CelticsBlog - Countdown to Camp - Player DaysA Boston Celtics Blog: 17 Banners and Countinghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48431/celtic-small-1.png2013-09-29T10:04:35-04:00http://www.celticsblog.com/rss/stream/44957332013-09-29T10:04:35-04:002013-09-29T10:04:35-04:00Camp invites - can anyone make the cut?
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We've got one roster spot left, will any of these guys make the team?</p> <p>Tomorrow is the first day of practice and the training camp invites will have precious little time to prove that they can stick around longer than that. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Celtics</a> do have one spot open on the roster and just enough money under the luxury tax to fit in one of these guys. But there's just as good a chance that they'll want to keep that spot open and run with 14 headed into the season.</p>
<p>Here's who's getting invited. Chris Babb, Damen Bell-Holter, DeShawn Sims, and Kammron Taylor.</p>
<p>A lot of people are going to be rooting for Bell-Holter, if only for this article by our own Kevin O'Connor (read the whole thing).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/9/3/4688754/blessed-to-bless-damen-bell-holter-inspires-children-around-the-world-boston-celtics-nba-love">"Blessed to bless," Damen Bell-Holter provides inspiration for children around the world - CelticsBlog</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/9/3/4688754/blessed-to-bless-damen-bell-holter-inspires-children-around-the-world-boston-celtics-nba-love"></a>Regardless of what happens in training camp, Damen Bell-Holter has proven he is not just another statistic because he has aimed for the stars and is in the process of achieving his dreams. No matter where his basketball career takes him, Bell-Holter will be a positive influence and role model for children around the world.</p>
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<p>Kevin also detailed Sims and Taylor here:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/8/31/4676020/a-brief-look-at-two-boston-celtics-training-camp-invites-deshawn-sims">A brief look at two Boston Celtics training camp invites: DeShawn Sims and Kammron Taylor - CelticsBlog</a></p>
<p>Sims</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/8/31/4676020/a-brief-look-at-two-boston-celtics-training-camp-invites-deshawn-sims"></a>Sims is a 6'8" forward that went undrafted in the 2010 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA Draft</a>. That year he played with the Celtics for four games in the Orlando Summer League before signing with the Maine Red Claws. He ended up winning the 2011 NBA Development League Rookie of the Year, averaging 20.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 13 double doubles. Coached by Danny Ainge's son, Austin, it becomes apparent that the Celtics have been interested in Sims' career for quite a while now.</p>
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<p>Taylor</p>
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<p>Taylor is a point guard that last played at Wisconsin in 2007, and has since taken a tour around the world playing basketball for France, Turkey, Hungary, Venezuela, Cyprus, Spain, and most recently in Germany. Last year with Neckar L'burg, Taylor averaged 13.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.4 turnovers in 28.6 minutes per game. He also shot 42.9 percent on two-point attempts and 30.3 percent from shots behind the arc.</p>
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<p>Finally, this blurb on Babb (see what I did there?) comes from Chris Forsberg:</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4706864/countdown-to-camp-invitation-only">Countdown to camp: Invitation only - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4706864/countdown-to-camp-invitation-only"></a>One of the more intriguing guy on the list to me is Babb, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound rock of a two-guard. If it wasn't for the crowded field at that position, you wonder if he'd have a better shot at sticking. His stat line doesn't jump off the page from his senior season at Iowa State (9.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists), but those numbers don't tell the whole story. According to Synergy Sports data, Babb averaged 1.018 points per play, ranking in the 89th percentile (that included shooting 38.2 percent beyond the 3-point stripe) among all Division 1 hoopsters. Babb thrived in transition and seemed to pick his spots well, offensively. He's got the size to defend NBA bodies at three positions and, while his advanced defensive numbers were not flashy (he allowed 0.756 points per play last season, ranking in the 67th percentile), he was regarded as one of the nation's top collegiate defenders.</p>
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<p>So who do you think has a shot to make the squad?</p>
https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/9/29/4782740/training-camp-invites-who-has-a-chance-to-make-the-cutJeff Clark2013-09-28T13:00:08-04:002013-09-28T13:00:08-04:00How to appreciate Jordan Crawford
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The season is just around the corner, so Josh Zavadil takes a lighthearted look at Jordan Crawford and where he fits in with what the Celtics are going to try to accomplish this year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span>When teams make that transition from a perennial contender to a rebuilding team, oftentimes the roster has to be assessed from afar to figure out how certain players fit into that transition. Some are traded away. Some are waived. Some are kept.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span>And as you take a look at the Boston Celtics roster, there are a number of pieces that raise questions about where or how they fit into what Boston is trying to accomplish in the future. Jordan Crawford is one of them.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span>I’ve gone back and forth on what I think about Crawford during his time in Boston. On the surface, he’s a pretty putrid basketball player. He’s inefficient. He takes shots he shouldn’t take. It seems like he somehow always finds a way to have the ball at the end of the shot clock, which then gives him the chance to offer up a prayer that seems to be answered more times than I would expect.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span>In fact, 42 percent of Crawford’s shots last season came with 0-10 seconds left on the shot clock. His effective field goal percentage was just over 50 percent in those situations.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span>He’s a confusing player who has all the confidence in the world. Crawford is an underrated passer. Athough his awkward movements with the ball often frighten me, he's not an awful ball handler. And he's maddeningly bad at defense.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span>I’d argue that he needs to get stronger to make up for being a bit of an undersized shooting guard, but that argument is something that’s likely been made every offseason since he’s been in the league. And he hasn’t changed much since then.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span>As the Celtics embark on what is probably going to be a tough season, I think Crawford will fit in just fine. He’s already been mentioned as a player who might have to shoulder some of the load as a ball handler while Rajon Rondo continues to recover. My, won’t that be interesting. We’ll get to see if he’s capable of being a primary ball handler in whatever offensive system Brad Stevens implements.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span>The more I think about Jordan Crawford, and the more I try to think about what he means to this season’s team, I actually enjoy him. If I'm honest, I find his quirks fun enough that I can enjoy the negative basketball traits he brings to the table.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span>With all of the questions that remain about the Celtics and their future, I’m going to take this season and just enjoy the negatives, the oddities, the things that would usually frustrate a fan. Jordan Crawford isn’t the future of the Boston Celtics franchise. He was never meant to be.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span>His characteristics on the court are sure to frustrate fans this season, not including the times where he gets hot and scores in bunches much to the bewilderment of everyone. And I’ve convinced myself that I’m fine with that frustration. Jordan Crawford probably isn’t going to change.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span>He’s not the greatest basketball player. He’s perplexing in many ways. But that’s okay, because sometimes you just have to find beauty in the frustrating and confusing things in life that you don’t understand.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span> </span></p>
https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/9/28/4779372/whats-a-jordan-crawfordJoshZavadil2013-09-27T07:00:09-04:002013-09-27T07:00:09-04:00What should we expect from Phil Pressey this year?
