Imagine how much Tommy would love this.
- He pushes the pace every chance he gets (Brad must love this)
Imagine how much Tommy would love this.
- He pushes the pace every chance he gets (Brad must love this)
Hard to tell. Most of us considered him a high floor/low ceiling guy but he's already at what most of us thought was his ceiling.I'm probably wearing green-colored glasses, but I don't see a ton of reason that PP can't become VanVleet. (With the usual adjustments for the unlikelihood of a player reaching his top-end, blah blah.)
One thing with VanVleet is he is an excellent finisher around the basket and uses his large booty to shield defenders. Certainly more wiry guys have been capable of figuring out how to use their body like that (Nash) but I do think it will be harder and I have a hard time seeing Pritchard having that aspect to his game.I'm probably wearing green-colored glasses, but I don't see a ton of reason that PP can't become VanVleet. (With the usual adjustments for the unlikelihood of a player reaching his top-end, blah blah.)
One thing with VanVleet is he is an excellent finisher around the basket and uses his large booty to shield defenders. Certainly more wiry guys have been capable of figuring out how to use their body like that (Nash) but I do think it will be harder and I have a hard time seeing Pritchard having that aspect to his game.
Edit: I will leave this up as a testament to how wrong my eyes are, I looked it up and VanVleet's percentages around the hoop are very not good, ha! Career 54% from 0-3 feet, career high 55%. For reference, good guards are usually above 60%
Thing with the ageism, it's usually correct. There are always some exceptions. Shane Battier was considered a league ready player with a low ceiling and had a really good rookie season. That caused a lot of people to take notice and readjust their opinion of him... and then he never improved again because he actually was a finished product. The reason PP may look so good as a rookie right now is because he's close to a finished product. We don't really know yet and we may not know until next year. I would guess 4 year college players have less year over year improvement in the NBA than the one and done freshman. Plus, by and large, most players are what they are by age 25. That 19 year old has 5-6 summers of improvement. The 23 year old has 2.I like Pritchard a lot so far. He's already shown us some stuff that nobody thought was part of his game. I also don't get the "ageism" when it comes to the draft. Young players -- 18 or 19 -- are valued too highly as possible "home run picks" and "old" players who have spent a full four years in college tend to be devalued, it seems, and written off as high floor/low ceiling guys.
That seems to be how everyone overlooked Brogdon. I know when Pritchard's name was called on draft night, I was among those saying "Who?" But then when you look at what he did in college, the pick makes more sense.
Another thing with taking a four-year guy: the team controls him for a more valuable part of his career. The 19-year-old could spend two years adjusting to the NBA, and then by the time he figures out the game, he's angling for a big contract and could bolt in free agency. The four-year college grad will probably adapt quicker, and so you've got a more valuable piece under team control.
If Tatum and/or Jaylen don't go nuclear, they will need one of the young players to turn into an impact player who is fringe all star. PP becoming FVV, Nesmith being Otto Porter. I don't think PJ Tucker would move the needle much and as much as I like TL, I doubt he's gong to be here long term. He's going to earn himself a big payday and players like him are just too readily available to spend big money on. I'd give him maybe 4/40. I have a feeling he's going to get considerably more.FVV does have outlier strength for his position, and where it really helps him on defense, despite his poor wingspan. He's also just really tough and smart, and a great help defender. PP has the same dog in him, and if can add about 15 pounds of muscle without sacrificing quickness or mobility, he can conceivably get there, but I'd be surprised. FVV is a truly excellent defender. I see the comparison, as they had really similar college careers (FVV had advantages in assist/TO and steal rate, though the Missouri Valley Conference is not the Pac-12) and there are some stylistic similarities, but VanVleet's defense is tough to project on anyone.
Just thinking across a bunch of different threads here, and the common theme is that given where the Jays are already at, there are a lot of ways the Celtics can remain perennial contenders through internal development, regardless of what happens with Kemba- basically if either Tatum or Jaylen goes nuclear (top 5 for Tatum, top 15ish for Jaylen), then any combination of: PP approaching FVV, Grant becoming our PJ Tucker, Nesmith developing into a legit 3&D or Timelord consistently playing at his peak, will be sufficient to coast into the playoffs every year. The first two are obviously the most important, but that's a lot of irons in the fire. If we're going to be drawing against superteams for the foreseeable future, it's nice to have a bunch of outs.
