Overall, Aaron Gray was one of the most consistent performers at the Orlando camp, and that as much as anything else probably solidified his status.
While it is important to remember that Aaron Gray will have limitations in the NBA, he has a great chance at carving out a long career as a rotation big man at the next level, particularly if he continues to shed weight the way he has nicely over the past two months.
…
The physical limitations of Gray were also displayed this week in Orlando, and were especially apparent on the defensive end of the floor. The 7-footer lacks the speed to get up and down the floor quickly, and will be much better off in a half-court oriented system in the NBA. Gray lacks the reaction time to be an active defensive player, and at times will stand flat-footed on the ground as a rebound sails by him in his area. He isn’t afraid to use his body against players down on the block, but this can only take you so far in the NBA.
Today Gray will be taking part in a workout session with about 20 other players.
As a result, a large number of other teams also are expected to be present when approximately 20 players take the floor today, including Boston College’s Jared Dudley and Florida point guard Taurean Green.
Jason Smith, a 240-pound 7-footer from Colorado State whose stock reportedly has risen, also is expected to be part of the group along with Daequan Cook – a gifted freshman shooter who played with Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. at Ohio State – Pittsburgh center Aaron Gray, Nevada forward Nick Fazekas and North Carolina swingman Reyshawn Terry. Arizona’s LaMarcus Williams and UCLA’s Arron Afflalo, two players who didn’t participate last week, may work out today or tomorrow.
Four teams tried to share the cost of this workout and keep it to themselves, but the NBA rules about when the “private” workouts could take place prohibited it from being closed. Instead they had to open it up to all the other teams or having to cancel it.
