Chris Lofton at the NBA Summer League - Day 1-3 UPDATED

by Will Shelton on Jul 8, 2009 9:34 PM EDT in Tennessee Volunteer Basketball

If you let Chris Lofton shoot, good things will happen. It's now become a question of opportunity.

#5 (in your programs at #37 this week) is in Orlando with the Boston Celtics summer league team, where they're playing games each night all week. After scorching the nets overseas, Lofton is making his second attempt at finding a spot on an NBA roster, and needs a good showing in Orlando.

On Monday, Lofton played 14 minutes off the bench on a Celtics team with lots of young talent. He went 3 of 5 (2 of 4 from 3) and scored 8 points in those 14 minutes, on a night where there were really no individual scoring standouts for the Celtics in an 87-56 blowout over Utah. Lofton was noted as being "very fluid"...

But last night against Orlando, Lofton only saw the floor for three minutes, going 1 for 2 from beyond the arc for his only bucket in an 85-82 loss to Orlando. I haven't watched these games (though you can each night at celtics.com), but the blowout nature of the first one seems to suggest to me that Lofton saw more minutes because the game was noncompetitive. That's unfortunate news for a guy who's done everything he can - landmark career at Tennessee, cancer survivor, record breaker in Turkey - to land a spot.

The league runs thru Friday night...hopefully Lofton gets more chances to show his touch between now and then, but his lack of quality minutes thus far has to be disappointing.

DAY 3 UPDATE

Well well...Lofton got more opportunity tonight, and he took advantage. Lofton went 4 of 5 from beyond the arc and dropped 15 points on OKC. The Celtics' second round draft pick, Lester Hudson of UT-Martin, who plays a similar style to Lofton, was injured with a broken finger and will miss the final two days of the league. Unfortunate for Hudson...but more opportunity for Lofton, who was mentioned specifically at the C's official site after tonight's game.

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I'd really hate to see that happen.

But it’s hard to read it otherwise. The only way to spin it positively would be to say that the Celtics have already evaluated him and are using the time to evaluate the other guys. But that’s probably wishful thinking.

by David Hooper on Jul 8, 2009 1:56 PM EDT reply actions

I wonder

What the knock on Lofton is by the NBA? I mean, we’ve heard all the things about him just being a shooter, but he’s the best clutch shooter I’ve ever seen. I’m no NBA scout or expert by any means, but I find it hard to believe he could not contribute in some fashion on an NBA roster.

Tennessee WILL beat Georgia on the way to 9+ wins in '09!!!

by VolBrian on Jul 8, 2009 2:00 PM EDT reply actions

I'm still hoping for a signing by the Grizz

Its not like they can’t use some talent

RIP # 9 Steve McNair (1973 - 2009)
Member of the Committee to Keep Keith Bulluck.

by Pride of the Southland on Jul 8, 2009 2:09 PM EDT reply actions

Orlando is a tough matchup for Lofton

I mean, who is guarding him…Rashard Lewis? Tough to get a shot off on a guy like that.

by kidbourbon on Jul 8, 2009 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

Rashard makes too much money to play in the summer league

Though apparently the aforementioned Reddick is too qualified to play in it as well. I’ve always thought that was a good comparison, and don’t understand how a complete defensive liability like JJ – something Lofton is not – can get quality minutes in the league while #5 rides the bench in the summer league.

Will - Rocky Top Talk

by Will Shelton on Jul 8, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Because he's Duuuuuuuuuuuke?

by David Hooper on Jul 8, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

At the risk of sounding a bit bitter,

it’d be really really nice if Lofton would have a break go in his favor for a change.

by David Hooper on Jul 8, 2009 10:27 PM EDT reply actions

Heh

Maybe they came and read this post before that game? ;-)

Tennessee WILL beat Georgia on the way to 9+ wins in '09!!!

by VolBrian on Jul 9, 2009 9:28 AM EDT reply actions

Finally saw a box score from Wednesday night...

Lofton’s 15 points came in just 18 minutes. So, bad that he’s not getting more minutes…but good that he’s still that productive. Through three games he’s scored 26 points in just 35 minutes on 7 of 11 from beyond the arc.

Will - Rocky Top Talk

by Will Shelton on Jul 9, 2009 11:44 AM EDT reply actions