Agreed, though they might need two of the above to win a title. While I think it is low-probabilty to turn out this way, the TPE is another possible out. Ithas a real chance of generating a role player who replaces (say) the need for Grant or Nesmith's role above, and a small chance of generating an Aaron Gordon-type impact guy.Just thinking across a bunch of different threads here, and the common theme is that given where the Jays are already at, there are a lot of ways the Celtics can remain perennial contenders through internal development, regardless of what happens with Kemba- basically if either Tatum or Jaylen goes nuclear (top 5 for Tatum, top 15ish for Jaylen), then any combination of: PP approaching FVV, Grant becoming our PJ Tucker, Nesmith developing into a legit 3&D or Timelord consistently playing at his peak, will be sufficient to coast into the playoffs every year. The first two are obviously the most important, but that's a lot of irons in the fire. If we're going to be drawing against superteams for the foreseeable future, it's nice to have a bunch of outs.
Yeah, I haven’t seen him play at all this year, but looking at Otto Porter’s stats, he’s been shooting it really well so far, and if he’s back to being the guy he was before the injury, he’s an excellent fit on an expiring deal that would (barely) work under the TPE. They may not want to use the whole thing on one guy like that, but he’d fill a need.Agreed, though they might need two of the above to win a title. While I think it is low-probabilty to turn out this way, the TPE is another possible out. Ithas a real chance of generating a role player who replaces (say) the need for Grant or Nesmith's role above, and a small chance of generating an Aaron Gordon-type impact guy.
Porter had a big game against Washington last nite.Yeah, I haven’t seen him play at all this year, but looking at Otto Porter’s stats, he’s been shooting it really well so far, and if he’s back to being the guy he was before the injury, he’s an excellent fit on an expiring deal that would (barely) work under the TPE. They may not want to use the whole thing on one guy like that, but he’d fill a need.
I don't think they can use the entire 28.5MM TPE in-season (unless they send out something like $13MM) after giving the MLE to TT.Yeah, I haven’t seen him play at all this year, but looking at Otto Porter’s stats, he’s been shooting it really well so far, and if he’s back to being the guy he was before the injury, he’s an excellent fit on an expiring deal that would (barely) work under the TPE. They may not want to use the whole thing on one guy like that, but he’d fill a need.
Romeo weeps.Just thinking across a bunch of different threads here, and the common theme is that given where the Jays are already at, there are a lot of ways the Celtics can remain perennial contenders through internal development, regardless of what happens with Kemba- basically if either Tatum or Jaylen goes nuclear (top 5 for Tatum, top 15ish for Jaylen), then any combination of: PP approaching FVV, Grant becoming our PJ Tucker, Nesmith developing into a legit 3&D or Timelord consistently playing at his peak, will be sufficient to coast into the playoffs every year. The first two are obviously the most important, but that's a lot of irons in the fire. If we're going to be drawing against superteams for the foreseeable future, it's nice to have a bunch of outs.
They are hard-capped. I believe they are $22 mil under that hard-cap, so to get to Porter's $28.5 they'd need to move Theis' $5 mil and Semi or Edwards.I don't think they can use the entire 28.5MM TPE in-season (unless they send out something like $13MM) after giving the MLE to TT.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong
TL getting considerably more than 4 for $40MM? That would mean he was healthy for the season and had an awesome year. Great, sign me up for that.If Tatum and/or Jaylen don't go nuclear, they will need one of the young players to turn into an impact player who is fringe all star. PP becoming FVV, Nesmith being Otto Porter. I don't think PJ Tucker would move the needle much and as much as I like TL, I doubt he's gong to be here long term. He's going to earn himself a big payday and players like him are just too readily available to spend big money on. I'd give him maybe 4/40. I have a feeling he's going to get considerably more.
I also think using FVV as an example is about as useful as using PJ Tucker as an example. They were exceptions.
An unintentional omission! Yeah, if he develops into a decent shooter, he can absolutely become a valuable two-way player. Injuries suck.Romeo weeps.
