Problem is we have two roster spots and basically 5 guys trying out for them.
That means only one or two guys stay (depending on whether doc wants to keep a spot free) and the others go.
Thus far Joseph has been the most stable and "Celtic" like player in that group. He's been wise in his shot selection, he's not committed a single turnover, and he's played like q guy who's happy to do the little things - the little things that we don't see in the box score, but the things that Doc sees right away.
Important thing is that when Joseph is out there you barely notice his presence because he doesn't try to show off, force things or act like something he's not.
Cutting Smith is something that was bound to happen - he jacks terrible shots, he can't hot those shots to save his life, he frequently turns the ball over by trying to force things, and can't run an offence. Those are the types of traits Doc hates in a player - guys who don't buy in to the team concept and try to play hero-ball.
Christmas getting cur doesn't surprise me because he played ultimately the same way as Smith - he just actually hot some shots. He played the same brand of hero-ball and like I said Doc hates that with a passion. He'd rather have a guy like Joseph who plays within himself, buys into the team concept, and doesnt try to play beyond his means.
Think about the amount of drama Doc has had with selfish players and guys with a wrong attitudes - big baby, delonte, etc. The thing he was happiest about with our group last year was the selfishness and the professional attitude, that's why Joseph is in.
As for Melo he was always in. Maybe that's why they are playing him less - they already know he's in and know role on the team, so he needs less evaluation. Fact with Melo is that while he is very raw offensively they can probably see that the talent and attitude is there, and they probably also love the great signs he shows on defense. They know big athletic 7 footers don't grow on trees, plus he already has a guaranteed contract so considering all of the above why would they cut him? Better to send him to the D-league and if we get hit by any bigman injuries (i.e. Darko) and get desperate he is a 7-foot, 260-pound insurance policy.
Yesterday I was thinking that out of the rookies I like Sully, Melo, Josepf most of all and don't mins Downs too...seems Doc might see the same.