September 30, 2008
The Celtic Summer of Love is Over
Thank you Boston Celtics. It was a great ride.
Not Too Late for One Last Look Back - One Last Tribute to an Astounding Team
I called it the Celtic Summer of Love back in 2007, fully a year before everything made the label come true. I had no idea.
A newspaper article I had read talked about how the first Summer of Love really began the year (1967) before it is known to have occured. So it was with this Celtic team.
Even Nostradomus gets it right once in a while. Prophetic - without knowing it.
I thought I was going to celebrate the blossoming of our youthful ballers.
A trade for Ray Allen was followed by 'The Trade' for Kevin Garnett. The rest of the pieces were drawn to Boston like it was the Mecca of the basketball world. We had us one formidable team.
We had no idea.
Adrenaline flowed like water for the next 102 games and long suffering Celtic fans flowed to the Garden. Every night was a spectacle to behold. A potent offense and marauding defense rendered useless any thoughts of beating this team by 'outhearted' and 'outhustled' opponents.
At first, it was hard to tell whether they were running from something or running to something.
If they failed together.....what would everyone think? Could they look themselves in eye?
They were running from one legacy to another. They might not admit it, but they were running from their pasts. Running toward an uncertain future. All three were already questioned about just how good they were. Would there be heartbreak at the end?
Turkey was carved and served most every game. Every night turned into Thanksgiving. Thanks for giving us your all, Boston's three millionaire stars and company. Every night it was a new turkey.
They played like a team. They played defense. They shared the ball. They were even able to develop a young point guard, center, and a couple of young, short power forwards.
They brought in the greybeards for the play-offs. Young and old alike contributed to the cause.
It was a festival of sharing.
They ended up winning it all and doing it as underdogs, when they should have been favorites. Disrespected to the end. Motivation, it was - and motivate it did. A record pummeling in a title clinching game - at home.
Thanks for the return to basketball the right way and the NBA Title to prove it is still the right way to play.
Raucous. Religious. Ridiculous.
How did a team transform so quickly and so completely?
Destinies were at stake. Only one accomplishment would reach that destiny. Win the final game of the year.
Title and love. Parade and love.
Summer of Love - Green style.
Welcome back.
Posted by Tom on 8:46 PM
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September 29, 2008
NBA 2008-9 preview: Atlantic Division
Atlantic Division
Competition improves within the division, but none can keep up with Boston
Boston Celtics
prediction: 58–24 (LY=66-16)
2007-8 shot selection
24% 3 point shots .381 (5th)
40% mid range shots .417 (5th)
34% inside shots .613 (10th)
I say the experience counts and the hunger is still there. After all, they have Kevin Garnett.
I’ll have an article soon with their killer stats. Just incredible. Remarkably balanced.
With no solid veterans in the off season pick-ups, question marks abound with the added players.
People saw what these three stars do for their team mates’ games over the course of a season. After a 66 win season, no one will question their age this year, will they?
James Posey absolutely played a special role on this squad and will be missed.
But this team offered him a special situation with which to shine as well. It wasn’t the same in Miami for James as it was here.
Mercurial yet expressionless (okay, make that 'stoic') Rajon Rondo took a big step forward. Work on jump shot. Work on foul shot.
Kendick’s shoulder is still healing. Center back-up options are Patrick O’Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Leon Powe.
Who steps up this season? Tony Allen has the inside track to break out. Leon Powe and Glen Davis both should step forward. Rookies JR Giddens (SG) and Bill Walker (SF) have the P word emblazoned on their foreheads. It looks like Darius Miles will get his chance. Portland says – We _____ Danny blankingAinge!
Remember…the Celtics are holding three aces. These three stars bought their tickets on the Lega-C Train. They all changed their summer routines to rest and celebrate. I wouldn’t make too much of it. They will be ready to go. Just don’t expect 30-3 out of the gate.
Doc says more rest for Paul and Ray. So watch for a chance to develop from guys like Tony Allen, Giddens, Miles and/or Walker
Philadelphia 76ers
Predicted: 50 –32 (LY=40-42)
2007-8 Shot Selection:
14% 3 point shots: .317 (30th)
48% mid range shots: .381 (24th)
37% inside shots: .615 (9th)
As you can see, they do not shoot well. But they run and run often. An almost non-existent arc attack, and not that good even at mid range, they are the Philly Rim Rockers. Dunkmasters extraordinaire, they were 2nd only to Denver.
I under rated them last season…by a lot. I won’t do that again.
All around good guy Elton Brand looks like a good fit for this team. As a top offensive rebounder, he joins a top offensive rebounding team. Their starting 5 of Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Elton Brand and Samuel Dalembert are solid .
Louis Williams - the AI..or is it J.R.? Reggie Evans rebounds while Donyell Marshall might regain his outside touch. Theo Ratliff looks like he's lost his mojo. Marreese Speights...who knows?
Does Donyell Marshall and Kareem Rush help Louis Williams and Andre Iguodala to keep defenses honest? Yes, they help a bit. Young Thaddeus Young is a player to watch. Boston gets some new competition in the East....but they don't have enough to hang with the Green Machine.
Toronto Raptors
Prediction: 45-37 (LY=41-41)
2007-8 Team Shot Selection:
21% 3 point shots: .392 (2nd)
47% mid range shots: .417 (4th tie)
30% inside shots: .601 (13th)
The Raptors shoot lights out from the arc, and almost always off a pass (94% assisted – first in the league) but not as often as you might think (20th in pct. of total attempts). What is up with that Coach Mitchell? They pass well (5th in assists), and don’t turn the ball over (2nd best).
Rebounding needs to improve. The reigns of the team have been handed to Jose Calderon who recently played in the Euro tournament. With the play-offs last season, the Olympics, and now the Euros, will he tire?
They finished poorly after a strong start. The post game and rebounding (21st in differential) needs help. If Jermaine stays healthy, O’Neal helps Bosh quite a bit, though he must be convinced to play underneath to help this team the most.
Will Andrea Bargnani ever realize how tall he is and start to rebound and play closer to the hoop? If not, might he become a Hedo Turkoglu clone? Will Nathan Jawai help?
Will Sam Mitchell keep his promise to stop swearing this season? My guess is - not with Bargnani around. Euro point guard Roko Leni Ukic arrives stateside…oops…I mean in “Europe” in North America this season, too.
New York Knicks
Prediction: 29- 53 (LY=23-59)
2007-8 Team Shot Selection:
21% 3 point shots .337 (26th)
39% mid range .378 (25th)
38% inside shots .558 (26th)
Where do you start here? Let’s see.
The new coach (D’Antoni) doesn’t expect you to play defense. That has to help. The New Jersey Nets are worse. That helps, too.
There is a new starting PG (Duhon) but little else has changed. They hope that Stephon Marbury looks good so they can unload him. Look for trades this season as D’Antoni and Walsh try to rebuild this poorly assembled team. It is more than a one year project, lads and lassies.
Watching half court players Eddie Curry and Zach Randolph run should be interesting.
New Jersey Nets
Prediction: 23-59 (LY=34-48)
2007-8 Team Shot Selection:
22% 3 point shots .348 (24th)
40% mid range shots .395 (15th)
36% inside shots .553 (28th)
Vince Carter might sleep walk through this rebuilding season as they await the big free agency year 2 years from now.
Their bigs, Brook Lopez, Ryan Anderson, Josh Boone, and Sean Williams, have some promise but need teaching and game experience. Sean can be a defensive force. Boone showed improvement but can’t hit a foul shot.
Newly acquired Yi Jianlian is still in the 'definite potential' category. Similiar to Andre Bargnani, he must adjust to the NBA game and it's physicalness. A step forward would be in order as he will get to play in front of far more of his countrymen and within the New York City Asian cultural sphere.
Eduardo Najera, Keyon Dooling, and Trenton Hassell make up a core group of hustling defenders, but can’t all be on the floor at the same time none can shoot. Skill-wise, Devan Harris is who he is.
Should be a long year of teaching for Lawrence Frank. Will he be a good teacher?
(stats courtesy of 82games.com)
Play-off predictions coming up
Posted by Tom on 11:19 PM
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September 19, 2008
NBA 2008-9 Predictions: Central Division - Curry flavored Pistons and LeBron gets 'Mo help'
Every year there are a few surprises...up...and down.
The Detroit Pistons didn't surprise many by being the 2nd best team in the East. But 59 wins was a resurgence, and the 2nd highest total for the Pistons in the past 18 years. That may have surprised some.
The Bulls on the other hand, were one of the league's biggest disappointments. A new coach, the top draft pick, and a big hole to climb out of for Luol Deng and crew.
