I know that he is playing against weaker competition, but most of his skill set should translate to the NBA. And we don’t exactly have a stock pile of HEALTHY bigs.

Still on the Freeland ‘12 bandwagon, but I’m now more convinced than ever that we need a quality experienced (backup) PF/C in addition. And with Camby about to retire any year now and Oden’s long-term future with or without the Blazers uncertain, it might even not be any problem finding minutes for Joel F. and a vet along with LMA.

Of the teams in division A in the Eurobasket that he did well against he only did good against the teams with no NBA frontcourt players. He couldn’t handle the Gasols and Ibaka when playing Spain and had a measly 4 rebounds and 4 points but 6 turnovers. Granted most opposing PFs and Centers would have trouble with that combo but I watched the Spain vs Lithiania game and 19 year old Jonas Valanciunas (who was drafted by the Raptors this year) showed no fear playing against them and did quite well. Point being, I was more impressed with a younger PF/Center with less professional basketball experience than I was Freeland. Besides, it sounds like he’s waiting until next year when our draft rights expire to come over and he’ll be a free agent so who cares?

2p FG: 11/11
3pt FG: 1/1
FT: 2/2

His play here may be indicative of his potential when he is a role player and not the star, Luel Deng is the star on Britain’s team and Joel was able to feed off that attention to score freely and often. I think Joel is ready to come over next year but either he or LMA must play some center to give him the minutes he wants in coming over. Greg’s return may be important in Joel’s decision.