I don't like our bench vs quality opponents

[SCBirdman]

We have no real scorer and are undersized upfront. Not to beat a dead horse, but DA should have made the deal to keep Posey and aquired a big that can play, not POB.

Also, TA has got to come to play. It seems to be like this guys basketball IQ is less than 70.

I just don't think we can repeat without a deal being made to shore up the bench.

[Chris]

Honestly, I am much more concerned with the wing/backcourt situation than up front.  But I do agree that something needs to happen.  But we are 28-4, and still have a long time before the playoffs.  I wouldn't worry too much yet, there is is plenty of time to fix this.

[KCattheStripe]

WHy haven't they tried calling up Bill Walker or Giddens? They're putting up good numbers in the D-League. Walker could provide solid scoring opposite TA and give the 2nd Unit a second player who can create his own shot.

[TitleMaster]

As stated in other threads, we get PJ Brown re-established (since neither Powe nor BBD impose a shot blocking presence) and a point forward, like 'Toine, who can be a backup 3, and help spread the floor so that it doesn't get congested in the paint with too many smaller players doing layups.

Here's the frontline: AW (3), PJB (1), BBD/Powe (2) with AW roaming the perimeter.

The set play is AW -> passes to (1) or (2). (1) or (2), not open for a jump hook, looks for back cutter to one of the guards slashing through, like TA, or back out to AW for a jumper or Ray Ray for the killer three pointer. All and all, it keeps the ball in motion and prevents the sort of mid-game slump which is becoming more prevalent these days.

[tenn_smoothie]

last year's finals game 4 vs lakers was being shown on one of the sports tier channels earlier tonite - it was such a stark reminder of how good a player james posey is and how much he helped this team. the 2nd team offense just flowed more smoothly and posey simply knows how to play - where to go on set plays, on transition situations, rock-solid defense. we made a huge mistake not giving him the extra year he wanted on the contract. that would have been a small investment in exchange for another banner from this group.

danny screwed that one up - now he needs to correct as best he can and add a couple of key players to this roster + bring up bill walker if he can help.

what was it, though, that i heard about walker needing a little humility earlier in the season ?? was he becoming some kind of locker room distraction ??

[Jon]

We have no real scorer and are undersized upfront. Not to beat a dead horse, but DA should have made the deal to keep Posey and aquired a big that can play, not POB.

Also, TA has got to come to play. It seems to be like this guys basketball IQ is less than 70.

I just don't think we can repeat without a deal being made to shore up the bench.

It isn't so much quality of opponent as the size of the opponent.  I really think the C's struggle with the Hawks and Cavs last year had much more to do with their huge frontlines than the C's own internal struggles.  Easy layups and dunks for the likes of Big Baby and Powe turned into blocked shots and awkward altered shots.  They were able to get away with it against smaller and less physical frontlines like in Detroit (McDyess isn't huge, Wallace is perimeter oriented, and Maxiell is undersized) and LA (where they have size, but everyone plays like they're 6-6).  This year it was different in LA with the size of Bynum. 

To compound the issue, despite what Powe and Davis bring to the table with energy and skill, they really do pose a problem.  Not only are they undersized, they're lack of size forces the C's to play small ball without a perimeter game.  Thus, they're forced when they're on the floor to go inside even when it's not going to be to their advantage.  This is where someone like an Antoine Walker conceivably could help (notice, I said someone like him, so let's not turn this into an Antoine thread).  He would present the same size issues; however, he could spread the floor and open things up.  Ideally, the C's would just get a big man like PJ, but if that can't be done, someone with range would help.  Also, this problem is further compounded by Tony Allen, who can't hit an outside shot.  Thus, the C's are playing small ball with three players who can't hit an outside shot. 

Of course come playoff time this should be somewhat minimized as the starters will play more minutes as the rotation is shortened.  Still, this bench needs something to win it all. 

[vinnie]

Tonight was probably the worst game the bench has played all year, but it has been steadily going downhill. Powe and Davis simply cannot guard big centers and power forwards and tonight, Davis looked like he did not belong on the court. Gabe Pruitt should start getting the backup point guard time. When House is "running" the point it is just like not having a "1" in the game. There also is no go to guy on the bench -- not one. Danny is going to have to pull a miracle in the next few weeks to get some badly needed talent for this bench.

[Change]

Ok, time for a makeover. Doc needs to mix it up a bit, even it means calling our rookies. There is no seniority, we can use their athleticism and length at SF. Here's what our bench should look like for now
1)Powe
2)Gabe
3)House
4)Walker
5)Giddens
6)POB
7)TA

[celticinorlando]

i watched mario chalmers play tonight vs the cavs....boston missed out on that kid....he would have been a perfect fit behind rondo...played great defense in mo williams...hit 5 or 6 threes and handled the ball very well....

[Change]

i watched mario chalmers play tonight vs the cavs....boston missed out on that kid....he would have been a perfect fit behind rondo...played great defense in mo williams...hit 5 or 6 threes and handled the ball very well....

A lot of teams missed out on him, but he isn't what we need. We need length with Athleticism at SF, PF, C. I believe our rookies can contribute now at SG, SF. So just sign or trade for PF/C that can play D & rebound

[celticinorlando]

i watched mario chalmers play tonight vs the cavs....boston missed out on that kid....he would have been a perfect fit behind rondo...played great defense in mo williams...hit 5 or 6 threes and handled the ball very well....

A lot of teams missed out on him, but he isn't what we need. We need length with Athleticism at SF, PF, C. I believe our rookies can contribute now at SG, SF. So just sign or trade for PF/C that can play D & rebound

i would feel better if chalmers was the back up point and eddie could be the shooting guard..i don't understand why the rooks haven't even got a look....and why sign POB? what does Scal do?

[Change]

i watched mario chalmers play tonight vs the cavs....boston missed out on that kid....he would have been a perfect fit behind rondo...played great defense in mo williams...hit 5 or 6 threes and handled the ball very well....

A lot of teams missed out on him, but he isn't what we need. We need length with Athleticism at SF, PF, C. I believe our rookies can contribute now at SG, SF. So just sign or trade for PF/C that can play D & rebound

i would feel better if chalmers was the back up point and eddie could be the shooting guard..i don't understand why the rooks haven't even got a look....and why sign POB? what does Scal do?

The biggest off season mistake so far was letting The BirdMan walk thus signing POB.

[KungPoweChicken]

Danny left a hole in the bench and it is showing. how can he correct the second unit now?

[celticinorlando]

house, baby, powe, allen, legit big, athletic SF/PF and pruitt should be the bench...Scal and POB need to go

[Chris]

house, baby, powe, allen, legit big, athletic SF/PF and pruitt should be the bench...Scal and POB need to go

I would be very surprised if that is not the case by the end of the season...although I expect Pruitt to be replaced by Cassell.