Thorpe: Top 20 Rookies of 2008

[TheGuiltyParty]

Here is Thorpe's latest Rookie Report in which he has Speights at #22. While I think Thorpe should elaborate in his chats a lot more, I do respect the fact that he's worked with a number of NBA players. His feelings on Speights do make sense to me as he has said repeatedly that his rankings aren't based on who will have the best career but who will have the most impact on his team as a rookie. With Speights backing up Brand, Dalembert, Evans, and probably Smith, it's unlikely he gets much time on the court this year. That said, Thorpe's review of Speights below has to be one of the most encouraging ones I have read. If he turns into a Stoudemire type player, then the Sixers have the 4 spot locked down for the next 15 years.

July 22: I worked out Speights one time two years ago and thought he was the closest thing to Amare Stoudemire that I'd ever seen. I still think that. He is incredibly agile and explosive for such a big man, and his skill game is superb. He throws the ball in, period. Sitting behind so many players in Philly will not help spur development, but I suspect his coaches understand that and will work to keep him engaged.

[DuckyNinja]

I would hafta think that if Speights shows the ability to score and rebound at the NBA level, he'll find playing time.  We know that Ed isn't afraid to have the young guys on the court.

[tk76-]

As I've posted before, I think if Speights is ready, we might see Sam moved in the next 18 months.  Speights and Brand starting with Smith/Evans as back-ups is a good fit.  It gives lots of different combos based on need and is very low cost for a good frontcourt.

[jemagee]

He also thinks that Speights will never reach that level because of his work ethic...

[tk76-]

I don't think anyone should expect him to be the next Amare, so I won't be disappointed if he only is good and not some kind of star.

[TheGuiltyParty]

He also thinks that Speights will never reach that level because of his work ethic...

Ha! You're not the only one who can get Thorpe to answer your question.

[jemagee]

He also thinks that Speights will never reach that level because of his work ethic...

Ha! You're not the only one who can get Thorpe to answer your question.

But you have no respect for his opinion so why do you bother asking?

[Derek Bodner]

Nobody said they have no respect for his opinion.

What we did say is we dislike his chats, and think they're worthless.

There's a difference (not even a subtle difference).

[jemagee]

This weeks ranking, Speights elevated to #9

[tk76-]

You mean #19?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/rookies/rankings?season=2009&playerRankingType=1&period=1&set=1
Per of 19.85 is a great start, and he's just starting to hit his jumpers.


BTW, I would think Thad will end up one of the top 5 players in his class.

[Skates]

Top ten if we re-drafted Thad's class today:

1.  Oden - still early enough that most people would be afraid to pass on a possible franchise center, but he could slip fast with any more injuries.
2.  Durant - again on potential.  All he really does is score, but he will likely do it at a prolific level going forward.  Should move to SF.
3.  Thad - given his age he could challenge Oden and Durant down the road, his ceiling is that high.
4.  Horford - double-double machine, would be better at PF.
5.  Rudy Fernandez - looks like a real player so far, could move up the list.
6.  Thornton - Thad-lite and older.
7.  Jeff Green - still looks like he will be a do it all player, especially once he is surrounded by more talent.  Super glue guy with some offensive talent.
8.  Marc Gasol - looks like a future double-double center who blocks shots and shoots well, plus a good passer. 
9.  Spencer Hawes - even with Brad Miller back he is putting up good numbers offensively, rebounding and blocking shots.
10.  Ramon Sessions - has started to show that last year's end of season stats were not a fluke, Ridnour still starting unexplainably.
Honorable mention -  Any of the guys who have shown some flash and potential, but no consistency yet - Stuckey, Nick Young, Wilson Chandler, Brandan Wright and Noah.

[tk76-]

Your top 3 are the same as the top 3 coming out of high school (Class of '06.)

[Derek Bodner]

BTW, I would think Thad will end up one of the top 5 players in his class.

I think Thad is already top 5 of his class.

[Skates]

BTW, I would think Thad will end up one of the top 5 players in his class.

I think Thad is already top 5 of his class.

I don't think there is any question about that.  With Oden's injuries and mechanical offense and Durant unable to lift more than two sheets of paper at a time or to defend anyone, it is quite possible that Thad could end up at the top of his class.

[tk76-]

I wonder what fans outside of Philly would rank him?  There are a lot of players with upside in his class that have not gotten (or earned) Thad's heavy minutes- so it will take a few years for everything to shake itself out.

I certainly hope he ends p top 3, but I will remain cautiously optimistic.  If his sweet looking jumper stays this god then I'll be convinced.  It is a big jump to go from a hustling, crafty opportunity scorer to a headliner, but he the potential is certainly there.