Kevin Seraphin

[nate33]

It sure would be nice for Seraphin to get more burn from here on out. McGee has gotten his chance. Now it's Seraphin's turn. Seraphin needs a chance to match up with NBA starters to get a better feel on what to work on this summer. Also, it's real hard to practice team defense in the summer, so he should take the opportunity to practice it now.

McGee needs a dose of humility. Benching him would be good. I'm not longer worried about his confidence. He needs to work on his brains. He should be benched for every stupid mistake. That doesn't mean a minor mistake like being a step slow in a rotation. I'm talking about major mistakes like turning the ball over when dribbling coast-to-coast, or making goaltends that aren't even close.

[Spence]

^^ What I've been saying, Nate, so... +1

[Rafael122]

It sure would be nice for Seraphin to get more burn from here on out. McGee has gotten his chance. Now it's Seraphin's turn. Seraphin needs a chance to match up with NBA starters to get a better feel on what to work on this summer. Also, it's real hard to practice team defense in the summer, so he should take the opportunity to practice it now.

McGee needs a dose of humility. Benching him would be good. I'm not longer worried about his confidence. He needs to work on his brains. He should be benched for every stupid mistake. That doesn't mean a minor mistake like being a step slow in a rotation. I'm talking about major mistakes like turning the ball over when dribbling coast-to-coast, or making goaltends that aren't even close.

Well every time McGee gets benched, some people here think Flip's an idiot, etc etc. Now we're starting to see why Flip gets so annoyed w/him. JaVale has all the talent in the world, but the guy has a pea sized brain. It's frustrating, it really is.

[nate33]

Somebody mentioned it somewhere, but it bears repeating. Seraphin might pan out to be very similar to Kendrick Perkins.

Seraphin is 6-9 with a 7-3 wingspan and a 9-1 standing reach. He weighs about 275.
Perkins is 6-10 with a 7-4 wingspan and weighs 280.

Seraphin is more athletic than Perkins. I've read conflicting reports about Perkins' wingspan. Some way it's 7-6.5, which is longer than even Haywood's. I find that a little hard to believe.

[Illuminaire]

Yep. It's one thing to say that McGee needs playing time so he can learn.

That only works, though, as long as he's trying to do what the coaches tell him. It sounds like in some areas, he really isn't. When that is the case, you can't just let him play. When a student rejects instruction (and your authority to instruct) they have broken the foundation for their own growth. They won't go anywhere until they accept that they do, in fact, need to learn something.

[LyricalRico]

Somebody mentioned it somewhere, but it bears repeating. Seraphin might pan out to be very similar to Kendrick Perkins.

That would be me. And looking at the numbers, offensively the bar really isn't that high. The most important thing would be for his fouling rate to go down and his defense to improve, which will take time. But Perkins wasn't much of a player during his rookie deal, so I'm perfectly willing to give him the full 4 years.

And if he shows any flashes during the rest of this season, I'm then all for moving McGee and bringing in a vet on a 1 year deal as a stop-gap.

[GoneShammGone]

Truthaboutit entry on Kevin.
http://www.truthaboutit.net/2011/02/kev ... zards.html

Those guys do a real good job with their presentations. I've been wondering who's going to rub off on who - among our bigs. I think the answer so far is nobody. I'm guessing Drey and Jav are pretty much in their own world, and Seraphin is smart enough not to emulate them.

Seraphin is probably smarter than both those guys, but more than that, he is miles beyond them in terms of toughness (especially mental toughness). Its so refreshing to see somebody come in for the Zards and set good solid screens! Frankly, even if KS had zero athletic talent I would still want to see him start over McGee just because of his willingness to physically challenge opponents. The fact that he appears to have some decent footwork and skills makes it even more important to get him on the court.

[GoneShammGone]

Truthaboutit entry on Kevin.
http://www.truthaboutit.net/2011/02/kev ... zards.html

Thanks, what a great link. Its nice, at this point, to read something about the Zards that gives me hope for the future. Not only is KS developing a nice jump-hook, he is apparently developing it with both hands! How sweet is that?

The contrast between McGee/Blatche and KS/Booker couldn't be more stark. I hate watching the team when the starters are in. No matter what the score, there's a physical sense of relief when Flip goes to the bench now.

[pineappleheadindc]

Truthaboutit entry on Kevin.
http://www.truthaboutit.net/2011/02/kev ... zards.html

Thanks, what a great link. Its nice, at this point, to read something about the Zards that gives me hope for the future. Not only is KS developing a nice jump-hook, he is apparently developing it with both hands! How sweet is that?

The contrast between McGee/Blatche and KS/Booker couldn't be more stark. I hate watching the team when the starters are in. No matter what the score, there's a physical sense of relief when Flip goes to the bench now.

Nice screen name.

With the season's record as it is, Flip should feel zero pressure to play McGee and Blatche big minutes. Hell, he should start Seraphin and Booker. If any player or whoever approaches him, he could just shrug and say "hey, in the few games we have left, I have an obligation to play the rookies big minutes to evaluate them better and get them experience. What? Are we gonna make the playoffs with Blatche and McGee starting?"

