Celtics Progress Report Midway through Preseason

So what is everyone's candid thinking on where this team may be headed? Obviously, it's still early in the game, but some patterns may be taking shape. For what it's worth, here's a summary of my take at this point:

Doc has employed an interesting way of simulating regular season conditions—one or a few players at a time. In each game (after the first one, which was a kind of get-acquainted exercise), he has singled out certain players for extended minutes and roles. In some cases (such as KG), Doc has really pushed it almost past the constructive point in terms of fatigue and susceptibility to injury. But, except for an apparently very slight ankle tweak to Sheed, he has pulled it off without negative incident.

And, in virtually every case, the players have come through like champions (which they very well could become this season). Very brief thumbnail sketches:

KG: Now up to 23 minutes per game...scored .705 points per minute in most recent game, compared with .537 for his career...soared for three successful alley-oop connections in the most recent game...favors the injured knee slightly when landing after jumping, but starting to get out front of the pack in fast breaks...jumper (requiring leg strength) is very good...he's obviously feeling really good about himself.

Pierce: No plays yet installed for him, and was quiet for a couple of games...now closer to his scoring average (in far fewer minutes than his average)...more than ever adheres to Scal's adage that Paul "gives what the game requires."

Ray: Has scored okay but has not yet had one of his patented spurts...probably requires more extended minutes to achieve the rhythm a shooter like him needs...in great condition and should be fine.

Rondo: Seemed out of sync for a couple of games...then, when Doc held out all Three Amigos for a game, Rondo just took over and brought the team back from a deficit to a win (even calmly sinking some jumpers early in the shot clock) and went for 13 assists...shot 70% from the line during the first couple of games, then went 6-for-14 in a game...consistency is still the issue.

Perk: Has been in and out depending on whether he's been in foul trouble...his per-minute stats project to about 12 points and 7 boards in 30 minutes...has developed a turnaround jumper, is giving up the ball less, and appears only to need more repetitions to move up a step in helpfulness as a role player.

Sheed: Started the game when the Three Amigos were rested...went semi-wild inside...outside...solid defense...great court vision...even long passes for touchdowns...just seems to be on top of everything (including intensity).

Daniels: The type who does whatever others aren't doing...fills in the gaps...very good instincts playing the point...nice floater in penetration...was under the weather two games ago, and it probably extended into the most recent game, when he did nothing.

House: Catch, swish...catch, swish...catch, swish...and his point guard skills are really improved...I believe his interior passing ability exceeds Rondo's.

Scal: Steady...gives the offense a shot in the arm when in there, even if he doesn't score (which he's been doing some of)...adapting to more play at small forward and doing pretty well defensively...they just seem to gain points when he's in there.

Baby: Could be the most improved player by the end end of the season...has changed his role since the advent of Sheed...fewer jumpers, more bulling his way to the hoop...getting fouled a lot and hitting freebies...filling the Powe role quite well without being the black hole many people associated with Leon.

Williams: Completely clueless on offense during the first three games...given 16 minutes in the fourth game, he did quite well, showing confidence in a pretty good jumper...decent defender and good rebounder...memorable jam of a rebound off a missed Celtics free throw in the first game...needs to learn the system (and apparently not a quick learner)

Giddens: Responds to minutes with frenetic defensive efforts, occasional and shocking drives for jams, and excellent rebounding (13 in one game)...obviously working hard and playing within his primarily defensive role...my guess is that he'd be better off practicing with the big boys and playing selectively than going to the DL.

Hudson: Becoming my new favorite player (although Rondo's still right up there)...the kid can shoot and isn't afraid to...when handed the PG reins for extended minutes, he takes hold and isn't tentative as Pruitt was...still has a LOT to learn about the PG position and PG instincts, but he definitely is a shooter with a pass-first mentality (a good sign)...a real pest on defense and loves to get into the passing lanes for steals.

Special mention—Giddens and Hudson: I could see them EVENTUALLY as the second coming of the Jones Boys (you're probably too young to remember them, but they're both in the Hall of Fame)...put them in as a tandem, put up with a few turnovers in the beginning, and they could demoralize the other team on defense and score a few points in transition while the Celtics starters are getting a rest.

Tony: Only played in one game for something like seven minutes and looked wild and lost out there...seems chronically injured...one wants good things for him, but this is his sixth year.

Sweetney: I call him "Hey Hey Hey" because he looks like Fat Albert to me...has shocked a lot of us with his deft offensive skills...ponderous on defense though, and that could be his Achilles' heel as far as making the team.

Walker: injured and will be recuperating for several more weeks.

Sam

Sam

Nice bits on all the players.

For me, I like to look at the players who for now, have exceeded my expectations. Doc has certainly given some boarderline players time and for the most part they have jumped at it.

In no particular order

Giddens, perhaps he's seen enough of the D league. I think he finds a spot on the team

Sheed, has preformed better than I anticipated shooting and rebounding well.

Hudson, although he's iffy to make it (top 12) he is a hard worker and plays tough D.

Baby.. with all the off season "stuff" baby looks as good if not better than last year. His rise will give Doc even more flex on the minutes for Sheed and KG.


As for the rest of the team I think when it comes time to clock in for the regular season we'll see a defense second to none. Offensively RA and PP might need a few more regular minutes to get it going but should they hic cup the team is deep enough to have others pick up the slack.

