Overview:One of the most productive backups in the league. Puts up outrageous per-minute numbers behind Kevin Garnett, scoring efficiently, rebounding the ball incredibly well, and playing excellent defense. Undersized power forward who is able to compensate for his severe lack of size with an incredible wingspan and a pair of huge, soft hands. Average athlete who lacks some explosiveness around the basket and tends to lumber a bit getting up and down the floor. Incredibly tough, strong player who comes off the bench looking to make his presence felt. Goes inside and pushes bigger players around, not backing down from anyone. Has most of his scoring opportunities created by others, but does a great job of making the most of his opportunities. Spent three injury plagued seasons at Cal, being forced to sit out for a year due to a torn ACL, which eventually dropped his draft stock dramatically. Went through a significant amount of adversity in his lifetime, which undoubtedly helped shape the player he is today. Has developed into a real asset for Boston, despite being an after-thought in the second round on draft day. Was a key cog on the 2008 NBA Championship team.
Offense: Gets most of his offense cutting to the basket, grabbing offensive rebounds and rolling off screens. Presents himself around the rim intelligently, and has great hands to make tough catches easy. A terrific finisher around the basket thanks to his length, strength and toughness. Gets to the free throw line at a terrific rate, and converts at an average percentage (71% in 07-08). Decent back to the basket threat, but relies too heavily on lowering his shoulder and bullying his way into the post, rather than utilizing finesse moves, which makes him a bit turnover prone. Possesses a streaky jumper with range out to about 17-feet. Still needs to improve the consistency of his mid-range shot to reach his full potential. Struggles putting the ball on the floor. Exceptionally poor passer who sees nothing but the rim once he touches the ball. Terrific offensive rebounder who will not hesitate for a second to put his nose into a scrum and help his team come up with a big possession. Needs to become a bit more versatile and develop his perimeter skills.
Defense: Intense, versatile defender who brings a great deal of energy off the bench. Possesses great length and does an excellent job contesting shots. Flies around the floor with great footwork and lateral quickness. Does a terrific job hedging screens and quickly recovering back onto his matchup. Strength, toughness and wingspan help compensate for his lack of size inside the post. Gets down in a fundamental stance and puts a lot of pride into locking down his man. Takes charges, hustles for loose balls, and does a lot of little things. Very foul prone, which limits his minutes to a certain extent. Has good timing as a weak-side shot-blocker.
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