POLL: The Blame Game:Who is MOST to blame: I pick Garnett/Pierce

[csfansince60s]

It is inconceivable to me that a team can disintegrate from what it was last year to what it is this year, especially since it has a better bench, and have the primary culprit be the aging of our core.

While it can be argued the team's impotence, apathy and general malaise can be attributed to a confluence of many of the choices in the poll, I believe that what set the tone for the season and has led to a domino effect in many ways is the fact that both Pierce and Garnett, hardliners for the players' union, believed/wanted there to be no season.

Believing/wanting there to be no season, neither Pierce nor Garnett prepared for it either mentally or physically. These guys are the two highest paid players and supposedly the spiritual/emotional leaders of this team.

Age? Ray came in in shape. Same for Rondo, Bass and just about everyone else. Even JO talked about intensely rigorous rehabbing and workouts?.

Before the season started, Doc talked about Garnett's minutes being 5 in 5 out. That was not just to manage Garnett's minutes as a strategy, but rather a compensation for Garnett being in terrible shape. He also talked about him playing center more. Again, not just a strategy dictated by personnel issues but also knowing that as a 5, Garnett would be less likely to be run into the ground as 4s are generally more mobile north to south than 5s.

Pierce not being ready for the season has showed itself in many ways. Inconsistency in both production and effort, injuries and attitude.

Again, while many factors have contributed to this terrible dropoff, and age is an easy scapegoat, I lay much of the blame at the feet of the Captain and Garnett. Both have made their money, and I don't think that either wanted to play this year. I guess that they are kinda getting their wish.

[jbaerg]

I don't care whose fault it is. Just make some moves, start the rebuild.

[csfansince60s]

I don't care whose fault it is. Just make some moves, start the rebuild.

I agree on starting the rebuild,and I would do it by trading Pierce and perhaps Rondo if the right opportunities arrive.

We won't get much for Ray or Garnett. Let them expire and sign Ray for next year. He and his family are pretty rooted here now, especially with their heavy connections to the Josselin clinic for the diabetic condition of their child. He came in shape and always seems to give his all and always be able to shoot.

Let Garnett retire. He wasn't into playing this season. Why would he be into playing next.

[Marcus13]

Danny Ainge, I guess.  He put a team together this year that had no real chance to compete for a title.  With that said, I'm not mad at him either.  We sacrificed this season to make one last run at it last year

If I had to pick a player, it'd be KG though.  He's had the most significant drop-off and the interior defense/rebounding is nothing short of awful

[tenn_smoothie]

Danny is the one who has undermined his team's attitude and chemistry.

he traded our starting center for a heart patient and a stiff who who now plays in the Siberian League - these Celtics have been a different team since that day.

it also doesn't help to publicly shop your own players (who have given heart and soul) around the league and to openly criticize and discuss team issues every other week on WEEI.

[Roy H.]

If I had to pick a player, it'd be KG though.  He's had the most significant drop-off and the interior defense/rebounding is nothing short of awful

KG's rebounding has regressed to where it was two years ago, and has definitely dropped off from last season.

His defense has continued to be excellent, though, and that's including him being required to cover centers on a more regular basis this year.  He ranks near the top of the league in terms of points allowed per possession, both overall and on post-up plays.  No matter what metric you use -- PPP, Opponent's PER, +/-, etc. -- KG has been an impactful defender. 

[Yoki_IsTheName]

My boy Jermaine Oneal. If he could at least be grabbing 8-9 rebounds a game, everything would be a different story.

[SHAQATTACK]

Watching our team play is a rerun everynight of

"THE WALKING DEAD"


 

[2short]

While we shouldn't be trying to pass blame anywhere just enjoy the team  i put my vote in for bad luck/injuries.
Garnett's defense has been really good, best foot speed I've seen since he got hurt.  PP carried the team while rondo was out.  Ray & Rondo carried the team to start season.  Rondo has been our steadiest player.  I like our bench.  I think doc has done a good job shuffling everyone with crazy schedule and injuries.
I'd like to see doc get a bit grumpy on the players.  If anyone isn't playing as hard as they can bench them.  From top to bottom, a big doesn't box his man out, call the guy out.  Rondo doesn't fight through screen, ray seems lethargic, Paul turning the ball over etc etc
doc you've got the contract, press some players buttons if it doesn't work so be it but something needs adjusting here.

