Celtics introduce latest draft picks <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>WALTHAM -- The Celtics introduced first-round draft pick J.R. Giddens (30th overall) and second-round draft selections Bill Walker (47th overall) and Semih Erden (60th overall) today at their training facility here (see photos of their visit here). Walker was acquired from the Washington Wizards on draft night in exchange for cash considerations. The three sat at a table on the practice court with general manager Danny Ainge and were given crisp Celtics jerseys and caps for the photo op. Giddens was handed a No. 4 jersey, Erden a No. 86, and Walker a No. 12. Giddens and Walker both said they were "blessed" to be here. "You guys are the defending world champions and coming here is just a dream come true," Giddens said. "I worked all my life to be able to have the opportunity to be an NBA player and I got a chance to come and play with one of the best organizations in the business," Walker said. Walker will have right knee surgery tomorrow at New England Baptist Hospital and he said he expects rehabilitation to take 3-4 weeks before he can play basketball. Erden is still under a 1-year contract with Fenerbache Ulker Istanbul in Turkey. An interpreter spoke for Erden saying, "He definitely wants to come to the NBA, the Boston Celtics. He has one more year on his contract. He doesn't want to sign a new contract. He wants to see what it his opportunity in here." In other news, the Celtics hung their 17th NBA Championship banner inside the practice facility today...Ainge said he has been in touch with free agents but didn't comment further. He also said the team made an undisclosed contract offer to unrestricted free agent James Posey.</div>
Celtics first round NBA draft pick J.R. Giddens smiled during a news conference. The last pick in the first round of the draft, J.R. Giddens carried his jersey as he walked under NBA championship banners. Semih Erden of Turkey walked under NBA Championship banners at the team's training facility. Semih Erden held up his jersey. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has had plenty to smile about recently.
I think they all have a good chance of cracking the roster, but it's hard to tell. I think Walker has the best chance, and it would probably be most useful to him to play behind PP, but I don't know yet.
I too thought he had the best chance since they basically paid cash to get him. It will probably depend on the free agents signed, and how many vets want to sign for cheap, there might be a spot or two left after everything is said and done.
I think it's always good to have a rookie or two on the roster. They need to build for the future and add more pieces. I think Walker and Giddens are have the best chance.
And Bill Walker is the guy who shows up entirely under dressed. Not to read too much into the dress, but I am going to. The knock on Giddens involved professionalism, and he's the guy who shows up in a suit. Its a small gesture really, but he could be starting to get it. Also, Erdin seems less than thrilled to be there. Perhaps because he knows he isn't coming until next year and Ainge openly called him next season's first round pick.
Good point there agoo. I'm going to like this kid Giddens. Interesting that they brought Erden as well. Does it mean that they'll bring him from overseas next season?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (agoo101284 @ Jul 1 2008, 07:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>And Bill Walker is the guy who shows up entirely under dressed. Not to read too much into the dress, but I am going to. The knock on Giddens involved professionalism, and he's the guy who shows up in a suit. Its a small gesture really, but he could be starting to get it. Also, Erdin seems less than thrilled to be there. Perhaps because he knows he isn't coming until next year and Ainge openly called him next season's first round pick.</div> Or it could be that he doesn't speak English and won't be joining the team until two years.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (agoo101284 @ Jul 1 2008, 08:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>And Bill Walker is the guy who shows up entirely under dressed. Not to read too much into the dress, but I am going to. The knock on Giddens involved professionalism, and he's the guy who shows up in a suit. Its a small gesture really, but he could be starting to get it. Also, Erdin seems less than thrilled to be there. Perhaps because he knows he isn't coming until next year and Ainge openly called him next season's first round pick.</div> Considering that they have already told Bill they want him to go over to Europe for next season, I'm guessing he wasn't very happy to be there.
Anyone else notice the name Semih Erden sorta sounds like semi-hard-on? I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing @ Jul 1 2008, 11:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>You don't like him Bas?</div> probably because he left KU
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Celtic Fan @ Jul 2 2008, 06:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing @ Jul 1 2008, 11:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>You don't like him Bas?</div> probably because he left KU </div> him and padgett of louisville but we got a National Championship and theyyy dont
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing @ Jul 2 2008, 09:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Haha, lets hope that he's a championship after the season is done. </div> +1 a-freakin-men!!
