KG is no longer living up to "Big Three" status

[GreenFaith1819]

Kevin McHale:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=F_dtm2rlV_E

Thank you for your contributions to KG's current (IMO) Big Three status in Boston.

You trained him well, Coach.

[GreenEnvy]

Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VQVYrtnYzs

A few of those were even while he was in Green

As for the thread? At least defensively, KG is still living up to "Big Three" status, to me.

Checking Basketball-reference.com, the only PFs in the NBA that rank above him are Boozer and Bosh.

Check for yourself, under the "advanced" tab, "Drtg" column. His current Drtg for this yr is 102, which is rather higher than the last few yrs of his career, but at 35 years old is still very good.

ESPN's highlight reel participant Blake Griffin checks in at 107 - same as last year. No improvement (thus far) at all.

At least Kevin Love is seemingly improving defensively.

To me, KG is still bringing it defensively. Of course he is a step slower and he is in his twilight, but I refuse to believe the thread.

Trust me - if Danny trades him or if he gets hurt, The Boston Celtics' championship aspirations, while slim regardless, go away completely.

Who out there can we bring in to replace his leadership? No one.

As bad as last night was, KG (and the team) will do better. This team will have some ups and downs this season, and last night was an example of one.

That video is crazy. His athleticism, skill and intelligence is truly unrivaled for a guy his size.

If he didn't waste his entire athletic prime in Minny, he would undoubtedly be the greatest PF to ever play the game. He's in the mix anyway, but he woulda been the Jordan, Bird, Magic of Power Forwards.

[cman88]

KG is no longer the same player he once was. but hes still a starting calibar PF in this league...the guy can give you 14ppg/8rebounds

thats about what someone like Carlos boozer can give you

[csfansince60s]

I think that KG really thought that there wouldn't be a season. He and Pierce were among the most vocal of the veterans hardlining it.

Because he didn't think that we would have a season, I don't think that he put anywhere near the time that he usually puts into his offseason training.

He had his first alley-oop of the year, I think, from Rondo yesterday.

His knee is one more year recovered from surgery. I think that he will get his legs soon and be back close to last year's form.

Think that the 5 minute stints are becasue that he is not in "KG" shape. Hopefully soon.

[Celtics4ever]

Let's hope it is conditioning because right now he looks in decline. I hope he turns it around but while he can play in the post he has always been a jump shooter first.

[PosImpos]

KG is still a starter level PF who is very valuable because of his effect on the team defense, but you're right, he's not a star anymore.

[Marcus13]

If only the trades could have happened when all three were two years younger -- we could have seen what they REALLY could have been.

Oh well - I appreciate everything all three have given in this era and I won't complain about them as they're finishing up their well earned contracts.

Actually, I will complain about Pierce.  We gave him an extension so he needs to continue to play at an all-star level

[Lord of Mikawa]

If only the trades could have happened when all three were two years younger -- we could have seen what they REALLY could have been.

They would have been at dynasty level.

[TheBig5]

Hell, if KG never got that knee injury I think we truly would have 3 titles. KG was manhandling Pau before the injury.

[Smokeeye123]

That's what happens when stars get old...They tend to get worse...

[Celtics18]

KG has clearly slowed down and may not be a star offensively, but he still has the capability to be a defensive star.  He's probably still the best pick and roll defending big in the league.  Nobody knows how to show and get back and cover the lane like he does.  Also, if we ever have to go to that zone we used in the second half against Miami, he's the perfect player for that role of being the guy in the middle.  Unlike in college, you don't just need a clog, but a long, smart defender who knows how to move his feet to avoid illegal defense.

Tyson Chandler is probably the closest guy to KG defensively right now as a pick and roll defender and lane coverer.  At least, he was last year when he played on a team that took defense seriously.  But, I don't think he's as good defensively as KG, and, of course, despite his athleticism he's still nowhere near the offensive player that KG is. 

Tyson Chandler just got paid big bucks to be the final piece to make the Knicks a contender.  Yet, we are going to say that KG is done.  I'm sorry I guess the definition of "done" is eluding me.

[albas89]

KG is declining, that's for sure! I wouldnt even call him an all-star as of now, but still a very decent starting PF.

That being said, I'm far more concerned about PP... he is the younger member of the big 3 and he has been the most consistent player of the team over the years until this season... but the lockout break seems to have taken a huge toll on his game!
we can live with KG having a more passive role offensively but this cannot happen with Pierce! he is the only player who can (or could) create his own shot but he cant do this effectively anymore... as a result, he's forcing it (like against the Pacers) and I'm afraid he'll be doing that a lot more during the season and the playoffs because there's noone else except for Rondo to do such stuff. so, either Rondo somehow improves his midrange game dramatically (yeah, right...  ) or... it might get ugly!!

darn, that door shut in our faces real fast...