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Lee shows potential in Milan
by bobheckler Tue Oct 09, 2012 1:03 pm
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4697759/lee-shows-potential-in-milan
When Courtney Lee rose to the rim for a thunderous one-handed dunk in
the first quarter of the Celtics' 105-75 thrashing of Armani Milano on
Sunday, it was hard not to believe there might have been a bit of
frustration released as the ball slashed through the net.
Lee's outing on Sunday was very much what the Celtics were looking
for -- 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting, two rebounds, an assist, and steady
defense -- and a much better example of the type of player he is,
compared to the outing he had in Boston's preseason opener last Friday, a
97-91 loss to Fenerbahce Ulker.
Friday saw Lee begin the game in the starting lineup, but promptly
seem out of place, as he looked uncomfortable in the offense and less
than effective on the opposite side of the ball. He missed open shots
and picked up five personal fouls in the second quarter alone. It was
head-scratching at first, given Lee's overall talent level and history
of being a productive player for the three other NBA teams he's played
for. But, when the context was considered -- new team, new system,
playing alongside four already in-tune teammates, and dealing with a
minor hip issue -- Friday could be summed up as a necessary burden more
than anything else. Get the adjusting pains out of the way early, and
come back with a stronger performance on Sunday.
Which is exactly what Lee did.
Even though he came off the bench on Sunday and
played fewer minutes with the starters, Lee still looked far more at
ease within Boston's sets, attacking the rim consistently, and showing
off the athleticism that will allow head coach Doc Rivers to utilize him
in multiple scenarios this season. Rivers said after the game that the
lineup change -- Jason Terry and Jared Sullinger replacing Lee and
Brandon Bass, respectively, in the starting lineup -- was a product of
it being preseason and nothing else.
Lee did share the court with the red-hot Rajon Rondo for the final
minutes of the opening frame, and perhaps most encouragingly was the
fact that Lee's dunk came off of a sharp cut and slick feed from Rondo.
Chemistry between these two will be vital for Boston, particularly if
Lee fills the starting shooting guard spot for the entire season. While
the duo looked out of sync on Friday, the dunk Sunday served as a
reminder that they can still find harmony on the court, and Lee's
athleticism and quickness caters to Rondo's penchant for sleek passes at
difficult angles that other point guards can't make.
Add in a few determined drives to the rim, a jumper from the right
elbow, and a slick up-and-under layup off of a left baseline drive in
the fourth quarter, and Sunday was a much better showcase for Lee and
what he could mean to his team this season.
While Rivers will continue to tinker with his lineups with six
preseason games to go, getting Lee on the same page as his other
starters will likely be a focus leading up to the regular season. Terry
proved he'll deliver the instant offense he advertised, and Rivers will
want to keep that weapon as his sixth man. That puts an even greater
focus on Lee's chemistry with the starters. For if they can be as
productive as a unit as they've been in years past, the Celtics,
collectively, will reap the benefits.
bob
My Note: Lee looked better in Italy than Turkey, but he couldn't have looked worse. I just want to point out the statement by Doc about how pre-season starting lineups are just that, pre-season starting lineups.
.
When Courtney Lee rose to the rim for a thunderous one-handed dunk in
the first quarter of the Celtics' 105-75 thrashing of Armani Milano on
Sunday, it was hard not to believe there might have been a bit of
frustration released as the ball slashed through the net.
Lee's outing on Sunday was very much what the Celtics were looking
for -- 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting, two rebounds, an assist, and steady
defense -- and a much better example of the type of player he is,
compared to the outing he had in Boston's preseason opener last Friday, a
97-91 loss to Fenerbahce Ulker.
Friday saw Lee begin the game in the starting lineup, but promptly
seem out of place, as he looked uncomfortable in the offense and less
than effective on the opposite side of the ball. He missed open shots
and picked up five personal fouls in the second quarter alone. It was
head-scratching at first, given Lee's overall talent level and history
of being a productive player for the three other NBA teams he's played
for. But, when the context was considered -- new team, new system,
playing alongside four already in-tune teammates, and dealing with a
minor hip issue -- Friday could be summed up as a necessary burden more
than anything else. Get the adjusting pains out of the way early, and
come back with a stronger performance on Sunday.
Which is exactly what Lee did.
Even though he came off the bench on Sunday and
played fewer minutes with the starters, Lee still looked far more at
ease within Boston's sets, attacking the rim consistently, and showing
off the athleticism that will allow head coach Doc Rivers to utilize him
in multiple scenarios this season. Rivers said after the game that the
lineup change -- Jason Terry and Jared Sullinger replacing Lee and
Brandon Bass, respectively, in the starting lineup -- was a product of
it being preseason and nothing else.
Lee did share the court with the red-hot Rajon Rondo for the final
minutes of the opening frame, and perhaps most encouragingly was the
fact that Lee's dunk came off of a sharp cut and slick feed from Rondo.
Chemistry between these two will be vital for Boston, particularly if
Lee fills the starting shooting guard spot for the entire season. While
the duo looked out of sync on Friday, the dunk Sunday served as a
reminder that they can still find harmony on the court, and Lee's
athleticism and quickness caters to Rondo's penchant for sleek passes at
difficult angles that other point guards can't make.
Add in a few determined drives to the rim, a jumper from the right
elbow, and a slick up-and-under layup off of a left baseline drive in
the fourth quarter, and Sunday was a much better showcase for Lee and
what he could mean to his team this season.
While Rivers will continue to tinker with his lineups with six
preseason games to go, getting Lee on the same page as his other
starters will likely be a focus leading up to the regular season. Terry
proved he'll deliver the instant offense he advertised, and Rivers will
want to keep that weapon as his sixth man. That puts an even greater
focus on Lee's chemistry with the starters. For if they can be as
productive as a unit as they've been in years past, the Celtics,
collectively, will reap the benefits.
bob
My Note: Lee looked better in Italy than Turkey, but he couldn't have looked worse. I just want to point out the statement by Doc about how pre-season starting lineups are just that, pre-season starting lineups.
.
bobheckler- Posts : 61302
Join date : 2009-10-28
Re: Lee shows potential in Milan
by mrkleen09 Tue Oct 09, 2012 2:52 pm
I dont know what game you were watching Bob.
Courney Lee played very well in Italy. Locked down his man on defense, had 11 points while shooting 4 for 5 from the field, 3 for 4 from the line with 2 rebounds, a steal and +19 in less than 19 minutes.
If Lee chips in 11 points a game on 19 minutes, he will be more than doing his job.
Courney Lee played very well in Italy. Locked down his man on defense, had 11 points while shooting 4 for 5 from the field, 3 for 4 from the line with 2 rebounds, a steal and +19 in less than 19 minutes.
If Lee chips in 11 points a game on 19 minutes, he will be more than doing his job.
mrkleen09- Posts : 3873
Join date : 2009-10-16
Age : 55
Re: Lee shows potential in Milan
by sinus007 Tue Oct 09, 2012 3:23 pm
Mrkleen,
I'm of the same opinion as Bobh: CL looked better in the 2nd game.
In the 1st game he looked kind of lost. Unfortunately I don't have any actual data - just my opinion.
OTOH, I believe that this trend will continue and after a few practices and a few games he will find his groove.
AK
I'm of the same opinion as Bobh: CL looked better in the 2nd game.
In the 1st game he looked kind of lost. Unfortunately I don't have any actual data - just my opinion.
OTOH, I believe that this trend will continue and after a few practices and a few games he will find his groove.
AK
sinus007- Posts : 2625
Join date : 2009-10-22
Re: Lee shows potential in Milan
by dboss Tue Oct 09, 2012 8:25 pm
Lee can play but a healthy AB is still my choice to start at the 2. Our defense is really strong with avery attacking the opposing guards.
Lee will really do well on this team.
Dboss
Lee will really do well on this team.
Dboss
dboss- Posts : 18730
Join date : 2009-11-01
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