EvenMoney’s NBA Draft 2011 – Top 5 Centers, #2

#2 – Keith Benson

Keith Benson is a gamble that a contending team can take, or a project player for a rebuilding team. Though he has the height to play Center in the NBA, he is slight of frame and needs to pack on 30+ pounds.

At first, he will mainly be a weak-side defender who will struggle in the post,  but he is agile enough to pair with a lumbering Power Forward. Or does a team play him as the PF on defense?

Benson has enough offensive ability to match his defensive identity but it really is a question of fit.  Benson blocked 127 shots but unfortunately he played at a small basketball school and a lower-tiered conference.

Still not convinced? Ponder the stats below and press play!

Video courtesy of KitoB34

C	Keith Benson
	BPM		PCM	DIR	TPA
Rank	11.99	2.67		1.75	45.00

 Out of 138 players:

·        Keith Benson is a first-round pick in 3 of the 4 metrics – lottery. Once you factor in that he played at Oakland University and his lack of bulk, how much of a drop is he?

·        We feel he is worth a gamble for perennial lower-tiered playoff team, anywhere from pick 23 to 30.

·        Considered as a whole (BPM), as well as for each specialty (PCM for Production; DIR for Defense; and TPA (Talent/Skill-set).