So who is Marquis Daniels? He's a strong 6'6" wing who does all the little things that can help a good basketball team be better. He can't shoot much better than Tony Allen, but he shoots a lot more jumpers (ugh) anyway. He's a slasher without a conscience, willing to crash into the lane head-on every time even though the defense knows what he's doing. He deflects balls on defense, and he can bring the ball up the floor in stints. He can facilitate for others and makes plays for his team on both ends. He was very successful in his rookie season playing point guard for Don Nelson in 2004. He does all the little things that make coaches smile. And he can give Paul Pierce a rest when the captain needs it.
In Indiana he had to do so much more and his team struggled, and thus he comes off as a questionable player. But the Celtics won't ask him to do much. The floor should be spaced enough for him and he's plenty talented enough to find a cutting Eddie House or kick the ball to 'Sheed in the post. Call me cautiously optimistic, but it's also true that Doc Rivers was interested in him when he was with the Orlando Magic in 2003 when Daniels was in the draft. He gets positive reviews from the media (the media that actually knows, not the media that talks the loudest) and Danny Ainge has done a fine job keeping the ship on course thus far, so the least we can all do is reserve judgement until the season begins.
Also, it's great to see that Leon Powe has landed with another contender, signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers and interestingly enough, reuniting him with his former AAU teammate, LeBron James. Powe will miss more than half of this season because he killed himself playing for the Celtics this past year and is by far the most likable player in the NBA. If I ever get a Cleveland Jersey, it will be his.
