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Post by jmei on Dec 13, 2015 13:44:48 GMT -5
I think they do struggle somewhat with skilled bigs who can score or create plays for others-- to compensate for their relative lack of size, they do a lot of fronting the post and quick double-teaming, which can be exploited by that sort of player. Monroe and Olynyk are pretty different offensive players, though.
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Post by rjp313jr on Dec 14, 2015 10:30:17 GMT -5
I'd really like Brooklyn to go on a nice losing streak starting tonight at home vs the Magic. They are looking way too much like a capable team. Time for a 2-18 stretch.
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wcp3
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Post by wcp3 on Dec 15, 2015 21:46:53 GMT -5
Maybe one day Stevens will figure out how to beat good teams.
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Post by rjp313jr on Dec 16, 2015 6:46:01 GMT -5
Is this a real post not sarcasm?
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wcp3
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Post by wcp3 on Dec 16, 2015 8:24:09 GMT -5
It's mostly sarcasm.
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Post by chavopepe2 on Dec 16, 2015 8:40:01 GMT -5
The second half last night definitely showed the teams fatal flaw: they need more guys that can score one on one. They can be shut down completely with a good scheme.
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Post by rjp313jr on Dec 16, 2015 8:57:16 GMT -5
Isaiah Thomas is a nice player but he's clearly not a go to scorer. It's actually, painful to watch him try to be. He's so limited by his height.
My concern is how he handles a lessor role when they find that guy who can be, especially, if that player turns out to be a young guy. I'm encouraged that he's been responsive to Stevens coaching by moving the ball well and putting in effort defensively. But he's doing that when he's clearly the main man. Can he do that when he's not?
I wonder what his trade value is and if it makes sense to take advantage of it if the price is right. I don't picture him being one of the higher prices players on a championship team. His contract is good now, but it will be set for renewal by the time this squad is ready to compete at that level.
A issues with trading him:
1. This team is fun and exciting and he's s huge part of that.
2. If part of the plan is attracting free agents then winning more games is part of that. (Although there have been questions about whether he's an attraction or deterrent to FAs).
3. Only a contender would want him so what can you get from one that would really make sense for you? Another late first round pick isn't worth much to you.
4. You'd potentially destroy the good vibes in the locker room.
Ultimately, I don't think he's played himself into being a good enough asset to get what you'd need to in-order to trade him. However, I question is ability to be a big part of a great team if he ends up being paid like a top 3 guy.
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Post by rjp313jr on Dec 16, 2015 9:00:23 GMT -5
The second half last night definitely showed the teams fatal flaw: they need more guys that can score one on one. They can be shut down completely with a good scheme. This team has trouble scoring when a team can play defense in the paint with one guy (Moz or Side show bob just sat in the paint) without the need to rotate of guys. The Celtics shoot a lot of threes but suck at making them consistently. The games they get hot they look like a championship team and fool us into thinking they are better than they are. |
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Post by texs31 on Dec 16, 2015 9:10:36 GMT -5
Luckily, Danny does have a couple more years (after this one) to worry about how he will be compensated. He's locked in at ~$6M through the 2017-18 season.
I agree on his fit as a "star". I haven't watched a ton of games this year but, the few I have, have been ones where Boston has the ball at the end of the game with a chance to win/tie. It's so frustrating to watch him get swallowed up and not even get up a good shot. I like him a lot but definitely think he's better as the alpha of the 2nd group. There is still 20-30 minutes to be had and plenty of shots.
IF the move is to trade him, I wouldn't worry about the impact on attracting other players. I don't think he'd be moved in a "baby step" deal. More likely, he'd be part of the next phase of the makeover. I agree, he might not be good enough to get the big fish but I could see him part of a complimentary move that gets someone of equal value to him (but a better fit in a team with a new star - though I still can't figure out who that'd be). In short, I think a Celtic team without Thomas would likely have an even better player on it that would attract the free agents.
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Post by texs31 on Dec 16, 2015 9:42:38 GMT -5
I've seen Danilo Gallinari's name resurface (Boston was rumored to be interested over the summer) as a target for Boston. He's a name I'd be interested in (though I don't watch ANY of his games so I, admittedly, might be getting swayed by his "surface numbers").
He could provide the scoring boost we need but he's not a star (so one would think he could be acquired with giving up too much - ie he wouldn't cost us that Brooklyn pick).
