Delayed Game-on Observations

There will be a number of times this season when I probably won't be able to join the Game-on Thread due to family obligations. It was one of the reasons why I considered leaving the board. Commenting on game action is probably my favorite aspect of participating in this forum. But what I've decided is that, when I can't watch live, I'll DVR the game and post my own little game-on thread the following day. Rather than to emphasize details of the action (e.g., "Great pass by Pressey"), I'll try to focus on general trends in the game. One advantage will be that I'll be able to review plays in my analysis. We'll see how it works. If it's a bomb, people don't have to read it. Comments are always invited.

This will be one of those games. So, for better or worse, here goes.

Go Celtics.

Sam

Out of the box, starting lineups in the exhibition season are often a function of experimentation or expanding a player's minutes rather than trying to put the best starting five on the floor. Celts' starters included Smart at the "1" spot, Bradley at the "2," Turner at "3," Sully at "4," and Olynyk at "5."

Turner (especially with Jeff Green out), Bradley and Sully are no-brainers. I'm surprised to see Brad starting Smart at the floor general position. I would have thought he'd ease Marcus into the game, possibly at shooting guard, to avoid putting much pressure on the kid. This move is reinforcement of Brad's intention to expedite the learning and development rather than being cautious and somewhat tentative as he was last season. As for Olynyk at center, there can be no mistaking the fact that Brad is intent on exploring Kelly's potential at that position a.s.a.p.

Smart scrapping on defense from the get-go. First steal in less than a minute.

Bradley looking like he considers himself a gunner from the perimeter. Forcing the ball.

Celts making late lunges on defense. A step late.

Bradley misses a layup. I had heard that he worked on finishing over the summer. Doesn't show yet.

A quick outlet produces pace and points. Now that's tempo.

Avery loses the handle on a fast break lead pass. An easy two lost. It happened a lot last season.

Smart can throw inside passes. That's encouraging. However, most of his passes are lateral, much like those of Bradley. That's not encouraging.

One thing about Kelly at center (or any position for that matter) is that he's so versatile that he has multiple moves regardless of where he sets up. Personally, I think he's most dangerous working outside-in because defenses have to respect his three-pointer and all he needs is a quick fake to drive past the defender.

Thornton is doing nothing to dispel my feeling that he could be a really good sixth man point producer.

Smart's shot selection borders on the terrible. He should watch Wallace playing the whirling dervish and taking it to the hoop.

Zeller may be quick in running upcourt, but he needs to keep his eye on the ball for it to mean anything.

So far, it's looking as though the Celtics' defense well ahead of their offense.

Turner can definitely find the open man with his passing.

Bass has really improved his handle in taking it to the hoop.

Man, Young gets rid of his shot quickly. He should pick up a lot of and-ones by making defensive guys lunge.

I wouldn't criticize Zeller because he's not running the floor. The Celtics are getting very few fast break opportunities.  But he's more of a reach-in defender down low than I'd hoped. He looks a Hank Finkel-ish—a little awkward.

The Celtics are getting their share of rebounds but aren't moving out in transition. Their biggest problem with Rondo out will be pushing the ball. Of course, sometimes their biggest problem with Rondo available is pushing the ball.

Turner is definitely the leader in the clubhouse in terms of guards running the pick-and-roll.

Wow, Turner can slash too.  He just "Crawfordized" the 6ers with a wild drive and jumper that just rippled the cords.

Sully's still an offensive rebounding machine. And he retains the ability to squeeze in the putbacks among heavy timber.

In the absence of a motion offense, the Celts are swinging the ball pretty crisply.

I'm not seeing any particular player combination that stands out in terms of chemistry. That will presumably come with time.

Smart's already a standout on defense. He stays in front of guys well, and he has absolutely no fear of taking charges.