He didn’t have a great Final game, but he did do well in the semi’s, and overall, he was an offensive monster in the paint this year. Hopefully his value is increasing as an asset, whether it’s someone that can be an instant offense guy off the bench (i.e. a taller version of Craig Smith) for us or a trade asset to yield us a more complimentary piece. I still say Pekovic for Noah would be an excellent trade for both teams if we both still find ourselves in similar circumstances this time next year (Chicago with no post offense and us without a defensive oriented big).

Well, both their names end in “ic”, but other than that they’re almost polar opposites. Darko is a solid post defender and an excellent shot-blocker with little offensive skills; Pekovic is an offensive beast, a very physical player whose greatest asset, by far, is his scoring touch.

He’s far from being Al Jefferson or Kevin McHale operating down low, but although he only uses a very limited array of moves – essentially jump hooks to either side -, he’s highly effective. He can post on either block with equal effectiveness, knows how to initiate contact with his shoulders and draw fouls, sets good screens and scores with the most basic moves: establishes position, seals, receives, eats space with his body and gets his shot off. Somehow it works. He’s an improving passer as well, although more often than not he’ll just force the shot or struggle to find the open man. He’s a decent, but not good rebounder.

He’s very bad defensively (especially from a NBA perspective) – and that’s why Obradovic frequently yanks him (that and the fact he’s sharing minutes with Batiste, a good player who has a great chemistry with PAO guards are the reasons his minutes are limited – it has nothing to do with stamina issues). Even though he’s starting to get better – Obradovic is a great teacher of defence – I think he’ll be a defensive liability in the NBA game. He’s Al Jefferson bad. That’s why I don’t think he’s a good fit with the Wolves, assuming you’re keeping Big Al and Kevin Love. On the other hand, for a team that needs a scoring bruiser off the bench, he’ll be a great fit. He should be able to destroy most NBA backups with ease.

Craig Smith is a good comparison, although Pekovic, besides being taller, is also a better low post scorer. Eddy Curry with a better left hand and hustle and without the garbage (and the weight issues) is probably as close as it gets. Or even a bigger Leon Powe.

Anyway, Pekovic is an one of a kind player in Europe. The lane is frequently so crowded, and FIBA refs allow so much contact, that low post scorers like Pekovic are extremely rare in the European game.