Orlando Summer League Begins Today

[LordRC]

The annual introduction/tryouts for NBA draftees and hopefuls begins today. The games can be viewed online at NBA.com or watched live on NBATV.

Here's Boston's roster for the Summer League:

41 Jaycee Carroll G 6'2" 180 Utah State
50 Semih Erden C 7'0" 240 Turkey
27 Tony Gaffney F 6'8" 215 Massachusetts
45 Rodney Green G 6'5" 190 La Salle
55 Luke Harangody F 6'8" 255 Notre Dame
46 Matt Janning G 6'4" 198 Northeastern
60 Vyacheslav Kravstov C 7'0" 270 Ukraine
40 Oliver Layafette G 6'2" 190 Houston
58 Art Parkahouski C 6'11" 260 Radford
47 DeShawn Sims F 6'8" 225 Michigan
48 Ryan Thompson G 6'6" 220 Rider
49 Ryan Wittman F 6'7" 215 Cornell

While I'll be looking for players who catch my eye, three players I'm particularly interested in. Semih Erden will likely sign a contract and be a reserve C for the team this season. I want an idea of what he can do. Luke Harangody should be another second round over-achiever following in the footsteps of Ryan Gomes, Glen Davis, and Leon Powe. He's looked good in practices according to reports so far. If this continues during Summer League, he will get a contract before SL is over, or shortly afterwards. And there's talk about Tony Gaffney and what he could do as an athletic wing and tough defender. We'll see if it was all talk.

A player I wanted the Celtics to sign as a RFA was Brian Zoubek from Duke. He will be in this SL with another team. I'll be monitoring his performances as best as possible. Other names will pop up here and there. Remember, we're not just scouting our players. We watching everyone because most of these guys are playing without contracts and are hoping to catch someone's eye.

Celtics tip-off tonight at 5 against Oklahoma City.

--LordRC

[CaptChris]

Celtics are on at 5:00 Eastern, this afternoon on NBA TV. Should be fun to watch. That is if the guards don't hog the ball.

I liked Zoubek at Duke. A hustler, with a good attitude.

Can Whittman really play at this level. He can shoot. What can Harangody and Gaffney do on the boards. How bad do they want it?

Is there a Big Man in the bunch. One who can hit a shot from over 5 ft. from the basket.

[Spleen]

I have been waiting to see the Great Wall of Turkey for a couple of years to see if this guy can really come over here and adjust to the NBA game and pace and be a legitimate C/F. He's supposed to be quite athletic for his size and plays aggressively, which may mean something different over there than here. He's been playing pro ball for 6 years now and is just turning 24 so he might be ahead of any seven footer we might have drafted. If he can defend and rebound, he'll be an instant success. He is also supposed to be a decent shot at least out to mid-range.

Lafayette may shoot his way onto the roster, and that won't be a bad thing since there were times last season when we were pressed for someone to make a bucket.

Gaffney will be hard pressed to show a lot as he hasn't played in so long due to his foot injury. We will need someone like him to help out on containing SF's walking all over the defense.

Harangody is someone I expect to look dominant out there, that is if he ever gets the ball. As mentioned, many times the guards are so busy trying to impress and win a spot themselves, the frontcourt guys don't always get a lot of touches. That's something the coach needs to address and drive home that the Celtics aren't about ball hoggers.

Will Parakhouski be another Potepenko or is he more mobile? He'll also need to prove that he can play as a big and not foul a lot. We need some bigs, but we need ones that can play within the game and still be productive, starting with their defense and rebounding. Any points we get from them is gravy, their main job will always be controlling the paint and boards.

Given that we will be lucky to sign a couple of veteran FA's with the money we have to spend, there will be a number of mid-late roster spots filled by rookies or discarded vets for the minimum. It is always tough depending on inexperienced players to do the right thing under pressure. Drives coaches nuts, and forces them to play their vets too many minutes, and this team cannot afford to play the Encore Big Three too many minutes during the season if they have any hopes of another title.

Can't wait to watch them today, even though the level of play will tend to be sloppy.

[CaptChris]

Can we find a Center that somebody has to defend? Lakers ignored Rondo and Perk. Perk couldn't do anything before the knee injury, what will he be like when he comes back?

Is there a Big who can shoot a 12 footer? If not go get Shaq!

[CaptChris]

Harangody has a weird shot, but he has 11 Pts. at the half. He will be able to score off the bench.

Celts look good .

[CaptChris]

Harangody went 9 - 13 FG = 23 Pts.. He was 4 - 6 on "3"'s. Tough kid. Erden didn't show much.

Art Parkahouski looked tough with 10 rebounds. Lafayette forced things and only had 5 Assists.

We gave them 43 Foul Shots, and were 19 Pts. behind on Foul Shots.

[LordRC]

Game on in the books. They sure played like the Celtics, blowing a lead that was as big as 21 points in the first half. This must be their regular season.

I'm labeling Harangody's 23 points as an abberation because I find it hard to believe that he's that good of a 3-point shooter with that form. I would like to see if he can operate in the paint - create space to get his shot off, back to the basket offense, and rebounding by blocking out. I did see someone cherry-pick a rebound over his head. Otherwise he was surprising. He was willing to drive to the rim (right-handed only).

PG play offensively was good by LaFayette and Green. They scored well getting to the rim and LaFayette had the steal of the game.

I didn't see anything from Gaffney.

Erden looked like a big Euro. He moved well and he made a great pass from the high post. But of the few times they let him post up, he tried to turn past his defender instead of backing him down. Neither resulted in a bucket, but drew fouls. He had a few chances at rebounds, but they passed through his hands. Maybe, like Gaffney, Semih needs some minutes to regain his feel for the game. I'd like to see him to get a few more chances offensively.

--LordRC

[hurdler]

Summer league is usually guard heavy, so any showing by harangody (needs nickname or abbreviation) is a plus. He's the type of rookie that is useful to a veteran team. Parkahouski with double digit rebs; maybe need to google him or check out profile on draft sites.

Bigs with any type of offense usually aren't sweating it out in summer league. Maybe Sheed and filler or sheed and ray S&T could bring in eddie curry for a season. It's a contract year so he might actually try to play hard, or we can use him in a midseason trade as an expiring contract.

[CaptChris]

Layafette (5) and Green (4) had 9 T/o's against the 76ers. We has 18 T/O's total. The 76ers had 10 steals. Our 's didn't look good.

Harangody shot poorly -- 4 - 14 FG. Yet, he still had 14 Pts. and 12 rebounds. Tough Kid. Tony Gaffney ram the floor well, and had 10 Pts. and 5 Rebounds. Carroll was 6 - 10 FG for 14 Pts..

Ryan Wittman got in an showed a nice touch. 6 Pts..

[LordRC]

Two games down, zero wins, though that's not important here.

Can Carroll play PG? This kid can score, and apparently from anywhere. Great range on his shot, and he has a featherly light floater when he gets into the lane that was money. He's a longshot, but shooters that can light it up off the bench sometimes find their way onto an NBA roster. I would like to see him make it to training camp at least. He deserves that much of a shot with the Celts.

LaFayette had some good, and had some bad. He handled the tight defense from Holliday decently, but he over-dribbled under the pressure. Oliver and Green were overmatched against Jrue.

Good showing from Gaffney. He made some noise offensively in the first half, but I really liked the defense he played on Mr. #2 pick in the draft, Evan Turner. He did a great job harassing ET all night and forced a few turnovers. And it was good to see him out on the break. I don't know what his chances are with the team, but the Celts can use an active player that can run and finish. Great dunk in the first half off of an assist from LaFayette.

Harangody came back to earth offensively. But he made a few good buckets. Surprised by the floater off the glass from a left handed drive and the step-back J. Disappointed that he didn't finish fast breaks well. He missed some layups. Encouraged by the rebounds. He won't get most when tucked under the rim, but he got the hussle boards when the ball came away from the rim. It was a dirty work kind of night and it's what he would have to do and contribute if he makes the team.

--LordRC

[CaptChris]

Carroll is a 27 year old undersized shooting guard. He has played all over. He can shoot the ball, but I don't think he plays PG at all.

[LordRC]

If he wasn't an undersized SG, Carroll would have about six years in the league under his belt with the way he plays. But even with the lack of height, he could make it in the NBA. If Eddie House made a career as a spot-up shooter, Carroll could find a niche as an off the bench scorer because he can spot up and could be effective with those floaters in the paint.

--LordRC

[LordRC]

Way to take advantage of opportunities to a pair off the bench.

It sounds strange to say it, but Janning had as quite of a 20-point game I can recall. He was very effecient, shooting 8-15 while also grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out three assists. If he can do that from the PG position, he would have an edge because he'd be a great offensive player with good size at the position.

With Harangody getting patched up to start the second half, Sims lit it up in a major way. He scored inside and outside and pretty much owned the second half. They kept on saying he played center for U of Michigan, but he didn't look out of place on Wednesday. He has the offensive skills to play SF, but I'd have to be convinced he could D up an opposing small forward.

After sitting out Tuesday's game because of a sore back, Semih Erden showed he does have some skills. He ran the pick and roll perfectly, scoring on a pair of cuts to the rim. And the hands we questioned after one game were very secure as he pulled down six boards and blocked two shots to cap it off. The team was +29 with Erden on the court! The negatives: four turnovers and six fouls in 25:31. He's a work in progress, but could flourish with coaching while playing in the D-League. Laugh if you want at his failed alley-oop and attempt at running a fast break. He was good today.

Capt, I respect your realistic view of Carroll, but darn it, I like this kid! 13 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and just one turnover. He just knows how to score. I'd like to hear "Jaycee for three!" on a regular basis.

OK, maybe there is some truth to Harangody's long range stroke. 2-4 from beyond the arc was part of his effecient 5-9 12-point game, which included getting bloodied from an inadvertent elbow. It looked good on him! The best part is he got right back up without hesitation. Hey Dwight Howard...Boston has someone for you and your wild elbows.

--LordRC

[CaptChris]

RC: Good analysis. What we saw was the Celtics playing a team Charlotte that didn't show up. They were terrible.

Janning looked good. He only played guard and forward at Northeastern. Yet, he had over 3 Assists a game. Very good athlete, but very inconsistent in college against 2nd rate teams. Could be a guy who just needs developing. He played both ends of the floor.

Sims played Center at Michigan, but was inconsistent. He went out today and shot lights out, but only had 1 rebound. It was "O" showtime, and that's it. No "D" and no rebounds.

Erden can move on the pick & roll. Good hands and can move his feet. Needs lower body strength. Can even shoot fouls.

Harangody was 5 - 9 FG -- 2 - 4 "3"'s = 12 Pts -- 3 Rebounds.

Tough kid! Didn't need a wheel-chair or an ambulance with the blood running down his face. He is a keeper.

[LordRC]

Well that was a legendary meltdown by the Celtics. Losing by one after leading by 27 at halftime. The lack of a true PG killed them as they couldn't handle Indiana's full court press.

With what looked like extended time, Lafeyette showed quick hands defensively, but he tried too hard to impress. He didn't create for teammates like a PG should. Same criticism for Carroll. He's a good shooter/scorer, but he's not a PG.

Thompson is a ball hog. Almost everytime he touched the ball, he shot it. I'm surprised that he even had any assists. On the flip side, is there any way to stow away Sims on the D-League team? I'd like to see what he could become with more time as a SF.

I saw flashes of Semih's talent in the first half. That was a great pass for a lay-up he pulled off. And he had a good offensive move as well. He has a ticket to DL and with the right coaching, he could become a very servicable back-up center.

Good golly, Harangody. I believe in your shooting. He even has a turnaround fadeaway that he can count on when he's within range. I don't know what Ainge is waiting for. Sign Luke to a two-year deal already. He will be a productive reserve when called upon.

--LordRC

[CaptChris]

I saw flashes of Semih's talent in the first half. That was a great pass for a lay-up he pulled off. And he had a good offensive move as well. He has a ticket to DL and with the right coaching, he could become a very servicable back-up center.

