Ainge says problem is lack of effort from the starters (Boston Globe)

[hpantazo]

So in today's globe:
 http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/02/27/ainge_blasts_celtics_cavalier_approach/

Ainge puts the blame of blown leads to the starters lack of effort, and I think he's right. He says it's not an age issue, it's an effort and focus issue. This fits with what McHale said a while back that the celtics were coasting until the playoffs, and he thought it was a good idea. My question is, do you think they are coasting, just being satisfied knowing they can easily get up by double digits on any team when they try, and if so, do you think this is a good idea? It seems that when they got back from the west coast with Pierce injured, they went back on autopilot. They played no defense against the Knicks, and put up half an effort against the cavs. I think it's good to keep the vets rested and healthy for the playoffs, but I'm worried about the team generating bad habits that would take a while to work out. I can see Doc's point, although a lot of people on here criticized his quote that there is nothing he can do, it may be very tough to keep the vets motivated enough in games that they know don't matter much. A moral victory against the cavs or magic in the regular season doesn't mean much come playoff time, and this team has made an effort to win on the road this season so they may not care much about home court. What do you guys think?

[Jon]

I agree that effort could be a problem, but I also think that we've yet to see this team at 100%. 

Early in the season KG was clearly a step slow, BBD was out, and Marquis and Wallace hadn't been fully integrated into the system.  Then a rash of injuries hit.  Now we don't have PP and Nate knows no plays. 

Am I making excuses?  Sure.  But I would like to see this team at 100% before making any sort of definitive proclamations about anything. 

I mean when was the last time they were at 100%?  Christmas time 2008?

[footey]

Danny is right, but Doc should be the one getting on them. Doc is too player friendly at times. It works when things are going well. But when players get lazy (they all do) they need a kick in the butt.

[Q_FBE]

Guess what...... If you can't do a lobotomy on the starting five, you might as well replace the COACH. This probably should have happened already.

[footey]

I think Doc is a good coach. But he needs to be more honest with these guys, and less passive.  He needs to invoke a sense of urgency.  I wish he would incorporate a little more Stan Van Gundy. That guy is annoying, but I think he is a very good motivator, and very honest with what he sees. Not afraid to talk straight with his super stars either.

[hpantazo]

I think Doc is a good coach. But he needs to be more honest with these guys, and less passive.  He needs to invoke a sense of urgency.  I wish he would incorporate a little more Stan Van Gundy. That guy is annoying, but I think he is a very good motivator, and very honest with what he sees. Not afraid to talk straight with his super stars either.

I see Doc's point though. He's dealing with a smart group of veterans, how can you convince these guys that it's urgent to go all out in the regular season when they are not at full health? They have been through the road to the title before and they know what it takes and what's important or not important (even Rondo and Perk). The goal is banner 18, not the best regular season record, so how do you get them to go all out in feb and march?

[fanofgreen]

My thing is; We're "coasting" which means were not going all out and 100%, yet we're are still always hurt, and haven't had the entire roster 100% healthy.

How in the world can we "turn it up" or "flip-the-switch" and go 100%, and expect to stay healthy, if we are getting hurt just "coasting"??

And also how is Ray Ray and Rondo playing close to 40 minutes on most nights, coasting?

[hpantazo]

My thing is; We're "coasting" which means were not going all out and 100%, yet we're are still always hurt, and haven't had the entire roster 100% healthy.

How in the world can we "turn it up" or "flip-the-switch" and go 100%, if we are getting hurt just "coasting"??

well, guys that are not hurt are coasting, and guys that come back from injury don't go all out either. I don't think it's the effort that is causing them to get injured.

[Eeyore III]

I think Danny's analysis is right on point: he's neither overreacting nor underreacting.

I'm also with footey, that Doc has got to take a different approach.  No use thinking about a coach-change though: I can't think of another coach who could better reach the 10-14 year NBA vets on the team, plus Danny and Doc are joined at the hip. Maybe the Brain Doctor should secretly observe the halftime lockeroom via hidden camera and make some suggestions?

In these 8 games against crap teams, I'd like to see Doc sit on the bench, promptly, any starter who isn't putting forth the effort.  If we can't beat a 5-win team with some backups playing big minutes, it'd be good for Danny to know that going into the offseason.

The problem with this, however, is that Danny took too long to get a backup PG, so Doc really can't sit Rondo, and Rondo is a huge part of the problem.  I'm not agianst Nate as a change-of-pace PG, but he's the kind of guy you have to work in during training camp--he's too idiosyncratic to just plug into a standard line-up mid-season. 

[gar]

Why let the starters put up half an effort while you have young talent that is dying to get minutes. If the starters are pacing themselves let them do it on the bench. It sends the wrong signals to have them put in half-hearted effort. If they are being lazy I would give them a breather. Nothing better for motivation than to see someone doing something that you know you could do better. OK show us!

[vinnie]

I am glad to see this and glad he called Sideshow Bob's performance Thursday night an embarrassment. Also glad to see that Danny is not making any exuses for the poor perfromances.

[BballTim]

  I just saw Greg Dickerson on tv talking about this. He said he spoke to Perk and Perk said that some of the players were bored with the process and waiting impatiently for the playoffs to start.

[hpantazo]

  I just saw Greg Dickerson on tv talking about this. He said he spoke to Perk and Perk said that some of the players were bored with the process and waiting impatiently for the playoffs to start.

glad to hear some honesty from one of them, good for Perk!

[Drucci]

Nice to hear Danny criticizing the starters, they deserve to be called out.

Now everything has been done to motivate them, and if they don't turn things around quickly or in the playoffs, they will (righftully so) take all the blame.

Really interesting to hear Perk saying that some of the players were waiting for the playoffs "only", it confirms what we suspected... it give me even more confidence than this team will be totally different in the playoffs, but we will see.

[Andy Jick]

well, hopefully they can find the "Easy Button" to hit once the playoffs roll around.  Because if they don't...