6 Reasons the Celtics Will Be on Vacation in June

[Mike-Dub]

It's been the same story all season:

1) Poor rebounding - in part because our bigs don't block out and in part because our team has a general lack of athleticism.

2) Lack of interior scoring.  Our most reliable scorer within 5 feet is Perk, and he can't succeed on offense unless everybody else is hitting shots so he is left open.  He can't score 1 on 1.  KG is now primarily a mid-range jumpshooter and Rasheed...well, Rasheed is different things on different nights but in general he's not reliable from anywhere.  Davis is too stumpy to finish around the rim in traffic consistently, especially when the defense pays attention to him.  Shelden Williams is just not a good offensive player.

3) Inconsistent outside shooters.  There are games (like the latest game against the Spurs) when all of our shooters go cold and we can't hit anything from beyond the arc.  The C's almost always lose those games, especially against decent teams. Unlike Orlando, the Celtics don't have the best rebounder and put-back-er in the league to help them out when the outside shots aren't falling.

4) Lack of bench offense - nobody on the bench can create their own shot.  Thought Nate would be an improvement but he hasn't been.

5) Inconsistent slashers.  At times, Rondo takes over games with his ability to drive to the hoop.  Occasionally, Paul Pierce does the same.  Indeed, even Ray Allen gets in on that action sometimes.  We've seen Marquis Daniels have some good games cutting to the rack, as well as TA.  But we've also seen far too many games - important games against good opponents - where most or all of those players disappear in that regard.  I don't think I've seen a game yet where Rondo is able to drive the lane for the whole game even when the opposing defense starts trying to clamp down; in fact, as soon as the defense game-plans for Rondo, he seems to stop scoring.  Paul Pierce used to be our main option for driving the lane, and he could do it very well, but this year with the decline in his speed, athleticism, and overall game he's become more and more an outside player and those cuts to the rack have become rarer.

6) No superstar.  When things get tough, when the opposing defense really clamps down, when the offensive sets aren't working, the Celtics really need somebody who can just step up and take over the game - somebody who can will the team to victory.  The Miami Heat are not a very good team but they're still managing 40 wins and are heating up late in the season because they have a player who wins them games on his own.  The Lakers have won quite a few close games this season because Kobe takes over late in the fourth when the rest of the team fades.  LeBron is a one man team.  When everything goes right, it is possible for a team of great players without a superstar to play very good team basketball and win when it matters.  It happened for Detroit in '04, and we saw it happen for us in Boston in '08.  I just don't believe the '10 Celtics are that kind of team.  Indeed, there really isn't a team in the league like that this year, in my opinion.  In June, a superstar will hoist the trophy.

1. Poor rebounding is simply false. 11th in the NBA in defensive rebounding isn't "poor". And if you believe that offensive rebounding is important, check out the top 10 teams at offensive rebounding and you might realize that offensive rebounding is possibly detrimental or inconsequential to the success of a team.

2. Lack of interior scoring. Did we have this in the championship year? Are you going to cite KG's 2.5 baskets per game inside the paint or Leon Powe's 10 mpg as interior scoring? The team definitely lacks interior scoring, but I don't see how that can kill a team.

3. Inconsistent outside shooters. This is every team in the league's problem. I'd be shocked if you could find me a team that shoots around the same % every game.

4. Lack of bench offense. Nate HAS shown he can do this. He has even won us a few games. You're just going about a "what have you done for me lately?" type of approach with Nate. The general problems coming from the bench will be mitigated greatly when they are mixed and matched in the playoffs with a shortened rotation.

5 and 6. Guess you haven't been watching too much of Paul Pierce lately.

Good points jdapa3, agree on a lot of them.

[nickagneta]

It's been the same story all season:

1) Poor rebounding - in part because our bigs don't block out and in part because our team has a general lack of athleticism.

2) Lack of interior scoring.  Our most reliable scorer within 5 feet is Perk, and he can't succeed on offense unless everybody else is hitting shots so he is left open.  He can't score 1 on 1.  KG is now primarily a mid-range jumpshooter and Rasheed...well, Rasheed is different things on different nights but in general he's not reliable from anywhere.  Davis is too stumpy to finish around the rim in traffic consistently, especially when the defense pays attention to him.  Shelden Williams is just not a good offensive player.

3) Inconsistent outside shooters.  There are games (like the latest game against the Spurs) when all of our shooters go cold and we can't hit anything from beyond the arc.  The C's almost always lose those games, especially against decent teams. Unlike Orlando, the Celtics don't have the best rebounder and put-back-er in the league to help them out when the outside shots aren't falling.

4) Lack of bench offense - nobody on the bench can create their own shot.  Thought Nate would be an improvement but he hasn't been.

5) Inconsistent slashers.  At times, Rondo takes over games with his ability to drive to the hoop.  Occasionally, Paul Pierce does the same.  Indeed, even Ray Allen gets in on that action sometimes.  We've seen Marquis Daniels have some good games cutting to the rack, as well as TA.  But we've also seen far too many games - important games against good opponents - where most or all of those players disappear in that regard.  I don't think I've seen a game yet where Rondo is able to drive the lane for the whole game even when the opposing defense starts trying to clamp down; in fact, as soon as the defense game-plans for Rondo, he seems to stop scoring.  Paul Pierce used to be our main option for driving the lane, and he could do it very well, but this year with the decline in his speed, athleticism, and overall game he's become more and more an outside player and those cuts to the rack have become rarer.

