Hunter should be a fixture in the roster

[tarheelsxxiii]

After watching both preseason games, RJ has got it. It behooves both the team and him to have RJ situated with the big boys more often than the Red Claws this season. He has earned it early on.

Couldn't care less about SL stats here. He has already proven that: a) he has a BBIQ well beyond his years, b) isn't rattled by the big stage despite his status, c) has a certifiable NBA skill, and d) fills a major void for us as a knock down shooter WHILE ALSO showing he can contribute in many other ways. The major question mark of how he can handle NBA 2-3s defensively is obviously still unanswered, but if he can carry his weight defensively, then the young man just looks the part ... works without the need for explanation, much like Kelly's "bun."

I am hopeful for Rozier and believe the D League will benefit he, Mickey, and (not) Young this season, but would argue that sending RJ down isn't going to help his growth beyond building confidence, which he seems to already have. He's too heady to send off to get reps for that purpose alone, especially if he doesn't need it. And what natural/physical defensive deficiencies he has seem like they could be countered by his length, effort, and BBIQ. He's proven, by my 20/10 eye test, to be NBA-caliber already, and primed to be a Celtic beyond his rookie contract. Very comfortable making that my bold prediction for the future.

[rollie mass]

i think hunters focus and amount of energy on defence may have effected his shot in europe but he was still impressive-this player has it for me the same way i appreciated prince for his skills-
tp for original post,well written,correct punctuation and spelling and leaves nothing unsaid

[jambr380]

If he can get any time at all with the Cs, then I am all for it. He has already had infinite reps against inferior competition during his college years. If not, well, then it is better to keep him sharp and confident in Maine - at least for part of the season.

We still need to make some roster moves, but it seems like those moves won't come until at least mid-season.

[Jon]

I like Hunter, but let's pump the brakes, particularly since not only has he never played in a real NBA game yet, he hasn't even played in a real NBA preseason game.

[Celtics4ever]

Every notice how he makes some shots more difficult though than they have to be.  I have noticed he sometimes rotates his hips on misses.  Young does this sometimes too.  This is not cracking on him as  player, just something I think would improve his shooting some more as that torque could affect his shot slightly in a negative manner.   Coaches sons are always pretty sound and know how to play.

[Surferdad]

Mods move thread out of game threads area.

 I love RJ so far. Great BBIQ and a nice stroke.   I do see him getting reps in Portland if only to allow the other rookies some time with the big team.

I think Hunter is older than James Young. 

[Denis998]

I like everything he does on the court. After that the shooting is just a plus.

[PhoSita]

Based on what, exactly?

Did I miss him having a big game in summer league or preseason? 

As far as I'm aware, he's had a couple of games where he hits a few shots, but I have yet to see him look like a "fixture."

Is there any evidence yet he can consistently get open and hit shots against NBA defenders?  How about defending NBA scorers?

[Tr1boy]

He has some ways to go, to build up his body. His bbiq is higher than I thought.  Also puts out excellent effort out of the floor.    In general his non shooting parts of his game has shined more so far.  Add the strength and ability to find his three sweet spots in the NBA and we ourselves a nice player for many years to come.

[jpotter33]

I agree for two reasons: 1) I'd much rather give him guard minutes over Turner, and 2) I'm not sure how much good the D-League would actually do him.

He could legitimately be our 4th guard over Turner. If we give big guard minutes to IT, Smart, and Bradley with Young and Rozier in the D-League, then I'm definitely comfortable giving Hunter the remaining guard minutes over Turner. I actually think Smart and Hunter would make a great pairing at times against bench units.

[LarBrd33]

He's a shooter who has shot atrociously through summerleague and pre-season thus far.   Maybe he develops into something down the line.  I'm not buying it.  He almost slipped into the 2nd round for a reason.  He and James Young can duke it out in Maine and the winner can have first dibs on warming the bench when injuries necessitate a call-up.

[Celtics18]

He hasn't been shooting well, but, like many observers, I am being won over by the way he seems to be a gamer.  It may not show up in the box score yet, but every time he steps on the court, he makes plays that belie his lack of experience.

Definitely a keeper, in my book. 

[PhoSita]

He hasn't been shooting well, but, like many observers, I am being won over by the way he seems to be a gamer.  It may not show up in the box score yet, but every time he steps on the court, he makes plays that belie his lack of experience.

Definitely a keeper, in my book.

I agree that he looks like he knows what he's doing and what his role should be on the court.  I like that a lot.  He appears to have the mental component that James Young has lacked so far.

That said, until he actually produces on the court, it's all theoretical, and I think it's very premature to suggest he should be a "fixture" in the rotation.

[86MaxwellSmart]

Hunter looks so much like a right-handed Tayshaun Prince out there....really good at passing too....On defense, he gets a lot of poke-aways with his his long arms....Once his shot starts to fall on a regular basis, he'll be in Stevens' top 10 players every night.

[SHAQATTACK]

Hunter looks so much like a right-handed Tayshaun Prince out there....really good at passing too....On defense, he gets a lot of poke-aways with his his long arms....Once his shot starts to fall on a regular basis, he'll be in Stevens' top 10 players every night.

Yes he is very smooth and controlled