Late on Gabe Pruitt

by socal celt on Mar 4, 2009 9:16 PM EST

Though late, I'd like to add: Pruitt is a good man. He made a youthful mistake and let's move on. I saw him play ball locally and wish for him more playing time. This guy is clutch, smooth and cool when the situation demands. For me, he's a Celtic. Just hopeful Doc Rivers is cultivating him, not vegetating him. In 2008-2009, O.J. Mayo passed Gabe Pruitt as the most prolific freshman long-range shooter in USC history. Took O.J. Mayo to accomplish it. I see Pruitt as a Frank Ramsey type of sixth man, modern style. [Yes, I saw Frank Ramsey play in person. Note by socal celt, 03/04/09 6:15 PM PST ]
As with most young players, Pruitt needs sufficient time to become established, get NBA game rhythm. In any case, I'm glad for the New Acquisition who will prove a solid role player when June roles around. One hopes.

Be respectful and keep it clean. Thanks.

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Comments

A lot of us jumped on Gabe after the DUI incident, but in truth none of us really know what kind of person he is. I hope you’re right about his character. Unfortunately though, now that we have Marbury I don’t think we’ll see much more of Gabe this year, except in instances of foul trouble or blow outs. It’s really too bad-this team isn’t as good at developing young talent as some of us would like.

by illantari on Mar 4, 2009 11:23 PM EST reply actions

"It’s really too bad-this team isn’t as good at developing young talent as some of us would like."

Really? I have to contend that assertion. IMO, this team has been excellent developing young talent. So much that a a championship and dominant team was built on that ability plus a #5 pick. We landed 2 superstars like Garnett and Allen thanks to the internal development of our youngsters. I mean, just now you have 3 starters for other NBA teams who were developed by the C’s. And a fourth one who’s a virtual All-Star and potential All-Pro. Plus, one of the best young PGs in the league – and already an above average one and one of the best defensive centres in the association – two starters for a championship team. And 2 more guys who have been able to play an important role off the bench for a championship team – they were the backup bigs for a 66 wins team.

To add to this impressive record, not only a single one of those guys was a lottery pick and many of them were 2nd rounders – meaning they weren’t really that good when they entered the league. Meaning we haven’t been “developing talent” a la Bulls or Portland, with a succession of high lottery picks.

Now, the talent has to be there to be developed, you can’t develop something it doesn’t exist. Pruitt is talented enough to be a journeyman in this league for a few years, but has yet to show he’s more talent than that – and he had enough chances. Developing talent isn’t our core business any more (it’s still part of the business, but not the core, lost its priority), so it’s natural he doesn’t have so many chances as others had in the past.

Anyway, the bottom line is that this club has been excellent in recent years developing talent – perhaps to the point of creating unreasonable expectations in the fans minds.

by cordobes on Mar 5, 2009 8:23 AM EST up reply actions

Not quibbling with the general development of talent, just strong on Pruitt's potential

I have to agree with your argument about the development that’s occurred. You are definitely more tuned into it than I, but I still believe Pruitt has more capacity than simply journeyman status. I still don’t think Gabe has had the opportunity to develop confidence or game rhythm the way he’s been used thus far). Unless his opportunities come from an odd series of events, those kinds of events and circumstances that makes sports exciting, your projection might happen. Not wishing anyone ill, I remain a fan of Gabe and am hopeful he is permitted a different set of opportunities to demonstrate his skills. Above all, of course, I;ll be bleeding green come May/June.

by socal celt on Mar 31, 2009 3:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Gabe will be fine…warming the bench

by TheAncientRivalry on Mar 5, 2009 6:43 AM EST reply actions

Probably, unless lightening strikes (see above)

by socal celt on Mar 31, 2009 3:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Way to support your man, Socal Celt! I enjoy watching Gabe play. Every young player provides a few winces along the way, but I love to see what the young guys do with their daylight. There’s often a lot of progress in practice we never get to see until they start to blossom (or well, injuries).

by Thruthelookingglass on Mar 9, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

Agree. I have a lot of faith in Doc Rivers' approach

I just have to accept the situation. Just like to see my man contribute more.

by socal celt on Mar 31, 2009 3:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Gabe needs more playing time.

Gabe has the unfortunate bad luck to be Rhondo’s second and never has had much playing time. Rhondo is IMO one of the greatest point guards ever. But I think if Gabe had more playing time, he’d show how good he really is. I really like the guy alot. He is a good man.

by mmbaby on Mar 28, 2009 9:02 PM EDT reply actions