Rob Nelson
robnelson

2 Rants

Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

The NBA rumors mill once again has the Boston Celtics in the news. The latest NBA rumors have the Boston Celtics extending a camp invitation to former George Washington point guard Tony Taylor Jr. This move may surprise some knowing Boston’s back court is crowded, but this move makes sense if one looks at all the factors and thus I believe this rumor has some legs to it.

The Boston Celtics may have Rajon Rondo, Jason Terry, Avery Bradley, Courtney Lee, and Dionte Christmas on the roster, but despite all these names the Celtics still could lack what Taylor could bring to the table and thus he could be an intriguing option. The fact is the team is lacking a true point guard on the roster to back up Rondo. Terry can handle the duties, but he is more of a shooter. Bradley is much more effective as a two guard that can focus on his own offense and defense. Lee is a shooting guard. Christmas is an unproved guard that could be more in the Jason Terry offensive mold. This means the Celtics may have a need for Taylor’s skills.

Danny Ainge likes having talent and Taylor appears to be talented. Taylor has been compared to Chauncey Billups. He is a smaller guard at 6′-1″, but much like Billups is built like a tank. His game is also rumored to be much like Billups. He can take opponents off the dribble and finish at the rim despite contact. His bread and butter though is the fact that he can shoot. His mid range shot is solid and with a little work will probably develop a better outside shot. Some look at his assist totals and are concerned, but the reality is he was asked to carry the offensive load at George Washington. His basketball IQ is considered high and thus he should be able to handle running an NBA offense.

However, there must be some concerns other wise he would have been drafted. Maybe it was the lack of competition for GW, his size despite his strength, or the fact he was never really asked to run an offense that was not centered around him and guys did not want to gamble a draft pick on him. I do find it amazing that a guy with Billups comparison was not drafted, even in round two.

The problem for Boston is there are a few NBA teams that have Tony on their short list for camp invites. The Knicks, Magic, Heat, Pacers, and Lakers are all rumored to be willing to give Taylor a shot. There are also about half a dozen D-League teams that want him as their starting point guard and some overseas offers. Some of these offers should be better than Boston’s offer.

If he is looking to play minutes then Boston should not be the ideal choice. Boston has a log jam at guard to begin with despite lacking a true backup point guard. He might find more minutes with Orlando, overseas, or the D-league. In order to earn a shot at his dream there has to be a shot at minutes and Orlando rebuilding could be the spot. That being said Boston will probably try to get him onto camp, but do not plan on him accepting. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!