I took a peek at Thorpe's chat because frankly, I'm addicted to short answers and I say that you once again got a question answered in an ESPN chat.
John (Santa Barbara, CA): Shorter Version - Can Speights develop into a starting Center next to brand?
SportsNation David Thorpe: Really doubt it.
Does that answer satisfy you? Does he doubt it because he thinks Dalembert is going to be the starting center next to Brand for the rest of his career? Does he think Speights flat out won't develop? Does he think Speights can't play the 5? This is why I just love, love, love David Thorpe.
Also of interest... Thorpe has elaborated on his Top 20 Rookies and posted a Top 50, and Speights has come in at #28. I'm not expecting Speights to make a major impact or repeat what Thad did last year (which was fairly major) but I'm not expecting to look at the NBA at the end of the season and say, man... there were 27 rookies better than Speights this season. Right now on the depth chart, it doesn't look like a lot of minutes for Speights but I am expecting Evans to be moved.