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<figcaption>Jamie Squire</figcaption>
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<p>When Doc Rivers was the head coach of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a>, we all knew what was going to happen to rookie point guards: they were going to spend a lot of the time on the bench. It happened with Gabe Pruitt, Avery Bradley, Lester Hudson, and E'Twaun Moore.</p>
<p>But now Brad Stevens is in town and brings a new philosophy to the organization. Will undrafted rookie point guard Phil Pressey ride the pine for most of the season or will he receive playing time? Well, no one really knows at this point in the year. Stevens has never coached in the NBA before and even if he had, this is a brand new situation.</p>
<p>And what about the Rajon Rondo factor? The Celtics have one of the best point guards in the NBA, and even though he won't come back until at least December, he's still the man once he returns.</p>
<h5>Defense comes first</h5>
<p>There are a number of variables factoring into <span>Phil Pressey's</span> potential for his rookie year, but it might be best to look at Stevens' track record with point guards in college. Doing that, it's obvious that he appreciates point guards that play stellar defense. Ronald Nored spent four years with Brad Stevens, and was on both National Championship runner-up teams in 2010 and 2011. Nored is a two-time Horizon Defensive Player of the Year and is tied for the most steals in Butler history with 207.</p>
<p>Along the same lines as Nored, Stevens recently talked about Avery Bradley as a player with elite potential. <a href="http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2013/09/avery_bradley_the_frontrunner.html" target="_blank">He said</a>, "I don't think there's any doubt that Avery has elite ability in a lot of ways as a point guard. And when I say that, he's an elite defender at the point guard position, he's an elite athlete at the point guard position."</p>
<p>Considering Stevens' history (albeit brief) with point guards and his recent statements on Rondo and Bradley, I think there is a chance that Phil Pressey gets playing time his rookie year because of his abilities on the defensive end of the floor.</p>
<h5>What does Pressey bring anyway?</h5>
<p>Four words can describe what Phil Pressey brings to the court: aggressiveness, inconsistency, flashiness, and speed. Phil Pressey is a tenacious point guard that plays hard on defense. He is tied for career steals at Missouri with 196, and was the Big 12 steals leader in 2011. In the Orlando Summer League the 22-year-old guard showed up and played great defense from day one.</p>
<p>The rookie guard occasionally used his hands too aggressively, which could get him in foul trouble in the NBA, but he knows how to move his feet quickly side-to-side and stays in front of the ball-handler. He is also very good at utilizing his speed to jump passing lanes for deflections or steals. Pressey can earn playing time this season by playing hard on defense and becoming one of the pit bulls, alongside Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eAF-Dy-bFlI" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>I have a hard time assessing Phil Pressey's play on the offensive end of the floor because of his lack of consistency. There are performances like his <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLEvGbR8uzw" target="_blank">19 point, 19 assist performance against UCLA</a> that make me go "WOW," yet there are others such as his <a href="http://espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=330190057" target="_blank">2 point, 8 turnover stink show </a>against Florida that make me throw my face into my palms and sigh.</p>
<p>Who is the real Phil Pressey? He confused Missouri fans and he certainly did the same to me in the summer league. I thought Pressey was horrible for the first game and a half in the summer but was exceptional after that. To start, Pressey was wild on offense, throwing high-risk passes into traffic, taking bad shots, and was totally out of control. Yet, somehow, things turned around after that. He calmed down and started making dependable, efficient plays. When a risk had to be taken, he knew when it was time to pull the trigger and when to hold back.</p>
<p>One thing Celtics fans shouldn't expect from the rookie guard is a jump shot. Pressey was not a very good jump shooter at Missouri and will have an even harder time getting off his shot against the talent in the NBA. Pressey will score most of his buckets by driving hard to the basket in transition. The best course of action for Phil is to get in the ear of Rajon Rondo and learn how to play like he did early in his career: full-throttle, minimize risks, and do your job.</p>
<h5>There's a lot of depth at guard</h5>
<p>Brad Stevens <a href="http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2013/09/avery_bradley_the_frontrunner.html" target="_blank">recently said</a> that he necessarily believe that the point guard has to play a traditional type of role, which could be either bad news for Phil Pressey. The C's have a myriad of different players at the guard position that can play point guard, even if it isn't in a traditional role. In addition to Avery Bradley, players like Courtney Lee, Jordan Crawford, and even MarShon Brooks can all bring the ball up the court efficiently.</p>
<p>Then when Rajon Rondo comes back, everyone gets pushed back on the depth chart. If Bradley starts the year at point guard, and Courtney Lee is at shooting guard, then it's very possible Bradley shifts to the two-guard and Lee goes to the bench. There will be a much stiffer competition for playing time, which raises the question: Does that leave enough room for a true point guard like Phil Pressey to get playing time?</p>
<h5>So, will Pressey get playing time?</h5>
<p>Personally, I don't think so. Pressey will have to shine in workouts, practices, and pre-season, in order to receive significant playing time. I do think there is a chance he gets time early in the year considering his potential on the defensive end, but I think, for his sake, he is better off getting sent to the Developmental League. This is not to say he isn't ready for the NBA, but there is far too much talent ahead of him on the depth chart to warrant playing him for extended minutes.</p>
<p>If Phil Pressey is sent to the Developmental League he'll be able to learn the ropes from Ronald Nored, who received a prominent role with the Maine Red Claws. Nored will be able to teach Pressey how to take his defense to another level and remove any significant flaws in his game. There's also a chance that Pressey tears it up in the D-League, just like Avery Bradley did years ago, and will be back in Boston sooner rather than later.</p>
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https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/9/27/4775986/what-should-we-expect-from-phil-pressey-this-season-boston-celtics-preview-nba-2013-2014-missouriKevinOConnorNBA2013-09-26T09:00:08-04:002013-09-26T09:00:08-04:00Who is Vitor Faverani?
