Why Pruitt's maturation is important for the back court

[campybatman]

Obviously, if he's your back up, others are allowed to play their natural roles. I'm beginning to see why having Cassell makes sense but I'm still not entirely sold on him [Cassell] contributing anymore than he did this season.

I prefer House as a scorer anyways seeing him and Ray as essential players in the back court being able to provide clutch outside shots besides points. While Tony's role could shift somewhat as a go between guard and forward. Could depend on the growth of Walker and/or Giddens through the season.

1 - Rondo, Pruitt and Cassell (even as an assistant coach, he could suit up in case of an emergency)
2 - R. Allen, T, Allen/House (both can be used as a tandem or split their minutes evenly)

Pruitt solidified his status as a backup point guard, showing he can mesh with the stars, in a 33-minute stint. He had 11 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 turnovers in an 83-66 victory over the Nets Sunday. Against the Knicks, his numbers were down (8 points) but he had zero turnovers.

"I've been happy with Gabe," said coach Doc Rivers. "The biggest improvement he's made has been defensively. He stays in front of players but he needs to play a little stronger. If they push him, he backs off. You can see other teams are doing that to him. He gives ground and he needs to stand his ground. And he'll get that."

The Celtics will have five players capable of filling the point guard role, or at least setting up the offense against pressure.

If Pruitt continues to produce, Tony Allen and House will be used mostly at the shooting guard spot. House scored 14 of the Celtics' 18 points in the final quarter.

"Overall, I'm pleased with how preseason went," Pruitt said. "I got a chance to play with the starters and to show Doc he can put me in with those guys and it won't be a step back."

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball ... _to_do_it/

[SonicYouth34]

I loved when Pruit ran the team and guarded the 2- guard and House was the 2-guard. They we're very effective together.

[campybatman]

Exactly. Pruitt's impact on the team will be realized more with his affect on House more than any player. Simply, because House doesn't have to bring the ball up (even if that's something he'd practiced on this summer) nor does he have to defer a shot in favor of finding an open teammate most of the time. I mean House was billed prior to coming to Boston as a shooter, a scorer... He's a volume scorer who could fill-it-up in bunches. Leave the thinking to Rondo and Pruitt and allow him to go out there and score among other things. Because those points will be counted on off the bench even if Tony can provide some scoring too.

[bruno sundov]

I really wonder how important he is. If he could bring the ball up the court and just intiate the offense that would be great. Knock down the occasional open jumper and go back to the bench.

Now if Rondo really gets hurt he will have to do that for 25+ minutes and it becomes a different story.

[hiphop1]

He is gonna be great I been sayin it all along.

[MyInsatiableOne]

He is gonna be great I been sayin it all along.

I'm not so sure, I don't think he's gonna be as good as a lot of people seem to think...but we'll just have to wait and see...

[campybatman]

House is naturally an off guard. Let's not make him into something he isn't. Pruitt's gaining the respect and confidence of the team's leaders and teammates like Rondo did this season. I say give Pruitt a chance to grow into a point guard for this team. It couldn't hurt to see what he's got... If not, trade him now then. Of course, that makes little sense... So, I want to see (read about) what kind of player Pruitt can develop into next season. I think he'll get minutes.

[sully00]

If Pruitt can give this team 15 mpg then he will allow 3 things to happen, first of all Tony can stay on the wing and hopefull not have his confidence shot trying to be a pg.

Eddie can fill his natural role and if he isn't effective then sit him down and not have him trying to be something he isn't, a facilitator when his 3's aren't falling.

Most significanlty is that Pruitt being effective will allow Doc to limit Ray's mins because he want have to become some sort of defacto primary ball handler because we only have ineffective pgs.

Well I guess it is actually four fold tombattor's head won't explode from having to watch Sam I am play 20 mpg

[Celtics_85]

Pruitt will keep improving and be the guy that best benefits the most by having Cassell here. Once Cassell teaches Pruitt how to utilize that pull up jumper from 15 to 18 feet Pruitt will become a good scorer. Pruitt does a good job driving and hitting threes, but he seems to be the only PG who has the ability to really have a good midrange game. House is a great shooter and Rondo can hit a jumper and beet guys off the dribble, but Pruitt can have an all around game on offense who becomes a great compliment to Rondo, Ray, and House.

[campybatman]

Somewhat old now... Rondo's comment in the beginning is...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iia2tkpVhU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oJWPklV ... re=related

[Man_Up]

What I like about Pruitt is his jumper. I think he could be a 35%-40% 3pt shooter in this league, he was that good in college. Gabe's shot is just really fluid and he knows how to get a good look and is learning to pick his spots. One thing that really impressed me with Pruitt, in the pre-season, was his ability to make defenders pay for going under the pick. I think he could be great on the pick and roll making him a really good fit with this team.