Age: 27
Years pro: 7
Status: Has one more year on his contract.
Key stats: Averaged 4.7 points on 55 percent shooting and 2.9 rebounds while playing in 49 games.
Kevin Seraphin provided a little bit of everything for the Pacers last season. He had some games when he played very well, some games when he was barely noticeable, some games when he didn’t play because of the coach’s decision (25) and some games when he didn’t play because of injury (eight).
The sum total of it all was an intriguing season that positions him for backup duty next season, when he’ll play out the second and final year of his contract and try to further establish himself as a viable NBA player.
Seraphin was the 17th overall pick in the 2010 draft, but is still trying to gain a solid footing on an NBA career. He’s played in seven seasons, for three teams. Larry Bird was able to sign him as a free agent in September, just a couple of weeks before the start of training camp, and got a good return on a minimal investment.
Gallery: Seraphin's Season in Photos »
Seraphin averaged 9.1 points in 2012-13 for Washington, but that remains his peak season. He had peak moments for the Pacers, too, which left observers intrigued and encouraged, just not enough of them to inspire great confidence.
He had 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting and seven rebounds in just 24 ½ minutes at Washington, his home for his first five seasons. He had 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting in his first start of the season (out of three) against San Antonio.
He also was among the players benefiting from Lance Stephenson’s arrival, taking passes from Stephenson’s drives to the basket for easy shots. He scored in double figures in three consecutive games while the Pacers were making their five-game drive to a playoff berth at the end of the season, including a 17-point, six-rebound effort at Philadelphia.
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He had one of his best moments of the season in Game 3 of the playoff series with Cleveland. Over the final 3 minutes, 12 seconds in the first quarter, he scored nine points and blocked a shot as the Pacers began their surge toward a 25-point halftime lead. But he scored just two points the rest of the game and missed all five remaining field goal attempts.
He seems to have the potential to be a welcome addition to any team. At 6-foot-9 and 285 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to make things happen around the basket, and the shooting touch to hit mid-range jumpers. He also brings a pleasant demeanor to the locker room, an agreeable teammate with a good sense of humor.
As it has for most of his career, his future hinges on opportunity and consistency.
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