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<figcaption>Even these guys aren't really sure. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Celtics have an unknown commodity in Brazilian center Vitor Faverani. He might turn out to be a star; he might be a flop.</p> <p>Why am I writing about <span>Vitor Faverani</span>? I'll be honest here - I don't know the first thing about him.<br><br>I know that Vitor Faverani is from Brazil. I know that Brazil is a major world economic power whose biggest exports include coffee. I know that coffee comes from beans that grow on evergreen shrubs. I know that botanists define a "shrub" as any plant that's less than 8 meters high and has many stems arising at or near the base.<br><br>OK, two blatant problems here - one, I didn't actually "know" any of those things, I just ganked them from Wikipedia, and two, I've gotten away from the main point and forgotten what I set out to write about.<br><br>Oh, right. Vitor Faverani.<br><br>Yeah. I don't know anything about Vitor Faverani, and I suspect you don't either. Neither do many of the media pundits out there charged with speculating about him, and past a certain point, neither does Danny Ainge, probably.<br><br>Not that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Celtics</a> didn't do their homework on Faverani to some extent. I'm sure they looked into his resume - they know that he broke into Spanish pro ball at 17 and began playing for Clínicas Rincón Axarquía, the farm team of CB Málaga, and he bounced around for a few years before eventually being promoted to the big leagues. Last year, he played 23 games for Valencia Basket of the Spanish ACB, averaging 9.3 points and 4.6 rebounds.<br><br>That's all well and good, but the Celtics don't really know what they're getting from Faverani at the NBA level. They've watched some tape and looked over some stats, but they've still got a largely unknown quantity on their hands, and he's being thrust into an entirely foreign system with new teammates and a new coach. Faverani might be the next Brazilian star, another coming of Nene or <span>Anderson Varejao</span>; he might also be a bust. Until we see him take the floor, it's hard to say.<br><br>There's something exhilarating about that.<br><br>One beautiful thing about entering this post-<span>Kevin Garnett</span>, post-Paul Pierce Celtics era is that the team can afford to experiment a little bit. The stakes are lower this season - no one's fantasizing about winning a championship anytime soon, so the Celtics can afford to get a little speculative. They can take a long look at a guy like Vitor Faverani because there's plenty of reward and little risk. If Faverani pans out, Boston can build with him, but if not, Ainge hasn't lost much.<br><br>It's hard to believe, but it's been seven years since the Celtics began a season with expectations this low. Back in 2006, they had an incredibly young team and no delusions of a playoff run. They took the opportunity to throw a whole lot of young players out there, just to see who stuck.<br><br>Some (<span>Allan Ray</span>, Kevinn Pinkney) were forgotten. Others (<span>Al Jefferson</span>, <span>Delonte West</span>) became valuable trade assets. Still others (<span>Tony Allen</span>, <span>Leon Powe</span>) emerged as decent role players. A couple (<span>Rajon Rondo</span>, <span>Kendrick Perkins</span>) turned into legitimate building blocks.<br><br>We don't yet know which of the above categories Vitor Faverani will eventually fall into, but it'll be an adventure to find out.<br><br>Brad Stevens has already commented a little bit about Faverani's profile. He <a target="_blank" href="http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/9/16/4738952/brad-stevens-discusses-vitor-faverani-and-his-strategy-for-training">spoke with the media last week</a> and referred to the young prospect as "a skilled big," a player with post scoring ability and a bit of shooting range, also noting his considerable size (he's 6'11" and 235) and willingness to learn.<br><br>That's something. We're not totally in the dark about Faverani after all.<br><br>But boy, we sure don't know much.<br><br>We've got all season to find out.</p>
https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/9/26/4772146/who-knows-what-to-expect-from-vitor-faveraniEvans Clinchy2013-09-25T07:00:06-04:002013-09-25T07:00:06-04:00Kelly Olynyk : An Updated In-Depth Scouting Report
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/Kevin__OConnor" target="new">Kevin O'Connor</a> takes an in-depth look at the Boston Celtics first round draft pick, Kelly Olynyk.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_team/show?league=nba&slug=boston-celtics">Boston Celtics</a> traded up in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">2013 NBA Draft</a> to select <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_player/show/198029?league=nba&slug=kelly-olynyk">Kelly Olynyk</a>, a 7-footer out of Gonzaga. Many C's fans were initially unimpressed by the selection, but Olynyk quickly proved he was one of the most NBA-ready big men in the draft after his stellar performance in the Orlando Summer League. In five games Olynyk averaged 18 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Because of his performance, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/rookie-ladder/">NBA.com has him ranked as the number one rookie</a> heading into the preseason.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Utvjkqbvlcfslcj" class="photo" src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/2489663.png&w=350&h=254"></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Kelly Olynyk</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">Position: Power Forward</h4>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">College: Gonzaga</h5>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">Height: 7'0"</h5>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">Weight: 234</h5>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">Age: 22</h5>
<p>Olynyk played center in college but Danny Ainge says that he will play some power forward in the NBA. Ainge has also hinted that both the power forward and center positions are somewhat interchangeable, so the Celtics will be able to take advantage of Kelly's strengths depending on the matchup. With the Celtics entering a transition phase, the native of Canada will look to immediately put himself in the team's rotation this season.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Click the hyperlinks throughout this article for video clips of Kelly Olynyk. This is a revised scouting report that was originally posted by myself in June. Additional thoughts are based on additional footage that has been watched, including the Orlando Summer League.<br></i></p>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">Offense Overview</h4>
<p>Kelly Olynyk has a very good repertoire of post moves and is exceptional finishing at the rim. His soft hands and decisive movements after receiving a pass contribute to his high success rate. Olynyk is quite a unique player considering his upbringing as a point guard. His guard skills mean he has very good ball handling ability (with both hands), so he is very good getting to the basket from the perimeter. From outside he shows beautiful touch on his jumper and has the potential to extend his range to three-point land. Olynyk shot only 23.1 percent from three in the Orlando Summer League, but it appears that shot will be in his arsenal this season.</p>
