Miles Plumlee
Info: 6-11, 255 pounds, 25 years old
NBA seasons: 3 (2 with Suns)
2013-14 numbers: 24.6 mpg, 8.1 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 51.7 FG%
BEST GAME OF THE SEASON
Dec. 23 vs. L.A. Lakers. Pau Gasol is an All-Star big man and future Hall of Fame candidate. He also looked nailed to the floor when guarding Plumlee on this particular night, as the Suns big man dominated the paint en route to 17 points, 20 rebounds and two blocks to spark a 27-poin win for Phoenix.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
OFFSEASON GOAL
Get more assertive in post scoring and more comfortable with his mid-range shot.
Plumlee started the season fairly well in the first category, but trailed off as the season went along. His footwork remained sound, but the finishing hook shot or turnaround often didn’t fall.
The 6-11 big man is also hoping to improve his mid-range game enough in order to force defenses to respect him while he’s waiting for cutters at the high post or before starting his post-up sequence down low.
“I know I can shoot a jump shot, so I’ve just got to incorporate that, get my confidence up, expand my game,” Plumlee said. “I think when guys have to worry about that, I’m quick enough [always] get to the rim.”
HEARD FROM HORNACEK
“We’re very confident throwing the ball in the post to him. He’s got a quick move. He’s strong, so if he gets bumped he doesn’t fall out of position. He’s turned into a great player for us.”
PHOTO OF THE SEASON
