Do people really expect us to tank again for a top 5 pick this season???

[Celtics4ever]

Bayless is gone signed with another team.

[Phantom255x]

By tanking I meant more in the sense of "losing on purpose", not showing any will to win late in games when we are in a close game or even when we're leading. We started 12-14 last year and had quite a few quality wins in between, then went I believe 8-29 the next 37 games. No way we went 8-29 playing typical C's basketball, Ainge told the gang to tank and lose games. We gave up leads in the fourth and didn't try to come back most games when we had the chance. A perfect example is the Lakers game @TDgarden last year, up 8 (104-96) with about 2:30 to go, then we allow the Lakers to end the game on an 11-0 run to win the game

[slamtheking]

By tanking I meant more in the sense of "losing on purpose", not showing any will to win late in games when we are in a close game or even when we're leading. We started 12-14 last year and had quite a few quality wins in between, then went I believe 8-29 the next 37 games. No way we went 8-29 playing typical C's basketball, Ainge told the gang to tank and lose games. We gave up leads in the fourth and didn't try to come back most games when we had the chance. A perfect example is the Lakers game @TDgarden last year, up 8 (104-96) with about 2:30 to go, then we allow the Lakers to end the game on an 11-0 run to win the game

I don't see this team as one that intentionally loses or loses on purpose.  the team tried last year.  you could see the effort almost every night.  far more effort than the veterans were putting forth after the 2009 season (or more specifically, the arrival of Sheed for the 2010 season).  the reason the team lost so many games was a lack of overall talent and a player that was capable of taking over the scoring late in a game.  we still don't have that go-to scorer and we are now without a couple of vets that played with effort last year in Hump and Bayless.

[thehumburger]

By tanking I meant more in the sense of "losing on purpose", not showing any will to win late in games when we are in a close game or even when we're leading. We started 12-14 last year and had quite a few quality wins in between, then went I believe 8-29 the next 37 games. No way we went 8-29 playing typical C's basketball, Ainge told the gang to tank and lose games. We gave up leads in the fourth and didn't try to come back most games when we had the chance. A perfect example is the Lakers game @TDgarden last year, up 8 (104-96) with about 2:30 to go, then we allow the Lakers to end the game on an 11-0 run to win the game

You're crazy if you think the players were purposely trying to lose or if you think Ainge ever told the players to purposely lose games (as if that wouldn't get out almost immediately). If that's what you think tanking is then the premise of this thread was misguided from the beginning.

[Mazingerz]

Expect a better record than last year, that's what Im hoping for. Its fine if we make the playoffs, or not - as long the kids are developing and a winning culture is instilled.

[Adelaide Celt]

Except for the attempt to get Kevin Love, all signs point to tanking again. Fun.

[Mr October]

By tanking I meant more in the sense of "losing on purpose", not showing any will to win late in games when we are in a close game or even when we're leading. We started 12-14 last year and had quite a few quality wins in between, then went I believe 8-29 the next 37 games. No way we went 8-29 playing typical C's basketball, Ainge told the gang to tank and lose games. We gave up leads in the fourth and didn't try to come back most games when we had the chance. A perfect example is the Lakers game @TDgarden last year, up 8 (104-96) with about 2:30 to go, then we allow the Lakers to end the game on an 11-0 run to win the game

You're crazy if you think the players were purposely trying to lose or if you think Ainge ever told the players to purposely lose games (as if that wouldn't get out almost immediately). If that's what you think tanking is then the premise of this thread was misguided from the beginning.

Yeah. I have no doubt the players on the Celtics were trying to win. Most players are not going to throw games and tank. Their lack of talent or holes in the roster take care of the tanking.

The exception would be games like when Mark Madsen fired up like 8 3 pointers in a single game to end a season for Minnesota a few years ago.

[footey]

I think Rondo did his best not to finish plays so that we would lose games.  He missed so many easy lay-ups that he could make with his eyes closed, and had nothing to do with his rehab IMO.  He can't do that in a contract year, though.  I really think Rondo did everything he could to get the franchise turned around, but after our failure this off season to make any big moves, may realize it is time to move on.

[Mr October]

I think Rondo did his best not to finish plays so that we would lose games.  He missed so many easy lay-ups that he could make with his eyes closed, and had nothing to do with his rehab IMO.  He can't do that in a contract year, though.  I really think Rondo did everything he could to get the franchise turned around, but after our failure this off season to make any big moves, may realize it is time to move on.

He did look to be playing a slower speed, less intensity at times. Sometimes things just looked weird, sometimes i thought it was my imagination. Maybe it is part of the rehab.

This season he has to push all his chips into the center of the table. I am looking forward to seeing Rondo do his thing at full strength.

[Future Celtics Owner]

Speaking of next year's draft, I have never seen so many centers projected to go in the first round before, which is nice, since, we've needed a center forever:

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2015/

Yeah, there are two potentially elite centers in Okafor and Towns plus several other promising guys in Turner, Stein, and Diop.  I hate to say it, but a I think the smartest course of action is to trade Rondo for someone like McLemore or Stauskas.  The Kings as a trading partner make a lot of sense.  We don't necessarily need to tank, but build up the young guys which would likely mean we end up with a terrible record and get one of those centers.  As long as Danny is smart with the future picks and cap space, we could be a force in a few years.  The patient approach could pay off in the long term.

Cliff Alexander, though undersized, has potential as well.

Cliff is undersized...BUT his 7'3'' wingspan and 9' standing reach gives him the length to make up for it.
Cliff has great great genes. Here is a video of his 40 year old father dunking. I think he 360's too hahahaha.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9Z8RB0bhMc