6. Miles Plumlee
Jan 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Phoenix Suns center Miles Plumlee (22) dribbles during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 29.7 MPG, 9.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 0.6 APG, .510 FG%, .000 3p%
Miles Plumlee played only 55 minutes for the Pacers as a rookie, so when he was sent to Phoenix in exchange for Luis Scola, most people didn’t know who he was or what to expect. When Marcin Gortat was traded, the starting center role fell to him, and he stepped up to the plate. He is very athletic and fun to watch, scoring on dunks and putbacks and being involved in the offense despite the fact that not many plays are run for him. On defense, he’s the clear anchor, averaging 1.6 blocks per game and being a difficult inside challenge for most opposing centers.
The big knock on Plumlee is his lack of consistency. He misses some layups he needs to make, and is very unpredictable in how well he will do on any given night. He also could do well to improve his free throw shooting. He is 25, so he is near his ceiling, but there’s still room to grow.
Miles Plumlee has made claim to the role of starting center in the NBA, which is something rhat no one saw coming. He’s not spectacular, but his skills will allow him to prosper in the NBA.
Grade: B+