1986 Celtics - Poetry In Motion

[Ed Monix]

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Source: https://youtu.be/O4Td5QRfzj4

[Silas]

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Source: https://youtu.be/O4Td5QRfzj4

Thanks, good memories!

[Jvalin]

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Source: https://youtu.be/O4Td5QRfzj4

If you liked the video about the 1986 Celtics, I bet you'll like this one too.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T3y7cWmoBCI

[tenn_smoothie]

So for those around here who think I am too critical or negative regarding the current Celtic group, these '86 highlights are what I think of when I say playing quality basketball the right way as opposed to dumb basketball played the wrong way. Jaylen and Jason would be lost if they somehow were magically put on the floor with this '86 team.

Obviously, I understand these highlights are some of the best plays from the greatest team in NBA history.
My expectation is not that Jayson Tatum should start passing the ball like Bird overnight. I would simply like to see the current team approach the game with a similar mentality as the '86 guys - winning is all that matters, whoever is open automatically gets the ball and keep the ball moving. Currently, the ball stops in one guy's hands while the rest of the team watches much too often.

[Vermont Green]

There were several things about that team that resulted in all the good passing.  People tend to acknowledge the obvious, the pass itself.  It all started with Bird, his vision and passing were unbelievable, and Walton too, others as well.  But I don't think that is what made that team so good.  What was really exceptional about that team was the off ball movement, the cutting, off ball picks.  They didn't just stand around and watch the pick and role develop.  Everyone was on the move and with purpose.

GSW are actually the closest thing these days, all driven by Curry.  He is a great shooter, of course, maybe the best ever, but if you really watch him, he is like Gretzky.  As soon as he passes the ball, he is cutting or curling, moving, all the time.  A move ahead in his head.

That to me is where this Celtics team (and all teams) lags the old Celtics teams.  That off ball movement isn't there.  They don't have Larry Bird either, of course, but I don't really understand what happened to the purposeful, choreographed off ball movement.

[tazzmaniac]

There were several things about that team that resulted in all the good passing.  People tend to acknowledge the obvious, the pass itself.  It all started with Bird, his vision and passing were unbelievable, and Walton too, others as well.  But I don't think that is what made that team so good.  What was really exceptional about that team was the off ball movement, the cutting, off ball picks.  They didn't just stand around and watch the pick and role develop.  Everyone was on the move and with purpose.

GSW are actually the closest thing these days, all driven by Curry.  He is a great shooter, of course, maybe the best ever, but if you really watch him, he is like Gretzky.  As soon as he passes the ball, he is cutting or curling, moving, all the time.  A move ahead in his head.

That to me is where this Celtics team (and all teams) lags the old Celtics teams.  That off ball movement isn't there.  They don't have Larry Bird either, of course, but I don't really understand what happened to the purposeful, choreographed off ball movement.

Exactly.  Player movement is more important than ball movement.  You can pass the ball a lot and not have a good offense and each pass is a potential turnover.  Single pass to an open shooter, preferably at the basket, is the most efficient offense. 

[Sophomore]

There were several things about that team that resulted in all the good passing.  People tend to acknowledge the obvious, the pass itself.  It all started with Bird, his vision and passing were unbelievable, and Walton too, others as well.  But I don't think that is what made that team so good.  What was really exceptional about that team was the off ball movement, the cutting, off ball picks.  They didn't just stand around and watch the pick and role develop.  Everyone was on the move and with purpose.

GSW are actually the closest thing these days, all driven by Curry.  He is a great shooter, of course, maybe the best ever, but if you really watch him, he is like Gretzky.  As soon as he passes the ball, he is cutting or curling, moving, all the time.  A move ahead in his head.

That to me is where this Celtics team (and all teams) lags the old Celtics teams.  That off ball movement isn't there.  They don't have Larry Bird either, of course, but I don't really understand what happened to the purposeful, choreographed off ball movement.

Agreed. I actually a good amount of off-ball movement during our hot start, but it hasn’t been sustained. Takes a lot more work of course, and a real trust in your teammates.

[gouki88]

So for those around here who think I am too critical or negative regarding the current Celtic group, these '86 highlights are what I think of when I say playing quality basketball the right way as opposed to dumb basketball played the wrong way. Jaylen and Jason would be lost if they somehow were magically put on the floor with this '86 team.

Obviously, I understand these highlights are some of the best plays from the greatest team in NBA history.
My expectation is not that Jayson Tatum should start passing the ball like Bird overnight. I would simply like to see the current team approach the game with a similar mentality as the '86 guys - winning is all that matters, whoever is open automatically gets the ball and keep the ball moving. Currently, the ball stops in one guy's hands while the rest of the team watches much too often.

Maybe people think you're negative because your first instinct in this nostalgic thread is to have a crack at the current team