What about JR Giddens?

[connerhenry43]

i am excited about this kid and i know others on here are as well. his rookie year would have to be labeled a disapointment, but he did play well in the d-league this year. any optimism about him being a key bench player next year?

[PosImpos]

i am excited about this kid and i know others on here are as well. his rookie year would have to be labeled a disapointment, but he did play well in the d-league this year. any optimism about him being a key bench player next year?

I expect his second year with this team (assuming he stays) will be pretty much like Gabe Pruitt's second year.  A few minutes here and there but nothing substantial or particularly exciting.  If he were good enough to merit a lot of time he would have gotten some by now.

[crownsy]

i am excited about this kid and i know others on here are as well. his rookie year would have to be labeled a disapointment, but he did play well in the d-league this year. any optimism about him being a key bench player next year?

I expect his second year with this team (assuming he stays) will be pretty much like Gabe Pruitt's second year.  A few minutes here and there but nothing substantial or particularly exciting.  If he were good enough to merit a lot of time he would have gotten some by now.

I dont know about that, they were pretty deep at guard.

that said, i agree, the question will be if he impresses with them or looks liek a fish out of water like gabe did at times.

[Atzar]

Yeah, Gabe got chances but didn't produce.  I'd expect JR to get the same treatment if he's still around.  As to whether he produces and earns a spot in the rotation, that's up to him. 

[BostonBurbs]

You know what I can't imagine?

Having the physical tools and basic skills to be drafted in the 1st round, be given a chance to play for the Boston Celtics, and then not totally busting your butt this offseason to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you belong.

Just imagine having a chance where the only thing stopping you is work habits and effort?

My goodness, what an opportunity this young guy has...

[Atzar]

You know what I can't imagine?

Having the physical tools and basic skills to be drafted in the 1st round, be given a chance to play for the Boston Celtics, and then not totally busting your butt this offseason to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you belong.

Just imagine having a chance where the only thing stopping you is work habits and effort?

My goodness, what an opportunity this young guy has...

Well, the problem is kinda what you just said - his skills are just basic at this point.  He can do a little bit of everything, but nothing at a high level.  He can shoot a little bit, but not good enough.  He can dribble alright, but not good enough.  He can defend alright, but not good enough.  It's hard to improve a bunch of facets at once, so I'd say he should focus on one thing this summer - his defense - and make that the reason that he gets a rotation spot on the team.  He'll get points as a garbage man - he moves well off the ball and he's an excellent rebounder.  But he needs to be able to defend to take anybody's spot in the rotation this year.  He has the potential to be able to defend well at three positions, and it would be stupid not to take advantage of that.  Once he has his spot in the rotation, he can worry about being a more important piece of the offense.

In other words, I agree with you.  He needs to work his tail off this summer.

[cdif911]

JR may be ahead of Tony on the depth charts with a year of experience and practice...

[cordobes]

It's hard to improve a bunch of facets at once, so I'd say he should focus on one thing this summer - his defense - and make that the reason that he gets a rotation spot on the team.

I (almost) fully agree. I think he should focus on his defence and perfect a set jump-shot. If he succeeds, then maybe, maybe, he can find a niche in the league. But first he needs to do that. Unlike some believe, playing time won't transform him into Courtney Lee or Mbah-a-Moute if he doesn't develop his skill-set.

[bknova]

i am excited about this kid and i know others on here are as well. his rookie year would have to be labeled a disapointment, but he did play well in the d-league this year. any optimism about him being a key bench player next year?

Well thats completely up to him, isn't it.  We need someone bigger than House to take some minutes from Ray every game.  Its up to him to work on nailing the open three, and knowing where to be on the court offensively and defensively. 

The offseason is what seperates perennial pros from guys who have short NBA careers.  Talent isn't enough, you gotta put your work in.

[Jon]

I have hopes for Giddens too, but Danny shouldn't go into the year counting on him.  Get a vet, and if Giddens or Walker beat him out, so be it.  But don't rely on either: we say how well that worked out with Patrick O'Bryant this year. 

[Who]

I don't think Danny can rely on him. If he comes good, great, but Danny has to build the team without looking for Giddens to fill a role next year.

Ainge needs to sign 2-3 dependable wings ... and I'd like to see Giddens be given another season to try and develop behind them.

[Celtics1990]

"Great players are made during the summer"

That's the quote I heard from my high school coach every morning at 7 a.m during summer time.  Giddens needs to live by this motto.  Getting playing time will not do him any good unless he has the skills to produce during it.

[xmuscularghandix]

As happy as we are about Doc's lack of TA trust... JR will be the happiest. If he can do what Danny said he's capable of on defense he will be a KEY roleplayer on this team. His atheleticism is just what this team needs.

[bucknersrevenge]

You know what I can't imagine?

Having the physical tools and basic skills to be drafted in the 1st round, be given a chance to play for the Boston Celtics, and then not totally busting your butt this offseason to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you belong.

Just imagine having a chance where the only thing stopping you is work habits and effort?

My goodness, what an opportunity this young guy has...

Well, the problem is kinda what you just said - his skills are just basic at this point.  He can do a little bit of everything, but nothing at a high level.  He can shoot a little bit, but not good enough.  He can dribble alright, but not good enough.  He can defend alright, but not good enough.  It's hard to improve a bunch of facets at once, so I'd say he should focus on one thing this summer - his defense - and make that the reason that he gets a rotation spot on the team.  He'll get points as a garbage man - he moves well off the ball and he's an excellent rebounder.  But he needs to be able to defend to take anybody's spot in the rotation this year.  He has the potential to be able to defend well at three positions, and it would be stupid not to take advantage of that.  Once he has his spot in the rotation, he can worry about being a more important piece of the offense.

In other words, I agree with you.  He needs to work his tail off this summer.

I think this post basically nails it. I am a Giddens fan and think he has tremendous potential to be a viable contributor here. I think he can have a very Rondo-like impact on the defense. He's got quick hands and that same gambling nature Rondo has, for better or worse.

[Mr October]

This is a huge summer for Giddens and Walker (Pruitt to some degree as well). They have everything to prove and gain. Otherwise, they'll fade from the C's interests and be gone.