In Defense of Primoz Brezec

08/30/2007

I feel compelled to outline some positive aspects of Primoz Brezec, due to what seems to be a lot of short memories from various fans. Let's get this out of the way first: I am not saying that he was good this past season, or even average. He was down right bad, and "as useful as a poopie-flavored lollipop" (anyone?). But...in the two seasons before, the first two seasons in Bobcats history? Well, I won't lie and say he was an all-star candidate, because he wasn't. But he was among the top 15 centers in the league. No, really: Check it out at Basketball-Reference. Among centers who played in over 100 games during those 2 seasons, he was number 11 in Player Efficiency Rating. Not great by any stretch, however, not bad for what he was being paid: $4.3 millions over those 2 seasons.

And that's what it comes back to for the coming season: Money. For what Primoz will be taking home this year, $2.75 million, he's a great bargain if he can bounce back to even just being an average to slightly below average player (per of 14-15). Consider that for the same production as he gave last year (PER of 9.7), other teams were forking out $5.75 million (New York to Jerome James, 5.1 PER), $5.76 million (Orlando to Tony Battie, with a 9.8 PER), or even $6.3 million (Washington to Calvin Booth, 9.6 PER). The Bobcats have little to lose by keeping him around, as he has a relatively cheap contract for a legitimate big man and he does have some ability. While I don't expect him to be the focus of the team, I do think that he has the skills (and has shown it previously) to provide solid minutes in the post. With him in the game, it gives Emeka the opportunity to guard (and be guarded by) the opposing power forward more often, a matchup that should bode well for him. Consider how well he holds his own against the centers of the league despite being a little short for the pivot at 6'10" and now give him the chance to post up against someone his own size more often. With the only other options being Ryan Hollins - a near rookie, Jermareo Davidson - a rookie, and Othella Harrington - an aging career backup, hoping for a bounce back from Brezec looks like our best option. Hey, we're already hoping for several other improbable things (Healthy seasons for Emeka, Gerald, Sean, and Jason Richardson; significantly improved shooting from Felton (and Ammo); a bounce back season from Jeff McInnis as the recently resigned backup point guard), what's one more added to the list?
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