I really like Dionte Christmas, he is playing like a man among boys--a strong defender, makes few mistakes...just doing everything right and playing as a big physical point here and there--I am very impressed. And Joseph could really turn into an athletic, long all around 2/3. We need roster spots for these 2!~
I'd never heard of him, but he's kind of intriguing.
Greek League 2011-2012 (Leading scorer for AGOR, the 4th best team in Greek league, second leading scorer in league):
26 games, 32mpg, 18.6ppg, .463/.360/.710, 4.4 rbs, 3.0 asts, 1.6 stls.
Solid line, really.
Went back and looked at some earlier stuff. 2009 ESPN NBA draft profile:
Projection Second round to undrafted
Positives
Good scorer
Long arms
Excellent shooter with NBA 3-point range
Can put the ball on the floor and get to the basket
Sees the floor well
Good defender
Great feel for the game
Negatives
Not an elite athlete
Needs to improve his handle
Tries to do too much
Questionable shot selection
Needs to add strength
Jan 2 Update: Christmas made a name for himself last season in the NCAA tournament but has really turned it on as a senior. He dropped 35 points on Tennessee last week and followed it up with a 21-point performance against Kansas on Saturday. Christmas has a sweet shooting stroke and deep range. He's less effective taking the ball to the basket, but he's willing, which is a plus. Right now, he's a first-round bubble prospect. His age (he turned 22 in September) works against him. But his consistent production of the past few years says he's a kid who has proven he can score at the highest level.
Over 4 years of college ball at Temple he averaged:
15.7ppg, 4.4 rbs 2.0 asts 1.2 stls .425/.360/.777, 29.6mpg
His shot hasn't been falling this summer league:
27.8 mpg, 0.432/0.238/0.429
But he's getting boards and assists:
6.5 rbs, 4.0 asts, 1.2 stls, 10.0 ppg
...and of course as i write this he goes for 19 points in one half with 3-5 3pters and 4-4 ft's.
So if he had a rep as a decent defender and he's improved upon that, I could easily see him finding a place as a backup SG to run with Rondo as he provides shooting and can defend the SG spot. Sounds like he can definitley shoot, defend the 2 with good size, just struggles with dribble drive, but if Rondo's go the ball, that detriment is neutralized.