Raef LaFrentz

LaFrentz missed most of last year. At this point in his career, he is nothing more than a veteran off the bench. You can expect no more than about 10-15 minutes a game.

It’s getting mighty crowded in Portland’s frontcourt, so how much LaFrentz contributes is unclear at this point. With Joel Przybilla re-signed, Jamaal Magloire traded for, LaMarcus Aldridge drafted and Zach Randolph locked up with an onerous contract, LaFrentz will be lucky to get 25 minutes a night. Aldridge will start the season recovering from shoulder surgery, so that could give LaFrentz some minutes. LaFrentz is an excellent outside shooter for a big man, so he could act as a small forward, where his game naturally gravitates to. He’s not a traditional low-post type and doesn’t rebound well. He’s a matchup problem waiting to happen, and the Trail Blazers are looking to develop younger players, so stay away from LaFrentz to start the season and see how the playing time shakes out. If Randolph can be traded – and Portland is trying – LaFrentz could get his 25 minutes and provide 3-point production from the center spot.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers will need to give Al Jefferson minutes at the four, so LaFrentz should get more playing time at center. LaFrentz outplayed center Mark Blount last season, and as a result, could begin the year as the team’s starter. LaFrentz averaged 11.1 points and 6.9 rebounds in 80 games last year and continued to be a respectable 3-point shooter (36.4% in 2004-05, 36.3% in career).

LaFrentz was dealt for Antoine Walker in October 2003 and will become a major factor in Boston's offense. A much needed low-post scorer, LaFrentz will give Boston a presence inside they have not hade since Kevin McHale, all while getting his range beyond the arc. This is the spot for LaFrentz to flourish in the NBA. An upgraded sleeper on most draft lists.