The journey begins soon.

Hi,

It is always about chemistry for me. I look for that in any sport I watch, but , I find it easiest for to see in basketball. It starts with looking up the floor, passing & how they cheer each other on, and are willing to ignore individual stats, for the good of the team. So perhaps, the start of good chemistry, is simply team ball? It may be obvious, but it always amazes me that some players don't see this.

Doc, seems to have a bit of KC Jones in him, in the way he allows it to develop.

Great year ahead of us.

Pete

Pete & Sam

Some concepts of basketball are easy to see. If the game is flowing no one person tends to stand out much. It never was a game to watch on TV like in person but unfortunately most of us have no option when it comes to the Celtics.

Does any player "give up" an open look for a teammate with a better shot? Of course assuming the pass to him is not high risk.

Do they pick each other up literally and figuratively? Every time a Celtic hits the deck there are his teammates reaching down to pull him up.

Without the means of watching things that are not shown on the tube we are left to see and hear what we can. And for what I can see the players do seem to care very much about each other. Will we need another in your face moment like KG did to Baby last year? Perhaps somewhere down the road, perhaps not.

It would appear that coaching this team will go well beyond the x's and o's for Doc. It is a very long season and to keep the focus for the bigger goal at the end will mean keeping the big egos in check. That has not been and would not seem to be a problem.

Doc has shown the ability to do this very well, to juggle the balance of being a friend to, and a coach of, the players. Appears mutual respect is very predominate on this team. Getting off to a fast start will just embellish this.

beat

To me, the best sign so far is that Sheed and Daniels are clearly buying into the defense first philosophy - and playing really good help D so far.

Sheed is a beast when he wants to play hard...lets hope he shows up at least 3/4 of the time.

Daniels is a future starter and really really solid pick up. I can see him running with Rondo, Baby and Perk for quite a few years.

Baby looks STRONG and confident....a very formidable combination.

House is locked in already.

Pierce looks fit and is easing into it....putting up effortless 3 pointers and driving at will.

KG looks MUCH BETTER than I thought he would. Keep and eye on his minutes for the first few months and by New Years, he will be a terror again.

Perk is quick and still plays lock down D. Really like his new found confidence in the post.

Rajon is oozing confidence and he just took over the game against Toronto for long stretches. His D is ferocious and his jumper looks a lot better.

Hudson is a hustler with a good nose for the ball. Already looks more confident than Pruitt ever did.

Ray is the one guy that looks a bit off so far. He seem to be the forgotten man in the offense and he looks a step slow on D so far. I hope they get back to him as the second option, as he was BIG in the playoffs last year.

Sheldon Williams looks pretty solid too. He is certainly a PF at best, not a Center at all...but he has looked like he has a good jumper and is willing to play D.

Tony Allen - if it were not for the guaranteed contract, I would just cut him and send him on his way. Daniels does what TA dreams he could do, all while being more under control and using his head more.

Really excited, they look like they are going to be VERY tough to beat.

Fellas

If Kg is off PP wont be if he is Ray wont be if he is Sheed will score 20. If that don't work Rondo will take over. This is a deep talented squad. To my sight way better than a team that won 62 damn games last year. As deep as 08

The Games when big 3 and Sheed are all clicking (and there will be 20 of them) I think we are goin to run some GOOD teams out of the gym. Then everybody rest and the second unit finishes the game.

One thing clear to me is everybody looks to be in GAME shape already save kg and he's got a damn good reason.

I think 65 wins is in reach even as good as the rest of the top 5 got.

I just have this bone deep feeling it's our year. I aint had it this strong since 86.

Jeb

Even had KG not gone down last year I did not think that that team was as strong as the group that won #17 because they never found adequate replacements for PJ Brown or Posey.

Rasheed Wallace is a huge upgrade over PJ and Marquis Daniels, while a different player from Posey, has the looks of a guy who can bring solid contributions to three positions. House has really settled in and found a home and Baby is a much better player now.

The starting unit is arguably even better than the title team's with Rondo and Perk much better than two years ago. KG, Pierce and Allen still have it and stand a far better chance of being fresh for the playoffs with a much stronger bench to spell them.

Scal will be the deciding X factor in several games as he has been the last two years when someone in the top nine rotation is out or playing poorly.

I also think that we shouldn't discount Tony Allen totally. He'll play well in spot minutes-- if he hangs around.

Shelden Williams has seemed lost in the games I've seen him. But I look for him to come around. Hey, you can never have too many big bodies.

I like Hudson also. He seems to have a mean streak.

Giddens is a physical specieman with freaky athleticism. I mean, the guy doesn't run, he glides effortlessly. Whether he can make a meaningful contributions is another question.

All in all, this group is loaded for bear or even Lake trout and they look they're mo-bile, a-gile and hos-tile.

Amen brothers and sisters, amen

I think we should be on track with 35 + wins by mid year. Big Baby looks great with his weight down and his off season conditioning. Last year he gave 100% but at times he was dragging his butt up and down the court. His new weight will add a step to his game and perhaps a higher vertical leap that should improve his rebounding.

I pick BB as most improved player for the Celtic this year and could get the 6th man award from the NBA. 112288