<h4>Defense Overview</h4>
<p>Olynyk's lack of athleticism really hurts him on defense. He doesn't have the muscle or length to defend the post at a high level and his slow side-to-side speed limits him drastically in the pick-and-roll or any other time he is out on the perimeter. Olynyk's lack of strength also hurts him when rebounding, since he is bound to get pushed around for better positioning. Olynyk is not a shot blocker but has very good basket awareness and does an adequate job at protecting the rim.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ps3RqEE1E0w" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h3>Full Analysis</h3>
<h4>Athleticism/Intangibles</h4>
<p>Kelly Olynyk has very good straight-line speed, making him a threat in transition offense. Olynyk grew up <a href="http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/06/27/celtics-trade-with-mavs-draft-gonzaga-center-kelly-olynyk-13th-overall/" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">playing point guard until his junior year of high school</a>, so he possesses elite instincts for a big man. Kelly has a lot of the intangibles that a point guard has when running the floor. He knows where to be and what the best passing lane is for the ball handler, putting himself in a <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=1m3s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">perfect position for a pass</a>.</p>
<p>Other than his speed, Olynyk is not a very athletic player. Even when moving side to side, Olynyk loses a lot of the quickness that makes him special on the offensive end. He gets beat in the pick-and-roll and lacks the length to make up for it. With only a 6'10" wingspan, Olynyk was one of the few players in the draft that had a shorter wingspan than height.</p>
<p>Kelly doesn't have the greatest strength, making him vulnerable to getting out-rebounded or bodied on the post, but he does bring a very high motor to both ends of the floor. Olynyk himself admits that he is not an athletic guy, so he has to play 150 percent in order to stay with some of the great athletic talents playing in the NBA. In the Summer League Olynyk proved he is willing to work by<a target="_blank" href="http://youtu.be/R5d5-EiNJVk?t=1m13s"> constantly chasing after loose balls </a>and running full speed in transition.</p>
<h4>Post/Inside Offense</h4>
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<p>Olynyk had some of the softest hands out of any of the bigs in the draft. When he receives a pass near the rim he knows how to finish the play or draw a foul. He is very decisive with all of his movements and goes up strong with the ball. According to Sports Synergy, Olynyk finished a <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=3m40s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">staggering 75.3 percent of his shots at the rim. Olynyk's soft hands</a> contribute to the fact he has very nice touch. You very rarely will see Olynyk "brick" a shot off the back of the rim; if he misses, it usually softly rims out or his lack of athleticism prevented him from getting off a quality shot.</p>
<p>Speaking of Olynyk's athleticism, you might think that this would deter his effectiveness on the post, but I don't find that to be the case. Kelly shows the savvy of an NBA veteran when it comes to his post moves. In college I didn't think that Olynyk had a go-to move, but he most certainly had one in the Orlando Summer League. He showcased a fantastic up-and-under move that brought back memories of Celtic great Kevin McHale. Olynyk's footwork on both the low and high post is outstanding as he has a myriad of different moves. Olynyk especially does a good job of creating space on the high post when attempting a turn-around jumper.</p>
<p>Olynyk is very good at fighting hard for deep post positioning. Even though he might lack the strength to battle against elite defensive centers, he should be able to compete with most NBA power forwards. <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=4m58s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Look at this clip of Olynyk</a> battling hard in the lane and eventually slipping in deep for amazing positioning on the post. Kelly seems most comfortable operating from the low right block and does an especially good job finishing with his right hand. <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=5m34s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">These couple of clips </a>are good examples of what he can do there. My favorite is the one <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=5m54s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">at the 5:54 mark,</a> Olynyk jabs his right foot in between the defender, giving himself leverage on the play. After one quick dribble he goes back to his right hand and scores a bucket.</p>
<p>More often than not Kelly likes to finish with his right hand but he does have the ability to put the ball on the floor with his left hand, giving him much added flexibility on the post and from the perimeter. We saw this in the Summer League, as Kelly would receive the ball just inside the three-point line and take it to the hole. Whether or not this translates to the NBA remains to be seen, but the potential is there.</p>
<h4>Perimeter Offense/Ball Handling</h4>
<p>Since Kelly Olynyk didn't grow to be a 7-footer until his junior year of high school, he spent almost all of his youth playing the point guard position. Olynyk grew up with the ball in his hands, so that has left an imprint on his game as a big man. <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=1m29s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">He has great dribbling ability and is able to get where he wants with the ball. </a>When Olynyk receives the ball on the wing, elbow, point, or top of the key, he is a major threat to put the ball on the floor and drive to the hole. Once he gets in the lane he is very quick to recognize what he should do, whether he establishes post positioning, pulls up with a shot, or goes all the way to the rim for a layup.</p>
<p>One of the most intriguing parts of Kelly's offensive skillset is his jump shot. Olynyk had some of the <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=6m42s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">best fundamentals out of any big men </a>in the draft, which again comes from his upbringing playing point guard. Olynyk has an absolutely flawless jump shot, with perfect mechanics from start to finish. He shows nice touch from the high post and elbows; he even has <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=6m42s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">nice little floater in the paint</a>. Olynyk shot 77.6 percent from the free throw line as a junior and <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=7m20s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">33.3 percent (on 75 attempts) from three-point range</a> in his three seasons with the Bulldogs.</p>
<p>Even though he only shot 23.1 percent from three-point range in the Orlando Summer League, I believe that Olynyk's success rate will become much more consistent as he develops. His jump shot form is too pristine for it not to. At the least, he will be a knockdown mid-range jump shooter.</p>
