I don't really follow euroball, so I am not totally sure how to read or what to make of the stats, but here is the links to their pages and how they are doing at the moment. scroll down for info victor claver Joel Freeland
Basically, with ball in Europe guys stats are going to be alot lower than what we are used to in North America due to the style of play and 40 minute games. Taking a look at these guys stats, Claver's seem a little lower than you hope for (especially considering his team doesn't even play in the top competition - the Euroleague). Freeland's, however, I'm quite impressed with especially when you see he is playing limited minutes and his stats are better against harder competition (Euroleague) than in regular league play.
Joel Freeland drops 3 bombs? 8-19, 42% - not bad. I know the line in closer in, but still - I thought he was a center? I guess he's got some shooting range, huh?
Both played today in wins. Freeland: vid (not a big role for him) stats Claver: vid (dunks in warmups, gets shot blocked at 0.55) stats And for a bonus, Koponen's team also won.
I don't think Freeland would be getting that many minutes right now. I can't imagine he would be more effective than Pendy or DC.
I'm still kind of excited about Koponen personally, it seems like he's a good defender, decent shot, and can play 1 or 2 (w/size). Plus he's supposed to be great at running the break. Could be a bigger, much more athletic Blake. (who can run the break)
I can't say I know one way or another, but my guess is that at least against some teams he would get some time. He is several inches taller than DC or J-Pen. He could hopefully play a little C, and not just PF. Word over the summer was that he was ready to get some bench minutes this season. I would love to watch a little more and be able to make judgments based on more than a few seconds of highlights.
Yea it sucks that we have to go through so much just to get him in uniform. Eventually we will find out. Until then I am loving what Pendy/Dante are bringing to the table as role players.
He is only one inch taller than Pendergraph and Pendergraph can play both PF and C because of his strength and athleticism. If we play the Warriors every game, even DC can play center..
I doubt there are many of us who'd feel comfortable with that as DC gives up major size to Biedrins and Turiaf. Those two are just making it back from injuries so I wouldn't place much stock in that game. Freeland could be better then Pendergraph or worse then Shavlik for all I know. Everyone looks good in highlights and thats all I'm going off. STOMP
If I understand this correctly, the CBA states that after what would have been a first rounders third contract year had he signed in the summer directly after being drafted, the NBA team is not held to the rookie contract structure any longer and can sign their player to a larger amount, as long as they have their mid-level exception. So, as long as there's a reasonable buyout or other agreement made with his Freeland's current team, we could pry him away from Europe with a portion of or the full mid-level exception this summer. Many people thought the draft and stash of International Players was fruitless. If the above happens, I think we'll find this is the new approach to drafting non-collegiate players. We'll probably see San Antonio do the same with Splitter; Minnesota with Rubio; and again us with Claver and Koponen. If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Instead of having these talented, but young guys at the end of our bench or playing in Boise (sorry Mook, no offense intended), they can improve exponentially faster with bigger, more substantial roles overseas. Europe is our Developmental League!
True, with one slight caveat. If the Blazers invest their MLE in Freeland, they can't use it on somebody else. IIRC, they will have to pick *one* guy. So, if they use the MLE to sign Freeland next summer - Claver won't be in a Blazer uniform anytime soon. Of course, Claver could agree to sign for the rookie scale...but why would he do that, unless he is a bust who can't get a higher paying gig in Europe?
Looking at prospects we can stash here is one I'm sure KingSpeed will love Jan Vesely NBA Comparison: Yi Jianlian 6'11" PF Projected 1st round pick [video=youtube;3zlB5w08_Es]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zlB5w08_Es[/video]
In terms of prospects I think we're set at backup PF/C with Pendergraph, Cunningham, and Freeland. We're also set at SF with Batum/Claver. SG we're beyond stacked with Roy/Rudy/Bayless PG, we have a ton or prospects. I may be in the minority but I'd still like to see KP go after Rubio.
Right, but we don't want Claver, nor could we have him here anytime soon. He's not ready, plus the CBA won't allow him to come over until the Summer of 2013 anyway, assuming he's coming for the MLE.
