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

[Snakehead]

I'm not sold on this kid at all.

He doesn't seem to have much intensity, and he can't rebound worth a lick.  He's not that aggressive on the boards.  He grabbed 7 rebounds last night, but they were moreso accidental.  He really struggles to box his man out and just go up and get it.  Dwight Howard would absolutely shat on this kid.

Ha you could dismiss a lot of rebounds as "accidental".  That's part of it, putting yourself in position to get the board and hoping it comes to you.  Not saying he seems like an amazing rebounder or anything but seems pretty solid to me in that department.

Dwight Howard "shats" on a lot of people... he's the best C in the league by a huge margin.  I don't expect my backup C to get the better of him, or even my starting one besides a handful of the ones who can sometimes stop him.  Even they don't often though.

Not sure what you want out of intensity, he isn't KG intense talking to himself but that's cool with me, I'm glad everyone raves about how hard he works especially KG himself.

[wdleehi]

I am happy to see how he played last night.


He should continue to be a decent weak side shot blocker.  It was nice to see him hit those shots.



The Celtics need him to be stronger on the low post.  He needs to keep there big men from getting to their spots so easily.



I can see him developing into a nice backup C for the playoffs this year.

[birdbrady]

I'm not sold on this kid at all.

He doesn't seem to have much intensity, and he can't rebound worth a lick.  He's not that aggressive on the boards.  He grabbed 7 rebounds last night, but they were moreso accidental.  He really struggles to box his man out and just go up and get it.  Dwight Howard would absolutely shat on this kid.

Ha you could dismiss a lot of rebounds as "accidental".  That's part of it, putting yourself in position to get the board and hoping it comes to you.  Not saying he seems like an amazing rebounder or anything but seems pretty solid to me in that department.

Dwight Howard "shats" on a lot of people... he's the best C in the league by a huge margin.

Not sure what you want out of intensity, he isn't KG intense talking to himself but that's cool with me, I'm glad everyone raves about how hard he works especially KG himself.

LOL yea, "hoping it comes to you"  The kid can't actually go and GET the ball tho.  His rebounding will become a liability.  And I've already seen enough of his post defense.  New Orleans torched him, and he was beat almost any time when he was 1 on 1 in the blocks.  Washington not attacking him enough when he was in their cost them a chance to have an oppurtunity to pull it out, imo.

I don't think I expect KG intense, but he's Marc Acres-intense.

Are Celtics fans this naive enough to be fooled by this stiff?  To me, that's the sign of a fraud team.  When you start grasping for straws and hanging hopes on Stiemsma.  Like Patriot fans with McCourty at safety.

[Who]

I'm not sold on this kid at all.

He doesn't seem to have much intensity, and he can't rebound worth a lick.  He's not that aggressive on the boards.  He grabbed 7 rebounds last night, but they were moreso accidental.  He really struggles to box his man out and just go up and get it.  Dwight Howard would absolutely shat on this kid.

The rebounding is something I am watching out for. His numbers in the D-League were underwhelming and he looked a bit dodgy on the boards in his initial performances in a C's jersey.

Last night was better and hopefully it's a sign of things to come but I am skeptical.

[birdbrady]

I'm not sold on this kid at all.

He doesn't seem to have much intensity, and he can't rebound worth a lick.  He's not that aggressive on the boards.  He grabbed 7 rebounds last night, but they were moreso accidental.  He really struggles to box his man out and just go up and get it.  Dwight Howard would absolutely shat on this kid.

The rebounding is something I am watching out for. His numbers in the D-League were underwhelming and he looked a bit dodgy on the boards in his initial performances in a C's jersey.

Last night was better and hopefully it's a sign of things to come but I am skeptical.

Yea, don't follow the D-league, but that's interesting about his rebounding numbers.  I've seen a few games of him, and he really seems timid when it comes to rebounding.  That is just something that is inside of him though.  You just can't teach that.

If Stiemsma was a high energy guy (like a Birdman, who was mentioned earlier) - I think there'd be some use for him.  Especially since he does seem to have a decent outside shot.  But if you're a 7 footer, and you're a below average rebound, and have weak characteristics when it comes to aggressiveness and intensity - I'm not sure there's a place for you in a rotation in the NBA.

[Snakehead]

I'm not sold on this kid at all.

He doesn't seem to have much intensity, and he can't rebound worth a lick.  He's not that aggressive on the boards.  He grabbed 7 rebounds last night, but they were moreso accidental.  He really struggles to box his man out and just go up and get it.  Dwight Howard would absolutely shat on this kid.

Ha you could dismiss a lot of rebounds as "accidental".  That's part of it, putting yourself in position to get the board and hoping it comes to you.  Not saying he seems like an amazing rebounder or anything but seems pretty solid to me in that department.

Dwight Howard "shats" on a lot of people... he's the best C in the league by a huge margin.

Not sure what you want out of intensity, he isn't KG intense talking to himself but that's cool with me, I'm glad everyone raves about how hard he works especially KG himself.

LOL yea, "hoping it comes to you"  The kid can't actually go and GET the ball tho.  His rebounding will become a liability.  And I've already seen enough of his post defense.  New Orleans torched him, and he was beat almost any time when he was 1 on 1 in the blocks.  Washington not attacking him enough when he was in their cost them a chance to have an oppurtunity to pull it out, imo.

I don't think I expect KG intense, but he's Marc Acres-intense.

Are Celtics fans this naive enough to be fooled by this stiff?  To me, that's the sign of a fraud team.  When you start grasping for straws and hanging hopes on Stiemsma.  Like Patriot fans with McCourty at safety.

Yeah you actually do have to hope it comes to you, you don't control the laws of physics last time I checked.

This stiff will continue to be in the rotation and putting up numbers, you'll just be eating crow.  He is not starting, he is a backup and from a backup C I'll take a good midrange J, solid and willing passing, good help D and rotation, solid rebounding.  Hopefully his post D improves but there is already a lot to like.

I'm not sold on this kid at all.

He doesn't seem to have much intensity, and he can't rebound worth a lick.  He's not that aggressive on the boards.  He grabbed 7 rebounds last night, but they were moreso accidental.  He really struggles to box his man out and just go up and get it.  Dwight Howard would absolutely shat on this kid.

The rebounding is something I am watching out for. His numbers in the D-League were underwhelming and he looked a bit dodgy on the boards in his initial performances in a C's jersey.

Last night was better and hopefully it's a sign of things to come but I am skeptical.

Yea, don't follow the D-league, but that's interesting about his rebounding numbers.  I've seen a few games of him, and he really seems timid when it comes to rebounding.  That is just something that is inside of him though.  You just can't teach that.

If Stiemsma was a high energy guy (like a Birdman, who was mentioned earlier) - I think there'd be some use for him.  Especially since he does seem to have a decent outside shot.  But if you're a 7 footer, and you're a below average rebound, and have weak characteristics when it comes to aggressiveness and intensity - I'm not sure there's a place for you in a rotation in the NBA.

Again witht he intensity, what is he not doing to be intense enough?  Does he have to be KG talking to himself intense?  I don't get it.

[European NBA fan]

You can't block that many shots without being in the flow of the game.  To me that's playing with intensity. He might not (yet) have the lower body strength to keep the best centers out of the paint, but that's another matter, and  has little to do with being aggressive.

[Bankshot]

I'm not sold on this kid at all.

He doesn't seem to have much intensity, and he can't rebound worth a lick.  He's not that aggressive on the boards.  He grabbed 7 rebounds last night, but they were moreso accidental.  He really struggles to box his man out and just go up and get it.  Dwight Howard would absolutely shat on this kid.

7 accidental rebounds?  Ok.

[dtrader]

I'm not sold on this kid at all.

He doesn't seem to have much intensity, and he can't rebound worth a lick.  He's not that aggressive on the boards.  He grabbed 7 rebounds last night, but they were moreso accidental.  He really struggles to box his man out and just go up and get it.  Dwight Howard would absolutely shat on this kid.

The rebounding is something I am watching out for. His numbers in the D-League were underwhelming and he looked a bit dodgy on the boards in his initial performances in a C's jersey.

Last night was better and hopefully it's a sign of things to come but I am skeptical.

Yea, don't follow the D-league, but that's interesting about his rebounding numbers.  I've seen a few games of him, and he really seems timid when it comes to rebounding.  That is just something that is inside of him though.  You just can't teach that.

If Stiemsma was a high energy guy (like a Birdman, who was mentioned earlier) - I think there'd be some use for him.  Especially since he does seem to have a decent outside shot.  But if you're a 7 footer, and you're a below average rebound, and have weak characteristics when it comes to aggressiveness and intensity - I'm not sure there's a place for you in a rotation in the NBA.

One thing I have not seen from Stiemsma is "timid".  I think he's done a good job rebounding, and an exceptional job not backing down from opposing players who challenge him.  He has quick hands, good jumping ability and great timing.  I saw a few times last night when he gave extra effort to haul in and protect rebounds he made.  I've been very impressed with how he's responded. Every bit of opportunity he's been given he's beat my expectations. 

[kozlodoev]

You can't block that many shots without being in the flow of the game.  To me that's playing with intensity. He might not (yet) have the lower body strength to keep the best centers out of the paint, but that's another matter, and  has little to do with being aggressive.

Second that.

After watching the endless revolving door of "grizzled veteran" big men over the last couple of years, I can't overstate how good Stiemsma has looked playing defense within the system.

And that's not just blocking shots, but rotating to close out space and challenging shots while avoiding fouls. Great mobility. Outside of the blocks, he also caused a large number of changed shots, which was phenomenal for a player with a only a handful of NBA games (that's mostly intimidation/reputation type of thing).

If he can add lower body strength while retaining his shot blocking reflexes, he has the chance to be a very, very good pickup for us, especially considering we invested nothing in getting him.

