Strange how letting a player acclimatise to NBA basketball after he comes back from a chronic injury that he's learning how to manage would result in him having an uptick in form after a couple of months
I would still consider trading him, while his value is high. But nothing likely happens until the offseason
He still can't play b2b
Can't be comfortable with that Knee
He is playing better. But also smarter. He has adjusted
You don't see him jerk his knee (dribble and sudden stop). You don't see him try difficult/body twisting layups
He has adjusted his jump shot.
Good for him
A few things here....
A week or two ago we had to offload Kemba because he had no value. Now we have to trade him while his value is high? So if he has another good week or so he might be untracdeable because he is too good, right?
Kemba actually can play back to backs. They have decided not to let him so he is fresh for the playoffs. It's the same with Timelord. He CAN play 30 minutes a game, the team isn't doing it to keep him fresh for the playoffs.
What's to be uncomfortable with about Kemba's knee? Should the team be uncomfortable with Timelord's hip, with Jaylen's knee, with Smart's calf, with Tatum's Covid? Should that make Danny want to trade all them too?
He is playing better and adjusting to his role very well. Given his history, was there any doubt he wouldn't? If Kemba is anything it's a team first guy that will give you everything and consistently be excellent.
He is still driving stopping and popping. He did on several occasions last game. And his shot is the same, nothing changed. He simply has his NBA midseason legs under him now which fixed what was happening with his shot.
Kemba has arthritis. It not like he needs an immediate knee replacement or some massively invasive surgery that is going to render him a ghost of his former self. The list of all-time greats that played like all-time greats for years with arthritis is very long.
I have almost no worry that Kemba isn't going to be anything other than the player he has been for the last 5-6 years through the end of his contract. And that guy, IMO, is a great complimentary player to have play with the Jays. When all three get in a groove, this team gets very difficult to beat.
This opinion might not be popular given the general angst on the board over the start of the season, but I still think if this team can get 100% healthy and Ainge can turn the TPE into a Harrison Barnes type player, they have as good a chance of getting to the Finals as any other team in the East. Rest assured if this team gets healthy and hot, there won't be a team in the East that will want to draw Boston in those first two playoff rounds.