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More on Giddens

Email|Link|Comments (5) Posted by Chris Forsberg, Boston.com Staff June 26, 2008 10:44 PM

(AP Photo)

Celtics coach Doc Rivers made a brief appearance on ESPN's NBA Draft telecast and when asked about J.R. Giddens, who the team tabbed with the 30th and final pick of the first round, Rivers disclosed that the team had worked out the 6-foot-5 guard Wednesday, but that he was a player who Executive Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge had his eye on for a long time.

As for national perspective, ESPN's Chad Ford writes in his first-round analysis: "A huge surprise here. Giddens might have lottery-type talent, but he had so many off-court issues that his stock tanked. I guess Danny Ainge is willing to roll the dice, given his veteran squad. If Giddens grows up, this will be a great pick. But it's a big if ..."

Ford ranked Giddens at No. 49 on his pre-draft Top 100.

Check out the video below for a look at Giddens in some highlights from his freshman season at Kansas University (where he played two years before transferring to New Mexico for the 2006-07 season).

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5 comments so far...

I've watched Giddens for 2 years now. The guy is a monster. He is the only reason the Lobos did as well as they did. C's get a steal!

Posted by Randy June 26, 08 11:01 PM

what kind of trouble did giddens get into?

Posted by meatball-meg June 27, 08 12:27 AM

Chris Douglas-Roberts AND Mario Chalmers on the board and Danny takes JR Giddens?? The kid whose "Needs to Improve" assessment on the screen was "His professionalism"???? Are you freakin' kidding me????????

Posted by Boston2AZ June 27, 08 12:28 AM

He looks like a much better version of Tony Allen. He's got Pierce's game, except Pierce is mini-Bird like driving to the hoop. this guy looks like Pierce with Allen's speed. I think Danny is wrong that he won't contribute. Looks like we will be able to compete with Atlanta's speed and reinforce the core. Resign Posey, get a decent backup center, and the repeat is assured. The Celtics cannot be jinxed. They have entered the realm of the Patriots and Red Sox. Perhaps this guy is the one to take over for Ray Allen, if Ray gets old first. Danny Boy is a genius with drafting.

Posted by Nick Faldo June 27, 08 01:25 AM

I have watched JR closely the past two seasons. What Celts fans are going to love about him is EXACTLY what everyone seems to be worried about: his character. He has matured, is a natural leader, is unselfish, and is a monster defender, as well as tremendous dunker. You'll see. His story in NM was one of the best stories (and best kept secrets) this past college season. Ainge and Rivers score again.
Check out this piece on Giddens from mid season:
http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2008/feb/22/unm-senior-jr-giddens-grows-under-steady-hand-coac/

Posted by Lobo Lad June 27, 08 11:10 PM