Depth is obviously better which will win games over the course of the season. There should be plenty of good competition for PT unlike last season, but I'm looking for who will score consistently and efficiently other than the Js. Who's the 3rd scorer?
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop yesterday
My takeaway from Celtics Game 1 is the same thought I carried in: C's have to identify a wing shooter off the bench to space the floor -- and trust him with the touches he needs to stay in rhythm. From the latter part of last season on, I've felt that guy has to be Nesmith.
Might be right. Had a nice 4th Q. Pritchard has range too and could get more run with the top players
Otherwise, I was unimpressed by Juancho. Wonder if Ime will start him next game or whether someone else gets to audition. Too many TOs, crappy shooting too, but an entertaining 1st preseason game compared to the usual crapfest.
Other than the 3rd scorer, I think we're in good shape to be a dark horse. I like these seasons where nobody expects us to do anything because then they get to surprise us. And obviously if we do really well GM Brad might reinforce our team at the trading deadline. So far I think:
The Jays - our dual threat wings, inside and out, and solid defenders
Smartacus - our primary ball handler
Timelord - rim protector and rim roller at the 5
They will always be in our starting and ending lineup...the 5th spot will be "horses for courses" selection depending on the situation.
- Schroder - ball handler/P&R threat, possible 3rd scorer if he is paired on court with Payton. Could start at the 2 if we wanted to go smaller
- Big Al - bench stretch 5 (I noticed Ime didn't have Al and Timelord on the court at the same time for the most part so he probably sees Al as a 5). Could start at the 4 if we need a ball handling big other than Timelord but I think he will start on the bench
- Juancho - traditional 4 for two-big lineups who should be able to defend to the perimeter and stretch the floor. They probably want him to start in an ideal world and just do the dirty work
- Nesmith - sparkplug who can provide energy off the bench and be a shooting threat
- Payton - ball handler, can run the offense for the 2nd unit
- Richardson - defensive wing. He could start at the 2 if we needed a Pat Bev type with Smartacus
- Kanter - traditional 5 if we need someone to defend the likes of Embiid or grind down low. I think Ime will use him better than Brad did
- Langford - defensive wing
- Gwill - small ball 5 (though I don't think he will really play that role this season, he will prob be more of a bigger wing for defensive purposes)
Jabari, Bruno, Hauser will probably round out the 15 with the 2 way spot and I don't expect them to be major contributors unless it's a blowout or injury.
Topic: Magic (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) Preseason Game #1 10/4/21 (Read 34351 times)