Lester Hudson!

[LooseCannon]

When I look at Hudson, I see him as a guy who has the potential to take over the Eddie House role on the team with better defense.  My main concern is whether he is smart enough to learn the system and earn playing time.

This has been my point of view on Hudson as well --> he could be Eddie's (cheaper) replacement next year.  If he shows something in camp, keep him.  Hudson is supposed to be a more well-rounded offensive player than Eddie (bigger repertoire than Eddie's catch and shoot limitations) so he's at least worth a look.

Well, the draft did occur a few days before Eddie House decided that he wasn't going to opt out of his contract.  So, he was probably taken with an eye toward him being a potential replacement for House as offense off the bench.  The (unlikely) best-case scenario is that he gives Ainge the flexibility to consider including House's contract in a mid-season trade.  The most aggravating scenario would be that he shows obvious NBA talent with the brain of Tony Allen.

I think he has an above-average chance of being useful compared to other late second-round picks by championship caliber teams and compared to undersized combo guards who slip in the draft.

[mgent]

When I look at Hudson, I see him as a guy who has the potential to take over the Eddie House role on the team with better defense.  My main concern is whether he is smart enough to learn the system and earn playing time.

This has been my point of view on Hudson as well --> he could be Eddie's (cheaper) replacement next year.  If he shows something in camp, keep him.  Hudson is supposed to be a more well-rounded offensive player than Eddie (bigger repertoire than Eddie's catch and shoot limitations) so he's at least worth a look.

Well, the draft did occur a few days before Eddie House decided that he wasn't going to opt out of his contract.  So, he was probably taken with an eye toward him being a potential replacement for House as offense off the bench.  The (unlikely) best-case scenario is that he gives Ainge the flexibility to consider including House's contract in a mid-season trade.  The most aggravating scenario would be that he shows obvious NBA talent with the brain of Tony Allen.

I think he has an above-average chance of being useful compared to other late second-round picks by championship caliber teams and compared to undersized combo guards who slip in the draft.

You really think this guy is gonna be able to contribute at an Eddie House level half way through his rookie year?

[CoachBo]

I'd prefer that Danny signs the guy before we start annointing him the successor to anyone.

[2short]

When I look at Hudson, I see him as a guy who has the potential to take over the Eddie House role on the team with better defense.  My main concern is whether he is smart enough to learn the system and earn playing time.

This has been my point of view on Hudson as well --> he could be Eddie's (cheaper) replacement next year.  If he shows something in camp, keep him.  Hudson is supposed to be a more well-rounded offensive player than Eddie (bigger repertoire than Eddie's catch and shoot limitations) so he's at least worth a look.

Well, the draft did occur a few days before Eddie House decided that he wasn't going to opt out of his contract.  So, he was probably taken with an eye toward him being a potential replacement for House as offense off the bench.  The (unlikely) best-case scenario is that he gives Ainge the flexibility to consider including House's contract in a mid-season trade.  The most aggravating scenario would be that he shows obvious NBA talent with the brain of Tony Allen.

I think he has an above-average chance of being useful compared to other late second-round picks by championship caliber teams and compared to undersized combo guards who slip in the draft.

You really think this guy is gonna be able to contribute at an Eddie House level half way through his rookie year?

maybe the idea is he can become an eddie like reserve 3 years from now when eddies gone?  if he proves he has what it takes mind you
ainge has proven to be very good at valuing young talent so its a wait and see
I easily see hudson & giddens in d league

[mgent]

When I look at Hudson, I see him as a guy who has the potential to take over the Eddie House role on the team with better defense.  My main concern is whether he is smart enough to learn the system and earn playing time.

This has been my point of view on Hudson as well --> he could be Eddie's (cheaper) replacement next year.  If he shows something in camp, keep him.  Hudson is supposed to be a more well-rounded offensive player than Eddie (bigger repertoire than Eddie's catch and shoot limitations) so he's at least worth a look.

Well, the draft did occur a few days before Eddie House decided that he wasn't going to opt out of his contract.  So, he was probably taken with an eye toward him being a potential replacement for House as offense off the bench.  The (unlikely) best-case scenario is that he gives Ainge the flexibility to consider including House's contract in a mid-season trade.  The most aggravating scenario would be that he shows obvious NBA talent with the brain of Tony Allen.

