doing wonders under KG's tut.

Jordan was probably even more of a project coming out of college.  Hard to overstate his athleticism though - 6'11" with bulk and great mobility. 

Having said that, I don't like the Jordan's progress (or lack thereof) on either side of the ball.  He'll pile up blocked shots, but he's an unimpressive defender overall.  He can convert dunks, but he shouldn't take any shots further than two feet from the rim.

Because of that, I think Melo has a higher ceiling on both sides of the ball.  His soccer background gives him very good court vision, footwork and agility.  He's not as athletic as Jordan, but he's still solid in his own right.  He flashes the ability to make a midrange jumper.  I don't think he'll ever be a big offensive threat, but he should at least advance to the stage where he is no longer a liability.  His good footwork and length will help him become a good defender if he learns the system and makes the correct rotations. 

My concerns with Melo are his rebounding and his bulk.  He's never been a good rebounder, and unless he puts on significant weight he'll be at a disadvantage against power post players.

tl;dr:  De'Andre is a better athlete and was even more raw coming out of college. 

I doubt Rivers would roll the dice on a rookie at center.  Perhaps, Gregg Popovich would...  It depends on maturity and progression from what the staff observes in practice.

Ideally, you want to see either Sullinger or Melo start from the beginning.  But then, that's asking a lot from your rookie if he isn't ready.  Unfortunately, Melo won't have a bone thrown his way unless a serious injury happened.  Then too, he'll probably foul out real fast.

I remember thinking that we could've had Chalmers or Jordan in the draft instead of Giddens.  Especially, when Perkins was traded...  You might have had Jordan in waiting.

Yeah, passing on Chalmers and Jordan was a major boner. Almost like Danny was fixated on Giddens no matter who else fell to the end of the first round.

Either Chalmers or Jordan would have put the C's over the top for another championship or two.

I wouldn't want to be stuck with Jordan's current contract though, and Melo could definitely be better in short order, if only because he can put the ball in the basket once in a while and make some free throws.

Celtics future is very bright.

A DeAndre Jordan level player is probably a realistic best case scenario for Melo this season.

I couldn't disagree more.  If Melo sniffs the court at all in the next 2 years it'll be due to injuries.  this kid is RAW.  Give him 2 years before you expect anything out of him.  I'm hoping that by his 3rd year he'll at least be a solid backup center.  Anything more than (or sooner than) that is just gravy.

Quote from: syfy9 on August 24, 2012, 01:43:59 AM

A DeAndre Jordan level player is probably a realistic best case scenario for Melo this season.

I couldn't disagree more.  If Melo sniffs the court at all in the next 2 years it'll be due to injuries.  this kid is RAW.  Give him 2 years before you expect anything out of him.  I'm hoping that by his 3rd year he'll at least be a solid backup center.  Anything more than (or sooner than) that is just gravy.

Yeah, even matching Jordan's own rookie year (4.3 points/4.5 rebounds in 14 minutes) will be tough. 

I don't see why Melo can't ultimately develop into a Jordan-like player, but it won't be in '12-'13.  And, even if Melo does develop into that kind of player, he'll be due for a $10M/year extension by the time he starts really contributing.

dont take this personally, it is just a discussion board.

Even Greg Kite started a game in his rookie year. Let the young guns play.