Ralph Sampson (C)

[Los Angeles]

Name: Ralph Lee Sampson Jr. 
Position: C
Number: 50
DOB: 7/7/60
Age when drafted: 22
College: University of Virginia
Hometown: Harrisonburg, VA
Height: 7'4"
Weight: 228 lbs

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STRENGTHS: Look at that size. Not many people come into the league standing 7'4" and possessing the skill level that this kid does. When Ralph Sampson was able to stay on the court he made things happen. He could score, rebound, and block shots at a high level. His athleticism at his size is nearly unmatched. That combo could tantalize someone into the 1st pick potentially this year with no stand outs.

WEAKNESSES: His run was extremely short as injuries shortened his career significantly. He turned the ball over a lot and also was in foul trouble a lot. He was also mentally weak, once swinging at Jerry Sichting in a finals game. 

SIGNIFICANT INFO: 3 time NCAA player of the year and one of the most highly recruited players in college history. 
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1-5 rate the following for each category 

Ins 4.5
Jps 2
Fts 2.5
3Ps 1
Hnd 2
Pas 2.5
ORb 4
DRb 4
PsD 4.5
PrD 2
Stl 2
Blk 4
Qck 3.5
Str 2.5
Jmp 2.5
Sta 3

[San Francisco]

Name: Ralph Sampson
Position: PF
Number: 50
DOB: 07/07/1960
Age when drafted: 22 (1983)
College: University of Virginia
Hometown: Harrisonburg, VA
Height: 7'4"
Weight: 228

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STRENGTHS:

• Athletic FREAK with great Length and agility for any bigman let alone one who is 7'4".
  
• Has the ability to pass the ball and hit the open 15 foot jumper for a big man. 
• Has a good jump hook with either hand, but lacks a refined post game, relying more on jump hooks, dunks, and up and unders to score.  
• Is quick off the floor for his size making him a good rebounder.  
• Runs the floor in transition. 
• Controls the paint with the aforementioned, length and agility and is able to defend well on the perimeter, especially in pick and roll situations.
• Able passer who sees the floor well for a big.    

WEAKNESSES:

• Injury/Durability concerns. Missed a total of 3 games in his first 3 years then never played more than 61 games in a season again.
• Needs to add weight to his frame and strength
• Better suited for PF then Center due to build and athleticism
• Better passer than ball handler as illustrated by his career 3.0 Turnovers Per Game
• Not a finished product in the post as illustrated by a career FG% under .500 at 7'4"

SIGNIFICANT INFO: (#106 on Basketball Reference's All time list.  Great collegiate player, compares talent/athleticism wise to Wilt Chamberlain. NBA Career derailed by knee injuries. Shot only .486 from the floor for career in part due to taking a lot of jumpers and was a career .172 3pt shooter.

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1-5 rate the following for each category (half points can be given

Ins 3.5
Jps 3.5
Fts 3
3Ps 1
Hnd 2
Pas 2.5
ORb 4   
DRb 4.5
PsD 4
PrD 2.5
Stl 2
Blk 4.5
Qck 3.5
Str 3.5
Jmp 2
Sta 3


Career highlights and awards
3 Time NCAA Player of the Year and First Team All American
1st Overall Pick in 1983 Draft (Returned for his Senior Season to avoid the chance of playing for the Clippers)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1983 - after averaging 21 points 11.1 rebounds 2 assists and 2.4 blocks)
1983-84 All Rookie Team
1984-85 All NBA 2nd Team
4 Time All Star (1983,84,85,86 - First 4 seasons)
Inducted into Hall of Fame (2012)

Career NBA statistics
Points 7,039 (15.4 ppg)
Rebounds 4011 (8.8 rpg)
Assists 1038 (2.3 apg)
Blocks 752 (1.6 bpg)

Career With Rockets 
19.7 Points, 10.5 Rebounds, 2.7 Assists, 1 steals, 1.9 blocks

Summary:
Sampson was a supernova in the NBA taking the league by storm for his first 3 seasons before injuries derailed a great career.  His rare athleticism and all around game at 7'4" made him a unique talent that was compared with all time greats like Wilt Chamberlain.  His durability issues kept him from fully realizing his great potential but he was a all league caliber player before the injuries hit.