What about JR Giddens?

[RAcker]

I think both Giddens and Walker will be very integral in any success the Celtics find in the next couple years.  It was pretty obvious that both Ray Allen and Pierce had just played too many minutes and were rather worn down by the time the Celtics reached the 2nd round.  They cannot do 36+ and 37+ MPG thing again next year.  Well, the C's drafted two players considered lottery type talents if not for character and/or injury questions, that happen to play Allen and Pierce's positions, and after a year of "experience" it's time they are given a chance.  I'm hoping to see a rotations somewhat resembling:

Rondo - 36 mpg
Allen - 32 mpg
Pierce - 32 mpg
Garnett - 30 mpg
Perkins - 32 mpg

House - 16 mpg
Giddens - 14 mpg
Walker - 14 mpg
Davis - 18 mpg
Mythical New Reliable Backup Center Man - 16 mpg

I certainly hope not.  They need some experience off the bench at the swing position.

Agreed.  To me that lineup would be a disaster.  Also, of course, Doc wouldn't allow it to happen.

Like an iceberg to the Titanic.  28 minutes for Walker and Giddens.  Law help us.

[ManUp]

I had high hopes that Giddens would come in and contribute right away after we drafted him. That was why I wanted him drafted, and why I was high on him. If we're looking at Giddens in terms of potential down the road hes not worth keeping. At 25 talk of potential should be thrown out the door, at least for those who aren't already producing.

[paintitgreen]

Good call, ManUp. If Giddens isn't ready to step in and contribute right now, then I see no reason to exercise the team options for coming years. I don't think his potential is great at all. I don't think it's near what TA's potential was after one season, since TA actually gave good minutes his first year and showed tremendous athleticism and solid defensive ability in the NBA. Giddens has shown absolutely nothing yet where it matters. I am intrigued by his shot, though. As has been said, if he can show a reliable jumper (about 45% on long 2s and 40% on 3s) and a commitment to defense (which is where TA has always been lacking despite his superior ability in that arena), I'd be happy if he earned minutes.

Now, I really would like to see us get a 3/4 hybrid who can take 12-15 minutes a night at the 3 and 4-6 at the 4 in smallball lineups. Of course, that might not be realistic if the options aren't there. But I'd rather spend money on that than Davis, particularly if we can get a backup center as well. I'd be fine with Giddens and Walker earning minutes, but I haven't seen anything indicating they earned minutes yet. That's why I'd rather, as others have said, have veterans in place to start the season, and if they get outplayed by Giddens and Walker, hopefully it's because Giddens and Walker earned it (not because the veterans turned out to suck).

[Big Ticket]

I think both Giddens and Walker will be very integral in any success the Celtics find in the next couple years.  It was pretty obvious that both Ray Allen and Pierce had just played too many minutes and were rather worn down by the time the Celtics reached the 2nd round.  They cannot do 36+ and 37+ MPG thing again next year.  Well, the C's drafted two players considered lottery type talents if not for character and/or injury questions, that happen to play Allen and Pierce's positions, and after a year of "experience" it's time they are given a chance.  I'm hoping to see a rotations somewhat resembling:

Rondo - 36 mpg
Allen - 32 mpg
Pierce - 32 mpg
Garnett - 30 mpg
Perkins - 32 mpg

House - 16 mpg
Giddens - 14 mpg
Walker - 14 mpg
Davis - 18 mpg
Mythical New Reliable Backup Center Man - 16 mpg

I certainly hope not.  They need some experience off the bench at the swing position.

Agreed.  To me that lineup would be a disaster.  Also, of course, Doc wouldn't allow it to happen.

I don't really envision them getting much in that area that would be better than the potential Walker/Giddens have.  I agree that a couple veterans would be nice, but I do hope the two young guys get some legitimate run next year.

What potential does Giddens have?  Keep in mind that he's going to be 25 years old mid-way through this season.  He may turn out okay, but I don't have high hopes.  I'd rather get a guy who is a proven contributor.

As for Walker, I'd like to see him get some regular minutes, although not as many as suggested.

Well he seems to have the size, athleticism, and skill to be a very good NBA SG... the things he lacks are experience and opportunity.  I would gladly give up 5-7 wins in the regular season because Giddens and Walker are thrown in the fire, if it means that they realize some of their potential and are legitimate NBA bench players.

I'm just not very optimistic that the team will get a "proven contributor" to fill the role that they potentially already have with these two.

[Tough Juice]

I hope my guy will produce something this year