Battle of the backups: Powe, Scalabrine, Davis
by Jeff Clark on Aug 26, 2007 8:33 AM EDT
in Boston Celtics Articles
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PrintNow that the Celtic roster is beginning to take shape, there are a couple of interesting training camp battles shaping up. While Kevin Garnett is sure to garner most of the attention at the power forward spot but he has some interesting company.
The Celtics stripped much of their young talent away to build a winner, but they’ve left a couple of interesting players in the pipeline. Behind KG there are a couple of story lines to watch unfold with the development of Leon Powe and Glen Davis.
More after the jump.
In terms of defensive ability, Powe is superior to Davis currently and probably will remain so due to the difference in their demeanor and current ability level. Powe uses better body position, superior footwork, and agitates his defender with body contact on multiple fronts. His length and timing are also above Davis.
Leon's such a superior worker to most players it’s easy to expect him to get to where he needs to be relatively quickly. He has plus skills as a man defender and could become an excellent help defender with steals and blocks in time. His physical style is impressive and if he can match it with an intelligent understanding of the court, he will be a valuable sub off the bench.
Powe's main battle will likely be with Brian Scalabrine for the backup front court minutes. Scalabrine has two distinct advantages: perimeter shooting and experience. Scal's superior range and knowledge of the system gives him a solid head start going into training camp. The organization has staunchly defended Scalabrine in the past, and often for good reason. Scalabrine doesn’t make errors and knows how to keep order and rhythm going on the court. He is grossly under skilled and essentially non productive statistically, so it is really the example he sets that makes him valuable.
Leon has to show that he has greatly improved his understanding of his offensive and defensive responsibilities. There is little doubt that Powe has superior skill as a power forward. His rebounding and defensive ability are both superior as well as his offensive efficiency. Doc has a history of using veterans as a benchmark for young players. Powe will have to show the staff that he's able to be as efficient as Scalabrine. The organization likes to bring in stable veterans to push the inexperienced youth and get them to value improvement.
The team is still focused on development to some extent. They won’t stop working to improve the long term future of this team. Player development should actually improve with the superior environment they’ll enjoy as a classroom. Both Powe and Davis both posses a brighter future in the league than Scalabrine if they continue to work. Powe seems to have the potential to do that first.
Davis will most likely find himself in a similar situation to the other two rookies. His offensive potential is promising but he needs to refine his body and his game before he can truly compete for minutes. He can handle the ball extremely well for a big. Davis has a potentially dangerous face up game off the dribble that needs to be developed. His shot selection and overall execution are below where they need to be, but he has the touch, balance, and coordination to refine it over time.
Most of all, Davis needs to continue to sculpt his body and become a physically fit athlete. He has strength, but isn’t at his full athletic potential. Much like Perkins, Davis would best be served by working on a steady strength and conditioning regiment while bouncing back and forth between the Celtic practice floor and the D-league.
It’s not hard to envision the 6’8" forward trimming down to a sleek 265 pounds and truly taking advantage of his unique blend of size and quickness. For now, that seems like a more long term prospect considering the magnitude of the immediate season. Expect both Powe and Davis to challenge each other in practice with their complementary skills while improving the competitive atmosphere of the team.
It should be interesting to watch their progress as the season goes on. Either could provide a surprising boost off of the bench come playoff time. Its certain that they’ll be better recognized talents by season’s end and that can only increase their value to this team in multiple ways.
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Nice article, Eric, I was waiting for someone to look at these guys together. I think Big Baby, Wallace and Pruitt can all learn from the 13-15 slots, take a stint or two in the D league, and take advantage of the inevitable injuries to slip in and earn playing time during the year.
And with TA’s slow recovery, at least one of them should be suited up to start. Now that we’ve got Posey, I think that’s less likely to be Wallace. I’m assuming we’ll sub a pg vet in for Manuel on the roster, and so the 2 2nd rounders will duke it out to show who learns to be useful quickest. (Presuming no one other than TA is injured to start.)