Got it, yeah, that sounds right.The other consideration, for which the $15.7 mil I think you have in your head matters, is the luxury tax. They can reset the repeater tax if they add less than that number, which is pretty valuable going forward since Tatum's number leaps up next year. So my personal guess has been that they will only add more than $15.7 in salary if they get a material long-term asset back for doing so.
OK thanks, that's right. Danny will probably stay clear of the repeater tax. That will leave plenty for the next offseason.They are hard-capped. I believe they are $22 mil under that hard-cap, so to get to Porter's $28.5 they'd need to move Theis' $5 mil and Semi or Edwards.
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/boston-celtics/cap/
The other consideration, for which the $15.7 mil I think you have in your head matters, is the luxury tax. They can reset the repeater tax if they add less than that number, which is pretty valuable going forward since Tatum's number leaps up next year. So my personal guess has been that they will only add more than $15.7 in salary if they get a material long-term asset back for doing so. They don't really have the salaries to get down to net +$15.7 mil for a Porter level salary without including Smart in the outgoing package.
I'm not sure why you think PP doesn't have good finishing ability at the rim, he's taking 25% of his shots there and he's made them all. He's also made 2/3 of shots from 3-10.One thing with VanVleet is he is an excellent finisher around the basket and uses his large booty to shield defenders. Certainly more wiry guys have been capable of figuring out how to use their body like that (Nash) but I do think it will be harder and I have a hard time seeing Pritchard having that aspect to his game.
Edit: I will leave this up as a testament to how wrong my eyes are, I looked it up and VanVleet's percentages around the hoop are very not good, ha! Career 54% from 0-3 feet, career high 55%. For reference, good guards are usually above 60%
Because he is small and not explosive. I could be wrong, but he seems hesitant going up against the trees. It actually works out well for now since he is pretty good at Nashing underneath the hoop.I'm not sure why you think PP doesn't have good finishing ability at the rim, he's taking 25% of his shots there and he's made them all. He's also made 2/3 of shots from 3-10.
according to ESPN:I'm not sure why you think PP doesn't have good finishing ability at the rim, he's taking 25% of his shots there and he's made them all. He's also made 2/3 of shots from 3-10.
Waters only started because Smart is out. Also, 8mile was better off coming off the bench, that's the unit that needs a ballhandler right now, and his extra scoring. You'd rather have him play the role he's playing well, and the one he's likely to play a good amount this year than shake it up just for a game or twoHe should be starting for Waters and when Kemba comes back Waters becomes redundant.
He really does have that Steve Nash soccer-type quickness thing going on... he is breaking a lot of ankles and beats his man off the dribble pretty easily.When you watch Pritchard dribble, you’ll notice his feet never stop moving. He makes up for the lack of top end athleticism with great balance, footwork, some quickness, and great awareness of how to set up his defender to be leaning the other way when he makes his move, all the while staying in control. It’s a very socceresque skill.
The gritty white guy label is unfair, frankly. He’s very skilled, and far from a nothing athletically speaking.
Yeah I was coming to post something along these lines. With Teague and Smart out the only players that could move effectively or penetrate with the ball are Pritchard, Brown and Tatum. The bench right now is a bunch of spot up shooters, no one can really create their own offense, so you need a player like PP to run it. What also makes him good for the bench is when he drives you really have no clue if he's looking for his own shot or to pass, it doesn't change the way he attacks, so it keeps the second unit engaged instead of standing around watching the Jays get theirs.Waters only started because Smart is out. Also, 8mile was better off coming off the bench, that's the unit that needs a ballhandler right now, and his extra scoring. You'd rather have him play the role he's playing well, and the one he's likely to play a good amount this year than shake it up just for a game or two
Playing him off the bench, but giving him a key role there is good coaching, and will pay off.
I saw Dame Lillard congratulated him on being drafted twitter and PP replied "appreciate you big bro".The skill and cleverness are evident. At least thus far, he has been a welcome surprise given their need for ball-handling & playmaking. He seems to have benefitted not just from four years in college but I wonder if he has had any actual run with NBA players during his time off. He really appears a to possess a veteran level of comfort with the speed of the game thus far in his career.