I think he has an above-average chance of being useful compared to other late second-round picks by championship caliber teams and compared to undersized combo guards who slip in the draft.

You really think this guy is gonna be able to contribute at an Eddie House level half way through his rookie year?

maybe the idea is he can become an eddie like reserve 3 years from now when eddies gone?  if he proves he has what it takes mind you
ainge has proven to be very good at valuing young talent so its a wait and see
I easily see hudson & giddens in d league

Maybe, but trading Eddie mid-season would be absolutely reckless. 

[guava_wrench]

When I look at Hudson, I see him as a guy who has the potential to take over the Eddie House role on the team with better defense.  My main concern is whether he is smart enough to learn the system and earn playing time.

And worse shooting.

The problem is, House's niche is shooting. So he isn't an Eddie House without that. He would be something quite different.

[LooseCannon]

You really think this guy is gonna be able to contribute at an Eddie House level half way through his rookie year?

Not really, that's just the absolute best-case scenario.  Really, what I'm talking about is a scenario where a starter goes down and you can trade for a midseason replacement if you package the contracts of Scal and TA, but you can get someone much better if you have the option of throwing in House's contract as well.  If Hudson is proven to be useful as a bench scoring guard, maybe not as good of a shooter but more diverse in his offensive capabilities, then Ainge may feel comfortable knowing that he can afford to part with House if necessary and flip a second-round pick for a vet-minimum guard.  Imagine if Pierce goes down with an injury where it's not sure if he can come back in time for the playoffs and having the flexibility to include House in a package allows the team to land someone this forum lusts after, like Nocioni.

I think that if Hudson makes the team and gets playing time beyond the D-League, there's a chance that House won't be back after his current contract runs out.  I expect House to regress toward the mean and not shoot as well as last season, so having Hudson also gives the Celtics leverage in any contract negotiations if they want to bring House back, but only on a relatively cheap contract. 

It's just a question of if Hudson makes the team.  I feel that he's the sort of player who is either able to play in the NBA or not and that will become apparent relatively quickly once he plays against NBA talent.  If he can play, I think he will be able to contribute immediately and won't be a project who needs to be sent to the D-League.

[slamtheking]

You really think this guy is gonna be able to contribute at an Eddie House level half way through his rookie year?

Not really, that's just the absolute best-case scenario.  Really, what I'm talking about is a scenario where a starter goes down and you can trade for a midseason replacement if you package the contracts of Scal and TA, but you can get someone much better if you have the option of throwing in House's contract as well.  If Hudson is proven to be useful as a bench scoring guard, maybe not as good of a shooter but more diverse in his offensive capabilities, then Ainge may feel comfortable knowing that he can afford to part with House if necessary and flip a second-round pick for a vet-minimum guard.  Imagine if Pierce goes down with an injury where it's not sure if he can come back in time for the playoffs and having the flexibility to include House in a package allows the team to land someone this forum lusts after, like Nocioni.

I think that if Hudson makes the team and gets playing time beyond the D-League, there's a chance that House won't be back after his current contract runs out.  I expect House to regress toward the mean and not shoot as well as last season, so having Hudson also gives the Celtics leverage in any contract negotiations if they want to bring House back, but only on a relatively cheap contract. 

It's just a question of if Hudson makes the team.  I feel that he's the sort of player who is either able to play in the NBA or not and that will become apparent relatively quickly once he plays against NBA talent.  If he can play, I think he will be able to contribute immediately and won't be a project who needs to be sent to the D-League.

Darn near read my mind and took the words out of my mouth.  TP for you.

The one thing I'd add is that I don't think Hudson will get PT this year regardless of how well he plays in practice and/or D-League.  I do see him as a possible replacement for Eddie next year if he makes the team this year.  Based on this college production, he brings more variety in his offense than House, seems to offer some rebounding as well and could be a better defender.  He might not have Eddie's range (at this point) but he supposedly has a better ability to get his own shot which is something Eddie does not do well.  If this is how it plays out, House becomes that extra chip at the trading deadline (to offer with TA and Veal) for an even better support player on the bench.  That could be Nocioni, maybe Hinrich depending on how Chicago is doing (this would be the true backup PG letting Daniels backup Ray and PP but also someone that could be paired with Hudson in the back court next year off the bench--putting Daniels at SF where everyone would like him).