What's there to say after that?

[no D in Hibachi]

Seasons about over and I'm trying to look through my rose-colored glasses at all the young'ns to keep hope for the future. It's relatively easy to find strong positives regarding Wall, Crawford, Young, Booker, McGee, and even Blatche. However, I'm really struggling for anything hopeful from Seraphin. Over the course of the entire season I only remember three games where he demonstrating any potential, and I'll use that loosely.

1) He bodied up Dwight Howard well in the post and didn't by not getting backed down ever possession, 2) he did have a good run in the Portland game about a month ago before nearly fouling out in 17 minutes, and 3) played tough defense against the Lakers to win the starting spot for one game in Sacramento where the Wiz got completely murdered and it ended up being a bad decision to reward Seraphin over McGee. Thats it. I really can't think of any other Seraphin moments all year where I remotely thought, 'this guy has a chance to become something.'

I guess the most discouraging sign for Seraphin is that when Blatche and Booker were out he still struggled to find any PT and he was literally the only back up big on the roster. Flip was going with Martin/Jeffers as the defacto 4 next to McGee. He averaged over 8 fouls per 48mpg, and only scored double digets twice--both very lopsided blow outs.

Will someone put my Seraphin panic at ease before I fly off the handle and start a "Does Seraphin Suck" thread??

[closg00]

Seasons about over and I'm trying to look through my rose-colored glasses at all the young'ns to keep hope for the future. It's relatively easy to find strong positives regarding Wall, Crawford, Young, Booker, McGee, and even Blatche. However, I'm really struggling for anything hopeful from Seraphin. Over the course of the entire season I only remember three games where he demonstrating any potential, and I'll use that loosely.

1) He bodied up Dwight Howard well in the post and didn't by not getting backed down ever possession, 2) he did have a good run in the Portland game about a month ago before nearly fouling out in 17 minutes, and 3) played tough defense against the Lakers to win the starting spot for one game in Sacramento where the Wiz got completely murdered and it ended up being a bad decision to reward Seraphin over McGee. Thats it. I really can't think of any other Seraphin moments all year where I remotely thought, 'this guy has a chance to become something.'

I guess the most discouraging sign for Seraphin is that when Blatche and Booker were out he still struggled to find any PT and he was literally the only back up big on the roster. Flip was going with Martin/Jeffers as the defacto 4 next to McGee. He averaged over 8 fouls per 48mpg, and only scored double digets twice--both very lopsided blow outs.

Will someone put my Seraphin panic at ease before I fly off the handle and start a "Does Seraphin Suck" thread??

Had Seraphin been drafted by Portland or SA, Kevin would have been on an NBDL team playing full-time for a couple of years (See much of Luke Babbit this year?) I think we were in-error in telling Kevin up-front that he would not be sent to the NBDL. Bottom-line is that KS is so-raw that he probably shouldn't be playing in the NBA right now, he should have been a draft-and-stash or not drafted at all....by us. Give him a few more years before thinking about cranking up the IST.

[nate33]

Will someone put my Seraphin panic at ease before I fly off the handle and start a "Does Seraphin Suck" thread??

He's a raw as hell project. We knew that going in. The guy has only played basketball for a few years. It's going to take some time.

[pancakes3]

even if he wasn't raw, he's still woefully undersized for the C spot. he could pick up minutes at PF and become a zach randolph-esque player but seraphin will never be a regular starter at the C position.

i mean, yes he can body up dwight but that's because dwight himself is only 6'10. you ask him to go out and guard the Roy Hibberts or even the Brook Lopez's of the league, they're going to shoot over him all night

[Dat2U]

I feel ya pancakes. I really don't see it with Seraphin and never did. Like I said before, he looks like a draft and stash player and honestly probably shouldn't be wearing an NBA uniform at this point. Raw isn't the word, he's beyond that. He's the basketball equivalent to an embryo. Very little skill, looks lost most of the time. He's just a brute. I know people here fell in love with his physicality but that's all he has. He doesn't have a ton of bad habits so actually sets nice picks but honestly when that's the best thing you can do, your in trouble.

I honestly wouldn't feel comfortable with him as a backup center at this point. He's a 12th man at best and frankly that's not going to help him develop either. He either needs to be in the NBDL or getting heavy minutes overseas in a strong foreign league. Unfortunately, by bringing him over now, I think the foreign option is unavailable.

The good news is that Booker & Crawford look like solid backup types and Crawford might even be more than that so 2 out of 3 ain't bad when it comes to mid-to-late round picks.

I wouldn't hesitate to include Seraphin in a deal if it got us something. Do it now while there's the chance someone thinks he's a prospect worth developing.

[nate33]

I'm not quite as down on Seraphin. I think he'll develop into a being a solid backup center. That said, it's generally not worth it to spend a great deal of time, effort and money to groom a guy who's going to be a backup anyhow.

