Blog

Okay, okay – it was only one game.  And it was a game in the Orlando Summer League on top of that , a throwaway game that no one, not even some of the participants, will recall with any accuracy in just a few short years.  But first impressions are usually the strongest, and 2nd round pick Kris Joseph went out and proved he could play basketball with anyone in the OSL.  Granted, the OSL is light years from the NBA, and Joseph remains a long shot to stick with the Celtics long-term, but at least for one day Joseph showed why he just may be a second round steal.

The numbers themselves are deceiving.  While Joseph looked to score often in his summer league debut, he went just 3-of-8 from the field, finishing with seven points in 17 minutes of playing time.  He added four rebounds, but also committed three turnovers, which is a stat that always catches the eye of the coaching staff.  But something else should catch their eye – Joseph looked poised despite the turnovers, and didn’t look out of his element whatsoever.

More than that, he looked like he could get his shot off against NBA-caliber opponents, and he clearly has an NBA body that can also get him to the rack.  While he only averaged 13 points for the Orangemen as a senior, Joseph has the same general build and unhurried delivery as Paul Pierce.  Call him a poor man’s Truth.  I’m sure Joseph will take that as a compliment.

Especially if he’s guarding Pierce in practice come November.