Not sure why so many people like Semih Erden...

[SamuelAdams]

Some perspective: in Paddy O'Blount's first preseason game, he had 10 points, 8 boards, and 3 blocks, earning the CB MVP for that game.

TP for the reality shot.  No  matter what, the kid had a good game last night and I remain optimistic.

[Celts17Pride]

The Celtics are not going to get any better 4th string backup center making $700k - $800k than Semih Erden. He is young, moves well and is still learning the NBA game. What is there to feel bad about?

[Vermont Green]

I think Erden has to make the team out of camp.  Perk counts towards the roster but can't play so we are going to be short one at a position.  We can't afford to be short at center when our other 2 (Shaq and Jerm) are old and injury prone.

When Perk is back and playing, Erden could become expendable, but not now.

[ManUp]

I honestly believed he was just a pick we wouldn't have to pay when we selected him. From what I'm seeing in this CSNE rerun of the game their might be hope for him. His offense and defense is solid so far. Playing against the bigs we have in practice can only help beat the euro-soft out of him and make him a true NBA big.

[guava_wrench]

Had to love the 2nd quarter pass fake lefty post move.

[LooseCannon]

So, in three games, Semih Erden has played 68 minutes, shot 5-6 from the field and 9-10 from the free throw line for 19 points, and pulled in 14 rebounds with 3 blocks.  But he has committed 10 turnovers and 16 personal fouls.

He's pretty much getting as many minutes as he can last on the floor before fouling out.  People seem to like his defense, but he's obviously shooting above his regular level and should regress to the mean.  His rebounding numbers are unimpressive.  (By comparison, Glen Davis has 11 in 53 minutes, Harangody has 8 in 41 minutes, KG has 12 in 51 minutes, and Shaq has 12 in 43 minutes.  And, yeah, small sample size.)

For those watching the games, how much of a problem does it feel like Erden will have with turnovers and foul trouble in the future?  Is it more of a problem with over-aggression rather than bad fundamentals, or is it something else?

[moiso]

So, in three games, Semih Erden has played 68 minutes, shot 5-6 from the field and 9-10 from the free throw line for 19 points, and pulled in 14 rebounds with 3 blocks.  But he has committed 10 turnovers and 16 personal fouls.

He's pretty much getting as many minutes as he can last on the floor before fouling out.  People seem to like his defense, but he's obviously shooting above his regular level and should regress to the mean.  His rebounding numbers are unimpressive.  (By comparison, Glen Davis has 11 in 53 minutes, Harangody has 8 in 41 minutes, KG has 12 in 51 minutes, and Shaq has 12 in 43 minutes.  And, yeah, small sample size.)

For those watching the games, how much of a problem does it feel like Erden will have with turnovers and foul trouble in the future?  Is it more of a problem with over-aggression rather than bad fundamentals, or is it something else?

Some of the turnovers seem to be the result of his passing ability.  Most big men get the ball down low and make a move or shoot.  Erden seems to dilly dally sometimes as he looks to make a pass and he frequently gets stripped.  I think he'll eventually figure out that he has to make a definitive move quickly or these defenses will eat him up.

The foul trouble will probably be here for a while but hopefully not to this extreme.  It will take the refs a while to realize that Erden isn't the stiff than many had thought him to be.

[billysan]

Erden may end up being a nice trade asset for us later in the season. While many want to criticize him and call him a stiff, think about how bad Perk was his first year. I know Erden is a few years older and has the dreaded international experience tag. I think Shaq has shown he is certainly more of a liability with fouls and free throw shooting so far.

Point is, Semih Erden has shown some potential to play in this league and he has not hurt us as a second unit backup. He will not be an All Star nor will he ever likely be considered a starting caliber center. I agree his ceiling is probably a backup center in the NBA at best.

We can certainly package him in a deal later this season when Perk comes back IMO. Until then he is decent insurance to back up the O Neal's. I am glad we have him instead of forcing Baby to play center.

[kozlodoev]

I think Erden has to make the team out of camp.

He's signed on a guaranteed deal for 2 years. He'd be making the team out of camp even if he looked like he'd trip over his own shoelaces.

This being said, he looks distinctly better in preseason that he looked in summer league. I was especially impressed on how aware and fluid he is in the help defense, given that this is something which should be relatively new to him.

[thirstyboots18]

The future is what Erden is about.  Any playing time this year will be gravy.  We have to start building for the future...two years down the road...and we will not have KG, or Shaq.  Big men often take longer to mature into basketball players and Erden has skill to work with, he can run and, IMO, is holding his own already against NBA talent, given his language difference.  We have had  in our starting lineup and he is only third or fourth option.  And the money won't hurt.  (What kind of salary were we paying Blount?)  At the least, big men with potential are good trade chips.

[clover]

The future is what Erden is about.  Any playing time this year will be gravy.  We have to start building for the future...two years down the road...and we will not have KG, or Shaq.  Big men often take longer to mature into basketball players and Erden has skill to work with, he can run and, IMO, is holding his own already against NBA talent, given his language difference.  We have had worse in our starting lineup and he is only third or fourth option.  And the money won't hurt.  (What kind of salary were we paying Blount?)  At the least, big men with potential are good trade chips.

Semih's promise could also contribute to Doc's deciding to stay long term--and that would just add further to the team's future.

[Meadowlark_Scal]

I think this is a pre post...as in..."I really didn't see this guy much" type...He has game, desire and skills.....don't go getting spoiled with big men so you think you can now throw away talent.....this guy can bang, score, block shots, has a good hook, knows where to be, good in position.he can wear down howard......and score on him...this guy can get other centers in foul trouble..he RUNS the floor very well.....did you forget our big men are OLDER...uhm...remember last year..? Injuries...hmmmmm, ever hear of them...? You don't just go find a guy like this when youi need him....with some experience, we could have used him last year....and if doc is smart, he will give our guys some seasoning early in this year, like nov/dec...it will be a good invetment and pay off later....don't ask me how i know!!!!!!!!!

[ScoobyDoo]

I have to say, when I saw Semih play in the summer leagues, I was very skeptical. I wanted us to sign Parkahouski instead...

However, after watching him in 3 pre-season games? I have to say I am impressed. And Patrick O'Bryant this guy is "not". Semih has more toughness and desire in his pinky than O'Bryant ever dreamed of having. He runs the floor very well, usually always lays a body on someone on the boards ( something none of our guys did last year ), can obviously pass, and looks like he will have some decent offensive moves, in time.

But what I like most? His energy on the defensive side. he doesn't block alot of shots but he seems to get into decent position alot of times and uses his length to stand straight up with arms stretched and it affects some shots. He then generally gets the board afterward. He shows decent foot speed and help defense.

Very suprised. I say this kid will become a very solid back up center and he has the potential for a bit more than that.

You could make an argument that with Perkins, Baby and Semih, you have a decent young man rotation moving forward. You throw one all star level , young PF talent into that mix and you might have your future big man rotation.

I really don't think Semih is Patrick O'Bryant.

One otehr thing, Doc says the Veteran big men respect his toughness. Those vet big men would be Perkins, Shaq, KG and Jermaine. No slouches... 

[xmuscularghandix]

Can we change the thread title to just “Semih Erden"

[Eeyore III]

Music to my ears!  The bandwagon is filling up.  

Anyone who watched the FIBA world championships should have seen Semih's potential.  Check out the old "Semih Erden Watch" mainpage thread.

You couldn't judge any of the Cs bigs by their summer league performance, because Lafayette and whatever other "PG" they had on the team, were awful players and ball-hogs, which screwed whatever chance the bigs otherwise would have had to show their stuff.