We've got a status update on rookie Lester Hudson, courtesy CelticsTown. The finger is healed and he's working out with the team in Waltham, still without a contract. Here are some excerpts from the interview.
On learning from the veterans:
Even playing with those guys in Waltham (at the Celtics'
practice facilities), I am trying to let them help me out. Paul Pierce
took me aside the other day and taught me different ways to use a
pick-and-roll. Coming out of college, I don't know as much about the
little parts of the game as these guys do, and I'm just trying to learn
as much as I can.
On his injured finger:
I've been here (Waltham) for about two months, working on my conditioning,
ball-handling and shooting. With my finger, I was only cleared to play
full-court last week. I was able to still do all my drills before that,
but I wasn't cleared for contact until then. Now, I'm out here trying to get acclimated to the Celtics and
work on my game. The coaching staff told me I should work on my
ball-handling the most. In college, I handled the ball a lot and did a
good job of it, but nobody really put too much pressure on me.
On his contract situation:
I'm just trying to stay patient and let my play decide my contract.
It's up to nobody but me, whether I earn a spot on the team. I'm not
worried about it, I'm just out here trying to impress whoever I can...
the coaching staff, Danny Ainge, the owners, the weight trainers, the
equipment managers, everybody. I'm going to let my play do my talking,
and hopefully the contract will work itself out.
It's clear the Celtics are giving Hudson every opportunity to make the team. It's simple, he's going to have to outplay the Dan Dickau's of the world at training camp to make the roster.