Here's how I see it....
Central Division
Detroit 55-27 (LY=59-23)
The big shake up never occurred. It might not need to. Many said they were in decline and they won 59 games last year. Just missing a superb 60 win season means that the play-offs are their down fall.
Maybe they have been getting too much respect the last few years. Still, the addition of Kwame Brown, the continued development of Rodney Stuckey and Jason Maxiell keeps these guys in the hunt for the title.
Rip and Chauncy Billups aren’t the problem. Rasheed Wallace can’t do it alone around the hoop on either end of the court. Brown can do the things that the Pistons need done defensively. Starting PF is up for grabs, while Curry wants to use McDyess off the bench this year.
What was once considered a complete calm under pressure is now called a blasé approach to the play-offs. Head honcho Joe Dumars says “no more calm approach”. Enter Michael Curry. Can insider Curry get it done? I think so.
Cleveland 49–33 (LY=45-37)
I wrote about their strong showing in the play-offs. Was it deceptive as some think? Hard to tell, but I think they have improved.
Mo Williams gives this team offense it desperately needs. LeBron’s weak outside shooting was exposed against the Celtics, though he is an opponent’s nightmare around the hoop.
Ben Wallace, Andy Verajeo and Zydrunas Ilgauskas patrol the paint as well as most. Resigning Delonte West helps with depth, clutch play and toughness.
Their offense can now be reworked a bit and they will be a more solid contender. With all the attention Lebron James gets, he gets "Mo help" and the rest of the team should finally be able to score more. Will Mo defend? Signs point to yes.
Chicago 33-49 (LY=33-49)
One of last season’s most surprising meltdowns and frown filled locker rooms gets a rookie head coach in Vinny Del Negro, and the #1 pick of the draft in rookie stud, point guard Derrick Rose.
Unfortunately they also retain some bad attitudes in Tyrus Thomas, Kirk Hinrich, and perhaps Larry Hughes. Ben Gordon will probably play for the one year deal. He should take the Bulls offer. There is solid talent here, starting with Luol Deng, but this is a tough group to break in a rookie head coach with. Trade talks linger. This is a tough team to predict.
Milwaukee 32-50 (LY=26-56)
They will finally get a head banger in the dumped Scott Skiles. You might think that alone will get you a certain amount of wins. I’m not in love with that style, but I’m a fan of defensive minded Skiles anyway.
I expect sparks to fly with Charlie Villanueva and Michael Redd conserving energy to play on only one side of the ball.
Luke Ridnour, while not a defender, is in other ways, a Skiles kind of player. Richard Jefferson and a renewed Andrew Bogut round out an interesting starting five. Don’t know what this team will do, but it will be fun finding out.
Could do more than I predicted if Scott actually gets them to defend as a team. They may be a real surprise. But Scott might also be banging his own head....against a wall, by year's end.
Indiana 31-51 (LY=36-46)
With Jermaine O’Neal gone, is it addition by subtraction? Sorry but… nope.
Adding TJ Ford, Jarrett Jack, Roy Hibbert and Rasho Nesterovic, losing O’Neal and banishing Jamal Tinsley changes the offense a bit and they will take awhile to figure it out.
They will be “O’Brien scrappy” but an emerging Danny Granger, Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy, and Ford can’t take this team too far. Hibbert could surprise, though. O"Brien teams always get a 'A' for effort.
Next up: Atlantic Division
Posted by Tom on 8:58 PM
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September 17, 2008
NBA 2008-9 Predictions: Southeast Division
On to the Eastern Conference....
Southeast Division
Orlando 52-30 (LY=52-30)
One of the top offensive teams in the east last year, they lost depth at PG (Carlos Arroyo, Keyon Dooling – who I like), but all the key players are back. With a reluctant passer in PG in Jameer Nelson, Hedo Turkoglu compensates by playing a decent point forward. While Rashard Lewis chucks treys, Howard controls the paint. It’s working pretty well so far.
The question is “How do they get better?”
My surprise answer is rebounding and low post help for Dwight Howard, who continues to grow. But I don’t see that on the roster right now. The team finally decided to give Nelson a long term contract. Will he end up rewarding them for doing that?
Washington 47-35 (LY=43-39)
Riddle me this....
How do the Wizards, a play-off team, have the league's worst assists differential (-4.3), the league's worst defense against the 3 pointer (38.6%), give up the most three pointers(21.6) per game and still end up in the play-offs?
They allowed the 3rd most assists (23.9) allowed while averaging a meager 19.6 assists themselves (4th worst). That put them ahead of only the lowly Grizzlies, Kings, and Knicks (in that order) - believe it or not. And who wouldn't want to shoot the three against against this team? Oh yeah, their paint defense (57% immediately around the hoop) wasn't so great either, if you were thinking they were packing it in the middle.
So...what was holding them up with a plus .500 record and a play-off appearance? The answer? I don't know either but.....
Agent Zero is back, (update - not until December now) and so is Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. They went 3-1 against the Celtics and 40-38 against the rest of the league. Hoopshype has Antonio Daniels ahead of Gilbert Arenas on their depth chart. I guess that means, like many, they believe the Wiz are a better team without Arenas. One of the team’s problems was the post play and that is improving with Brendon Haywood and Andre Blatche. If this team will commit to defense they will step forward and possibly be a 2nd round team. They won’t. They aren’t.
Atlanta 40-42 (LY=37-45)
This is a critical year for Mike Woodson. He received 2 more years from new GM Rick Sund when many thought he wouldn’t. Coaching continuity counts they say.
The team must continue its improvement with the return of Josh Smith. Mike Bibby helps just by being there all season. But the goal for this team now is to learn how to win on the road. With Joe Johnson finally getting veteran help from Bibby, maybe they will. The highly publicized loss of Josh Childress to Europe was mitigated by adding Maurice Evans. Al Horford was a find, but Marvin Williams must become more than a shooter.
Charlotte 35-47 (LY=32-50)
The Day the Earth Stood Still, one of sci-fi's greatest films from the 1950's is being remade for release this fall.
The Bobcats are "the team that stood still"….since they were born. 18.26,33,32 - those are the number of wins since their inception.
With a decent core of talent they have never been called overachievers. In fact, they surprise you by never surprising you.
Sam Vincent managed to last through a disappointing season. Now legendary Larry Brown now takes the reins. Looking to counteract the injury to his image and career that his last coaching stint in New York caused, Michael Jordan’s hand picked coach will get more out of this team than any of his predecessors. Emeka Okafor gets a big contract and now a coach who will demand more of him and his mates.
There is definite talent with SF Gerald Wallace, SG Jason Richardson and G Raymond Felton. It drops off sharply after that. Brown is known for not playing rookies, though that changed in NY and Charlotte has a good young PG in D.J. Augustin. Jared Dudley showed a bit last season.
Miami 35-47 (LY=15-67)
Dwyane Wade has fully recovered. Shawn Marion is in the house for the whole season (unless traded). Michael Beasley is suiting up. So is Mario Chalmers. Add Udonis Haslem and you can wave bye-bye to the Eastern Conference cellar.
But Pat Riley is no longer coaching and tells you all you want to know about this team. Erik Spoelstra?
Sorry D. Wade fans. It will be a mediocre year at best for the Heat. If I’m wrong you can chalk it up underestimating Michael Beasley because we already know what Wade and Marion can do. Marcus Banks is their starting PG at the moment and Chris Quinn is the new Dan Dickau. That might mean that Mourning would rather comeback elsewhere during the year ( a la PJ Brown?).
So, Orlando remains the cream of this division, but don't tell Eddie Jordan's boys to talk less, pass more and play some D. They just might become a dangerous team.
Next up: Central Division
Posted by Tom on 8:43 PM
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September 15, 2008
NBA 2008-9 Predictions: Southwest Division...Houston Rockets take off
Southwest Division: Eenie, meenie, miney, moe. Three legit title contenders in this division.
Houston 60-22 (LY= 55-27) Injury watch here, though they have shown they can win without either Yao or McGrady (not at the same time). Adding controversial Ron Artest helps on court, but might add to off court stress.
Players’ coach Rick Adelman got a lot out of problem player Bonzi Wells in Sacramento. Artest is singing Rick’s praises for now. What they do with solid defending Shane Battier remains to be seen. Adding Brent Barry is quietly a good pick-up. Rick Adleman rides this team to the top.
New Orleans 55-27 (LY= 56-26) Chris Paul emerged a league star last season by leading a solid starting 5, but the team lacked depth. Adding Posey helps, if James is as motivated as he was last year with the Celtics. “Mr. Intangibles” gave Boston things they needed. Will James be able to accomplish similar things here? I’m not so sure.
Devin Brown in. Jannero Pargo out. Mike James and Brown fight it out for the back up PG role. Another injury free season will keep the team in the mid 50s. Definitely a tough out, but I’m not completely sure why, other than CP III. Does he make everyone else that much better? Yes.
San Antonio 50–32 (LY= 56-26) Another team that made few moves. Brent Barry out. Roger Mason in. Udoka more familiar with system this year. People keep looking for a drop off from this team. Tim Duncan still drives this bus, though Manu Ginobili rides shotgun and Parker gives opposing teams added problems. Manu must recover well from his surgery. Losing Manu or at less than full ability would be huge hole to fill. They will continue to play a disciplined slow down game married to strong defense.
Dallas 43-39 (LY= 51-31) I'm sure this prediction is an eyebrow raiser to most. Call it a hunch. Carlisle usually does very well his first year
A couple of years ago Kidd for Harris would have meant adding Ws to the Mavs win total. I honestly don’t know how to call this one. The league’s 6th best defense should get better by getting back DeSagana Diop. Maybe Gerald Green grows up. Brandon Bass is a positive.
With Carlisle there, strategies may get better, but Rick’s reserved (read that aloof) approach to his players seems to have a short shelf life – no matter how good an Xs and Os coach he is. Devean George, Antoine Wright and Gerald Green are potential back-up small forwards. That means Josh Howard's job is safe. Kidd says he will be shooting more this season. Can that be a good thing? Rumors of Stackhouse playing a bigger role.
Memphis –21-51 (LY=22-50) Are they trying to finish at/near the bottom 3 straight years? It looks like it.
As I write this there is a lingering rumor of Darko and Marko going to the Knicks for Zarko, I mean Zach Randolph. The Griz tried for J-Smoove (Josh Smith) first. They think they can add another big salary and still be okay dollar-wise. They are right.
A lot of young talent with EJ Mayo, Darell Arthur, and surprising Marc Gasol added to an mix of Rudy Gaye, Hakim Warrick, Mike Conley, Javaris Crittendon, and Kyle Lowry. If they get Randolph, maybe he plays center. They will need to nail his feet to the painted area. Can you imagine Antoine Walker at power forward and Randolph at center? “Last one to the 3 point line is a rotten egg.”
Marc Ivaroni is said to not be loved by some in Memphis management and so far, has not gotten improvement out of this roster.
Posted by Tom on 10:36 PM
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September 14, 2008
NBA Predictions 2008-9: Northwest Division
Northwest Division - one team rising, one team sinking, one top team staying the same.
Utah 53-29 (LY= 54-28)
Jerry Sloan’s team has done little to change. 2nd in assists differential(+6.5), 2nd in FG% (49%), 3rd in rebound differential (3.1), 4th in points differential (+6.9) adds up to a solid team that works the ball for the high percentage shot. They rock ‘n roll with the pick ‘n roll. Deron Williams gets even better. Adding Brevin Knight helps a bit. You might say that Sloan is getting maximum return out of his talent. Have they reached their ceiling? Will 7’ draft choice Kostas Koufas get PT? They have 2 big problems to solve to be better this season. 1) Learn to play better on the road 2) Carlos Boozer must play better in the play-offs.
Portland 48-34 (LY= 41-41)
Greg Oden is the difference. Everybody’s favorite team to jump up this year. Only another Oden injury should stop their march to legitimacy. They are young and talented. Oden with Aldridge and Pyzbilla backing up, they are solid up front. Point guard is a question mark. Steve Blake has found a way to get serious minutes with limited athleticism, but solid, unflashy play. Jerryd Bayless was impressive in summer league play and looks like he will help. Spanish star, Rudy Fernandez will come in behind Brandon Roy. Has Ike Diogu finally found a team that can appreciate his skills? Bayless, Fernandez, Outlaw, Frye/Diogu and Pryzbilla look like a talented bench.
Denver 40-42 (LY=50-32) – I used to say this team was what the Knicks hoped they would become. There are a lot of similarities. High priced, selfish talent, but.....Denver would at least win. I liked the team more before they traded Andre Miller.
Last year this team went to the line more than any other and had the biggest FT differential in the NBA, but it wasn't that they commited so many less fouls because they played great defense. Just the opposite. The unloading of Marcus Camby for nothing ($10 mil. trade exception) sends a wrong signal to an underachieving, defensively challenged team. They’ve added known defenders Dahntay Jones, Chris Anderson, and Renaldo Balkman, which seems as if they are trying to focus on defense, until you realize they gave away the league’s DPOY (one year removed). I’ve said for a while that this team has the talent on the roster. They won’t go anywhere until Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson and JR Smith play some defense. The word in Denver is that they understand this now after the sweep in last year's play-off. I expect Allen Iverson and/or good guy coach George Karl to be gone before the year is out, unless they change their ways. The team needs a shake up. If Denver achieves close to last year's record and does it with defense, the Nuggets become the shipwreck that didn't happen.
Minnesota 28-54 (LY=22-60) By far the ‘foulingest’ (new word) team at 30 FT attempts per for their opponents and a gaudy foul differential of +5.5, (+1.7 was the next closest) in the NBA last season. Still on the smallish side and too young to make any real move but they should improve. Rookie Kevin Love and Mike Miller help. If Al Jefferson and Love can make an offensive statement around the hoop, it will help open things up for 3pt shooter Mike Miller and the rest of the team. The growing process continues.
Oklahoma City 22-60 (LY=20-62) The least amount of 3 pt shots in the league last year. That won’t change too much. Seems like rookie Russell Westbrook and Earl Watson will share PG minutes, Kevin Durant will shoot away and the team will struggle again. Average but not outstanding talent everywhere except for Durant. Joe Smith and Desmond Mason bring a desperately needed veteran presence. I fear for PJ Carlesimo's job.
Next up: Southwest Division
Posted by Tom on 10:16 PM
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September 13, 2008
Considering Cassell
Recent quotes from Sam Cassell and Danny Ainge suggest that it is all but done that the well traveled, 38 year old point guard with an iconic smile will be with the Celtics for the final year of his playing career.
This is after a less than smooth transition his first time around. Personally, I'm happy for him to be back and to try it again.
I was more than happy that Sam decided to come to the Celtics for the first time last season. I'm a fan of his and have been since his New Jersey days. He is a winner. Many of the teams he went to got better with him there. For most of his career, he got the most out of his skills and those around him, as well. Yet, he was always moving on. Maybe he talks just a bit too much and wears out his welcome. I have no idea really.
Legendarily verbose, he will talk to teammate and opponent alike. But it's rarely, make that never, nasty. Sam's not a nasty guy. Competitive...yes. Remember that near takedown of Rondo with a strenuous foul in a game against the Clippers when Clipper buy out rumors were mentioned everywhere? The Celtics were the rumored destination. Rajon had decided to show Sam what he was up against if he did come to play for the Green Machine. If I remember right, he even ball hawked him and stole it.
We all remember that hard foul and Rondo doing a number on him in that game. Less remembered from that same game is that, it was Cassell that offered up a fight offensively when the Cs were clamping down hard on the 'unBranded' Clippers. He attacked and took some big shots and made a number of them.
Sam commands attention. He is a 'life of the party' type guy. Loud, opinionated and fun to be around. 'Gregarious' singly defines him. But he is sincere and generally straight forward. I don't even know why, but of all the NBA players I've watched and had a chance to meet last season, he was the one who most excited me. Why? I guess it is because he is larger than life. He is a true personality in a world of cynicism, big money, and guarded comments to the media.
What Happened?
So...when he became a Celtic I was ecstatic. 38 years is old, very old, for a normal point guard. Gary Payton had slowed down quite a bit by then. Granted Sam wasn't as explosive nor as prolific as in his prime, but Sam was still starter material for the Clippers. Sam still has it.
But he came to an unusual situation. Though together for less than a season, this Celtic team had forged a team style of offense and defense that was militarily reinforced by the Big Ticket, Doc, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. The style was working like a well oiled machine and with
off-the-charts success.
I break down the breakdown this way....
Sam came in expecting to be a bench player for the first time in his career. He was fine with that. But he expected to be getting 20 minutes a game off the bench. Doc Rivers never agreed to that. Sam was disappointed. Respectfully, but firmly, Doc wasn't having it. You earn your minutes on this team.
From there things did not go in a straight line for any of the parties involved. Sam had to get up to speed quickly with the offensive sets. Doc says that, for point guards, he knows what you know, by what you call when you're out there. You won't run what you don't know (obviously). Finally Doc settled on letting Sam learn/run just 5 basic sets.
On top of that, Sam, or anyone off the bench, had to produce pretty much right away, when you got a chance. This team was on a mission. Sam was used to coming in and getting into the flow of the game. He was never in a position where he would be pulled after 5-8 minutes (for the game) if he wasn't clicking right away.
Here is where things get sticky in fans' minds.
It seems that Sam was also told to come in and be an aggressive shooter when he had an open shot. Think about it. If Sam's not hitting and consequently passing up shots, his value is limited on offense. One of Sam's values is to keep his defender on him and off of the three stars. Never known for his defense, we all know he will have to work very hard on defense, just to hold his own nowadays.
Now he had to do it in the first few minutes or never see daylight again. Or so it appeared in his mind. Why do I say that? Because Sam never played the game that way before. Sam is not afraid of a shot but, at times, you could tell he was forcing the issue far too often.
It was a tough problem for a career starter who willingly came to be a reserve behind Rajon Rondo, but thought he would get 20 minutes a game to contribute. When it wasn't working out that way, both Doc and Sam worked hard at adjusting just enough for each other to make it work for the team. Some days it worked well. Other days it didn't work as well.
But for those who are against this signing, there is no one out there with Sam's ability, experience, and locker room presence who Danny could sign for anywhere near what Sam will be signing for. I expect Sam's being here from the start will help everyone a great deal.
You can throw out last season's Celtic stats in regards to Sam. And people forget he did help win a few games along the way.
He can break down a defense with a pass, a 3 point shot, a mid range shot, a baseline shot, baseline post ups, and fadeaways. He will hit clutch shots. He will hit big foul shots.
This season he learns how to add what he does best, to the Celtic team approach. I'm sure Doc will make sure a few plays are added that untilize his strengths.
Yes, I remember Boobie Gibson running Sam ragged by running wide around the court off back door screens. Those moments will still be there, I'm sure. They will have to help cover Sam a bit more on defense. But they have the personnel to do that. They did it with Ray and Eddie, though, I'm guessing not as much.
Eddie House will have some legitimate consternation, I guess. The one thing Eddie wanted when he re-signed was more minutes. I'm not sure how this changes that...if at all.
Could be similar to how Doc used his 2 versatile power forwards in Davis and Powe. Certain teams and matchups will mean certain players play but....if you are playing well, you will get more minutes period.
We will just have to see how this all works out. I was late on picking up the decline in Jason Kidd. It could be that Sam's game has declined more than I think, as well.
But if that is true. Doc will obviously let him know, and Sam will have to accept it. But I hope that Sam is a valuable contributor to the Celtics run for a repeat and banner # 18. I say that's better than 50/50 that he will be. Either way, he is like an extra coach on the bench and more than willing to share that knowledge.
Sam I Am is a ham. Let's just hope the Green eggs are few. Either way, I'll be rooting for him.
Posted by Tom on 6:44 PM
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September 12, 2008
Predictions time - First up: Pacific Division
It is that time of year again.
Rosters are mostly settled. Practice starts soon. Let the prognostications begin.
Let's start where we left off in the NBA Title Series - The Pacific Division
Pacific
Lakers – 59-23 (LY=57-25) Say what you want, but Andrew Bynum does make this team better. Bynum and Gasol is far better than Gasol and underperforming Lamar Odom patrolling the middle. Odom is in the last year of a big contract. He could be moved before the year is out. Odom moving to SF, Kobe Bryant and Jordan Farmer round out a solid starting 5, providing Farmer starts over Fisher. Unlike others, I'm not impressed by their bench.
Phoenix 48-34 (LY=55 -27) –Shaq decline continues. Porter will be challenged to make this team better and to get a system that works for the roster. D’Antoni system was tailor made for Nash, who might look more ordinary this season. They will play 2 different games: 30 minutes with Shaq. 18 Minutes without him.
Golden State 38-44 (LY=48-34) Elevator going down. Corey Maggette doesn't = Davis or Baron's clutch play and leadership. Corey went for the money instead of a chance for a title with either Boston or San Antonio. Monte Ellis's back luck is Marcus Williams' good fortune. Marcus gets his chance to quarterback a decent team as Monta Ellis recovers - providing Williams can get into '38 minute' shape. Trade rumors for Al Harrington recently.
Clippers 35 - 47 (LY=23-59) wow. It all depends on how much Mike Dunleavy can get out of Baron Davis. Dunleavy will never be confused with Don Nelson, who got mucho out of BD. Does Baron Davis’ leadership/game mean more than Brand’s? Will he go into a funk now that the team he thought he was signing up for is gone? A Camby and Kaman tandem is an excellent west coast missile defense system. But the idea was to team Davis with Brand (now…that would have been something) It was said that Brand was stolen out from under them after the Warriors ticked off his agent (Super Agent David Falk) by trying to communicate with Elton directly. They did a credible job of recovering, by adding Marcus Camby for nothing, (except a $10 mil. exception). Newcomers rookie SG Eric Gordon, journeyman swingman Ricky Davis and PG Jason Williams add depth along with Tim Thomas. My guess is that starting small forward job is Al Thornton’s to lose. A hoped for special year almost crash lands, then picks up some altitude...but not enough.
Sacramento 26 – 58 (LY=38-44) Ron Artest for Bobby Jackson, Donte Green and picks means a long year for Reggie Theus. An already challenged defense takes a big hit. A .500 team with Artest, they were 7-14 without him. It’s Kevin Martin’s team now. The starting smalls, PG Beno Udrih, SG Kevin Martin, and serviceable SF John Salmons are intriguing. The starting bigs, C Brad Miller and PF Mikki Moore mean more trouble defensively and rebounds will continue to be rare for the 2nd worse rebounding team in the NBA. Will Jason Thompson step to the front?
next up: Northwest Division
Posted by Tom on 10:18 PM
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September 9, 2008
Celtics Coach Doc Rivers Gets Respect and New Contract
Vindication, reward, and gratefulness.
A player's coach proves you can win and be that way. Call it a victory for the good guys in life.
Adrian Wojnarowski just reported it at Yahoo Sports.....
Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics have reached agreement on a contract extension through the 2010-2011 season, a league source familiar with the deal told Yahoo! Sports.
With approximately $5.5 million a season in the new deal – and postseason incentive clauses that could drive his annual total to $7 million – to go with a chance to win more titles, Rivers never seriously considered walking away.
That gives Doc three more years...coincidentally, about as long as they can ride this train called the BTS (Boston Three Star) Express.
His melding of personalities, especially three huge egos of NBA superstars Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, with an untried, work-in-progress, at times stubborn, but very talented 2nd year point guard in Rajon Rondo and a young developing center in Kendrick Perkins to form the nucleus of the league's biggest turnaround in NBA history and an NBA Championship was simply magnificent.
Watching Doc work James Posey, Glen Davis, Leon Powe, Eddie House, Sam Cassell, and PJ Brown into the best team in the NBA this past season was a ride that was nothing short of thrilling. What many thought might be a roller coaster ride, turned out to be a ride straight to the top.
With a stutter step in the first 2 rounds in the playoffs, Boston regained form and discharged both Detroit and the Lakers with relative ease. Though rocky at times, they never lost serve and never played from behind the entire play-offs. They never played from behind (in the standings) the entire year either. Leading from starting gate to finish line, they burned rubber off the line to an 8-0 start. Then they turbo-charged up to an atmospheric 30-3. Doc started to let up on the gas and the minutes for Kevin Garnett particularly as well as Paul Pierce and Ray Allen to be sure they had enough for the play-offs. The Celtics 'coasted' home with a ridiculous 66-16 record.
Often following match ups and intuition, Doc played either Powe and Davis to great success. He also checked his ego by first being willing to bring in Larry Brown (he turned the Celtics down) and finally getting Tom Thibodeau after a brief 2 day stay in Washington. (I wonder what that was all about?) Glenn Rivers epitomized the team first approach he wanted his team to emulate. He essentially let Thibodeau create and run the defense.
Boy did they ever play defense. Surprisingly, this team won the title based on defense. Everyone thought this team was going to be defensively challenged, the Green Machine was consistently at or near the top in every major defensive category.
Thanks to a coach who plied, stroked, rebuked, advised, motivated, argued with, and respected the different personalities on this team, they are the NBA Champions of 2007-8.
He is being paid to do it again. New year, new challenges. Welcome back Doc. The new season begins soon.
Leo Durocher was wrong. Nice guys do finish first.
Posted by Tom on 10:44 PM
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