If our roster circumstances were different, say Avery Bradley was a more capable PG, I'd be more than happy with Dooling and the role he could play for us. I just think we need more ball handlers than what Dooling actually brings.
The only thing I'd be wary about is Doc putting Dooling on point, regardless of better options in that position. I don't trust Doc to make the correct call under those circumstances.
Assuming we have two open roster spots, our needs as I see them is adding a ball-handler who has some length (which is why I like the prospect of Christmas, who can play 3 positions) and adding another player who can fill in as a SF as needed (even better if he can slide to the 2 when needed too). I think looking for a PG for the sake of looking for a PG, or a veteran for the sake of getting a veteran it's a mistake if they don't fit those parameters I envision.
OK, we are not that far off here. I also would prefer a better ballhandler than Dooling. But, if it came down to a proven veteran, who can defend and knock down shots...and a completely unproven young player who may be a better ball handler...then I choose the Dooling clone. And right now, that might be the choice.
As for Christmas. I just have lost all faith in him already. It is a tiny sample size (although I am also biased by the fact that he hasn't caught on to the NBA thus far, which suggests to me, he probably isn't nearly as good as some suggest), but so far, he has just looked like a guy who is not an NBA talent. Especially if you are going to potentially ask him to have the ball in his hands.
I have much more confidence in a guy like Joseph being able to come in, and basically just be a defensive specialist SF, where they can hide him on offense if they need to. It is harder to do that, if you need to break the glass for a PG.
I like the idea of Christmas (long combo guard, who can handle the ball, and defend 3 positions), I just don't think he is actually that player at the NBA level. Which is why I have a problem.
I'm cool with that assessment. In some manner I have more distrust in how Doc would use Dooling than anything against Dooling.
As for Christmas, I just wish there was a better candidate I could be confident about, but as I'm not seeing it yet, then I'm willing to roll the dice with him for the time being. As it is, I only want Doc to give him a good opportunity, in game, during these coming games to make a proper evaluation.
I really don't want to hear about how practices are going, his defensive problems in practices, etc., etc. I don't think that's a good enough manner to go about evaluating players. The first step is to remove Smith from the equation. And for that matter, stop playing him alongside the rejects, that's a poor way to evaluate worth/value too.
At the moment though, I don't know why you're so confident in Joseph over Christmas... he hasn't shown me anything yet, other than what he showed in Summer League, which I enjoyed watching. So curious over you confidence in him, and nothing to show for Christmas.
I have a theory that Scal's comment about TA contaminated your perception a bit