Kevin Seraphin

[doclinkin]

Let me atone WizFans,

I'been away from my computer for a bit, new house, crazy family issues with hospital trips and all, top it off: no new computer/phone hook-up yet, I'm pirating off a neighbors wifi feed. But I wanted to weigh in. Seems like plenty of fans are feeling Disgrunfeld [sic]. I'm actually seriously excited about this pick.

My read is that KeVAN SeraPHAN will prove a steal at 17. I've read fan reaction on a few sites, here, the official site and BuFo, and responded to a few. One excerpt:

Tell you one guy who remembers this kid: John Wall.

Let me tug your coat a little: Biggest best indicator of this kids talent - his coming out party on the international scene- was his display at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland 2008 where he keyed the World Team’s come from behind victory against a USA squad that consisted of: John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry…

Kid had 4 blocks, two on Cole, one or two on Cousins. 9 boards in 22 mins. Dunked on both Cole and Cousins. The computer where I may have had a clip saved is dead. But in one sequence in the 4th quarter comeback he blocked Cousins, dunked at the opposite end, then came back and blocked the mess outta John Wall.

And he was desperate to be here. Apparently begged Ernie to select him. When was the last time any player was desperate to join this Wiz squad?

This is the first of the ancillary dividends being paid by our luck in the lotto. Most clips from the Summit are actually a John Wall highlight reel. But folks who were watching closely saw two #11’s in that game, one in white and one in grey. And you got to know, Kevin Seraphin was watching the other #11 pretty closely, and can see quite clearly how good Kid Wall will make the him look.

Here’s one clip.

At 1:19 he smears away a weak attempt by Cole Aldrich. Nothing special. (Check John Wall at 1:42…) At 2:12 he volleyballs back a pull-up jumper. At 2:34 is the sequence where he dunks on Cousins, then blocks Wall at the other end. Missing is only the block on Cousins that preceded it.

Kid has big-time natural talent. Unchannelled, yes. He's 268 and muscled but has never yet touched a weight. He loves contact, loves to bang. Reports suggest his defense is advanced ahead of his offensive talent, but offensive clips show a guy who hits the hook shot in traffic, can bank it off glass and can he dunk?

Check #11 on both teams: here.

Check his practice donks. Here.
Here (1:49 mark begins a string of 'em). Love the casual force of that one-handed dunk, elbow-high to the rim.

I hear the Pecherov trepidation. This ain't that. Pech was hoping to be Antawn Jamison, and no matter what the coaches said he wanted to pitch threees from outside, wouldn't finish down low. If you saw his press conference, this is a kid who wants to bang and bump, compares his game to Nene' (check about the 6:30 mark here, talking about his strengths and weaknesses). He's not trying to chuck from outside.

If you have players who can pass the ball, you need finishers. John Wall, Gilbert, Dray, Trevor Booker: all have quick read on the pass. You need a force inside who can catch and slam, finish after contact. This is a guy who will block and dunk on DCuz and Aldrich. Not especially scared of shotblockers big bodies or contact. My read is he's gonna make John Wall et al look good and vice versa. Plus he wants to defend? Likes the contact?

I'm thinking he's mighty quickly a crowd favorite.

Page 10. I likes me some me.

[hands11]

Seraphin speaks English, according to Michael Lee.

Anyway, I was perusing spurstalk.net -- good stuff over there. Naturally they are very well informed when it comes to international players, and they had a nice thread there on Seraphin. They wanted him pretty badly and they were pretty sure OKC was going to nab him with #18.

I knew it!

Throwing in that report that Fisher posted in the draft thread, I think the idea that Seraphin was a wild and desperate reach that only Ernie would have made is a complete and total error based on being uninformed. He was more like the prime target of two of the most adept talent evaluating teams in the league who we leap frogged.

Does that mean he will he pan out? Dunno about that, but it was a nice ballsy pick with a hell of a lot more upside potential than what I'm sensing from the rest of the board, give or take one of the guards possibly breaking through.

People forget what a great move this was by team EG. And the Booker addition didn't suck either.

[hands11]

Mindblowing.

We paid NOTHING for Seraphin. We got him for free.

Hinrich is a good player and a backup PG. Had we not traded for Hinrich, we would have paid the same $17M to a worse backup PG with a longer contract.

This was NOT a BOYD trade. EG got a player he wanted.

Actually, Erine got two players he wanted--Hinrich and Seraphin. If these two, along with Booker and Howard, perform like I think they might, this could turn out to be one of EG's best offseasons ever. On top of drafting JWall.

Just to remind everyone of how sweet this deal was. Traded up to grab KS right from under SA. And got all these pieces. Then trade Kirk for more. That is some pretty sweet action.

[penbeast0]

Seraphim actually has a close relation to "serpent". It's got to be french mamba.

Actually the seraphim were the angels who were the avenging servants of Jahweh. Literally the 'burning ones' in Hebrew. Though as dark as Kevin is he clearly got toasted to a cinder. The 'Black Angel of Doom' works for me:

Kevin Seraphin: The BAD.

There you have both your menace and your feathery touch from The B.A.D. M.B.P.

It is both, snake or angel, depending on the reference.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seraphim

The word seraphim, literally "burning ones", transliterates a Hebrew plural noun; translation yields seraphs. The singular, "seraph", is more properly rendered sarap. The word sarap/seraphim appears three times in the Torah (Numbers 21:6-8, Deuteronomy 8:15) and four times in the Book of Isaiah (6:2-6, 14:29, 30:6). In Numbers and Deuteronomy the "seraphim" are serpents – the association of serpents as "burning ones" is possibly due to the burning sensation of the poison.[2] Isaiah also uses the word in close association with words to describe snakes (nahash, the generic word for snakes, in 14:29, and efeh, viper, in 30:6).

The Isaiah vision of seraphs in an idealised Jerusalem First Temple represents the sole instance in the Hebrew Bible of this word being used to describe celestial beings.[3] "... I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and His train filled the Hekhal (sanctuary). Above him stood the Seraphim; each had six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew." (Isaiah 6:1–3) The seraphim cry continually to each other, "Holy, holy, holy, is YHWH of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory." (verses 2-3) One seraph then carries out an act of purification for the prophet by touching his lips with a live coal from the altar (verses 6-7). The text uses the word "seraphim" but adds no adjectives or modifiers emphasising snakes ("nahash," etc.). At the same time the description gives the creatures both human and avian attributes. A strong association with fire, though, is maintained.[4]

I am familiar with seraphim and cherubim as angels, and with the passage from Isaiah 6:1-7.

So, Kevin could easily be nicknamed Flame Thrower, Six-Wings or Snake Eyes. He can be a purifying angel or an avenger.

How about calling him "Angel Eyes" from the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly . . . we could use the Bad.

[hands11]

How about we call him and tell him to hit the damn boards and get some rebounds. He has had a total of 9 in the last two games.

[dlts20]

How about we call him and tell him to hit the damn boards and get some rebounds. He has had a total of 9 in the last two games.

I disagree with this. Ive been debating a guy on another Wiz site the last 2 games about this because he thinks KS is too short to play the 5. I dont feel like finding what I said last night but here is what I said tonight:

its like I told you last game. You cant always just look at numbers like that. It doesnt tell the whole story. 4 boards would suck if we got owned on the boards but the rebounding numbers were even, despite us shooting way worst then them. They were shooting almost 60% for a long time and finished the game at over 51%. There werent going to be a ton of boards and we had a team effort on the glass. Again, Ill be upset if they missed a ton or they outrebounded us by alot but neither happened.

Defensive boards are always the main thing. Offensive boards are icing on the cake. There were only 27 defensive oppurutuities and we got 22 of them. The Cavs only had 5 offensive rebounds. 4 from KS tonight doesnt mean he sucked on the glass. It could just mean that a guy like JV was great on them to go with the other things I said. BTW, we outrebounded NY by 5 last night. Its the same thing. Also, 7 blocks the last 2 games so that can somewhat makeup for it

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

How about we call him and tell him to hit the damn boards and get some rebounds. He has had a total of 9 in the last two games.

