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Shooting From the Hip: On the Eve of Game 1
by bobheckler Wed Oct 28, 2015 9:39 am
http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2015/10/shooting-from-hip-on-eve-of-game-1.html
Shooting From the Hip: On the Eve of Game 1
By Lee Lauderdale
Could Perry Jones have made Ainge's job (roster reduction) any easier? We don't get to see practices (darn) but going by his few game appearances (and I was watching eagerly and closely—replaying his minutes and watching him rather than the ball or other players), he offered very little to make any, much less a good, case for a 2-for-1 trade to open up a spot for PJ3. I saw no fire or determination—making him really stand out (in a negative way) on a team of exuberant overachievers. He'll probably get picked up on another team blinded by his paper tools and with roster room. Might be a curious and interesting development if he went to Sydney where Josh Childress sits on the sideline injured and our (draft rights held) Marcus Thornton is gunning (14 shots a game—sadly at a 30% clip, and even worse 20% on the seven 3-pointers launched each outing). My opinion is that the best thing for Jones' career would be to get a dose of lackadaisical-induced overseas banishment (although someplace with strange food and an unfamiliar language might drive home the point more emphatically). PJ3 has been my biggest disappointment of the preseason camp.
I am absolutely convinced that the Celtics have the best third team in the NBA—by far. I think I could mount a pretty convincing argument that they have the best second team also. Unfortunately, the majority of each game is played by the first team where Boston is probably middle-of-the-road at best. However, even there, I believe that a season of seasoning will see their starting five (and second and third fives) climb several places. From a coaching standpoint it has to be exciting to have practices where the second team gives the starters fits, and the third team pushes the second. Unfortunately there is far too little practice time available in the exhausting 82-game campaign.
I wonder if there is any other team in the NBA where no more than two roster players are unlikely to be better in April than they are in November? Even those two are likely to be better next April than they were last April.
I'm not sure what this means, but aren't the players most likely to be traded during the season, the same players that were most likely to be traded during camp? The question of fit remains in the forefront and while both are likely to play frequently, neither has locked down even a second-five slot.
It is interesting that Jordan Mickey will be inactive in the first game, one for which Kelly Olynyk is suspended. I can see Rozier, who is one ankle sprain, jammed finger, or disqualification away from playing minutes at point guard. Having R. J. Hunter active, however, suggests to me that he is more likely to play. RJ's BBIQ is definitely un-rookie-like—perhaps this is the deciding factor. The coach would have no qualms about putting Hunter in because Brad has confidence that RJ will not make mental errors. Also Hunter's value is not just his shooting. His passing and floor spacing are nice ingredients for team-centric play. It is curious though, that the first opponent (Philadelphia) seems to have a stronger front court than back court. Yet the only “big” among the rookies will be in street clothes. Then again, there is the fact that the two rookies suiting up, are threats from long range, out where the twin towers of Philly aren't much of a deterrent.
With Olynyk out, I am also curious to see who joins Isaiah and Amir when the second unit takes the floor. That group's makeup has been Mighty-Mite, the versatile Hulk, and the Bombers. With Kelly serving his one game suspension, will Stevens go with RJ, Turner, and Jerebko? Or will Brad go with Sullinger, and two shooters? If he does go with Sully, does he use RJ for his three-point threat or go with Evan who's mid-range game might be more vulnerable to Noel's length as Turner approaches Nerlens' painted patrol area?
Only the first game and already the rotation subplots abound!
I'm still hopeful that Ainge and Zeller recognize the healthy marriage and come to an agreement on an extension. I think each would have to “give” some but that it would be mutually beneficial. Danny would tie up some of his salary flexibility he has carefully kept in his piggy bank, and Tyler would take a bit of a discount to continue what has been an ideal fit for his game and development. I wonder how much of this impasse should be blamed on an agent?
Here's hoping I get chill bumps all game long as Tommy Heinshon chortles gleefully “Run baby, run!” Which reminds me, I've always felt Sullinger's rebounding should be complemented by making quick aggressive outlet passes. David Lee has been great at this. Think Sully has been paying attention?
bob
MY NOTE: Yes, I thought Mickey being declared 'inactive' when Kelly can't play because of the Love suspension was odd too. Clearly Young's inactivity highlights that, despite having a year under his belt, he is still behind RJ on the depth chart. His claim that we have the 3rd best roster, possibly the 2nd, in the NBA is astonishing. Lee points out, correctly, that most of the minutes are played by the front half of the roster and that's where we are not as strong but still, 3rd? 2nd?! Injuries are part of the game and a key injury or two to a good team makes them a mediocre team and we have a good chance at beating mediocre teams on any given night. That's why we play the games.