Good golly, Harangody. I believe in your shooting. He even has a turnaround fadeaway that he can count on when he's within range. I don't know what Ainge is waiting for. Sign Luke to a two-year deal already. He will be a productive reserve when called upon.

--LordRC




Good analysis! Erden moves well, good hands, good foul shooter. Looks more comforable every day. Just needs times.

Harangody is a keeper. Plays hard all the time. Is a tough kid, doesn't have to pretend. 4 years in the Big East taught him the game very well. His work this summer on his outside shot is amazing.

Sign him Danny is Right!

Lafeyette had 7 T/O's, and Carroll can't handle the pressure.

We lost Janning to the Vegas Summer League. too bad the kid looked good.

Big problem of the Summer League is that everyone is looking to fire up the ball to make themselves look good. Doesn't lead to many good Assists.

[LordRC]

It was mostly forgettable because a few more players left for the Vegas Summer League. With a short roster, the Celtics had little offensive punch. I would had liked to see more of Jaycee, Erden and Sims.

Even though it wasn't eye-catching, again Harangody turned in another great performance with 18 points, 8 rebounds and three assists. He even showed a little athleticism with a decent dunk. And he had a great save of the ball along the baseline in the second half. But we also saw how he comes up short as Derek Favors easily shot over him and any offensive move against a taller defender got nowhere. But Luke has more positives than negatives. He's worth a roster spot in my book.

Even though Sloppy Krapmypantsov had two good dunks and showed better athleticism than I thought he had, he won't live down getting dunked on by Favors. Neither Krapmypantsov and Porkandbeansky impressed me throughout the SL.

Overall Erden will spend conditioning time in the D-League and Harangody should get a roster spot in Scal's spot for when we need to lean on our depth a little more than expected. I feel he should get more, but I feel Ainge wants to build a veteran team for one more run. That would leave Luke unfortunately on the deep end unless Doc learns he could have a use for Harangody.

--LordRC

[CaptChris]

Harangody's 18 Pts. and 8 Rebounds saved a terrible game. No bodies on the bench for the Celtics.

Harangody gets a contract, and I thnk that he will get to play. He is active all over the court. He will play good team "D", and knows how to find the open spaces to get off his shot. He moves very well without the ball. He doesn't need the ball in his hands to score. He can get his points off the flow of the game.

I hope that Matt Janning gets a look at training camp. He looks like he might be able to play some PG, and has 6'4" size. Can shoot the ball, and plays hard. Great athlete.

Carroll is a scorer. Wish he could handle the ball better. Tough and a scrapper. Erden showed signs of good hands, and quick feet. Can shoot the ball. Needs to add strength. Gaffney can play "D" and moves very well on the court. He is quick and an energy player.

Layafette is a Turn-over machine, who can't handle pressure. He over-controlled the ball, and forced shots many times. He can shoot, but he is another SG pretending to be a PG. I don't think he makes the team.

[LordRC]

Gee Capt, were we the only people that watched SL from beginning to end?

I read in one of the Boston papers that Gaffney and Lafeyette could be brought in to camp, but neither enthused me. I'd rather Sims for Gaffney, even though I'm not sure about his defensive ability. Janning and/or Carroll I'd prefer over Oliver as well. They might not make the team, but I would like to see how they'd play with better players around them and how they fit in.

Word is Ainge wants to bring Eddie House and Robinson back. If he returns, that's probably the end of Carroll and Janning in Boston.

--LordRC

[Celtics17]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Erden, Harangody, Lafayette and Gaffney all be members of the 2010-2011 Boston Celtics.

[CaptChris]

If Lafayette makes it, I would be very surprised. There are a ton of guys for cheap money with his skills.

RC: Sims showed that he has a very nice jump shot, but didn't show me anythng on the "D" or the boards. He is a" tweener", not strong enough to push the 4's, and not quuick enough to cover the 3's. He could develop in Europe.

Why Eddie House? Same skills and still can't defend or play PG. Get me Rudy Fernandez!