Erden Squares Off With Team USA

by CelticBalla32 on Jul 31, 2008 10:22 AM EDT in Games Comment 13 comments

Turkey squared off with the United States exhibition-style this morning, and I was able to get my first in-game look at Semih Erden, who the Celtics selected 60th overall in last month’s NBA Draft.

Our brand new seven-foot draftee was up and down.

Early in the first quarter, Erden put promising physicality on display against the man-child, Dwight Howard. Deep down, everybody was well-aware that Howard was the most physically dominant big man on the floor, but Erden didn’t let the 6′11" specimen get into his head. He put a body on him, disrupted him inside, and showed some toughness.

An international center with a physical spirit? I like.

Offensively, he showed terrific fundamentals and a little versatility, as he worked inside as well as stepped out as far as three-point territory (though he missed the shot). Granted, he shot just 1-8 from the floor and scored just five points, but it was nice to see some polish from the 22-year-old.

Physically, he’s no Dwight Howard or even a Carlos Boozer, but he showed some mobility and willingness to run the floor.

From my point of view, his biggest flaw is his fluidity. He has good hands, some toughness, and seems to know how to get position and box out. The problem is that he doesn’t always gain position, on account of his shaky footwork. In addition, he didn’t look like he knew exactly where to be on a few possessions, which is expected from a 22-year-old big.

He did some good things, he did some questionable things, and he looks like a bit of a project. But with the 60th pick, what do you expect? With proper tutelage from our man Clifford Ray in areas such as footwork and timing, Erden may have a chance to make the Celtics’ roster at some point.

For more on the game in general, you can check out my full USA/Turkey game recap here.

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Thanks CelticBalla32!

I haven’t seen the game yet but I trust your assessment.

How would you compare him to PO Box 26?

by Mon on Jul 31, 2008 10:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

An excellent review! Erden did show a fluid stroke from the foul line suggesting that he can expand his mid range and outside game. On his missed long range shot he basically just threw the ball toward the basket, more intent (it appeared) to get the shot off without it being blocked than to actually take aim. Except for layup and dunk attempts (where he was "focused") he showed a similar propensity to get his shot before it could be blocked with less regard for its’ accuracy.

Erden continually attempted to set picks and may have been guilty of setting a few illegally (moving picks) but he obviously has that mindset.

As for his defensive presence, he doesn’t yet react “instinctively” but rather methodically which causes him to be a step too slow. It will be “telling” to see if that skill will come with more PT.

In all fairness to him, he played like a “junior varsity” player scrimmaging against the varsity. Yet considering his age and the quality of his opponent he did have a respectful showing.

He could be ready for the NBA in three years provided he shows a high IQ, the necessary determination, good coaching and an upside to his game.

by moskqq on Jul 31, 2008 10:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Was anyone able to notice if he had good lateral movement on defense? Thanks

by CelticsWin on Jul 31, 2008 11:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good “lateral” movement on defense? Very hard to judge due to the excellent ball movement by the U.S. IMO he is a half to whole step slow to react but that may be more a reflection of the U.S. superior athleticism combined with superior ball and player movement.

On those occasions when Turkey had excellent ball and player movement even the U.S. squad appeared slow. Will need to see more of Erden before categorizing his lateral movement as slow. The U.S. did not play a particularly dominant DEFENSIVE game so there is that to consider too.

by moskqq on Jul 31, 2008 12:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Some good hard C’s news, even if it’s mixed, goes down well during this summer drought—thanks!

One thing though, Erdin is actually 22, not 20.

by clover on Jul 31, 2008 2:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’ve never seen Erden play, today or at anytime, but I can tell you for a fact that he’s a stiff, lacks conditioning and commitment, and has been pushed around regularly by untalented college-level centers and forwards. A total bust. If he ever tried to make an actual NBA team he’d be cut within days of his arrival, if not sooner. And Don Nelson has nothing good to say about him.

by no kidding on Jul 31, 2008 3:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for that, clover. Fran Fraschilla said he was 20 on TV, so I ran with that.

Fixed.

by CelticBalla32 on Jul 31, 2008 4:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’ve never seen those terrific fundamentals. Anyway, in breaking news, the Boston Celtics will play the Indiana Pacers in the Conseco Fieldhouse at November 1st. This is going to be the first game of the 2008/2009 season for the Pacers.

by cordobes on Jul 31, 2008 5:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hey no kidding, you got it mixed up dude. its erden wer talkin bout, not o bryant

by RockinRyA on Jul 31, 2008 6:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh… I see. ;)

by no kidding on Jul 31, 2008 7:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

apparently we really really need a ‘sarcasm’ font on Celticsblog…maybe something in pink.

by Fan from VT on Jul 31, 2008 7:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Put Kevin Love or Brook Lopez against the best team on the planet and they too would appear to be a step slow and overmatched.

He was the 60th pick in the draft, let’s be realistic.

by DAS on Jul 31, 2008 8:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I saw only 10 min. or so when USA was on a 17-3 run. Turkey was throwing the ball away, turning it over for easy transition USA hoops, Howard had a monster dunk and Lebron ate the boards.

Had this not been a basketball game most of these Turkey players would have been arrested for loitering.

I don’t think our Turkey (man) ever comes over to play in Green. If he does, he better make Scal his best friend because the 2 will get little to no min.

by docextension on Jul 31, 2008 9:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs