My theory on KG

[RAcker]

We all pretty much know what KG's situation is.  He's hurting some now and will probably continue to hurt some throughout the playoffs.  However, none of us know the degree of pain.  Everything else is speculation.  Fact is, it looks like he's playing...period.

Here's my theory.  This last shutdown, I think it was decided right then and there that they'd hold him out until Game 1 of Round 1.  All this supposed pushing back of the date is a mind game.  Doc keeps acting like he's possibly coming back in 4 games, etc. and Danny seems awfully happy to me everytime I hear or see him lately. 

Now, take the fans of the Cavs, Lakers, Magic, etc.  The poker face from the C's organization has them declaring KG done for the season.  They are giddy with excitement and you and I both know why.  They think this gets us out of the way. 

Now, if the players on these teams are making this subconscious mistake of relaxing like their fans are, and KG really is fine relatively speaking, we may actually get to the Finals in a lot less games than it took us last year simply because everyone will be so shell shocked when we are for all intents and purposes 100%. 

I just have a feeling.

[Drucci]

It may be true but I'm not sure it would have such a big impact on the opponents. Sure, they would be surprised and disappointed when they'll learn that KG will play against them but then... what does it change?

[Roy Hobbs]

It's an interesting theory.  However, wouldn't any psychological impact where off in the time between the end of the regular season and the beginning of the second round or ECF?  If KG comes out and is fine against whoever we play in the first round, wouldn't Orlando and/or Cleveland take notice?

[Redz]

RAcker, it would be great if you're right, because I'd love to see KG be 100%, but the effect of playing the poker face would be blown in game 1 of the opening round of the playoffs, when KG comes out full speed.  It's not like a Willis Reed moment where the shock effect would lull teams into a state of awe for a half or something.

[BASS_THUMPER]

no matter how much pain he is in if kg can walk he will play for sure but does that help us? every team games goes up a notch during the play offs *hawks last year* he gotta be atleast 90% to be factor.

i want kg playin at 50% as long as he plays. i feel kinda selfish.

[RAcker]

It's an interesting theory.  However, wouldn't any psychological impact where off in the time between the end of the regular season and the beginning of the second round or ECF?  If KG comes out and is fine against whoever we play in the first round, wouldn't Orlando and/or Cleveland take notice?

I should have addressed that.  I think his minutes will still be quite limited in rounds 1 and 2 so long as we are winning the series.  By the ECF, heavier minutes might come if he truly is 90% or better.

[RAcker]

RAcker, it would be great if you're right, because I'd love to see KG be 100%, but the effect of playing the poker face would be blown in game 1 of the opening round of the playoffs, when KG comes out full speed.  It's not like a Willis Reed moment where the shock effect would lull teams into a state of awe for a half or something.

And while the Willis Reed scenerio won't apply, I still think them seeing him tearing someone else up will put the fear of God into them.  We can only hope that there is some rope-a-dope going on.

[QuinielaBox]

I like the fact they are metering KG's minutes but there is that anxiety about what if he is really hurt and comes out ineffective.

[twinbree]

Let's hope it's close to the truth. Putting aside the record, just looking at the way the team has played through the injuries - the fighting spirit, the excellent work of the youngs bigs etc - it should definitely cause some psychological distress to other team when they see KG back in the mix. I'm getting giddy thinking about the whole team practicing next week.

[Celtics17]

I suppose that would be nice if it were true. But, it's not and not only that it's nowhere close to true. I think little ploys like that work to a degree in a series. That is, so and so is questionable for tonights game and then they do play and rock! There is no way the Celtics hold out KG this long just to toy with the opponents minds. He loses way more then the team gains. He may though get well enough to contribute meaningful minutes in a first round series that allows us a little rest due to winning the series in 4 or 5 games.

The fact though that we have heard little about his injury could play into your theory and it would make sense.

[xmuscularghandix]

What this could also do is make opposing teams think that KG is our weakness. "If KG missed the last month of the season becuase of his knee, then we're gonna go right after him." And if he's fine they'd be doing us a favor by attacking our strongest defensive player. This theory really is very good on a few levels.

[RAcker]

I suppose that would be nice if it were true. But, it's not and not only that it's nowhere close to true. I think little ploys like that work to a degree in a series. That is, so and so is questionable for tonights game and then they do play and rock! There is no way the Celtics hold out KG this long just to toy with the opponents minds. He loses way more then the team gains. He may though get well enough to contribute meaningful minutes in a first round series that allows us a little rest due to winning the series in 4 or 5 games.

The fact though that we have heard little about his injury could play into your theory and it would make sense.

Well, this is why it's only a theory.  Honestly none of us know.  However, Danny, Doc, KG and I assume the rest of the team knows.  Keeping the team in suspense would be hurtful and none of them seem too down about it.  They all speak in vague sound bites when asked about it.  All this stuff just made me wonder how much the C's brass is holding back in order to not show our hand too much since we are having to rest him anyway.

[guava_wrench]

I think aliens are performing experiments on him to give him super strong fast healing muscles.

[waiting for #18]

If KG can't play, he needs to be on the bench and be a cheerleader/coach. He gives the rest of the team a HUGE emotional lift.

[Chris]

It's an interesting theory.  However, wouldn't any psychological impact where off in the time between the end of the regular season and the beginning of the second round or ECF?  If KG comes out and is fine against whoever we play in the first round, wouldn't Orlando and/or Cleveland take notice?

Exactly, plus, the C's were never hiding the fact that they were targeting the playoffs all along.  They may have wanted him to play a few games before the playoffs start, but that wouldn't matter to teams like the Cavs and Lakers. 

The C's have been incredibly optimistic all along about having Garnett for the playoffs.  They have been almost over the top about it, when you look at the actual evidence.

If anything, I would think the mindgame would be that the C's really think Garnett won't make it through the playoffs, or will be ineffective, and they don't want to give that away too soon, so teams will have to plan for him.  If they hold him out until the first round, they could probably argue for a round or two that he is still rounding into shape as he is only playing 20-25 minutes tops, even though the C's know that he won't be able to play any more than that all playoffs long.

Of course, I don't believe this either, but to me, it is the conspiracy theory that makes the most sense based on how the C's have been acting.