Injuries ... A Mixed Blessing In Disguise?

[nickagneta]

 

  An hour before what became maybe the Celtics' least likely regular season victory in three seasons, Doc Rivers was asked if there were any positives that could be taken from having to play a game without Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Marquis Daniels.

    "There is no benefit as far as I know," he responded before the question was even finished. "When the playoffs start, I am 99 percent sure I will have the regular nine (rotation players) on the floor."

http://www.celticsblog.com/

Seems the coach, the guy that runs the team, agrees with Who and I.

  You agree that there's a 99% chance that our top nine will all be on the floor come playoff time?

Yes.

[Chris]

 

  An hour before what became maybe the Celtics' least likely regular season victory in three seasons, Doc Rivers was asked if there were any positives that could be taken from having to play a game without Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Marquis Daniels.

    "There is no benefit as far as I know," he responded before the question was even finished. "When the playoffs start, I am 99 percent sure I will have the regular nine (rotation players) on the floor."

http://www.celticsblog.com/

Seems the coach, the guy that runs the team, agrees with Who and I.

  You agree that there's a 99% chance that our top nine will all be on the floor come playoff time?

Yes.

I think I would take it the other way and say that if the top nine are not on the floor, then the experience that guys are getting right now, may not matter anyways, because they likely will not win it all if they are not pretty close to 100% healthy.

[wiley]

I would say that if the starting 5 are healthy, you can still win a title if, for example, Marquis, TA and Scal are all hurt....Even if Sheed were out, I think a title is doable with Perk, KG, Baby and Sheldon....

[Chris]

I would say that if the starting 5 are healthy, you can still win a title if, for example, Marquis, TA and Scal are all hurt....Even if Sheed were out, I think a title is doable with Perk, KG, Baby and Sheldon....

I think you are not giving nearly enough credit to the other contenders. 

[MBz]

It'll be good for other players to get playing time, but I am worried if Ray Allen's minutes continue to be up when everyone is back.  Hopefully Ray Ray can pick up a game off here and there through out the season to rest those tired knees and ankles.

[wiley]

I would say that if the starting 5 are healthy, you can still win a title if, for example, Marquis, TA and Scal are all hurt....Even if Sheed were out, I think a title is doable with Perk, KG, Baby and Sheldon....

I think you are not giving nearly enough credit to the other contenders. 

Wouldn't be a cakewalk and might depend on Cleveland or L.A. having some injury issues of their own...

But a healthy Perk and KG, with Baby at enormous minutes, would have a shot...

[nickagneta]

I would say that if the starting 5 are healthy, you can still win a title if, for example, Marquis, TA and Scal are all hurt....Even if Sheed were out, I think a title is doable with Perk, KG, Baby and Sheldon....

I think you are not giving nearly enough credit to the other contenders. 

Wouldn't be a cakewalk and might depend on Cleveland or L.A. having some injury issues of their own...

But a healthy Perk and KG, with Baby at enormous minutes, would have a shot...

TP4U

First time I ever read Baby being described using the word enormous with enormous being used in a good way. 

[wiley]

I would say that if the starting 5 are healthy, you can still win a title if, for example, Marquis, TA and Scal are all hurt....Even if Sheed were out, I think a title is doable with Perk, KG, Baby and Sheldon....

I think you are not giving nearly enough credit to the other contenders. 

Wouldn't be a cakewalk and might depend on Cleveland or L.A. having some injury issues of their own...

But a healthy Perk and KG, with Baby at enormous minutes, would have a shot...

TP4U

First time I ever read Baby being described using the word enormous with enormous being used in a good way. 

I was kinda hoping that would slide through unnoticed, but I'll greedily take the TP!  Thanks...

[clover]

 

  An hour before what became maybe the Celtics' least likely regular season victory in three seasons, Doc Rivers was asked if there were any positives that could be taken from having to play a game without Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Marquis Daniels.

    "There is no benefit as far as I know," he responded before the question was even finished. "When the playoffs start, I am 99 percent sure I will have the regular nine (rotation players) on the floor."

And I say there's only about a 15% chance all 9 guys are healthy and playing at once--and that that is through the playoffs.

http://www.celticsblog.com/

Seems the coach, the guy that runs the team, agrees with Who and I.

And last year there were 2 guys unhealthy enough to perform out of the normal 9 man rotation. In 2008 that number was zero. If we split the difference and say 1 of the 9 regulars(starters, Sheed, Baby, Marquis, Eddie) isn't going to be available in the playoffs, then that means either Sheldom on Tony will take that person's place.

So how is getting the last 4 guys on the bench some run during these few games going to help that situation? As Doc said: "There is no benefit..."

Or, follow the trend--reasonable as age creeps up on the 3+Sheed--and 4 guys can't answer the call.  Which makes this argument moot.

