Bill Walker has been seen in sweats a lot more than his Celtics uniform this season. J.R. Giddens was rarely seen at all, since he spent most of the season in the NBA Development League with the Utah Flash. But while neither rookie is expected to be a factor in this postseason, both say they are learning a lot and are ready if called upon.
"It's hard because you want to be out there," Walker said. "You definitely want to be out there. The playoffs are the biggest stage you want to be on.
"But we're rookies. We've got to learn the way of the game. Pay our dues."
Walker actually has made an appearance in these playoffs, seeing three minutes of action in the 107-86 win over Chicago in Game 3 of the first round. The 2008 second-round pick didn't score but was proud to make a steal in a playoff game.
"That was crazy," Walker said. "My first playoff game ever, the atmosphere. It was just crazy. It was just fun being a part of it.
"You actually get to see in playoff time guys putting a lot of attention to detail and guys are having amazing performances. Every night you can expect someone to do something.
"So I'm taking it like, just be on your A game and just play hard. The team that plays hard usually wins."
Giddens, a 2008 first-round pick, was not present for the first six games of the Chicago series, as the Flash were in the playoffs themselves, battling the eventual champion Colorado 14ers in the NBADL finals. Giddens averaged 19.5 points, 16.5 rebounds, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in three games.
While he isn't expected to play in the postseason with Boston, he found his experience with the Flash very valuable.
"I felt like I gained some confidence and played well in the playoffs down there," said Giddens, who averaged 17.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists with Utah in the regular season. "I was able to get some shots under my belt and some confidence.
"That's what I got from the D-League, a lot of confidence. Hopefully, it transfers up here."
The difference was apparent between the D-League playoffs and the NBA playoffs.
"The D-League finals had a great crowd, but it wasn't sold out," said Giddens. "It was two completely different atmospheres. It was the same concept trying to win, but two different levels."
Giddens returned to see the Celtics defeat the Bulls in Game 7 last Saturday.
"I enjoyed it," he said. "It was a Game 7. Win or go home. We came out victorious because we were the better team and we wanted it more and it showed."
The rookies are staying ready, just in case.
"You never know," Walker said. "You've always got to be ready, especially with us with a lot of injuries this year. You're just one ankle sprain away from being back in there. I prepare for every game as if I am going to play.
"It's all preparation. That directly affects how you play. If you're prepared to go in there and have a big game, it usually happens. If your mind is elsewhere and you're worried about things outside the realm of basketball, it definitely shows on your face. You've just got to be focused."
After spending a lot of extra time shooting following yesterday morning's shootaround, Giddens said, "You always keep that mentality. Even though I'm not playing, I'm training every day like I am. I have to better myself, no matter what happens.
"The overall goal when you sit out is to soak up as much knowledge as you can and just become as good as you can so when you get that shot, you'll be more than ready, and that's what I'm doing."
Marc J. Spears can be reached at mspears@globe.com 
