O'Bryant Wants To Play

by Jeff Clark on Nov 26, 2008 8:39 AM EST in News/Links Comment 21 comments

We've been over this a few times, but since the Warriors are in town and Mike Fine has a new article on the subject, here's the latest from Patrick O'Bryant:

Then again, O’Bryant would like to have the opportunity to do anything against any team. He’s not getting any playing time and, yes, he would like to play a larger role with his new club.

“Definitely, and it’s not even because of Golden State,” said the third-year pro who is averaging only 4.4 minutes in five appearances. “It’s because I want to play. I want to be a bigger part of this team right now, but I guess Doc (Rivers) doesn’t feel comfortable with me yet, but I’m going to keep working and try to earn that comfort over the next couple of weeks or whatever it takes.”

We all knew he wasn't playing, but this might be the first place I've seen a straightforward reason why. Again, from Mike Fine:

The reason O’Bryant isn’t playing is because Rivers doesn’t think the 22-year-old 7-footer has the fire in the belly that many of the other players have. While Rivers says that “other players are playing in front of him,” it’s obvious that once O’Bryant falls in line, he will earn that time.

“He’s starting to pick it up. He’s still got some ways to go there, but he’s much better than he was early in the year. It’s a different culture. We practice hard, probably harder than most teams, and I don’t think he was used to that.”

So once again, the issue is the kid's work ethic and passion for the game. I don't know if you can coach that or coax it out of someone that doesn't already have it. If Doc can do it, more power to him.

It is no secret that the team wouldn't mind bringing in some low post help with size (seen by the pursuit of McDyess). It would be nice if they could fill that role from within. Just don't hold your breath.

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and that's about my fill of O'Blount articles

I’m tired of looking for reasons to hope in this kid. I’m tired of spending time worrying about the end of the bench. Time to focus more on the guys playing and winning basketball games for us.

by Jeff Clark on Nov 26, 2008 9:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

good to hear

I don’t get the fascination with POB. I think its possibly due to his high draft status. People didn’t clamor for Pollard last year, don’t see why POB is any different.

by Green17 on Nov 26, 2008 9:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well the whole reason why is because he’s got such an obviously high ceiling, higher than Perk it would seem. If something like that can be developed then we possibly have a great frontcourt for years to come. E.g. if Pat manages to pan out on the level of PJ come the playoffs, we have no problems/few worries steamrolling teams until the finals.

Bleed Green. What does it mean? Ask Red.

by CelticsHooRah on Nov 27, 2008 2:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

I’m not even sure anyone really cares if he plays or not. Although to be honest I read the article and it seemed as if he’s made progress.

Tony Allen > Dearly departed JP

by Birdbrain on Nov 26, 2008 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i hear you jeff, but you always need height. everyone is not built the same emotionally. danny spent the dough and the kid has never gotten any real game experience. in the last few blowouts pob should have gotten some more air time. come on doc.

by nazzbo on Nov 26, 2008 9:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

This is a talented kid who has skills that would be useful- this kid makes the foul line jumper that Baby can’t hit, he can block shots and rebound. It’s the same effort problem he’s always had. I hope that changes, but I’m not counting on it.

by moiso on Nov 26, 2008 9:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Baby's jumper is far superior to POBs

Tony Allen > Dearly departed JP

by Birdbrain on Nov 26, 2008 10:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

O'Bryant is lucky

If any environment and set of coaches can take O’Bryant away from his fatal flaw as an NBA player – effort – it is the Celtics. When you see hustle from the 2nd unit in the final minute of a blowout you better get the message.
I like what I’ve seen skill wise. He does have an offensive game and he is long and coordinated.
Let’s leave this one alone. We don’t need him right now and if he slowly picks it up this year, hell, he’s only 23 next year.

by Wildblu1 on Nov 26, 2008 9:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Exactly how effective is that message if it hasn’t been articulated? Doc not saying anything to him is a strike against the coaching staff IMO. I agree with the rest of what you were saying though.

