Andrew Bynum and Soloman Alabi

Quote:

---

Raptors_13 wrote:

Andrew Bynum was drafted as a project and not an immediate impact player, now he is one of the top centers in the league. In his first season he saw limited floor time with only 7.3 mpg. Last year we received Soloman Alabi from the mavs for cash, and he barely saw any floor time. Are the raptors organization trying to replicate what L.A did with Bynum and increase his minutes over the next few seasons and turn him in to a solid center? I would be happy if we get a serviceable backup out of him.

---

I don't think so. They took a flier on Alabi because of his size and physical tools. He's no Bynum. He's not as talented as Bynum was when Bynum entered the league straight out of high school... And Alabi is 22.

Quote:

---

blackjitsu wrote:

I hear what your saying Mangokid I just don't understand what having Gheradini(m/s) is for if not to finagle behind the scene things like this? Another option could have been Japan ( a few head coaches with NBA ties are there now).

Anyway he's here now. No point moping. Maybe we get lucky and Alabi has an awaken this summer.

---

So Gherandini is around so he can help gets guys onto Euro clubs? He might have some connections in enabling a guy to have a chance to play in Europe, but these teams are money making operations, and just like us, they want to put a winning product on the floor, so it's not even guaranteed that he'd play - he could very well sit on the bench. As for playing in Japan - why? The competition is very weak. He might as well stay in North America and play in the D-League.

Quote:

---

Matt52 wrote:

The difference is Bynum was 17 when drafted straight out of high school and 23 today.

Alabi was 22 when drafted with 3 years of NCAA experience and is also 23 today.

---

If it were any other position I would subscribe to the "he has already reached his potential" argument.
I am not saying he is legit - I am not saying he is not but I will say if he really wants it he could find employment in the NBA

Alabi's combination of Size athleticism are rare - much better NBA body than say Alexis Ajinca. Do more work in gym and on mimicking the body of Dwight Howard and worry less about your jump shot and he should stay in NBA by virtue of his physical domination around the rim.

However does he want it that bad?????... lots of pain and commitment - not everyone has that desire - in fact few do.

Alabi is the next kwame brown! just kiddin. This guy has some potential but you gotta give him a chance.

Quote:

---

Raptors_ wrote:

Alabi is the next kwame brown! just kiddin. This guy has some potential but you gotta give him a chance.

---

If he's the next Kwame Brown, I'd be happy. Brown is a solid reserve big.

Come on guys... this analogy is ludicrous. Bynum was selected 10th overall out of highschool. Some people even compared him to Shaq.

Alabi spent three seasons in FSU. They are both the same age and had time to develop. Soloman is still raw like sushi.

Only if you adjust the salaries is there any hope for Alabi. I don't mind paying him $1,000,000 a year for two or three years for the miracle that he can become someone like Ibaka. But being a realist I don't expect much. As awkward as Ajinca is I think he has a better future.

bynum is the next alabi