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Summer Quandaries 9: One More Thing
by bobheckler Mon Aug 03, 2015 11:20 am
http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2015/08/sq9-one-more-thing.html
SQ9 One More Thing
By Lee Lauderdale
Most of us Celtics-philes have sucked the pixels off any internet information on our beloved and soon-to-be-beloved Celtics players, and examined the offerings on the NBA channel; but today I'd like to offer some additional tidbits on the new Celtics players that may have sneaked by you. I'm 1500 miles away, more if you had to take highways, from Boston or either summer league site so I don't have any special access—just a keen interest. Hence all these offerings have been gleaned from sources on the web (and any of you that [also] follow another NBA team will recognize how lucky we Boston fans are since there are far more sites, far more articles, and far more discussions that are Celtic-centric) and the televised summer games in Utah and Vegas. I may read a little longer and watch the recorded summer leagues a little more often—but then I have the advantage of being retired so my vocation no longer interferes with my avocation.
How great is it that Dave Cowens, who practically invented the undersized stretch center position augmented by almost maniacal hustle, is such a fan of Amir Johnson's game. I don't think endorsements come from any more respected source. Bulpett had a fine piece in the Herald on Amir who found Cowens present when Johnson walked into the gym for his introductory press conference. I especially liked Dave's comments on remembering the 18-yr-old rookie he saw as a member of Detroit's coaching staff.”
“Like, I’ve never seen a guy just be able to take the ball and instinctively be able to hit guys who were getting open without even thinking about it — first day. There was nobody telling him what to do. He just kind of had a really good sense about passing the basketball and playing.”
Good golly, I get chills just thinking about it.
David Lee is more ambidextrous than most and he came by that added dexterity the same way I jump-started the development of my off hand in basketball—he broke his arm as a youth and played most of a season right handed. Another thing that impresses me is how he took a demotion to the bench (although initially forced there by injury), nothing says professional more than accepting a supporting role for the betterment of the team. I think we got a veteran influence and example that will make us miss Gerald Wallace not at all—and this vet can still play.
As for the rookies, all three likely to make the roster are better passers than advertised. In R. J. Hunter's case, that complementary enabling skill comes as just one facet of a value-added set. His BBIQ impressed me long before his shot began to fall. Although he arrived with the rep as a dead-eye shooter, he quickly demonstrated a knack for the shrewd pass. Even though not known as a dangerous driver, he showed a skill set that allowed him to begin drives that opened up teammates, and the skill and willingness to hit the open man. Finally, he offered some skills that leave no mark on the individual stat sheet. Not noted for his defensive prowess, he stayed with the play when beaten, and blocked or bothered the shot of his assignment by surprising the driver when he caught up with the play. Even more impressive, when off the ball he often took a step or two toward “help” that discouraged the offensive from even trying the move into promising territory. Usually this help came at no cost to his own assignment or to his positioning to offer help in other directions. That kind of subtle floor sense is rare even for seasoned veterans, kudos for both the awareness and the energy.
Jordan Mickey arrived as a highly touted shot-blocker. While he definitely fulfilled that promise, he also showed a smooth jumper out to the top of the free throw circle and excellent passing. His passes were especially surprising not just for their court-sense anticipation but also for their deft touch. His contributions weren't just flashes, he was impressive in his consistency.
Terry Rozier was billed as a speedy and strong 'tweener guard with a shaky shot. We saw the speed and the strength, but I was more impressed with his pushing the ball up court, willing passing, and fearless (if often inefficient) shooting. It is always nice to see a player with the heart to seek out the big shot under pressure. It is a bit strange to see just how many parallels there are between Rozier and Smart. Terry certainly needs more experience to develop the judgment and quick decisions needed to excel at the point, but early indications are promising.
In fact the only newcomer with which I was disappointed, was Marcus Thornton. His blazing quickness on offense was in stark contrast to his slow response time on defense. Opposing guards often were completely by him before he began to move. He also seemed to only operate in shoot mode or pass mode, seemingly unable to react to what the defense was giving him. I can only hope Australia proves to be a rich learning experience.
