Summer League finishes, should/could anyone make the team?

[Ed Pinkney]

Or at least to training camp?

Pruitt and Giddens may have done enough. Injuries have made it difficult for Hudson, Sweetney and Walker though personally I like all three of them. Has Lofton given himself a chance?

I didn't see a second of actual game footage so I can only really go off boxscores. What are peoples thoughts who actually saw the games?

[sox839]

They will probably invite a couple of guys my guess is Swift geta an invite. He was definitely out of shape but played good in spurts. Chris Lofton shot the ball well and Coby Karl was decent and both these guys could be some competition for pruitt who played decent.

[GreenGrizz]

I like Nick Fazekas. He is a seven footer that can score. I would like to see Clifford Ray improve him.

[celtxman]

I tried valiantly to watch the Summer League games on Comcast Broadband. They had these awful Orlando "announcers" who gave no play by play so it was hard to follow.
I think Swift did enough to earn a shot on the 15 man roster. Lofton showed good play in spurts. In the time Lester Hudson had before his injury I believe he will certainly be given a shot to make the squad. Kevin Rogers showed some good stuff down low. In terms of making the team with a specialty, Nick Fazekas shot well. His downfall is that while shooting well overall after the first game shooting 3 for 6 from THREE, he only shot 3's something like 2 for 12 and he has not hit an NBA 3 yet when he was with the Clippers.
When you are talking about a veteran team like the Celtics you have to do something really well. If Bill Walker can't make it in the playoffs any of these newbies has to carve a special niche to have even the slightest shot of making it in any significant way in 2009/10. My gut feeling is Hudson will be in and go to the D-League and try to show if he can eventually displace Eddie House whose $3 million expiring could become valuable. Swift has a shot because of size. I still think that Pruitt has the edge over Lofton. Rogers has a real outside shot if many factors fall in line for him. If Baby goes elsewhere. If they don't want to wait and see what Sweetney is able to do (injury) and they want to wait to see if they need another big down the road (trade deadline.......Leon Powe) and they feel Rogers can bang around in limited minutes.
Other than Hudson who I would be totally surprised if he isn't included, what the Celtics do in this free agency period will determine if any of these guys hacve any chance.

[GreenGrizz]

I believe Kevin Rogers will be a decent player if he has a right coach. He does many little things. He went to Baylor University and they beat a lot of good teams. I want him to be invited to the training camp.

[ParticleMan]

Giddens and Walker were passive but played well overall I thought. I suspect they were working on specific things. I think Walker was working on catch-and-shoot jumpers. Giddens was working on creating for teammates off the dribble. I say this because they did those things a lot more than I'd ever seen before, and almost to the exclusion of more obvious plays. Athletically, both these guys are a cut above. I don't think we should release either of them.

Pruitt played well in spurts. I'm not sure he's improved much though. He's definitely on the bubble, and he will probably be in TC. We need a backup PG but if Pruitt can't make the leap, I think he is a goner.

Hudson looked good in 1.5 games. I hope he goes to Europe so we retain his rights. I don't think we can afford a roster spot for an unknown 58th pick.

Rogers was probably the most impressive of the non-roster players. He showed a nice midrange game, some good moves in the post, and generally made smart plays out there. He is another undersized PF but we've done well with those. He will make an NBA roster somewhere. I hope he gets a TC invite.

Swift I thought played better with each game. Maybe he was just getting his game legs under him. He is a nice intimidating presence inside. He is slow but not really any slower than Perk. He was active on the offesnive glass with some putbacks. His rebounding is pretty bad tho, for a 7-1 guy; doesn't seem to go after the ball well. Also his passing and ballhandling is atrocious, even for a center. Still, he's a guy who might fit in well for spot mins as a #5 big. Another guy I'd like to see get a TC invite.

Coby Karl played well but I don't think he is true NBA material. He is certainly not the answer to our backup SF problem. Walker is well ahead of him imo. He might catch on somewhere since he has some skills and size, but not with us.

Lofton would be interesting if we didn't have Eddie House. I noticed that his % goes way down when he has a guy near him. He is a deadeye shooter tho and there is probably a place in the L for him, just not with us.

Fazekas I was completely unimpressed with. He shot well initially from outside but rapidly tailed off. He definitely had some ballhandling ability but I don't think it would fly in the NBA. Defensively he was a non-factor. His 2 FT misses that could have won the game didn't help. Basically he has a SF's game in a slow C's body. Not a good combo. I think we pass on him.

[celtxman]

I believe Kevin Rogers will be a decent player if he has a right coach. He does many little things. He went to Baylor University and they beat a lot of good teams. I want him to be invited to the training camp.