<p>Despite Kelly's success with his jump shot, he was not utilized much in any pick-and-pop action at Gonzaga, though he did show that he is <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=2m55s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">very good at setting screens in the pick-and-roll</a>. If he is able to have the same amount of success in the pick-and-pop, he'll be a serious threat from mid-range. I expect Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics to utilize Kelly in this role, especially if he is playing the power forward position.</p>
<h4>Rebounding</h4>
<p>Even though Olynyk stands at 7-feet tall, <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=9m31s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">he is not a very good rebounder</a>. Olynyk does a good job of boxing out but doesn't have the length to grab the ball at its apex. Even though he fights for positioning, he gets outleaped by more athletic players and outmuscled by stronger ones. It's hard to imagine Olynyk ever improves drastically, but he still has the size had the ability to average 5-to-7 rebounds per game from the power forward position. While those numbers aren't ideal, they are forgivable if he is on a team next to a true center that would swallow up most rebounds anyway.</p>
<p>While I obviously have my concerns for Kelly Olynyk as a consistent rebounder, he proved in the Orlando Summer League that he has the potential to be a "clutch rebounder." By that I mean he has a nose for the ball, and when crashing the boards he has the instincts to get in position for the rebound. There were a few instances of this in the summer when Olynyk would grab an offensive board and quickly put it up for a basket, draw a foul, or kick it out to the perimeter for another possession.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0UYG1Ksrnm4" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Post/Inside Defense</h4>
<p>Kelly Olynyk plays with a lot of energy on the post and does a good job of denying his man deep post-positioning, but if the ball manages to get in deep, he's in trouble. Olynyk lacks the strength to deal with stronger players and the length to defend longer, more athletic big men. With only a 6'10" wingspan, Olynyk will be facing off against many players with arms 4-to-5 inches longer than him. Kelly will battle until the possession changes or the play is blown dead, but he simply doesn't have the ability to compete at a high level on the post.</p>
<p>Olynyk is a very smart defender on the post; he rarely bites on pump fakes and he does a relatively solid job staying with his assignment. Sometimes he gets caught in "no man's land" but I am relatively impressed with his ability to keep himself between his man and the rim. Of course, he won't be a threat to block shots, but he's good enough to make things a little bit difficult for opponents that are penetrating the paint.</p>
<h4>Perimeter/Pick and Roll Defense</h4>
<p>Even though Kelly has amazing straight-line speed for a man his size, he struggles very much when moving laterally. As a result, Olynyk has very hard time defending on the perimeter. Even when Kelly Olynyk has good footwork, he still gets burnt. <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=11m20s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Check out this clip</a> to see Olynyk with pretty solid technique (good base and slides feet) but still get blown by. It's not amazing defense by any means but this is a good example to show that even when he does something right, he still might not be athletic enough to make the play.</p>
<p>My concern is when he has bad footwork on the perimeter. <a href="http://youtu.be/0UYG1Ksrnm4?t=11m30s" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">On the next few clips from that last link</a>, Olynyk has very bad technique when matched up against his assignment. From the start, he doesn't get set with a wide base, leaving himself vulnerable to dribble penetration. Once the drive begins, he "crosses his feet" and doesn't slide with his opponent. Olynyk must learn to stay more balanced, keep his man in front of him, and always establish a wide base, which would allow him to slide more quickly.</p>
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<p>When playing in the pick-and-roll, Kelly Olynyk hedges far too hard and lacks the foot speed to get back to his man. This is a place where Olynyk could get completely exposed at the beginning of his NBA career. If Olynyk is on the floor an NBA team can put him in the pick-and-roll, forcing a switch with a guard. When you bring Olynyk out on the perimeter he is at his most vulnerable since he currently lacks the athleticism and basketball awareness to play effectively in this type of situation. Whether or not this is a problem with the Celtics all depends on the type of defense they play under Brad Stevens. It's possible that Olynyk isn't put in situations where he has to hedge too often.</p>
<h4>Potential</h4>
<p>When I first watched Kelly Olynyk play I was unimpressed with his game. I saw a guy that wasn't athletic enough to play in the NBA. However, over time I found my initial feelings to be false. Olynyk might not be a great athlete -- or even a good one -- but his high motor and intensity make up for his absence of any physical tools.</p>
<p>Olynyk seems like a very hard working, coachable player. He was a redshirt during his junior season and it's obvious he spent loads of time improving his game, since he came back during his redshirt-junior season and played on another level. With that, I do think he will continue to improve. Before the draft he said he wanted to extend his range and he started to shown signs of fulfilling that goal in the Summer League.</p>
<p>He also appeared to improve on the post, where he was already very effective with Gonzaga. Since he'll play some power forward with the Boston Celtics, I don't think he really needs to put on any more muscle, like he would've had to at center. Olynyk could easily become a player that scores a respectable 12-to-14 points per game as a sixth man but I wouldn't put him past him to be a guy that an average 17-to-19 points per game as a starter. Olynyk is an extremely versatile player on the offensive end and still has room to develop.</p>
<p>Olynyk will probably never be a good defense player but he if continues to work hard he has the tools to become an average one. He plays hard on the post and has a high basketball I.Q., so he if he can make strides playing pick-and-roll defense he will never be a liability out there on the floor. I have my concerns about him playing on the perimeter against a stretch-forward, but I think he is already good enough to defend most forwards that primarily operate on the post.</p>
<h4>Rookie Year Expectations</h4>
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<p>The first obstacle for Kelly Olynyk is to get rid of the plantar fasciitis that is currently nagging at him. That is objective number one, as his potential will be stifled if he doesn't get it solved. Once he is past that, I expect Olynyk to have a great year off of the bench. I don't think he'll get enough time to warrant winning Rookie of the Year, but in his time on the court, he will provide an offensive spark.</p>
