Coach Stevens and Habits

[yoursweatersux]

When people talk about having "a losing team culture" as one of the dangers of tanking, I tend to think that's kind or ridiculous. Every player in the NBA is a competitor, and furthermore, every player is always playing for his next contract and wants to play well. I don't think lack of effort is a thing that tends to stick with a team, even if a team temporarily exhibits it.

That being said, I think losing teams give players a MUCH larger leash in terms of developing bad habits. And sadly, this can happen on even medium-tier teams.

How does this relate to the Celtics? Rondo this year is a prime example. He slouched around on defense and consistently walked the ball up, preventing the offense from setting up with time left on the shot clock. Once he was traded to the Mavs, Rick Carlisle IMMEDIATELY freaked out on him for doing that nonsense.

The point of this little anecdote is that players developing bad habits is the only thing I fear developing when you have a team that's not competing for a top playoff spot. I'm worried that by allowing Marcus to jack up as many 3's as he likes Stevens is preventing him from getting an attacker's mentality. I'm worried about the prospect of letting Sullinger continue to ruin his own game through incessant three point shooting as well.

tl,dr; I like Stevens, but I'm afraid he's not strict enough with his players in stopping them from developing bad habits, like allowing players who can't or shouldn't shoot 3's, well, shoot 3's.

[manl_lui]

When people talk about having "a losing team culture" as one of the dangers of tanking, I tend to think that's kind or ridiculous. Every player in the NBA is a competitor, and furthermore, every player is always playing for his next contract and wants to play well. I don't think lack of effort is a thing that tends to stick with a team, even if a team temporarily exhibits it.

That being said, I think losing teams give players a MUCH larger leash in terms of developing bad habits. And sadly, this can happen on even medium-tier teams.

How does this relate to the Celtics? Rondo this year is a prime example. He slouched around on defense and consistently walked the ball up, preventing the offense from setting up with time left on the shot clock. Once he was traded to the Mavs, Rick Carlisle IMMEDIATELY freaked out on him for doing that nonsense.

The point of this little anecdote is that players developing bad habits is the only thing I fear developing when you have a team that's not competing for a top playoff spot. I'm worried that by allowing Marcus to jack up as many 3's as he likes Stevens is preventing him from getting an attacker's mentality. I'm worried about the prospect of letting Sullinger continue to ruin his own game through incessant three point shooting as well.

tl,dr; I like Stevens, but I'm afraid he's not strict enough with his players in stopping them from developing bad habits, like allowing players who can't or shouldn't shoot 3's, well, shoot 3's.

I think Michael Carter Williams was once criticized for his lack of effort when the team was being blown out. When his coach freaked out, he replied "did you look at the score?"

so yea I tend to agree with what you are saying. The coaching is very important in getting the team to focus and compete even if they are losing badly. I think Stevens is a good coach. Despite him letting Smart bomb all those 3s, I think he makes his players play hard to the very end, and I think ultimately is very important.

[kozlodoev]

tl,dr; I like Stevens, but I'm afraid he's not strict enough with his players in stopping them from developing bad habits, like allowing players who can't or shouldn't shoot 3's, well, shoot 3's.

Bad habits are all over this team. Crowder dribble-drives and Sullinger threes are just the most obvious culprits.

[wayupnorth]

tl,dr; I like Stevens, but I'm afraid he's not strict enough with his players in stopping them from developing bad habits, like allowing players who can't or shouldn't shoot 3's, well, shoot 3's.

Bad habits are all over this team. Crowder dribble-drives and Sullinger threes are just the most obvious culprits.

LOL yeah, those are two skills those players shouldn't work on developing.

wow