If Baby comes back the party is over for Rogers. But if they pass on Baby and haven't signed anyone else he may get a shot to work his way in like Baby and Powe did, knowing that Wallace will get the bulk of the minutes. The key for Rogers or anyone else in that role is like Powe, they need to be able to survive a string on DNP's and make something happen when an injury gives them some minutes. Rogers would need that quality in any scenario.

[joneb]

A few observations:

-Swift looked OK. Once he gets in better shape, I think he can ably man the 3rd string center position for us. Still young enough to be a moldable block of clay for Clifford Ray.

-Fazekas looked good on the offensive end, and he seemed to rebound pretty well. But he's just so slow and unathletic that it's almost painful to watch. But if Marty Conlon could carve out himself an NBA career, than I'm sure Fazekas can too. With Scal on our team, I'm not sure if we have a spot for him, though.

-Chris Lofton is a dead-eye shooter. Not much else to talk about concerning his game, but the kid definitely has NBA range.

-I was really impressed by Kevin Rogers' game. The kid seemed to do just about everything well. Played solid D, rebounded, and displayed a nice shooting touch out to about 18 feet. He's 6' 9", so he has the requisite size to be an NBA frontcourt player. His lefthanded release reminded me of Calbert Cheaney.

-In the brief glimpses of Lester Hudson's game we saw that he has talent and athleticism. Tough break on the injury. I'm hoping we bring him to camp for a more complete evaluation of his game.

-Neither Bill Walker or JR Giddens wowed me with their progress. They both showed glimpses of their potential at times, and both are superior athletes. But I question if either one of them can provide us with much help yet, because they both have holes in their games. They both need to work on their perimeter games.

-Gabe Pruitt looked pretty good. He wasn't forcing things, so his stats weren't eye-catching, but he played solidly I thought. His handle looked to be improved, and he looked pretty confident running the show. His shot looked good, and he had several impressive drives. One dunk was particularly emphatic. I think he showed enough to be given a shot at the backup PG spot for us, if decent veteran help isn't forthcoming. If he shows that he isn't up to the task, serviceable PGs are always available before the trade deadline.

[BillessuR6]

Definitely Swift.

And if we trade away House, Lofton would be my guy. Not much else but he can certainly shoot the ball...

[humblebum]

I think that Pruitt, Giddens, Walker, Sweetney and Swift should all get training camp invitations. Sweetney has the talent to play in the NBA. So if he's able to shed some extra weight between now and camp, which is probably unlikely given his history, he could bring some value as an interior big with soft hands, 3rd string type. Swift is also a guy who could play a 3rd string role as a banger/defensive player. Think DJ Mbenga. Just a big body at a cheap price.

I think that Pruitt, Giddens or Walker could actually earn some regular minutes on this team. I think all of them are plus NBA athletes at their respective positions and they'd all defend reasonably well, with Pruitt looking like the best and most ready player of the three. I'd personally love to have Pruitt steal some of Eddie's minutes this year. He'd bring a lot more overall scoring/defensive ability to the second unit.

[eris]

Pruitt, Giddens and Walker will be in TC, if they aren't part of a trade between now and then. I know Pruitt has an August 10th date where the C's have to "pick up his contract", but I think they will certainly do that...or trade him before then. I thought Pruitt played pretty well, certainly more aggressive, looked for his shot and drove more. JR hurt his finger and Billy hurt his back, both played through it...not as well as I'd have liked, but then again they may have been working on specific things that the coaches told them to work on. For instance, JR had the ball in his hands a LOT, he didn't play that way in the NBADL, so I figure he had been told to work on his ball handling and creating off the dribble.

I'd like Swift to get a TC invite. He was *not* in game shape for SL, among the few things the announcers for the games talked about that weren't drivel was "If you were Bob Swift (or Bob Slow as they called him), and trying to win a contract, wouldn't you have shown up for SL *in shape?*" Yeah, he should have, but then again I don't know where he is in his recovery from his last injury. I think he needs to lose 10 to 20 pounds, work on conditioning, learn to box out, and play defense, but he could be a reasonable 4th big man who spends a LOT of time with Brian Doo and Clifford Ray next year.

Rogers does everything okay, but is outstanding at nothing. That bodes ill for his future as an NBA player where you've got to be outstanding at, at least, one thing. I'm not sure if he's worth bringing to camp, but if we lose Baby, then maybe. I'd give him a go before Sweet tooth Sweetney (he's still got to lose 40 pounds...and prove he can keep it off).

Hudson looked nervous in the first game, didn't shoot well, and got hurt early in the second. With an operation on his finger, will he be ready for camp? IAC, I think he might be better off going overseas for a year.

