MVN Looks At O'Bryant

by Jeff Clark on Aug 21, 2008 8:02 PM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Manchvegas Bob of MVN looks at Patrick O'Bryant:

I like to look over the "bust" moniker he’s sported in San Francisco, and think he was the surrogate lottery pick for the Celtics this past summer!
Since he’s apparently been the only Celtic making strides this summer, I thought we’d give him another shout, and ask the question: "Will POB be able to pull himself up by the boot straps with the Celtics and break into the rotation?".

He also quotes Jessica Camareto:

HOOPSWORLD's Steve Kyler reported Ray has been preaching the importance of hustle, energy, and conditioning to O'Bryant, who will also be expected to run the floor. O'Bryant averaged less than five minutes per game last season with the Golden State Warriors but he could see as many as 10 to 12 minutes next season (and even average three blocks per game) if he follows through.

This jump in playing time is not guaranteed, though. Informed sources have noted that O'Bryant, 22, is still trying to figure out how to use his two-guard mentality in his seven-foot frame. He lacks the post moves of a traditional big man but his offensive repertoire does include a nice shooting touch and sky hook. O'Bryant's style is best suited for a fast pace system, so if he wants to stick in Boston he will have to maximize his physical tools with commitment and a sense of urgency.

Interesting, but I get hung up on that last line. Wasn't the Golden State style fast paced? Wasn't he pretty lost in that system? Regardless, it seems to me that the guy needs to get his head and heart in the game and focus on defense and rebounding and let the rest come to him over time.

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Hmm… P.O.B. could average 3.0 blocks in 12 minutes per game? I’m no statistical genius, but that would pretty much make him the best shot blocker in the history of basketball.

Yay, P.O.B.! Greatest of all time! ;)

by Roy_Hobbs on Aug 21, 2008 8:05 PM EDT reply actions

He sounds like he is GG’s tall twin brother.

by Champzilla on Aug 21, 2008 8:12 PM EDT reply actions

We seriously need to sign a veteran backup center after reading this!

by JR Giddens on Aug 21, 2008 8:46 PM EDT reply actions

P.J. Brown. Oh, P.J. Brown? Please put down the crawfish, head outta Slidell and save our souls again … even if you need to wait till March. Save a seat on the bench for him.
This reclamation project will take time.
I’m nervous. No backup center. No James Posey. Again I say: Finals? Sure. Title? Eh.

by Big_Easy on Aug 21, 2008 10:42 PM EDT reply actions

O’Bryant will probably see more than 10-12 mins a game. Perk will be in foul trouble most of the time due to his immobility, so I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see O’Bryant pull in 20 mins/game.

by Tradetime on Aug 22, 2008 12:35 AM EDT reply actions

This guy is nothing short of a project. Best case scenario is DeSagana Diop, whose career appeared to be in jeopardy before Cuban took him on and he succeeded as one of the centers in the 2 center rotation in Dallas over the last few years. Ainge has always been about high reward low risk expenditures, but I’m not sure this will be any different than say NY signing Qyntel Woods, or DEN signing DerMarr Johnson.

I’ve watched O’Bryant and despite his size he really is a clumsy player out there. The people who call him O’Blount amuse me because I see something to the parallel. He shoots short J’s (instead of Blount 20 footers) and looks goofy handling or passing the ball. He looks like a turnover waiting to happen when he’s passed to. This guy is a disaster.

I hope PJ Brown is still on Ainge’s speed dial in March in case we need him. Chances are, we will.

by TradeProposalDude on Aug 22, 2008 12:50 AM EDT reply actions

I am cautiously optimistic. He is big and can reportedly get blocks. If he can play good D, he will be a good enough backup center. If Danny and Cliff like him, I can too. He’s a guy that needs another chance.

by GreenBalls on Aug 22, 2008 8:13 AM EDT reply actions

I am uncautiously pessimistic. Hopefully PJ will come back for one last season. Or if not, maybe DA is waiting to see if Pollard can come to camp actually ready to play basketball, in which case he’ll sign him to another vet min deal.

by Eeyore III on Aug 22, 2008 8:29 AM EDT reply actions

“Pollard.” I think I just coughed up a lung laughing.

by Big_Easy on Aug 22, 2008 8:55 AM EDT reply actions

He who laughs last laughs best. Looking forward to seeing O’Blount strut his stuff on the court, in that regard.

by Eeyore III on Aug 22, 2008 11:42 AM EDT reply actions

Thanks you Jeff!

In the comments section of the Celtics17 article, there is a poster – warriorsfan – that gives an honest opinion from a GSW perspective. Illuminating.

POB could go either way . . . I guess we’ll know soon enough.

by ManchvegasBob on Aug 22, 2008 1:58 PM EDT reply actions