Backup PG: Nolan Smith

[gar]

Nolan Smith had an early departure from the C's Orlando Summer League team in the first game. Article below suggests that he might still have an invite to camp. Don't know if this would have anything to do with the gap at PG position.

Pressey's Dad was a major presence in the crowd. Little mention was made of Smith's father Derek who died at 34 of a heart attack after an equally impressive NBA career. Smith, Iverson, Pressey all come from NBA families (Randolph also). Interesting to see the growing number of legacy players in the league.

http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/7/7/4501930/reports-blazers-ufa-g-nolan-smith-out-for-orlando-summer-league-after

[bfrombleacher]

I'm hoping to get our own CJ Watson. I'm psyched about Pressey but also this guy.

Interesting point about the NBA dads.

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/61646/truehoop-tv-draymond-green-part-1

In ^this^ interview with Dreymond Green, Drey Green thinks GMs are drafting for attitude more nowadays.

Might explain Ainge's recent choices. Players with NBA dads certainly have pedigree.

Even Fab Melo seems like he has a good attitude (compare him to Moultrie, who came into summer this year out of shape and was seriously questioned for his character).

[gar]

Guess the question is if Danny has left the door open for him to join camp and whether that explains the delay in inking Pressey or in getting a more experienced backup for Rondo. Smith is only 6'2" and not known as a rugged type. Too bad was pulling for him, hope he bounces back.

At Duke seem like he played both PG and SG. So may not be a pure PG.

[CelticConcourse]

Nolan Smith didn't get his chance in Portland, I always wanted them to play him.

We need to give him a chance, he was great at Duke, just waiting to explode. He can be a rising star if given the opportunity. I hope we sign him long-term.

[clover]

I'm hoping to get our own CJ Watson. I'm psyched about Pressey but also this guy.

Interesting point about the NBA dads.

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/61646/truehoop-tv-draymond-green-part-1

In ^this^ interview with Dreymond Green, Drey Green thinks GMs are drafting for attitude more nowadays.

Might explain Ainge's recent choices. Players with NBA dads certainly have pedigree.

Even Fab Melo seems like he has a good attitude (compare him to Moultrie, who came into summer this year out of shape and was seriously questioned for his character).

Fab seems like a personable guy--but he sure still looks out of shape to me.

[Celtics4ever]

Why we have Pressey?   Who was argubly a superior college player to Smith.

[bfrombleacher]

Why we have Pressey?   Who was argubly a superior college player to Smith.

Smith is a little more NBA proven.

[D.o.s.]

Nolan Smith didn't get his chance in Portland, I always wanted them to play him.

We need to give him a chance, he was great at Duke, just waiting to explode. He can be a rising star if given the opportunity. I hope we sign him long-term.

Personal distaste for Duke players aside, there's really no reason to play Nolan Smith if you have a healthy Damian Lillard.

Or, apparently, even a healthy Eric Maynor.

[CelticConcourse]

Nolan Smith didn't get his chance in Portland, I always wanted them to play him.

We need to give him a chance, he was great at Duke, just waiting to explode. He can be a rising star if given the opportunity. I hope we sign him long-term.

Personal distaste for Duke players aside, there's really no reason to play Nolan Smith if you have a healthy Damian Lillard.

Or, apparently, even a healthy Eric Maynor.

He can be our backup behind Rondo though. 10 minutes a game is all he needs to contribute. He was cast aside as a D-Leaguer when he clearly didn't believe he was one and when he comes to Boston, he'll be sure to thrive. (I hope)

[tarheelsxxiii]

Nolan Smith didn't get his chance in Portland, I always wanted them to play him.

We need to give him a chance, he was great at Duke, just waiting to explode. He can be a rising star if given the opportunity. I hope we sign him long-term.

Personal distaste for Duke players aside, there's really no reason to play Nolan Smith if you have a healthy Damian Lillard.

Or, apparently, even a healthy Eric Maynor.

I can't even hide my personal bias against Duke players. That said, objectively I never felt his game would translate well to the NBA.

He seemed to be a massive overachiever. He appeared barely athletic enough to be successful at the collegiate level (he's speedy). Seemed to excel more so because he was shifty/crafty, intelligent and hard-working.

As mentioned above, he played more like a SG than a PG and  as well, and obviously doesn't have the size to play still be playing the 2. 

[Monkhouse]

Eh, I don't like Nolan Smith. Watching a few games, his game seemed pretty good overall. But while he relies on speed, and intelligence. He's a shoot first pass point guard which isn't a good thing. We mainly need scoring, but if Rondo can bond well with his teammates, I can see him teaching Pressey who has far more potential, a plethora of things.

I think Pressey has a high ceiling. At best once Rondo is all said and done, could be a legit starting PG.

The real question is Pressey can prove to be a gem, and someone worth keeping. Would Rondo be okay backing him up once he reaches past his prime?

[clover]

Guess the question is if Danny has left the door open for him to join camp and whether that explains the delay in inking Pressey or in getting a more experienced backup for Rondo. Smith is only 6'2" and not known as a rugged type. Too bad was pulling for him, hope he bounces back.

At Duke seem like he played both PG and SG. So may not be a pure PG.

I think the roster numbers game is enough explanation for the delay in inking Pressey's deal.  They've still room for a third PG, so barring a trade that affects that, Smith could still have a legitimate opportunity in training camp.

[Tr1boy]

Smith is another year or two away from building enough strength to not get pushed around and get injured less frequently. He also doesnt have oustanding quickness to geg away from his lack of good strength. Prob europe is his best bet right now.

[BudweiserCeltic]

No interest.

[hwangjini_1]

i dont know squat about smith, but rarely has a lack of knowledge kept me from talking about something. 

i am not sure if the "either/or" discourses on this board are the best way to ponder the smith versus pressey conundrum. eventually, yes it may boil down to either this one or that one. but for training camp, the more the merrier.

but for now, maybe ainge will invite a sizable herd of youngsters to camp and let them sort themselves out.

personally, i prefer the player who has potentially higher upside instead of instant improvement. for me, this year is not about winning, it's about building.