[Marcus13]

If I had to pick a player, it'd be KG though.  He's had the most significant drop-off and the interior defense/rebounding is nothing short of awful

KG's rebounding has regressed to where it was two years ago, and has definitely dropped off from last season.

His defense has continued to be excellent, though, and that's including him being required to cover centers on a more regular basis this year.  He ranks near the top of the league in terms of points allowed per possession, both overall and on post-up plays.  No matter what metric you use -- PPP, Opponent's PER, +/-, etc. -- KG has been an impactful defender. 

Ok.  I believe that, and it's good to know.  But when you give up the rebounds we do, the defense is near worthless.

I mean Detroit was shooting around 35% most of the game last night (idk where they ended up) and had a steady 10-15 point lead on us despite our higher FG%.

[Q_FBE]

I think you are missing one option here which ties everything together - The Lockout itself. I think it has let it affect the Celtics in ways that is manifesting itself in apparent lack of effort and focus(29 2nd chance points given up, a turnover rate approaching 25% of all possessions, bad free throw ratio, forcing your non-shooting PG to being the leading scorer, and your coach groping for answers).

This could result in complete roster overhaul soon and a lost season. What we do in the next two games will dictate the near term future of the Celtics. This team has played absolutely like the worst team in the league at times this season but there have been good efforts like those home games against Memphis, New York, and Chicago. Age is not a factor. Attitude, passion, and effort are clearly not acceptable and the players need to look themselves in the mirror and decide to clean up their own act.

[ManchesterCelticsFan]

If I had to pick a player, it'd be KG though.  He's had the most significant drop-off and the interior defense/rebounding is nothing short of awful

KG's rebounding has regressed to where it was two years ago, and has definitely dropped off from last season.

His defense has continued to be excellent, though, and that's including him being required to cover centers on a more regular basis this year.  He ranks near the top of the league in terms of points allowed per possession, both overall and on post-up plays.  No matter what metric you use -- PPP, Opponent's PER, +/-, etc. -- KG has been an impactful defender.  

Imagine how bad the C's would be if either KG or PP were out for the entire season?

(even though they didn't start the season in the best of shape)

With PP out, the C's would not have had that 9W-1L stretch when he was going beserk offensively.

With KG out, the C's entire defensive communication would be in shambles and backbone itself, KG, would obviously be gone.

I'd prefer to find solutions than to cast blame but if anything it's Father Time with KG + PP (and maybe others) being out of shape in the first 14 games of the season due to the Lockout Issues they dealt with that was more important at the time.

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Well..PP has been a problem, he will not adjust to a new role....kg...well, kg is NOT a center, he doesn't like it, and it is more work than the 4. It kills his offense. They DO need to rotate more, and pp could utilize his passing skills more...as a get, give, get type..he would be harder to cover if he passed and rolled more...i also don't see many "set" plays anymore...like the pick and roll, screen for a shot...WITH a rebounder in position....i say NEVER shoot unless someone is underneath...but what do i know...!

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Blamin the lockout....well, to me...that is like...oh i cannot think of anything  ( I'm trying to think but nothing HAPPENS..!) But, this is where i get disgusted with all pro's and politicians as Americans and fans accept getting nothing for thier money. That is the way to ensure failure. As a lifelong player....I was always in shape as August came to a close.....THAT is when the heat of the season starts...pro hoop players know this...and they get paid for it..paid for nothing more than to be in shape...big money for an easy thing. So, to me, although i know it did happen, it is not acceptable...bad management is overtaking this country, as it is in Celtics land......was your money out of shape.? Did your ticket prices reflect the out-of-shapeness..? They had MORE time to get in shape instead of less..especially the pro's who know the routines to get there...! As for me ( Mr big mouth) "I" am going to run suicides right now....because I have a league i am in AFTER work......and I would never embarrass myself showing up out of shape to be run over by other teams. PP & KG should be benched until they are game ready...practicing and getting in shape is less likely to produce an injury that PLAYING while out of shape....and yes, i do know...i already was their age.