Re: Hunter: 23 minutes tonight and a whopping 2 rebounds

[R Howe <regmanw6@xxxxxxxxx>]

The Hunter debate still rages on, when will it stop. That said have to agree on not being able to project Hunter as a player based on play this year, good or bad. He is a Rookie, and too little coaching and PT to make any kind of evaluation. Have to be carefull when evaluating rookies and players just cutting teeth in the NBA. I seem to remember Billups not being able to get the ball past half court when cutting his teeth, Joe Johnson looking like a steal early then falling off, all gone shortly, to be given up on by impatience. I would love to have both on the team now, if the players have physical talents or or a needed knack you need about 3 years to really tell how good they will really be. The Garnetts, Pierce's and the like as exceptions.  
 
It was good to see Hunter and Mihm out on the floor for extended minutes. Hunter looked lost for about his first ten mins on the floor, he was trying to do too much and accomplished little (his pattern of late) but once he realized he wasnt going to be yanked and that there wasnt really a game plan, it seemed that either someone told him to just concentrate on stopping Odom.... or more likely he figured it out himself because that would be giving Carrol too much credit, regardless he looked energized as soon as he figured he had a role to fill. He did a very good job in shutting down Odom while he was on him save for a late 3pt shot.
 
Mihm played good "D" but there was not enough floor generalship to get him the ball on the pick and roll and quite frankly if he doesnt get the ball for a dunk his offense is non existant, but his D and board work was good considering.
 
Banks played ok, good energy and defense, but still doesnt see the floor well enough in a half court set, which at this point is what the Celts are settling for.
 
Jiri, well he hasnt had a good shooting game in about 2 wks and he seems messed up at this time. If there is a reason we will not do well in the playoffs even without expectations and Carrol running the show, it will be because Jiri is not hitting his outside shot, thus a heavy dependance on Waltah to provide the safety valve offense on the perimeter. Jiri or any player capable of hitting that shot will be key to free up Pierce, Ricky and even Blount in the Playoffs. Conversly if he can get untracked then the Celts, despite thier poor play and backing in. can be dangerous. He has been streaky and who knows, might just turn it around (can hope can I).
 
It was interesting to hear one of the owners talk to Tommy during the second period saying how important getting a good coaching staff in place, that can work well w/Danny and be good at teaching, hinting at how little progress in that area to date, then almost as an afterthought or to cover his trail, say how good a job Carrol had done and that he was under consideration. Also caught him saying that Blount and Mihm should be on the court, never happened. Carrol knows he is toast and only plays Blount w/Waltah I think as a parting sabotage shot. Too bad I think he had a opportunity to show Celts (Ainge) that he could be that coach that could partner with and be trusted to develop young new players and a team in transition. Tough job but I think if he didnt run counter to that goal while going for the boobie prize (8th playoff spot), then making the playoffs would not even be a consideration when deciding his fate. 
 
Hope for the last game to see only Blount, Mihm, Jones, Hunter and in particular Perkins playing the front court on the last game.  
 
Go Celts

Josh Ozersky <jozersky@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
And what is that? How can you even pretend to know
what he is? Neither the Hunter-lovers or Hunter haters
have enough to go on to even beginning making a defensible
opinion. Even if he had played major minutes all season,
the jury would still be out on him. With no coaching and
spot minutes, you can't say anything.

Josh
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dan Forant" 
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 9:35 AM
Subject: Re: Hunter: 23 minutes tonight and a whopping 2 rebounds


> Blaming the coach for Hunter's timidity is wrong. He just is what he is at
> this point.
>
> DanF
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Kestas" 
>
>
> >
> > Contrary to reports about his alleged cockiness, Hunter's looked awfully
> > timid lately, as though his confidence has been trampled by his coach
> (who,
> > btw, is doing a great job according to the owner-manager-client).
> > Kestas
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