Pecherov posted the 4th best rebound rate on the team last year (in 35 games), behind Jamison, Haywood and Blatche and ahead of Taser and Songaila. The fact that it’s a rate stat that looks at how many rebounds a player gets out of those available controls for his playing time a little bit. He’s not a guy who rips down a board and flails his elbows around like Etan, but he’s shown that he can contribute in that area. I wouldn’t expect 9-points-in-5 minutes efficiency from him every time out, but with Etan out now I think it’s worth seeing what he can do, especially since they picked up his option at the beginning of the year. I just have serious doubts that Tapscott will do it.

I’m not one of those “stat” only guys – that relies only on the stat lines….. I do watch the games…

Those games that I’ve seen that Pech played in, he did very well holding his position, and boxing out on the Defensive rebounds. He’s moderately aggressive (more so than Blatche) – and even gets called for the occasional foul while rebounding.

On Offense, on those rare occasions that he is not camped at the 3-point line, he does not mind mixing it up inside for rebounds.

He’s not gonna be the next coming of Dwight Howard, but I think he’s definitely better than Songaila; slightly better than Thomas; and at least as good as Blatche on the boards…

He needs to show that he understands the Defensive system…. he keeps getting lost out there. He is slow to react, especially on rotations. Not sure if that’s due to inactivity, rust, lack of understanding, etc… that may be helped with more playing time – - – - or if he’s just a defensive liability.

Of course, it would help if he actually made a few of those 3-pointers as well.