I think Celtic fans need to adjust to the sea change that has happened with the team. It isn’t the Celtics of the past few years where youth prevailed in the name of development. The new team isn’t interested in developing young players by force feeding them playing time. The new Celtics will be interested in players that won’t screw up. So Powe and Davis are about a mile behind Scalabrine on the bench…at least until they have proven in practice and garbage time that they can make the proper defensive rotations, set the proper screens and, in general, make their teammates better.
by ReggieR on Aug 26, 2007 9:16 AM EDT reply actions
I think that’s true, Reg. I’d suspect that Powe is probably a little behind Davis on the pecking order, if only for the condition of his legs and Davis’ skillset.
by CoachA on Aug 26, 2007 9:24 AM EDT reply actions
“Proven in Practice” says RegieR – haahahaha – the only thing practice has proven in Doc Rivers system is that it means nothing – just like “earning your minutes” means nothing. Doc (up until now anway) has shown me that “earning your minutes” is just a bunch of flippin hot air where he says one thing to the press and deos another.
He continued to play Scali last year when he clearly sucked in all aspects (look at the stats and and the games). His knock on Po(we) last season was that he did not “understand the offensive sets” – what sets? Did he mean give the sets in which it was merely give the ball to PP? Everytime Po(we) got in the game last year he proved himself on the boards like no other player which is what you want from the 4 spot, but as soon as Scali was available he put him back in for no offense and certainly no defense at the 4 spot.
He did the exact same two years ago with Gomes. By default, only due to injury, Doc was forced to finally see that Gomes could play (despite legions of fans knowing that already!!!)… so finally Gomes got the minutes he had already deserved.
I never give up hope that Doc can figure out solid rotations based upon performance and “earned minutes” really means something, but I ain’t counting on it.
Pure Talent on this new roster may actually out trump the inability of Doc to rotate players correctly, and thus hide his defiencies that I have seen thus far many times.
Peace
PT for Wallace, Davis and Powe will be determined by their performance during practice and the preseason. While it would be a total surprise if one of these players has a breakout performance, one can always hope that they will at least develop on a par with Tony Allen.
Loved your well written article Eric! I’m pleased that you failed to mention Gabe Pruit in the same breath as Wallce, Davis and Powe. While I admire Gabe’s physical prospects I was very disappointed in his lack of “on court” awareness, especially his underdeveloped handles, shooting ability that was over-hyped and his poor performance at the PG position.
While some bloggers seem to think that a PG only needs to bring the ball up court, the position is far more difficult and demanding in the TEAM context. Gabe simply was overmatched at the point, even by SL players.
by moskqq on Aug 26, 2007 10:08 AM EDT reply actions
Davis and Powe are both better than Pollard. As Eric W. suggests, I expect that one of them will emerge as the third big man in the rotation.
Pollard is just a practice player and six more fouls against the likes of Shaq or Ilgauskas. He’s the new Olowokandi.
As I’ve said before, I would not want Big Baby to play at less that 280 lbs. Why turn a unique player into just another power forward? Of course, 280 lbs of muscle is muich better than 280 pounds of flab.
As for Powe, he has the standing reach of a 6-10 or 6-11 player, so his size doesn’t bother me. In some ways he’s a better fit with Garnett than a high post player like Davis, even though Davis is more skilled. Davis may be the best passer on the team (and yes, that includes Rondo).
Following your train of thought, Brick, what makes Scal so important as a reserve is his high BBIQ. He rarely makes mental mistakes (seen so often last year by our youth) and while underskilled, keeps himself active by constantly adjusting team spacing, setting good picks for his teammates, making excellent and timely entry passes as well as an occasional 3 pt. shot.
By comparison, Powe and Davis are different players…both skilled for a different type of game. Davis has the ability to displace Scal because he is fundamentally more skilled, has an excellent basketball IQ, is more mobile and only lacks Scal’s veteran experience.
