Smell The Coffee, Celtic Nation

[footey]

Sorry guys, but Dikembe is long gone. And to say the Lakers are better without Bynum is IMO ludicrous.  Gasol was playing great with Bynum, and Bynum was starting to establish himself as a serious scorer. 

Odom was a one hit wonder last night, I don't expect that kind of performance from him on a consistent basis.

No one but me takes the POB suggestion seriously.  I tried, Patrick.

[BballTim]

I tried, Patrick.

  POB reads this blog? There's hope for him yet...

[wdleehi]

The team should have signed Dikembe when he was practically begging them to.

That being said, this team won a ton of games last season before picking up P.J. Brown, and they've won a ton of games this season.  Another big man would be useful, but it's not like this team is doomed without another one.  I mean, if the officials don't blow a couple calls down the stretch, we win that game.

I'm not ready to say that they should have signed Mutombo, since I still think this team has a lot bigger need for another two way player than they have for a 7 foot specialist (which is all Dikembe would be).

Eh...  a bird in the hand, you know?  If Joe Smith or Nick Collison don't get bought out, what's Plan B?  Dikembe is an excellent defender and rebounder, and that would go a long way.

I suppose.  Its certainly risky.  I just don't think Dikembe helps this team too much.  While he is an upgrade in height, I am not convinced he is actually an upgrade overall over either Powe or Davis.  He would help against certain matchups...but the only team I foresee these bad matchups happening with is the Lakers...and even then, they are minimized if Perkins isn't playing like he is half in the bag, and Garnett doesn't foul out.

Davis has shown that he can be effective against taller, but slower guys like Ilgauskas and Ming, by establishing position.  Powe can also thrive against those guys.

Really, there are two teams that have given the C's backup big men a lot of trouble this year...Portland and LA.  And against LA, the C's are screwed if they have to throw someone else out there who is not an offensive threat.

He is an upgrade playing next to one of the vs. those two playing next to each other. 


Powe and Davis defensively are an issue against two main guys, Gasol and Big Z.  Both can and so just turn and shot over those two.  Big Z did that many times to them in the playoffs and Gasol was doing that last night. 

[crownsy]

Yes, the refs were terrible last night. Yes, KG was not at full strength, and should not have been fouled out. But, let's face facts: The Lakers beat us on our home court without their starting center, a guy who creates major match up problems for us. Gasol has demonstrated two straight games vs. Celtics that he is not afraid to step up and score at will on our backups. Kobe can have an off night, and they still beat us in our building. 

We are outmatched in the size department, and it was most glaring last night, when Gasol scored without inpunity over the two dwarfs: Powe and Baby. Yes, Powe played well overall last night, but on defense when matched against a 7 footer, he was completely helpless. Baby shows great effort, and has a role, but if he is off, take him out. He is not Ray Allen, who can shoot himself out of a slump. He does not have that mentality, that confidence.

So, either we make a deal for a talented big without giving away a major chip (practically impossible), or develop POB faster and use him in these situations. I know we are trying to get home court advantage, and recognize how this season, more than any other, it is very important.  But I would rather have a more developed, bigger rotation without HCA than the same rotation with it.  And let's accept the fact that at some point you have to win on the road to go all the way.

How about this for an experiment: Start POB in place of Perk for a game or two. See what happens.  If we win, and he does not hurt us, do it again. If we lose, and he is the clear reason why, don't. 

Doc is way too conservative and distruEdited.  Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline.l of his younger, talented players.  It is time to think boldly, Doc. The top of the league (Lakers, Cavs and Magic) is so much better than last year. And this year's Celtics are a little worse without Posey and PJ.

I realize that I am going to get slammed by many, especially POB critics. Bring it on.  But in your criticism, come up with a better idea.  Don't make fantasy trade proposal that won't work for the other team, or pretend that PJ is going to unretire. And heavens don't tell me every thing will be fine with the status quo. It will not.  We cannot win this year without making a fundamental change in our rotation.  POB is my proposal.  Give it a serious shot, Doc.  And if he costs us a few games, move on. 

Allright people, season's over on a 1 point overtime loss, nothing to see here!



Kidding aside, we do need a big from somewhere, and to trust gabe or get a backup up PG who can run the floor.

[Chris]

The team should have signed Dikembe when he was practically begging them to.

That being said, this team won a ton of games last season before picking up P.J. Brown, and they've won a ton of games this season.  Another big man would be useful, but it's not like this team is doomed without another one.  I mean, if the officials don't blow a couple calls down the stretch, we win that game.

I'm not ready to say that they should have signed Mutombo, since I still think this team has a lot bigger need for another two way player than they have for a 7 foot specialist (which is all Dikembe would be).

Eh...  a bird in the hand, you know?  If Joe Smith or Nick Collison don't get bought out, what's Plan B?  Dikembe is an excellent defender and rebounder, and that would go a long way.