Honestly he’s like a smaller, less athletic...James Harden. At least earlier in his career. That guy is on another level mentally and is more skilled but PP’s got some of that craftiness and balance.When you watch Pritchard dribble, you’ll notice his feet never stop moving. He makes up for the lack of top end athleticism with great balance, footwork, some quickness, and great awareness of how to set up his defender to be leaning the other way when he makes his move, all the while staying in control. It’s a very socceresque skill. Really manipulates the ball well, and keeps it on a string.
The gritty white guy label is unfair, frankly. He’s very skilled, and far from a nothing athletically speaking.
I did see that too but further research yields no clues whether the kid has actually worked out with NBA players. That said, I've heard of the regular off-season pro games in Seattle so maybe he got run there.I saw Dame Lillard congratulated him on being drafted twitter and PP replied "appreciate you big bro".
Don't know if they played together but wouldn't surprise me, both in Oregon of course.
Is that dude in the IG post a younger Pritchard or do all white guys just look alike to me?I did see that too but further research yields no clues whether the kid has actually worked out with NBA players. That said, I've heard of the regular off-season pro games in Seattle so maybe he got run there.
Also, that Jaylen IG post is gold. Thanks SC.
This is a really good point.Pritchard is a great example of why you draft the player you think is best in the draft, regardless of "fit" or public opinion.
Danny used 2 picks last year on undersized guards and some people thought it was weird to pick another one in Pritchard.
A lesser GM with a shorter leash might have shied away from that pick, but give Danny credit. If you think you find a rotation player at #26 you go for it, regardless of the fit or what happened last year.
I believe it is indeed a younger Pritchard participating in what was known back in the simpler time of 2016 as the running man challenge. That dance and the accompanying song are both older than PP if my math is correct.Is that dude in the IG post a younger Pritchard or do all white guys just look alike to me?
It's not as if they had any reason to think there wouldn't be minutes for Pritchard to earn, with the Walker injury and no reason to think Waters/Edwards would be ready to log serious time.Pritchard is a great example of why you draft the player you think is best in the draft, regardless of "fit" or public opinion.
Danny used 2 picks last year on undersized guards and some people thought it was weird to pick another one in Pritchard.
A lesser GM with a shorter leash might have shied away from that pick, but give Danny credit. If you think you find a rotation player at #26 you go for it, regardless of the fit or what happened last year.
They have played together a bunch. Dame’s house is probably two miles from PP’s parents’ house.I saw Dame Lillard congratulated him on being drafted twitter and PP replied "appreciate you big bro".
Don't know if they played together but wouldn't surprise me, both in Oregon of course.
Waters is redundant now, he's only seeing the court because our top 3 point guard options are all out. The real question is, assuming health for everyone, will Pritchard get minutes over Teague in the playoffs?He should be starting for Waters and when Kemba comes back Waters becomes redundant.
He's already getting more minutes than Teague, not counting tonight, so I think it's fair to say if he keeps performing at the level he has so far he absolutely gets those minutes.Waters is redundant now, he's only seeing the court because our top 3 point guard options are all out. The real question is, assuming health for everyone, will Pritchard get minutes over Teague in the playoffs?
Nice observation re his feet. Your first step is a lot quicker when it's coming with momentum.When you watch Pritchard dribble, you’ll notice his feet never stop moving. He makes up for the lack of top end athleticism with great balance, footwork, some quickness, and great awareness of how to set up his defender to be leaning the other way when he makes his move, all the while staying in control. It’s a very socceresque skill. Really manipulates the ball well, and keeps it on a string.
The gritty white guy label is unfair, frankly. He’s very skilled, and far from a nothing athletically speaking.
People still look at PER? It's a garbage stat, and Hollinger is an extremely weak thinker in general; he's much better at dishing catty gossip. Pritchard is legit good, you don't have to worry about the color of your lenses.Pritchard's PER of 10.8 is roughly 30 points lower than I expected to see.... Hollinger has some explaining to do.
I hope we're not just so excited he isn't Waters or Edwards that he seems great in comparison.
Reminder that we are 8 games into the season.Can’t wait until lovegtm watches this one and quotes those “Dean on draft” tweets again.