[SHAQATTACK]

He seems very appreciative of the chance to play on a storied NBA team and wants to make the most of the situation. I think he will get better with his "D" as he loggs more minutes and practices. He seems very sturdy and not so fragile as I first thought he looked.  Celtics need somebody that can play till they foul out if need be and show up for back to back gmaes and stillpaly hard.  Physically he can't bump with DH and Bynum , but he is deceptively quick , fast foot work and can really leap, this may frustrate those huge centers enought to keep them to an average game and thus give us a chance to win . I think he will totally frustrate the heck out of Gasol.

With JO being so fragile , lucky to have him and Wilcox to bang with the best centers.

[Finkelskyhook]

I'm not sold on this kid at all.

He doesn't seem to have much intensity, and he can't rebound worth a lick.  He's not that aggressive on the boards.  He grabbed 7 rebounds last night, but they were moreso accidental.  He really struggles to box his man out and just go up and get it.  Dwight Howard would absolutely shat on this kid.

Ha you could dismiss a lot of rebounds as "accidental".  That's part of it, putting yourself in position to get the board and hoping it comes to you.  Not saying he seems like an amazing rebounder or anything but seems pretty solid to me in that department.

Dwight Howard "shats" on a lot of people... he's the best C in the league by a huge margin.

Not sure what you want out of intensity, he isn't KG intense talking to himself but that's cool with me, I'm glad everyone raves about how hard he works especially KG himself.

LOL yea, "hoping it comes to you"  The kid can't actually go and GET the ball tho.  His rebounding will become a liability.  And I've already seen enough of his post defense.  New Orleans torched him, and he was beat almost any time when he was 1 on 1 in the blocks.  Washington not attacking him enough when he was in their cost them a chance to have an oppurtunity to pull it out, imo.

I don't think I expect KG intense, but he's Marc Acres-intense.

Are Celtics fans this naive enough to be fooled by this stiff?  To me, that's the sign of a fraud team.  When you start grasping for straws and hanging hopes on Stiemsma.  Like Patriot fans with McCourty at safety.

What is your definition of intense?  Somebody foaming at the mouth making a fool of himself?

The guy is an undrafted rookie trying to stick. He's had what?  A week of practice and 6 games with his new teammates?  Why would you expect him to act like an jerk when he blocks a shot?  Or makes a shot.  Does that mean he's not intense?  I guess Duncan's not intense.  Steimsma's getting an opportunity and making a lot of it.  A rebound every three minutes is far from "accidental".  

Great post, Snakehead.  There is a lot to like here.

[mmmmm]

Pleasantly surprised to see that outside jumper, given that he was such a non-scorer in college (3.5/game as a senior).  Looked pretty smooth.  No lift on his jumper, but I guess you don't need much when you're 6'11".

His college numbers aren't really very useful in getting a picture of his offensive potential.  First of all because Wisconsin's scheme avoided letting the 5 ever taking any shots.  Second of all because Stiemsma has very specifically taken it upon himself to develop his shot since college.

That may be the thing I like the most about him:  He's shown a willingness to make deliberate and distinct improvements in his game through hard work over the last few years.  Bass also has done that.  Both these guys look like real keepers.

Returning to Stiemsma, I agree with a couple others and Doc in that the main weakness he needs to work on is holding the block.  Improved leg strength through weight training and getting his CG down (technique) can help there.   The former is hard to see happening within this season, but the latter can.

Other than that, he looks competent at pretty much everything else we need out of a 5.

[mmmmm]

I'm not sold on this kid at all.

He doesn't seem to have much intensity, and he can't rebound worth a lick.  He's not that aggressive on the boards.  He grabbed 7 rebounds last night, but they were moreso accidental.  He really struggles to box his man out and just go up and get it.  Dwight Howard would absolutely shat on this kid.

7 'accidental' rebounds ... in just 21 minutes.

It's early in the season (He's only played a total of 70 minutes) but Stiemsma's DRB% is 20%.   His per-minute rate is 8.7 total rebounds per 36 minutes.  Hard to see how you get to those numbers - along with 6.2 blocks per 36 - by being 'timid'.

Right now, Stiemsma has, BY FAR, our team's best individual Defensive Rating at just .98 points per possession (even KG, the god of this stat, is still up at 1.04 ppp). 

In other words, our defense so far has only looked like last year's league-leading defense when Stiemsma's been on the floor.

Maybe if he scowled more, that would show the proper 'intensity' that you need from him in order to be 'sold'.

[SHAQATTACK]

Stiemsma seems to be a driven self motivated , this is sorta rare for big's .  He doesn't want to just rely on being tall , but wantes to get better enough to actually work at it.  

He is disciplined and I would think a a easy guy to coach .  Doc sees , he may make mistakes , but he works to correct them.  

Some of momma Allens good down home cooking might put some more weight on him and serious weight room work on the legs wouldn't hurt.

Perk and Stiemsma are two very different type of players.  Each has his own matchup advantage with certain NBA centers .

WOuld be nice to have both ....oh well.