Celtics offensive rankings this year

Steve,

I wonder if there isn't something else hidden in those numbers. This is one I've been thinking about as I've watched the last few games, and I don't think it's anything Hayward can make a difference on. Check the assists number.

First, keep in mind I may be the least stats-oriented guy around here. Way over-used and often misinterpreted in my opinion. So of course I want to use some numbers to make a point.

I'm starting to think the problem with our offense is, well, our offense. By that I mean a combination of the offensive scheme and the way we use our personnel. I say "we" as if I, or any of us, have anything to do with this. To me our offense appears to have a player or two out of position, and is lacking a low-post, interior, threat. Not another shooter.

If you look at how the players stack up in assists, our top dog is a forward, Horford, at number 25. Our point guard, Irving, is some ten spots behind him in terms of average per game. Furthermore, teams can easily plan for Irving, knowing he's not a distributor. It's a lot of iso, not a lot of pass-o. We have guys who can shoot and/or score. I think they're not seeing the ball enough. It's not a case of all wildly poor shooting averages. Hey, another stat to look up. But I won't. Tatum needs the ball in the corners and elbows; he's not getting it enough. Horford needs the ball in the grey area as well as from about 15' and out; he's not getting it enough. Brown needs someone to get it to him up high when a lane is open; he's not getting it, um, at all.

Maybe, our point guard is better suited to two guard. I know there are stats on combinations for each team; damned if I'm motivated enough to look, but I wonder about our offensive efficiency when Smart is the ball-handler and Irving is the off-guard. It would be interesting, to me anyway, to see increased minutes with a group of Smart-1, Irving-2, Tatum-3, Horford-4, and Baynes-5. Maybe someone who enjoys those stats sites can locate that and prove me right or wrong. I include Baynes purely for lack of anyone else who might conceivably operate down on the block. He's not the answer.

Here's also where I get on my center bandwagon. Take Baynes out of that group and put someone, anyone, in, who can consistently operate and score in the low post. Have a rotation where Brown and Morris can come off the bench in the front-court, and Rozier at guard. Let Irving operate away from the ball more, and open up other options for Tatum and Horford both inside and outside. Now you've got three weapons to cover, with Smart a much better distributor than scoring option, and Rozier able to at least not totally choke off the flow in relief. And I haven't even mentioned Hayward.

Take the ball-handling away from Irving and let him find his spots. I think the offensive flow would be much better.

Just an observation and thought that keeps coming back to me more with each game.

Regards

KJ,

True, we're a young team, but I don't think this is a group that can run. I don't think the roster has enough guys that can get up and down the court. Motion offense is characterized by quick hits to cutters, and rapid ball movement around the perimeter. Ball handlers should drive when defenders over-commit at the read line. We just don't have players that do that; excepting Irving. Irving has the handle and can drive, but every team now knows to deny him the outlet. Kyrie scores or the ball is stuck, and our other wings who can get to the rim, like Brown, don't see the ball when they have an open lane, or they don't get a clean outside look. It's almost a let Irving score all he wants, but freeze out the rest, strategy. As a result, Irving becomes the go to guy and ball movement suffers.

Running a good motion offense, if we did, would also not be completely devoid of plays. You can go 1-3-1 continuity with Horford in the high post and Baynes or Morris low, to try and create enough inside threat to create space for perimeter shooters. Perimeter wings work the ball down to the ball-side flashing low post, who looks for the cutting high post. Either can get to the rim, or, if it's not there and the paint is clogged, kick out to open perimeter shooters. It would also be better if we had a low post presence to run something like that. So we end up too often defaulting to what looks pretty much like a slower moving half-court set. Wrong personnel. Add some size in the paint, and we've got the rest of what we need to make this work.

For those that question the coach, I speculate the reason Stevens doesn't have this team running is he knows they just can't.

I whole-heartedly agree with KJ; I'd like to see such a young team go uptempo too. But running and pace and space just isn't looking like this team's thing at this point. I'm sure Stevens is adjusting his strategy. It's not like we don't have options. The offense will pick back up, but I'd bet on it to stay fairly traditional looking too.

Regards

KJ,

I do at least agree with you on Jaylen, Jayson and Rozier, maybe Irving too.

Who knows? Maybe we'll see something more up-tempo purely to shake the cobwebs out of the offense.

If, as you suggest, Stevens' philosophy is what's keeping us from running, then I guess we don't run. I'm not suggesting you fall into this category, but I think it's funny if some who proclaimed Stevens a genius a short time ago, now trash his offensive scheme because of more recent events. I do recall, however, that you've been consistent and thoughtful in your views and statements.

Regards