Evaluating a player’s ceiling can be a difficult task. Previously, and still at some level today, front offices based potential on height, athleticism, and other attributes that cannot be taught. Meanwhile, shooting, basketball IQ, and other skills that can be approved upon, were viewed as teachable talents or area’s for growth.
At some level this is true. No matter how hard he tries, Isaiah Thomas will never become an adequate defender due to his height. However, a post-plodding big-men like Marc Gasol can develop the ability to hit more three-pointers in a season than Larry Bird ever did.