Davis, Welsch want to get into the swing
BURLINGTON, Vt. -- Ricky Davis and Jiri Welsch make the ultimate odd couple. The two, unavoidably linked in any discussion about the final spot in the Celtics' starting lineup, have personalities as different as their games. Where Davis draws attention with his dunks and demands the ball, Welsch feels comfortable in the background and understands how to play effectively without the ball.
According to coach Doc Rivers, the choice between Davis or Welsch will come down to chemistry. Who blends better with first-unit players Mark Blount, Raef LaFrentz, Paul Pierce, and Gary Payton? Who best will complement the group by coming off the bench? The decision will not be based on who Rivers believes to be the best overall player. Besides, Rivers thinks the more important distinction should be between who finishes games, not starts.
Welsch diplomatically discussed his candidacy yesterday afternoon at Patrick Gymnasium. The Czech swingman did not use the fact that he started 68 games last season to lobby support. Welsch instead focused on how he learned to play the game, the differences between what he and Davis bring to the court.
"It is a competition, but it cannot turn into a competition that hurts the good of the team," said Welsch. "It's really up to Coach. I will do my best. Ricky will do his best. Whatever the final result is, we both have to accept our roles.
"I think I would complement Paul and Gary good because they both like to have the ball, like to play with the ball in their hands. I can make the plays without the ball. I can move well without the ball and make myself open without the ball. With the new system that Doc is trying to put in -- a lot of handoffs, screens off the ball -- that's something that I would fit in well with."
After being acquired from Dallas Oct. 20, 2003, in the Antoine Walker deal, Welsch blossomed with the Celtics when he received substantial playing time. Seldom used during his rookie season with Golden State, Welsch averaged 9.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 26.9 minutes per game last season with Boston. He earned minutes with his intelligent play and versatility. Rivers plans to take advantage of Welsch's ability to play point guard, shooting guard, and small forward.
The 6-foot-7-inch Welsch can certainly present opponents with matchup issues when at the point. If NBA point-guards-in-training Marcus Banks and Delonte West do not develop as quickly as hoped, Rivers knows he can play Welsch beside one or the other. In that scenario, Welsch could bring the ball up the floor and share responsibility for running the offense. Welsch probably would not face any pressure bringing the ball upcourt, and Rivers likes that look.
"I'm really trying to find where to put him," said Rivers. "Today, we put him on the second unit and we had Ricky on the first unit. Jiri played most of the day at point guard and he was phenomenal. Now, he really has me confused because I don't know where to play him. He's a better shooter than I ever thought. The basketball IQ is great. With the offense that we're putting in, it's a lot of ad-lib and reads, and if you have a low basketball IQ, you probably can't play here."
Pierce offered his own comparison of the two players. Although the decision rests with Rivers, it sounded as if the captain liked Davis beside him in the starting lineup. But Pierce knows Davis and his game better from summer workouts and pickup games in Los Angeles.
"Ricky can bring a number of things to the starting lineup," said Pierce. "He brings a little more of a defensive presence and a little bit more attitude at the [swingman] position than Jiri. Ricky is a guy who's a little bit more aggressive offensively, brings some athleticism, brings a little more energy. Jiri is another young player who brings a little more poise to the game and probably a little bit more understanding of the game. He picks his spots. He takes good shots. He doesn't try to do more than he can, and he's a hell of a shooter."
Welsch prepared for the season in the Czech Republic, working out, running his own basketball camp, and participating in Basketball Without Borders. He returned to the United States the first week of September and continued to train at the Celtics' practice facility. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his role this year, Welsch feels more confident participating in his third NBA training camp.
"I feel comfortable, but it doesn't mean I feel safe," said Welsch. "I still feel like I have to fight for my position and fight for my minutes. I feel more confidence than I did when I came here last year, but I still have to earn everything. I would like to be more consistent in my performances and be more aggressive on both ends of the courts. I don't like putting stats for my goals. That's something that's going to come out of the game and out of the team. But I want to be part of this team and I want to contribute."
