Chris Kaman

Overview: A budding All-Star at center who has finally adapted to the NBA game. Has good height (7-1 in shoes), a nice standing reach and great bulk for the center position. Shows great quickness for his size. Gets off the ground well. Very coordinated for a big man. Has a decent jump shot, but lacks range. Can score in numerous ways from the post. Rebounds the ball extremely well on both ends. Has a unique skill set for a center due to his coordination, although he’s not quite as efficient offensively as you might hope. Blocks some shots on the defensive end. Showed the same development he’s shown in the NBA during his three year career at Central Michigan. Won the MAC Player of the Year Award as a junior before leaving for the draft. Continues to develop at an impressive pace. Elton Brand’s injury has brought out the best in him.

Offense: One of the most effective post up players in the league today. Still developing his consistency, but the moves and the talent is there already. Gets almost three fifths of his offense in post up situations. Has all kinds of post moves. Uses fakes, pumps, and jabs like a veteran. Better turning over his left shoulder than his right, but has soft touch with both hands. Nice repertoire of hooks and turnarounds. Does most of his damage from the right block. Knows how to draw contact. Goes to the line at a pretty high rate, and shoots an above average percentage. Dunks the ball when he can get the ball up. Great offensive rebounder. Good face up jumper. Has good form, and should improve in that area when he spends more time in the high post with the return of Elton Brand. Not the most consistent post scorer in terms of efficiency, but displays all the fundamentals and tools to become one. Will be more efficient when he isn’t the focal point of the offense. Very good ball handler for his height. Capable passer as well, but turns to ball over when he faces a good double team, something he sees pretty frequently. Good pick and roll player. Has the game of a veteran, but needs to show that he can produce next to another great post player in the coming seasons.

Defense: A previously undistinguished defensive player who has improved on that end just as much as he has improved offensively. One of the League’s most prolific shot blockers. Displays absolute impeccable timing. Isn’t overly explosive, so he uses his anticipation and lateral quickness to contest most shots. Still foul prone, but not nearly as bad as he used to be in that regard. Experience has helped him immensely. Shows great rebounding skills. Very soft hands, seldom loses possession once he has it. Could become part of a truly dynamic defensive front court pair with Marcus Camby.