Anyone else think Scal should start when Perk is healthy.

[BudweiserCeltic]

-Perkins could be a perfect fit off the bench just the same. He's becoming a bit more offensive minded so he could play better against lesser competition.

-That's not true, Pierce, Ray, KG, and Rondo thrive with the floor spread so there's a need there. Wether it brings better results or not is debatable. Just the same I can argue that the time when we need better defenders is in the bench, and Perkins could be the guy.

-Scal doesn't do much for the bench either because a SF shooter doesn't open up the floor as much as a PF shooter does. What the 2nd unit needs more than someone that can shoot, it's someone that can create oppotunities. Sadly, Scal isn't it. Wether Scal is in the game or not with the bench, the floor doesn't spread much with them. This is the same reason that I argue that Posey wouldn't add much to the 2nd unit as currently constructed. We'd still suffer from many of the same problems.

I'm quite certain that Scal won't start over Perkins, but we can still debate it.

I know the sample size isn't there and the competion could be considered suspect, but our defense has still been good and our offense has been very good as well with Scal in there. So it's debatable that Perk's contribution defensively outweights the possible increase in offensive production by the unit (if that's the case).

[crownsy]

I think the question of should he start is silly, but as bud points out, i think he should certainly get some PF minutes, since its one of the only lineups off the bench we can go to to spread the floor and make life easier for the bench+ 2 starters combo.

Powe does alot of great things at the PF. spacing isn't one of them.

[Bozo]

I think Scal is making his point.  He is an expert in doing the little things that make the team as a whole play better.  You have a package of 3 of the best players in the game, with a super quick passing point.  Add a guy who focuses on making certain the  little things happen, and Vola!  The team blows them out. Given what you have (big three), its not inconceivable that your real need is a Scal. 

I think Scal deserves to make his statement.  I think he should stay, a least until a team shows that they can beat us with Scal starting.   

[BudweiserCeltic]

I think the question of should he start is silly, but as bud points out, i think he should certainly get some PF minutes, since its one of the only lineups off the bench we can go to to spread the floor and make life easier for the bench+ 2 starters combo.

Powe does alot of great things at the PF. spacing isn't one of them.

If we had a legit center in the bench which we could use Scal comfortably as a PF with then this discussion should change its tune a little bit. But there's still a legit case of how good our starters a playing. There's also no evidence that they won't be keeping the production with Perk over Scal, but there's no denying that with Scal in there our first unit is clicking incredibly well in both sides of the ball.

[kenmaine]

I think Scal is making his point.  He is an expert in doing the little things that make the team as a whole play better.  You have a package of 3 of the best players in the game, with a super quick passing point.  Add a guy who focuses on making certain the  little things happen, and Vola!  The team blows them out. Given what you have (big three), its not inconceivable that your real need is a Scal. 

I think Scal deserves to make his statement.  I think he should stay, a least until a team shows that they can beat us with Scal starting.   

Well said, TP.  Not sure I entirely agree, but it is at least a reasonable debate.

[cordobes]

At least, there's one good thing about this: the importance of spacing - and how difficult is to create it in the NBA without outside shooting threats - is being more understood these days than during the Summer.

[spazmonkey]

I'm trying to be open-minded here.  But here are a few reasons I think Perk remains our starting center.

A)  Perk protects the paint and alters shots on the defensive end.  Scal does not.  These might be cliches, but sometimes cliches are cliches for good reason.

B)  Perk is a dramatically better rebounder.  He's averaging 10.6 to Scal's 3.7 per 36 mins, per www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2009.html.  (If you like new-fangled stats, check out the rebounding discrepancy at www.82games.com/0809/0809BOS.HTM.)

C)  Yes we've won 5 of 5 starting Scal, but 4 out of these 5 games were against the Raptors and Nets.

That said, I like Scal and I think Doc values him for good reason.  He can fill alot of different holes when injuries press him into action.  But I still think he's a bench player / spot-starter.

[FatjohnReturns]

As stated above spacing is so key with this team. When we have Garnett and Perkins in at the same time it clogs the lane. Coupeled with Rondo's inability to hit the jumpshot it severly limits our offense. Scals ability to draw his man out to he 3pt line  makes it much easier for Rondo,Pierce,Allen to drive it to the rim. I would ride this lineup for a while and see where it goes.

A 2nd unit of Perk,Powe,Walker,House, or Pruitt would be solid defensivly and most of our problems have come when the 2nd unit can't hold the lead.

[wdleehi]

Why not replace Pierce with Scali instead?



Really, we want the Celtics to change the title winning starting lineup?



What needs to change is Scali needs to be a part of the daily rotation. 

[Danimals]

At least, there's one good thing about this: the importance of spacing - and how difficult is to create it in the NBA without outside shooting threats - is being more understood these days than during the Summer.

With all due respect, I'm not sure that the importance of proper spacing is a recent revelation. Didn't Doc openly stated his preference of not playing Perkins and Jefferson together for this very reason? Isn't this partly why the coaches are having Davis work on his jumper - so that Powe can better operate down low?

[ManUp]

Why not replace Pierce with Scali instead?



Really, we want the Celtics to change the title winning starting lineup?



What needs to change is Scali needs to be a part of the daily rotation. 

Sounds about right.

I'd also like to see Tony stay on the bench when he comes back.

[cordobes]

At least, there's one good thing about this: the importance of spacing - and how difficult is to create it in the NBA without outside shooting threats - is being more understood these days than during the Summer.

With all due respect, I'm not sure that the importance of proper spacing is a recent revelation. Didn't Doc openly stated his preference of not playing Perkins and Jefferson together for this very reason? Isn't this partly why the coaches are having Davis work on his jumper - so that Powe can better operate down low?

Since I'm still reading that playing Powe, Perkins and Tony Allen together is a good idea, I tend to believe the concept is still not entirely understood.

I'm absolutely certain Doc understands the importance of spacing - at least since he was a player in college or high-school.

[Tr1boy]

doc is an idiot period. I also blamed scal for sukking and that it was danny's mistake. But actually it was doc that was using him inefficiently. Who knows that could be the same case with POB.

Scal brings nothing really to the 2nd unit but alot to the first unit and it had to take perkins to get injured for doc to understand this.

Also i don't think people in the forum understand how important that initial start is to a game. Rondo especially if starts good usualy plays good for the rest of the game. You start perk, have the chance of rondo being ineffective from the get go and chances are not good he will play good the rest of the game.

Best way is

Scal start. Perk early sub for scal. Scal starts third. Perk Early sub for Scal. Scal or anyone else named perk finishes the game with the starters with less than 7 mins to go

[wdleehi]

doc is an idiot period. I also blamed scal for sukking and that it was danny's mistake. But actually it was doc that was using him inefficiently. Who knows that could be the same case with POB.

Scal brings nothing really to the 2nd unit but alot to the first unit and it had to take perkins to get injured for doc to understand this.

Also i don't think people in the forum understand how important that initial start is to a game. Rondo especially if starts good usualy plays good for the rest of the game. You start perk, have the chance of rondo being ineffective from the get go and chances are not good he will play good the rest of the game.

Best way is

Scal start. Perk early sub for scal. Scal starts third. Perk Early sub for Scal. Scal or anyone else named perk finishes the game with the starters with less than 7 mins to go

I must have missed something. 


Were the Celtics have terrible starts before Scali replaced the injured Perkins?

[zerophase]

this is a terrible idea... garnett hates it at the 5. it also shortens his career.