Hudson has a shot

Celtics draft choice Lester Hudson was the second-leading scorer in NCAA Division 1 last season, averaging 27.5 points per game for the University of Tennessee at Martin. But Hudson is expected to contribute more than offense to the Celtics.

"Lester is probably known for being a scorer in college basketball," Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said today. "But we see Lester as a much greater player than that. He's one of the best defensive players in college on the perimeter, he averages eight rebounds per game as a point guard. He's a tough kid."

Hudson participated in a morning press conference, then took part in a shooting drill with assistant coach Mike Longabardi.

"I've been playing basketball all my life and it's been hard growing up for me," Hudson said. "I used to play at the playground, older guys pushing on me and make me play harder. I just want to go out and work hard like I've been working, go out and compete every day, work hard at practice."

Hudson, 24, who was presented with a No. 26 Celtics jersey, will play for the team in the Orlando Summer League next week. The Celtics team will also include center-forward Mike Sweetney, 27, formerly of the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks.