I dont know what he did in Turkey but last time he was playing in the Nba Ekpe also was horrible. Can't catch a ball. On the other hand..for a vet minimum or a 5 per 1 year contract why not? It's not like we are going to win anything this year anyway. Someone should make a thread with the worst hands in the league. Both of those guys are contenders.
Ekpe is much more productive shot blocker, rebounder and FT shooter. He also has better jumper and is the better passer, especially from elbow or high post.
Dude... Dedmons rebounding rate is nearly twice as high as Udoh. Udoh is a terrible rebounder. And as for shot blocking, they are basically the same, Udoh has 5.4% shot blocking rate and Dedmon 5%
Rate vs. Actual production, I'll take production all day long. Udoh has had a much better and more productive career in college as well as post college. And even if they were equal in talent or more importantly production, give me the better FT shooter.
The rate is based on the actual production... Dedmon is less minutes(13mpg) gets more rebounds(4.4 rebounds) then Udoh does (3.2 rebounds) in more minutes (17 mpg). I don't care about what they did in college they are 26/27 now. Your being biased for Udoh bro, he's bad rebounder for a big man, Dedmon is a good rebounder. You saying Udoh is a better rebounder is a lie, you trying to defend it instead of admitting your wrong when shown the numbers is uncalled for, we're just talking about some scrubs lol When the discrepency is as big as it is, I'll take the better rebounder over FT shooter at center. Dedmond also has more height and weight too which is a reason id prefer him. Udoh is more of a PF and we need a BIG man to guard the other large centers when Capela can't handle them.
First of all, I was one of the first to even bring up Dedmon as an option for back up C. Truthfully, neither Ekpe or Dedmon are guys I love. But Ekpe is clearly more skilled offensively (mid range, take defender off the dribble, low post scoring, FT% and even 3 point shooting) AND defensively. Ekpe is better PnR defender, shot blocker and outlet passer (heck just better passer and BB IQ period) and Dedmon is actually bigger (6'11 1/2 to 6'10) and longer (over 9 ft standing reach) but their wingspan is only 1/2 inch different. If you compare rebounding rate in only NBA careers to date then Dedmon is slightly better, but it does not take into account how much Ekpe has improved in this area playing overseas the last few seasons or the intangibles each possess. Dedmon is still foul prone and has a rep for being lazy, Ekpe could not be further from that. I want the guy who fits the best, not necessarily who looks the best in the uniform. Again, neither are my favorite options and I advocated for both at different times but the better fit for MDA system is Ekpe, if just between these TWO options.
https://youtu.be/xJ2aqSjSWyI Holy crap! There must be a reason he's not played more often, these highlights make him look insane!!
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Dedmon isn't a slightly better rebounder, he's much better. Udoh's rebounding is bad, we can't have a bad rebounder at center next to Anderson, for that reason alone Dedmon would be my choice. Epke may have a better offensive game, but he's still a bad offensive player. Rebounding isn't something a player inproves on, Udoh had 5 years in the nba, thats a fine sample size.
Highlights do make him look insane. And if his current level of play is actually represented by these highlights what is likelihood that Orlando matches his offer sheet? After all he is not a UFA but a RFA.
We NEED this guy. He will be coming into his third year with crazy rebounding percentages, an affinity for lobs and natural shot blocking instincts. AND he can knock down free throws. With Dedmon and Capela we will be ready to go at C for a long time. Officially on the bandwagon.
That's news to me. Guess Magic are going to keep their 2nd rounder, Zimmerman instead. Maybe even Nichols. If Dedmon can stay out of foul trouble could be good back up to Capela. I'm sold. :grin: GSW is very interested to sign Dedmon to back up C as well.