Semih Erden's recent games

[bbd24]

To be honest, I am shocked with how Erden has performed in the regular season after watching him briefly in the summer league and also in the Olympics.

But I have to say, he has now proven to be a decent player and we are more than have way through the season, that is a pretty good sampling.

Once he figures out how to handle himself offensively around the rim, he has the potential to put up 10-15 a night.

He's a very active defender for a big man, he plays really long and affects shots when he doesnt' block them, he's a decent rebounder and a pretty good passer as well. He's also suprisingly tough and willing to mix it up. Great motor. I love the kid. I'm really suprised.

I have to say if you told me my center rotation moving forward will be Perkins and Erden, with another 3rd string moose behind them, I'd say "Ok", let's work on other areas of the team.

A very pleasnt suprise and the last thing I expected.

I echo these same sentiments.  When the C's played summer ball in Vegas, I would always attend and find myself intrigued at the Rondo's and Perkins.  When I watched Semih on tv during the summer, nothing intrigued me.  Now, man, he's doing everything he couldn't do in the summer.  Great touch around the hoop, good defender, rebounder, active, etc.

I think were going to love this development.  Luke Harangody as well.

Ainge sure knows how to scout some talent.

[Celtics18]

I think Semih has exceeded everyone's expectations except maybe for his mom's.

He has already contributed to th Celtics more than Giddens and Walker combined.

Hello,

This is Semih's mother.  I always believed in my boy, and knew that he could be a valuable contributor to this team.

I'm just so proud of him, and happy that others are starting to recognize what I've always seen in him.

[P2]

Well, last game he had some terrific plays. Once Perk starts for us again, which I assume is a couple of games away, maybe even against Dallas, Shaq will be back and we basically won't need Semih anymore.

BUT... with that said, I like Semih very much, and of course there will be foul trouble, maybe even (G forbid) more minor injuries, when he will be needed, and I feel pretty confident about that even with Jermaine out. We are perfectly equipped at 4 and 5, and obviously Semih can start against almost all teams of the league (with Orlando, for example, being an exception).

[ScoobyDoo]

Agreed bbd24, it will be interesting to see what he will do with 2-3 full seasons of NBA coaching and NBA games, along with being alongside of KG, Perk and so forth.

The good thing for me is, even at this stage of his development in his rookie season - he is someone I can see as part of my center rotation for many years to come. It might be as the 2nd or even 3rd string center - but I will be perfectly happy with that from a 60th pick that's 25 years old.

Also agreed re Harangody, 100%. Haranogody will likely be alot of people's punching bag for a while. He can't do this, he can't do that, he sucks, he's too slow, he's too short, etc...

But I don't think Harangody gives two craps about that and neither do I. I'd rather have guys like him on my team than someone else's team. I'll gladly go to war with a player like him, any day of the week. He'll go to the mat with anyone at any time. Those players help you win games.

He will continue to get better and more valuable to this team over time. He's a smart player who will find little ways to help you win.

[Rondo9dunx]

I been behind Semih since day one. I remember alot of threads during pre-season talked about how he'd never be an NBA player, he was a scrub blah blah, and some of us kept sayin just you watch, this kid has some talent and he's gonna get good fast once he starts learnin english.

Not everyone is gonna come into the league and be Kevin Durant or LeQueen right away, but for a guy that no one expected anything out of he's really been proving a lot of people wrong.

I hope he gets some minutes at Power Forward now that Perk is back, would love to see how he matches up against even smaller guys. I think he's gonna be a 12-10 guy before we know it!

[Fafnir]

Semih has trouble enough defending at the 5, putting him at PF would hurt him both offensively and defensively.

[Neurotic Guy]

One thing I love about the bench this year is that they have multiple guys who have potential to really influence a game.

In the playoffs, if you can get a win out of an outstanding performance by a supporting player it's a great bonus.  Shaq, Nate, Quis, Delonte and Baby all have the potential to make a big difference in a playoff game.  One win per series that is sparked by a supporting player is huge.

Erden is not yet one of those guys, however, he is showing himself to be a guy that can be relied on to sustain the effort and not lose ground for the team. In spurts, he can make emotionally lifting plays on offense or defense -- a great bonus from the team's 4th string center (if all healthy).  This is more than most of us could have hoped for from him this year. He can contribute.  Others in that boat are Luke, Von and JO (if healthy). 

Despite the shortening of rotations in the playoffs, the C's depth will play pivotal role.