IT Struggled, And The Celtics Predictably Lost. So No Big Trades Now Please...

[Phantom255x]

I know it sounds ridiculous to say "IT struggled" when you see him put up 26 points with 7 assists and 4 rebounds, but he did have a bit of an off-day going 6-16 from the field, and something like 2-7 in the second half I believe. Maybe it's just us used to seeing him put up 30+ in his sleep and having his spectacular 4th Quarters, so it was bound to happen obviously.

But again, you look at it, and IT struggled, so who stepped up? That's right. NO ONE.

You see Portland having McCollum/Lilliard, Toronto having DeRozan/Lowry, Washington having Wall/Beal, and when one of the players struggle, the other guy steps up and helps the team.

Celtics unfortunately don't have that player still, and the closest thing they have is Bradley (Horford is a great team player but definitely not a guy who can consistently put in buckets in the 4th like IT can). Yeah, Bradley was injured, but even with him on the floor, it seemed that when IT wasn't going, no one else could truly step up (the C's did lose a lot of games in the stretch where IT was injured, only beating a trashy Magic team).

Even if you add Butler or PG13 now, what does that do? Maybe solidifies us as second best in the East and gets us into the ECF.

But this team still has trouble dealing with opposing bigs and rebounding (maybe the stats don't show it from last night's game, but from the eye test, it seemed like their bigs had an advantage on us especially in the second half). Does PG13 or Butler solve the rebounding as well (PG13 a little, but that's it).

IT obviously needs help out there, but this team has more than one hole to fill. Also, you likely have to trade a ton (BKN Picks, Bradley, etc.) to acquire any star right now like JB or PG13, so it may end up being more of a lateral move than one that gets us into legit contention.

Might be better to extend IT, develop Smart/Brown/etc., sign a FA this summer (Ibaka or Millsap), and draft with the BKN picks. Hope one of the BKN Picks can turn into a legit scorer alongside IT.

Don't worry, we'll still hear all the rumors, but Ainge would be better suited now just trying to enhance a 50-win team with a small move for someone like Nurkic, or Bogut, or Ibaka (if he could be had for relatively cheap now).

[saltlover]

Don't you have an exam to prepare for?   

When IT struggles, the Celtics will lose more often than win.  That is true of even championship teams -- when their best scorer struggles, they don't do well on a night.  This is because the game plan isn't going to change due to an off night for such a player (especially after he started out playing well).  It wasn't anything in particular SAC was doing -- IT just didn't have it last night.  He's mortal.

In the playoffs, you expect that your opponent will design ways to stop your lead dog, and you plan counters to that (although again, he can just be off sometimes).  In the regular season, you don't until it happens regularly.  This season, it has not happened regularly.

[Phantom255x]

Don't you have an exam to prepare for?   

When IT struggles, the Celtics will lose more often than win.  That is true of even championship teams -- when their best scorer struggles, they don't do well on a night.  This is because the game plan isn't going to change due to an off night for such a player (especially after he started out playing well).  It wasn't anything in particular SAC was doing -- IT just didn't have it last night.  He's mortal.

In the playoffs, you expect that your opponent will design ways to stop your lead dog, and you plan counters to that (although again, he can just be off sometimes).  In the regular season, you don't until it happens regularly.  This season, it has not happened regularly.

Lol it got moved to Monday (thank god  )

Your points are spot on, and it sort of is what I'm saying too. You "take LBJ out of rhythm", so who steps up? Oh no one else really, just Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love... And the Warriors. Curry struggles, no sweat, you got Klay and Durant and Green.

Similar to what I said about Portland, WAS, TOR in my original post.

IT needs help obviously, but it would be nice to see someone step up big time when he does, otherwise this season could have another short playoff run unless a healthy Bradley and Horford step up big time.

[trickybilly]

I don't love Serge, but he would be an upgrade over Amir, and help the Magic ensure they get one of the 3 elite point guards.

Serge's Bird rights would be handy too..

[BE-Celtic]

I don't love Serge, but he would be an upgrade over Amir, and help the Magic ensure they get one of the 3 elite point guards.

Serge's Bird rights would be handy too..

I don't think you give a top 3 pick in a strong draft just to get a decent upgrade...

[Darío SpanishFan]

I don't love Serge, but he would be an upgrade over Amir, and help the Magic ensure they get one of the 3 elite point guards.

Serge's Bird rights would be handy too..

I don't think you give a top 3 pick in a strong draft just to get a decent upgrade...

He didn't say that at all, and nobody sane would. But trading Ibaka would help them tank.

[CoachBo]

How many threads do we have to endure the OP's flawed logic on this subject in?

Just curious.

[Surferdad]

You see Portland having McCollum/Lilliard, Toronto having DeRozan/Lowry, Washington having Wall/Beal, and when one of the players struggle, the other guy steps up and helps the team.

Celts have a better record than any of those teams and in the same conference.   
Not saying IT doesn't need more help, but I sort of like the current situation where nobody knows who will step up other than IT.  Keeps the defenses off-guard.

[PaulAllen]

Bradley is the guy who can pick up scoring on any given night, on a healthy given night..

This team is fine, they do need another stretch rebounder and possibly a defensive wing on the bench...

[Phantom255x]

How many threads do we have to endure the OP's flawed logic on this subject in?

Just curious.

Not at all arguing with you here, but are you saying you want a big trade to happen now?

[Granath]

How many threads do we have to endure the OP's flawed logic on this subject in?

Just curious.

I don't know. We pretty much endure yours in every thread you post in.

[Bobshot]

IT is picking up Bradley's shots. Last night he shot about 40% with about 30% or so of the team's shots. Until Bradley returns, it is what it is.

[hwangjini_1]

How many threads do we have to endure the OP's flawed logic on this subject in?

Just curious.

how many others are there on this topic?

[chiken Green]

IT wasn't as special in that game but they lost because the team on Defense seemed awfully sluggish..

Our defense is our Main #2 option.

As for the 2nd scorer approach.. I think they do this by Committee .. Horford, Smart and K.O. Are very capable of carrying a Quarter or 2..   

Rozier is also not a bad second option.. If you have been watching closely he does not Always "Defer" to IT when he is in the game.. He is becoming a little more aggressive at key times as of late..

Next Year we will see alot more from Brown.

This team is light years ahead of last years team.

[chilidawg]

IT is picking up Bradley's shots. Last night he shot about 40% with about 30% or so of the team's shots. Until Bradley returns, it is what it is.

Crowder was out too.  Our two best perimeter shooters.