No question about it: RJ Hunter and the Boston Celtics rookies are all players

http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2015/10/jordan_mickey_boston_celtics_1.html



No question about it: RJ Hunter and the Boston Celtics rookies are all players


Jay King | mjking@masslive.com By Jay King | mjking@masslive.com

on October 15, 2015 at 7:45 AM, updated October 15, 2015 at 8:05 AM





NEW YORK -- After allegedly dominating practice Tuesday, Boston Celtics rookie Jordan Mickey reaped the benefits the following night.

They weren't what one might have expected though. For a few moments, the big man smiled like a lottery winner while reporters repeated all the praise head coach Brad Stevens had tossed at him. Then Mickey went back to the bench, back to his role as the young second-round pick searching to find ways to contribute. He was solid when he played, but didn't enter a 109-105 preseason win until the fourth quarter, after everyone else with a guaranteed contract had a chance.

Flying high one second, grounded the next. Such is life as a rookie on a team stocked with capable talent. Regardless of how much potential Boston's three-man draft class shows, the resulting playing time could be limited. More important is progress. And on that front, everyone sounds excited about this group.

Sometimes the praise is measured, like when David Lee touts the trio's work ethic.

"Obviously they have talent. But there's no rookie that's ready to come be a star right away," said Lee. "Very few. So guys that are willing to take coaching, to practice the right way, to be good teammates, that's going to really help make their progress quicker. And all three of those guys fit that mold."

Other times the praise is more optimistic, like when rookie R.J. Hunter evaluates his two classmates.

"I saw it in summer league, man," Hunter said. "Jordan can just flat-out play. He has a motor. He's smart. He works hard. He makes the right plays. And he's going to be a star. I think the same with Terry (Rozier, the No. 16 overall pick). Terry, obviously the talent's there. The speed's there. And once he figures out this game, I think he'll be a perennial All-Star. The draft class that the Celtics brought in besides me is unbelievable. I think those guys can really play."

Wait, perennial All-Star?

"I think both of them will be All-Stars, yeah."

Rookies dream big.

Early on, Hunter has looked like a surprisingly steadying force for someone his age. He had 11 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals against the Nets, showcasing an all-around game that has surprised the coaches. They knew he could shoot and pass, but they didn't think he would look so comfortable right away, and they didn't know his defense would be this far along.

"Defensively, he's way ahead of where I thought he would be," said head coach Brad Stevens. "He's just long and active."

Stevens added: "I think it's pretty obvious, just watching him, he really has a feel. Like, it just comes pretty natural -- little passes, simple plays, being able to put the ball on the money to other people, understanding spacing, understanding where his opportunities are going to come. And he's got a pretty good feel for the game. As he continues to make those shots and feels more comfortable, he's going to be better."

Despite the roster depth, Hunter could be putting himself into the competition for wing minutes. It's neat now to remember how lost he appeared during his first two summer league games, like he had inadvertently staggered onto the varsity court. Afterward he laughed at his failures, dubbed himself a Trash Brother, and reminded everyone to have patience. Rookies struggle, rookies fluctuate, and if they keep working they will build themselves into something greater over time.

"There's room for growth, there's no question about it. But they're all capable," Stevens said. "The good news is, I'm looking at all three and saying those guys are players. There's not a question mark in my mind that one of those guys may not be. I think all three of those guys have really done a good job thus far. And as long as they take care of themselves and continue to take care of this business, they should be able to grow well in this league."



bob
MY NOTE: Could Danny have hit the trifecta? Even with one pick that is 3 from the end of the first round and a 2nd rounder?

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While it might be a bit early to be so optimistic, they (the 3 rookies) are looking very good. I remember the reaction on draft night when Danny selected them. Maybe he knows a thing or two about the game?

Berlin-T