<p>Fans need to give Kelly some leeway if he doesn't perform just like he did in the Orlando Summer League. He'll be facing many more talented players in the NBA and needs time to develop in order to perform at such a high-level. With time, it could happen, but he is only a 22-year-old rookie and needs time for his game to grow.</p>
<p>Danny Ainge recently mentioned that Olynyk could be paired with second-year player <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_player/show/157880?league=nba&slug=jared-sullinger">Jared Sullinger</a>. I think that is the perfect combination for Olynyk, as Sully's rebounding ability will allow Olynyk to play power forward. I look forward to seeing the strides Kelly makes on the perimeter as he approaches his terrific potential as a scorer.</p>
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https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/9/25/4768698/an-updated-in-depth-scouting-report-of-kelly-olynykKevinOConnorNBA2013-09-24T09:00:09-04:002013-09-24T09:00:09-04:00MIL->ORL->CHA->HOU->ORL->MIL->SA->CHI->NJ->BK->BOS
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>Keith Bogans has never been a Celtic. At least, I don't think so. His career stat sheet looks like I'm trying to get to 500 words in a 5th grade book report: drafted by Milwaukee, immediately traded to Orlando for cash, traded to Charlotte, traded to Houston, signed as a free agent back in Orlando, traded back to Milwaukee, signed in San Antonio, signed and waived in Chicago, signed and waived in New Jersey, signed again months later by Brooklyn, and now finally signed and traded to Boston. So yes, this is his first year as a Celtic, but hearing him talk, it sounds like he's been a Celtic all along.</p> <p><iframe allowtransparency="true" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="710" width="612" src="//instagram.com/p/bzKKTeGwel/embed/"></iframe></p>
<p>At the <a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/7/15/4525622/humphries-brooks-and-bogans-introduced-as-celtics">introductory press conference back in mid-July</a>, the mood was pretty somber. MarShon Brooks looks like a dear caught in the headlights. Kris Humphries has the look of a man that knows he's getting paid no matter where he plays. But check out Keith Bogans. Don't mistake his dour exterior for someone that doesn't care. That's the look of all business, all the time and for a guy that's been on the business end of a lot NBA transactions, he's got a pretty good attitude.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/7/16/4527384/keith-bogans-boston-celtics">I said this two months ago</a>, but it bears repeating:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Widely considered a throw-in last month's blockbuster trade who has gotten paid handsomely just to make the numbers work, Keith Bogans comes to the Celtics with little hoopla and fanfare, but what he lacks in upside he makes up for in grit and balls after years of bar fights.</p>
<p>In the Big Three era, we've had our share of journeymen like Stephon Marbury, Rasheed Wallace, Shaquille O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal, and Nate Robinson that have come to Boston in search of that Celtic magic. But it's been the rare veteran that's comes in--the Keyon Doolings and P.J. Browns of the NBA--that were always Celtics even before wearing the green, guys that epitomize the Celtic Way. Keith Bogans might be one of those guys.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>We can talk about what Keith Bogans brings to the team as a 3 & D man, but ultimately, his value will be in a leadership role. The 33-year-old is the oldest player on the roster and easily the most traveled. He played for Doc on that 1-10 Magic team that would eventually get Rivers fired, the expansion season of the Bobcats, and several competitive playoff teams in Orlando, San Antonio, and Chicago. He's got the Kentucky connection with Rajon and like Rondo and Jeff Green, spent an entire year rehabbing an injury and successfully coming back.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height="350" class="mceItemFlash"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ynEFOFibBIs">
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<p style="text-align: center;">Meet Keith Bogans (via <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=ynEFOFibBIs">bostonceltics</a>)</p>
<p>Cynics will say, "what can a player who has bounced around the league and not found a home teach a group of young guys looking to be part of a foundation to a rebuilding team?" His career arc looks more like a cautionary tale rather than a model of stability. That may all be true, but Bogans walks the walk. Close your eyes and watch <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2013/04/10/20130410-association-keith-bogans.nba">this video from The Association</a> last season with the Nets. That could easily be Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett (especially when he's barking out assignments on defense), right? If you're a stats nerd, check out <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/boganke01.html#all_per_minute">his career per 36</a>. It's nothing spectacular but it's steady, regardless if he was getting starter's minutes or coming off the bench.</p>
<p>I hate to bring this up, but his contract and the way the trade was structured gives Danny a lot of flexibility down the road. He signed on for three years at $16 million deal the final two years non-guaranteed. At first blush, it looks like a pretty sweet deal for the journeyman, but it'll be Ainge and the Celtics that benefit the most. Here's a snippit from a <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1igbmp/explaining_the_celticsnets_trade_in_1000_easy/">reddit stream breaking down the trade</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><u>Nets Get<span> </span>Salary<span> </span>Celtics Get<span> </span>Salary</u><br>Paul Pierce <span> </span>$15,333,334 <span> </span>Keith Bogans <span> </span>$5,058,198<br><span> </span>Trade Exception <span> </span>$10,275,136<br>TOTAL $15,333,334 <span> </span>TOTAL $15,333,334</p>
<p><u>So? What Does That Do?</u></p>
<p>This trade exception expires on 7/12/14. The signing moratorium ends on 7/10/14. Keith Bogans' contract is completely non-guaranteed for 2014-15. This means that, during the moratorium at the beginning of next year's free agent period, the Celtics could arrange a trade, or a sign-and-trade, for over $10M without sending any guaranteed contracts back plus they have Bogans' "super expiring" for over $5M more. They could throw in some of their many draft picks to entice a team to agree to a sign-and-trade if they get a free agent to agree to sign in Boston. They could take someone else's expiring contract. They could help someone get below the luxury tax. They only have a few days to work with, but the Celtics not only picked up three draft picks (and the right to swap another) to build the future, they also made themselves real players in next year's free agent super class, if they want to be one.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That trade exception plus Bogans' non-guaranteed contract is huge. In effect, the Celtics could bring in an almost max-player next summer, but when Bogans moves on--and yes, he will move on--I know I'll miss him. They won't retire his number or put together a homecoming video when he returns to the Garden, but hopefully, his voice and experience echoes with the players long after he's gone.</p>
