Fabricio Oberto
6-10, 240, PF/C, Parmesa Valencia (Argentina), Age: 29
Written by Luis Fernandez
If you are thinking about signing an international big man, you have to think about Fabricio Oberto. This 29 year old Argentinean has established himself in the past few years as a top player with his performances in Europe, and especially with his national team.
After five seasons with Atenas, a team from Córdoba in Argentina, becoming the best big man in his country and winning various individual and team titles, he tried making the NBA, but could not find a spot in the League. So in 1998 he started his European adventure with a first stop in Greece to play for Olympiakos. After a so-so experience, TAU Vitoria from Spain signed him at the end the 1999 season. In Vitoria, playing for coach Ivanovic, he established as one of the best paint players outside the NBA and helped make TAU one of the most feared teams in Europe. A Euroleague final appearance and an ACB League title were his best achievements so far. For the last couple of seasons he has played for Pamesa Valencia, also in Spain, a team full of stars who consistently play at the top levels of Europe. This last season he has averaged 11.5 points and 5.4 rebounds at the ACB League, and 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in the Euroleague.
He has been one of the leaders and the main post player of the wonderful generation of Argentinean players that have placed their National Team among the elite national teams of the world. At the 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis he led his team with 5.6 rebounds and closely trailed Manu Ginobili in the scoring department with 13.3 points per game. Against the US he scored 11 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. The following year in the Tournament of the Americas, he put a memorable offensive show against Tim Duncan, finishing the game with 17 points with 8/9 from the field.
Strengths:
Fabricio Oberto is one of the best paint players outside of the NBA. He’s a tough, skilled big man, with nice mobility, for whom the key is his natural home where he feels comfortable and everything seems so much easier for him. He displays a great post-up game, showing very nice footwork. He loves to spin and release a slight fade-away shot, which is very difficult to stop. He also can score using his mid-range jumper out to 14 feet on a regular basis. Quite a nice passer, Oberto usually finds the right man when double teamed. In transition, he runs the floor as a trailer pretty well. He plays hard on defense and never avoids physical contact. It’s not easy to post him up at all. He is a good rebounder due to his positioning and hustle; he can also block some shots while showing very good timing. He’s a player with character, who plays the game with passion, displaying great intensity like most of his countrymen, and who shows a very good understanding of the game.
Weaknesses:
Oberto isn’t a physical freak. While he’s pretty strong, his athleticism isn’t top notch. His vertical leap is average for a power forward, as well as his quickness. As a result, his rebounding and blocking production aren’t outstanding and he may suffer while defending quicker, more versatile players outside of the paint. He can play as both a power forward and center, although he’s a little slow for the four spot, and a little undersized (6-10) for the five spot. The level of intensity that he brings on defense often earns him easy fouls, and he usually has to spend more time than desired on the bench. For a player with his ability to go to the line so often, his horrible free-throw shooting is one of his worst weaknesses. This last season, his percentages were well under 50%. It’s really sad considering his decent mid-range stroke.
Why sign him?
With the lack of reliable big men in the NBA, it’s surprising to see Oberto still playing in Europe. He would be a solid presence in the paint for any team, especially for teams that play a more team-oriented style of play. With the lack of low post threats in the NBA, he could be really valuable. He should try to improve his free-throw shooting, though. He’s under contract, but his buyout (reportedly around $800,000) isn’t outrageously expensive, especially considering some of the contracts that have been handed out recently by NBA teams.
On the other hand, at age 29 he isn’t getting any younger, and he isn’t as crazy as some about playing in the NBA. It was a dream for him when he was younger, but after some rejections and his success in Europe, he looks at things from a different perspective. With that said, if a team calls him with the right offer and the right words, he would probably give it a try. The Spurs are said to be pursuing him. It could be a good fit for him, combining the four and five spots with Duncan and Nesterovic. Despite being a paint animal, he doesn’t necessarily have to be teamed with another more perimeter oriented big man, as he doesn’t need too much space to play his game and he makes really good passes inside the paint for his fellow big man.
ShaneMy time of year!
DevilmaycareKing of Technicalities
RoninCaptain obvious