I do believe that Davis’s best weight is around 260lbs. While other large players need the added bulk to be effective, Big Baby has, by comparison, enormous strength and mobility for his size.
Because Powe has the reach and tenacity of an inside player of greater height, he will always perform better inside than Davis and underperform him in the midrange and outside game. I’m reluctant to compare them as to who is better because they each bring something valuable to the table. I view Powe as more an inside “specialist” and Davis as a jack of all trades. Both players have a bright NBA future.
by moskqq on Aug 26, 2007 10:31 AM EDT reply actions
Quite honestly (for me anyway) the term High Basketbal IQ is overused. I can’t see where Scals supposed High BBIQ correlated into anything. The only other term I can think of that has about as much measurable (or not measurable value) is the term “locker room presence”
In terms of Big Baby, I think the guy has some great potential as a player – his showboat attitude is not my favorite but I would rather see him get some minutes than MR BBIQ or whatever his name is
For all of you peeps either writing off or totally forgetting about Wallace, remember Danny signed him to a contract. And I have more faith in Danny’s evaluation skills then that of us common folk here on the website.
by Wilt on Aug 26, 2007 10:45 AM EDT reply actions
Po – have you been to all the Celtics practices last year so that you can declare that Scal didn’t earn minutes in practices? Were you there watching Gomes in practice to determine that he had already earned them? I’m not disagreeing with the game result and observation, just that it isn’t it possible that Gomes played much better in an actual game situation than in practices, and Scal looked better in practice than he did in games? Here is one example. Think of how much better Scal looked on the road many times vs at home where he got booed every time he touched the ball. Without the crowd in there I’m sure he looked a lot better in the practices as well. I don’t really believe that Doc is going to intentionally play a player that won’t contribute as much as someone sitting on the bench. That makes no sense at all. Just a thought.
Overstated nonsense Quote of the day – Davis may be the best passer on the team (and yes that includes Rondo)
Brick – sometimes you make a good deal of sense. Then you throw out something like that. Unbelievable. Always with a MAY or POSSIBLY in there though so that you can hedge your bets. How about this… Gabe Pruitt MAY be Rookie of the Year.
Davis is not going to be better than Pollard this year just purely off of Pollard’s veteran experience in the league and size. I think he will be a better player in 2-3 years, but not this year. Powe gets a POSSIBLE based on he has the same hustle that Pollard has.
Davis is going to surprise a lot of people. I really believe he will get the back-up minutes behind KG by January. And to echo Brick’s comments, he does not need to lose a lot of weight. His size makes him unique and he uses it to his advantage. I believe Davis and TA will eventually be our scoring options off the bench. House, Posey and Scal will provide the defense. Davis is also a decent shot-blocker. He is deceptively athletic for someone his size.
by DJ to Bird on Aug 26, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply actions
One more thing about Davis: my biggest concern is whether Doc gives him any minutes. We all know how slow Doc warms up to the rookies, no matter how well they are playing (see Gomes, Rondo).
by DJ to Bird on Aug 26, 2007 10:59 AM EDT reply actions
Master PO, I’m surprised than you claim a “certain” ignorance about the term basketball IQ. Its’ definition, as I believe you already know, would take pages to explain so few would attempt to define it.
By way of oversimplification, a player with a high basketball IQ makes good and timely decisions on the court. He demonstrates a realistic appraisal of his own talents and limitations as well as those of his teammates. He is a “thinker” on the court and by his actions promotes offensive opportunities for hinself and his teammates while doing his best to disrupt the defense.
I carefully watched Brandon Wallace in preseason and was very impressed by his help defense, his movements inside for rebounds etc., his decision-making, his “HONDO-like” perpetual motion and his fine ball movement. He played tentatively (at times) because he was “rusty” playing PF and SF and not his “collegiate” center position, but even then he made good basketball decisions. He is not a finished NBA prospects but showes a better understanding of basketball than Gabe Pruit (someone far more hyped).
