Surprising Celtics News Lester Hudson Waived

The Boston Celtics waived Lester Hudson Wednesday. President of basketball operations Danny Ainge says they could sign him to a 10-day contract once he clears waivers on Friday, or they could leave the 15th spot on the roster open.

"This just gives us a roster spot that we don't feel we need to use right now," Ainge told the Boston Herald. "We do save some money with this, but that wasn't why we did it." ESPN

I was a little taken back by this because Lester has been o.k. for a late second round pick. Unless they make a move for newly waived Rafer Alston. (which I don't think will happen because he has had some troubles with Eddie House and Rajon Rondo) I believe Hudson will be back, but I had faith in the kid.

Hudson Plays Well In D-League

"To give him some more minutes and on-court experience, the Celtics sent rookie Lester Hudson to their D-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, for three games.

In those three games, Hudson averaged 16.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. But it was his defense he keyed on.

"I learned a lot," he told WEEI.com on Sunday. "I learned a lot about the pick-and-roll, team defense. Those were things my coach, (head coach) Doc [Rivers] and (President of Basketball Operations) Danny [Ainge] told me to work on so I tried to work on that and I think I got a little better at that. I've just got to work hard on every possession. I got in a little better shape because I was playing a lot of minutes in those three games, so I'm going to try not to get out of shape (ESPN)."

It is good to get these young guys, who aren't going to play much with how much depth the Celtics have, playing time and it looks like Husdon took advantage. We all know he can score, but until he gets comfortable and finds himself a role on this team I doubt we will see him do much in terms of the stat sheet this year.

Lester Hudson Signs

The Boston Herald reports rookie Lester Hudson, who has worked out patiently all summer without a contract, walked onto the floor Monday with a new one-year deal in hand. Hudson appears to be the last guard on the roster.

"I was very anxious about it," he said. "But it's a great feeling. I got to work out with all of the guys on this team." ESPN

For some reason, I have an ungodly amount of faith in the young guard. It could be that he is a lights out shooter, or that he was a 4th year player coming out of the draft or that he has an awesome name. Anyways, he will most likely spend a lot of the year for the Celtics D League team, but I think he can eventually break through this year.

Dickeau Chooses Suns Over Celtics

Point guard Dan Dickau will join the Phoenix Suns training camp next week in San Diego. Dickau played in Suns informal workouts Wednesday, as did the other non-roster camp invitee Carlos Powell. The Boston Globe reports Dickau declined the Celtics training camp offer. ESPN

Dan Dickeau sucks. So I'm kind of happy that he won't show up because this makes the door open for rookie Lester Hudson. And I know I'm getting a shitty back-up in Dickeau, I don't know what I'm getting in Lester Hudson. For some reason I have all the faith in the world in Lester and think he can really pull his wait at the back-up 1 spot.

Lester Getting Healthier

The Celtics received some good news on second-round draft choice Lester Hudson, who sustained a broken finger during the Orlando Summer Pro League last month. He is expected to return to training in three weeks, according to agent Lance Young. Globe

This is great news, because the only reason the Celtics are giving him so many chances is because they have faith in him and I do to. Going into the season, I believe he will be Rondo's back-up and I believe his role will increase throughout the year. Not by any means do I believe he will be starting over Rondo, I just think he will be an extremely effective back-up compared to other options (Marbury, Lue, etc..)

Lester Hudson Breaks Finger

He broke the finger after attempting to brace himself during a fall in the first half of the Celtics’ 94-82 loss to Oklahoma City’s summer league team.

“It’s very tough because I want to show Danny (Ainge) and the coaches what I can do,” said Hudson. “But I won’t be out there to do it now. I think I can still play right now, but I have to sit back.”

Lance Young, Hudson’s agent, said he was told that the 6-1 guard may need surgery, and have a pin put in the finger.

There’s a danger in that for Hudson, who has not signed a contract.

I'm afraid this might be the end of Lester Hudsn in Boston, with Lester not given a guaranteed contract by being drafted in the second round, the Celtics need all hits when it comes to remaining roster spots, and they can't take a risk on this kid if he can't play. I like Lester and hopes somehow he stays, but it looks glum for the rookie.

Ainge On Lester Hudson

What ESPN Says About Lester Hudson

I know little to nothing about this kid, but here is what ESPN says about him...

Chad Ford's Analysis: Hudson is a fun pick here. He's a big-time scorer who jumps out of the gym, can handle and can shoot. For an NBA prospect, he's pretty old, and he hasn't played against great competition, but he can really ball.

Draft Projection: Late first to early second

Notes: Hudson declared for the 2008 NBA draft, but withdrew after failing to get a first-round promise.

Positives:
Big-time scorer
Very quick
Good athlete with good strength
Amazing getting the ball to the basket
A good shooter with NBA 3-point range
Has a good feel for the game and can play the point guard position
Excellent rebounder for his size
An excellent pickpocket, among the nation's leaders in steals.

Negatives:
Turned 24 years old in August
Has had very little exposure against top competition
Turns the ball over a lot
A bit of a tweener

Summary: His strong performances in 2007-08 against top teams like Memphis, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State had scouts wondering whether he can make the jump. The talent suggests yes. His age and a so-so performance at the Orlando pre-draft camp says no. Given his age, he's a likely second-rounder this season.

Lester Hudson's Highlights

According to ESPN, Hudson recorded Division I's first-ever quadruple-double: 25 pts, 12 rebs, 10 asst, 10 steals.

And the newest member to wear green.