[aramboneParticipant]

I’m a Celtics fan so I’m naturally looking for a bright side. I’m not arguing they are worth every penny of their contracts, but neither were Pierce (15.3m) and Terry (5mx2).

1.5 years ago, the Nets chose Wallace over Pierce to trade their draft pick (Drummond?) for. Wallace is about to turn 31, while Pierce turns 36 in October.

The Nets’ stagnant isolation offense was a bad fit for both Wallace and Humphries, and its not surprising that their confidence suffered. Coaching change during the season didn’t help. Wallace also had some minor foot issues, while Humphries was dealing with his tabloid divorce.

Seems to me that both are due for a rebound season, wherever they end up. Either one seems like an upgrade over Brandon Bass, especially Wallace.

If the Celtics keep these guys and showcase them early in the season, I can see competitive teams trading a first rounder for Wallace and something decent for Humphries expiring deal.

I think Marshon could be showcased the same way and traded for value as well, since he is a flashy scorer and many teams will be looking for a 6th man scorer for a playoff push.

It seems like NJ was a bad situation last year, and that Wallace especially shouldnt be written off.

If Rondo had a better attitude I would almost be tempted to compete this year.

Rondo
Bradley
Green
Wallace
Sullinger

That looks like perhaps the best defensive starting unit in the league, with a deep bench.

Thoughts on the Nets guys?

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

Jared Sullinger is NEVER. EVER. EVER. Going to be the starting CENTER on the best defensive starting unit in the league.

[aramboneParticipant]

Sullinger was good defensively from the center spot as a rookie with a bulging disk in his back. He was so sponge-like during training camp that at one point KG said ‘at this point I’m just teaching him everything I know.’

Sully weighs 280, is very physical, and is very smart and instinctive. He also takes tons of charges and gobbles tons of rebounds. Blocks are cool, but low opponent fg% is more important. He’s definitely good enough to be the ‘weak’ link in a top defensive unity.

Rondo and Bradley are historically good defensively when playing together. Bradley is 1st team all defense good defending the ball, and Rondo plays the passing lanes as well as anybody when off the ball. Green is very long and athletic at the 3, and is now a year removed from heart surgery. Wallace is an elite defender and versatile as well.

Rondo, Wallace, and Sully are all exceptional rebounders from their positions, and Green is solid rebounding and especially blocking shots from the 3.

Unfortunately, a top or top 5 defense isnt enough to win a title, and Rondo is too cool to play hard for this team, and Danny would rather tank without a positive, mature Rondo to play the role of superstar.

But watch Wallace have a better year than Pierce, at 2/3 the cost this year. Nets panicked, took on 30-40 million in taxes for next year alone, and mortgaged the future for a low chance at a better record, instead of changing isolation ball ‘strategy’.

[aramboneParticipant]

Sullinger was good defensively from the center spot as a rookie with a bulging disk in his back. He was so sponge-like during training camp that at one point KG said ‘at this point I’m just teaching him everything I know.’

Sully weighs 280, is very physical, and is very smart and instinctive. He also takes tons of charges and gobbles tons of rebounds. Blocks are cool, but low opponent fg% is more important. He’s definitely good enough to be the ‘weak’ link in a top defensive unity.

Rondo and Bradley are historically good defensively when playing together. Bradley is 1st team all defense good defending the ball, and Rondo plays the passing lanes as well as anybody when off the ball. Green is very long and athletic at the 3, and is now a year removed from heart surgery. Wallace is an elite defender and versatile as well.

Rondo, Wallace, and Sully are all exceptional rebounders from their positions, and Green is solid rebounding and especially blocking shots from the 3.

Unfortunately, a top or top 5 defense isnt enough to win a title, and Rondo is too cool to play hard for this team, and Danny would rather tank without a positive, mature Rondo to play the role of superstar.

But watch Wallace have a better year than Pierce, at 2/3 the cost this year. Nets panicked, took on 30-40 million in taxes for next year alone, and mortgaged the future for a low chance at a better record, instead of changing isolation ball ‘strategy’.

