So just how easy is it to integrate 4 or 5 new guys into a system..

[vinnie]

With only 25 games left in the regular season? And, at least three of these guys will be important to winning a championship. I think I have read numerous times how hard it is to learn and play the Celtics' defensive system, yet the assumption is all of these guys are going to have it down pat and this will be a juggernaut going into the playoffs. Sorry, but I just don't see it. Doc is a great coach, but even this is a little much to ask of him. I hate to use cliches, but Rome wasn't built in a day and I don't see a championship basketball team being built in 25 games. Too much change....too little time.

[Roy H.]

I agree.  Even if the team comes together by the time the playoffs roll around, I think they still will have lost more games than they otherwise would have due to growing pains.  I think that takes us from potentially the #1 seed in the East to potentially the #3 seed.  I think going on the road to Chicago and Miami diminishes our playoff chances.

I hope I'm wrong, obviously.  We still have five of our top six guys in place, and they'll be doing the lion's share of the work for the team going forward.  The 2008 team played pretty well together out of the gate, so maybe the new guys will adjust and things will transition smoothly.  I'm just a bit skeptical, after watching the assimilation issues that Nate, Starbury, Moore, Cassell, and even Brown had.

[goz421]

25 games is a long enough time.  A college season.

[vinnie]

Roy -- the number 3 seed is exactly where I expect they will finish after all is said and done. Can they win 18 -- absolutely. Was it made much more difficult after yesterday's moves -- absolutely. Only time will tell, and I hope I am 100 percent wrong as I was last year.

[WeMadeIt17]

I think they got guys that fill the system easy. I mean Kristic is a pick and pop guy that we could run that with him until he gets all the plays. We will be doing similar things with green that he did in OKC with him posting ups smaller 3's and running the break. With whoever else comes in depends on what type of player they are.

[Greenbean]

Well the good news is that it will be the bench that is rebuilt, not the starters.

But you are right. I am worried about this team meshing together quickly. I think this hinges on the veterans on this team fully accepting this new roster. They all can be great teachers and I think they all ENJOY teaching so Doc isnt alone on this one. They just have to get over the fact that their brother is gone. It might take a week or two but it could happen faster than you think.

IMO this team is now more talented (given they fill the 3 spots with serviceable players, and Shaq can play). Chemistry is the big concern since there was so much continuity with that starting 5 so your question is the biggie for this season's title hopes. TP

[Greenbean]

Roy -- the number 3 seed is exactly where I expect they will finish after all is said and done. Can they win 18 -- absolutely. Was it made much more difficult after yesterday's moves -- absolutely. Only time will tell, and I hope I am 100 percent wrong as I was last year.

One of the best parts about this Celtics Blog season has been vinnie's positivity about the team. [dang] you Ainge!

[Cman]

Yes, the OP has a very good point.  Of course, the Cs have been assimilating all season long bc of injuries (Dwest has been in and out, Perk, Semih, JO, Shaq) but at least all those guys were around for training camp.  At the end of the day, what's important is assimilating Green and Krstic.  The other two-three players will be less important (assuming JO and Shaq and Dwest do come back).

[Celtics4ever]

I don't think its as hard when you have several HOFers to teach the new guys and make them comply.