Celtics Better Then Last Year

[scout]

The Celtics have the same record as last year at this time, tho, point differential was higher last year. I contend that they are a better team this year. The biggest reason is Rhondo, who in his third year is still improving and can flat out take over a game with his quickness and can reek havoc with his defense. He still can have off nights, but those are becoming less frequent. The test will come in this year's playoffs at an away game, an opponent leaves him alone by doubling down on one of the big three and he burns them over and over. When this happens, get ready to hoist another banner.
While it was a huge loss when Posey signed elsewhere, Tony Allen has mentally gotten over his surgery. He's not the same type of player as Posey, but has the ability to shut down a legitimate scorer while not being a handicap on offense. Powe and Big Baby have another year of maturity and will take up the minutes left by the other two big men.
Of course, the media will be drooling over the f'n Lakers with one loss and how they are a changed team (not soft), whatever. If the Lakers even make it to the finals the Celtics (who will be there) will blow them away.
Oh yea, the big three haven't lost a step.

 

[JoeSixPat]

The Celtics have the same record as last year at this time, tho, point differential was higher last year. I contend that they are a better team this year. The biggest reason is Rhondo, who in his third year is still improving and can flat out take over a game with his quickness and can reek havoc with his defense. He still can have off nights, but those are becoming less frequent. The test will come in this year's playoffs at an away game, an opponent leaves him alone by doubling down on one of the big three and he burns them over and over. When this happens, get ready to hoist another banner.
While it was a huge loss when Posey signed elsewhere, Tony Allen has mentally gotten over his surgery. He's not the same type of player as Posey, but has the ability to shut down a legitimate scorer while not being a handicap on offense. Powe and Big Baby have another year of maturity and will take up the minutes left by the other two big men.
Of course, the media will be drooling over the f'n Lakers with one loss and how they are a changed team (not soft), whatever. If the Lakers even make it to the finals the Celtics (who will be there) will blow them away.
Oh yea, the big three haven't lost a step.

Rondo's the biggest reason - the PG is always critical. And yes, the younger guys have matured, improved and learned a lot from the Big Three.

But I don't discount the Big Three themselves. Last season was an amazing feat, playing together for the first time like that, putting egos aside - learning how to play off each other.

This season they're much more in tune with each other, the pressure to win a Ring is off their shoulders yet they clearly want another just as bad, and Ray Allen is healthier too.

Health will be the key - it always is. While I don't think anyone would have beat them last year, the lack of health on other teams was a benefit - and if they can stay healthy this year they have a better shot to win it all than they did last year for all the reasons you stated above.

 

[JAYHAWKS34]

The Celtics have the same record as last year at this time, tho, point differential was higher last year. I contend that they are a better team this year. The biggest reason is Rhondo, who in his third year is still improving and can flat out take over a game with his quickness and can reek havoc with his defense. He still can have off nights, but those are becoming less frequent. The test will come in this year's playoffs at an away game, an opponent leaves him alone by doubling down on one of the big three and he burns them over and over. When this happens, get ready to hoist another banner.
While it was a huge loss when Posey signed elsewhere, Tony Allen has mentally gotten over his surgery. He's not the same type of player as Posey, but has the ability to shut down a legitimate scorer while not being a handicap on offense. Powe and Big Baby have another year of maturity and will take up the minutes left by the other two big men.
Of course, the media will be drooling over the f'n Lakers with one loss and how they are a changed team (not soft), whatever. If the Lakers even make it to the finals the Celtics (who will be there) will blow them away.
Oh yea, the big three haven't lost a step.

They also had a year together to figure each other out. They seem to know each others tendencies now which allow them to gel. At the beginning of the year we were coming out to slow starts in games now are biggest problem is that the bench lets the opposing team get back in the game when we should have it secured. This is a minor flaw which we will be able to overcome by playing Powe a lot more strictly with the second unit.

It would be great to see another Celtics, Lakers final.

 

[scout]

They also had a year together to figure each other out. They seem to know each others tendencies now which allow them to gel. At the beginning of the year we were coming out to slow starts in games now are biggest problem is that the bench lets the opposing team get back in the game when we should have it secured. This is a minor flaw which we will be able to overcome by playing Powe a lot more strictly with the second unit.

It would be great to see another Celtics, Lakers final.