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

Jared Sullinger is NEVER. EVER. EVER. Going to be the starting CENTER on the best defensive starting unit in the league.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

I rather have Bass than Hump

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

I rather have Bass than Hump

[Professor RozayParticipant]

That starting five is awful…

[Professor RozayParticipant]

That starting five is awful…

[thunderjerkParticipant]

#TankapaloozaForWiggins

[thunderjerkParticipant]

#TankapaloozaForWiggins

[khal_dragoParticipant]

Yes, Wallace was AWFUL for the vast majority of last season. He went through long stretches where he looked like he didn’t belong in the NBA anymore.

I remember one 20-25 game stretch where he averaged something like, and I’m not exaggerating, 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 33% FG, 18% 3PT, 55% FT.

He’s a warrior that goes hard every play and brings intensity, but he just looked done last year. He’s just getting older. His game really relies on athleticism, and that’s declining. Also, his nickname is Crash; he throws his body on the floor constantly. When you’re young, you can just bounce right back up from that. Getting older, like he is, those injuries take their toll and it’s not as easy to get back up and keep playing.

[aramboneParticipant]

Thanks for the feedback. Do you think a move to power forward would help him regain something?

[aramboneParticipant]

Thanks for the feedback. Do you think a move to power forward would help him regain something?

[khal_dragoParticipant]

Yes, Wallace was AWFUL for the vast majority of last season. He went through long stretches where he looked like he didn’t belong in the NBA anymore.

I remember one 20-25 game stretch where he averaged something like, and I’m not exaggerating, 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 33% FG, 18% 3PT, 55% FT.

He’s a warrior that goes hard every play and brings intensity, but he just looked done last year. He’s just getting older. His game really relies on athleticism, and that’s declining. Also, his nickname is Crash; he throws his body on the floor constantly. When you’re young, you can just bounce right back up from that. Getting older, like he is, those injuries take their toll and it’s not as easy to get back up and keep playing.

[SiggyParticipant]

Wallace is washed up. He’s like a fighter who’s taken too many punches. He’s lost more than a step and was never all that skilled to begin with.
I think Hump will be fine. He had a down yr, but I thought he was jerked around by a couple of bad coaches. Reggie Evans starting? Seriously? And this is with Gerald Wallace already in the starting lineup? C’mon son. At least Hump can occasionally stick the mid range J while providing the same hustle on the boards.

[aramboneParticipant]

Thanks for the feedback!

[aramboneParticipant]

Thanks for the feedback!

[SiggyParticipant]

Wallace is washed up. He’s like a fighter who’s taken too many punches. He’s lost more than a step and was never all that skilled to begin with.
I think Hump will be fine. He had a down yr, but I thought he was jerked around by a couple of bad coaches. Reggie Evans starting? Seriously? And this is with Gerald Wallace already in the starting lineup? C’mon son. At least Hump can occasionally stick the mid range J while providing the same hustle on the boards.

[sheltwon3Participant]

I think in the right situation both of those players could be solid addition to a team and most likely starting. Wallace will probably come off the bench though and Humpries will most likely be moved. I don’t see where neither fit into what Boston is doing long term. Let’s look at the young guys that Boston have assuming they keep Rondo

Rondo Bradley
M.Brooks Lee J Crawford
Jeff Green
Bass Olynyk
F. Melo Sullinger

Wallace may have to stay around because of his contract but he is more likely playing the 4 or backing up Green.

Humpries does not fit at all. He can probably bring some energy off the bench early on but he is not the player Celtics need at the 4 spot.

[sheltwon3Participant]

I think in the right situation both of those players could be solid addition to a team and most likely starting. Wallace will probably come off the bench though and Humpries will most likely be moved. I don’t see where neither fit into what Boston is doing long term. Let’s look at the young guys that Boston have assuming they keep Rondo

Rondo Bradley
M.Brooks Lee J Crawford
Jeff Green
Bass Olynyk
F. Melo Sullinger

Wallace may have to stay around because of his contract but he is more likely playing the 4 or backing up Green.

Humpries does not fit at all. He can probably bring some energy off the bench early on but he is not the player Celtics need at the 4 spot.

[Hector_Reyes_8Participant]

A lot of people don’t agree with you. Wow. I don’t see Wallace starting over an actual PF.

[Hector_Reyes_8Participant]

A lot of people don’t agree with you. Wow. I don’t see Wallace starting over an actual PF.

[Author]

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