The team plays without energy.
The team plays without cohesiveness.
the team often does not put in the effort on defense.
Why?
It appears that several of the younger players have become complacent. They read the clippings that they are favored to go to the finals. All they need to do is show up, right? The Celtics are supposed to win, right? Too many players feel that they are the stars of the show - when they step on the court.
Where is Stevens? The team remained intact, but the players attitude changed.
Tatum basking in the starlight of a tremendous rookie season, joined Club Wannabe Kobe - shoot first, no pass, and no defense.
Brown just looks lost most of the time. He has not shown any progression with his game this season, so far you can argue he shows regression.
Hayward is still figuring things out and should have been and should not be starting.
Smart tries, but still cannot hit a shot; and he has not recently shut down any of the hot guards. But then again he got his $$$ this off-season one cannot expect the same effort.
Rozier is playing for a contract and is losing money money every time he steps on the court.
The team lacks a hierarchy. There needs to be clear roles for everyone when they step onto the court. 5 players standing around the arc will not win games. You need pick setters, rebounders etc.
The Celtics are at the bottom of the league in FT attempts. They rarely drive to the hoop.
I lay the blame at Stevens feet. The preseason was lacking. The re-integration of Hayward has not worked out smoothly. The young players have regressed. Playing time to the younger players needs to be revisited - no intensity and production = no court time.
Starting 5: Baynes, Horford, Morris, Smart, Kyrie
Substitutions in the following order (@ 7 min) 1) Hayward for Smart 2) Theis for Baynes = Kyrie, Hayward, Morris, Horford, Theis.
Next Sub (@ 2 min)- Smart, Tatum and Brown for Kyrie, Morris and Horford = Smart, Hayward, Brown, Tatum, Theis
Next Sub- (Start 2nd) Baynes for Theis = Smart, Hayward, Brown, Tatum, Baynes
Next Sub, (8 min) Horford for Baynes, Morris for Tatum, Kyrie for Brown. = Kyrie, Smart, Hayward, Morris, Horford.
Next Sub, (5 min) Tatum and/or Brown for Hayward and/or Smart= Kyrie, Brown, Tatum, Morris, Horford