I know your a big fan of his, and I don't have a problem with that. My only problem with the Whiteside talk was about picking him with the fifth pick. I don't think he's worth the fifth pick. But if we were to move down in the draft, then I'm open to picking him up. But bear in mind, the kid is going to be a project, and most fans don't have much patience around here.
I haven't got much info on him as far as his work ethic, maturity etc so I was asking to see if anyone has the articles that gives details on that. From what I've seen, he has a lot of upside. There aren't many guys with his height and athletic abilities in the NBA these days. Too many 6'10" with shoes guys playing center. So the height is part of what I like about whiteside.
Looking at the lakers, having a long and tall team makes a huge difference. I'm tired of seeing Pau, Bynum and other tall guys grabbing the reb from behind our bigs or tipping it away even when our bigs are in position.
I agree at this point, 5th pick is too high for Whiteside. But at around 8-12, its a very reasonable pick considering a guy with his height that can play is very rare.
Not to say Whiteside is as good as Dwight Howard, but even DH is STILL very very raw offensively and this is his 5th or 6th? yr!! DH also had a HOF like Ewing teaching him and he is still very raw. DH really is just a defensive guy for the most part. Thats what I want Whiteside to be if we pick him. Of course he has a lot to learn, but DH was a #1 pick. Whiteside at #8 or lower would be reasonable.