Read a recent article which discussed that the Celtics were in the Lakers heads big time. Makes this game Celts/Lakers game critical in that if the Celts control them, the Lakers will be dropped down the ladder a few more rungs.
I'd be remiss to add, for all those Laker fans on this board, F' the Lakers.

 

[JAYHAWKS34]

Read a recent article which discussed that the Celtics were in the Lakers heads big time. Makes this game Celts/Lakers game critical in that if the Celts control them, the Lakers will be dropped down the ladder a few more rungs.
I'd be remiss to add, for all those Laker fans on this board, F' the Lakers.

I second that phrase, I loathe the Lakers which is a whole other issue that I could go off on for days, I’ll spare you the aggravation.

I would love to blow them out of the water on Christmas, that would send a huge statement throughout the NBA. If we could keep the streak alive until then the media would eat up that game even more.

 

[ausbacker]

RayRay's ankles are better this year alike. His shooting is simply gorgeous once more.

 

[Connecticut]

I hate the Lakers with a passion. That whooping the Celts gave them was oh so sweet. I'm ready for another one.

 

[scout]

I second that phrase, I loathe the Lakers which is a whole other issue that I could go off on for days, I’ll spare you the aggravation.

I would love to blow them out of the water on Christmas, that would send a huge statement throughout the NBA. If we could keep the streak alive until then the media would eat up that game even more.

My sentiments exactly. One reason why I always mention my disgust for them is there is a few lurkers here who drool over them.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

how many more years left do you think the bid 3 have to play at top level?

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

I've always felt that when you step on the field/court there are different levels of expectations.
1) The team that hopes to win but knows they have little to no shot
e.g. Detroit Lions or the 15-67 Celtics
2) The team that might win if things go right but they don't expect to win.
e.g. 49ers...
3)The team that hopes to win and knows that they have a chance but knows that they won't win it all.
e.g. the walker/Pierce Celtics that went 44-38
4) The team that expects to win and knows that they should and could win it all.
e.g. Mavericks of the last few years
5) The team that not only expects to win all the time but is severely pi**ed off if they lose.
e.g. 2007 Patriots and 08-09 Celtics.
Last year the Celtics moved into the #4 category expecting to win. Now, they are a #5 and that rarefied air occupied by only a few teams.

 

[scout]

I've always felt that when you step on the field/court there are different levels of expectations.
1) The team that hopes to win but knows they have little to no shot
e.g. Detroit Lions or the 15-67 Celtics
2) The team that might win if things go right but they don't expect to win.
e.g. 49ers...
3)The team that hopes to win and knows that they have a chance but knows that they won't win it all.
e.g. the walker/Pierce Celtics that went 44-38
4) The team that expects to win and knows that they should and could win it all.
e.g. Mavericks of the last few years
5) The team that not only expects to win all the time but is severely pi**ed off if they lose.
e.g. 2007 Patriots and 08-09 Celtics.
Last year the Celtics moved into the #4 category expecting to win. Now, they are a #5 and that rarefied air occupied by only a few teams.

At #5, I would substitute the Celtic squad from a previous year. The 85-86 team which lost one home game in two years, and that was a squeaker that went into OT.
This year, depending on the number of losses and if/when the banner is lifted, will determine how they stack up against the all-time best Celtic teams. This year, the Celtics have brought back that old saying, 'the best starting five' in basketball (hands down). Do we start to compare lineups to 'The best starting five'?
In 'team' references, that 85-86 team had a healthy Walton coming off the bench while this Celtic team has three contributors coming in with Powe probably the better of all of them, tho House can really nail that three.
Does anyone else think Tony Allen is one dumb player. Take away his flashy dunks and your left with some really stupid fouls. I had hope for this guy, but now my hope is they find a substitute for him.

Note: when I mention 'best starting five', I use that term in reference to the 85-86 team in which the term was used and does not imply that they were the best starting five of all the best Celtic teams.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

At #5, I would substitute the Celtic squad from a previous year. The 85-86 team which lost one home game in two years, and that was a squeaker that went into OT.
This year, depending on the number of losses and if/when the banner is lifted, will determine how they stack up against the all-time best Celtic teams. This year, the Celtics have brought back that old saying, 'the best starting five' in basketball (hands down). Do we start to compare lineups to 'The best starting five'?
In 'team' references, that 85-86 team had a healthy Walton coming off the bench while this Celtic team has three contributors coming in with Powe probably the better of all of them, tho House can really nail that three.
Does anyone else think Tony Allen is one dumb player. Take away his flashy dunks and your left with some really stupid fouls. I had hope for this guy, but now my hope is they find a substitute for him.