[mgent]

You really think this guy is gonna be able to contribute at an Eddie House level half way through his rookie year?

Not really, that's just the absolute best-case scenario.  Really, what I'm talking about is a scenario where a starter goes down and you can trade for a midseason replacement if you package the contracts of Scal and TA, but you can get someone much better if you have the option of throwing in House's contract as well.  If Hudson is proven to be useful as a bench scoring guard, maybe not as good of a shooter but more diverse in his offensive capabilities, then Ainge may feel comfortable knowing that he can afford to part with House if necessary and flip a second-round pick for a vet-minimum guard.  Imagine if Pierce goes down with an injury where it's not sure if he can come back in time for the playoffs and having the flexibility to include House in a package allows the team to land someone this forum lusts after, like Nocioni.

I think that if Hudson makes the team and gets playing time beyond the D-League, there's a chance that House won't be back after his current contract runs out.  I expect House to regress toward the mean and not shoot as well as last season, so having Hudson also gives the Celtics leverage in any contract negotiations if they want to bring House back, but only on a relatively cheap contract. 

It's just a question of if Hudson makes the team.  I feel that he's the sort of player who is either able to play in the NBA or not and that will become apparent relatively quickly once he plays against NBA talent.  If he can play, I think he will be able to contribute immediately and won't be a project who needs to be sent to the D-League.

Darn near read my mind and took the words out of my mouth.  TP for you.

The one thing I'd add is that I don't think Hudson will get PT this year regardless of how well he plays in practice and/or D-League.  I do see him as a possible replacement for Eddie next year if he makes the team this year.  Based on this college production, he brings more variety in his offense than House, seems to offer some rebounding as well and could be a better defender.  He might not have Eddie's range (at this point) but he supposedly has a better ability to get his own shot which is something Eddie does not do well.  If this is how it plays out, House becomes that extra chip at the trading deadline (to offer with TA and Veal) for an even better support player on the bench.  That could be Nocioni, maybe Hinrich depending on how Chicago is doing (this would be the true backup PG letting Daniels backup Ray and PP but also someone that could be paired with Hudson in the back court next year off the bench--putting Daniels at SF where everyone would like him).

I disagree.  I think you both are being a little over optimistic.  Not having Eddie House in the playoffs would cripple our bench.  And if a starter goes down, adding House into a trade would probably wouldn't save the day.

[Jon]

How many people would be anxious to fill our final roster spot with the likes of Robert Dozier, Chinemu Elonu, Emir Prelzdic, or Ahmad Nivins?  Because those are the two guys taken after and the two guys taken before Hudson.  I mean if Hudson was potentially wearing any other uniform, would anybody really want him over some random vet out there?  I think people are becoming a little too in love with young green talent. 

That said, I'm fine if he signs here.  But if there's a better option out there, cut him.  We won't regret it.  Best case scenario is that he's a bench player in this league 3 years from now.  I think we'll recover. 

[2short]

One thing everyone has to remember is this isn't the C's of not that long ago 
We are championship caliber so a young good player who might develop doesn't necessarily have a spot on our team.  If Pruitt showed some more confidence he could have played, our starting team and first 2 subs are serious talent wise.  Do we have roster spots for maybes, not really, we are looking for smart vets or guys that can do just what is needed.
We can't waste a roster spot to see if clifford ray can develop Obie, if giddens doesn't show something soon he's as good as gone or if he shows enough (or walker) they might be traded towards someone who can help right here and now.

[Tai]

How many people would be anxious to fill our final roster spot with the likes of Robert Dozier, Chinemu Elonu, Emir Prelzdic, or Ahmad Nivins?  Because those are the two guys taken after and the two guys taken before Hudson.  I mean if Hudson was potentially wearing any other uniform, would anybody really want him over some random vet out there?  I think people are becoming a little too in love with young green talent. 

That said, I'm fine if he signs here.  But if there's a better option out there, cut him.  We won't regret it.  Best case scenario is that he's a bench player in this league 3 years from now.  I think we'll recover. 

You didn't explain your post the way you wanted to, did you?

