Overview: A quality forward with the bulk to play the post and enough skill to step out and spend some time on the perimeter. Has great strength and a terrific wingspan for either forward spot. Undersized as a power forward, but has average size for a small forward. Not a fluid athlete, but has some explosive qualities to his game. Stuck in between positions, but gets by with his incredible smarts. Can be effective on the block, high post, or out on the perimeter. Has proven to be a very capable offensive player, as well as an excellent passer. Brings some things to the table defensively as well, and is a terrific rebounder. Was a tremendous college player, dominating three out of the four years he spent at Providence. Quite possibly the best player in the schools history. Needed one season to adjust to the college game. Could have declared after a very impressive sophomore season, but opted to stay in school. Ultimately got selected late in the second round. Caught on with the Celtics and made a pretty significant contribution as a rookie considering where he was picked. Possesses a tremendous work ethic and very good intangibles. Doesnt have a great deal of upside, but is constantly improving and seems capable of producing consistently on the NBA level, particularly on a winning team.
Offense: A versatile offensive player that can score from all over the place. Functions mostly as a spot up guy, but can score on the fast break, on the pick and roll, in the post, or by working off the ball. Has a nice shooting stroke. Doesnt have great fluidity as a catch and shoot player, but is more than capable. Wont make many shots with a hand in his face. Can hit the three, but is still improving his consistency in that area and expanding his range. Great midrange catch and shoot game. Can put the ball on the floor to score. Lacks the lateral quickness to effortlessly get separation for his midrange shot, but he gets by. His physical strength lets him get to the rim more easily. Prefers to go left. Solid ball handler. Not flashy, but always strong with the ball. Not a flashy finisher, but more than gets the job done. Capable of finishing with either hand. Great touch from in close. Will do whatever it takes to shield the ball and get an open look. Can spin off his defender off the dribble, use some up and unders, or go to his floater to get his shot off at the rim. Not going to finish above the rim in traffic, but will always initiate contact. Goes to the line at a good rate and shoots a great percentage. Runs the floor hard in transition, sets solid screens, and can score in the mold of a power forward as well. Decent back to the basket game. Pulls down offensive rebounds and works hard off the ball. Very smart on the offensive end. Wont force things. Solid passer. Wont turn the ball over at a high rate. A relatively efficient scorer that continues to improve his overall offensive versatility.
Defense: A quality defensive player due to his work ethic and strength. Does a solid job defending the ball, but will get beaten off the dribble by quicker players. Wont give up when hes beat, allowing him to force some tough short-range jumpers by staying with his man despite not being in ideal position. Gets a hand up whenever he can. Closes out shooters extremely hard, trying to contest their shots. Will get beaten off the dribble when hes recovering from time to time. Will hedge screens when defending the roll man and fight through them when defending the ball handler. Shows a good commitment level on the defensive end, but isnt a playmaker. Will play a position-based brand of defense and always get a hand up, but isnt athletic enough to be effective in some matchups.
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