(rodhig) Now that the Euroleague season is over, we can finally let the real fun begin: transfer season is upon us and in-the-game.org is here to help you impress your friends with your take on the latest signings. The ITG Player File provides a comprehensive statistical analysis of all players from major European leagues. This series of posts will rely on that tool, along with video breakdown, in order to come up with an educated guess on the impact that the most significant Euroleague transfers will have next season. We start with a look on Khimki Moscow’s reloaded front line.

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At first glance, Khimki appear to have gone a bit over the top with their frontcourt reinforcements. Paul Davis (Player File) and Kresimir Loncar (Player File) form a great duo at center, especially on offense, while Sergey Monia’s (Player File) contract extension was well deserved, even though his inconsistency remains an issue – just look at this chart, via vtb-league.com. But what about the signing of James Augustine (Player File)?

Handing out 1,5 million euros over the next two seasons to one of last season’s top centers in the ACB league is not a particularly controversial decision. But spending that amount when you already have two proven veterans on the same position will definitely raise some eyebrows. One could argue that Augustine can also play at power forward – after all that’s where he spent most of his time on the court during his previous Euroleague run with Valencia. The problem is that his incredibly productive season with Murcia happened because he was moved to center. And because he actually played like one (video):

Augustine possesses a couple of post moves and a working mid range jumper. However, the video above leaves little doubt that he is at his best when he sets a pick and rolls to the basket. His explosiveness and strong finishes allowed him to dominate inside even against Barcelona, scoring 11 points in a quarter. At Khimki he will have the opportunity to run the same type of two man with Zoran Planinic (Player File) and Petteri Koponen (Player File), even though the latter is more comfortable using screens to attack the basket himself. Monya and KC Rivers (Player File – a younger, more athletic version of Thomas Kelati) will make sure that Augustine has enough room in the paint by spreading the floor with their shooting.

The question is how many minutes he will see at center – and how effective he will be as a power forward. Unless Khimki sign another big (centers Alexey Zhukanenko and Anton Pushkov are also set to stay in Moscow) Augustine will back up Monya and play alongside Davis or Loncar for long stretches. Given the lack of three point shooting in that trio , things could get a little crowded in the paint. This is where Davis’ mid-range game comes in.

During his two seasons at Cajasol, the American center seemed more comfortable facing up the basket than establishing position down low – even against a visibly undersized opponent like Florent Pietrus. While Augustin rolls hard to the basket after setting a screen, Davis pops out for a jumper, opening up the middle for the ball handler (which is why he and Koponen could work well together). And if that shot is not available, he can either find an open teammate or put the ball on the floor and get to the rim himself – often in spectacular fashion. His back to the basket game is not as refined. Even when he catches the ball deep, his footwork does not always allow him to make the most of his athleticism. If he does not succeed in his first move, he struggles to come up with a counter. In other words, Loncar remains Khimki’s most reliable option in post-up situations.

This means that when Davis and Augustine are together on the floor we could see a lot of pick and pops featuring the former, with the latter stationed on the opposite side of the basket, looking to finish strong off a drive and dish or go after the offensive board – provided of course that Davis stays in the game long enough. You see, the Michigan State alum averaged 30.4 minutes per 5 fouls at the ACB, which means that Augustine should see extended playing time at center. And fouling is not the only issue on Davis’ defensive performance.

The new Khimki center is an elite rebounder and shotblocker, but he also tends to gamble quite often on the defensive end, while his pick and roll defense away from the basket leaves a lot to be desired. Augustine is less intimidating around the basket, but his positioning and mobility will help the Russian team play smarter, more aggressive defense on the perimeter. This is why they make sense as frontcourt partners, with Loncar providing skill and a soft touch around the basket.

In any case, Khimki’s rebounding issues have been addressed. The Eurocup champs were a below average rebounding team last season. Augustine and Davis are two of the best big men in Europe in this department – on both ends of the floor. They will also help their new team play at a higher pace and provide an extra option in transition, before any spacing issues emerge in half court. Khimki’s GM and coach have mentioned these qualities as two of the main reasons behind their decision to sign both ACB stars. And while it is too early to tell how the chemistry of this team will come along, it will be very difficult for their opponents to outmuscle them. Khimki are building one of the most athletic rosters in Euroleague. This is a great foundation for a competitive season.

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Elsewhere:

• CSKA signed Aleksander Kaun (Player File) and Victor Khryapa (Player File) to new multiyear deals.