I suppose.  Its certainly risky.  I just don't think Dikembe helps this team too much.  While he is an upgrade in height, I am not convinced he is actually an upgrade overall over either Powe or Davis.  He would help against certain matchups...but the only team I foresee these bad matchups happening with is the Lakers...and even then, they are minimized if Perkins isn't playing like he is half in the bag, and Garnett doesn't foul out.

Davis has shown that he can be effective against taller, but slower guys like Ilgauskas and Ming, by establishing position.  Powe can also thrive against those guys.

Really, there are two teams that have given the C's backup big men a lot of trouble this year...Portland and LA.  And against LA, the C's are screwed if they have to throw someone else out there who is not an offensive threat.

He is an upgrade playing next to one of the vs. those two playing next to each other. 


Powe and Davis defensively are an issue against two main guys, Gasol and Big Z.  Both can and so just turn and shot over those two.  Big Z did that many times to them in the playoffs and Gasol was doing that last night. 

This is true.  But the chances of them both being on the floor together come playoff time is very slim.  The only times that would happen is if Garnett or Perkins is in foul trouble.

[youcanthandlethetruth113]

I realize that I am going to get slammed by many, especially POB critics. Bring it on.  But in your criticism, come up with a better idea. 

Footey,

Great post/topic of discussion!

Here is my idea: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=2367~138~3429~3019~3227~1021~125&teams=12~12~12~12~12~12~2&te=&cash=


I'm not saying its better than yours, but here's why I think it could work for both teams.

Camby to Boston - I think this works well for the C's because none of the players being dealt (other than Tony - obviously) EVER crack the rotation. They get a true veteran big man who is hungry to win NOW! He would anchor the 2nd unit of course, and would/could relieve Perk in times of foul trouble. I think he'd be the ultimate guy to have on the floor while Garnett rests.

POB, TA, Scal, Pruitt, Sam I Am, and Giddens to Clippers -

I think this works for the Clippers because all the incoming players/salaries are serviceable now (perhaps with the exception of Sam I Am - though they could just waive him) and expire at the perfect time for them - aka summer of 2010 aka summer of Lebron.

Thoughts?

[Change]

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=2367~138~3429~3019~3227~1021~125&teams=12~12~12~12~12~12~2&te=&cash=
[/url]

I'm not saying its better than yours, but here's why I think it could work for both teams.

Camby to Boston - I think this works well for the C's because none of the players being dealt (other than Tony - obviously) EVER crack the rotation. They get a true veteran big man who is hungry to win NOW! He would anchor the 2nd unit of course, and would/could relieve Perk in times of foul trouble. I think he'd be the ultimate guy to have on the floor while Garnett rests.

POB, TA, Scal, Pruitt, Sam I Am, and Giddens to Clippers -

I think this works for the Clippers because all the incoming players/salaries are serviceable now (perhaps with the exception of Sam I Am - though they could just waive him) and expire at the perfect time for them - aka summer of 2010 aka summer of Lebron.

Thoughts?

That is sick but LOVE IT! Six4one genuis man get rid of our garbage. They'll probably release Cassell and will scope him up. That would leave us with 9players (including Cassell).

[BballTim]

I realize that I am going to get slammed by many, especially POB critics. Bring it on.  But in your criticism, come up with a better idea. 

Footey,

Great post/topic of discussion!

Here is my idea: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=2367~138~3429~3019~3227~1021~125&teams=12~12~12~12~12~12~2&te=&cash=


I'm not saying its better than yours, but here's why I think it could work for both teams.

Camby to Boston - I think this works well for the C's because none of the players being dealt (other than Tony - obviously) EVER crack the rotation. They get a true veteran big man who is hungry to win NOW! He would anchor the 2nd unit of course, and would/could relieve Perk in times of foul trouble. I think he'd be the ultimate guy to have on the floor while Garnett rests.

POB, TA, Scal, Pruitt, Sam I Am, and Giddens to Clippers -

I think this works for the Clippers because all the incoming players/salaries are serviceable now (perhaps with the exception of Sam I Am - though they could just waive him) and expire at the perfect time for them - aka summer of 2010 aka summer of Lebron.

Thoughts?

  Eddie's going to back up 3 spots?

[Roy Hobbs]

Note on the above:  you can't make in-season trades if it would even temporarily put a team above 15 players.

[waltzero]

Here's the real coffee: there's nothing wrong with the C's, still the best team in the NBA easily. Call the game fair and nobody can touch them, or at least not a sloppy team like LA. The Lakers needed a ton of help to make it a game...they even needed the refs to repeat one of the worst screw jobs ever and foul out KG for nothing like they did when the Wolves almost beat the Shaq Lakers.

In a fair game, the Lakers aren't even close, so tweaking the team this way or that is pointless as far as beating LA goes. Of course they will pick up a decent player if they can find one, but it has nothing to do with losing to LA twice this year or beating them in the finals.

