BradyManny

Thanks to messing up the timer on my DVR, I've only seen one half of Celtic basketball so far in this preseason. That's fine, it was enough to make a relatively easy conclusion: The Celtics defense is going to be far superior than it has the last few years.

The reason is simple - we swapped an inexperienced and inadequate defender (Jefferson) for a guy who can cover a ton of ground (KG). Already, the team defense looked remarkably better, particularly inside.

The past few years, some folks say Pierce's defense has declined. Not so. This team defense by design calls for the perimeter guys to get help from the interior guys. When this team had players like Jefferson (who one day very well may be a good defender, but isn't now) on the inside and Wally S on the outside, other players defense seemed to suffer when in actuality, had not declined at all.

Already I've noticed that Pierce and Allen are reaping the benefits of playing alongside KG. Help is always there, the team defense is working just as it is intended. This team D could wreak havoc for other teams whereas in years past, it simply allowed the other team to create mismatches and take advantage of our inexperienced defenders.

scout

Perkins is going to benefit the most. Garnett is such a force to reckon with, his play on defense is extraordinary. Perkins is going to have a great year if he can stay healthy.

BradyManny

I agree completely - both ends of the court. Big Al was not a good defender down low. I think with KG down there with Perk, we won't see Perk in foul trouble nearly as much.