Shareef Abdur-Rahim

Overview: A veteran forward who has been on a significant decline over the past few years due to age and a bum knee. Possesses adequate size and strength for both forward positions. Isn’t anywhere near as athletic as he used to be, and isn’t able to be very effective in turn. Still fairly skilled offensively, though, and still has that same nice feel for the game. Can post up, hit a mid-range jumper, and put the ball on the floor craftily. Doesn’t bring the same playmaking ability to the defensive end. Spent only a single season at California before opting to go pro. Put up huge scoring numbers as a true freshman on his way to winning the Pac 10 Player of the Year Award. Transitioned his game to the NBA seamlessly. Has put up big numbers in the NBA, but has become notorious for the lack of success teams he has played on have found. Played in one All-Star game early in his career. Had a trade to the New Jersey Nets nixed due to a knee issue uncovered in his physical, which indeed became an issue down the road. Has seen his numbers and efficiency significantly drop-off in each of the last four years, meaning he is unlikely to have any real value in the next two (expensive) remaining seasons on his contract considering his age.

Offense: A versatile offense player who will get half of his touches as a spot up shooter and when posting up. Can hit a mid-range jumper, but isn’t always consistent. Has a slow and somewhat awkward release. Gets a lot of catch and shoot opportunities inside the arc. More effective shooter off the dribble. Prefers to go to the basket than pull up. Finishes at a decent rate with both hands. Isn’t as athletic as he used to be, but has learned how to use his body better to shield the ball. Has great hands and an excellent feel for putting the ball in the rim. More comfortable shooting the ball from post up situations. Displays nice footwork, a very good turnaround jumper and a solid hook as well. Great touch on his jumper from in close. Tough to defend due to his versatility. Decent ball handler for a post player. Average passer as well. Works well without the ball and grabs offensive rebounds at a decent clip. Used to get to the free throw line at a very high rate. Not the player he used to be anymore, and is unlikely to return to his past form. Loss of quickness and explosiveness really hinders him.

Defense: Somewhat of a liability these days due to his lack of athleticism. Was never considered the most active or intense defender back in the day, but doesn’t have the quickness to make any real impact at this point. Has never been known for his shot-blocking, and isn’t the biggest or strongest player regardless. Struggles to hedge screens. An average rebounder at this point as well.