Great expectations for Celtics’ second-round picks

Often, when a player is drafted in the second round, expectations are understandably low. But for the defending champion Boston Celtics, their hopes of winning Banner 18 rest (at least partially) in the hands of two late second-round draft picks.For Glen Davis, his recent success filling in for the injured Kevin Garnett had to be especially satisfying, for long before Big Baby’s second-round draft-night slide, the scouts had him as a shoo-in for the draft lottery and the guaranteed millions of dollars that come with it. A combination of immaturity and a pension for one too many cheeseburgers helped him drop nearly out of the draft altogether. However, with increased minutes and increased responsibility, Davis has matured this season, both on and off the court – something he is beginning to take notice of himself.”Mentally, I think I’m more mature when Garnett’s not playing, because I need to play,” Davis said. “When Garnett’s on the floor, Coach is not going to say that I need to play and do well. It’s not as intense as when Garnett’s not here. But one thing that I need to work on in my game is bringing that intensity level every game.”I’m learning how to be a pro, to understand that mental state every time when you’re focused and locked into it all the time. You just have to practice it and get a lot of repetition and stay focused every game.”Despite his recent knee injury, Celtics power forward – and fellow second-round pick – Leon Powe was also having a standout season. Powe has mastered his role as the Celtics’ “dirt dog.” Celtics captain Paul Pierce called Powe “the ultimate teammate.”Powe, much like Davis, certainly took the long, hard road to NBA success. Once, he was an explosive player, and NBA scouts compared him to the Suns’ Amare Stoudemire. However, knee problems haunted the former collegiate star, and after multiple surgeries, Powe has successfully changed his game.Powe is now solid in leading the Celtics in charges taken, and giving the Green a true post presence.Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said, “(Powe’s) just an animal. He’s an aggressive, energetic, live-wire body. If you’re not tough in the post, he’s getting offensive rebounds, he’s posting up, he’s getting the rebounds. He just plays basketball.”With the number of healthy bodies at a minimum (including Powe) and the playoffs just weeks away, it is becoming clear, if the Celtics plan on defending their championship, that it is going to take a complete team effort. Suddenly, the once-low expectations for the Celtics’ second-round draft picks have never been higher.