I disagree with this. Ive been debating a guy on another Wiz site the last 2 games about this because he thinks KS is too short to play the 5. I dont feel like finding what I said last night but here is what I said tonight:

its like I told you last game. You cant always just look at numbers like that. It doesnt tell the whole story. 4 boards would suck if we got owned on the boards but the rebounding numbers were even, despite us shooting way worst then them. They were shooting almost 60% for a long time and finished the game at over 51%. There werent going to be a ton of boards and we had a team effort on the glass. Again, Ill be upset if they missed a ton or they outrebounded us by alot but neither happened.

Defensive boards are always the main thing. Offensive boards are icing on the cake. There were only 27 defensive oppurutuities and we got 22 of them. The Cavs only had 5 offensive rebounds. 4 from KS tonight doesnt mean he sucked on the glass. It could just mean that a guy like JV was great on them to go with the other things I said. BTW, we outrebounded NY by 5 last night. Its the same thing. Also, 7 blocks the last 2 games so that can somewhat makeup for it

Seraphin just isn't that strong a rebounder. A good one, but not a strong one. He doesn't have the strongest set of hands. He's good at positioning, but if it's a battle for the ball between Seraphin and Zach Randolph i'm not liking Seraphin's chances.

[dlts20]

How about we call him and tell him to hit the damn boards and get some rebounds. He has had a total of 9 in the last two games.

I disagree with this. Ive been debating a guy on another Wiz site the last 2 games about this because he thinks KS is too short to play the 5. I dont feel like finding what I said last night but here is what I said tonight:

its like I told you last game. You cant always just look at numbers like that. It doesnt tell the whole story. 4 boards would suck if we got owned on the boards but the rebounding numbers were even, despite us shooting way worst then them. They were shooting almost 60% for a long time and finished the game at over 51%. There werent going to be a ton of boards and we had a team effort on the glass. Again, Ill be upset if they missed a ton or they outrebounded us by alot but neither happened.

Defensive boards are always the main thing. Offensive boards are icing on the cake. There were only 27 defensive oppurutuities and we got 22 of them. The Cavs only had 5 offensive rebounds. 4 from KS tonight doesnt mean he sucked on the glass. It could just mean that a guy like JV was great on them to go with the other things I said. BTW, we outrebounded NY by 5 last night. Its the same thing. Also, 7 blocks the last 2 games so that can somewhat makeup for it

Seraphin just isn't that strong a rebounder. A good one, but not a strong one. He doesn't have the strongest set of hands. He's good at positioning, but if it's a battle for the ball between Seraphin and Zach Randolph i'm not liking Seraphin's chances.

Now I dont disagree with that. He can certainly improve. However, most guys I have a fear of if they really can improve at something. I dont have that same fear with him for some reason. I think if you gave him a goal next year of being a better rebounder then he's the type that could really concentrate on that and be better.

Part of his problem I think is that he's a lil tired from playing this much for the 1st time in his career. Its harder and he's getting even more fatigued because he's now one of our top scoring options every single game. Our p&r D sucks so alot of time he's coming over to help which takes him off the boards.

I also think that while he's in shape, he could stand to lose about 15 pounds. Even 15 pounds lighter he would still be big enough to play the 5 but I think he would be a lil lighter on his feet and able to get to more balls

[GUYANNAGRIZZLI]

KS is a great hook shooter but he is not good under the basket when it needs to bank it which is suprising because he has the ability to make some space whith his shoulders.
In rebounds he is not very agressive lately because he just make sure the big guy won't offensive rebound and then let the other wiz players having an easy rebound.

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

KS is a great hook shooter but he is not good under the basket when it needs to bank it which is suprising because he has the ability to make some space whith his shoulders.
In rebounds he is not very agressive lately because he just make sure the big guy won't offensive rebound and then let the other wiz players having an easy rebound.

Seraphin would be a total beast in the post if he used the backboard.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

KS is a great hook shooter but he is not good under the basket when it needs to bank it which is suprising because he has the ability to make some space whith his shoulders.
In rebounds he is not very agressive lately because he just make sure the big guy won't offensive rebound and then let the other wiz players having an easy rebound.

