Does Robert Swift have a Future in the NBA?

elrod enchilada · Post #1 » by **elrod enchilada** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 8:40 pm

I remember how well he played in Seattle before he ripped up his knee a few years ago. He is only 23, so I thought he might make it back. I have not seen him play thsi year. Is he washed up, a bust, or does he just need more playing time to get the rust off?

Post #2 » by **wizkid27** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 10:33 pm

I would say that there have been a few nights (when he's been healthy this year), where he has been a pretty solid interior defender and rebounder. That said, he's not able to even sniff the court with some decent competition on a team that is well buried at the bottom of the standings. I guess it's possible that he gets it going, gets healthy, lots of confidence, etc. But if I had to put any odds on him being a viable backup center (for more reason than just potential), i would say maybe 10% chance... So 1 in 10 chance that he can be more than a scrub minute player in the league. I think he's potentially good enough to earn another contract and hover around the end of several team's benches for another few years (think Brian Cardinal, Mark Madsen... not in skill set, but in future career).

elrod enchilada · Post #3 » by **elrod enchilada** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 11:18 pm

Thanks. That sounds about what I expected to hear. He is huge and can rebound so he will have a job for a while. The question is whether he can be a good rotation player on a winning team. That seems less certain.

With 7 footers a lot of it comes down to how much they love to paly basketball and how competitive they are. With guys under 6-7 that is rarely an issue. But 7 footers with athletic ability get pushed into hoops even if their hearts are not into it. Unclear whether Swift wants to truly excel at hoops, or use it as a transition point to a career in judo and operating tattoo parlors. If he wants to be Dennis Rodman, Jr., he better play his heart out like Dennis Rodman, Sr.

london sonic · Post #4 » by **london sonic** » Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:08 pm

Im still gutted we passed on AL Jefferson to get him.Personally I think hes done in OKC especially with the addition of Krstic.Does he have any trade value and is it even possible to trade him before the deadline.

Post #5 » by **wizkid27** » Sun Jan 25, 2009 3:46 pm

I don't think that there's really anything we'd get in return. I think his best shot is that he's done with OKC, and he catches on with a team during summer camp/preseason next year. We aren't going to get anything for him at this point.