In any player assessment one looks at a player’s skill level, physical assests and knowledge of basketball fundamentals to gauge how long it will take for this player to be NBA ready. In GG’s case, a very, very long “indefinite” time. By comparison, Wallace, Davis and Powe didn’t take long to start impressing.
by moskqq on Aug 26, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply actions
i dreaded watching scali get the minutes over powe.
powe would at least rebound and get us possessions.
scali missed so many shots at crucial points in the game
we seemed to lose leads or fall further behind when scali was
in there.
scali 4ppg 1.8rpg
powe 4.2ppg 3.4rpg
scali played almost twice a smany minutes as powe and
powe was just a rookie learning the ropes scali is in his
prime
Glen Davis is going to be a very fine NBA player. He is WAY more skilled than Pollard and Scalabrine in almost every aspect of the game. Davis is just young and inexperienced— but he’s got the same kind of BBIQ as Ryan Gomes had when he came into the league, so he’s not that “young.”
Gabe Pruitt will start out the year in Utah, and may finish the year there, too. I said at the outset that his best case scenario is Juan Dixon and nothing that occurred in Summer league did anything to change that opinion.
Davis may start the year in Utah, but he won’t finish there. He’s just too good. But now that Posey is on the roster, it’s more likely that Brandon Wallace or Jackie Manuel will be the other guy sent down.
From Scott Souza in today’s Metro West:
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/x354100774
In the meantime, Davis has been spending time in the Boston area and attended the team’s Waltham training facility last week, looking noticeably slimmer and more chiseled than he did last month at the Las Vegas Summer League.
Seeing a leaner and meaner Davis could be first of many eye-catching moments from a player who slipped to the second round because he was judged by some as too big (at nearly 300 pounds) to play out of the post, and not big enough (at 6-foot-8 with an average wingspan) to play against NBA big men.
I hope Ainge figures out how to sign this kid with “Bird Rights.”
by JB_Celticsstuff on Aug 26, 2007 12:16 PM EDT reply actions
I have been around for a long time, just don’t post much. I did have a few thought this morning.
We need Earl Boykins!!! He is high energy, a good passer and can shoot as well. I know he’s short but he has made it work thus far. We could probably get him cheap as there are no takers now. He would be perfect to run our 2nd unit. Just a thought.
In reading all the hype about the C’s this Summer, Garnett and Pierce get all the thunder. I believe this is great. How nice would it be for teams to “forget” about Ray out there on the 3 pt line!!! He can be a great weapon when everyone is focused on Garnett and Pierce. There is no way that teams will be able to double down on one of our three stars. The other two will make them pay!!! Pray for no injuries!!!!
I have not been a Doc basher, though I am not a huge fan. I do have to give credit where credit is due. Doc and DA have done what every other coach/GM in the league dream of doing. It makes you wonder, are they smart enough to have been planning this since their arrival in Boston?? It seems too perfect!!!
Pollard is just a practice player and six more fouls against the likes of Shaq or Ilgauskas. He’s the new Olowokandi.
The biggest difference Brick is that Pollard exerts effort, whereas Kandi just collected checks.
I do agree with Bricks assertion that Pruitt is just another Juan Dixon. Great comparison.
As for the haters of Scal, you have to look at how annoying he is to whomever he defends. He does a great job on D. He isn’t a highly skilled player, yes, but he brings some intangibles to the floor. Watch him on D. Better yet, watch who he’s defending. You can see their frustration. He denies the ball well, he throws his body around on his assignment and sets great picks on the offensive side of the ball. Sure, he isn’t a great shooter or rebounder, but I like what he brings to the team.