Seraphin would be a total beast in the post if he used the backboard.

For a 2nd-year player who is 22 years old ...

Kevin Seraphin IS a beast!

[MJG]

Seraphin really is kind of amazing. People who say they saw this in him all along are a lot smarter than me, because as recently as two months ago, I was dubious that the kid was even going to survive his rookie contract. Now he's suddenly, like, our best player. Good for him, and good for us.

[Higga]

We're due for a project we draft and develop to actually develop.

Good to see Seraphin making such good progress. I'll happily say I was wrong about him(or it looks that way right now anyway).

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Seraphin really is kind of amazing. People who say they saw this in him all along are a lot smarter than me, because as recently as two months ago, I was dubious that the kid was even going to survive his rookie contract. Now he's suddenly, like, our best player. Good for him, and good for us.

Before the Wizards got Nene I said I thought Seraphin might be better than Nene. I knocked the trade because I thought for sure the Wizards would not play Seraphin at C any more. I felt like they were in love with Booker and that no matter what Vesely would play PF.

What I wanted to see before the trade was Seraphin with McGee. But now, I think things are looking up the way they are. I have to give EG credit. Nene can play with Seraphin much better and more naturally, I think, that McGee would be able to.

Seraphin is a very talented guy.

[queridiculo]

Not going to say I saw this dramatic improvement coming, but Seraphin looked the part to me in national team videos and the little I saw from him in preseason.

To me he always seemed like a natural with his back to the basket and I loved his feet for a big man. You typically don't see guys his height and size look as fluid and nimble on their feet. The other thing that's pretty darn amazing is his soft touch around the basket.

He still gets a bit to cute at times when a power move would suit him better, but I'm sure that will come with time.

Seraphin is looking like an absolute steal right now, but what has me really excited is what this new found confidence will do for his desire to get better in the offseason.

He's just getting a taste for how much hard work pays off, if he can maintain that mindset and carry it through an entire offseason he should be handful come next season.
'
I just hope he doesn't go overboard with national team basketball.

[willbcocks]

I've never seen the game slow down for a player as fast as it has for Seraphin. He was always not one but TWO steps behind on everything. Now he's in the flow and not behind at all, and it happened immediately.

Confidence, and I think Seraphin mentioned this himself, is an amazing thing. When you don't have it and you're looking over at the bench after every plan to see if you're getting pulled, your whole game falls apart. Not only has he gotten his confidence back, but he's performing at a level he never had before. Quite impressive.

[jivelikenice]

Seraphin really is kind of amazing. People who say they saw this in him all along are a lot smarter than me, because as recently as two months ago, I was dubious that the kid was even going to survive his rookie contract. Now he's suddenly, like, our best player. Good for him, and good for us.

Before the Wizards got Nene I said I thought Seraphin might be better than Nene. I knocked the trade because I thought for sure the Wizards would not play Seraphin at C any more. I felt like they were in love with Booker and that no matter what Vesely would play PF.

What I wanted to see before the trade was Seraphin with McGee. But now, I think things are looking up the way they are. I have to give EG credit. Nene can play with Seraphin much better and more naturally, I think, that McGee would be able to.

Seraphin is a very talented guy.

CCJ, can Nene and Seraphin effectively start together and not get in each other's way? What will Seraphin need to do to make it work?

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Nothing, jivelikenice. Nene and Kevin each can play PF or C.

I have seen them on the court together, already. They play seamlessly well together.

That is the starting PF and C next season. Book it.

[jivelikenice]

If they can make it work, I would definitely look at moving Booker for a wing or mid first round pick. I just think he offers the least in terms of versatility and he's strictly a 4.

[Halcyon]

If they can make it work, I would definitely look at moving Booker for a wing or mid first round pick. I just think he offers the least in terms of versatility and he's strictly a 4.

I wouldn't mind keeping him unless we draft Davis, at which point Booker is kind of expendable. He's still a very high energy player that would be great coming off the bench in spurts.