Semih Erden is closer to being a Boston Celtic next season

Semih Erden is closer to land in the Boston Celtics next season. The 23-year-old Turkish center could have already reached to an agreement with the NBA franchise, and the deal could be signed in the next days. Erden would arrive to the Celtics from Fenerbahce, averaging 8.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 20.8 minutes per game in the last TBL. The Hoops Market

http://hoopshype.com/rumors/tag/boston_celtics

I saw this. Obviously, this would change a lot of things IF he signs and IF he's not just another Euro-softy.

bob

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Just a gut feeling, no real educated basis;

From what little I've read and clips I've seen I don't think he ever plays an NBA game.

Just looked at his 2010 stats. Keeping in mind stats don't tell the whole story, he's underwhelming.

7'0", 240#. Unless he's tough as nails, that's not NBA center beef. He might be a backup for KG, not Perk. Being a Euro, my bet is he's not tough. He shoots 58% from the line (Hello Kendrick Perkins). He averages .8 assists and 2.3 TOs. Yuck. Very raw offensively and, as you'd expect from a Euro, NOT exactly a defensive stopper either.

Don't want to be too premature, but I'm not excited.

bob

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I read an article online a while back that was about the European Championships or some such thing. It said that he played Mr. Pau Gasol very tough (along with the more recognized Turkish starting center) in the game with Spain.

Again, not reading into anything, but Pau's brother Mark was likewise an unknown commodity at the time of the trade with Memphis and he turned out okay once he landed in the USA.

Anything "Gasol-like" would be a welcomed turn of events.

Go Semih!!!

gyso

Pau Gasol was always an accomplished offensive player. He has always been ambidextrous. He has always had his mid-range shot. It was his defensive toughness that was the question mark.

Erden is strictly in close to the basket, he doesn't shoot foul shots like Pau and his defense is mediocre.

He's Pau-like in that they're both Euros and they're both really, really tall. I'd say it's premature to start using them in the same sentence.

But hope springs eternal.

bob

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bob,

Like I said, not reading into anything.

Like you said, hope springs eternal.

gyso

Here is a bit from the Herald:

Semih Erden was in attendance for practice yesterday, but the proper transfer of paperwork prevented him from officially joining his summer league teammates with the Celtics. He should be hanging around for the “winter league,” as well.

The Celts are in the process of signing the 7-footer to a one-year deal with an option for a second season.

Erden was the team’s second-round draft pick in 2008, the 60th and last selection overall. He’s continued to play in his native Turkey, and once he saw his chance to take a shot in the NBA, the soon-to-be 24-year-old was eager to make the move.

Erden will sign a minimum contract, which comes out to $473,604 for a player with no NBA experience.

But money is not the issue.

“First of all, he lost a lot of money right now,” Tugsavul said. “He has a big contract in Europe, but he gave it up to play in the NBA.
“He really wants to come here and play, to get the opportunity.”

There is more, here is the link:

http://bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1265627&position=1

I would suspect if he really could play he would have already been here,hopefully he can still be developed or has one skill to contribute and build on that can keep him in the league.....be great if it was rebounding.

cowens/oldschool wrote:I would suspect if he really could play he would have already been here,hopefully he can still be developed or has one skill to contribute and build on that can keep him in the league.....be great if it was rebounding.

Cowens,

Erden’s agent and translator, Tolga Tugsavul, said, “(Erden) said he didn’t come two years ago because he was under contract (in Turkey). His only option was this year to come here.

He was under contract. It would have taken a multi-million Euro buyout to get him released from his contract. The Celtics were willing to wait until that part of it wasn't needed. It is good timing, IMO.

gyso

gyso I'm really hoping he can play

He is now under contract with the Boston Celtics, they announced it today.
I hope he was worth the wait.

He is SOFT and has no offensive game - at least from what I saw today.

Willing to give him another look, as I am probably going to watch all 5 games this week....but so far, NOT impressed.

The kid from Notre Dame looked six times better than this guy. I just wonder what the interest in this guy for so long is. Danny has watched him for a couple of years. I wonder if there was a buy out that they had to do with the team he played for overseas to make him available. There is nothing to him for a seven footer!

Rosalie, I don't believe there was a buyout. He and the Celtics waited two years so there would be no buyout.

As much as I felt confident whenever Harangody got the ball yesterday, I cringed on the few occasions it went in to Erden. One time he had the ball under the basket and just slightly to the right of it. So he went up and shot the ball even more to the right as though the basket weren't even there.

I hope he shows massive improvement over the next four games.

Sam

Maxwell Smart on Erden:

"Missed it by that much"

Sam

I think after watching the game last night late (recorded it) Erden feels the same way. I just got the impression he was a lost puppy looking for an owner...........and I'm pretty sure the C's arn't in the kennel busness.

I guess there is always hope but...........and I'll leave it at that.

beat

beat
That Maxwell Smart comment had me chuckling,Erdin can't play any worse can he? thats the hope,really like this Notre Dame kid,he can be a real banger and asset at the 3,rough around the edges in a good way.We may have found a legit back up 3 for Pierce. cow

Cow

I know its only one game against "summer league" talent but that said, Luke reminded me a bit of Bird. NO HE"S NO LARRY BIRD but I will say this, he seems to do all things pretty well but nothing spectacular.

He can shoot, and although not fast, he gets up and down the floor well, works to get rebounding position, and he looks for advantages he can capitalize on.

Plus the biggy.........he has a lot of confidence in himself so it appears.

The guy even has Larry's vertical leap! Now lets see how he does the next few games.

beat

As for Erden..................................................................Agreed he can't possibly play any worse, (can he?)

Beat,

You've stolen the Maxwell Smart line I was using after the Lakers series.

I got so sick of people being patronizing to me as they asked solicitously whether I had come out of mourning that I'd lay that one on them and shut them up.

Sam

beat
To compare anybody to Bird is pretty special and if you deem that comparison fine with me,they are both slow and not the sleek greyhounds that can fly,but I agree the kid has a game and toughness that I like and want to see more of,has a great stroke and seems very capable of mixing it up inside.I hope he can get to the line as a pro too,if Bird could play the 3 at 6'9" why can't Luke?He should be able to rough up those greyhounds offensively,in one game at least hes shown to me hes not Scal. cow