Marquis Daniels
Last year's stats: 13.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.1 spg, FG 45%, FT 72%
Projected Stats:
Chuck: 9.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.5 spg, FG 46%, FT 77%
John: 12.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.7 spg, FG 45.5%, FT 75%
What will help him the most?
Chuck: His desire to win a championship. This guy passed up more money and starting roles for a chance to play with the Celtics and win a championship. He has the perfect attitude for this team. His versatility (Daniels can handle three positions; point guard, shooting guard and small forward) allows him to fit into just about any lineup Doc throws on the court.
John: The Celtics veterans. Marquis Daniels is very likely a 1-year rental, so he's going to have to fit in quickly. He's under pressure to be a key piece in delivering a title and maybe be the C's leading scorer off the bench. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett are going to set him on the right path… let him know when to go for his… and when to back off. He'll get acclimated much more quickly on this team than he would on just about any other.
What will hurt him the most?
Chuck: That same versatility I just raved about, could be a problem if he's asked to do too much. In a perfect world, Daniels would serve only as a back up to Ray Allen and/or Paul Pierce. However, Danny Ainge has made it clear he thinks Daniels can run the offense. We shall see.
John: I agree. Asking him to do TOO much could be an issue. The more defined his role is, the better he will be. I'm just wondering how well-defined his role will be.
Burning question: Can he play the point guard position?
Chuck: I don't care what Danny and Doc say, I am not sold on this idea. We were also told Ray Allen and Tony Allen could play the point, and neither really can. I'm hoping it's an experiment for the first half of the season, giving the Celtics time to work and if fails, time for Danny to add a veteran at the trading deadline.
John: If he could play the point guard position, he'd be a point guard. I think the Celtics will have him handling the ball a bit as the point-forward, with maybe Ray, Eddie, KG and Perk on the floor. If the Celtics have him running the offense AS the point guard, then no… he can't play that position. But if the Celtics throw two shooting guards out there and have Daniels just be the guy who initiates a lot of ball movement… then yes, he can do that in spots.
Other Player Projections: Paul Pierce | Ray Allen | Rajon Rondo | Tony Allen | Brian Scalabrine
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