6) No superstar.  When things get tough, when the opposing defense really clamps down, when the offensive sets aren't working, the Celtics really need somebody who can just step up and take over the game - somebody who can will the team to victory.  The Miami Heat are not a very good team but they're still managing 40 wins and are heating up late in the season because they have a player who wins them games on his own.  The Lakers have won quite a few close games this season because Kobe takes over late in the fourth when the rest of the team fades.  LeBron is a one man team.  When everything goes right, it is possible for a team of great players without a superstar to play very good team basketball and win when it matters.  It happened for Detroit in '04, and we saw it happen for us in Boston in '08.  I just don't believe the '10 Celtics are that kind of team.  Indeed, there really isn't a team in the league like that this year, in my opinion.  In June, a superstar will hoist the trophy.

1. Poor rebounding is simply false. 11th in the NBA in defensive rebounding isn't "poor". And if you believe that offensive rebounding is important, check out the top 10 teams at offensive rebounding and you might realize that offensive rebounding is possibly detrimental or inconsequential to the success of a team.

2. Lack of interior scoring. Did we have this in the championship year? Are you going to cite KG's 2.5 baskets per game inside the paint or Leon Powe's 10 mpg as interior scoring? The team definitely lacks interior scoring, but I don't see how that can kill a team.

3. Inconsistent outside shooters. This is every team in the league's problem. I'd be shocked if you could find me a team that shoots around the same % every game.

4. Lack of bench offense. Nate HAS shown he can do this. He has even won us a few games. You're just going about a "what have you done for me lately?" type of approach with Nate. The general problems coming from the bench will be mitigated greatly when they are mixed and matched in the playoffs with a shortened rotation.

5 and 6. Guess you haven't been watching too much of Paul Pierce lately.

1. In total rebounds per game the C's are 29th
In total rebound percentage the C's are tied for 25th
That makes them an overall bad rebounding team any way you look at it. You just can't discount offensive rebounding. Among the top ten offensive rebounding teams in the league in number per game and/or offensive rebounding percentage are: the Lakers, Hawks, Bucks, Thunder, Trailblazers and Suns. All are playoff bound teams.

3. There's a very large difference between having a bad shooting night every once in a while that is severely off the norm and being the Jekyl/Hyde inconsistent shooters the Celtics have been collectively as a team this year. I think it's a valid criticism given their nearly 5 percentage point drop in three point percentage this year.

4. Nate won us some games? That's news to me. Say what you want about his potential to be a bench scorer but the reality is he's averaging just 6.5 PPG for the Celtics or less PPG than Eddie House was scoring, a player who no one would ever confuse for a major scoring threat of the bench.

Regarding PosImpos' supposed what have you done for me lately look at Nate, well I think you need to follow your own advice. Over the last 13 games Nate has averaged scoring just 4.9 PPg with 4 of those games being held scoreless and only one being a double digit scoring night.

Nate has potential to be a bench scorer but that is far from reality at this point.

5. and 6. Paul has played more to his potential lately but overall, none of the Big Three are playing like superstars anymore and Rondo too easily has nights like last night to be considered a superstar yet.

[vinnie]

I didn't bother reading this thread because I still believe unlike people like you PosImpos, but I didn't notice the word inconsistent thrown around a lot in it.

And when the word inconsistent comes to mind it makes me automatically think of how you are a fan for this team.

Go be a fan of another team if you are just gonna give up on this one.  We don't need fans like you who give up on the Celtics. 

After the season post all the stuff you want life this if we don't win it, but not while we still have a chance too with the season not being over by a long shot.

There are all different types of fans -- believers, non-belivers (for this season) and those in the middle. My guess is everyone of us still wants the Celtics to win the cahmpionship this year. That is all.

[PosImpos]

TP to Nick for saying everything I would have said.

[ssspence]

I didn't bother reading this thread because I still believe unlike people like you PosImpos, but I didn't notice the word inconsistent thrown around a lot in it.

And when the word inconsistent comes to mind it makes me automatically think of how you are a fan for this team.

Go be a fan of another team if you are just gonna give up on this one.  We don't need fans like you who give up on the Celtics. 

After the season post all the stuff you want life this if we don't win it, but not while we still have a chance too with the season not being over by a long shot.

So if your attitude isn't 'ignorance is bliss', you don't deserve to be a fan? Are you just frustrated by the problems highlighted here, or do you actually believe that crock?

From where I'm sitting, it looks like you left an 'm' out of your handle.....

[barefacedmonk]

From where I'm sitting, it looks like you left an 'm' out of your handle.....

What Mike said was wrong...but how is your post any different? You're obviously trying to say he is dumb....how is that right?

