Is Stiemsma the real deal? Have we found a Perk replacement?

[Roy H.]

Perk was heavy and wide and took up space what I call the BIG BABY effect ...using size to protect the rim.

Streamer actually plays basketball , can jump , run and shoot

I think that's really underrating Perk's contributions.  Perk's defensive ability wasn't just because he was strong; if it was, teams would simply hire sumo wrestlers to defend the paint.  Instead, he was strong, had good defensive instincts, knew when to rotate, and knew when to stay home.  He was good at both one-on-one and team defense.  He was also a pretty good rebounder, a great outlet passer, and a very good screen setter.  His contributions on offense were under-appreciated, as well, in my opinion; it's not easy to average 10 ppg as a 5th option, but Perk did so.

Stiemsma has been solid for a guy who came into camp with no expectations, but it's hard in my mind to put him ahead of a championship-level player like Perk.

[Neurotic Guy]

Interesting fun-fact:  Greg Stiemsma and Brandon Bass are the same age.  Both 26 -- Bass is 5 months older. 

[snively]

I know it's only 5 games , but the kid is very impressive with his shot blocking ability and being able to control the paint. I think he will be starting a lot of games this year as JO is just never healthy. If he play 25 mins a game I think he could put up very similar stats to what Perk did in the starting 5.

8 ppg, 7rebs and 2+ blocks.

Seems to have a good 15 ft jumper

He might not be able to guard Dwight Howard and Bynum

, but other than that he matches up pretty well physically with most centers in the league .

and he blocks shots!!!!

He may not be able to guard those two YET.

Of course Stiem is raw, but as he continues to develop he could very well be able to hold his own against the best.

Very pleased with him so far.

For the moment, he's having trouble with McGee in the the post (and before that, Monroe). Doesn't look to have much lower body strength.  Chris Anderson/Marcus Camby syndrome: these types always struggle to defend the post. 

[snively]

Perk was heavy and wide and took up space what I call the BIG BABY effect ...using size to protect the rim.

Streamer actually plays basketball , can jump , run and shoot

I think that's really underrating Perk's contributions.  Perk's defensive ability wasn't just because he was strong; if it was, teams would simply hire sumo wrestlers to defend the paint.  Instead, he was strong, had good defensive instincts, knew when to rotate, and knew when to stay home.  He was good at both one-on-one and team defense.  He was also a pretty good rebounder, a great outlet passer, and a very good screen setter.  His contributions on offense were under-appreciated, as well, in my opinion; it's not easy to average 10 ppg as a 5th option, but Perk did so.

Stiemsma has been solid for a guy who came into camp with no expectations, but it's hard in my mind to put him ahead of a championship-level player like Perk.

I wouldn't call Perk a great outlet passer, but I agree otherwise.

[snively]

Wrong thread.

[TA9]

Stiemsma is a great player, but come on Perk Replacement? haha

[celticslove]

Stiemsma is a great player, but come on Perk Replacement? haha

agree, Stiems is better than the over rated Perk!

[SF Celtic]

[clover]

I know it's only 5 games , but the kid is very impressive with his shot blocking ability and being able to control the paint. I think he will be starting a lot of games this year as JO is just never healthy. If he play 25 mins a game I think he could put up very similar stats to what Perk did in the starting 5.

8 ppg, 7rebs and 2+ blocks.

Seems to have a good 15 ft jumper

He might not be able to guard Dwight Howard and Bynum, but other than that he matches up pretty well physically with most centers in the league .

and he blocks shots!!!!

He's a solid 12th man, a good body to have as depth because he can block shots, other than that I wouldn't count on finding the next Perk or the next Ben Wallace here.

I'll go out on a limb and put him in Doc's best 9-10 man rotation.

[GreenFaith1819]

I know it's only 5 games , but the kid is very impressive with his shot blocking ability and being able to control the paint. I think he will be starting a lot of games this year as JO is just never healthy. If he play 25 mins a game I think he could put up very similar stats to what Perk did in the starting 5.

8 ppg, 7rebs and 2+ blocks.

Seems to have a good 15 ft jumper

He might not be able to guard Dwight Howard and Bynum

, but other than that he matches up pretty well physically with most centers in the league .

and he blocks shots!!!!

He may not be able to guard those two YET.

Of course Stiem is raw, but as he continues to develop he could very well be able to hold his own against the best.

Very pleased with him so far.

For the moment, he's having trouble with McGee in the the post (and before that, Monroe). Doesn't look to have much lower body strength.  Chris Anderson/Marcus Camby syndrome: these types always struggle to defend the post. 

Good point. I saw Javale backing him down a few times, and Javale's still a lightweight.

Stiem's still young, though. I can see him putting on some pounds. I hope Doc continues to give him some PT.

[jambr380]

I laughed when I saw him walk on the court for the first time. I figured he was just another no-name tall white guy that would be booted after the pre-season. But, he really has impressed in his first few games and without any hoopla. I understand that he is probably not the next Perk, but there is no reason to believe that he can't be a solid back-up in this league. I hope he can keep it up.

[lightspeed5]

danny ainge pulled some guy from the d-league and found a starter caliber nba player

[Kiorrik]

we found ourselves our own Birdman =)

I love the way hes playing, he REALLY wants that spot on the roster, hes playing in front of Johnson!

that's actually a really good call, reminds me of Andersen the way he blocks shot

not to mention, during the game KG said he liked the kid...

KG APPROVES!

Let's strap him in a tattoo chair and see what happens.

[kozlodoev]

Good point. I saw Javale backing him down a few times, and Javale's still a lightweight.

Stiem's still young, though. I can see him putting on some pounds. I hope Doc continues to give him some PT.

McGee also backed down Garnett a couple of times. I agree that Stiemsma probably won't be the next "immovable object" in the paint, but he knows how to play the game, which is a pleasant surprise. He doesn't seem to get rattled easily, either.

However, he is not _that_ young.

[Kiorrik]

Let's see what Stiemsma does against wherever Dwight will be at that time.