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Post by rjp313jr on Dec 16, 2015 9:44:06 GMT -5
One more thing.... Very happy with James Young's development. He was very aggressive last night. His shot looks terrible but it's clearly lack of confidence and that will come once he's given a chance to get comfortable on the court.
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Post by texs31 on Dec 16, 2015 9:47:36 GMT -5
I continue to believe, in terms of raw talent, he might be Boston's best chance at a star (considering players on the current roster).
He's got the athleticism and potential stroke. Of course, he's SO far away from that level you really have to dream to see him there.
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Post by texs31 on Dec 16, 2015 11:51:33 GMT -5
Despite SheridanHoops report, Bulpett saying no conversations between Boston and Sacramento regarding Cousins
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ianrs
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Post by ianrs on Dec 17, 2015 13:49:58 GMT -5
The transformations of Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, and Jae Crowder have been an absolute joy to watch. This team really is an athletic big away from being elite, and they're already good. Thankfully, our depth takes care of the lack of a very good center.
Also, I'm excited to have Smart back soonish to spell some minutes and give those guys a rest.
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Post by rjp313jr on Dec 17, 2015 16:03:07 GMT -5
They need shooters as well as a big to be elite. Hard to win in today's NBA without consistent 3 point shooters.
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cdj
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Post by cdj on Dec 17, 2015 16:12:55 GMT -5
I think that between guys like Olynyk, Bradley, Thomas, and Crowder there is enough outside shooting there. Of course adding a guy like Gallinari couldn't hurt
Still dreaming of Ben Simmons
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Post by jmei on Dec 17, 2015 16:23:11 GMT -5
They have a bunch of OK shooters, but no elite guy. That's not ideal, but it could work if they had more than a couple guys who could create their own shot.
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Post by texs31 on Dec 17, 2015 16:32:32 GMT -5
Free R.J.
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Post by texs31 on Dec 17, 2015 16:35:12 GMT -5
Wish we could combine Smart's size/strength and defense with Thomas' ability to drive and get to the hoop. He gets 5-10 points on FTs every night.
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nomar
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Post by nomar on Dec 18, 2015 9:44:56 GMT -5
His 3PT% last year and college and so far in the NBA are flat out bad. His shot looks good, but considering this sample size he has to be doing somethings slightly wrong. Isaiah Thomas will be an all star I think. Someone on the Celtics need to be and two way players like Bradley never get enough credit. |
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Post by rjp313jr on Dec 18, 2015 9:53:24 GMT -5
I hear ya and it's not something we can be confident in, but James Young has bad percentages and so do a lot of younger players who don't get regular playing time or have the confidence. Hunter was also triple teamed all year in college so I don't put much stock into that.
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nomar
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Post by nomar on Dec 18, 2015 9:59:47 GMT -5
I hear ya and it's not something we can be confident in, but James Young has bad percentages and so do a lot of younger players who don't get regular playing time or have the confidence. Hunter was also triple teamed all year in college so I don't put much stock into that. Totally fair, and that's why I continue to give him slack and get pumped when he does check in. I've been surprised at Rozier. He's not polished or ready for major playing time, but he has shown flashes of being a lot better than I expected. Very shifty and hard to stay in front of, and he's very long. I bet he's going to end up being at least a good bench guard, but the Bledsoe comps may not prove to be too poor (he is a bit smaller though). |
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Post by texs31 on Dec 18, 2015 10:01:32 GMT -5
FWIW (Not much) today is the deadline for making a trade while maintaining the ability to package the player again before the real trade deadline (Feb 18). Wouldn't be surprised to see a small move or two today (not Boston, necessarily).
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Post by rjp313jr on Dec 18, 2015 10:41:20 GMT -5
The problem is there are only 2 teams from each conference who are not in the playoff race. It's hard to call Sac, Por and Minn inn the West race, but they are. Currently, Den is the 8 seed at 11-14. Funny that the 8 seed in East is 15-12.
The East is a deeper conference by far this year.
Hopefully, the Nets sell off a piece or two today. They are better than expected and are worrying me that the pick will fall outside the top 5
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Post by rjp313jr on Dec 18, 2015 10:43:29 GMT -5
Btw the West not being deep this year is going to screw the Celtics out of a late lottery pick since there is almost no way Dal falls out of the playoffs. Danny does well with the picks in the mid teens though.
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