My... "Nine games into the Season/Way Too Early to Critique the C's But Why the Hell Not" posting:
I get what the Brad is trying to accomplish.... work Hayward back into physical shape/mental shape.... yada yada.
At the same time, the Brad is attempting to maintain some of Haywards alpha dog status by demonstrating that Hayward retains the franchise's support /commitment by giving him his starting spot and minutes that he does not deserve right now. Physically, the guy cannot compete as a starter and his presence on the floor hurts the C's. Mentally.....Hayward still sees the game but his body is not ready. No hops, not lateral....tough to watch.
It will be a delicate balancing act as the season goes forward.....minutes vs wins. Right now, Gordon is a huge liability.
Next topic......the Celtics enhanced three point reliance this season.
Mathematically I get it. My issue is: why not actually bring in a sniper if the plan is to fire threes at a record pace. This team has so much depth plus draft pick assets to secure a bonafide shooter....yet we see a back up centers launching, the worst shooter in the NBA launching, the guy who mops up floor sweat launching. I'm hoping Trader Danny can find a veteran sniper at some point this season.
Next....No question in my mind the C's have a below average inside game. Max-Contract Al isn't an inside guy. Hayward has no legs. Tatum doesn't have the bod and has trouble avoiding the charge. Brown gets stuffed at the rim like no other. The Aussie tries....but now Brad wants him 23 feet out at times. Can teams that lose the inside game win today? Maybe?
Defense: no question this team gives full effort defensively and even Kyrie is showing defensive effort out there which is a huge plus. I'm still trying to work out all the calculations on why the C's keep scores low. On one hand, the Celtics are closer to their own basket because of all the 3's attempted....so less chance to get outnumbered. The C's certainly don't crash the offensive boards...meaning the C's are already retreating when their shot is in the air. On the other hand, without a offensive rebounding presence to challenge them, opponents get extra possessions. Defense instead of rebounds is a conscious coach's decision.....
...or....are the C's just a terrible rebounding team and Brad simply compensates for his team's deficiencies? I vote this.
Has Brad embraced the "we are what we are" and the "we'll do what we do best" ?
Launch 3's and play defense?
It works in Golden State ....with less an emphasis on defense. But GS has some of the best shooters in the History of the NBA plus an unstoppable offensive big guy. Boston has Big Game Marcus Smart and the New Aussie Cannon.
My 9 game MVP: Morris. The man is on fire and the C's most consistent offensive player.
Lost in the shuffle: Brown....not enough minutes, no defined role offensively.
Trying to claim an Alpha role: Tatum. The guy wants to be the Man on this team but his shooting is holding him back. I am not convinced he ever will be. His body lacks the athleticism of the greats.
My wish.......More minutes for Semi. NBA body, sweet long-distance stroke, huge upside IMO but not enough minutes to develop this guy, especially with Hayward using starting minutes for on-court rehab.
Who's expendable: I vote Brown. If Hayward improves physically and Semi earns more trust, I could see Brown getting packaged mid season. Young asset with true NBA value. But only if Hayward returns to near normal
Questions:
How long will Hayward retain his starting slot? At some point it has to be earned.
Will Ainge use the team's excessive depth and assets as trading chips...or is he happy to be the league's deepest team despite the obvious holes....shooting, rebounding, inside game?
And what's with the terrible shooting to open games....two years running?
Vent over
6-3......but I would prefer perfection
