Power Forward of the Future 1: Kris Humphries

(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

         Kevin Garnett turned 35 this year and with Glen Davis looking for a starting position, possibly elsewhere, it is time to start the search for the next power forward. A high energy, dedicated player is needed to back up and eventually replace one of the greatest players to ever wear a Celtics jersey. Kris Humphries from the New Jersey Nets showed this year that he could possess the necessary tools to be the power forward for the team when Garnett decides to leave the game. His energy on the court and his extra effort on each play are exactly the style of play the Celtics need on a team whose star players are aging. Although he may be looking for a large contract next year, it could be possible for Boston to make some moves in order to sign him at a salary that fits in the upcoming salary cap changes. At the age of 26, Humphries is young enough to train under Garnett for a year or two and eventually take the starting spot with confidence. He would provide much needed height and athleticism to the bench and would play well with Delonte West running the reserve offense, since West seems to play well with athletic PFs that can make moves in the post.
         Humphries is an extremely dynamic power forward and would be a very strong replacement offensively for Davis as he nearly matches in points per game with 10 points per game. The Celtics have had issues with being out rebounded, especially off the bench, which is where Humphries would provide great support averaging 10.4 rebounds per game. Defensively he is extremely strong averaging 1.1 blocks per game, with a very impressive off ball effort that could greatly help limit the points against scored when the bench is on the court. He is one of the hardest working players on defense and, after learning from Garnett, he could help to keep the defensive minded spirit of the Celtics strong in future seasons. Humphries has proved that he could be an effective starter and if he is willing to be patient and learn behind a great for a few years, he may earn a few championships of his own. The major issue in having Humphries join the Celtics is finding room in the budget to sign him and finding a contract that would allow the team to keeps his salary small over the first year and increasing it after the cap room frees up. If both sides could find a way to make things work, it wouldn't be surprising to see Humphries in green at the start of next year.

Check back for the second installment of Power Forward of the Future tomorrow.