Celtic draft pick #58, Lester Hudson, late this summer, eventually got his first NBA contract from the Celtics. A place on the team is another story. He is currently roster spot #15 on a 15 man team.
His recent play in two exhibition games has done nothing to discourage that. The muscular 6’ 2” 25 year old has appeared to played well in his limited minutes in preseason. A scoring point guard at a small college Division I college – Tennessee-Martin Lester made his mark their by being a fearless multifaceted offensive player who can put the ball in the hole, hit his free throws, make steals, and generally bring the energy.
One of the nation’s top scorers, Lester averaged 27 points for Tennessee-Martin. Hudson also became the first Division I men’s basketball player to record a quadruple-double in a game when he put up a line of 25 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals.
He can shoot outside and likes to take it to the hoop. There is a remote possibility for playing time behind Rajon Rondo as the back up point guard. Right now that spot is filled by Eddie House and Marquis Daniels.
Lester looks surprisingly comfortable on the court with NBA players after never really playing against even top college competition. That he was drafted so late illustrates the risk. But there have been a number of undrafted players who end up being solid NBA players, let alone late draft picks. Marquis Daniels is a great example as an undrafted player who made good.
Get to Know Lester Hudson
I caught up with Lester after the Knick game. Here’s how it went…
How do you think you did tonight?
I think I did real good. Brought a little energy into the game and run the offense like coach wants me to. So I think I did okay.
Feeling comfortable out there?
I’m getting used to it. Getting used to the home crowd…all the energy they bring. I’m feeling comfortable.
Last year lower level college team, now the Celtics. Did you expect that to happen?
I didn’t expect the Celtics but I believe in myself that I was going to be in the NBA. and I’m very blessed to be on this team because of all the veterans tell you what to look out for and motivate you to keep working hard and you’ll win here. So I’m very blessed being in the position I’m in right now.
Could be a special team this year.
Oh yes sir. You saw it tonight so I’m hoping to trying to come in and bring my energy and help the team. That’s all I want to do, help the team.
In terms of transition to the NBA anything that has surprised you?
Just the game is a little quicker than, quicker pace, quicker pace than college. I expected it to be a little slower but it’s a little fast so I have to keep up with the pace.
Discussions with Doc are you supposed to fit in more as a one or a two or combo?
I think mostly one but sometimes I might play the two so whatever he wants me to do. Wahtever is best for the team. I just want to go out and play as hard as I can.
You’ve been a scoring point guard in college. I guess that is what you’re learning going out and seeing the court?
I’ve been a scoring point, but I can get the ball to my teammates and make plays for them, so I’m sure I can do it, so I can play a little more minutes on the floor. I can score the ball to so, that’s the great thing.
You’re not afraid to get to the hole. How about your outside shot?
Oh I can shoot the ball real well. I will show you soon as the season goes on, I’ll show that I can shoot the ball.
If Lester ever develops enough to be counted on in real games during the season that skill will come in handy, as we all know that teams will quickly drop players that can not establish a reliable jump shot.
We hope we get to see Lester shoot the ball…and pass it..,. or he won’t get more chances to shoot it, will he?
But he seems to understand that. Here is wishing good luck to a late bloomer.
