People expect too much

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

As I've sifted through the many trade proposals and lists of hoped-for draft picks and free-agent signings on CB, one thing has stood out: a lot of people seem dissatisfied with anything less than the perfect player.

The first problem with this is that such a player doesn't exist. Even the best players have flaws: Wade -- injury-prone; LeBron -- mentally weak in crunch time; Kobe -- too often a ballhog; etc.

The second problem with this unrealistic desire is that, from my point of view, a lot of people are shooting down a lot of pretty good players because of one or two things those players don't do well. I just read a post saying, in effect, "Yeah, Kevin Love is good, but it would be better if he could draw double-teams and play better post defense." Besides the fact that EVERY player could be better, we're talking about a guy who averaged a double-double the past two seasons and is so far putting up 25 points and (almost) 15 rebounds a game this season, not to mention that he's a pretty good 3pt shooter and hits his free throws at better than 80%. Is there cause for complaint here? Really??

Now, this poster may not be against having Love on the Cs, and I think I get where the poster is coming from -- all player and team weaknesses need to be addressed -- but I'm still sensing a bit of an attitude of unjustified dissatisfaction -- and not just in this one case, but in several across the forums.

Maybe this is (another) sign that we Celtics fans have become spoiled by so much success. For the past four seasons we've had perhaps the best defensive team in the league, which not only stopped other teams but masked and negated many of Boston's offensive deficiencies, and we've had the best 3pt shooter in the history of the game, one of the top defensive players ever, 3 sure-fire HOFers (4 if you count Shaq), another All-Star in Rondo, and two Finals trips and one title. Such good fortune can't go on indefinitely, without interruption.

[wdleehi]

This is a basketball blog where we talk about different viewpoints. 



I personally think Love is a good player, but he is weak defensively.


He puts up good shooting numbers, but I think the point total gets inflated because of the lack of offense around him. 




If we are not going to talk about players games, what are we going to do?  Just praise the glory of every star?

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

This is a basketball blog where we talk about different viewpoints. ... If we are not going to talk about players games, what are we going to do?  Just praise the glory of every star?

No, that's not what I mean. If, for example, Boston is in desperate need of rebounding (which it is), and someone proposes a trade involving bigs who don't rebound well, it's perfectly valid for someone to point that out. What I mean is that there seems to be a prevalent attitude that unless we're getting someone along the lines of Larry Bird or Michael Jordan, then we're going to be unhappy with them. That's all I'm saying.

[LooseCannon]

There are certain flaws I am willing to accept.  One idea that should be explored is seeking out older players.  I don't believe that it is necessary to try to get a 25- or 26-year old player worth the max via trade or free agency.  That kind of franchise player should be found via the draft.  I think the Celtics should be looking to see if there are any All-Star caliber players in the 29-32 age range whose teams are unnecessarily skittish about because of age.

[diconzo]

If you want lower expectations, root for the Raptors.

[Bean_town fan]

While everyone is entitled to their own opinions and there is certainly nothing wrong with having high expectations, I do agree that there are a lot of people that may end up disappointed and extra frustrated due to what they expect/think could happen re the roster over trade period or off season.

I, personally, am a pessimistic person (I'm still fun to party with honest) but it allows me to always be surprised and pleased when things go better than I expect. There's nothing wrong with being a realist, it doesn't make you a bad fan.....

its hard to agree with a lot of proposals/idea out there that start with singling out certain players that are no good for us right now, talking about their weaknesses then their thrown in a trade to try and bring us a star......I don't understand that train of thought at all!!!

But at the same time, their are some brilliant basketball minds here that make this site an amazing place to be a celtic fan! I think it is something to be proud of as fans that we can support and love a club that demands success from itself as well as its fans!