Note: when I mention 'best starting five', I use that term in reference to the 85-86 team in which the term was used and does not imply that they were the best starting five of all the best Celtic teams.

why do you think Tony Allen is a dumb player?

 

[Real World]

The Celtics weakness is their second unit. The bench has players that can contribute minutes, and good ones, but only when they are on the floor with a couple of the starters still in the game. However, when the C's go to their second unit, which is usually during the transitional minutes between the first two, and last two periods, they struggle. Watch and see how the Celtics blow leads during that span. Come playoff time, that deficiency will be magnified. It was a problem during the playoffs last year a little bit, and the C's had Posey, who could at least hit a 3 pointer or two, to help bridge the gap. The Celtics could use two players before the playoffs start. They need a quality big man, who can fill the role PJ Brown filled last season. Powe is too small, and Baby is just not that player right now. They need a length guy like Brown was, who can anchor the middle for a few minutes, and not be a liability on the offensive end (Brown hit some key shots, put backs, and his free throws). Second, they need someone who can create some individual offense, as a reserve. The Celtics really don't have a 6th man, scorer type. I think this is part of why Starbury is attractive to Danny Ainge. Starbury can break the press (House really can't as we saw last year), and can additionally create his own shot, or shots for the less able second unit players. The second unit has to be able to hold it's own on the floor, and so far this season, I see them as a liability when it matters, and that's in the playoffs. It'll be interesting to see who the buyouts are, when the trade deadline approaches.

Possibilities?

ESPN

4. P.J. Brown
It wasn't until the All-Star break last season in New Orleans that Garnett and Paul Pierce talked Brown into joining the Celtics, and Boston coach Doc Rivers is keeping his fingers crossed that Brown will get the itch sometime in late winter to go for a repeat title with the Celtics.

"I think it's 50-50, although I really have no basis for saying that," Rivers told ESPN.com. "What we really need is for the All-Star Game to be back in New Orleans so we can bring our staff to his house."

Other players who could be available as free agents when the time comes:

Alonzo Mourning
Bonzi Wells
Robert Horry
Jamaal Tinsley
Antione Walker
Raef LaFrentz
Bobby Jackson
Chris Wilcox

 

[Wildo7]

Picking up Robert Horry for a playoff run wuld be pretty sweet.

 

[scout]

why do you think Tony Allen is a dumb player?

Maybe I've just tuned it at all the wrong times (I don't get to see Celtic games nightly), but he seems to commit really stupid fouls. This from a player who is supposed to be a really good defensive player. Thus, commit stupid fouls = dumb player.

 

[captain insano]

i dont see how the Celtics can be better than last year when they dont have posey or pj brown.

 

[richpats]

Doubtful- they can't even beat the Lakers

Time to do shots with Kobe!

 

[scout]

i dont see how the Celtics can be better than last year when they dont have posey or pj brown.

Is this posted because of the Laker's loss? They just reeled off 19 straight wins and the best starting record in the history of the NBA. Rhondo didn't play great yesterday, but has improved greatly over last year, when he was a pretty good point guard. They are better then last year because of his improvement which is a plus over the loss of two good subs.
They still need to pick up a big man, which should be enough to hoist another banner.

 

[captain insano]

Is this posted because of the Laker's loss? They just reeled off 19 straight wins and the best starting record in the history of the NBA. Rhondo didn't play great yesterday, but has improved greatly over last year, when he was a pretty good point guard. They are better then last year because of his improvement which is a plus over the loss of two good subs.
They still need to pick up a big man, which should be enough to hoist another banner.

i posted it because i dont think you can lose a player as good as posey and be a better team. go watch a new Orleans hornets game and see the contributions james posey makes then come talk to me. its not about his stats either. he plays excellent defense and provides clutch shooting. he can also play both guard and forward positions and gave the Celtics flexibility. the bench just isn't as good as last years team. pj brown also played a big role coming off the bench. can they still win a championship? yes they can. but the question was are they as good as last year. in my opinion the answer is no.

 

[captain insano]

Doubtful- they can't even beat the Lakers

Time to do shots with Kobe!

thats funny. did you see the finals last year? lol