Summer League Competitions

by Jeff Clark on Jul 5, 2009 8:51 AM EDT in News/Links Comment 26 comments

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

Bill Walker vs. JR Giddens

The Globe preps us for some summer league action by pointing out some roster competitions.

Giddens and Walker are essentially competing for one spot on the team, because of the similarity of their games, Ainge said. Both are projected as potential backups for Paul Pierce, but neither displayed a consistent shooting threat last season.

Now that Marbury seems to be fading from the Celtics’ plans, Pruitt is in position to make his mark. His greatest competition could come from rookie second-round pick Lester Hudson, who was a high-scoring, do-everything shooting guard in college but is projected as a point guard because of his size - he is just more than 6 feet tall.

Who do you think will win each battle?

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my picks

I think Walker and Pruitt have the edge headed into the summer league, but we’ll see how the other two perform

if we can pick up a vet PG, then both Pruitt and Lester might both be out of luck

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" Henry V

by Jeff Clark on Jul 5, 2009 8:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Pruitt and Walker

by VtCeltics on Jul 5, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

On to the competition. May the best man win.

by no kidding on Jul 5, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe a good place for a poll?

I think Billy Whoa! and Pruitt will probably win, but I’ve soured on Gabe a little. I wouldn’t be upset if Lester put up a show and surprised us all.

Reporter: About a year ago I asked about the Celtics-Lakers thing and you said you'd really only seen it on TV. Now you've been through it, can you talk about playing the Boston Celtics for the NBA championship?
Kobe: It Sucks.

by indeedproceed on Jul 5, 2009 9:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Here’s my thoughts and some quick research on the Summer League roster:

-I’m intrigued by Fazekas. If he’s hit the weight room and bulked up enough to defend centers, he could have value because his offense has always been there. He’s 25 and has was almost a 20-10 guy (19.2-9.9) in the D-league last year at 30.6 mpg.

-As has been hashed around here, Robert Swift is worth the closer look. He was developing very promisingly until several injuries delayed his development. Still just 23, and in only 13 minutes was a 3.3 and 3.4 with very good size. Sometimes the big bodies need to grow through their injuries; if he can finally get healthy, could be useful extra big for cheap. Rather take a chance on him than keep pruitt around, probably, unless he’s really improved so far this offseason.

-Mike Sweetney used to be very talented and effective scoring on the block and rebounding. But I’d be really surprised to see someone who’s un-conditioned himself out of the league to work himself back into the league.

-Chris Lofton: Best case scenario seems to be a lesser eddies house. not much to expect from him.

-Coby Karl: Zero expectations from me.

-Bryan Mullins: Never seen him play, but according to his draft bio, he’s a very very good defensive point guard and he’s shot over .400 from three for the past 3 years. Seems like he could be worth a look as a lindsy hunter type: pesky defender, hit the occasional jumper.

-Again, haven’t seen him. but from Ford’s draft bio: “He’s solid. Really solid. Doesn’t do anything great, but is a pretty good player. A possible second rounder.” Good size, shoots a high percentage (.559 last year) and rebounds very well (7.6, 8.5, 7.6 the last three years).

-Bryce Taylor: Spent last year overseas. In the Italian league he played 28 mpg and averaged 13 points, 2.4 boards, and .5 assts (remember int’l assists are much stingier). 1.3 steals, 2.0 turnovers. 46.9 fg%, 36.9 3p%. Ford’s draft bio described him as quite athletic with a propensity to not live up to his capabilities, therefore frustrating scouts: [quote]Positives: Taylor is an athletic 2 guard with excellent leaping ability. Has an all-around game with the ability to score off the dribble or with a long-range 3-pointer. Good strength. He’s going to have an NBA body.

Negatives: Undersized for his position. Despite the talent, he has been very inconsistent in his four years at Oregon. Doesn’t seem to want or be able to take over on a consistent basis.[/quote]

by Fan from VT on Jul 5, 2009 9:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Here's another entertaining take on our SL roster from Shamsports

NIcely done, Fan from VT. Here’s another take that’s worth a read:

http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/

by Mencius on Jul 5, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can someone explain to me why Giddens is cast as a backup for Pierce?

It seems like he’s very naturally a two, which Pierce hasn’t been for some time, whereas Walker is more of a 2-3 swing man. The only reasoning I can come up with is that they’re trying to create some artificial competition between Walker and Giddens and/or they figure they really need someone who can back up the three for now, but aren’t so desperate for another guard.

by clover on Jul 5, 2009 9:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Who has seen

Lester or Giddens enough to make an evaluation? Never mind that, who has seen Lester play? I

by Little D on Jul 5, 2009 9:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I've seen Lester Play

Granted it was against Tennessee Tech, so the competition level wasn’t that great, but the kid was a man amongst boys the night I saw him. I don’t remember the box, but it was like 30-10-8, and even though he was the only offensive option for Martin, he didn’t really force that much. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he makes it. Whether or not he can defend at the next level will be the key to whether or not he sticks in the league.