[Hoopalotta]

At least we wouldn't be looking for a short term backup center if we continue to develop Seraphin. Those guys are generally either expensive or Armstrongish.

One thing with Seraphin is I believe that he lost a lot of weight this year that he'd picked up during the knee injury issue leading up to the draft. He was much quicker by the end of the year, but I don't think he can body up Howard in the same way as he did early and he has the physical characteristics more of a power forward now. Unfortunately, that's going with the offensive game of a raw center, so, definite projecthood.

Anyway, I wouldn't back off from drafting a big with the 18th pick and going into camp with an unavoidable 'odd man out' situation for someone or another (unless there's an injury). Seraphin might develop quickly and beat that guy out or maybe someone gets traded or whatever. I do believe he's intuitive as far as his general positioning on both ends and he's physical, so that's a fair, if sparse, foundation.

Defensive rebounding would be the area I'd like to see the most progress in next year. His overall impact would be a lot better with a surge in that department.

[hands11]

At least we wouldn't be looking for a short term backup center if we continue to develop Seraphin. Those guys are generally either expensive or Armstrongish.

One thing with Seraphin is I believe that he lost a lot of weight this year that he'd picked up during the knee injury issue leading up to the draft. He was much quicker by the end of the year, but I don't think he can body up Howard in the same way as he did early and he has the physical characteristics more of a power forward now. Unfortunately, that's going with the offensive game of a raw center, so, definite projecthood.

Anyway, I wouldn't back off from drafting a big with the 18th pick and going into camp with an unavoidable 'odd man out' situation for someone or another (unless there's an injury). Seraphin might develop quickly and beat that guy out or maybe someone gets traded or whatever. I do believe he's intuitive as far as his general positioning on both ends and he's physical, so that's a fair, if sparse, foundation.

Defensive rebounding would be the area I'd like to see the most progress in next year. His overall impact would be a lot better with a surge in that department.

I will say this about Seraphin

The man can not get in position to take 1/4 of the charges that he tries to take and that gets him in foul trouble.

BUT

He is not a five year project.

I would expect his game...whatever it is... to develop in two to three years. He should be a lot better next year. He doesn't have the upside of a McGee, but it wont take him as long to get his game rolling either. He works hard on his post game in practice with those baby hooks.

[verbal8]

I'm not quite as down on Seraphin. I think he'll develop into a being a solid backup center. That said, it's generally not worth it to spend a great deal of time, effort and money to groom a guy who's going to be a backup anyhow.

I think it is a matter of expectations. I don't think anyone was expecting Dwight Howard. However I think some people were hoping he would be the next Ibaka. I think Gortat(who did nothing his first year as a 23 year old) is the a more reasonable projection.
I could see Seraphin being with the Wizards until they need to move him in a consolidation move(or to address a need at another position).

[closg00]

I'm not quite as down on Seraphin. I think he'll develop into a being a solid backup center. That said, it's generally not worth it to spend a great deal of time, effort and money to groom a guy who's going to be a backup anyhow.

I think it is a matter of expectations. I don't think anyone was expecting Dwight Howard. However I think some people were hoping he would be the next Ibaka. I think Gortat(who did nothing his first year as a 23 year old) is the a more reasonable projection.
I could see Seraphin being with the Wizards until they need to move him in a consolidation move(or to address a need at another position).

Pre-draft, the Wizards worked - out:

*Samardo Samuels (6"9 260), undrafted and signed by Cleveland.
http://espn.go.com/nba/player/stats/_/i ... do-samuels

*Derrick Caracter (6' 9", 275 lbs) drafted 58th.
http://espn.go.com/nba/player/stats/_/i ... k-caracter

For the minutes KS is able to play and the time it will likely take for him to be as productive as Samuels is currently (Caracter is buried on the bench), I see absolutely zero basis for taking him @ 17 over these guys ^. A dedicated Big Man coach is warranted for KS and hopefully a big we take in the draft.

[fishercob]

Somebody mentioned it somewhere, but it bears repeating. Seraphin might pan out to be very similar to Kendrick Perkins.

I noted the similarities as well. And while Seraphin is years away from being the player Perk is now, I don't know how far off he is from what Perk was at a similar stage of development. With Kevin's physical gifts, any polish to his game would have made him a lotto pick. So there's a reason he was there at 18.

He's still strong as an ox, light as hell on his feet, springy, long, and has a soft touch on his baby hooks close in to the basket. What he needs most is to absorb the game -- via lots of watching/study and lots of minutes. And he needs to assimilate what he learn via hours and hours of hard work.

I don't even buy that he can't guard Hibbert and Brook Lopez b/c of his combo of strength and length. If he can push D12 off the block, he can do the same to those guys -- and he's long and bouncy enough to bother their shots as well.

Of greatest importance is that Kevin has the attitude and demeanor that the WIzards have lacked and that people in these parts have been clamoring for for-seemingly-ever. He craves contact, he's ornery, and doesn't have an ounce of back-down in him.

I think he needs two more years of seasoning before he's a real player of substance, but if he "pans out" that would be more than worth it.