Only 57 more days until camp.
bob
MY NOTE: Obviously we didn't have Lee's thoughts on summer league when they were going on so these seem, and are, a bit dated. I agree with everything he said. While the general Celtics community was underwhelmed by the Johnson signing, I felt pretty good about it. I still wanted (and want) a taller defensive presence in the center but Amir Johnson has always worked his butt off, and did it well, against us. He was the anchor of the not-very defensively-oriented Toronto Raptors. He was, in essence, the defender.
David Lee can play. Gerald Wallace, bless his soul, can't anymore.
.
SQ9 One More Thing
By Lee Lauderdale
Most of us Celtics-philes have sucked the pixels off any internet information on our beloved and soon-to-be-beloved Celtics players, and examined the offerings on the NBA channel; but today I'd like to offer some additional tidbits on the new Celtics players that may have sneaked by you. I'm 1500 miles away, more if you had to take highways, from Boston or either summer league site so I don't have any special access—just a keen interest. Hence all these offerings have been gleaned from sources on the web (and any of you that [also] follow another NBA team will recognize how lucky we Boston fans are since there are far more sites, far more articles, and far more discussions that are Celtic-centric) and the televised summer games in Utah and Vegas. I may read a little longer and watch the recorded summer leagues a little more often—but then I have the advantage of being retired so my vocation no longer interferes with my avocation.
How great is it that Dave Cowens, who practically invented the undersized stretch center position augmented by almost maniacal hustle, is such a fan of Amir Johnson's game. I don't think endorsements come from any more respected source. Bulpett had a fine piece in the Herald on Amir who found Cowens present when Johnson walked into the gym for his introductory press conference. I especially liked Dave's comments on remembering the 18-yr-old rookie he saw as a member of Detroit's coaching staff.”
“Like, I’ve never seen a guy just be able to take the ball and instinctively be able to hit guys who were getting open without even thinking about it — first day. There was nobody telling him what to do. He just kind of had a really good sense about passing the basketball and playing.”
Good golly, I get chills just thinking about it.
David Lee is more ambidextrous than most and he came by that added dexterity the same way I jump-started the development of my off hand in basketball—he broke his arm as a youth and played most of a season right handed. Another thing that impresses me is how he took a demotion to the bench (although initially forced there by injury), nothing says professional more than accepting a supporting role for the betterment of the team. I think we got a veteran influence and example that will make us miss Gerald Wallace not at all—and this vet can still play.
As for the rookies, all three likely to make the roster are better passers than advertised. In R. J. Hunter's case, that complementary enabling skill comes as just one facet of a value-added set. His BBIQ impressed me long before his shot began to fall. Although he arrived with the rep as a dead-eye shooter, he quickly demonstrated a knack for the shrewd pass. Even though not known as a dangerous driver, he showed a skill set that allowed him to begin drives that opened up teammates, and the skill and willingness to hit the open man. Finally, he offered some skills that leave no mark on the individual stat sheet. Not noted for his defensive prowess, he stayed with the play when beaten, and blocked or bothered the shot of his assignment by surprising the driver when he caught up with the play. Even more impressive, when off the ball he often took a step or two toward “help” that discouraged the offensive from even trying the move into promising territory. Usually this help came at no cost to his own assignment or to his positioning to offer help in other directions. That kind of subtle floor sense is rare even for seasoned veterans, kudos for both the awareness and the energy.
Jordan Mickey arrived as a highly touted shot-blocker. While he definitely fulfilled that promise, he also showed a smooth jumper out to the top of the free throw circle and excellent passing. His passes were especially surprising not just for their court-sense anticipation but also for their deft touch. His contributions weren't just flashes, he was impressive in his consistency.
