*****
Doc has employed an interesting way of simulating regular season conditions—one or a few players at a time. In each game (after the first one, which was a kind of get-acquainted exercise), he has singled out certain players for extended minutes and roles. In some cases (such as KG), Doc has really pushed it almost past the constructive point in terms of fatigue and susceptibility to injury. But, except for an apparently very slight ankle tweak to Sheed, he has pulled it off without negative incident.
And, in virtually every case, the players have come through like champions (which they very well could become this season). Very brief thumbnail sketches:
KG: Now up to 23 minutes per game...scored .705 points per minute in most recent game, compared with .537 for his career...soared for three successful alley-oop connections in the most recent game...favors the injured knee slightly when landing after jumping, but starting to get out front of the pack in fast breaks...jumper (requiring leg strength) is very good...he's obviously feeling really good about himself.
Pierce: No plays yet installed for him, and was quiet for a couple of games...now closer to his scoring average (in far fewer minutes than his average)...more than ever adheres to Scal's adage that Paul "gives what the game requires."
Ray: Has scored okay but has not yet had one of his patented spurts...probably requires more extended minutes to achieve the rhythm a shooter like him needs...in great condition and should be fine.
Rondo: Seemed out of sync for a couple of games...then, when Doc held out all Three Amigos for a game, Rondo just took over and brought the team back from a deficit to a win (even calmly sinking some jumpers early in the shot clock) and went for 13 assists...shot 70% from the line during the first couple of games, then went 6-for-14 in a game...consistency is still the issue.
Perk: Has been in and out depending on whether he's been in foul trouble...his per-minute stats project to about 12 points and 7 boards in 30 minutes...has developed a turnaround jumper, is giving up the ball less, and appears only to need more repetitions to move up a step in helpfulness as a role player.
Sheed: Started the game when the Three Amigos were rested...went semi-wild inside...outside...solid defense...great court vision...even long passes for touchdowns...just seems to be on top of everything (including intensity).
Daniels: The type who does whatever others aren't doing...fills in the gaps...very good instincts playing the point...nice floater in penetration...was under the weather two games ago, and it probably extended into the most recent game, when he did nothing.
House: Catch, swish...catch, swish...catch, swish...and his point guard skills are really improved...I believe his interior passing ability exceeds Rondo's.
Scal: Steady...gives the offense a shot in the arm when in there, even if he doesn't score (which he's been doing some of)...adapting to more play at small forward and doing pretty well defensively...they just seem to gain points when he's in there.
Baby: Could be the most improved player by the end end of the season...has changed his role since the advent of Sheed...fewer jumpers, more bulling his way to the hoop...getting fouled a lot and hitting freebies...filling the Powe role quite well without being the black hole many people associated with Leon.
Williams: Completely clueless on offense during the first three games...given 16 minutes in the fourth game, he did quite well, showing confidence in a pretty good jumper...decent defender and good rebounder...memorable jam of a rebound off a missed Celtics free throw in the first game...needs to learn the system (and apparently not a quick learner)
Giddens: Responds to minutes with frenetic defensive efforts, occasional and shocking drives for jams, and excellent rebounding (13 in one game)...obviously working hard and playing within his primarily defensive role...my guess is that he'd be better off practicing with the big boys and playing selectively than going to the DL.
Hudson: Becoming my new favorite player (although Rondo's still right up there)...the kid can shoot and isn't afraid to...when handed the PG reins for extended minutes, he takes hold and isn't tentative as Pruitt was...still has a LOT to learn about the PG position and PG instincts, but he definitely is a shooter with a pass-first mentality (a good sign)...a real pest on defense and loves to get into the passing lanes for steals.
Special mention—Giddens and Hudson: I could see them EVENTUALLY as the second coming of the Jones Boys (you're probably too young to remember them, but they're both in the Hall of Fame)...put them in as a tandem, put up with a few turnovers in the beginning, and they could demoralize the other team on defense and score a few points in transition while the Celtics starters are getting a rest.
Tony: Only played in one game for something like seven minutes and looked wild and lost out there...seems chronically injured...one wants good things for him, but this is his sixth year.
