NBA "Length"
Just finished reading Chad Ford's update on the Chicago Pre-Draft Camp. Talking about Jason Maxiell, as he has previously, he writes, "The rumors were flying everywhere that he got a promise in the first round. That may be a little high for a 6-foot-6 power forward, but when you factor in his athleticism, strength, 7-foot-3 wingspan and aggression, maybe it's not a stretch after all. If he were two or three inches taller, he'd be a lottery pick."
I think this is absurd. Maxiell is a beast, and if he's good enough, height doesn't matter. He's going to be stronger than guys two inches taller, and his wingspan is long enough that he can block shots. Question his lateral quickness or something else, but not his height. Yao can't block shots even though he's tall specifically b/c he has a short wingspan. And few NBA players shoot high like Rasheed Wallace, so they're not going to play him like you would your little brother. There's no way 2 inches should make the difference between lottery pick and cusp of the second round.
posted by aaron @ 8:41 AM
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