Rondo praises Lester Hudson

[Global Celtic]

Unless we can get a nice veteran, I really think Danny will go with Lester.

[clover]

Rondo spoke up for Gabe as well.  If he's as helpful as he could be for Lester, that'd be great. 

Also, in picking up on Doc's comments, though if Daniels plays point forward that should increase the chances for Hudson as well--Doc clearly doesn't have any intention of playing him (or, probably, Giddens) at all.

[td450]

But he's just not a point guard.  Doesn't have those instincts. 

Have you really seen him play enough to make a statement like that?

Yes.  I suppose he could be a quick learner, but he's already 25 years old...

Given his inability to be able to score high enough to get into college in his younger years and his difficulty in getting into a larger Division I school because his JUCO grades weren't so outstanding, my guess is, he probably isn't a quick learner.

Book smarts and college academic readiness has nothing to do with playing NBA basketball.  I'd prefer to look at L-Hud's stick-to-itness rather than his academic shortcomings when trying to figure out if he has a decent shot at the NBA. 

Of course, from where he was drafted, he's a long shot to carve a career out in the NBA. He reminds me of a Flip Murray type, a guy who just knows how to put the ball in the basket, without fitting into a conventional role.  I do think he has more athleticism and defensive potential than Murray, although he might not be quite the scorer.     

Point I'm trying to make is that when it comes to understanding new and different concepts, such as rotational defenses and different offenses, he might not be the quickest learner. See Gerald Green and Tony Allen. Gerald still doesn't get defensive schemes and Tony took years to figure them out. If the guy isn't a very sharp tool, learning more complex basketball might be a major hindrance in being able to make an NBA team, talent or no talent.

There is a distinction to be made between basketball IQ and emotional poise. Both Tony and Gerald had limited basketball IQ's, but what really plagues them is that their emotions get the best of them.

[Chris]

But he's just not a point guard.  Doesn't have those instincts. 

Have you really seen him play enough to make a statement like that?

Yes.  I suppose he could be a quick learner, but he's already 25 years old...

Given his inability to be able to score high enough to get into college in his younger years and his difficulty in getting into a larger Division I school because his JUCO grades weren't so outstanding, my guess is, he probably isn't a quick learner.

Book smarts and college academic readiness has nothing to do with playing NBA basketball.  I'd prefer to look at L-Hud's stick-to-itness rather than his academic shortcomings when trying to figure out if he has a decent shot at the NBA. 

Of course, from where he was drafted, he's a long shot to carve a career out in the NBA. He reminds me of a Flip Murray type, a guy who just knows how to put the ball in the basket, without fitting into a conventional role.  I do think he has more athleticism and defensive potential than Murray, although he might not be quite the scorer.     

Point I'm trying to make is that when it comes to understanding new and different concepts, such as rotational defenses and different offenses, he might not be the quickest learner. See Gerald Green and Tony Allen. Gerald still doesn't get defensive schemes and Tony took years to figure them out. If the guy isn't a very sharp tool, learning more complex basketball might be a major hindrance in being able to make an NBA team, talent or no talent.

There is a distinction to be made between basketball IQ and emotional poise. Both Tony and Gerald had limited basketball IQ's, but what really plagues them is that their emotions get the best of them.

I would personally call it "focus", but yes, it is basically the same thing.  I don't think Tony's problem (not sure about Geralds) is that he simply doesn't understand basketball.  I think it is that he seems to have the attention span of a Jack Russell Terrier.  He will be focussed one play, and then start running in circles. 

[liam]

They probably want to give Lester a non-guaranteed contract, so they can cut him if something better comes up during the season. that's why he's not signed yet. I hope this kid gets a chance.

[BoundingRounder]

Rajon Rondo is an extremely intelligent man.  I imagine that's why Danny likes him as much as he does...If we could sneak him in at fifty, I would...

Needless to say, Rondo has done my thinking for me on Lester...

[pengaloo]

Maybe Rondo observed Lester Hudson vs. Eddie House pickup game. If that's the case, I wouldn't put too much weight on Rondo's praise of Lester.

[Global Celtic]

Maybe Rondo observed Lester Hudson vs. Eddie House pickup game. If that's the case, I wouldn't put too much weight on Rondo's praise of Lester.

Agreed. But just watch this guys shoulders, arms... He's built like a bulldog! He was born to play physical and I belive he will make it on defense. He can score but I think he will be on the roster because he can really stay in front of his guy.

[kozlodoev]

Book smarts and college academic readiness has nothing to do with playing NBA basketball.

Sure it does. The NBA is not a pickup game on your neighborhood playground.

[billysan]

He was born to play physical and I belive he will make it on defense. He can score but I think he will be on the roster because he can really stay in front of his guy.

This will be the key I think...if Lester proves he can play excellent man and pressure D against NBA PG's, the rest will take care of itself. A guy who can come in and give Rondo a couple of 3-5 minute breathers and not cost the team a step defensively is worth keeping on the roster provided we have a slot. Someone else can initiate the offense if he isnt ready for that yet. The fact that he can make an open shot and score a little is a bonus.

We keep Eddie House on the roster mostly because we dont have anyone else and he can reliably score a few points off the bench. His defense isnt horrible, but isnt what we would call great either. We compensate for Eddie because he has value in an area we need.

If Lester can play defense, we may see Eddie House in a trade before long. Lester's skill set 'theoretically' could make Eddie expendable, couldnt he? House is certainly a more marketable player than Tony Allen I would think. 

[xmuscularghandix]

Maybe Rondo observed Lester Hudson vs. Eddie House pickup game. If that's the case, I wouldn't put too much weight on Rondo's praise of Lester.

Or Rondo's playing against him, and he's getting on his nerves.

[dmopower]

A few years ago, people were talking about Rondot being a NBA point guard.
I say lets wait and see, he is the type of ayer we need in the rotation to help compete against the more athletic teams.

[Bahku]

Book smarts and college academic readiness has nothing to do with playing NBA basketball.

Sure it does. The NBA is not a pickup game on your neighborhood playground.

Well said, Koz ... athletic ability is FAR from the only element required to having a successful career in the NBA. (TP)

[sully00]

I have to laugh when people analyze the game of a player no one has actually seen play.

One of the big match up issues Boston is going to have is strong penetrating guards.  Rondo is not built for taking charges and staying in front of his man and no one is going to confuse Eddie House and Erick Strickland.  Dwayne Wade, Rodney Stuckey, to an extent Derrick Rose.

I think TA is fine at this actually he was able to start as a rookie because of defensive instincts and I think his game is much more of a lack of physical ability than mental.  TA has the offensive game of a pg without the ball handling skills it really has ended up being as simple as that. If you are 6'4" and can't shoot outside of 18ft you better be able to dribble and if you can't well you are Tony Allen.

If Hudson, can shoot the three, dribble the ball, and play defense like Erick Strickland we are good.