Praise For Pruitt

by Jeff Clark on Oct 20, 2008 7:03 AM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Lots of words of praise for Pruitt from his teammates and specifically from his coach (Herald):

"He’s definitely worked himself in with Eddie (House) and Rajon (Rondo)," said Rivers. "He’s ready to play. I think he is. It’s not the offense for us. You know, he doesn’t see certain things yet, (but) that will come. It’s more that defensively (is) where he’s made his biggest improvement. He stays in front of the ball and he stays long, and that’s good."

In other point guard news, don't expect to see Sam Cassell play this preseason. (Well, at least he got to practice with the team from the start of camp)

"Sam’s fine, (but) I don’t plan on playing him," the coach said. "I think it’s more important honestly to get Eddie (House) and Gabe (Pruitt) on the floor than it is Sam right now."

Are we sure he doesn't want that coaching gig? Just askin'.

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Why don’t they keep Cassell as assistant coach for the young players and then get him back as player in february? Hopefully for then maybe there’s a good deal in place or just plainly cut Miles or somebody else…

by greenwise on Oct 20, 2008 7:21 AM EDT reply actions

I don’t get it with Sam… wasn’t the whole problem last year that he supposedly didn’t know the team’s plays? Maybe since it’s preseason and they’re running a basic offense, they didn’t feel like getting Sam repetitions would be helpful.

Still, I’m glad to see Eddie and Pruitt get the bulk of the minutes, as hopefully they will be the two primary backup point guards.

by Roy_Hobbs on Oct 20, 2008 8:11 AM EDT reply actions

All this vagueness about Cassell is about giving the coaching staff time to make their assessment of Darius Miles. He has the potential to bring a different dimension to the team, far more than Cassell.

by no kidding on Oct 20, 2008 8:14 AM EDT reply actions

Last year Gabe was a draft mistake, a deer paralyzed by the headlights of the NBA game. His handles were poor, he couldn’t create for himself or his teammates, his defense was not one-on-one but, admittedly, he did play the passing lanes well. When pressured, he turned his back against the pressure and lost sight of his teammates. He had offense, or so we were told, but all we saw was agility and speed and an occasional silky shot. He lacked the instincts of a PG and seemed destined, if he survived, to be an undersized NBA SG.

His off season program in San Francisco with coach Hill, and it’s resultant TRANSFORMATION leaves no doubt that coach Hill is a special teacher and that Gabe was also a special (and gifted) student.

The old adage that stars usually show their upside relatively early in their growth as NBA players seems to apply.. While Gabe has yet to ascend that high his rapidly rising upside portends a success story if ever there was one. I must admit that last year I was wrong about his potential in that I only saw how steep his learning curve would have to be and didn’t understand that truly gifted talents never seem to mind the size of the slope.

While there already are bloggers calling the selection of Giddens a mistake and applauding the later selection of Bill Walker a blessing, it remains to be seen whether Ainge has once again proven his ability to recognize NBA talent in the second round. As for Giddens I think his selection will also prove to be another success story not unlike that of Gabe Pruitt!

by moskqq on Oct 20, 2008 8:20 AM EDT reply actions

It’s good that the Celtics don’t also have Shaun Livingston hobbling about in practice along with Miles.

by no kidding on Oct 20, 2008 8:22 AM EDT reply actions

pruitt looks more than a combo but a pure pg. as per usual, moskqq is right on about giddens. i think he will play much better than walker, maybe not this year. he can do the d..

by nazzbo on Oct 20, 2008 8:34 AM EDT reply actions

Doc really believes Sam can help this team and since he’s such a ‘vet’ he really doesn’t need the practice. Boy I can’t wait for Sam to dribble down the court alongside Garnett, Pierce, and Allen and back down to about 15 ft and watch HIM shoot a fall away jumper… Please for all that is right in the world start your assistant coaching career. I mean he has to have some mind control. Looking at that head it might be a crazy as it sounds. This is beyond frustrating.

by Birdbrain on Oct 20, 2008 8:37 AM EDT reply actions

Do you think the Celtics owe Sam a favor? Possibly for getting out of his Clippers deal last year so he could then sign with the Celtics at a time when they thought they really needed him.

by VtCeltics on Oct 20, 2008 12:44 PM EDT reply actions