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If you could...
« on: January 28, 2009, 08:44:21 AM »

Offline Andy Jick

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...build a team around ONE player in Celtics' franchise history, whom would you choose to start with?

I'd pick Larry Bird...I always believed he made everyone else around him a better player.

In the late 80's I remember watching him play with guys like Darren Daye, Fred Roberts, Mark Acres, Sam Vincent, Conner Henry, etc. and they would still somehow win ballgames.  Anyone remember the double-overtime win against the Bullets when Larry hit that goofy looking turnaround runner to win the game (actually he did it twice due to some timing error)?  I believe he was on the floor with 4 clowns and still somehow pulled it out.

But I'd be interested to hear what you guys think...Would you pick Russell...Cousy...Havlicek...Pierce...McHale...?
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2009, 09:09:57 AM »

Offline Donoghus

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Solid question. 

I'd probably take Russell.  Start with big guy and work my way from there.  He immediately brings you a defensive stalwart.  Along with his rebounding dominance and ability to score, I think he's the ideal cornerstone for building a team.

Can't fault anyone for taking Bird, though.  I honestly don't think you could go wrong with either. 
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2009, 09:38:49 AM »

Offline Redz

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This is like asking me to choose between children...I guess I'd go with Larry just because I'm most familiar with him and trusted him completely.
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2009, 09:43:44 AM »

Offline Chief

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Larry is my man too.
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #4 on: January 28, 2009, 09:49:23 AM »

Offline dark_lord

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i say russell.  dominate the defensive end and boards (he could score as well).  build around the big man
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #5 on: January 28, 2009, 09:53:54 AM »

Offline JSD

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How about you take away Russell and Bird?

otherwise this thread will just go back and forth forever... ;)
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #6 on: January 28, 2009, 09:54:45 AM »

Offline cordobes

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Big man for me as well. Bird second, but after him I'd go McHale, Garnett, then I'd probably go Cowens, Maxwell, Walton & Co. before Hondo and Pierce.
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2009, 10:35:01 AM »

Offline Andy Jick

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Quote from: Jsaad on January 28, 2009, 09:53:54 AM
How about you take away Russell and Bird?

otherwise this thread will just go back and forth forever... ;)

TP...an even better question!  and you're right, a more difficult one to answer.
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #8 on: January 28, 2009, 10:51:19 AM »

Offline action781

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I'd also go with Garnett (after Russell then Bird). His stats aren't as magnificent now, but wasn't he averaging like 25 and 14 a few years ago while also dominating on defense?  He was unreal in his MVP season until he lost to the super lakers.
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #9 on: January 28, 2009, 11:16:12 AM »

Offline Roy Hobbs

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Larry, if for no other reason than I'm more positive that he could dominate at a physical level.  Russell was about the same height as Larry (maybe even a bit shorter); would he be able to dominate as much against today's centers and power forwards?  It's hard to say definitively.  I know, however, that Larry would be the same guy today as he was in 1986. 
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #10 on: January 28, 2009, 11:51:58 AM »

Offline fairweatherfan

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Quote from: Jsaad on January 28, 2009, 09:53:54 AM
How about you take away Russell and Bird?

otherwise this thread will just go back and forth forever... ;)

Excepting Russell and Bird, I'd have to go with Cousy, assuming he had grown up in the modern game.  As much as he was head and shoulders above everyone in his day, he'd be able to do some remarkable stuff if he'd grown up watching Magic, Isiah, Payton, and Stockton.  Obviously his athleticism wouldn't be top notch, but I picture him today as being like a better Steve Nash.  A great PG would make everyone around him better.  Havlicek would probably be a close 2nd with KG in 3rd.
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #11 on: January 28, 2009, 12:24:24 PM »

Offline Hoyo de Monterrey

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Quote from: Jsaad on January 28, 2009, 09:53:54 AM
How about you take away Russell and Bird?

otherwise this thread will just go back and forth forever... ;)

Taking away those two, it's a tougher call. It comes down to three in my mind:

Bob Cousy would have been a great choice. A point guard that controls every game he played, running a transition offense to perfection.

Dave Cowens is a name that no one has brought up yet. An outstanding hustle big man who outworked Reed, Kareem, and the like and could pass well. Going by the successful Patriot standard of versatility as well, Cowens could play the 3, 4 or at times the 5 to go small and run the floor with his passing skill (mostly the three and four in the modern game, as 6'8, 230 wouldn't do much against a 7'1 320 lb Shaq).  Cowens is worth consideration.

However, without Russell and Bird, the answer for me is KG. Anyone that can inspire that defensive commitment in an entire team is the guy I want to build my team around. Match him up with a bruiser in the post (like Perk), and a point guard that can create for the team and KG will get his shots. KG makes everyone around him better defensively, because he frankly won't allow anything less in practice. He's one of the best peer motivators in Celtics history by all accounts, and the guy I'd build with if Russell and Bird were not available.
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #12 on: January 28, 2009, 12:33:14 PM »

Offline Roy Hobbs

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If neither Russell or Bird, it comes down to McHale or Havlicek.  Probably McHale -- the guy could have averaged 25+ points per game if he was the primary option, and he was one of the best defensive power forwards of all time.

No disrespect to Hondo, though.  He was also an elite scorer who could defend.  Generally, though, I'd go big over small.
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #13 on: January 28, 2009, 12:41:14 PM »

Offline housecall

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You need the ball(rebounds)first to be able to score,so i would start with the Big man(Russell).But if there wasn't Russell involved or Bird,McHale is my next pick.He is what,6'10"with probably a 7'4"wingspan.
« Last Edit: January 28, 2009, 12:51:28 PM by housecall »
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Re: If you could...
« Reply #14 on: January 28, 2009, 09:27:16 PM »

Offline cornbreadsmart

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how awesome would it be to see bird go up against some of today's guys? i'd love to see bird REDBOUND vs. today's players. the dude was just sooo relentless getting position.
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