Terry Rozier was billed as a speedy and strong 'tweener guard with a shaky shot. We saw the speed and the strength, but I was more impressed with his pushing the ball up court, willing passing, and fearless (if often inefficient) shooting. It is always nice to see a player with the heart to seek out the big shot under pressure. It is a bit strange to see just how many parallels there are between Rozier and Smart. Terry certainly needs more experience to develop the judgment and quick decisions needed to excel at the point, but early indications are promising.
In fact the only newcomer with which I was disappointed, was Marcus Thornton. His blazing quickness on offense was in stark contrast to his slow response time on defense. Opposing guards often were completely by him before he began to move. He also seemed to only operate in shoot mode or pass mode, seemingly unable to react to what the defense was giving him. I can only hope Australia proves to be a rich learning experience.
Only 57 more days until camp.
bob
MY NOTE: Obviously we didn't have Lee's thoughts on summer league when they were going on so these seem, and are, a bit dated. I agree with everything he said. While the general Celtics community was underwhelmed by the Johnson signing, I felt pretty good about it. I still wanted (and want) a taller defensive presence in the center but Amir Johnson has always worked his butt off, and did it well, against us. He was the anchor of the not-very defensively-oriented Toronto Raptors. He was, in essence, the defender.
David Lee can play. Gerald Wallace, bless his soul, can't anymore.
.
bobheckler- Posts : 61371
Join date : 2009-10-28
Re: Summer Quandaries 9: One More Thing
by Sam Mon Aug 03, 2015 12:31 pm
I still can't get over the photo that showed Amir Johnson and David Lee standing together. Both appeared to be upright and not slouching. And Amir towered over Lee. Although I'm generally not in favor of players routinely criss-crossing defensive assignments, I wonder how often we might see Amir guarding tall centers while Lee switches over to power forwards.
Sam
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Re: Summer Quandaries 9: One More Thing
by kdp59 Tue Aug 04, 2015 11:55 am
David Lee is really 6-8, always has been. I think of him as a replacement for Bass, certainly NOT a center (but then neither is Bass).
Amir is probably closer to a legit 6-10
and yes Amir is NOT 210# anymore no matter what his bio might say. he is no longer that 6-9, 210 18 YO kid coming from high school.
6-10, 240 or so is my guess.
we're still left with FIVE bigmen to play TWO spots. Someone has to go or someone (s) will be upset with lack of playing time.
I still don't see Rozier as anything more than a replacement and upgrade over Pressey (at least this comnig year).
are we an improved team from last years playoff roster?
yes I think we can agree we should be.
Amir> Bass ( if only for his size)
Lee> Wallace
Rozier> Pressey
10 man rotation guess:
Amir
Lee
Turner
Bradley
Smart
Thomas
Crowder
Sully
Kelly
Zeller
until THE trade that is ( Whatever THE trade is and when it happens).
Amir is probably closer to a legit 6-10
and yes Amir is NOT 210# anymore no matter what his bio might say. he is no longer that 6-9, 210 18 YO kid coming from high school.
6-10, 240 or so is my guess.
we're still left with FIVE bigmen to play TWO spots. Someone has to go or someone (s) will be upset with lack of playing time.
I still don't see Rozier as anything more than a replacement and upgrade over Pressey (at least this comnig year).
are we an improved team from last years playoff roster?
yes I think we can agree we should be.
Amir> Bass ( if only for his size)
Lee> Wallace
Rozier> Pressey
10 man rotation guess:
Amir
Lee
Turner
Bradley
Smart
Thomas
Crowder
Sully
Kelly
Zeller
until THE trade that is ( Whatever THE trade is and when it happens).
kdp59- Posts : 5709
Join date : 2014-01-05
Age : 64
Re: Summer Quandaries 9: One More Thing
by Sam Tue Aug 04, 2015 5:37 pm
Here's hoping Smart and Rozier can learn about the art of being a floor general from the one bona fide floor general on the Celtics' roster. That would be....umm....cough....aaaah....never mind.
Sam
Sam
Sam- Admin
- Posts : 22663
Join date : 2009-10-10 -
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