TA starting at point?

[jaketwice]

The problem is on offense. Let's pretend that TA is in the game... Why wouldn't LA cheat off of him to double the ball (or to double KG)?

Defense is good - but you need to score points to win!

[ma11l]

The problem is on offense. Let's pretend that TA is in the game... Why wouldn't LA cheat off of him to double the ball (or to double KG)?

Defense is good - but you need to score points to win!

I think the same thing is happening when Rondo is on the court.  The best option for floor spacing is Eddie House.  The problem then becomes can he handle the defensive pressure.  I think against the Lakers he can.

[hpantazo]

The problem is on offense. Let's pretend that TA is in the game... Why wouldn't LA cheat off of him to double the ball (or to double KG)?

Defense is good - but you need to score points to win!

\

That's why I would want House in there a lot tonight, even if Rondo is relatively healthy. We need a pg that can shoot in there to spread the floor on offense and get some space for KG to dominate.

[Who]

The problem is on offense. Let's pretend that TA is in the game... Why wouldn't LA cheat off of him to double the ball (or to double KG)?

Defense is good - but you need to score points to win!

Like they did in LA earlier this season?

TA just caught the ball and took it right to the rim everytime they cheated off of him. What did he have that night? 16 points and 4 dimes? He had another 4-5 missed layups. Add in the fouls he drew. He tore apart their defense like Boston did in Game Two, getting easy layups for guys like Powe because he constantly took the ball right into the teeth of their defense. Lakers defense was scrambling all night long that game in large part because of TA's penetration.

It's not a problem if TA performs at good level. His ability to get to the rim will override his lack of a jump shot. If TA doesn't perform, and starts standing around instead of being aggressive it'll be a massive problem.

[P2]

Guys, TA will get 0 minutes in Game 4 because Rondo said he is playing.

[ScoobyDoo]

Well, I'm actually a fan of Tony Allen. I know he turns it over too much but he's just one of those guys that is really tough and puts his nose into the middle of everything. He's capable of some electrifying plays and he likes to play defense.

I think something that might be being overlooked in the consideration of palying Tony is that we have a great advantage in physicality over this LA team. TAllen would only add to that.

Perkins
Garnett
Pierce
Ray Allen
TAllen

with the exception of Ray Allen, that is a very physical and bruising lineup at every position vs what the lakers bring.

I would rather start TAllen than Cassell and then bring House/Cassell off the bench and based on how each did, ride them.

Tony could at least rough up Kobe early in the game and make him expend some extra energy, try to just deny him the ball.

[radiodavidm]

I like this. I think Eddie will see most of the minutes and I like TA's game better then Sam's right now. TA can slash and get to the line. He will put pressure on Kobe. He is fearless - and won't be scared to shoot. Yes his handle is not GREAT but LA doesn't really have a pressure D.

Pete

Yes - if TA has indeed fully recovered, give him a chance.  If it starts to look like a disaster, he can always be pulled. 

When he's in, use PP in the "point forward" role he sometimes plays and let Tony wear down Kobe a bit.  His rustiness will make him less effective on offense/ballhandling, and might cost us a foul or two but his defense might really throw LA off.  Keep Sam and House in the roles they're already in. 

Start Rondo or TA, make that first substitution quickly if necessary!

[ScoobyDoo]

I agree with "Who" as well. If LA drifts off Tony he goes to the hole pretty quickly and with some aggression.

That Laker defense is soft in the middle and outside of Tony we don't really have a player that attacks the rim from the wing position. Pierce drives to the lane but he's more of a whirling dervish when he goes.

TAllen is a B-line to the rim attacker, that's not good for the Lakers soft interior D.

[greendoc]

I like Tony Allen at point if Rondo can't play because he will attack the point guard.  Making Kobe play defense is incredibly important because it tires him out and give GPA more space to maneuver.  If we can get any production out of him then Lakers will have to bring Farmer in the game to pressure him,   Cassell becomes more valuable.  Tony Allen can also give Ray Allen are breather to guard Vujacic. 

[spelz]

If Rondo can't play I could see TA playing some, but not starting.  I think Doc is playing a bit of gamemanship to offset the Lakers game plan.  Maybe Doc is trying to get a bit "Belicheky" as Kobe would call it.

[Last Train]

I don't mind the idea of trying him and see what you get. I really think the guys deep on the Celtics bench even match up well with LA. I could see Big Baby getting a ton of boards if he were to ever get in the game too.

[acieEarl]

I like Tony Allen at point if Rondo can't play because he will attack the point guard.  Making Kobe play defense is incredibly important because it tires him out and give GPA more space to maneuver.  If we can get any production out of him then Lakers will have to bring Farmer in the game to pressure him,   Cassell becomes more valuable.  Tony Allen can also give Ray Allen are breather to guard Vujacic. 

If anyone has watched the Celtics last year they would know that T Allen at point is not a good idea. Tony is can't dribble. Defensively Tony would help on Kobe or Vujacic but he can't run the point. Better off just having Pierce and Allen bring it up.

I would love to see the line up of KG,Perk,PP,RA, and Posey.

[jaketwice]

The problem is on offense. Let's pretend that TA is in the game... Why wouldn't LA cheat off of him to double the ball (or to double KG)?

Defense is good - but you need to score points to win!

Like they did in LA earlier this season?

TA just caught the ball and took it right to the rim everytime they cheated off of him. What did he have that night? 16 points and 4 dimes? He had another 4-5 missed layups. Add in the fouls he drew. He tore apart their defense like Boston did in Game Two, getting easy layups for guys like Powe because he constantly took the ball right into the teeth of their defense. Lakers defense was scrambling all night long that game in large part because of TA's penetration.

It's not a problem if TA performs at good level. His ability to get to the rim will override his lack of a jump shot. If TA doesn't perform, and starts standing around instead of being aggressive it'll be a massive problem.

You, my friend, are an optimist. I hope that if we decide to start TA, or to play him - the driving and etc. is exactly what happens.  He can be a really lethal player on the drive. I hope he gets the confidence to kick some butt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrLhBu6BWBM&NR=1

Last time I saw him substantively (in the regular season) he looked a little lost however. He also was settling for jumpshots (not his strength).

I think I remember that LA game... ...what stood out for me was that TA, a hardscrabble kid from Southside Chicago, and Kobe were dueling on the perimeter, and a call went against TA that I felt was really on Kobe. The relative economic differences in their childhoods seemed to be playing out on the court: the rich kid getting the benefit of the doubt in favor of the poor one.

[Sweet17]

If anyone has watched the Celtics last year they would know that T Allen at point is not a good idea. Tony is can't dribble. Defensively Tony would help on Kobe or Vujacic but he can't run the point. Better off just having Pierce and Allen bring it up.

O'RLY?

http://www.nba.com/games/20071230/BOSLAL/boxscore.html

Do me a favour - look at that box score. Who was the starting PG? How did he do? What was his +/- rating?

Well maybe you won't do it just going by the "memories" of a few unfortunate upfakes for your impression of TA. Long story short - 16 points , 5-10 shooting, Celtics victory. A team high +21 on the game.

Pete

[Last Train]

I like Tony. But if he were to play, they have to drill into his head to not go for Kobe's pump fakes, because he is doing that a LOT this series.