looking forward to enjoying the celtics again

[cman88]

last year was just not enjoyable, even when they were winning games it just wasnt fun to watch.

watching the first two pre-season games, this looks like a fun team and all the guys seem to have MUCH better chemistry and enjoy playing together. Hayward/Tatum/Brown just seem to have so much more confidence out there so far than last year and are playing well together.

[wreckoner]

i feel the same way. but i wonder if not meeting high expectations last year was the reason? this year i feel like my expectations are lower, but with the potential 'what if' factor of hayward returning to form, and jt and jb making a bigger leap (did bad chemistry stunt their growth?). either way, psyched for the season!

[DefenseWinsChamps]

I still have pretty big expectations for this team. It has to do with the aesthetics of their play style. The offense and defense seems much more natural, together, and in rhythm already this year.

[timpiker]

I agree.  Last year was miserable.  Never playing to their potential, high expectations that never got fulfilled and the constant "will he or won't he sign" then all the negative rumors of the tampering going on behind the scenes.  And all the ball-hogging and whining to the media.   Last year was just a big time buzz-kill. 

Now, this year, its fun watching the new guys. there's lots of running, good looking rookies....just fun to watch.  Hope it keeps up.  I love Tommy-ball.  Run baby, run !!!

[footey]

If Orlando game is an indication of how this team will play this season, this year will be so much better. Much more trust among the players. You see it as soon as they grab a rebound, pushing it up to the next guy. Trust.

The way they play reminds me of their execution two seasons ago. The way a Brad Stevens team is designed to play.

Last season is looking like the aberration.

Expect a rotation of Theis, Kanter and Williams at the 5.

[PhoSita]

I'm not seeing what other people are seeing re: Poirier.

To me he's looked better than I expected on defense. The other parts of his game will come along. What we need is a reliable defensive center for the times when we can't afford to go small with Grant Williams or Theis.

Rob Williams has a ways to go, and Kanter is never going to be a positive defensively.

[Sophomore]

I'm not seeing what other people are seeing re: Poirier.

To me he's looked better than I expected on defense. The other parts of his game will come along. What we need is a reliable defensive center for the times when we can't afford to go small with Grant Williams or Theis.

Rob Williams has a ways to go, and Kanter is never going to be a positive defensively.

I’m with you. Poirier isn’t a world-beater, but he knows how to move his feet and anticipate where a play is going. He’s the anti-Rob Williams - he’s not leaving his man to leap for a block but he’s in front of his man or cutting off the ballhandler after a pick and roll. On offense he sets hard screens that make contact, and he seems at least capable as a roll man or with a midrange jumper. To me, he has been easily the second best big defender on our roster after Theis. (Admittedly, this is a low, low bar.)

[knuckleballer]

The players all looked miserable last year.  Gorman's comments confirm that.  He said Kyrie was the main problem.   I agree the players attitudes look much improved in the first two games making it more fun to watch.  Although, last year I had title hopes.  I don't this year.

[footey]

The players all looked miserable last year.  Gorman's comments confirm that.  He said Kyrie was the main problem.   I agree the players attitudes look much improved in the first two games making it more fun to watch.  Although, last year I had title hopes.  I don't this year.

I'm starting to again (have title hopes). Or at least compete to get to the finals.

[Kuberski33]

I'm not seeing what other people are seeing re: Poirier.

To me he's looked better than I expected on defense. The other parts of his game will come along. What we need is a reliable defensive center for the times when we can't afford to go small with Grant Williams or Theis.

Rob Williams has a ways to go, and Kanter is never going to be a positive defensively.

I agree. I like the way Poirier moves and he looks like he'll be a good defender in time - which is something this team is going to need.  However he has go through the learning curve of figuring out how to defend in this league without fouling, so it's going to take some time before they can give him consistent minutes.  But I think he's definitely in their plans long term.

[Donoghus]

I hope warm & fuzzy translates to lots of Ws and a deep playoff run.

We'll see.

[MikeB12]

I agree....last year was hard to take.   I too am looking forward to watching a team without drama...at least that is what I expect.  More team play; less "its all about me."

MikeB

[gpap]

Same here, but I won't be looking forward to seeing them play if they're a losing team.

[wiley]

I'm not seeing what other people are seeing re: Poirier.

To me he's looked better than I expected on defense. The other parts of his game will come along. What we need is a reliable defensive center for the times when we can't afford to go small with Grant Williams or Theis.

Rob Williams has a ways to go, and Kanter is never going to be a positive defensively.

I agree. I like the way Poirier moves and he looks like he'll be a good defender in time - which is something this team is going to need.  However he has go through the learning curve of figuring out how to defend in this league without fouling, so it's going to take some time before they can give him consistent minutes.  But I think he's definitely in their plans long term.

If Poirier, by the playoffs, can be 80-90% as effective on defense as Baynes, albeit in his own way, then I'll have high hopes through the playoffs...  Or, if a defense by committee formula is successfully established by a combo of bigs, same thing..I'll get my hopes up.

[SHAQATTACK]

Smarts.  Edwards and Browns scoring gives me hope to possible second round .

Worried about the bigs mostly