[Bahku]

 

  An hour before what became maybe the Celtics' least likely regular season victory in three seasons, Doc Rivers was asked if there were any positives that could be taken from having to play a game without Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Marquis Daniels.

    "There is no benefit as far as I know," he responded before the question was even finished. "When the playoffs start, I am 99 percent sure I will have the regular nine (rotation players) on the floor."

And I say there's only about a 15% chance all 9 guys are healthy and playing at once--and that that is through the playoffs.

http://www.celticsblog.com/

Seems the coach, the guy that runs the team, agrees with Who and I.

And last year there were 2 guys unhealthy enough to perform out of the normal 9 man rotation. In 2008 that number was zero. If we split the difference and say 1 of the 9 regulars(starters, Sheed, Baby, Marquis, Eddie) isn't going to be available in the playoffs, then that means either Sheldom on Tony will take that person's place.

So how is getting the last 4 guys on the bench some run during these few games going to help that situation? As Doc said: "There is no benefit..."

Come on, you actually think Doc is going to say to the media that we might be without some starters to begin the playoffs? Yeah, that's a real shocker, lol. Anyway, to say that there is no good that can come from our bench getting minutes is just plain short-sighted, but everyone's entitled to their opinion. The philosophy being touted here, though, comes into direct opposition to what Danny and Doc have discussed, (and what the Boston Globe reported), about not intending to play the starters for all regular-season games, and how that extra experience is good for the bench, (along with what Ray said in his post-game interview).

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/12/24/bench_may_benefit_from_pierce_injury/

ANY experience in ANY sport is a positive thing, (that's why people practice) ,and can only serve to make those experiencing it stronger to themselves, and in turn stronger to their team. If extra experience means nothing to the bench, then someone should tell them that there's no reason to continue coming to practice, and as Who implied, the starters already know everything, so they've no need to practice, either. Someone should tell Doc right away, because the team is wasting a ton of money and resources on giving the players extra "experience", when there is obviously "No benefit". 

[scoop]

I doubt we'll rely on Hudson/Walker/Giddens in the playoffs no matter the number of injuries. If the injuries are so many that they actually are in the rotation for the playoffs, it's because we aren't going any far.

But if players like Rondo or Daniels or Sheed are unavailable for the playoffs, then I think Ainge will pursuit a veteran via trade or off the waivers to replace them.

[slamtheking]

Perhaps the bone of contention here is the wording of the title.  

I don't think anyone would concede the injuries are truly a blessing.  No injuries during the year would be the true blessing.

Having said that, the positive outlook with what's occurred is to look at it from the perspective that the bench players get more time to refine their games (if they're already rotation players) or show they're capable of contributing if called upon (if they're not in the rotation).  

In an ideal situation, the team will be healthy for the stretch run and the playoffs.  Doc will most likely stick to a 9 or 10 man rotation.  In light of the current injury situation, I believe that TA has shown he can contribute and could be counted upon if the team needed him.  He's pushed himself into a 10-man rotation if Doc goes that deep.  (figuring Sheed, BBD, Marquis and House make up the 9-man with the starters).  In that regard, this current stretch was beneficial for TA.

Williams and Veal would only see situational minutes if necessary as 11 and 12 man bench.

(of course this is assuming Danny doesn't pull off a deal before the deadline)

[clover]

Especially given how apparently serious and threatening Pierce's situation was, Doc would have to be a real jerk to say his getting sick/injured was a blessing.  But that doesn't mean it might not make for a stronger team come April.

[nickagneta]

 

  An hour before what became maybe the Celtics' least likely regular season victory in three seasons, Doc Rivers was asked if there were any positives that could be taken from having to play a game without Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Marquis Daniels.

    "There is no benefit as far as I know," he responded before the question was even finished. "When the playoffs start, I am 99 percent sure I will have the regular nine (rotation players) on the floor."

And I say there's only about a 15% chance all 9 guys are healthy and playing at once--and that that is through the playoffs.

http://www.celticsblog.com/

Seems the coach, the guy that runs the team, agrees with Who and I.

And last year there were 2 guys unhealthy enough to perform out of the normal 9 man rotation. In 2008 that number was zero. If we split the difference and say 1 of the 9 regulars(starters, Sheed, Baby, Marquis, Eddie) isn't going to be available in the playoffs, then that means either Sheldom on Tony will take that person's place.

So how is getting the last 4 guys on the bench some run during these few games going to help that situation? As Doc said: "There is no benefit..."

