the problem with rookie points

[Jim Hill]

>I am somewhat disheartened by the Celt’s apparent focus on the point guards
available in the draft. In is not that I don’t
>agree with the idea that it is a legitimate need but rather that Doc’s
system, or lack of, chews up and spits out the young
>and inexperienced points. We’ve seen it first hand as the potential of both
Banks and Greene were all but extinguished.
>Delonte has fared somewhat better. His success though stems from his
overall play (shooting ability, shot blocking, hustle)
>than his point guard specific skills. A telling fact on how the powers that
be feel about West is that the Celts continue to
>identify the position as their number one need.

>Why then would it make sense to bring in another young point for Doc to
ruin? I’d much rather see a veteran point brought
>in, someone with an established game. Saving Doc from the compulsion to
trying to mold the player to his vision all the
>while negating what the player does well. Ainge had to limit Doc’s options
last year to get him to shorten the rotation. He
>needs to do the same again this year by opting for a veteran point instead
of a rookie.


Well something to consider is that very good PG's, that are not past their
prime, don't really get traded or go into FA that often.  Add into the fact
that many often get a Marbury type attitude that they "know" how to play
point and will play it their way Vs how the coach wants them to play it and
viola!  that's why drafting a solid point who could be a long term addition
to your team makes a lot of sense.

The fact that Bank's didn't/doesn't have the mental strength to run a team
is hardly River's fault. No amount of cajoling would have led him to stick
with the team if he wasn't going to be able to what they wanted him to do.

Blame the trade of Billips on Pitino, but Banks was a gamble that didn't pan
out.  The worst part was the other options at the time.  But others missed
them also.  Greene was given the dream shot most bubble guys would cut off
an arm for.  What he learned from Rivers may be all that keeps him in the
league for the next few years.  He has some skills, but no other team even
wanted him.  Many wannabe's should be so lucky to be chewed up as he was.

So you have one actual point who plays the game they way you want it played
in West.  That you still need another guy at point would make the position a
priority.  To me, the next priority is another Big.  But under 10 in the
draft you have to go with BPA regardless of what position they play.  IMO.

<Jim



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