The get to know J.R. Giddens thread.

[Bahku]

I've been perusing the UNM, Lobos, NCAA, and other NBA blogs and sports news sites, and I'm truly amazed at the overwhelmingly positive comments about this kid. The best way to find out what a player/person is really like is to ask the people who know him best, and the fans of New Mexico absolutely love him and his game.

They also say emphatically that he's matured a great deal of late, and that they feel his personality "glitches" are a thing of the past. I was a bit unsure when the pick was made, (although I've always liked his game and skills), but after much investigation and surfing, I've got an extremely good feeling about J.R. and his opportunity to contribute to this Celtics team. Well done, Danny!

We just gained a multitude of new fans from the West with this pick, and I love the idea of bringing more "Green" to New Mexico ... go Celts!

[CoachCowens]

Chris Wallace was on Dale and Holley and around the 8:40 mark they start talking about CDR and Giddens.

http://audio.weei.com/m/20279705/06_27_08_chris_wallace_gm_grizzles.htm?col=en-aud-pod_weei-ep

Wallace said during a mass workout at Golden State a few weeks ago, Giddens definitely got the better of CDR in their match up.

Wallace has made some curious moves over the years but when you hear him talk in an interview he acquits himself quite well. It's tough not to like him although he gave the Lakers Gasol. In the beginning he talks about once a Celtic always a Celtic. He sounded genuinely sincere even though some may view him as slick. 

[RebusRankin]

To the guy complaining about his ft shooting, Karl Malone shot under 50% as an NBA rookie at 23 and improved to the mid 70's as his career progressed. Magic went from 75% in his younger days to 90% and leading the NBA. It can be done.

For those who wanted Chalmers. We have two young pgs already, why add a third? A swingman was a more pressing need.

[lon3lytoaster]

I haven't seen him play much, obviously so to those who have seen him play what are the chances he can become like maybe a shorter Gerald Wallace?

Maybe not so much of the chances him being like him, I guess but is that a fairly close comparison at all?

[bucknersrevenge]

I haven't seen him play much, obviously so to those who have seen him play what are the chances he can become like maybe a shorter Gerald Wallace?

Maybe not so much of the chances him being like him, I guess but is that a fairly close comparison at all?

giddens compared his game to joe johnson in an interview with holley which makes sense. the long arms...the fluidity in his game. but one of the better comparisons ive read on a different board was igou...as in andre igoudala. very athletic, strong, not a pure scorer but a kid that can do many different things on the court.

[lon3lytoaster]

I haven't seen him play much, obviously so to those who have seen him play what are the chances he can become like maybe a shorter Gerald Wallace?

Maybe not so much of the chances him being like him, I guess but is that a fairly close comparison at all?

giddens compared his game to joe johnson in an interview with holley which makes sense. the long arms...the fluidity in his game. but one of the better comparisons ive read on a different board was igou...as in andre igoudala. very athletic, strong, not a pure scorer but a kid that can do many different things on the court.

I don't know about the Joe Johnson comparison to be honest. Johnson is a hell of a shooter and from what I've read Giddens isn't so much of a solid shooter. That could change over time, though of course. I also don't know if he's as good a passer as Johnson, I don't think he's a slouch by any means in that department but I think JJ would make a good PG if he were 2 or 3 inches shorter, I don't know if the same could be said about JR.

I do kind of see and like the AI2 comparison, though.

[cmoney]

To the guy complaining about his ft shooting, Karl Malone shot under 50% as an NBA rookie at 23 and improved to the mid 70's as his career progressed. Magic went from 75% in his younger days to 90% and leading the NBA. It can be done.

wow convincing argument.  You're now comparing Giddens to two HoFers, one a top 5 all time player, #1 PG all time, and the other a top 3 PF all time.  Jesus what is with you people.  I can pull out a few hundred names of guys who got drafted after say, the 15th or 20th pick, and never gained more than 5% on their FT shooting. 

[RockinRyA]

so what? do you get to HOF by shooting freethrows? if ur not HOF does that mean you cant improve?  yeah pull out those numbers theres no way to prove what you say is "not happening"

[cmoney]

OK fine swap "unlikely to happen" with "not happening". 

And your strawman argument is very tilting.  I think I'm done posting here.  A few examples of guys improving is somehow more important than the 100s of guys selected late in the draft who never did.   Completely ignore very obvious trends in data just because a guy is in green now.

And like I said, I'm really starting to warm up to him with some of the reports we're hearing.  Just don't expect great shooting.  If he does TA's job with a better b-ball IQ than amen.  Still won't be as good as CDR but I'll be happy with it.

[Rondo2287]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6035249635496802198&q=jr+giddens&ei=6z9mSJfyHpCUrgK5hsm0Bw

Sick dunk followed by the Carleton Banks dance i think.  Complete with the sweater around the neck

[bdm860]

Since I've now seen several highlight videos of Giddens posted here, here's another one I found today, but it's not your average highlight video.  It's an altercation between New Mexico and Wyoming and Giddens can be clearly seen the whole time, he's #15.  Everyone can watch and post their own opinion, but what I think we're going to see some people watch this and say Giddens acted great - no character problems, and some people will watch and say Giddens was pushing and looking to fight - so he clearly has character problems.  All in all, it's just a short clip so you can't take too much from it either way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyFmMzOCqG4

[elcotte]

I just can't get over shooting worse than 60% from the line as a 23 year old.  How many good NBA 2-guards shot worse than 70% from the line, never mind 60%.  So bad.

Get over it. He's been picked.

[elcotte]

I'll trust Danny's drafting prowess over any of the "experts" on the draft sites, on ESPN, or on here.  If Danny thinks the kid can help, then that's good enough for me.

I agree. Don't these experts think that Danny didn't talk to everyone who has coached this kid to get their opinion? Not to mention that he will be coming to a championship team with veteran leadership. I think it's worth gambling on a guy like this.

[elcotte]

The fact that he's 23 is being overlooked.  A friend of mine says he was a hot HS prospect.  He hasn't put it together in 4 years.  What makes you think he can in the pros?

Not everybody gets it at the same time. What makes you think he did't get it this past year?

[elcotte]

Guys Danny ain't perfect.  He also drafted Gerald Green. 

Who have you drafted?