``It makes [summer league] important because you never know what can happen,'' said Pruitt after shootaround yesterday before Game 6 against the Magic. ``I'm pretty confident that if I get the opportunity to perform and show what I can do I will be confident of the outcome. I'm not too worried about it. It's all up to me on how I approach it and perform.''

Pruitt left Southern Cal after his junior season and was a second-round pick, the 32d overall, in 2007. He played 15 games as a rookie, averaging 2.1 points and 0.9 assists in 6.3 minutes last season. The Los Angeles native, however, showed promise in the NBA's Development League, averaging 18.6 points and 3.9 assists in 18 games for the Utah Flash last season.

Pruitt did not play in the postseason during the Celtics' run to the NBA title last season. There was no summer league to play in last year, although the Celtics had a minicamp last July. Pruitt entered this season facing the challenge of winning playing time at the guard spots against budding star Rajon Rondo, perennial All-Star Ray Allen, veterans Eddie House and Tony Allen, and veteran Stephon Marbury after he was signed in late February.

``I don't think not having a summer league hurt me,'' Pruitt said. ``I came back for the beginning of the season a different player. My body was different. But as far as years, there are guys that have been here before me and are ahead of me. I can live with that, but it's up to me to prove to them that I can perform and can make an impact.''

Although Pruitt didn't return to the D-League this season, he didn't get much playing time with the Celtics .

The 23-year-old averaged 2 points and 0.8 assists in 7.8 minutes during 47 contests. He had career highs of 9 points, 4 assists, and 19 minutes against New Jersey Jan. 14. Pruitt said establishing himself defensively on a consistent basis would help his cause for playing time.

``There was a stretch during the season where I saw a lot of minutes, like 15, 20 minutes [per game],'' Pruitt said. ``That's a lot better than last [season].

``I still have to prove myself to the coaches. But I'm still learning and enjoying this ride and seeing what it's like. It helps me when we go far in the playoffs. I know what it takes to get here to this point.''

Although Celtics fans haven't seen much of Pruitt, Rondo said he has improved.

``He's maturing,'' Rondo said. ``He's coming along. He knows the plays like I know the plays now. He needs a chance, that's all.''

Pruitt has played eight scoreless minutes in three playoff games, with an assist and a turnover.

But considering he is in a Celtics uniform rather than watching like last season, he feels part of the playoff run this time around.

``I'm making progress,'' Pruitt said. ``Obviously, I'm not playing much this season. But I'm suited up. I'm here with a uniform on. There's a possibility. There were a couple of games where I did get in and got a couple minutes.

``I'm making progress. It's still early. There is just stuff I need to learn.''

Time will tell what the Celtics will do with the Pruitt. His preference is to return next season with hopes of being able to show what he can do.

``I think it could be a very good place for me,'' he said. ``There are a lot of veterans I can learn from in my position. Last [season] we had Sam [Cassell]. Rondo has been here for a while and he's been a big impact. He's young as well. He's young in age, been here for a while, and proven himself. I can learn a lot from him like I learned from Sam. Kevin [Garnett], Paul [Pierce], Ray [Allen], I listen to them talk and learn a lot from them.

``This is a good spot for me to learn. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to play. This is a place I want to be. I definitely want to be here.''