Raef Lafrentz

Overview:A veteran center who is playing under a huge deal. Has had a history of knee injuries, largely eliminating any advantage he used to be able to act on athletically. Does have good size and strength for a center. Was once a very capable outside shooter, but doesn’t get the reps to retain his consistency. No longer the help-side defender he once was. Has become a very different player than the one he was in college. Was very much a low-post player for the Kansas Jayhawks. Developed in each of the four years in spent in school, but was already productive as a freshman. Two time unanimous First Team All-American and Big 12 Conference Player of the Year. Garnered a very high selection in the draft due to his size, scoring, and rebounding. Developed his shooting range before his first season with the Nuggets. Had his rookie season cut short and his upside diminished by a torn ACL. Put up very solid numbers in the beginning of his career despite that setback. Saw his production decline over time. No longer the shot blocker he used to be. Provides nice intangibles. Can be a nice end of the bench player, but not under his current deal. Likely will miss most of this current season with a shoulder injury.

Offense: Gets most of his touches at this point in his career on hustle players, but will still get some opportunities on the perimeter. More than capable of knocking down shots from the outside. Used to be a legitimate three point threat with a consistent left-handed stroke. No longer ventures to the outside to look for catch and shoot opportunities. Won’t look to put the ball on the floor to score either. Seldom turns the ball over, but won’t set up teammates either. Shows a willingness to crash the offensive glass and work off of his teammates. Has good touch at the rim, but lacks the athleticism to make any dynamic plays. Relies on his turnaround jumper when he’s posted up. Not quick enough to create the space to utilize it effectively anymore. Used to be able to score more effectively at the basket with power moves. Injuries have significantly diminished his offensive skills. Can still function as a pick and pop player.

Defense: A decent defender that used to be very productive. Has the physical strength to hold position on the block, but injuries have limited his quickness to the point that he has a lot of trouble keeping his man from keeping an open look. Plays a very aggressive brand of defense, giving his man no room to operate. Used to be one of the game’s best weakside shot blockers, but his lateral quickness prevents him from being a factor anymore. Still gets some blocks by virtue of his effort, size, and awareness in the post. Will contest every shot that he can. Gets called for a ton of fouls for that reason. Shows great footwork and fundamentals. Lacks the acceleration to close out shooters with any effectiveness. Tries to close out and get a hand up, but often winds up out of position due to his inability to recover. Has a hard time getting back when the ball is pushed in transition. Will fight for rebounds underneath. Was a very good defender before his knees went bad.