For somebody who would know better than me: has Biyombo progressed at all since he was drafted?
I have barely seen the Bobcats this season but I thought Biyombo was gradually improving throughout his rookie season.
He was very raw - on both ends of the court, not just offensively but defensively too. Bad fundamentals and didn't know how to play against players who were such more bigger than him. As a grossly undersized center at 6-9, it was always very likely to take Biyombo a lot longer than most players to learn how to be effective defensively against players at his position.
I think Biyombo would be further along if he could play PF alongside a skilled offensive center. Play against guys his own size while he learns the finer points of playing defense. Someone like Big Z who could nail jump-shots and allow Biyombo to hang around the basket offensively.Without that, it's going to be a longer road for Biyombo.
I think he is still 2-3 years away from being an impact defender. Next year, I'd expect him to become an average defensive player (he is still below average to my eye) and the year after an above average one and hopefully a really strong defensive player from thereafter.
Biyombo is supposed to have a terrific work ethic. Combine that with elite physical talent and an excellent mental disposition (loves defense, rebounding, dirty work in the paint) and I think there is a nice foundation there to work with. I am still optimistic about him.