https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/9/24/4760398/the-journeyman-comes-home-keith-bogans-boston-celticsBill Sy2013-09-23T06:00:09-04:002013-09-23T06:00:09-04:00Brooks gets his shot in green
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The path has been unusual but MarShon Brooks comes full circle with his return back to New England.</p> <p>Rewind to June 23, 2011. I'm watching the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NBA Draft</a> at my house with two of my friends, waiting for the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Celtics</a> to be on the clock and make their first round selection. It's become an annual thing with my friends where we become enamored with a prospect who's been rumored to be on the Celtics draft radar. Our fascination stems from our belief that not only will the player fit well in Boston, but he'll be, at the very least, intriguing to watch. In this past draft, that player was <span>Dennis Schroeder</span> (OK, that was mostly me, not my friends). In 2012, it was <span>Royce White</span> (whew). In 2011, our focus was directly on <span>MarShon Brooks</span>.</p>
<p>At the time, Brooks wasn't considered a lottery talent. He wasn't a unique, hard-to-come-by player. Heck, the only skill he had that was going to translate well at the next level was his ability to score. He was compared to offensive dynamos like Jamaal Crawford and as<a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/blog/_/name/nba_draft/id/6619525/marshon-brooks-draws-comparisons-kobe-bryant"> ridiculous as it sounds, Kobe Bryant.</a> In his senior season at Providence, Brooks even dropped 52 points in a game against Big East powerhouse Notre Dame.</p>
<p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PQFhRBB8LQo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/blog/_/name/nba_draft/id/6619525/marshon-brooks-draws-comparisons-kobe-bryant"></a>But that was just what the Celtics needed. Offense off the bench was an issue and <span>Ray Allen</span> wasn't getting any younger, so Brooks appeared to be a good fit. The problem was that he was <a href="http://nbadraft.net/2011mock_draft">projected as a mid first-round pick, likely to be selected somewhere in the high teens</a>. The chances that he was going to slide down to Boston at No. 25 appeared unlikely.</p>
<p>Back to draft night. My friends and I were watching as the lottery picks concluded. A personal favorite of mine in <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> was taken by the <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indiana Pacers</a>, only to be traded to the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a> for <span>George Hill</span> minutes later. The usual draft day trades went down and some interesting picks were made. As we entered the 20's, my friends and I noticed that a certain power forward was still undrafted. We knew coming into the night that <span>Kenneth Faried</span> lasting to No. 25 was a pipe dream, but suddenly it was becoming a possibility. Two picks later, boom. Faried went off the board. A little bummed out, we thought, "Well, there's still Brooks." After two more picks, Boston was on the clock with Brooks still available. No sooner did the words come out of David Stern's mouth that we started high-fiving.</p>
<p>But the draft giveth and the draft can just as quickly taketh. We soon learned that Brooks was being shipped to New Jersey in exchange for <span>JaJuan Johnson</span>, who was chosen two picks after Brooks. As many fans do, we of course talked ourselves into the trade and Johnson in the next few days. We know how that worked out for Boston.</p>
<p>Fast forward to late June, 2013, when it came out that the Celtics and <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a> agreed in principle to a blockbuster trade. Various emotions and thoughts came with the news but Brooks' involvement as a piece in the trade was an afterthought. After my friends and I came to grips with losing two future Hall of Famers, we sarcastically accepted that "Hey, at least MarShon Brooks is finally coming to Boston."</p>
<p>The landscape of the Celtics this time around for Brooks is a lot different. Not necessarily dimmer, just different. It's a situation which will afford Brooks much more opportunities. Aside from a a few key returning players, roles are up for grabs. There is no set depth chart, rotation or pecking order. For a player who failed to show much improvement in his second year, it's a fairly welcoming situation.</p>
<p>Brooks' steep drop in production from his promising rookie campaign was primarily due to the Nets' acquisition of Joe Johnson. After starting 47 of his 53 games in in 2011-12, Brooks saw time in the starting five only twice in his 73 games this past season. This wasn't a case of a player retaining his role when coming off the bench either. Brooks' playing time plummeted from 29.4 minutes per game to 12.5.</p>
<p>Yes, Johnson was a roadblock to Brooks seeing any extended time on the floor but there were other factors at play as well. For one, the Nets committed to establishing a "win now" brand in Brooklyn and trying to wrestle some of the grip on New York away from the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Knicks</a>. Along with trading for Johnson, the Nets also brought in veteran players who could help win games. There was just fewer minutes available for young, developing players.</p>
<p>Brooks, however, didn't help his case for playing time. He's always been considered a liability on defense and as a score-first type of player, his shot selection sometimes doesn't sit well with his coaches. After establishing himself as an up-and-coming player in his rookie season, his trade stock came crashing down last year. That didn't stop Boston from adding him as a piece to the trade though.</p>
<p>There's no reason to give up on any young player this early into his career, but it especially makes sense in Brooks' case . His 5.4 points per game, down from 12.6 from the previous season, certainly looks bad, but <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brookma01.html">his stats per 36 minutes were either nearly identical, or slightly above his per 36 numbers from 2011-12</a>. His shooting fluctuated and that can usually be attested to context. For instance, he shot 42.8 percent from the field in his rookie year while playing for a New Jersey team that was likely much worse than this Boston squad. Playing on a better team with more offensive options last season, Brooks' shooting improved to 46.3 percent.</p>
<p>Overall, Brooks has the tools to be a prototypical shooting guard. His 6-foot-5 frame will be a bonus to Boston's undersized backcourt and while <span>Avery Bradley</span> and <span>Courtney Lee</span> provide strong defense, the Celtics have been searching for scoring from a two-guard not named Ray Allen for quite some time.</p>
<p>The stigma of being one of the incoming former Nets isn't likely to wear off anytime soon. <span>Kris Humphries</span>, <span>Gerald Wallace</span> and <span>Keith Bogans</span> won't be the most popular players among fans who want to see Boston shed salary and move on from retread veterans. With continued improvement in his third year, Brooks can separate himself and remind Celtics fans of the excitement they felt when it seemed he was coming to Boston the first time around.</p>
