A Few Random Thoughts on Vitor and Colton

One of the biggest needs for the Celtics this season was an inside presence.  What we often forgot was that the Celtics have the rights to 2 centers who would fit that description.  Vitor Faverani spent part of the year on the bench, part of the year with the Red Claws and part of the year on the injured list.  It's easy to forget that at one time, early in the season,  he was in the top 5 among rookie ratings.

Back in November, Vitor led all rookies in rebounds and blocks and was playing very well.  That was when he was getting regular playing time.  Then he was relegated to the bench and spot minutes and he showed flashes, but never quite got into rhythm.   He came to the Celtics with 7 years of professional experience in Brazil and Spain.  He's got size and he's got instincts.   It may have been for tanking purposes,  but he didn't see a lot of playing time after the first couple of months.  But, when he was playing, this is what prominent scout David Thorpe had to say about him:

Faverani continues to impress with his solid rebounding numbers and good perimeter shot with 3-point range. He made back-to-back 3s from the same spot (top of the key) against Minnesota, which is important because almost any player in the league can make a single 3 in a game, but making two straight is far more difficult. He blocked four shots in that game, too, and is averaging over one block per game. He's the rare big man who can rebound, shoot from distance and block shots well.

So, while the Celtics desperately needed size and a rim protector,  we already had one on the team.  And then, while playing with the Red Claws, he tore his MCL and was lost for the season.   Vitor loves playing for the Celtics and he loves playing defense and, with a nickname like "El Hombre Indestructible,"  he's one tough player.  Here are a couple other quotes from scouts that I found in an early Globe article.

"I can see him as a pick-and-pop big, offensively. Where he fits defensively and being a consistent rebounder will be the key."

"He has got an NBA frame and great wingspan. He is pretty athletic and likes to work on the defensive end of the floor. He has good feet and he is good in (pick-and-roll) defense."

"He is active, can block shots from the weak side and likes to bang. This is where his nickname "El Hombre Indestructible" comes from.

"On offense he is still raw, he is not selfish and has decent passing skills from the low post. He is good as a roller in pick and rolls. He was shooting threes decently three years ago in a weaker team, but not consistently enough to let him continue that in Valencia (a high level team).

And, Vitor wasn't the only promising center that the Celtics could have had on the roster this season. They own the rights to Colton Iverson, a player they paid the Pacers for his rights in the second round of the draft. Iverson showed some great promise in the summer league. He was a bit raw, but he averaged 5 points and 5.4 rebounds in the Orlando Summer League and proved to be a defensive presence in the paint.

He then signed a 2 year contract with Besiktas in Turkey and averaged 6.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks in 16 minutes per game. Most importantly, he gained some valuable experience while remaining on the Celtics radar. Here are a few quotes about Iverson and his potential.

Strengths: Great rebounder
- Can score in the paint
- Decent lateral movement
- Strong
- Hard worker
- Good basketball IQ
- Decent passer

"I think the most important part about Colton is he's a fierce competitor. He hates losing, and he loves to compete. I think he's a no-brainer who will find a way to way to be productive for an NBA team."

"He'll have every opportunity to stick on an NBA roster because he'll be able to defend and rebound at that level. There's no doubt in my mind he's an NBA player," said Colorado State associate head coach Leonard Perry, who worked with the Indiana Pacers for five years.

So, while we think about the Celtics needs for next season and with an inside presence and a rim protector high on the list,  don't forget that we already have two very viable candidates on the roster who can fill that need.

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