JR (Justin Ray) Giddens Shooting Guard 6'5", 200 lbs 23 years old Senior, New Mexico Ranked 6th among shooting guards Was projected to go mid to late 2nd round
Was originally recruited by Kansas state but after a rocky first two seasons that reached the breaking point when he was stabbed in a bar fight on May 19, 2005. He was stabbed in the calf and required 30 stitches. He transferred to New Mexico and sat out his first season there due to NCAA transfer rules. He was suspended from the New Mexico team in February of 2007 for not being a good teammate and attitude problems.
He owned up to his mistakes after the suspension and came back his senior season and improved in every statistical category as well as improving his attitude. His senior season he averaged 32.2 minutes, 16.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He shot 52% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc but just 59% from the free throw line.
Accolades: MWC co-Player of the Year (08), First Team All-MWC (08), Honorable Mention All-American – AP (08) Third Team High-Major All-American – CHN (08) Honorable Mention All-MWC (07) Honorable Mention All-Big 12 (04) Big 12 All-Freshman Team (04) McDonald’s All-American – high school (03) Oklahoma’s Gatorade Player of the Year – high school (03)
Strengths: Great athlete. He is very quick and was a track athlete in high school also. He has a huge vertical leap - reportedly 40” or more. He is a strong finisher and attacks the rim. He is an exceptional rebounder for a guard because of his long arms. He has a good strength. He gets into the passing lanes for steals and is a great shot-blocker for a guard. His long arms allow him to play bigger than his 6'5" height. Quick release on his jumper plus great elevation on his jump shot make it hard to stop.
Weaknesses: Needs to work on his mid range game. Not a great ball handler. His attitude and work ethic have been called into question and are the main reasons he was projected to be a late second round pick. I guess Danny is hoping that being on a team with veterans like Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett along with young players who have great character and work ethics like Perk and Powe will help to keep his attitude going in the right direction.
Doc said in an interview after the pick that they feel that Giddens fills a need for the team. This could mean the end of Tony Allen's tenure as a Celtic as Giddens is almost a clone of Tony's talents.
Notes He has won a couple different dunk contests. JR was a Mcdonalds All-American and came in second in that dunk contest to LeBron James. Won co-MVP honors (Along with Deron Williams) at the 2003 Global Games, he also won that tournament's dunk contest. JR was an excellent track athlete in high school and cleared 6 feet 10 inches in a high jump competition.
Greetings from Loboland" in The Land of Enchantment! Celtics and Danny Ainge have come up with a true champion! No need to worry about JR's attitude and team role. JR and Steve Alford clicked and JR turned in to a complete team player and leader. He is an incredible talent. The best thing to happen to JR was Alford's hiring!! Doc has a true jewel of a player/ person to work with. All the nonsense in JR's past is long gone!! Celtic fans will not be disappointed! Go Lobos!!!
Steve Alford was one of my favorite college players when he was in Indiana. I always loved his attitude and his feisty play. I would have loved to see him make it in the NBA as a player but am happy to see him succeeding as a coach.
I was getting the feeling when I read some quotes from Giddens that he had matured. Ford said that if he got his attitude straight he would be a steal.