by Bleedgreen on Aug 26, 2007 1:33 PM EDT reply actions
yeah i got my garnett allen and pierce jersey. i am still amazed that ainge has done such a great job and got these 2 stars without losing pierce. its amazing (although i do love big al)…… the big 3 is so perfect of a fit in every way on the court and off the court. character, leadership, phase of career, goal of the ring, and on the court you got the smoothest shooter in the league that can also take it to the hoop and pass at the 2guard in ray allen matched with the slasher, inside/out game, take it to the hoop get to the foul line that can also shoot and pass at the sf in paul pierce… and then you got the bigman, the dominant versatile 7footer that is only matched/outdone by duncan when it comes to best pf’s in the league…… its just such a perfect match. plus their character/leadership: you got the quiet assasin/smooth focused professional ray allen. then the keep it light/have fun but work hard and go at it paul pierce, and the intense fireball passionate hungry garnett……. its just a perfect match!!!! and theyre all in the same phase of their career and have all the accomplishments in the world as far as individually(all 3 have been top 10 for mvp and kg won it, all-nba, multiple allstars, all that stuff) and success wise(led teams to 50 wins, took teams to division titles)…. except the most important one! but no finals/no ring (though all 3 led teams to conference finals and been real close)…. all 3 are so so so so hungry for that…. its just amazing how perfect of a fit it is. all 3 have been humbled by bad teams as well where they didnt have adequate talent around them and all 3 are extremely loyal as well. and high character guys, no ego, team players, unselfish franchise players that play the right way and love the game. hard workers, A all-nba star players…. its so amazing. this team is gonna be a real powerhouse. its gonna be a REALLY SPECIAL team for these next 4 or 5 years. that is for sure. theyre gonna be amazing. such a perfect fit.
by gocelts34n7 on Aug 26, 2007 2:21 PM EDT reply actions
1 more thing….. danny did a great job with the roleplayers around them/depth. its amazing. and the one guy that said houses name for defense just wanted to let you know that house is not a good defender. look for like you said posey and scal but also wallace, powe, and manuel….. no house. he’ll give you some scoring off the bench though. quick scorer….. and backup point….. boston got a great team! that big 3 is as perfect as you can get in just about every way. its absolutely amazing. definitely best trio in the league. perk/rondo are a good fit around em at the 1 and 5 as well…………. and the way everything worked out with the lottery, and kg saying no and the allen trade making him change his mind…. thru to reggie saying no and getting us posey. its just been so perfect. its amazing. CELTIC PRIDE. WE DESERVE THIS AFTER THESE LAST 15 YEARS. SO EXCITED!!!!! WHAT A GREAT JOB AINGE DID. I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SAY THAT BUT HE DID AMAZING!
by gocelts34n7 on Aug 26, 2007 2:26 PM EDT reply actions
Brick – You are totally guessing on your assumption. It is based on nothing more than speculation and you try to make it sound like it is an undisputable fact. THAT is the issue. Davis very well may be better than 95% of the players drafted this year in the long run, but there were 34 picks off of that board before he was selected made by experts a whole lot more knowledgeable than any of us. In fact, the C’s obviusly feel that Pruitt will be a better player based on them selecting him before Davis and risking him going to another team. I think most of the teams out there think of Tractor Traylor when they see Davis. All the talent in the world, but a big fat bust. I hope that he doesn’t turn out that way, but he is a second round player, not a lottery pick. Pollard is a proven commodity in this league and you are going to get exactly what he has given all these years. 4.5 pts, 4.8 boards, .71 blocks, and 2 1/3 fouls in about 17 min of play. For 2.2 mil that isn’t bad at all. I would be amazed, pleasantly surprised, but amazed if Davis got more than a few minutes a game here and there.
- instantly brings me back to John Bagley and George Scot.
I love the idea of Powe on the inside while Ray, Paul and kevin are on the floor.
As far as Davis – I may not go as far as Brikowski saying he’s the best passer on the team but he’s pretty darn close. Other than Rondo or KG who’s better? Davis has that vision, he has the ability to see plays before they happen.
Just throwing this out there: If I gambled (I don’t because I’m too much of a wimp), I would bet that you don’t see all 3 of Manuel, Pruitt and Wallace on the opening night roster.
