Why Phil Pressey Is More Important Than You Think

http://hoopshabit.com/2014/03/23/boston-celtics-phil-pressey-important-think/


Boston Celtics: Why Phil Pressey Is More Important Than You Think
BY SHAWN MCFARLAND - MAR 23RD, 2014 AT 1:06 PM



Every year in the NBA, undrafted players get a chance to stick with teams by impressing during Summer League play, exhibition games and with their work at practice. This year, Missouri’s Phil Pressey did just that to earn a spot on the Boston Celtics. And not only did he earn a spot, but he’s been an extremely valuable player in the rotation, especially for the part of this season while star point guard Rajon Rondo was out rehabbing his torn ACL.

While Pressey’s numbers may not jump off the page at you (2.4 points per game, 2.7 assists per game, on .286 shooting) he has developed a great rapport with both his teammates and his coaches.

Pressey has also been a great facilitator and ball handler, with a 2.66 assist to turnover ratio, and is averaging just one turnover per game, he’s been careful while running the point. He’s averaged just less than 14 minutes per game, but has been the one constant in a Celtics backcourt which has undergone some serious changes since the beginning of the season.

He’s also shown the ability to be an offensive weapon while on the court, like on Jan. 22, where Phil dropped 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, with four assists and two steals in 35 minutes of play. Although that is just a small sample, and he has only broken double digit scoring only twice this season, Pressey appears to be a valuable player in Brad Stevens’ rotation.


Pressey will never be the type of player that will be leaned on as a primary, or even secondary scorer, but he can get his points when he needs to. Pressey is the type of player that can run the court safely, distribute the ball to his open teammates, and NOT turn over the ball, something that all teams can use.

Pressey is only 23 years old and as a rookie, he has shown great poise, especially for a team that is appearing to only get worse. Pressey is due to hit free agency this season, and whether the Celtics plan to re-sign the Mizzou product, or let him hit the open market, some team will see him as a great option to be a part of their point guard rotation.



bob
MY NOTE:  The author must have gone to Mizzou. Bottom line, for me, for Phil Pressey to have a shot at sticking, he has to work on his shot. Big time. He's too much of a liability on defense to not be well-rounded on offense and get away with it.



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Haven't his minutes fall off dramatically lately in favor of more time for Bayless at the point?

Sam

Pressey has several pluses:

1. He's cheap.

2. He's serviceable at the point.

3. He's young.

I think that Pressey offers value as a low-cost rotation guy that can get in and produce, even if that contribution doesn't show up big in the stat sheet.

To further BobH's point on defense, he's only really useful in guarding quick, small guys like him. I'd also agree that his offense needs to improve.


KJ

I thought the Celtics had an option on him next year.

kdp59 wrote:I thought the Celtics had an option on him next year.

kdp,

They do. They have options on Pressey, Babb and Johnson.


bob


.

I still think he's just a body to add to a depleted roster.  Some good skills, but an end-of-bench guy only.  Hamburger Helper.

I always feel compelled to add "seems to be a nice kid" so I'm saying something positive and don't feel like I'm dumping on him.  The kind of thing you say about someone you're rooting for, but know isn't going to stick around long.

Seems to be a nice kid.