[wdleehi]

The team should have signed Dikembe when he was practically begging them to.

That being said, this team won a ton of games last season before picking up P.J. Brown, and they've won a ton of games this season.  Another big man would be useful, but it's not like this team is doomed without another one.  I mean, if the officials don't blow a couple calls down the stretch, we win that game.

I'm not ready to say that they should have signed Mutombo, since I still think this team has a lot bigger need for another two way player than they have for a 7 foot specialist (which is all Dikembe would be).

Eh...  a bird in the hand, you know?  If Joe Smith or Nick Collison don't get bought out, what's Plan B?  Dikembe is an excellent defender and rebounder, and that would go a long way.

I suppose.  Its certainly risky.  I just don't think Dikembe helps this team too much.  While he is an upgrade in height, I am not convinced he is actually an upgrade overall over either Powe or Davis.  He would help against certain matchups...but the only team I foresee these bad matchups happening with is the Lakers...and even then, they are minimized if Perkins isn't playing like he is half in the bag, and Garnett doesn't foul out.

Davis has shown that he can be effective against taller, but slower guys like Ilgauskas and Ming, by establishing position.  Powe can also thrive against those guys.

Really, there are two teams that have given the C's backup big men a lot of trouble this year...Portland and LA.  And against LA, the C's are screwed if they have to throw someone else out there who is not an offensive threat.

He is an upgrade playing next to one of the vs. those two playing next to each other. 


Powe and Davis defensively are an issue against two main guys, Gasol and Big Z.  Both can and so just turn and shot over those two.  Big Z did that many times to them in the playoffs and Gasol was doing that last night. 

This is true.  But the chances of them both being on the floor together come playoff time is very slim.  The only times that would happen is if Garnett or Perkins is in foul trouble.

I would like to think that to, but as last years playoffs as a model, Doc still like to have both KG and Perk on the bench at the same time.  Not as much as the regular season, but still, both on the bench at the same time. 

[Mr October]

I agree with a lot of what the original poster is saying. I'll add...

As currently constructed the Celtics are the 3rd best team in the NBA. The difference between 1, 2 and 3 isn't much mind you.

1. Lakers
2. Cavs
3. Celtics

The Celtics starting lineup (based on individual talent as well as chemistry between them), is the best in the NBA.

However, Cleveland is bigger and has more depth. And LA has the best depth. On top of that, those 2 teams sport the 2 best players in the NBA.

The Celtics need size on the bench. They are undersized at EVERY position.

PG House 6-0
SG Pruitt/TA 6-3
SF TA 6-3
PF Powe 6-7
C Davis 6-6

(The above appear to be their real heights.)

Posey was a 6-8 SF, Brown was a 6-11 PF/C - those extra 4-5 inches were huge! And so was their ability to hit a jump shot. These guys are sorely missed.

The C's have to make something happen for this roster this month. Otherwise I think the Cavs are gonna bounce the Celtics in the ECF.

[footey]

Here's the real coffee: there's nothing wrong with the C's, still the best team in the NBA easily. Call the game fair and nobody can touch them, or at least not a sloppy team like LA. The Lakers needed a ton of help to make it a game...they even needed the refs to repeat one of the worst screw jobs ever and foul out KG for nothing like they did when the Wolves almost beat the Shaq Lakers.

In a fair game, the Lakers aren't even close, so tweaking the team this way or that is pointless as far as beating LA goes. Of course they will pick up a decent player if they can find one, but it has nothing to do with losing to LA twice this year or beating them in the finals.

Status Quo = No Ring. 

[Roy Hobbs]

Here's the real coffee: there's nothing wrong with the C's, still the best team in the NBA easily. Call the game fair and nobody can touch them, or at least not a sloppy team like LA. The Lakers needed a ton of help to make it a game...they even needed the refs to repeat one of the worst screw jobs ever and foul out KG for nothing like they did when the Wolves almost beat the Shaq Lakers.

In a fair game, the Lakers aren't even close, so tweaking the team this way or that is pointless as far as beating LA goes. Of course they will pick up a decent player if they can find one, but it has nothing to do with losing to LA twice this year or beating them in the finals.

Status Quo = No Ring. 

Starting POB = #3 seed in the East.

[kenmaine]

OP- "we cannot win without making a fundamental change". Nonsense. C's have at least as good a chance as any team to win it all.
It's never a sure thing, but IMO they're the best in the league.
 They were sloppy last night, missed a lot of shots, were possibly affected by the flu, the refs were pretty awful(but that was cancelled out by LA missing so many free throws), Rondo was good but a little out of control at times. In other words, they were slightly outplayed by a very good team.
So, they win 12 in a row, then lose to the Lakers by one point, and now they can't possibly win it all? And I thought I was a pessimist