For 90 days, get to know more about the international faces of the NBA. Day 18 brings…
Victor Claver (F, Portland Trail Blazers), Spain
Height: 2.06 m, 6-foot-9 | Weight: 102 kg, 224 pounds | Born: 30 August, 1988
Lost in translation - not Victor Claver's English, but his game.
Making the transition from European basketball leagues to the NBA can be difficult. "For us, it's more comfortable playing at home. We know everything, we have our friends, family in our country. But the level of the league is lower, so it's easier," Claver said of playing in Spain (Oregon Live). His track record with Spain, winning the 2012 Olympic silver medal, and gold medals in the 2009 and 2011 FIBA EuroBasket proves Claver's success when representing Spain and delivering on a large stage.
However, so far he has not had as much success in a Trail Blazers jersey. In his rookie 2012-13 season, he averaged 16.6 minutes in 49 games, scoring 3.8 points and grabbing 2.4 rebounds. Last season, playing time and production tailed off, with Claver averaging 8.7 minutes in only 21 games putting up 2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds.
Even though it's a small sample size, when Claver played in over 20 minutes a game last season the Blazers were 3-0 and he averaged 10.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in those games.
These numbers are evidence that in time his game may translate to the NBA.
Key Stats:
2013-14 Season: GP: 21 | MPG: 8.1 | PTS: 2.2 | REB: 1.9
Season Highlight: He scored 13 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 22 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets on 26 Feb, 2014.
Achievements/Awards:
- Olympic Silver Medal (2012)
- EuroBasket Gold Medalist (2009 and 2011)
- EuroCup Champion (2010)
5 Things To Know
1. He started playing basketball at age 6.
2. He won the Spanish All-Star Game Slam Dunk Competition in 2008.
3. His favorite food is paella.
4. His favorite movie is the Pursuit of Happyness.
5. He wears jersey number 11, because it was his father's jersey number as a professional Handball player.
Check out Claver's photos and video in the LEAGUE section of NBA Game Time.
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