Ainge has signed and cut guys before, and Pruitt still isn’t even signed. I liked the suggestion some people made in a previous post about Darrell Armstrong. I could see Ainge signing someone like him with the vet minimum and letting Pruitt catch on somewhere else, for example, or waiving Manuel and letting him collect whatever portion of his contract is guaranteed.
I know Armstrong is old and has never been a traditional PG, but the presence of someone like him would make me feel the bench was more complete. And, crazy as this sounds, I’d also feel more confident is they brought back Kandi as insurance for Pollard and Perk getting injured (prefer Motumbo or Brown, of course, but don’t see that happening).
I also think Keith Van Horn is a pipedream, but I’d love to see it.
I know I’m all over the place on this post, but I’d most like to see a veteran backup PG. After the Posey signing, I don’t think anything is out of the question. Ainge has a set of stones. He isn’t afraid to move, and he seems to be on a hot streak.
Little D – Based on what? So he could pass at the college level against a much lower talent level. You should see me in the REC league! I can really throw some amazing passes myself, but that means absolutely nothing. You have not seen this guy make 1 pass against a complete NBA talent level squad ever. Don’t annoint the guy before he has even signed a contract and stepped out on the floor one time! I don’t even recall him passing all that great in the summer league. He impressed me with his agressive rebounding, and his tenacity down low scoring. He also showed me that he was small enough and ground-bound enough to get shots thrown back in his face down there. Against a higher level of big man that will happen much more often I’m afraid. He did follow it up and usually scored or got them to foul him which shows promise. I’m willing to bet that at least half the squad are better passers at this point than him. Then again, we don’t really know now do we…
Cousin It – I would think Manuel is the one you will see gone. He is about the same player as Posey is and unless he tears it up in their camp, they’ll go with Pruitt whom they drafted. I would also like to see Van Horn, but I doubt he would play for the money that they have available to pay still.
I noticed several posts about playing time focusing mostly on Davis, Powe, Scals, maybe Wallace. And some comments about Doc not knowing how good some rooks were, etc. Well folks, we now have a VETERAN team. There’s a reason for that (just read posts written before this year’s draft). Rooks will probably get very little playing time this year. We brought in vets to win now.
I think it comes down to matchups in a game who will play backup at the 4 and 5 positions. I was trying to think of a player similar to Davis’s game and I thought of Wes Unseld. Wes played center at approx. 6 foot 7 inches he had terrific skills and played center. He was a great rebounder and the best outlet passer I ever saw. He shot a lot from the foul line he was a great 15 foot shooter. If Davis and Powe saw film of him playing it would be beneficial for them. On another note, I am not sure if Celtics are going for another Point guard but I would think they are. If they do they might have to trade one of extra PF’s.
Brick – You are totally guessing on your assumption. It is based on nothing more than speculation and you try to make it sound like it is an undisputable fact.
Well, extrapolating from a player’s college career and Summer league performance is always an inexact science. But basing one’s opinion on what you saw on the court— particularly when you watched as much basketball as I have—is an educated guess, not “totally guessing on your assumption” (whatever that means).
It’s an educated guess after you have seen them play games against NBA level competition, not after they looked pretty decent against a league full of guys that about 70% of them won’t even make an NBA team. To elevate them to the 3rd best passer on our team without seeing them play is just spweing nonsense. Having watched as much basketball as you have you know that. You didn’t state it as an opinion, rather as fact that everyone should obviously agree with. When you overstate and then, as always, refuse to admit you were wrong, you bring it on yourself Brick. Just once I would like to see a post where you state you were wrong… I won’t hold my breath though.
The main reason Reggie considered coming back was because he had the opportunity to possibly play with KG and compete for a title.
Posey’s agent was saying he could make more money with an offer from the Nets but picked the Celtics for the same reason- chance to play with KG and go for a title.