Bleed Green. What does it mean? Ask Red.

by CelticsHooRah on Nov 27, 2008 1:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We'll need him

To win the whole thing, the C’s will need his size. Hopefully by Feb, Clifford Ray will have this guy ready.

by Chief # 1 on Nov 26, 2008 10:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

We Need Size - Maybe

We probably need some more length off the bench. It definitely doesn’t have to come from POB, though. If it’s clear at around the All-Star break that POB won’t be of any use to us in the playoffs (which it’s already looking like now), then I’m sure Danny will make the same type of P.J. signing again, perhaps even P.J. himself.

However, I think it’s worth debating whether we actually need another bench big. Maybe Baby and Powe can get the job done. They have so far, and I know that Danny didn’t think they could do it on their own last year, but they are both one year older. I don’t think it’s a given that we need another big.

by Toine43 on Nov 26, 2008 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We definitely need size.

At least in the playoffs. Don’t you remember how Big Baby got owned by a lot of the legit bigs in the playoffs last year?

Bleed Green. What does it mean? Ask Red.

by CelticsHooRah on Nov 27, 2008 1:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Effort

Confucius say There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.

by charlie chan on Nov 26, 2008 10:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

So what you're really saying...

… is that POB feels like he’s entitled to play, but doesn’t really want to put the effort in to make that happen.

In other words, he’s the same player he was in Golden State.

All the negativity in this town sucks. It sucks, and it stinks, and it sucks. - Rick Pitino

by Roy_Hobbs on Nov 26, 2008 10:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Wow, talk about a total misrepresentation of what he actually said.

Bleed Green. What does it mean? Ask Red.

by CelticsHooRah on Nov 27, 2008 12:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

POB's lazy

If Perk can actually become a 10 and 10 guy we would be fine,,

by richardlight on Nov 26, 2008 10:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

The kid has talent, but Doc wants him to bang his head on the backboard stantion, pound his chest, get in peoples faces and trash talk, and yell like Arnold in Predator when he makes a hoop! He just doesn’t have that personality! Doesn’t make him less talented.
Early in the year Tommy H was saying the kid had some of the best footwork and post moves he’s seen in from a Celtic big man in quite a few years! What’s changed? Doc doesn’t like it that he won’t run around like a lunatic.
For those who remember watching the “old” players of the 50’s and 60"s POB personality on the court was the norm. Now to make people think you care you’ve got to yell and scream, and visually show emotion! The two don’t equate!
Give the kid an “honest” chance—not garbage time—but inserted amoungst the starters. If he’s a total flop then, so be it—-kick him to the curb!

by OhioGreen on Nov 26, 2008 3:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Why do lazy players get a bad rap?

The title is a little tongue-in-cheek. I just find it funny that lazy players are criticized so much. They probably work harder than 95% of people out there (including those off the court). Is it the fact that they are getting paid exorbitant amounts of money? If you were paid a million bucks, would you work your butt off no matter what? (I would.)

by EarthBall on Nov 26, 2008 4:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Think O'Bryant is slowly getting out of his "laziness"

Like it was written, he’s shown some progress and I think it’s been visible on the floor too. He needs significant time practicing the sets and training his lower body for boxing out.

Bleed Green. What does it mean? Ask Red.

by CelticsHooRah on Nov 27, 2008 12:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good article

So the issue was partially his motivation, okay. Let’s get him to train with B. Doo on his lower body for boxing out, and then get him into some rotations!

Bleed Green. What does it mean? Ask Red.

by CelticsHooRah on Nov 27, 2008 12:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

More tidbits

He said it’s not a matter of digesting a new system, which is "easy to learn." He just needs to get on the court to implement it. "I always feel like I can come in and contribute somewhat so I was definitely thinking, I’m going to come in and get some good minutes right away, but it’s something you’ve just gotta work your way into.

…

Yet, there have been only five brief appearances, and he didn’t even dress for six straight games. That could be tough on a pro’s ego.

"I try not to let ego things come in the way," he said. "I haven’t established myself in the league so I really have no right to have an ego about playing."

Haha, contradict yourself much there Pat? ;)

Joking aside, he’s saying that he needs PT in order to know the sets better. Muscle memory. I think that’s a good argument to give him more minutes with the sets in practice with the 1st or at least 2nd team substantially… the question is, is the coaching staff doing it?

Bleed Green. What does it mean? Ask Red.

by CelticsHooRah on Nov 27, 2008 1:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs