The Issue With Boston

 Weak troll.

Somehow I think the Celtics are going to be okay in the long run no matter what happens this year. And we’re still contenders this year because we can make a big trade at any time, or just sit tight and rule the east next year.

Now that Stevens knows to play Olynyk, and knows that Olynyk’s defense is an asset even when his shot is off, the team will be fine, ready to pounce on the next Billy King, or the next time Mark Cuban is in the Daily Show green room and wants to make a big trade to show off for the other celebrities.

 Weak troll.

Somehow I think the Celtics are going to be okay in the long run no matter what happens this year. And we’re still contenders this year because we can make a big trade at any time, or just sit tight and rule the east next year.

Now that Stevens knows to play Olynyk, and knows that Olynyk’s defense is an asset even when his shot is off, the team will be fine, ready to pounce on the next Billy King, or the next time Mark Cuban is in the Daily Show green room and wants to make a big trade to show off for the other celebrities.

 they have brooklyns picks thru 2018, along with dallas’ and minnesotas in 2016. they should stand pat like philly did and let brooklyn continue to suck, soaking up some talent that way. theyve got some decent role players in place, now they just need a couple stars.

 they have brooklyns picks thru 2018, along with dallas’ and minnesotas in 2016. they should stand pat like philly did and let brooklyn continue to suck, soaking up some talent that way. theyve got some decent role players in place, now they just need a couple stars.

I’m not seeing an issue with my Celtics. That front court logjam comment is an overstatement. Lee is having a horrendous start only 5 games in and it’s evident he’s found a new home coming off the bench where he’s more productive. Zeller is another player who’s having a poor start. Talk about the epitome of soft, Zeller has been getting abused down on the block and the best aspect of his game which is his offense hasnt been going for him. You think Mickey, Rozier, Hunter, Young all off who are rookies and sophomores somehow not getting minutes would bring moral issues to the team. These players would get little to no minutes on any other team as well. There all prospects. 

I’m not seeing an issue with my Celtics. That front court logjam comment is an overstatement. Lee is having a horrendous start only 5 games in and it’s evident he’s found a new home coming off the bench where he’s more productive. Zeller is another player who’s having a poor start. Talk about the epitome of soft, Zeller has been getting abused down on the block and the best aspect of his game which is his offense hasnt been going for him. You think Mickey, Rozier, Hunter, Young all off who are rookies and sophomores somehow not getting minutes would bring moral issues to the team. These players would get little to no minutes on any other team as well. There all prospects. 

I see the main C’s as a group of 3 player rotations.

Guard rotations: Smart, Bradley, Thomas

Big rotations: Sully, Johnson, Olynyk

SF: Crowder, Turner

Rookie Scrubs/garbage time: Rozier, Hunter, Young, Mickey.

Out of rotation unless injuries: Lee, Zeller, Jerebko

Injuries can and will occur.  Teams need depth.  C’s are placed well to handle injuries over a 82 game season.

I see the main C’s as a group of 3 player rotations.

Guard rotations: Smart, Bradley, Thomas

Big rotations: Sully, Johnson, Olynyk

SF: Crowder, Turner

Rookie Scrubs/garbage time: Rozier, Hunter, Young, Mickey.

Out of rotation unless injuries: Lee, Zeller, Jerebko

Injuries can and will occur.  Teams need depth.  C’s are placed well to handle injuries over a 82 game season.

 Olynyk must shoot a lot more. KO and IT should lead this team in shots everynight, if not they are not feeding the right scorers the rock. Turner and IT need to handle the ball the most for success and Rozier add another pnetrator or a guy who can speed up the game. Terry should see more minutes if Smart and Bradley do not start shooting better soon. Unless Bradley and Smart are hot they should really never shoot more than Olynyk. Law of averages says KO will knock dowm more than them two dudes with the same amount of shots. 

 Olynyk must shoot a lot more. KO and IT should lead this team in shots everynight, if not they are not feeding the right scorers the rock. Turner and IT need to handle the ball the most for success and Rozier add another pnetrator or a guy who can speed up the game. Terry should see more minutes if Smart and Bradley do not start shooting better soon. Unless Bradley and Smart are hot they should really never shoot more than Olynyk. Law of averages says KO will knock dowm more than them two dudes with the same amount of shots. 

First off, for full disclosure, I am a Celtics fan. As we all know, this is a young team with a lot of unproven talent with no consensus All-Star in the making. Based on their top 8 players, they are a .500 team. Which in the East should get them to the playoffs.