Karl should *not* get a TC invite. He can shoot a little, but he can't defend NBA guards, nor can he create for himself or others.

Lofton is a 5'10" SG with a slow release. He can nail 3 pointers, consistently, when he is left wide open. He won't be left wide open in the NBA. He should not get a TC invite.

Fazakus...arrgh! The quickness of Perk (no slower...who's slower?), the height of KG, the body of Brandon Wallace, the standing reach of an SG, the hops of your average white man (this white man really *can't* jump), but he does know how to box out, he does try to rebound, he can hit 20 foot jump shots (3 pt is just beyond his range), he can drive if he only has to dribble the ball once. Personally, I like the guy, but I just don't think he's ever going to make it in the NBA. I'd love to be proven wrong, though.

[GuyClinch]

I think it really depends on roster moves. Alot of those guys could end up being our 11-15 guys if Danny makes a trade or two. There are alot of 'fringe' AAA guys around that could play in the NBA. People act like there is some magic dividing line.

Swift, Hudson, Fazekas, Rogers, Pruitt, Giddens, and Walker all have potential to make a roster (if not ours). Maybe even Lofton because of his J. I thought our team had alot of talent probably because we might have alot of openings once Danny is done.

The real question is will anyone make our 9 or 10 man rotation? I think Walker has the best shot based on need right now. People might ilke Pruitt but he won't beat out Eddie House. Giddens seems like he has more ability off the dribble but for us Walker's serviceable J is probably more useful.

Pete

[cloverleaf]

They should ask Perkins to put Sweetney up during camp: Don't think he'd be downing too many calories with Perk scowling at him!

[threrf23]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13245

I wouldn't mind seeing him in training camp

[BigHands]

I agree that Swift will get a look. Ainge always liked him and assuming he is coach-able Clifford Ray represents his best chance to make it. No risk.

Sweetney obviously has a skill set. If I were Ainge I would offer him a conditional invite - if his body fat is below some specified number on September 1st then he can be considered serious and he gets a honest shot. If not, he can work in the kitchen at Oliver Miller's bar and grill.

Too soon to give up on Giddens and Walker.

Fazekas or Rogers probably depend on how things work out with Big Baby.

[Joekickass2008]

If I were BBD and I got resigned....I'd be lobbying for May....'See Danny.....least I aint as fat as him'!!

But seriously....Swift.....give him a go...size, sound and potential....cheap.....walker......thats about it.

[Celtics_85]

I think that depending on Davis and if we can move Scal this off season Swift and Sweetney have a legit shot at making this team, Rogers to some degree also. I would like to see Davis resigned and Scal put in a deal if possible, and then give 2 of the three a shot at the 5th and 6th big on this team.

Pruitt did a good job and by the end of SL he was actually taking the ball to the hole, where this is what he needs to do to make this team. I would think that the rumor of bringing Lue in is just to have a veteran on the bench in case Rondo gets hurt, but this is up to Pruitt and his continued aggressivness on the court.

Giddens and Walker might just look better if they were on the floor with some veterans, and I believe could be given a shot for one of them to get minutes if a move isn't made for a SF. If Walker could play with two shooters in the frontcourt I think he could post many threes down low, where Giddens looks good taking the ball to the hoop. If one of them develops a more consistant jumper they will get the leg up.

[Ed Pinkney]

It's amazing what putting on a Celtics uniform and playing does to my judgement of a player though, does anyone else find that?

I cant help but start talking myself into the chance that playing on a contending team with Garnett's work ethic and enthusiasm and a specific big man coach will somehow turn some of these kids into valuable contributors. All of a sudden I am really disapointed that Hudson and Sweetney got injured, and wonder if Swift, Rogers and Fazekas just need an opportunity etc.

[cloverleaf]

Giddens and Walker might just look better if they were on the floor with some veterans, and I believe could be given a shot for one of them to get minutes if a move isn't made for a SF. If Walker could play with two shooters in the frontcourt I think he could post many threes down low, where Giddens looks good taking the ball to the hoop. If one of them develops a more consistant jumper they will get the leg up.

FWIW, that's exactly what Danny's quoted saying in the Globe this morning.

[Joekickass2008]

Giddens and Walker might just look better if they were on the floor with some veterans, and I believe could be given a shot for one of them to get minutes if a move isn't made for a SF. If Walker could play with two shooters in the frontcourt I think he could post many threes down low, where Giddens looks good taking the ball to the hoop. If one of them develops a more consistant jumper they will get the leg up.

FWIW, that's exactly what Danny's quoted saying in the Globe this morning.

Danny preparing the fans for a let down??? No FA SF signing I feel