Everyone needs to chill out

[Arok325]

Seriously.

Celtics are going to be fine as long as people temper their expectations a bit this season. People around Boston get so down after any signs of negative play. This is the preseason people it is meaningless by definition. I think the reason people are so critical is that people expect a championship this year. Well, here's the reality check: we're not a championship caliber team this year. I'm afraid people are going to have to accept that fact.

The Celtics as a team simply to do not match up favorably against the Heat and Bulls. Those teams are clear cut better than us on most every level. The Heat have two players better than anyone else on our roster and a third who would probably be the second best player on our team. Their defense is staggering and is only outdone by their athleticism. They steamrolled us (glossing over the fact that Rondo had one arm) in the playoffs last year and I think they have a superior team to us. Ditto for the Bulls who have the reigning MVP and a deep, defense oriented roster. They also would have killed us in the playoffs last year and I think that's not an exaggeration.

Sorry people that's just the size of it. Here's the bright news. We're in a decent position to watch some enjoyable basketball this season. I think people who expect a championship will be disappointed while those who lower their expectations can only be pleasantly surprised. We're a lock for the playoffs and barring any unforseen injuries could even make a run at the title if things fall  into place at the right time.

Also, can people please lay off Avery Bradley for a bit? Guy went from D-League to a rotation player now. Kid's still young. I'm tired of people being such downers on the guy. He's a good defender with excellent athleticism. He's likely to get some burn this year at the backup 2 along with ET Moore. Guy offers some potential but again people need to stop expecting him to come in and reinvent the game.

Happy holidays everyone

[huzy]

TP. Cautious optimism is the name of the game this year.

[clover]

I like a little passion on my Celtics board. 

Speculation, projection and possibility--good and bad--is the name of the game.

[Surferdad]

Sorry OP but I disagree with your post in a number of ways.

1) "Everyone" doesn't include me or many other posters here.  Be careful of superatives.

2) Saying not winning a championship this year is a "fact" is not correct (and that IS a fact).  They play the games to determine that.  Heat or Bulls could suffer an injury or any number of other thnigs could happen.

3) Heat have "staggering" defense?  Really?  Maybe the Bulls but not the Heat.

4) NO WAY Chris Bosh would be our 2nd best player.  I admit I'm not a huge Bosh fan, but he would be 5th best on our team (taking JO's spot).

[MF Doom]

so we are relying on derek rose, wade, or lebron to get injured...nice

[BigGovy]

I second the emotion of everyone needing to chill out. A couple of things that also play into our favor. I am going to love to watch savvy vets like we have with a chip ( A BIG CHIP0 on their shoulders as they are being counted out by their own fan base. Also in a shortened season whoever is primed and ready from game 62-82 will win this thing ..Not like in the past after a grueling season who still has it together from game 83-100. I ma not saying we will win a title but with everything the way it is I also wouldn't exclude anyone. A lesser team could even get hot early or late and bump a serious contender out of a playoff berth. We got BBAll folks lets enjoy it. Go Celtics

[BballTim]

The Celtics as a team simply to do not match up favorably against the Heat and Bulls. Those teams are clear cut better than us on most every level. The Heat have two players better than anyone else on our roster and a third who would probably be the second best player on our team. Their defense is staggering and is only outdone by their athleticism. They steamrolled us (glossing over the fact that Rondo had one arm) in the playoffs last year and I think they have a superior team to us. Ditto for the Bulls who have the reigning MVP and a deep, defense oriented roster. They also would have killed us in the playoffs last year and I think that's not an exaggeration.

  When Rondo's injured and our starting center is playing through a broken bone in his hand from the previous playoff series then we don't match up favorably with those teams. Otherwise it's pretty close either way. Chicago, for all the people enthralled with them, didn't do much more against the Heat than we did. Oh, and we have a better defense than the staggering one Miami has. They were 6th in the league, we were tied for first.

[Surferdad]

The Celtics as a team simply to do not match up favorably against the Heat and Bulls. Those teams are clear cut better than us on most every level. The Heat have two players better than anyone else on our roster and a third who would probably be the second best player on our team. Their defense is staggering and is only outdone by their athleticism. They steamrolled us (glossing over the fact that Rondo had one arm) in the playoffs last year and I think they have a superior team to us. Ditto for the Bulls who have the reigning MVP and a deep, defense oriented roster. They also would have killed us in the playoffs last year and I think that's not an exaggeration.

  When Rondo's injured and our starting center is playing through a broken bone in his hand from the previous playoff series then we don't match up favorably with those teams. Otherwise it's pretty close either way. Chicago, for all the people enthralled with them, didn't do much more against the Heat than we did. Oh, and we have a better defense than the staggering one Miami has. They were 6th in the league, we were tied for first.

TP for you.

[Celtics18]

Seriously.

Celtics are going to be fine as long as people temper their expectations a bit this season. People around Boston get so down after any signs of negative play. This is the preseason people it is meaningless by definition. I think the reason people are so critical is that people expect a championship this year. Well, here's the reality check: we're not a championship caliber team this year. I'm afraid people are going to have to accept that fact.

The Celtics as a team simply to do not match up favorably against the Heat and Bulls. Those teams are clear cut better than us on most every level. The Heat have two players better than anyone else on our roster and a third who would probably be the second best player on our team. Their defense is staggering and is only outdone by their athleticism. They steamrolled us (glossing over the fact that Rondo had one arm) in the playoffs last year and I think they have a superior team to us. Ditto for the Bulls who have the reigning MVP and a deep, defense oriented roster. They also would have killed us in the playoffs last year and I think that's not an exaggeration.

Sorry people that's just the size of it. Here's the bright news. We're in a decent position to watch some enjoyable basketball this season. I think people who expect a championship will be disappointed while those who lower their expectations can only be pleasantly surprised. We're a lock for the playoffs and barring any unforseen injuries could even make a run at the title if things fall  into place at the right time.

Also, can people please lay off Avery Bradley for a bit? Guy went from D-League to a rotation player now. Kid's still young. I'm tired of people being such downers on the guy. He's a good defender with excellent athleticism. He's likely to get some burn this year at the backup 2 along with ET Moore. Guy offers some potential but again people need to stop expecting him to come in and reinvent the game.

Happy holidays everyone

Happy Holidays to you,

I'm just speaking for myself here.  I'm feelin' pretty chill, but I expect this team to at least have a chance at competing for a title this year.  I understand that we are not the front runner and that it will take an exceptional run, but I think we have the talent, the experience, and the smartest team in basketball. 

I understand the fan philosophy of lowering expectations to guard against disappointment.  By all means go with that strategy, but I'd prefer not to constantly be told that it's a "fact" that this team has no shot at a title. 

I really haven't read or heard any objective facts to back that theory up.  Mostly what I hear are things like "everyone can see it" and "Miami and Chicago are just soooo awesome!!"

I plan to enjoy this season either way.  I think this is going to be one of the most fun teams to root for in years. 

I see a hunger in this team already from 1 through 15 that I haven't seen in a while.  Hopefully, we have the talent to back it up.

Go Cs!!!

[hwangjini_1]

so we are relying on derek rose, wade, or lebron to get injured...nice

is that so much to ask for at christmas?