I think that their depth past the top-8 is arguably the best in the league. This will allow them to steal a few games during the year when injuries, road trips and back-to-back games drag down the competition (which hasn’t happened yet). We don’t need the rookies to play over their head to end up with 45 – 48 wins. Which will still leave us with a tough first round opponent and an early exit (since depth isn’t as important in the playoffs).

Two things could change that for the better.

1) Younger players can have hidden upside (and older players hidden downside). If an Olynyk, Smart or Sullinger really steps up their game, the team could improve substantially. Everyone talks about how great the Spurs have been at drafting top players higher in the draft. Maybe it is not the drafting, maybe it is how Pop develops them after they are on the team. My hope is that Stevens is the new Pop. Maybe T-Rex will be proved right about our rookies, but I doubt it will happen in their first year.

2) This echos OhCanada. I don’t know what is going to happen, but Ainge will be in the discussion for every possible trade. There is not room for all these players and draft picks. In three years we’d have enough guys to field two teams if everyone stayed on board. I think there is a very small chance that this roster sees the end of the year. If it does, it won’t last past draft night. 

I don’t know who is going to get time or who is going to be traded. There are way too many variables to call it. My guess is that Bradley and Lee will see less time as they are older players and known commodities. There is no upside there. One (or more) of the younger players is going to push them aside. 

Thomas and Johnson will see as much time as their bodies allow (I think they are the two most polished players on the team).

There is no one on this team nor is there a future draft pick that Ainge is afraid of trading. If the right player comes available, he will move (look at the offer of six picks on draft night in an attempt to bag Winslow). Very few GM’s have been better at finding and acquiring journeyman talent than Ainge. However, he has yet to prove that he can land a big fish without a former teammate at the other end of the phone.

First off, for full disclosure, I am a Celtics fan. As we all know, this is a young team with a lot of unproven talent with no consensus All-Star in the making. Based on their top 8 players, they are a .500 team. Which in the East should get them to the playoffs.

I think that their depth past the top-8 is arguably the best in the league. This will allow them to steal a few games during the year when injuries, road trips and back-to-back games drag down the competition (which hasn’t happened yet). We don’t need the rookies to play over their head to end up with 45 – 48 wins. Which will still leave us with a tough first round opponent and an early exit (since depth isn’t as important in the playoffs).

Two things could change that for the better.

1) Younger players can have hidden upside (and older players hidden downside). If an Olynyk, Smart or Sullinger really steps up their game, the team could improve substantially. Everyone talks about how great the Spurs have been at drafting top players higher in the draft. Maybe it is not the drafting, maybe it is how Pop develops them after they are on the team. My hope is that Stevens is the new Pop. Maybe T-Rex will be proved right about our rookies, but I doubt it will happen in their first year.

2) This echos OhCanada. I don’t know what is going to happen, but Ainge will be in the discussion for every possible trade. There is not room for all these players and draft picks. In three years we’d have enough guys to field two teams if everyone stayed on board. I think there is a very small chance that this roster sees the end of the year. If it does, it won’t last past draft night. 

I don’t know who is going to get time or who is going to be traded. There are way too many variables to call it. My guess is that Bradley and Lee will see less time as they are older players and known commodities. There is no upside there. One (or more) of the younger players is going to push them aside. 

Thomas and Johnson will see as much time as their bodies allow (I think they are the two most polished players on the team).

There is no one on this team nor is there a future draft pick that Ainge is afraid of trading. If the right player comes available, he will move (look at the offer of six picks on draft night in an attempt to bag Winslow). Very few GM’s have been better at finding and acquiring journeyman talent than Ainge. However, he has yet to prove that he can land a big fish without a former teammate at the other end of the phone.

 Scoring will continue to be an issue becuase they only have one player IT who is above average in scoring. Lee had a chance to show what he had. He just didn’t do much. He only has the expiring contract trade value. Sully and KO are better and will take over his minutes from now on. Lee should just become a bench guy to get Sully and KO more time. They absolutely need the minutes to get in a groove and take a leap in their games. 

Rozier and Hunter need to work on their game in practice and when an opportunity arises take it if they can prrove they have the skill. It will be a waiting game for them. 

If I was GM I trade Bradley to anyone who will give me a return of a pick. Then give Rozier and Hunter some more minutes. This is a developing team. They need to develop the damn players. I understand trying to make the playoffs but thats where they would stop anyway. Prbly get swept or lose 4-2. They need to find out if Hunter and Rozier can contribute and will need more minutes next year. And the same for Sully and KO.

