Brace yourself… an ESPN writer is coming around on the Celtics

Brace yourself… an ESPN writer is coming around on the Celtics


Chuck - Red's Army September 26, 2012 Celtics News 2 Comments

ESPN Insider David Thorpe is one of the first national basketball
writers to realize the Celtics are locked and loaded for 2012-13.

His most recent column – Are the Celtics sneaky good?

<blockquote>Most of the talk this offseason has centered on the Los
Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat. Even
the Philadelphia 76ers have drawn some interest with the addition
of Andrew Bynum. Big trades and free-agent acquisitions will do that.

However, the Boston Celtics did neither (save for re-signing Kevin
Garnett) and very quietly have had a tremendous offseason. With some
good fortune this season, they could be just the team to break Miami’s
stranglehold on the Eastern Conference crown.

…

Boston won the Atlantic Division last season and appears to be deeper
and more talented this season. The Celtics should be able to pull off
the magical combination of limiting their top players’ minutes without
sacrificing much in terms of wins. Of course, having well-rested
starters does not mean postseason wins are guaranteed, as the Spurs can
attest. But last spring it was routine to see Garnett playing great for a
long stretch, then huffing and puffing and resting with his hands on
his shorts whenever he could.

In the end, a more energized Big Three for Boston is likely to make
the Celtics a very tough beat in seven games. And if they can defeat
Miami, no matter who among the Big Three turns out to be the biggest
player of the series, the Celtics will have to thank Ainge and his sharp
offseason moves for being the catalyst.
</blockquote>
For those without Insider access, I can tell you that Thorpe cites
the additions of Jason Terry, Courtney Lee (“dynamic on-ball defender”),
Jeff Green (“strong chance to have career season”) and Jared Sullinger
(“can help immediately as a rebounder”). I know – it’s stuff we’ve been
talking about all summer.

His assertion that Fab Melo might score significant minutes (“his
size and defensive disposition should be at a high enough level to earn
minutes”) is a bit of a stretch to us, but maybe Thorpe knows something
we don’t.

What separates Thorpe from most of his colleagues is the age factor.
He just doesn’t see KG or Paul Pierce – aided by reduced minutes –
falling flat next season.

Some national media members (Skip Bayless, Stephen A. Smith, etc) are
like cats and toddlers – they’re easily distracted by shiny objects.
Come mid-season, when the Celtics are thriving and dominating, we’ll be
inundated with the I-can’t-believe-Boston-is-doing-it-again commentary.




bob
My Note: Love his comment about Skip Bayless and Stephen A(sshole) Smith. Ain't it the truth?




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I'll bet any ESPN writer or talking head that doesn't drink the Lebron, Wade Kool-Aide is headed for the Unemployment line. I give this writer some props for giving the Celtics some recognition.

MD!