Could a very early playoff exit be exactly what the Celtics need?

[Somebody]

I get what you're saying; the Celts didn't get a lot of rest coming into this season, and at times it has showed.

But, overall I don't think fatigue is a huge issue.  Most of our current core has received plenty of rest this season, the exceptions being Tatum, Brown and Smart.  In their case, however, they're young and should hopefully be able to bounce back.  The rest of the team should have fresh legs.

A lot of the team's problems this year have seemed to be mental, and I wonder about the psychological impact of getting bounced out of the playoffs quickly.  It would make some players train ever harder to be better coming into next year, but it would leave others discouraged. 

My preference:  go as deep as possible, with Pritchard and Nesmith picking up playoff experience.  Although unlikely, this team has the talent to go to the Conference Finals again.

^^^this.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

The only outcome that would truly surprise me is if the Cs win the NBA Finals or at least make it there. First-round victim, conference finals, something in between—none of that would surprise me.

I'm not sure what would be best for this team, but it doesn't matter—we fans are just along for the ride, good or bad.

[hwangjini_1]

I certainly can see the rationale for thinking an early exit would carry some silver linings. But I think building a winning culture is more important. The minutes that Nesmith, Pritchard, and/or Langford get in this postseason will be huge for their development.

Even though we have no shot at the title this year, let's go on as long of a run as we can.

didnt we all have a similar debate during CBS' first year with the celtics? CBS showed us then that he never tanks and always tries to win. he believes winning is the best way to proceed for a team's growth.

as far as this team, it is sooooo danged hard to know what team shows up.

they might not make the playoffs. or...

they might exit in the first round. or....

the second round. or...

make to the ECF. or...

make the finals.

impossible to predict this team.

[Rondo9]

I think its funny how most people on this forum continually make excuses for this p--- poor team.

You've never been on Celticsblog haven't you?

[hwangjini_1]

I think its funny how most people on this forum continually make excuses for this p--- poor team.

You've never been on Celticsblog haven't you?

we are fans. therefore nothing is beyond our mighty powers of rationalization.

[tstorey_97]

Interesting debate, Nick.

If they got lucky and got the 5 seed, the first round is possible followed by perhaps the Nets...thus, 11 playoff games.

If it continues to be every other night in the ICU? They get beat in the play in and they pick up 25 additional days of off season over the long shot above.

A)All the young players, and there are many, get 11 playoff games.
B)The team gets almost a month of extra time off.
C)Beat Mav's for NBA title...this results in 28 playoff games for the young guys and everybody is injured for the first two months of next season. They'll have to re sign Javonte Green and Moritz to start.

Pritchard absolutely kills the Nets (last game below), so maybe the 28 playoff game scenario is on.

4/23 (BKN) - 23 minutes 8/12 and 6/7 from three and 22 points

Just play Pritchard for like 42 minutes and he'll hit for 39 points a game and zero out Irving. Tatum shuts down Durant, Brown ices Harden, Smart gets suspended in the 3rd game for doing something and Nesmith, left completely wide open for most of the 7 games, gets the series MVP.

On to the Bucks who have beaten Philly and Dallas here we come.

(No NBA teams were hurt during the preparation of this playoff scenario)