Since I’m late, let me just recap on a couple thoughts through this, rather than respond to individual posts.

1. The reason it’s cool to like Gortat is not because his per-minute numbers are great. Lot’s of guys have great per-minute numbers on short time, but it doesn’t translate to the same production with more time. However, there are some numbers that do translate, namely, the ones that Gortat puts up. I’ll grant you that he plays on a team with a unique style, and that system might enhance his strengths and downplay his weaknesses. But, just like rebounding rate from college to the pros, Gortat’s numbers translate well to more minutes. He’s not a scoring machine, but his mechanics and instincts are tuned in to the defensive and rebounding side of the game, and that translates well, especially for a big. Remember, guys who play the 5 don’t log tons of minutes. Lastly, Gortat has practiced against Howard, and has been instructed by Patrick Ewing for several seasons now. That’s like the Harvard of basketball school. If I were to invent the best possible way for Byron Mullens to learn the center position, I’d put him in Gortat’s shoes and give him 3 seasons to develop. Don’t knock the 2nd round pick. Anyone remember a guy named Blair that was a second round pick that no one bought into? His game has translated really well so far, and he didn’t graduate from the Orlando School of Basketball.

2. Ibaka, as talented as he is, will not be ready to dominate for several more seasons. He’ll have barn burning stretches, but no consistency for a while. I know Presti will be patient with him, but be careful anointing him the Savior of the Center right now.

3. I am on board big time with Alabi as a prospect. If we can’t work out a deal for a Center, I wouldn’t mind drafting Alabi and waiting while him and Ibaka become the most dominant duo since Batman and Robin. But, right now that’s a pipe dream. There is more to basketball than passing the eye test, especially with young, raw athletes.

4. I prefer Biedrins myself, and would be willing to trade several picks for him. I do not think Chris Bosh is our answer, due to our location and due to our rebuilding process I don’t think he would be interested. If he is, then he could really help us.

Alabi (from Florida State like someone else posted) should not be the fourth or fifth center/big brought up in next year’s draft discussion: He should be the second, if not the first depending upon how he develops in his sophomore season. The kid is 7’1, 245 lbs and has better vision, footwork, spacing and offensive touch than Hasheem Thabeet had as a freshman. Plus, Alabi does not shy away from contact like Thabeet does and is just as talented as a shot blocker and rebounder as Thabeet.

It would not surprise me at all if Alabi plays his way into being a Top 10 pick next year, if not Top 5. His length, motor, athleticism and penchant for absolutely owning anything around the glass and rim are the things that make scouts drool.

Trust me, remember the name Solomon Alabi and watch as much of Florida State as you can next year. He’s not nearly the project people think or want to make him out to be. You can write it down and keep this post (Royce) and bash me for it if I’m wrong (everyone), but Alabi will be one of the elite prospects in next year’s draft.

And to answer the question, Alabi is the “other guy from Africa” that people are talking about and yes, if you add his wingspan and height to an Ibaka frontcourt tandem then, for heaven’s sake, hide the women and children.

So there’s a free preview on the next J.G. “Thunder Draft Prospectus” for the 2010 Draft. :)

Nick Collison is a better player than Marcin Gortat, and his extension was only four years. A much smaller deal overall.

Nick is not a center so obviously comparing him to Gortat is apples to oranges. His production at the time he signed his extension was better, though.

I don’t like the word ‘potential’ used for players who sign multiyear guaranteed deals. Potential is for draft picks and players like Thabo Sefolosha who are on small deals that will have to be extended. In these situations you really can’t lose because your investment is small. Picking up an unproven commodity like Gortat who is already on a multi year guaranteed contract, although maybe there is some potential there, is a stupid risk. Honestly, I’d probably much rather trade for someone like Dalembert who is way overpaid but only has a couple years left, and will probably play better than Gortat anyway.

We could get both Monroe and Aldrich with our multiple picks next draft. I see Monroe at the guy who could actually bench Green. He has a nice defensive game, but he can score as well. Aldrich is the classic center that we are looking for.