For Armor (Nets?) Big Prize Is Taft

by Net Income on Nov 4, 2011 8:15 AM EDT in Springfield Armor

In the summer before the 2004-2005 season, many thought Chris Taft of Pitt was the likely choice for the overall #1 pick in the June Draft. After being named Big East Rookie of the Year in 2004, the big athletic Taft seemed to riding high. But his sophomore season was a disappointment and his workouts lackadaisical.

The 6'10" PF got picked in the 2005 Draft, but fell all the way down to #42, just ahead of Mile Ilic. After beginning the season in the Warriors rotation, back problems turned into a herniated disk. Then, he was diagnosed with a rare disease that required him to take an entire year off. After joining the D-League in 2008, he turned an ankle, the cast was badly set and he developed a bone infection. He hasn't played since.

In an interview seven weeks ago, Taft, now 26, told Ridiculous Upside, "I'm finally healthy, I'm humble and I'm hungry." Now, he is the property of the Springfield Armor and will be coached and trained by Nets employees. Did we mention he's from Brooklyn?

Chris Taft Is On The NBA Comeback Trail - Scott Schroeder - Ridiculous Upside
Jamal Sampson, Chris Taft And Jamaal Tinsley Compelling Comeback Stories In D-League Draft - Ridiculous Upside - Scott Schroeder - Ridiculous Upside

Tweet Comment 28 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Ridiculous upside interviewed him?

That’s a fitting description

by Frigidevil on Nov 4, 2011 10:21 AM EDT reply actions

I thought he would have been a star

when he was drafted, but he faded away from the NBA

"Most people on this board are like a broken clock, Only right two times a day"

"_________ has a face of a Star, and that Star is Lassie"-Jeff Ross

by Shameer1016 on Nov 4, 2011 10:45 AM EDT reply actions

Here's some Taft highlights from his 2005-2006 rookie season...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvLNwYA7L-U

Sounds like he had some major health issues and also some maturity issues as well…

He is still only 26 but seems like a long shot now…“But you never know”.

by M I K E on Nov 4, 2011 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

If he is that good, why was he picked #47 in a D-League draft?

Maybe though, at 280 lbs, he could be an upgrade over Petro at Center, rather than possibly competing with JWill later in the season.

by jerry25 on Nov 4, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions

its a low risk (or no risk), high reward thing

"It's as sweet as it ever was, I'll tell you. Now, hopefully, we started something and we can win some more championships, but we're going to enjoy this one right now. Have a little champagne." --Julius Erving, May 12, 1976, ABA champion Nets locker room.

by Net Income on Nov 4, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Nice summary of Armor's draft in link below...

“In the fourth round we took a gamble on a guy who if he was healthy enough would have been a top three pick in the entire draft,‘’ MacKinnon said. "Coming out of high school he’s a top 25 recruit in the country so that’s the kind of gamble you want to make there and I think Milton did a great job making that call.’’

http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/armor_take_chances_go_big_in_f.html

by M I K E on Nov 4, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

he's now married with kids

by Net Income on Nov 4, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I hope Nets can get Ben Uzoh to return.

He already knows Avery’s system, in case there is a need for a call up.
And Uzoh seemed to enjoy his few games with the Armor last season.

by jerry25 on Nov 4, 2011 11:10 AM EDT reply actions

Uzoh is just not very good

by Andres B on Nov 4, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

He excelled in the D-League, when he was sent down to get some PT.

And he was fine with the Nets on offense (penetrating).
Just not tall enough or good enough shooter to be a NBA SG (at this time) or skillful enough to be a PG (at his young age).

That makes him fine for the D League if the Armor want to win more that 20% of their games this year – after losing their best player.

by jerry25 on Nov 4, 2011 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions

He's just not very good

and the Nets have three points guards under contract.

by Net Income on Nov 4, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

What?

He’s been solid when on the court. At least from what I’ve seen

by Scooby803 on Nov 4, 2011 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

solid?

The Nets have Deron Williams, Jordan Farmar and Sundiata Gaines, aged 27, 24 and 25.

by Net Income on Nov 4, 2011 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

he's trash

by Andres B on Nov 4, 2011 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

The Nets should start Ben Uzoh, Chris Taft and Brandan Wright with the Armor

All need PT and reps more than anything at this point. Assuming they can retain Uzoh.

by ZR on Nov 4, 2011 11:41 AM EDT reply actions

Uzoh, IF SIGNED, could be sent down

Wright cannot. Only players in their first two years can be sent down.

by Net Income on Nov 4, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

But could Uzoh be signed directly as a free agent, by Armor ....

or given some guaranteed money (say $35,000) by Nets for training camp (if there is one soon) and then be waived and picked up by Armor?

Armor need also to have a winning attitude (something they don’t currently have) and not just be used to prepare players to try out for Nets.

Besides, it is very possible one of the Nets PG’s could be traded before the deadline.

by jerry25 on Nov 4, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I have asked that question.

havent heard back.

My question was if the NBA season suddenly returns after MacKinnon has begun workouts and the Nets believe any of these kids are worthy of being invited to training camp, can they be “called up” and signed to a Nets deal with a guarantee.

Under D-League rules, the affiliate can assert rights to any of the last three players cut by the parent. And since said player would have some guaranteed cash from the Nets, he would be less likely to sign in Europe or anywhere else than the D-League affiliate.

by Net Income on Nov 4, 2011 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions