Just listened to a radio interview with longtime Boston basketball fan and columnist Bob Ryan. He says what I have been saying for the last few days. Pretty much he is saying that the Celts are not the best team in the East now and it isnt even close. Although the top 3 may be the best trio in the NBA, players 4-x on the roster is the worst bunch of players in the NBA. And it is not even close. For anyone who is thinking that the Celts now have a great chance to win the title, or even the East, you guys are way off. Maybe in a few years after they add a few more guys. But right now, no shot.
they may or may not be (they probably aren't b/c, as you say, 4-12 absolutely blow), but the season hasn't started yet and they can still sign a key FA or two to fill some holes. Additionally, LeBron took 11 scrubs to the finals last season, there is absolutely no reason these 3 can't get there. However, Wade will be back, the Bulls will be a year older and better, Cavs can only get better.
Even though I disagree with you on whether it was a good trade or not, you don't need that slap to justify what you are saying. You know a hell of a lot more about the NBA than he ever dreamed of knowing. It all comes down to if you went the Allen direction, which could be argued as stupid, then might as well go all in. Will depend on this teams commitment to defense. If they can learn to play Cav like defense, which I highly doubt, you never know. Way better offense than Cleveland. I don't think they will get it done either, but at least they will be watchable.
I think you're both wrong (SB and Bob Ryan), with these three guys I think they have a good chance to win the east. Everyone is worried their won't be enough shots for these guys, but at this point in their careers they want to win, and Garnett is already considered one of the most unselfish superstars to ever play. The real question is whether Rivers can get them to play some defense. Not a Celtic fan, but I'd be excited if I were.
this is a good post. cleveland really didnt make it to the finals because lebron was totally dominant offensively throughout the playoffs. they made it to the finals because their defense, in addition to have one of the budding stars, was outstanding. im not a huge mike brown fan (as i think the cavs need to improve offensively if they want to take the next step and truly be a championship team) but there is no denying how he had them totally buying into his defensively philosophy and playing outstanding ball on that end of the floor in may and june. im not sure if boston has anyone willing to make that commitment. actually, im pretty sure they dont. garnett is good, but pierce and allen play the matador D. im not trying to make a direct comparison, but theres a reason milwaukee's 'big 3' didnt win anything when they had some good offensive players when glenn robinson was in his prime. defensive does win in the nba in june.
Why are you so adamant about this spread? Thank God? This is at least the second thread you've started to talk about why you think it's a bad trade for the Celtics, even though there was at least one thread about it that's been going since the beginning. In your last thread, you said you'd wait and see how they filled out, but now you've chosen not to do so with your claim that they have no shot at the East. I respect your opinion and all, but besides the fact that many other NBA analysists disagree with your assessment, the Celtics have now become a team of interest for many veterans who want to play with stars like Garnett, Pierce, and Allen. They added House today and have received interest from many others that actually want to come here now. Isn't that worth anything to you?
There isnt another threesome I would rather have in the East. That is not the point. You dont win anything with three stars and then crap. It is one thing if you have three superstars and some nice veteran role players. But that is not what the Celts have. Look at their roster. After the big 3, they have shit. Perkins as your starting center. That is laughable. Rondo is nice, but not a championship caliber starting point guard. After that, they have Scalabrine, Leon Powe, Bib Baby Davis, Eddie House, Tony Allen. By far the worst #4-12 players on any roster in the NBA. And it is not even close.
Look at the three that the Suns have in Nash, Amare, and Marion. That is a pretty awesome three. What have they won? Nothing. And they have much better guys rounding out that roster.
As for the Heat, what is your hard on for them all about? For the last time, Smush Parker IS an upgrade over Payton. I dont care much for his game either, but he is an upgrade over what they had last year.
Bottom line: they are now a playoff team with little doubt (remember they are in the East, not the West), the way Rondo, Davis and Pruett develop will be the key as to how high a seed they are, I doubt they go higher than 3 and as low as 7 worst case. Also have mixed emot. on trade, hate to see Ryan Gomes go. He would have been a perfect, subdued complimentary player to the stars. He's smart and makes few mistakes - he's just not a highlight reel type of player but steady and useful.
T-wolves made out great, lets face it if Garnett fatigue was not a problem there already it would have been for sure this season. It's the right time for him to go.
I see where someone noted they got House .. okay, he has been with a few teams if it's the guy I'm thinking of... but what the hell is a Jackie Manuel????
T-wolves made out great, lets face it if Garnett fatigue was not a problem there already it would have been for sure this season. It's the right time for him to go.
I see where someone noted they got House .. okay, he has been with a few teams if it's the guy I'm thinking of... but what the hell is a Jackie Manuel????
