Rumor about a promise to a HS PG

[DERRENMATTS]

Lot of boards are saying that Ainge has promised Monta Ellis (pronounced Mon-Tay) that if he's there at 18, he'll be playing in Celtics green. Monta is a 6'3" - 6'4" PG who's a highly gifted scorer. I really don't know much about him other than he's a big time scorer (averaged 40+ ppg for his high school his senior year--insert Marbury and Dujuan Wagner comparisons here).

The only time I've seen this kid in action was in the McDonald's game, and if anyone seen this game, it wasn't one where Monta shined. He was basically a non-contributor. Aside from a couple of shots he made from downtown, I didn't get to see what he's capable of.

But apparently, from reading some message boards, Ainge has been scouting him on various occassions--and if this is true, Ainge must see something in him. I mean, considering all the players he needs to be scouting across the country, it wouldn't make sense for him to make multiple visits to catch Ellis play if he was only semi interested in him. (Another interesting thing is that Ellis is from Jackson, MISS--same place as Justin Reed, and same state where Big Al came from).

I'm not a big fan of scoring PG's because IMO, it takes away from the rest of the team when they start getting trigger happy. I like PG's like Nash and Kidd, who are always looking to set up players primarily before even looking for their own shot. But Ainge made an attempt at Baron Davis at the trading deadline (another big time scoring PG). And Banks didn't come out of UNLV famed for his passing ability, either.

So is Ainge going after a scoring backcourt? I think its time I considered this way of thinking. I mean, with he and Dennis Johnson playing the backcourt in the mid 80's, they could both score as well as make the passes. Would Ainge think along the lines of having a backcourt of Delonte and Monta Ellis? 2 guys who are 6'3" who can handle the rock and score, meaning if one is being trapped, the other can take over the dribbling duties and serve as the PG. It'd make it hard for teams to trap us because either guy should be able to handle the press, and with 2 PG's on the court at the same time, it could translate to a lot more fast breaking opportunities--and isn't that what Ainge has been dreaming about?

I'm still not sold on Monta Ellis, but that's only because I've seen him only once. That's not nearly enough to make a good judgment. But if Ainge thinks he's worth the shot, I'll put my faith in him. Ainge hasn't disappointed me yet.

[eddietours]

maybe this kid is the the jake of all trades he has to have some passing skill but if ainge wants this kid am all for it. ;D

[VI_CelticsFan]

I haven't heard much about this kid, but realgm is wild about him. Maybe we're missing something? Or do we just need to see him play more?

[DERRENMATTS]

Draftcity had a write up about him, and Giovani (one of their main writers) had some negative things to say about his attitude in one of his games. Basically, he said Ellis (in this particular game) made the game out to be a individual workout for himself and totally forgot about his teammates. He'd selfishly take shots without any remote attention given to his teammates and during timeouts, he'd sit at the other end of the bench alone.

I really would like to see more of this kid, because I'd like to get a better feel for what his game is all about. Is he more than just an undersized 2?

[BCHISTORIAN]

i think that from what i read the only high-schooler who's worth drafting at where we pick is martell webster. and we have a lot of sg's

[Celtic17]

bchistorian said:

and we have a lot of sg's

This could make for good trade-bait down the road...

[Deleted]

I don't like his attitude and his playing style. Keep all the Wagner and Jaml Crawford wannabes out of Boston. Last thing we need is a SG who trying to act like he can pass the ball.

[DERRENMATTS]

That's how I feel about scoring PG's. I never cared for them. But this could be what Ainge is thinking about getting.

[cfoo]

I dont mind the thought of putting scorers on the floor as long as they are unselfish.

[DERRENMATTS]

Very true, CF. And that will be the key to whomever we draft.

What do you guys think about having a backcourt with no true PG, but 2 capable ball handlers who can score?

[cfoo]

I think its fine as long as they are unselfish and can create. The rumors about him being selfish doesnt bother me much. He is a young kid. Its all about what the C's teach him. He sounds like he has more upside over most players we could get at that spot. Thats what I would be looking for. Draft for talent. He's young enough where the C's can mold him the way they want him. I dont envision this team with a true pg to be honest. Just 5 guys that can do their thing and play well together.

My question for you is what is a true pg? Steve Nash? I dont think we need Nash. That doesnt mean we wont have a pretty good pg. There are probably only 3 true pgs in the NBA right now. And they are scorers too. Is Bibby a true PG? I think so but he is a scorer.

[DERRENMATTS]

IMO, a true PG mirrors guys like Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, John Stockton, Magic Johnson, etc. Guys who control the ball and dictate the offense, guys who can use picks and screens to set up inside players and perimeter players.

I really liked Kevin Johnson, and he wasn't a true PG. I would like to get a guy of KJ's talents.

[cfoo]

I agree. Its just about controlling the offense and being smart. Bibby is mainly a scorer if you look at his stats but I consider him a true pg. He is just a heady player. The shots he takes are smart shots. Marbury on the other hand doesnt help the offense as much because he forces his offense too much. If you look at their stats they are fairly similar but its how you get those numbers.

I liked KJ too. The players you mentioned there are some of my favorites of all time.

Anyhow I think we just need a guy that can create move the ball and will take smart shots and can score. We dont so much need a guy that will control the offense on the level of Nash, Stockton, Magic, Kidd, etc.... Those guys rack up a ton of assists because the ball is in their hands so much. I envision the C's sharing the ball more. I dont consider Bibby any lesser a pg because his assists arent like Magic. Sac was a team that had several ball handlers so the ball isnt in his hands as much. VLade would create, Webber, Peja, Christie, Bobby Jackson etc all could create.

[DERRENMATTS]

To answer you question, I really think having a guy like Steve Nash or Jason Kidd (or a passing PG who thrives in directing the offense) would transform this team into an elite team. When you have a singular player whom the team revolves around to run their offense, and this player's primary intention is to get his teammates good looks at the basket, the team will be more focused on what to do in the offense. Guys won't stand around and watch when they know that getting open will get them scoring opportunities. They'll play harder, move faster, make sharper cuts, etc.

[cfoo]

I dont disagree with taht. Its a different style. I dont think the C's are taking that style though personally. We wont have one primary ball handler to that extent. We will have a pg. But we will have several guys that can handle. Kind of like what the spurs do with Parker and GInobli is the best example I can come up with now. Bibby, Peja, Webber, Vlade, etc before.... Both still great pgs but not to the level of ball handling like the guys you mentioned. Of course if we can find that great, but those guys are rare.