How to Turn This Season Around

[footey]

There is still hope to win a championship this year.  Yes, healing will be part of it: KG is still 3-4 weeks away from reaching his potential this year. While I do not expect it to match his 2008 level, he should well exceed his current level. Pierce clearly has a few weeks to get fully healed. Ditto Marquis. Even Big Baby has room to improve to his level at the end of last season, and there is no reason he cannot.

Still.  Healing is only a part of what we need.  Certain other, fundamental changes, will need to occur.  Most have been unspoken. This topic is to put them on the table. They are:

1.  Recognize who the leader of this team, now, and going forward, is:  Rajon Rondo. It is his team. I know it, Doc knows it, Danny knows it, most of you know it.  I think Perk knows it.  Ray, Paul and KG have to acknowledge it, and do so publicly.  I think Paul in particular is having trouble acknowledging this.  He has a sensitive ego, and worked so hard for so long to be the leader of this franchise. But it is Rondo's team now.  I have so much more faith in this team when he is in charge. I don't want to see Paul bring the ball up the last two minutes of every 4th quarter any  more.  Each of the old big 3 should become more situational players now.  I want Rondo to run the show.

2.  Doc and the Big 3 need to grow a set, and tell Sheed to shut up, get in shape, and post up.  It is a joke when commentators say that he is still rounding himself into shape.  We are almost at the all star break.  He should have been in shape at training camp.  He needs to eat better, train harder. For too long he has relied on his natural ability (which is considerable) to get by and excel. He is at an age where that is not enough. Just like last season it was not enough. 

3. Doc and his assistants need to create new offensive and defensive schemes. The other teams have figured everything out. The Celtics have become very predictable at both ends.  Sure, there has to be greater effort. But that alone will not get them out of these doldrums.

4.  Danny should make a public announcement that he is not trading anyone this season. That he believes this team will lead us to the promised land.  I think the trade rumors have been tough on Ray, shaken his confidence. I have yet to see a trade idea that makes us better this season. And yes, I think we are still capable of winning it all, if we make the necessary internal changes, as discussed above.

What do you think?

[PosImpos]

Definitely agree with 1 and 2.  3 and 4 are somewhat implausible.  You can't just come up with a bunch of new offensive and defensive schemes in the middle of the season, unless you change the makeup of the team.  Danny can't announce he's going to make no trades, because he doesn't know that's true.  If he finds a possible trade that would improve the team this year, he'll pull the trigger.  And he should do so.

[looseball]

I like your idea of turning the season around with the team we have.  I think it's good enough to go all the way.  It does need to be shaken up one way or another.  (Even Francoma, who believes no move is the best move, changes his batting order once in a while.)

In order for Rondo to get the vets to buy into the concept that it's his team now, he has to hit a game-winner or two.  Otherwise, Doc will continue to have Pierce control the ball at the end.  I'm hoping his game-winners are just around the corner.

[Jon]

Well, I agree that this season can be turned around.  So kudos for that.  I'm shocked how many people have short memories and seem to think that a bad stretch in the middle of the season spells disaster. 

As for Rondo being the leader, I somewhat agree.  Though I wouldn't rule out Pierce yet.  He's not that old yet, and he's been banged up.  He will get healthy again, and when that comes, he may again prove to be the guy-to-guy in the clutch. 

[Roy Hobbs]

Fire Doc!!

(Just kidding  )