.
Shooting From the Hip: On the Eve of Game 1
By Lee Lauderdale
Could Perry Jones have made Ainge's job (roster reduction) any easier? We don't get to see practices (darn) but going by his few game appearances (and I was watching eagerly and closely—replaying his minutes and watching him rather than the ball or other players), he offered very little to make any, much less a good, case for a 2-for-1 trade to open up a spot for PJ3. I saw no fire or determination—making him really stand out (in a negative way) on a team of exuberant overachievers. He'll probably get picked up on another team blinded by his paper tools and with roster room. Might be a curious and interesting development if he went to Sydney where Josh Childress sits on the sideline injured and our (draft rights held) Marcus Thornton is gunning (14 shots a game—sadly at a 30% clip, and even worse 20% on the seven 3-pointers launched each outing). My opinion is that the best thing for Jones' career would be to get a dose of lackadaisical-induced overseas banishment (although someplace with strange food and an unfamiliar language might drive home the point more emphatically). PJ3 has been my biggest disappointment of the preseason camp.
I am absolutely convinced that the Celtics have the best third team in the NBA—by far. I think I could mount a pretty convincing argument that they have the best second team also. Unfortunately, the majority of each game is played by the first team where Boston is probably middle-of-the-road at best. However, even there, I believe that a season of seasoning will see their starting five (and second and third fives) climb several places. From a coaching standpoint it has to be exciting to have practices where the second team gives the starters fits, and the third team pushes the second. Unfortunately there is far too little practice time available in the exhausting 82-game campaign.
I wonder if there is any other team in the NBA where no more than two roster players are unlikely to be better in April than they are in November? Even those two are likely to be better next April than they were last April.
I'm not sure what this means, but aren't the players most likely to be traded during the season, the same players that were most likely to be traded during camp? The question of fit remains in the forefront and while both are likely to play frequently, neither has locked down even a second-five slot.
It is interesting that Jordan Mickey will be inactive in the first game, one for which Kelly Olynyk is suspended. I can see Rozier, who is one ankle sprain, jammed finger, or disqualification away from playing minutes at point guard. Having R. J. Hunter active, however, suggests to me that he is more likely to play. RJ's BBIQ is definitely un-rookie-like—perhaps this is the deciding factor. The coach would have no qualms about putting Hunter in because Brad has confidence that RJ will not make mental errors. Also Hunter's value is not just his shooting. His passing and floor spacing are nice ingredients for team-centric play. It is curious though, that the first opponent (Philadelphia) seems to have a stronger front court than back court. Yet the only “big” among the rookies will be in street clothes. Then again, there is the fact that the two rookies suiting up, are threats from long range, out where the twin towers of Philly aren't much of a deterrent.
With Olynyk out, I am also curious to see who joins Isaiah and Amir when the second unit takes the floor. That group's makeup has been Mighty-Mite, the versatile Hulk, and the Bombers. With Kelly serving his one game suspension, will Stevens go with RJ, Turner, and Jerebko? Or will Brad go with Sullinger, and two shooters? If he does go with Sully, does he use RJ for his three-point threat or go with Evan who's mid-range game might be more vulnerable to Noel's length as Turner approaches Nerlens' painted patrol area?
Only the first game and already the rotation subplots abound!
I'm still hopeful that Ainge and Zeller recognize the healthy marriage and come to an agreement on an extension. I think each would have to “give” some but that it would be mutually beneficial. Danny would tie up some of his salary flexibility he has carefully kept in his piggy bank, and Tyler would take a bit of a discount to continue what has been an ideal fit for his game and development. I wonder how much of this impasse should be blamed on an agent?
Here's hoping I get chill bumps all game long as Tommy Heinshon chortles gleefully “Run baby, run!” Which reminds me, I've always felt Sullinger's rebounding should be complemented by making quick aggressive outlet passes. David Lee has been great at this. Think Sully has been paying attention?
bob
MY NOTE: Yes, I thought Mickey being declared 'inactive' when Kelly can't play because of the Love suspension was odd too. Clearly Young's inactivity highlights that, despite having a year under his belt, he is still behind RJ on the depth chart. His claim that we have the 3rd best roster, possibly the 2nd, in the NBA is astonishing. Lee points out, correctly, that most of the minutes are played by the front half of the roster and that's where we are not as strong but still, 3rd? 2nd?! Injuries are part of the game and a key injury or two to a good team makes them a mediocre team and we have a good chance at beating mediocre teams on any given night. That's why we play the games.
.
bobheckler- Posts : 62620
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Re: Shooting From the Hip: On the Eve of Game 1
by wide clyde Wed Oct 28, 2015 10:08 am
Too much talk. Let's get started
wide clyde- Posts : 815
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Re: Shooting From the Hip: On the Eve of Game 1
by bobc33 Wed Oct 28, 2015 10:13 am
Bob I did a double take also, but when I read it again I realized he said the best third team (players 11-15 on the roster) not the third best team (players 1-15 on the roster.). Likewise with the best second team. (Players 6-10)
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Two in a row sounds good to me!
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Re: Shooting From the Hip: On the Eve of Game 1
by bobheckler Wed Oct 28, 2015 10:26 am
wide clyde wrote:Too much talk. Let's get started
clyde,
As the Rastas say "soon come, soon come".
7:30 PM EDT, 4:30 PDT for us Left Coasters...
bob
.
bobheckler- Posts : 62620
Join date : 2009-10-28
Re: Shooting From the Hip: On the Eve of Game 1
by bobheckler Wed Oct 28, 2015 10:27 am
bobc33 wrote:Bob I did a double take also, but when I read it again I realized he said the best third team (players 11-15 on the roster) not the third best team (players 1-15 on the roster.). Likewise with the best second team. (Players 6-10)
bob,
Thanks! Yeah, I did misread that. Ok, now Lee doesn't sound completely crazy.
I'm glad someone here is reading carefully...
bob
.
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Join date : 2009-10-28
Re: Shooting From the Hip: On the Eve of Game 1
by gyso Wed Oct 28, 2015 10:49 am
He says,
"I am absolutely convinced that the Celtics have the best third team in the NBA—by far. I think I could mount a pretty convincing argument that they have the best second team also. Unfortunately, the majority of each game is played by the first team where Boston is probably middle-of-the-road at best."
Team in this context is a collection of players, 1-13, the entire active roster. Our rotation is supposed to be 10-12 deep. Most teams only have a rotation of 7-8 players and that is all they ever play when the game results are still up in the air. The drop-off in talent on other teams after the 8th player is rather dramatic, while our talent level stays strong (more level) for almost our entire active roster (13 players).
The sum of our active roster is (in Lee's opinion) 2nd or 3rd in the league. Most teams will have a stronger playing team (their best 8 vs. our best 8 ), but because we can play 10-12 players in each game, maybe in the long season, we sneak up on some tired teams and squeeze out a couple extra wins. We did great on the 2nd game of back to backs, our youth and extended roster helped greatly in that regard.
gyso
[edit: I misread it as well, but my point is still valid, so I'll leave it as is]
"I am absolutely convinced that the Celtics have the best third team in the NBA—by far. I think I could mount a pretty convincing argument that they have the best second team also. Unfortunately, the majority of each game is played by the first team where Boston is probably middle-of-the-road at best."
Team in this context is a collection of players, 1-13, the entire active roster. Our rotation is supposed to be 10-12 deep. Most teams only have a rotation of 7-8 players and that is all they ever play when the game results are still up in the air. The drop-off in talent on other teams after the 8th player is rather dramatic, while our talent level stays strong (more level) for almost our entire active roster (13 players).
The sum of our active roster is (in Lee's opinion) 2nd or 3rd in the league. Most teams will have a stronger playing team (their best 8 vs. our best 8 ), but because we can play 10-12 players in each game, maybe in the long season, we sneak up on some tired teams and squeeze out a couple extra wins. We did great on the 2nd game of back to backs, our youth and extended roster helped greatly in that regard.
gyso
[edit: I misread it as well, but my point is still valid, so I'll leave it as is]
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Re: Shooting From the Hip: On the Eve of Game 1
by gyso Wed Oct 28, 2015 10:54 am
bobheckler wrote:wide clyde wrote:Too much talk. Let's get started
clyde,
As the Rastas say "soon come, soon come".
7:30 PM EDT, 4:30 PDT for us Left Coasters...
bob
.
And the blonde in me is crying out, "Why do you guys out west get to watch the game three hours sooner than us?"
_________________
gyso- Posts : 23027
Join date : 2009-10-13
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