Gasol is a low- to mid-post player; that's where he's done the vast majority of his scoring in his career, regardless of whether he's been labeled a center or power forward. Perk did quite well in limiting Gasol's effectiveness during the series. In the one game where Perk sat out, the Lakers starting big men scored 39 points on 60% shooting, with 24 rebounds. Perk makes a huge difference to this team.
Gasol is not strong enough to be effective against Perk under the boards where he had to play. Bynam would have allowed him to take a couple of steps away where he is more comfortable and needs tto rely less on strength - I am not saying Perk did not do well I love the guys game but it isn't as great as people seem to think.
Hibbert also got about 7 rebounds a game in 3 seasons on about 25 minutes playing time - that's not to be frowned upon ad to that 2 blocks per game.
Hibbert averaged 8.76 rebounds per 36 minutes against college kids, when he was the tallest guy on the court.
Perk averaged 8.96 rebounds per 36 minutes against professionals, when he was competing for rebounds with KG.
If we substitute Hibbert for Perk, our rebounding and defense would be poorer. Again, I'm not saying don't draft the kid, but I wouldn't expect too much.
I don't get it. Perk was just the starting center on a championship team, and he was a key element to our defense. He held opposing centers to 41% shooting in the playoffs, and had a positive differential on the boards, as well. Why do people continue to doubt him?
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You play what is in front of you - you can't blame Hibbert for that. I also did not say that substituting Perk would make the D however Perk was on the same team with rubbish D last season and just ended up in foul trouble all the time. I can't speak or anyone else but I do not doubt Perk. I think he needs help and that there may be better options out there inclluding possibly Hibbert. To be fair most of the centres in the NBA would have done as well as Perk did on this team.