I just finished reading the excellent article by CelticsBlog's Noa Dalzell on Jaylen Brown and the upcoming Celtics season. Let me go on record that I am a major fan of Brown - and excited by what he and his team can accomplish this season. Labelled as "too smart for the NBA" (whatever that means) by some prior to being drafted by Boston, let me answer that with one of my mantras. "A brain can get you through almost anything" . Frankly, when you piece together Jaylen's smarts, physique, athleticism and his dedication to improving his performance on the court, I truly believe he is ready to take on the role of on-court leader . But beyond Brown's physical and cranial attributes , I love the fact that he is "understated" . He has a low-key demeanor and a quiet way of expressing himself off the court. Granted, he can be flashy on the hardwood , as evidenced by his spectacular, in-game dunks, but his overall gentlemanly way of expressing hi...
We already knew rookie Hugo Gonzalez - alias "The Spaniard" - needed to develop his outside shot. He was only 4-of-12 from the field and 1-of-5 from the charity stripe in Boston's win over the Grizzlies. But he did hit 3-of-5 from beyond the arc . But he is a newcomer to watch. He never stops moving - whether on offense or defense . A matador, he is not. He may have given Celtics fans a brief return to the days of John Havlicek . Great to see that movement. And the kid is versatile . He ended the game with four rebounds, five assists, one steal and two blocks . Hugo is only 19 years old , and a newcomer to American basketball. He has a lot of growth ahead of him, and I am excited to watch him develop over the next few seasons. Looks like another (at least minor) coup by the figuratively-handcuffed Brad Stevens . Forced to trade two valued starters to save money, Hugo Gonzalez could end up a prize with the 28th pick in the draft.