"What good is a man who won't take stand? What good is a cynic with no better plan? I believe in a better way." Ben Harper

by rondolicious on Jul 5, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

by Little D on Jul 5, 2009 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Giddens is currently the better player of Walker and him. But as said in the article, they seem to be more interested in the shooting aspect, and I don’t think any of the two at the moment fit that role. Giddens for one is more of a interior player, with interior passing, and playing around the basket. I hope that both of them are working on those corner 3’s, that can become their main weapon and it should always be available to them.

More than Giddens, I hope Walker is improving his midrange game… he could excel at that.

by BudweiserCeltic on Jul 5, 2009 9:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What About TA?

Does this mean TA is done? If you’ve got Lester, Gabe, and either JR or Walker backing things up along with Eddie, where does TA end up?

by amenhotep04 on Jul 5, 2009 9:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Seems pretty self explanatory

DA drafted both last year hoping 1 of them could back up Pierce. They both are 6’5 or better and the 2 and 3 positions on the C’s are interchangeable especially with any combo of KG/Wallace/Perk. One will rise the other shall fall.

"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said

by Birdbrain on Jul 5, 2009 9:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Whatever happens

between Pruitt and Hudson, and Giddens and Walker I hope we keep the right one and not have a repeat mistake of keeping the wrong one like Joe Johnson or Kedrick Brown on a lesser scale.

by JBcat on Jul 5, 2009 10:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Battle Winners

Im gonna say Bill Walker beats out JR Giddens and I all I’ve seen of Lester is highlights of him so I haven’t pretty much any bit of him so I have no idea who would win the battle between Gabe and him but maybe after the first summer league game I’ll have a better sense on whos gonna beat the onther guy out.

by Mike-Dub on Jul 5, 2009 10:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Walker has the edge, and the pressure

Hey Fan from VT, that’s a great rundown. Thanks.

Bill Walker needs to have an outstanding SL. Anything less will be a disappointment. I see him as an undersized 3 whereas Giddens is a more natural 2 based on his body type, though he has maybe an inch on Walker (6’6" vs. 6’7").

Strange how Swift was a serious consideration for that 1st round pick a few years ago, and now he’s a SL pickup. I still believe the Swift thing was an Ainge smokescreen, but we’ll never know.

Let’s keep in mind that SL performances usually mean nothing. (Witness Kedrick Brown.) Everybody is fighting for a job and so shooters and wings generally put up good numbers.

by Surferdad on Jul 5, 2009 10:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No chance Gidden is 6'7": he measured out at 6'4" in bare feet. (Or that'd be some shoes!)

And I think they’re artificially playing up the Giddens/Walker competition. Maybe they think Walker got complacent, but they want both to make the team. (Though at worst case Walker may spend some time up in Maine.)

by clover on Jul 6, 2009 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Walker and Pruitt

But Swift will be the only guy that earns a spot to be dressed for the real games.

by Wide Load on Jul 5, 2009 11:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dressed as what? The Goth-Emo Man Child?

What color finger nail polish will he wear? And don’t you have to have actual lateral movement for real games?

I think the guy with the most raw potential and toughness is Bill Walker. Watched him @ KSU – he has hops, toughness, and can shoot. He just needs playing time. I could be wrong but I am guessing he will shine @ summer League (reverse jinx)

Is it Soup Yet?

by Master Po on Jul 5, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely

Absolutely MP, Walker and Gabe have played quite a bit together, so Walker will benefit from Gabe knowing what to expect from him. That, and his physical abilities, I’m sure he’ll dominate. But JR is going to play well also. I’m looking forward to Gabe, JR, and Walker on the court at the same time.

Regarding Swift, . . . wow, there isn’t anything regarding the kid. He and Scal sitting next to each other, and we’ll have to wear sunglasses.

by amenhotep04 on Jul 5, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My Picks

Walker, Hudson and Swift make the team. Pruitt Giddens traded along with TA and Scal.

by Evantime34 on Jul 5, 2009 12:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That would be far preferable to flat out cutting guys

We’ve got enough expirings to bring on a nice reserve.

by Mencius on Jul 5, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

All I want is to have Lester Hudson be our very own Vinnie Johnson. Looks like he has the shot to be like Vinnie, and Vinie wasnt much taller, if.

by Reyquila on Jul 5, 2009 1:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I thought Eddie House was supposed to be our microwave?

by no kidding on Jul 5, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

still not sure why Giddens and Walker need to fighting for the same spot

there’s 15 spots and Ray and PP aren’t getting any younger. Keep them both if they both show promise. TA and Veal will not be with the team at the end of the season so unless Danny is bringing back Leon at that point, he’ll have spots for both players.

by slamtheking on Jul 5, 2009 5:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs