Semih Erden on ESPN2

[Celtics_85]

I think we should call him Mr. Extenze, because size matters.... Just kidding, the thing I liked the most was he played decent defense and really didn't let Howard get his game going. When Howard was on his game Erden was on the bench, as he let his size be a factor on defense.

[eris]

From CB...

My question is how tall in fact is Erden. Did he look taller than Howard? Hey, how did Omer Asik do?

Yes, he looked taller than Howard, he's probably 6'll" on the floor, but he wasn't nearly as strong or explosive as Howard. Erden looked quick and coordinated, though, his hands looked good, and he didn't "give up" unlike some of the other players on his team when Turkey got far behind.

Asik didn't play, he was hurt, I think.

Erden missed several shots he should have made, dunks/layups, nerves maybe? He ran the pick and roll pretty well, better than his guards anyway, but he couldn't finish at the rim. His defense was pretty good, even on Howard, but I think he tired out in long rotations on the floor.

[eris]

He's huge. Had a nice little pass in the first half.

I noticed that. It was a good pass, but the Turks never tried that again.

You know, to me it looked like Erden played a lot like Perkins did his first and second years. He's not as *big*as Perk, nor will he ever be the physical presence/defender Perkins is, but I think Erden could develop into a nice player....if he works really hard and gets some intensive coaching the next couple of years.

[campybatman]

Asik didn't play, he was hurt, I think.

I see. I'd read that Turkoglu was out for the game as well. I wonder if having both Turkoglu and Asik for Turkey would've affected the differential in the final score.

[Jammer]

Not that it matters much, but Dwight Howard's height without shoes at pre-draft camp was 6' 9"

[campybatman]

For some reason Erden doesn't look that tall. I've seen his height listed at least once each as 7'0'' and 7'1'' and I think at the shortest, 6'11'', I saw. Then there's the perception of what his real position is. Some say he could be a power forward. Others say, he's a center. Still, it's nice that he'd faced Howard for the experience. Ideally, he could match up against other NBA centers participating in the Olympics like Ming, Kaman, Bogut and P. Gasol for more experience and preparation to what he'll likely encounter in the NBA. But, I don't think Turkey even qualified...