Does Anyone Know Anything About Vladimir Stepania?

[George O'Brien]

From Real GM

10/22/03: The Trail Blazers signed Vladimir Stepania to a two-year contract. The second season is a player option.

He is in his sixth season.

He is listed at 7'1" and 255.

HoopsHype describes him as: "Long arms...great rebounder...great touch around the basket...with that size and talent, he will probably spend a lot of years in the league."

Last year in Miami, he average 5.6 ppg and 7 rpg in 20.2 minutes.

This year his numbers are way down. He is getting only 10.6 minutes per game and just 2.9 rpg.

My main interest is in if he would be viable alternative if White is moved.

 

[elindholm]

There was considerable discussion about him last summer. I believe the consensus was that he was unathletic and (in spite of his reputation) a poor shooter. I confess that I was one of those very high on him for a while, but I was eventually talked out of my enthusiasm.

 

[Joe Mama]

Originally posted by elindholm
There was considerable discussion about him last summer. I believe the consensus was that he was unathletic and (in spite of his reputation) a poor shooter. I confess that I was one of those very high on him for a while, but I was eventually talked out of my enthusiasm.

I was there with you. I still think he would have been a good sign for the right price, but I seem to remember that Portland paid quite handsomely for his services. As good as Jake Voskuhl and Jahidi White look on some nights I still think the Phoenix Suns center rotation is one of the weakest in the league. I believe Stepania could have really helped with the rotation because he actually has some height.

Did the Washington wizards pick up the fourth-year option on Brendan Haywood? I find it hard to believe that they wouldn't have.

Joe Mama

 

[SirStefan32]

I also wanted Phoenix to sign Vlad, and I still think he would fit well.

Stefan

 

[slinslin]

We have enough backup centers.

Glad we didn't hurt our cap and clogging our roster with another mediocre backup.

 

[sunsfn]

He played last night against the suns for Portland, looked ok......not very quick or fast.

15 minutes, 5 rebounds, 4 fouls, and 2 points.

 

[George O'Brien]

My interest relates to various rumors that White will get moved to clear cap space. My ideal would be to find someone better, but at worst the Suns would need another big body if that doesn't happen.

If White stays, then the question is moot.