Getting To Know Louis Amundson

With training camp fast approaching, the Cleveland Cavaliers are still looking at players who could help fill out their roster. As General Manager David Griffin has stated on numerous occasions, one need the team is still looking to fill is that of a backup big man who can protect the rim. To that end, Hoopshype has reported that free agent power forward/center Louis Amundson worked out for the Cavaliers last week, and is considering coming to training camp with the team. Today, King James Gospel takes a look at Louis Amundson and what he would bring to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

A product of UNLV, Amundson went undrafted in 2006 and subsequently signed with the Colorado 14ers of the NBA Developmental League. This move worked out well for Amundson, as he averaged 11.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in just over 25 minutes a game with the 14ers, winning the 2007 NBA D-League Rookie of the Year and being called up by both the Utah Jazz and Philadelphia 76ers during the season. Louis Amundson then played 16 games with the 76ers in 2007-08 before catching on with the Phoenix Suns (where Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin was working in the front office) the following season. Over the next few years Amundson established himself as a quality backup big man with Phoenix, the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers before becoming a journeyman who has played for four different teams over the last few seasons. While he has only averaged 3.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game over his eight-year career, he has done so while playing 12.3 minutes per game. Louis Amundson has averaged 10.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and an impressive 2.0 blocks per 36 minutes and his statistics per 100 possessions are even higher. Amundson’s activity, as well as his impressive block and rebound rates, help him make an impact on the defensive end, particularly as a help defender. He is also an excellent offensive rebounder as well, averaging 4.3 offensive boards per 36 minutes.

Unfortunately rebounds are essentially Louis Amundson’s only positive contribution on offense. He is an abysmal shooter with no range whatsoever. While he does draw fouls to the tune of 4.0 free throw attempts per 36 minutes, his horrific career average of 43.6 percent from the line turns that positive into a negative. His poor free throw shooting and mediocre field goal percentage of 49.1 percent help to give him an abysmal true shooting percentage of 49.1 percent, well below league average. Amundson is also a non-passer, averaging 0.9 assists per 1.8 turnovers per 36 minutes for his career. Louis Amundson also has his weaknesses on the defensive end. At just 6’9” Amundson struggles with guarding longer power forwards and most centers in one-on-one situations. He is also a personal foul waiting to happen, having averaged 5.5 fouls per 36 minutes for his career.

Louis Amundson’s lack of size and offensive game keep him from being an ideal backup center and there is a reason he has bounced from team to team over the last few years. However at this point it’s unlikely the Cavaliers are able to fill this position with the ideal player. There’s a far greater chance that the team gets the rim protector they need next offseason when they can use Brendan Haywood’s contract, as well as the mid-level exception, to make an upgrade. For now Amundson’s ability to both rebound and block shots at a high level, combined with his energy on both sides of the floor, make him an intriguing possibility for the Cleveland Cavaliers.