I’ve read a couple NBA sites that say KG is the best player in the East.
This has been an awesome summer for the Celtics
by docextension on Aug 26, 2007 7:47 PM EDT reply actions
Truegreen, on few comments about the “weak bench” lack of comments. I’ve I posted all along, the bench will be a work in progress and they have been meeting needs. They will continue to do so if and when the need(s) arise. Too much is invested in the big 3 to not make Posey type moves.
by docextension on Aug 26, 2007 7:49 PM EDT reply actions
One thing this signing means is we’ll probably see some more PP at SG then we would have otherwise, which also means less reason for Manuel, since he’s purely SG depth. I think Wallace and Pruitt are much more likely to see D League time than BBD or Powe.
Perk, Powe, Pollard
KG, Scal, BBD
PP, Posey, Wallace
RAllen, TAllen, Manuel
Rondo, House, Pruitt
If a vet PG becomes available, House shifts into a sharp shooter role and Manuel gets cut, or maybe TAllen gets traded?
Get off your high horse!
This is a blog and my opinion is based on college games and summer league. I think everyone is aware he hasn’t played in an nba game yet but thanks for reminding us.
EJPLAYA said: Don’t annoint the guy before he has even signed a contract and stepped out on the floor one time!
What did I anoint him? The 3rd best passer on the team. I don’t understand why you think that is so absurd. Could it be possible I see something that you don’t ? I didn’t anoint him the next coming of Larry Bird.
I’ll ask the question again. Other than Rondo or KG who’s better?
I also said He reminds me a little like Oliver Miller, just 2-3 inches shorter. Is that to much for you? A large over weight man able to pass well for his size and condition. Is that to much for you?
Maybe if you just answered the question like – player a,b,c, and d are better and this why, I might have a better understanding of your thought process and be able to accept your opinion.
I said the same thing about Rondo last year, except he was the best passer on the team.
As for your other comments about having his shot rejected because of his height and weight, well no kidding, do you think that might be an issue? I hadn’t noticed those rejections, but your here to tell us like it really is, thanks.
Is it okay that I believe Powe has the same problem, height and the lack of explosiveness off the floor, Perk also has the same issue, not being able to get off the floor but I think they’re all nice players.
For once I agree with Brick about something. I loved Davis in college. I can’t believe he fell to the second round. Here is the thing with Davis, he has real professional level basketball skills. He can catch the ball, he can shoot and he can pass. To me Davis is an example of scouts out thinking themselves. They get caught up in measurments and don’t bother to pay any attention to whether the guy can actually play basketball.
by JohnK on Aug 26, 2007 9:05 PM EDT reply actions
Skills always translate, production does not.
If a player can shoot, dribble, and pass at the YMCA, he can shoot, dribble, and pass anywhere. The competition is what enhances/limits production.
Baby threw some nice passes, and displayed good (love) handles. He can shoot the rock. Whether he has success doing it against real NBA talent defines his production, not his ability.
by Michael Anthony on Aug 27, 2007 4:53 AM EDT reply actions
docextension said:
Truegreen, on few comments about the “weak bench” lack of comments.
To clear up what I stated, I agree with you. I made the comment because the issue has been addressed. I didn’t think it could happen because of $ and available player considerations, but DA has done an unbelievable job of quickly filling in the bench. And I’m sure, if an opportunity comes along more moves could be made. I also think this is now a team that becomes a good fit for Scals and his contributions will be better appreciated.
Little D – You are the one making the claim of being the third best passer! Based on a few ESPN highlight clips you saw of him the last few years?! He didn’t pass that impressively in any of the Summer League games. Here’s a few names for you. Pierce passes better, House passes better, Perk passes better, Scal passes better, Pollard passes better. TA passes better, Ray Allen passes better. You can’t dispute that, right?! You haven’t seen Davis make one pass in the NBA. How can you throw that comment out there then? You could have stated that he looks like he could be a pretty good passer in the future based on his college days. No one could dispute that, but you didn’t. You made an absurd comment.
