Don't underestimate what a 7 footer does to the zone. Qudus would be a nice addition, as we've seen from Chukwu.
For Chukwu's critics, all I can say is that, at his height, all he needs to be is serviceable to change the zone. And he's certainly that, as several opposing coaches have observed. The rest is a WIP. For a few examples, he's just starting to be able to run the P/R. His screens are not strong enough ... he's rushing things and flying to the rim too early. He shows drop step and baby hook moves in practice that we don't see in games. He's still dropping the ball down too low and getting stripped. And he comes up too high sometimes and gets burned on lobs. All of that is being worked on at the Melo Center.
OTOH: 1) he's cut down his fouls; 2) his free throw shooting is better; 3) he's blocking shots and changing the inside dynamic for opposing teams; 4) he runs the floor well and is playing 27 mpg; 5) he's passing the ball better outside of the paint; and 6) he's pulling down 6.6 rpg and scoring almost 6 ppg.
