Will guys like Lee improve under new coach/system?

[TheLegendaryClub]

I know it's been a fashion around these parts to throw Doc under the bus lately, but there's one thing I wanted to discuss about his offensive system that I haven't seen mentioned too much. It seems like we've had several relatively-to-highly productive offensive players join the Cs over the last few years, only to underperform. I'm wondering if it's really all on those players, or if it's more about not being about to fit into the Celtics offensive style. Examples: Terry, Lee, even (if memory serves) Steph Marbury. I'm still mad about the Ray left, but he complained about the offensive censoring pretty openly.

I think Doc puts an emphasis on fitting within the system, not trying to do too much, etc, but it seems like guys have had trouble figuring out how to be aggressive with their game within that scheme. Part of it may be on Rondo for dominating the ball, but I do think a big part of Terry and Lee's struggle was that their deference to Doc's offense killed their confidence. Because Rondo won't have PP and KG as his go-to guys anymore, he won't be looking to set them up every time down the floor and the offense should have more flow. Given that fact, and a fresh start with a new coach, I'm hoping that Lee's confidence comes back and he becomes a more productive player. (This is, of course, assuming we don't unload his contract somehow this summer.)

I guess what I'm saying is I think some of our players have felt too restricted on offense - we've had talented enough guys, but we've frequently struggled to score when we really shouldn't have. In that sense, regardless of player personnel, I think changes in coaching and the way we run our offense will be a good thing for our remaining players.

[bleedGREENdon]

I envision Danny creating an up tempo style of play type offensively team. Danny's always im envisioned an uptempo team with rondo, well i hope he has, because rondo is the best fast break point gaurd in the league always makes the right decision very rarely has a turnover in the fast break, is usually always a one man fast break in the past, if we get guys to run with him IE how bradley was when they were playing together, well be a good team, thats why im pushing so hard for a Free agency of Josh Smith and Dwight Howard pick ups. The two best fast break players and defensively at their position. It just makes sense. We will know of whats going to happen July10th when the nets deal is finalized. I hope Smith and Howard dont make any decisions until then. Cause then i see Danny Ainge trying to make a splash.

[Vox_Populi]

Yeah, Lee had his second worst season in terms of efficiency, his second worst season in 3P% and a career low in points per game. The last two of these issues can be attributed to a reduction in shot attempts, but even when Rondo was out, Lee still didn't get a whole lot more shots, despite starting in half the games he played in.

I think it's very likely he won't play as bad next season, provided he's not traded. I'm still debating whether he should start or come off the bench...

[hpantazo]

Lets put it this way, can they get any worse?

[LGC88]

Doc expect any professional basketball player to fit any system, because they are paid for that and I tend to agree with that kind of mentality. It provides stability and confidence in the team.
However it is now proven that not every player can do that.
It seems like RR, PP, KG and Green can adapt to anything the coach might ask to them. But the other players are not versatile enough and unfortunately under perform with certain offense or defense style.
To me, the difference of a good coach and a great coach is exactly what is mention above, which is the ability to determine the weakness and strength of each player and create system that will put everyone on top of their abilities, creating a strong team play.
Look at what Pop did with Diaw, Bonner, Green, Spliter, De colo, etc... he always manage to make them useful.
Lee will be better with a more oriented up tempo offense. I believe Rondo can be a better player if you increase the offense speed.
Some players need "pace" to perform well. Very few can clutch with a slow 20 second offense.

[rondoallaturca]

Doc's system was very strict, and it often excluded and/or put at a significant disadvantage young players and anyone who didn't fit in. I mean, Doc even managed to misuse a guy like Jason Terry.

Lee is a much better player than he was made out to be last season, because he never ever got the proper chance to show off his talents. Lee, along with a lot of other young players on the team, will most certainly benefit with the departure of Doc.

And this isn't a knock on Doc. He did a fine job integrating three future HOFers. But he certainly didn't come without his flaws.

[Evantime34]

I think Lee would fit well in our new more uptempo system (or at least the system I think they will run next year), except, I think he will be traded for an expiring contract or a trade exception before the year starts.

[slamtheking]

I think Doc was highly overrated here.  I really think Coach X will get a better offensive performance out of all of these players.  The one issue I have, and it's not a coach-based issue, is who's going to be that go-to player for this team.

I think players will be more up-tempo and more comfortable in the new system to be installed but I don't see anyone on the roster as an offensive force other teams have to plan around.

[BudweiserCeltic]

Courtney Lee played well for us last year, I don't know what people were expecting. He had a more limited role, but his FG% was a career high (46%). He shot 37% from 3, which is not horrible, but considering how much he struggled to begin the season, it misleads on how well he shot it later on.

Always a player who hustled from day one, playing solid defense.

[D.o.s.]

Doc's system was very strict, and it often excluded and/or put at a significant disadvantage young players and anyone who didn't fit in. I mean, Doc even managed to misuse a guy like Jason Terry.

Lee is a much better player than he was made out to be last season, because he never ever got the proper chance to show off his talents. Lee, along with a lot of other young players on the team, will most certainly benefit with the departure of Doc.

And this isn't a knock on Doc. He did a fine job integrating three future HOFers. But he certainly didn't come without his flaws.

Great post.

[kozlodoev]

Lee is a much better player than he was made out to be last season, because he never ever got the proper chance to show off his talents.

How is he a much better player, when he has a career scoring average of 9.5 ppg, and has scored ~8 ppg in three of the five seasons he's been in the league (he averaged ~8 ppg last season, shooting close to his usual %s).

His performance was not, in any way, severely abnormal.

[rondoallaturca]

Lee is a much better player than he was made out to be last season, because he never ever got the proper chance to show off his talents.

How is he a much better player, when he has a career scoring average of 9.5 ppg, and has scored ~8 ppg in three of the five seasons he's been in the league (he averaged ~8 ppg last season, shooting close to his usual %s).

His performance was not, in any way, severely abnormal.

The fact that he statistically was able to stay close to his career norm despite being yanked around in Doc's system is another testament to Lee being a much better player than people make him out to be. Underrated shooter, underrated defender... This guy's about to hit his prime and his skillset is a rarity in the league. And he finally has an opportunity to finally get a sizable role while the C's are blowing things up? Sign me up.