Here’s an idea. If you don’t want someone to comment on something or disagree with you, then don’t post. Isn’t that the whole reason we are on here?! To make comments and give out ideas and have others respond to them?! There’s many times when I have stated something and someone’s rebuttal made me change my mind. Maybe yours just needs to be a little more open…
Sure hope you aren’t right on the Oliver Miller comment. Then he would be another Tractor Traylor and eat himself out of this league.
If you didn’t notice Davis getting his shot rejected 3-4 times a game then you weren’t watching the summer league. Maybe you were just focusing in on his PG skills.
I know people are getting all caught up in who will emerge from these three players as the backup PF-C, but I think the more important reality to discuss is the competition itself. One of Scals, Powe, or Davis is going to have to EARN these minutes. I tend to agree with Brick on Pollard (though I hope that he can be more than that), but you could even include him in the mix.
My initial feeling is that Powe will be the guy who ends up getting the most minutes because he seems to have skills that are more adaptable, in terms of filling a role on a veteran team. He can play along side KG and defend a quicker guy (Leon has decent footspeed)or bang with the big and tall players because of is strength, energy, and length (Davis lacks in the length department… Scals is better suited to defend perimeter bigs). Offensively he doesn’t need touches per se… he’s the ultimate garbage man and IMO would thrive on the offensive boards… an area where KG isn’t particularly strong.
The big concern with Powe is the mental side of the game. He needs to reduce the amount of mental errors he makes on both ends of the court.
by alchemist on Aug 27, 2007 2:31 PM EDT reply actions
ray and paul are better passers than davis. easily.
by gocelts34n7 on Aug 27, 2007 6:28 PM EDT reply actions
listen to ejplaya on his post about davis’s passing. he’s right. to call him a better passer than rondo, kg, ray, or pierce would be insane.
by gocelts34n7 on Aug 27, 2007 6:30 PM EDT reply actions
and like the guy said. we’re a win now team so those guys wont be playing much…. but they will get some burn in the regular season incase they need to make a play come playoff time. phil jackson will tell you that (kareem rush, walton, cook, many more).
by gocelts34n7 on Aug 27, 2007 6:33 PM EDT reply actions
you are crazy. ray allen ran point at uconn, backup point at milwaukee and ran point his first half year and first full year in seattle split with brent barry…. he’s a very good passer. and if youre a celtics fan you should already know that pierce is a very good passer. for you to put davis above them two is absolutely ludicrous and absurd.
by gocelts34n7 on Aug 27, 2007 6:37 PM EDT reply actions
kg isnt strong on offensive boards? wow…. he’s been top 10 for the entire league in offensive boards.
by gocelts34n7 on Aug 27, 2007 6:43 PM EDT reply actions
EJPLAYA,
Pierce passes better, House passes better, Perk passes better, Scal passes better, Pollard passes better. TA passes better, Ray Allen passes better. You can’t dispute that, right?! You haven’t seen Davis make one pass in the NBA.
Yes I can dispute that! I consider all of those you mentioned average passers. I do like Perks outlets. What I see in Davis is he has the ability to see things before they happen. Let’s let the season play out and maybe you can convince me or I you. Should be interesting and fun.
Sure hope you aren’t right on the Oliver Miller comment.
The only thing I said was, he reminds me a little of Oliver Miller. I’m not suggesting that his career is going to go the same path. Miller had a skill I admire and that was his ability to pass the ball. When I see anyone over 6’8 that sees the play before it happens, I love it.
If you didn’t notice Davis getting his shot rejected 3-4 times a game then you weren’t watching the summer league. Maybe you were just focusing in on his PG skills.
Davis being rejected was as plain as day. I was mocking you! I blind man could see that’s an issue. Again, same issue with Perk and Powe.
Should be a fun season, look forward to your posts, I’m sure will differ again and your right, thats one of many attributes of the blog.
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