Come on, you actually think Doc is going to say to the media that we might be without some starters to begin the playoffs? Yeah, that's a real shocker, lol. Anyway, to say that there is no good that can come from our bench getting minutes is just plain short-sighted, but everyone's entitled to their opinion. The philosophy being touted here, though, comes into direct opposition to what Danny and Doc have discussed, (and what the Boston Globe reported), about not intending to play the starters for all regular-season games, and how that extra experience is good for the bench, (along with what Ray said in his post-game interview).

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/12/24/bench_may_benefit_from_pierce_injury/

ANY experience in ANY sport is a positive thing, (that's why people practice) ,and can only serve to make those experiencing it stronger to themselves, and in turn stronger to their team. If extra experience means nothing to the bench, then someone should tell them that there's no reason to continue coming to practice, and as Who implied, the starters already know everything, so they've no need to practice, either. Someone should tell Doc right away, because the team is wasting a ton of money and resources on giving the players extra "experience", when there is obviously "No benefit". 

Nice article. Do you now want to quote anything that any member of the coaching staff or front office said in that article that supports your theory? Because the only person that said anything in that article that supports your theory was the author, Gary Washburn.

[Bahku]

 

  An hour before what became maybe the Celtics' least likely regular season victory in three seasons, Doc Rivers was asked if there were any positives that could be taken from having to play a game without Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Marquis Daniels.

    "There is no benefit as far as I know," he responded before the question was even finished. "When the playoffs start, I am 99 percent sure I will have the regular nine (rotation players) on the floor."

And I say there's only about a 15% chance all 9 guys are healthy and playing at once--and that that is through the playoffs.

http://www.celticsblog.com/

Seems the coach, the guy that runs the team, agrees with Who and I.

And last year there were 2 guys unhealthy enough to perform out of the normal 9 man rotation. In 2008 that number was zero. If we split the difference and say 1 of the 9 regulars(starters, Sheed, Baby, Marquis, Eddie) isn't going to be available in the playoffs, then that means either Sheldom on Tony will take that person's place.

So how is getting the last 4 guys on the bench some run during these few games going to help that situation? As Doc said: "There is no benefit..."

Come on, you actually think Doc is going to say to the media that we might be without some starters to begin the playoffs? Yeah, that's a real shocker, lol. Anyway, to say that there is no good that can come from our bench getting minutes is just plain short-sighted, but everyone's entitled to their opinion. The philosophy being touted here, though, comes into direct opposition to what Danny and Doc have discussed, (and what the Boston Globe reported), about not intending to play the starters for all regular-season games, and how that extra experience is good for the bench, (along with what Ray said in his post-game interview).

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/12/24/bench_may_benefit_from_pierce_injury/

ANY experience in ANY sport is a positive thing, (that's why people practice) ,and can only serve to make those experiencing it stronger to themselves, and in turn stronger to their team. If extra experience means nothing to the bench, then someone should tell them that there's no reason to continue coming to practice, and as Who implied, the starters already know everything, so they've no need to practice, either. Someone should tell Doc right away, because the team is wasting a ton of money and resources on giving the players extra "experience", when there is obviously "No benefit". 

Nice article. Do you now want to quote anything that any member of the coaching staff or front office said in that article that supports your theory? Because the only person that said anything in that article that supports your theory was the author, Gary Washburn.

Yeah, if you read the article, Nick, there are a few quotes from Danny and him talking about his discussions with Doc.

President of basketball operations Danny Ainge said Pierce’s injury and Garnett’s one-game setback aren’t related. That is correct. Pierce’s injury is a byproduct of a chance infection, but the question now is whether the Celtics will look to preserve the Big Three for more significant games in April and May.

“It’s a goal of mine not to have KG play 81 games and to not have Paul Pierce play 81 games,’’ Ainge said yesterday. “And to not play 36 minutes a game for 81 games. That’s not my objective at all, or our organizational objective. KG could have played [Tuesday] night. We look for opportunities to give him time off.

“This has nothing to do with wear and tear, especially in Paul’s situation.’’

Principal owner Wyc Grousbeck told the Globe that the Celtics aren’t going to release a player to sign another one because they are at the 15-player limit.

“We’ve got a roster of 15 players. We’re not going to be cutting anybody,’’ he said. “We don’t have any open roster spots. We’ve got guys to practice. I’m glad to see Tony Allen’s playing very well and we’ll have to have people like Tony to step it up.’’


If it takes that much effort to beat Indiana in December, what is it going to take for key April games to seize the No. 1 seed?

“That’s Doc’s choice and Doc’s decision to who he’s going to play,’’ Ainge said. “We know that our best players are in their 30s. It’s never been my objective to win 68 or 72 games. We want to win every game but we want to do it without wearing guys out night in and night out, not forcing guys to try to play 82 games to accomplish some regular-season goal. Our objective is to be prepared physically and have chemistry by the time the playoffs start.’’

Maybe look a little closer next time ... or actually read the article. Thanks.