Here's the thing: none of the guys you mentioned are guards, they're forwards. Hudson is. To be fair, ESPN listed him as a SG. Now, that all said, if Hudson shows he can be a backup PG, so be it. If he doesn't, so be that too. But, don't assume he'll fail without even giving him a chance. Bench player in 3 years at best? Come on, we don't know that.

[liam]

How many people would be anxious to fill our final roster spot with the likes of Robert Dozier, Chinemu Elonu, Emir Prelzdic, or Ahmad Nivins?  Because those are the two guys taken after and the two guys taken before Hudson.  I mean if Hudson was potentially wearing any other uniform, would anybody really want him over some random vet out there?  I think people are becoming a little too in love with young green talent. 

That said, I'm fine if he signs here.  But if there's a better option out there, cut him.  We won't regret it.  Best case scenario is that he's a bench player in this league 3 years from now.  I think we'll recover. 

You didn't explain your post the way you wanted to, did you?

Here's the thing: none of the guys you mentioned are guards, they're forwards. Hudson is. To be fair, ESPN listed him as a SG. Now, that all said, if Hudson shows he can be a backup PG, so be it. If he doesn't, so be that too. But, don't assume he'll fail without even giving him a chance. Bench player in 3 years at best? Come on, we don't know that.

Yeah, he's Ben Gordon at best and Marcus Banks at worst!

[Jon]

How many people would be anxious to fill our final roster spot with the likes of Robert Dozier, Chinemu Elonu, Emir Prelzdic, or Ahmad Nivins?  Because those are the two guys taken after and the two guys taken before Hudson.  I mean if Hudson was potentially wearing any other uniform, would anybody really want him over some random vet out there?  I think people are becoming a little too in love with young green talent. 

That said, I'm fine if he signs here.  But if there's a better option out there, cut him.  We won't regret it.  Best case scenario is that he's a bench player in this league 3 years from now.  I think we'll recover. 

You didn't explain your post the way you wanted to, did you?

Here's the thing: none of the guys you mentioned are guards, they're forwards. Hudson is. To be fair, ESPN listed him as a SG. Now, that all said, if Hudson shows he can be a backup PG, so be it. If he doesn't, so be that too. But, don't assume he'll fail without even giving him a chance. Bench player in 3 years at best? Come on, we don't know that.

I was in a rush, but I think you see enough to get the gist.  And I'm not ruling him out.  I'm simply saying that there's about a 90% chance he's out of the league in 3 years, about 7% chance he becomes a fringe rotation player, about a 2% chance he becomes a rotation player, and probably even less than 1% chance he ever becomes anything the C's are going to regret not having 3 years from now. 

I mean even if he turns into the next Eddie House, who cares?  The current version of Eddie House will last us as long as the Big Three are here and after that, when we start rebuilding, we won't particularly need an Eddie House.  And if we do find ourselves needing an undersized shooting guard, they're about a dime a dozen on the FA market. 

Again, I'm OK with signing him.  I don't think there are many scenarios when this current team will use either Hudson or a vet backup PG this season.  However, I don't understand why people are so anxious to sign him. 

[guava_wrench]

How many people would be anxious to fill our final roster spot with the likes of Robert Dozier, Chinemu Elonu, Emir Prelzdic, or Ahmad Nivins?  Because those are the two guys taken after and the two guys taken before Hudson.  I mean if Hudson was potentially wearing any other uniform, would anybody really want him over some random vet out there?  I think people are becoming a little too in love with young green talent. 

That said, I'm fine if he signs here.  But if there's a better option out there, cut him.  We won't regret it.  Best case scenario is that he's a bench player in this league 3 years from now.  I think we'll recover. 

You didn't explain your post the way you wanted to, did you?

Here's the thing: none of the guys you mentioned are guards, they're forwards. Hudson is. To be fair, ESPN listed him as a SG. Now, that all said, if Hudson shows he can be a backup PG, so be it. If he doesn't, so be that too. But, don't assume he'll fail without even giving him a chance. Bench player in 3 years at best? Come on, we don't know that.

Yeah, he's Ben Gordon at best and Marcus Banks at worst!

No. At worst, he is far worse than Banks. At worse he is like countless guys who entered the draft but never made it to the NBA.