Ryan Gomes
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Ryan Gomes (born September 1, 1982 in Waterbury, Connecticut) is a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the NBA. Gomes is of Cape Verdean descent.
Despite a highly successful career as a power forward at Providence College in the Big East Conference, the 6'7.75" Gomes fell in the 2005 NBA Draft to the late second round. His size and abilities did not fit scouts' prototypical image of either a power forward or a small forward. Celtics' director of basketball operations Danny Ainge, however, felt that Gomes' track record and work ethic were enough to take a chance on the local product with the 50th pick overall.
Wearing number 4, Gomes was expected to play off the bench in his rookie season spelling Celtics star Paul Pierce. His playing time and statistical impact were limited early in the season. However, on January 26, 2006, the Celtics executed a multiplayer trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves that freed up roster space for Gomes to play. Soon after that, fellow Celtic Kendrick Perkins was injured and Gomes was inserted in the starting line-up.
After becoming a starter, Gomes excelled, and kept his job even after Perkins returned. On February 24, 2006 he had 17 rebounds and 13 points, and on March 7-8 he had a remarkable two game output, collecting 20 rebounds, dishing 8 assists and scoring 56 points against the Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers. Gomes scored at least 10 points in 21 of the 29 games he started in 2006, and in 7 of those games he also had at least 10 rebounds, known as a double-double. The second half of his rookie season was a definite success for Gomes.
Gomes hustles relentlessly, and Celtics television color commentary man Tommy Heinsohn describes Gomes as the best offensive rebounder on the Celtics' roster. Despite his relatively small size, Gomes positions himself well on the court to rebound, and uses his hands well for easy put-back buckets and lay-ups. Many NBA teams are still wary of his ability to shoot jump shots and he is occasionally left open while other Celtics are being double-teamed. As his career progresses, it remains to be seen whether teams will adjust to Gomes' style and retard his output.
Gomes was named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team for the 2005-2006 season [link], and recently chose to play in the Celtic's 2006 NBA summer-league team. Mike Gorman of Fox Sports New England reported that Gomes appeared to be the best and most consistent Celtic on the summer team.
External links
- [NBA.com Player page]
- http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2006/03/09/gomes_starting_to_really_cash_in/
- http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2006/07/10/gomes_proves_hes_a_class_act/
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