Boston.com Celtics comparison: 2012 vs. 2013

[AB_Celtic]

Really interesting read looking at the similarities and differences of this year's Celtics team vs. last year's. A good summary of the offseason and what to look out for.

Link: http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/2012/07/31/what-the-same-different-about-the-celtics/xA9NZrmnkIlsMcQyo4gyhM/pictures.html

Same:
Doc Rivers is the league's most important coach
They're experienced
Paul Pierce is the key
Rondo needs to lead
Frontcourt depth still a question
Miami's still a major problem
The defense will be solid
Brandon Bass will be overlooked

Different:
They're faster/they can run
Fourth-quarter rotation
The bench should be able to score
Shooting guard scoring
A rookie might contribute
They'll start faster (no lockout)
They're favored to do well
A lot's expected of Avery Bradley

[Rondooooooooo]

i'm really hoping one of those things that is different is our rebounding margin. i feel like if that gets improved even slightly we're looking at another finals run assuming everyone is healthy. \

there's a million different things that contribute to our chances but rebounding was our worst aspect, so hopefully they're working on boxing out a ton this offseason.

[RJ87]

Different: They're faster/they can run -- Jeff Green, Courtney Lee, Avery Bradley, and Chris Wilcox are the obvious additions to Boston's fast break. But one Doc Rivers quote I loved from the press conference introducing this year's rookies concerned the slow-footed Jared Sullinger. Rivers was asked about Sullinger and the break and replied, "Jared can rebound. We need the ball to be able to run." Look for the Celtics to be off and running.

Love this part.

[Snakehead]

i'm really hoping one of those things that is different is our rebounding margin. i feel like if that gets improved even slightly we're looking at another finals run assuming everyone is healthy. \

there's a million different things that contribute to our chances but rebounding was our worst aspect, so hopefully they're working on boxing out a ton this offseason.

I think scoring was our worst aspect.  Sure, we had problems rebounding defensively, but the offensive rebounding is mostly by design.

Rebounding is an issue for sure but scoring I think kept us from beating the Heat.  We simply stalled out on offense in the 4th quarter. We had NO scoring whatsoever on our bench and no one who could create their own shot.

Now we have Terry, Lee, Green in there.   Wilcox and Sully should improve our rebounding too.