I know it's early yet, but I think this is an interesting story worth following. For every Yao Ming, there is a Semih Erden.
WALTHAM — Semih Erden was not expecting to be in the Celtics’ starting lineup so soon. He was planning to learn the ropes gradually as a rookie, pick up some tips in practice, ease his way into mop-up situations. Now, though, Erden is the starting center by default.
Erden has started the last four games with Jermaine O’Neal, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kendrick Perkins out with injuries. Erden is still a liability because of a tendency to commit fouls, but he has been able to adjust his game and is displaying quickness and resiliency in the low post.
Erden might be the lowest-paid starter in the league — he earns the league minimum of $437,000. But Erden has been a professional since he was 16 and has accumulated salaries and bonus money from top clubs in Europe, plus the Turkish national team. He has played in nearly every major city in Europe, before hostile crowds, in pressure situations. He might be getting rookie money and rookie treatment from officials, but Erden’s basketball wisdom is greater than that of most 24-year-olds, and that must have appealed to the Celtics when they drafted him in the second round in 2008.
“I think it was one of the best decisions because, you know what, this is a chance. I’m really lucky. If you are lucky and you get a chance you can have whatever you want. Good timing and everything is good.’’
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/12/18/erdens_starting_to_get_comfortable/I hope he makes the most of his opportunity! He could be the Kurt Warner of the NBA.
:shrug: :applause:
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