During the summer league Jason Quick mentioned that the team views Pendergraph as a backup center. Our second unit we usually go small and JP seems like he'd fit that role perfectly. His combine numbers show he's not entirely undersized, either: 6'10" 7'1" wingspan 8'11" standing reach, 240 lbs (now over 250 lbs) 35" vertical His combine numbers are identical to Horford.
Well, he's probably a better bet than any of the D-league guys we're likely to call up. Still, he doesn't seem to have quite gotten the idea of NBA post defense just yet (understandably so). Assuming Joel leaves next year and assuming Jeff keeps progressing I think he's got a pretty good shot of sticking in a backup role; he's like an ideal 7th or 8th man just going by what he's shown in a few games.
Yep I believe he will get a lot of minutes in the future at both positions, but his play style tends towards center.
Watching him the last few games he's one of those players who'll be a way better pro than he was a college player. His skill set and athletic ability is tailor made for the pros. Kinda like David Lee. He never averaged a double/double at Florida but with his athletic ability and willingness to bang he's a double-double machine in the NBA. I see a lot of that in Pendergraph.
He seems to be very "bouncy". A much better pick, long term, imho - than Blair, if only for his ability to defend in the NBA.
Yeah, but he HAS had his moments in that department. He's listed as 6'9" on the roster (not 6'10") so he's a little undersized. I'm not sure he'll ever be able to hold a guy like Kaman down, but who can these days? I always thought Brian Grant was a little overrated as a post defender. He was tough and physical, but bigger guys could shoot hooks/turn around jumpers over him all day. Being undersized and of average leaping ability - he did the most with what he had. That's how I see JP.
He's 6'9" w/o shoes, 6'10" with (rookie combine) But that's besides the point. With the 7'0" Kaman and Camby the Blazers still outrebounded the Clippers 40-33. It's only his 5th pro game, 3rd with significant playing time. His post defense will come.
What we've all been clamoring for was a banger backup PF. And I think Pendergraph is that guy. It's good to see. Too bad we weren't healthy. I'd love to see a second unit with Pendergraph and Joel in the middle on defense, just swatting away shots and being a take-no-crap tandem. I could see them frustrating a lot of opponents.
He's smart, too. When he rebonds he keeps the ball above his head looking for the outlet. He always keeps the ball over his head after a rebound. So far, he's reminded me of a former Blazer, only JP is more athletic:
