Keeping 4 Point Guards

by Jeff Clark on Oct 4, 2008 10:31 AM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Bulpett reports on the roster competition:

Just one year removed from shouldering a Dumpster of doubt, Rajon Rondo [stats] is the unquestioned leader at the position. Eddie House was re-signed for his outside shooting. Sam Cassell was brought back for a veteran hand and to make sure things don’t ever get too quiet. That leaves second-year man Gabe Pruitt, who is still trying to grow into his talent.
He will have time. Asked about keeping all four, Rivers replied, "I would say likely, because Sam can play more than just the 1. He can play the 1 and the 2. Gabe can, too, at times. I’m not that concerned by that position."
There may be a little light concern about Pruitt, however. While Rondo was confidently guiding the Celts to a championship in his second season, Pruitt is being prodded to do more.
"He’s just getting better," said Rivers. "I’ve got to remind him on days that this is actually a competition, and he’s got to compete every night. He can’t just want to fit in. You know, fitting in is not good enough.

In other roster-watch news, Miles was able to practice even though he was thinking about shutting it down for a day, which people are taking as a positive sign for him.

It seems funny to be so focused on the 15th roster spot on a team that won the Championship a year ago, but with Doc, you know the guy is going to play some role on this team. I still think we'll see some kind of minor trade.

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Could they cut Scal ?

by Champzilla on Oct 4, 2008 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

Either Cassell or Pruitt are gone. Either via cut or trade.

by P_two on Oct 4, 2008 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

While I look forward to a trade that will help us, I think we will be seeing someone other than just a PG in that trade. I get the feeling that Powe or Davis will be paired with a guard. That also includes JR and Tony Allen, not just a PG.

I guess everyone would agree that much hinges on the role Darius Miles is able to play with regard to his health. The same can be said for the rapid ascension of Bill Walker.

Scal is off limits, Champzilla. 8)

by billysan on Oct 4, 2008 12:29 PM EDT reply actions

As much as I like him, I think BBD will get traded. Scal won’t because he has too much salary, and no trade value. BBD became a media darling, and valuable contributor. Thing is, he is somewhat expendable, given the emergence of Leon Powe.

by footey on Oct 4, 2008 12:42 PM EDT reply actions

If Miles makes the squad, Pruitt is toast. Far cheaper to cut him than buy out Scal. Also as I’ve said many times, Scal is a good insurance policy to have on the bench in case of injury. He’s actually a pretty fair team defender, knows all the plays, can set a solid pick and does 3-point range. We like to rag on Scal but he has value.

OTOH, what is Pruitt? Another combo guard who is a mediorce defender and seems to lack assertiveness, nothing special. Plus he’s not getting PT behind House and Cassell at PG or Tony at SG. I’d rather go with Giddens as the 3rd stringer.

I have great respect for Steve Bullpett. He probably the best C’s beat writer out there. But, I think he’s being too nice to Pruitt, maybe because he was able to interview him in camp. IMO, the Celtics evaluation of Pruitt as a prospect has run its course and the C’s should move on.

by Surferdad on Oct 4, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

I think Pruitt and Big Baby are in danger. Scal be tossed in as well in order to bring a 4/5 back, combining some potential with some salary.

by clover on Oct 4, 2008 1:30 PM EDT reply actions

I think Danny probably likes keeping Scal’s low/mid salary around for possible trade purposes. Remember, most of our tradeable assets make 1.5 mil or less.

Next year, Scal’s expiring should be a definite asset.

by Zoots on Oct 4, 2008 2:19 PM EDT reply actions

Earlier he pulled POB back to the Second Unit, because “it needed more height”. Now, Pruitt, a plausible cut, will likely be given the time to develop, and we carry 4 points, and Doc is comfortable with the point spot.

Miles thought his limit was three straight, and for the first time plays four straight days of practice. Miles is a clear risk.

But if Doc is sensitive to the height fear, I cannot help but think it is BBD that keeps bugging him. And with 3pt Poise gone, its hard to see them drop Scal, a big that might fit well with the starters, to play defense and spread the floor.

Its tough to think BBD since he got some time last year. But if Miles is a keep….

by Bozo on Oct 4, 2008 4:28 PM EDT reply actions

IMHO BBD, Powe and Scalabrine are being dangled. I doubt if there is much intertest in Cassell, although he would be a good fit in Houston, NO or Detroit.

by Brickowski on Oct 4, 2008 5:16 PM EDT reply actions

BBD plays great in the post and defends bigs well, (recalling the Pistons game, and the Spurs game off the top of my head..) and for some reason, although he and Powe are essentially the same – their games are not. So I cannot see him being traded. Not to mention, what 5’s are there really available that we would want?

by teaguelife on Oct 4, 2008 5:19 PM EDT reply actions

If you figure two guys are going to be packaged in a trade for one, you’d have to guess it’d be Pruitt and Davis. However, you hear nothing coming out of camp about Davis, while glowing comments keep emerging about Powe. Could it be they’re actually planning to trade Powe, and are hyping him up? (Naah.)

by no kidding on Oct 4, 2008 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

I think Danny’s plan had been to make a trade, but he hasn’t been able to get anything worthwhile done. Can they keep all 16 on the roster until Miles’s suspension is up?

by clover on Oct 4, 2008 6:24 PM EDT reply actions