https://www.celticsblog.com/2013/9/23/4760806/brooks-finally-gets-his-opportunity-in-bostonJay Asser2013-09-22T06:15:05-04:002013-09-22T06:15:05-04:00Give Kris Humphries a chance,he'll prove you wrong
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Kris Humphries hustles, grinds, and has heart. What is there not to like?</p> <p>I understand it can be fun to dislike professional athletes, but I implore <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a> fans to reserve their judgments and give <span>Kris Humphries</span> a chance this season. Hump brings a lot of talent to the floor and I believe any hate that you may feel for him is unwarranted.</p>
<p>Yeah, I know. Kris Humphries married Kim Kardashian. He's all over TMZ. He might even have a "Jersey Shore bro" type of attitude about him. Okay, does it really matter at all? Maybe you think Humphries is attention seeking for marrying Kardashian...so what? Why should anyone dislike a basketball player for that reason?</p>
<p>It's irrational hate, that's all I'm saying. Not only that, but that stage of his life is gone. It's in the rear view mirror; Kris is looking forward, and so should you. We should instead be focusing on how he fits with the Boston Celtics and what he brings to the court.</p>
<p>The Celtics are generally known for their heart and grit, perhaps it was the culture that <span>Kevin Garnett</span> brought here, or maybe it's the fact that the city of Boston imprints that attitude onto its teams. Either way, I think Kris Humphries will be well received by Celtics fans if they just give him a chance in the first place.</p>
<p>Here are a few questions for the skeptics: Do you like hard-nosed rebounders? Hump is exactly that. How about players that dive on the floor for loose balls? Yes, that too. What about someone that runs the floor hard and gets ahead of the defense for transition opportunities? You guessed it; he brings that to the court too.</p>
<p>One of my favorite Celtics in the last ten years is <span>Leon Powe</span> because of his ability to crash the offensive boards and then find the blue sky for a basket. I appreciate players that have the instincts to know where the ball is going to bounce, but also the heart to go chase it down. Kris Humphries brings that to the Celtics.</p>
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<p>Humphries averaged 10.7 rebounds in 31.1 minutes per game during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, and did so in an especially impressive fashion, since he had 58 double-doubles over those two seasons. Seriously, just think about that. In 136 games over that span he had a double double in 42 percent of them. He would've had even more if it weren't for the fact he didn't get much playing time early in 2010 or the lockout in 2011. Humphries is a rebounding machine and there is no arguing against that, period.</p>
<p>Here's the thing: Hump is more than just a rebounder. Even though he only averages a little over one block per game when he actually receives playing time, anytime I watch Kris Humphries I notice him making plays on the ball. Hump gets the majority of his blocks when chasing players down from behind, which is a sign that he never gives up on a play.</p>
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<p>It's plays like that have made me respect Kris Humphries as an NBA player. He dives for the floor for loose balls and hustles hard on defensively. Sure, he isn't the best technical defender, and will occasionally get crossed up or hedge too hard on pick-and-rolls, but I can forgive that when I know a player is doing everything he can to maximize his abilities.</p>
<p>From an article by Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com, it appears that Humphries has been working extra hard to take his game to another level this summer. In the in-depth piece, Zwerling outlines how Humphries spoke about how excited he is to play in an up-tempo offense with <span>Rajon Rondo</span>.</p>
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<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/9668817/new-boston-celtic-kris-humphries-spent-summer-raising-game">New Boston Celtic Kris Humphries spent the summer raising his game. - ESPN Boston</a><br>"You get a chance to play with a guy like Rondo, who won a championship and has been an All-Star and done all those things. I'm excited because he's a guy that plays at a high pace the whole game. He's a great passer, whether it's in transition or the half-court. I'm hoping that he gets back as soon as possible. I talked to coach [Brad] Stevens a lot about playing at an up-tempo pace -- get out there and run. So I'm prepared to do that. I think that will be great for everyone. We have a lot of younger guys, so I think to play at an up-tempo pace will give us a chance to compete every night."</p>
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<p>Zwerling goes onto to mention how Humphries worked extra hard this summer to improve his game. Hump usually works with three trainers in Minnesota, but this year he spent a lot of time in Los Angeles, working on his Pilates and yoga workouts, and worked out with some of the most experienced NBA player developmental coaches, <span>Phil Weber</span>.</p>
<p>Weber had previously helped other forwards develop (most notably Amar'e Stoudemire) a jump shot and he believes Humphries is on his way to doing the same. Hump's greatest weakness offensively is his inability to stretch the floor, but it's possible we will see a new dimension of his game this season.</p>
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<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/9668817/new-boston-celtic-kris-humphries-spent-summer-raising-game">New Boston Celtic Kris Humphries spent the summer raising his game. - ESPN Boston</a><br>"Kris had about as hard a working month as I've ever seen. He's in unbelievable shape," Weber said. "He just worked, worked, worked, and the last workout before he went back to Minnesota -- after about five weeks of hard work -- he made 15 in a row from the elbow and 10 in a row from the corner 3. Kris is transforming his game, and his belief level is starting to soar. He was playing really well over in Clipperland. I went and saw him play one day and he looked great."</p>
<p>Weber was especially impressed with Humphries' new step-back jumper, which will be a key weapon when he faces opposing power forwards and centers.</p>
<p>"For a big 5 to guard him, he can blow by him with one dribble because of his quickness," Weber said. "So if he has a step-back? Thinking of his game and the evolution of him, it was a necessity because he's got the quickness and now he can make an elbow jumper at a higher percentage. Once you can make that consistent elbow jump shot and you have quickness on your opponent, you become almost unguardable or you've just become really beneficial to a team."</p>
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<p>What if Phil Weber is right and Kris Humphries has added something new to his arsenal? We already know he brings hustle to the table, but what if he brings a jump shot too? Humphries could be in for a huge payday next offseason, and maybe by that point Boston Celtics fans will be nagging at Danny Ainge to give him an extension.</p>
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