 Scoring will continue to be an issue becuase they only have one player IT who is above average in scoring. Lee had a chance to show what he had. He just didn’t do much. He only has the expiring contract trade value. Sully and KO are better and will take over his minutes from now on. Lee should just become a bench guy to get Sully and KO more time. They absolutely need the minutes to get in a groove and take a leap in their games. 

Rozier and Hunter need to work on their game in practice and when an opportunity arises take it if they can prrove they have the skill. It will be a waiting game for them. 

If I was GM I trade Bradley to anyone who will give me a return of a pick. Then give Rozier and Hunter some more minutes. This is a developing team. They need to develop the damn players. I understand trying to make the playoffs but thats where they would stop anyway. Prbly get swept or lose 4-2. They need to find out if Hunter and Rozier can contribute and will need more minutes next year. And the same for Sully and KO.

What the Celtics really need it’s a true star (The first name that comes to mind is Cousins) but as a Celtics fan i think that Ainge’s hope is to land Ben Simmons with the Nets pick. This can be a playoff year for Boston but until they decide what to do with all their logjams i don’t think they could be considered contenders even with Brad Stevens as a coach

What the Celtics really need it’s a true star (The first name that comes to mind is Cousins) but as a Celtics fan i think that Ainge’s hope is to land Ben Simmons with the Nets pick. This can be a playoff year for Boston but until they decide what to do with all their logjams i don’t think they could be considered contenders even with Brad Stevens as a coach

 I love Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge, but I am disappointed in both of them. I really thought that by the time they were a few weeks into their third season of the rebuild, they’d be a lot farther along the path to becoming a legitimate contender in the east.

We know that Cleveland, Chicago, Washington, and Toronto (who knows about Atlanta) are going to be in the thick of things, regardless of how the seeds play out. But I see so much more talent in Orlando and even New York than I do in Boston. Even Indiana has more to be optimistic about because they have a bonafide superstar who is relatively young. Detroit finally seems to have their act together and appears ready to play post-season basketball. 

Boston has failed to develop an identity. Nobody knows what they are. Nobody knows who the players are that will get them to where they want to be (unlike Minnesota, where it’s obviously going to be the Wiggins-KAT show for the next five years at least). They’re just confusing. No individual players are emerging as guaranteed future All-Stars. Nobody knows if they’re a ball-movement team like the Spurs, a perimeter-shooting team like Golden State, a grind-it-out defensive team like Chicago, an iso-for-your-two-absolute-monsters team like OKC, a spacing-concept team like Cleveland, etc. 

The whole rebuild seems like it had no plan whatsoever. There’s nothing methodical or deliberate; they’re just throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. 

And T. Rex, before you blow a gasket: I actually find your commentary to be occasionally insightful and analytical; admittedly, you do occasionally bring out stats or observations that were below the surface. But the word denial comes to mind. You seem to vigorously defend your hometown club, regardless of the truth. I am all for loyalty and optimism, but don’t you want to hold them accountable? Don’t you want to demand excellence from a franchise that has been the absolute benchmark of quality and class since the early ’60s? I mean, honestly, doesn’t what you’re seeing BOTHER you?!

 I love Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge, but I am disappointed in both of them. I really thought that by the time they were a few weeks into their third season of the rebuild, they’d be a lot farther along the path to becoming a legitimate contender in the east.

We know that Cleveland, Chicago, Washington, and Toronto (who knows about Atlanta) are going to be in the thick of things, regardless of how the seeds play out. But I see so much more talent in Orlando and even New York than I do in Boston. Even Indiana has more to be optimistic about because they have a bonafide superstar who is relatively young. Detroit finally seems to have their act together and appears ready to play post-season basketball. 

Boston has failed to develop an identity. Nobody knows what they are. Nobody knows who the players are that will get them to where they want to be (unlike Minnesota, where it’s obviously going to be the Wiggins-KAT show for the next five years at least). They’re just confusing. No individual players are emerging as guaranteed future All-Stars. Nobody knows if they’re a ball-movement team like the Spurs, a perimeter-shooting team like Golden State, a grind-it-out defensive team like Chicago, an iso-for-your-two-absolute-monsters team like OKC, a spacing-concept team like Cleveland, etc. 

The whole rebuild seems like it had no plan whatsoever. There’s nothing methodical or deliberate; they’re just throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. 

And T. Rex, before you blow a gasket: I actually find your commentary to be occasionally insightful and analytical; admittedly, you do occasionally bring out stats or observations that were below the surface. But the word denial comes to mind. You seem to vigorously defend your hometown club, regardless of the truth. I am all for loyalty and optimism, but don’t you want to hold them accountable? Don’t you want to demand excellence from a franchise that has been the absolute benchmark of quality and class since the early ’60s? I mean, honestly, doesn’t what you’re seeing BOTHER you?!

 I wonder if New Orleans would trade their 2016 first rounder for Veteran help? Trade them some combo of Bradley, Turner, Lee, Jerebko or who ever they want. And NO tries to make a push for the playoffs. Not that we need more picks. But they got the Brow so they should make a push for the playoffs. And why not stock pile more picks if you can dump guys you don’t need on the roster. I would even give Crowder if they were interested in him. He just dosen’t do much for me.

 I wonder if New Orleans would trade their 2016 first rounder for Veteran help? Trade them some combo of Bradley, Turner, Lee, Jerebko or who ever they want. And NO tries to make a push for the playoffs. Not that we need more picks. But they got the Brow so they should make a push for the playoffs. And why not stock pile more picks if you can dump guys you don’t need on the roster. I would even give Crowder if they were interested in him. He just dosen’t do much for me.

The Celtics HAVE to get rid of players. I mean, they have 4 first round picks if I remember right, next year. They have too many pieces and they are dropping in trade value daily. As much as T Rex would hate this, they need to get rid of Olynyk, Bradley, Turner, Rozier, Hunter, any of those guys and get some space on their roster. The only guy that is a sure keeper for that team is Thomas. He’s the only one that should have a secure spot on that roster. If they don’t get rid of players, that number one pick will go to waste.

The Celtics HAVE to get rid of players. I mean, they have 4 first round picks if I remember right, next year. They have too many pieces and they are dropping in trade value daily. As much as T Rex would hate this, they need to get rid of Olynyk, Bradley, Turner, Rozier, Hunter, any of those guys and get some space on their roster. The only guy that is a sure keeper for that team is Thomas. He’s the only one that should have a secure spot on that roster. If they don’t get rid of players, that number one pick will go to waste.

 Marc Gasol for some old Larry Bird jerseys, a Dee Brown poster, a used Red Aurbach cigar, 3 protected 2nd round draft picks, and fifty bucks cash paid out in one’s?

DEAL!!!!

 Marc Gasol for some old Larry Bird jerseys, a Dee Brown poster, a used Red Aurbach cigar, 3 protected 2nd round draft picks, and fifty bucks cash paid out in one’s?

DEAL!!!!

Bring back Rick Pitino and let him utilize his, uh, recruiting strategies… 

Bring back Rick Pitino and let him utilize his, uh, recruiting strategies… 

 Agreed. The Nets are garbage and the C’s are gonna have a fun time drafting in 2016. How they do this year record wise is irrelevant. Development of Terry,Smart,KO,Sully,Hunter. If their lucky, Ben Simmons or one of the plenty of good players in a top 3 pick.

 Agreed. The Nets are garbage and the C’s are gonna have a fun time drafting in 2016. How they do this year record wise is irrelevant. Development of Terry,Smart,KO,Sully,Hunter. If their lucky, Ben Simmons or one of the plenty of good players in a top 3 pick.

 As a Celtics fan, I was let down by this past off-season. Since the Stevens/Ainge duo have taken over, I’ve kinda grown on the idea of this team, though. I’d like to argue that we have grown an identity: a gritty, hard working, chip-on-our-shoulder type of team.

I think IT4, Smart, Crowder, Sully, and Olynyk are all good pieces that we should hold on for the long term. Amir and Bradley are great glue-guys. Plus, who knows when/IF Brooklyn will even win a game this year. That squarely puts us in the hunt for a top 5 pick. Dallas is nothing more than an 7/8 seed in the West and we will hover around that 8th seed again this year. That gives us possibly 3 top 18 picks, one of which is destined to be top 5.

I think next year we could see a team really starting to take place. 

 As a Celtics fan, I was let down by this past off-season. Since the Stevens/Ainge duo have taken over, I’ve kinda grown on the idea of this team, though. I’d like to argue that we have grown an identity: a gritty, hard working, chip-on-our-shoulder type of team.

I think IT4, Smart, Crowder, Sully, and Olynyk are all good pieces that we should hold on for the long term. Amir and Bradley are great glue-guys. Plus, who knows when/IF Brooklyn will even win a game this year. That squarely puts us in the hunt for a top 5 pick. Dallas is nothing more than an 7/8 seed in the West and we will hover around that 8th seed again this year. That gives us possibly 3 top 18 picks, one of which is destined to be top 5.

I think next year we could see a team really starting to take place. 

 I just dont see any team dealing top talent for picks with the Salary Cap rise. Every team is going to think we can sign one more good player with the increased Cap space and be right back in the title hunt. Timing is terribile to try to make a trade for great talent. OKC will even take the chance of just hoping Durant comes back without re-signing before he becomes a free agent. No teams are looking to trade there best player right now. 

Basically the only option is to go the develop players option. Let Lee, Turner and Johnson(team option Pass on) walk at the end of the year to make room for incoming players. Maybe try to make a mid-level trade to free up some space in a couple positions. Like dealing Zeller, and Bradley. Who at this point I don’t see a need for them on the future team. Or package with a pick to try to move up a couple spots in the draft. Prbly can’t make that deal until draft night since the ping pong balls will determine that route. 

 I just dont see any team dealing top talent for picks with the Salary Cap rise. Every team is going to think we can sign one more good player with the increased Cap space and be right back in the title hunt. Timing is terribile to try to make a trade for great talent. OKC will even take the chance of just hoping Durant comes back without re-signing before he becomes a free agent. No teams are looking to trade there best player right now. 

Basically the only option is to go the develop players option. Let Lee, Turner and Johnson(team option Pass on) walk at the end of the year to make room for incoming players. Maybe try to make a mid-level trade to free up some space in a couple positions. Like dealing Zeller, and Bradley. Who at this point I don’t see a need for them on the future team. Or package with a pick to try to move up a couple spots in the draft. Prbly can’t make that deal until draft night since the ping pong balls will determine that route. 

I don’t think it is just a matter of the cap. There are bound to be players that don’t fit their current team and need a move (are you listening Kings?). The C’s should be in the mix for each of them.

I agree that most of the free agents that represent a significant upgrade in personnel will resign with their current teams. The max contract rules tip the playing field in that direction. If you don’t want or have a rift with your star player, on the other hand, it is better to deal him before the contract expires.

I don’t think it is just a matter of the cap. There are bound to be players that don’t fit their current team and need a move (are you listening Kings?). The C’s should be in the mix for each of them.

I agree that most of the free agents that represent a significant upgrade in personnel will resign with their current teams. The max contract rules tip the playing field in that direction. If you don’t want or have a rift with your star player, on the other hand, it is better to deal him before the contract expires.

 I am afraid that they will make a Stupid offer to Clarkson from the Lakers.  

 I am afraid that they will make a Stupid offer to Clarkson from the Lakers.  

 The Celtics have a lot of good young pieces and have a load of picks due but IMO they lack that star player to really take the team back into contention, Maybe they need to get a very high draft pick one year and build around him or try and trade for a top player.

Top FAs want legit pieces in place before they join a team so Boston’s good set of young role players may not appeal to a top FA at this moment.

Ainge could have probably got a new big 3 or at least omne top player in if he had wanted to but he’s content to stockpile assets and let Brad Stevens find out who are the key players they want to keep.

 The Celtics have a lot of good young pieces and have a load of picks due but IMO they lack that star player to really take the team back into contention, Maybe they need to get a very high draft pick one year and build around him or try and trade for a top player.

Top FAs want legit pieces in place before they join a team so Boston’s good set of young role players may not appeal to a top FA at this moment.

Ainge could have probably got a new big 3 or at least omne top player in if he had wanted to but he’s content to stockpile assets and let Brad Stevens find out who are the key players they want to keep.

 I hate to add fuel to T-Rex’s fire but Olynyk was +24 last night in 22 minutes. When Olynyk got on the floor the Celtics went on a run no doubt. 

 I hate to add fuel to T-Rex’s fire but Olynyk was +24 last night in 22 minutes. When Olynyk got on the floor the Celtics went on a run no doubt. 

Watched the game last night. It really showcased the C’s depth. Thomas did not have a great game (in spite of being leading scorer), Smart was out and Bradley played limited minutes. They still kicked the crap out of a team with, supposedly, more talent while on the road.

BTW the Freak just keeps improving his game. He’s scary enough as it is, in a couple of years…

Watched the game last night. It really showcased the C’s depth. Thomas did not have a great game (in spite of being leading scorer), Smart was out and Bradley played limited minutes. They still kicked the crap out of a team with, supposedly, more talent while on the road.

BTW the Freak just keeps improving his game. He’s scary enough as it is, in a couple of years…