Sweetney: I call him "Hey Hey Hey" because he looks like Fat Albert to me...has shocked a lot of us with his deft offensive skills...ponderous on defense though, and that could be his Achilles' heel as far as making the team.
Walker: injured and will be recuperating for several more weeks.
Sam
And, in virtually every case, the players have come through like champions (which they very well could become this season). Very brief thumbnail sketches:
KG: Now up to 23 minutes per game...scored .705 points per minute in most recent game, compared with .537 for his career...soared for three successful alley-oop connections in the most recent game...favors the injured knee slightly when landing after jumping, but starting to get out front of the pack in fast breaks...jumper (requiring leg strength) is very good...he's obviously feeling really good about himself.
Pierce: No plays yet installed for him, and was quiet for a couple of games...now closer to his scoring average (in far fewer minutes than his average)...more than ever adheres to Scal's adage that Paul "gives what the game requires."
Ray: Has scored okay but has not yet had one of his patented spurts...probably requires more extended minutes to achieve the rhythm a shooter like him needs...in great condition and should be fine.
Rondo: Seemed out of sync for a couple of games...then, when Doc held out all Three Amigos for a game, Rondo just took over and brought the team back from a deficit to a win (even calmly sinking some jumpers early in the shot clock) and went for 13 assists...shot 70% from the line during the first couple of games, then went 6-for-14 in a game...consistency is still the issue.
Perk: Has been in and out depending on whether he's been in foul trouble...his per-minute stats project to about 12 points and 7 boards in 30 minutes...has developed a turnaround jumper, is giving up the ball less, and appears only to need more repetitions to move up a step in helpfulness as a role player.
Sheed: Started the game when the Three Amigos were rested...went semi-wild inside...outside...solid defense...great court vision...even long passes for touchdowns...just seems to be on top of everything (including intensity).
Daniels: The type who does whatever others aren't doing...fills in the gaps...very good instincts playing the point...nice floater in penetration...was under the weather two games ago, and it probably extended into the most recent game, when he did nothing.
House: Catch, swish...catch, swish...catch, swish...and his point guard skills are really improved...I believe his interior passing ability exceeds Rondo's.
Scal: Steady...gives the offense a shot in the arm when in there, even if he doesn't score (which he's been doing some of)...adapting to more play at small forward and doing pretty well defensively...they just seem to gain points when he's in there.
Baby: Could be the most improved player by the end end of the season...has changed his role since the advent of Sheed...fewer jumpers, more bulling his way to the hoop...getting fouled a lot and hitting freebies...filling the Powe role quite well without being the black hole many people associated with Leon.
Williams: Completely clueless on offense during the first three games...given 16 minutes in the fourth game, he did quite well, showing confidence in a pretty good jumper...decent defender and good rebounder...memorable jam of a rebound off a missed Celtics free throw in the first game...needs to learn the system (and apparently not a quick learner)
Giddens: Responds to minutes with frenetic defensive efforts, occasional and shocking drives for jams, and excellent rebounding (13 in one game)...obviously working hard and playing within his primarily defensive role...my guess is that he'd be better off practicing with the big boys and playing selectively than going to the DL.
Hudson: Becoming my new favorite player (although Rondo's still right up there)...the kid can shoot and isn't afraid to...when handed the PG reins for extended minutes, he takes hold and isn't tentative as Pruitt was...still has a LOT to learn about the PG position and PG instincts, but he definitely is a shooter with a pass-first mentality (a good sign)...a real pest on defense and loves to get into the passing lanes for steals.
Special mention—Giddens and Hudson: I could see them EVENTUALLY as the second coming of the Jones Boys (you're probably too young to remember them, but they're both in the Hall of Fame)...put them in as a tandem, put up with a few turnovers in the beginning, and they could demoralize the other team on defense and score a few points in transition while the Celtics starters are getting a rest.
Tony: Only played in one game for something like seven minutes and looked wild and lost out there...seems chronically injured...one wants good things for him, but this is his sixth year.
Sweetney: I call him "Hey Hey Hey" because he looks like Fat Albert to me...has shocked a lot of us with his deft offensive skills...ponderous on defense though, and that could be his Achilles' heel as far as making the team.
Walker: injured and will be recuperating for several more weeks.
Sam