[jdpapa3]

1. In total rebounds per game the C's are 29th
In total rebound percentage the C's are tied for 25th
That makes them an overall bad rebounding team any way you look at it. You just can't discount offensive rebounding. Among the top ten offensive rebounding teams in the league in number per game and/or offensive rebounding percentage are: the Lakers, Hawks, Bucks, Thunder, Trailblazers and Suns. All are playoff bound teams.

3. There's a very large difference between having a bad shooting night every once in a while that is severely off the norm and being the Jekyl/Hyde inconsistent shooters the Celtics have been collectively as a team this year. I think it's a valid criticism given their nearly 5 percentage point drop in three point percentage this year.

4. Nate won us some games? That's news to me. Say what you want about his potential to be a bench scorer but the reality is he's averaging just 6.5 PPG for the Celtics or less PPG than Eddie House was scoring, a player who no one would ever confuse for a major scoring threat of the bench.

Regarding PosImpos' supposed what have you done for me lately look at Nate, well I think you need to follow your own advice. Over the last 13 games Nate has averaged scoring just 4.9 PPg with 4 of those games being held scoreless and only one being a double digit scoring night.

Nate has potential to be a bench scorer but that is far from reality at this point.

5. and 6. Paul has played more to his potential lately but overall, none of the Big Three are playing like superstars anymore and Rondo too easily has nights like last night to be considered a superstar yet.

1. I don't think you can lump defensive and offensive rebounding into the same statistic. It's a completely different ballgame and requires different basketball tools.
For instance, Shelden Williams increases our amount of OReb%, but has really hurt our Dreb% in his time out there on the court. You can blame that on Sheed, but Baby has also been paired with him.

Also doesn't help that Garnett hasn't been top form or close to it(where he's at now) for most of the season.

The teams I consider to be true contenders (LAL, Orlando, Denver, Cleveland, Boston, Utah, Dallas, Atl) and their offensive rebounding % ratings: 6th, 10th, 13th, 18th, 21st, 25th, 26th, 28th. I just can't consider something essential when the top 3 reads Memphis, Detroit, OKC.

4. I consider Nate to have put some games out of reach as part of the second unit and that has helped us to win some games. 10 point leads disintegrating were the norm and that has happened a lot less since Nate came aboard and Pierce and KG have roared back from their January form.

Look at the Charlotte game as an example. Nate comes in with a 4 point lead against the best defensive team in the league and his play turns that into a 15 point lead and provides the cushion for the starters and he carried the offense all by himself. The Pacers game was a similar story. Nate's 3's absolutely triggered that blowout. 

[nickagneta]

1. In total rebounds per game the C's are 29th
In total rebound percentage the C's are tied for 25th
That makes them an overall bad rebounding team any way you look at it. You just can't discount offensive rebounding. Among the top ten offensive rebounding teams in the league in number per game and/or offensive rebounding percentage are: the Lakers, Hawks, Bucks, Thunder, Trailblazers and Suns. All are playoff bound teams.

3. There's a very large difference between having a bad shooting night every once in a while that is severely off the norm and being the Jekyl/Hyde inconsistent shooters the Celtics have been collectively as a team this year. I think it's a valid criticism given their nearly 5 percentage point drop in three point percentage this year.

4. Nate won us some games? That's news to me. Say what you want about his potential to be a bench scorer but the reality is he's averaging just 6.5 PPG for the Celtics or less PPG than Eddie House was scoring, a player who no one would ever confuse for a major scoring threat of the bench.

Regarding PosImpos' supposed what have you done for me lately look at Nate, well I think you need to follow your own advice. Over the last 13 games Nate has averaged scoring just 4.9 PPg with 4 of those games being held scoreless and only one being a double digit scoring night.

Nate has potential to be a bench scorer but that is far from reality at this point.

5. and 6. Paul has played more to his potential lately but overall, none of the Big Three are playing like superstars anymore and Rondo too easily has nights like last night to be considered a superstar yet.

1. I don't think you can lump defensive and offensive rebounding into the same statistic. It's a completely different ballgame and requires different basketball tools.
For instance, Shelden Williams increases our amount of OReb%, but has really hurt our Dreb% in his time out there on the court. You can blame that on Sheed, but Baby has also been paired with him.

Also doesn't help that Garnett hasn't been top form or close to it(where he's at now) for most of the season.

The teams I consider to be true contenders (LAL, Orlando, Denver, Cleveland, Boston, Utah, Dallas, Atl) and their offensive rebounding % ratings: 6th, 10th, 13th, 18th, 21st, 25th, 26th, 28th. I just can't consider something essential when the top 3 reads Memphis, Detroit, OKC.

4. I consider Nate to have put some games out of reach as part of the second unit and that has helped us to win some games. 10 point leads disintegrating were the norm and that has happened a lot less since Nate came aboard and Pierce and KG have roared back from their January form.

Look at the Charlotte game as an example. Nate comes in with a 4 point lead against the best defensive team in the league and his play turns that into a 15 point lead and provides the cushion for the starters and he carried the offense all by himself. The Pacers game was a similar story. Nate's 3's absolutely triggered that blowout. 

Have to say that I don't agree with just about anything you just said but we can agree to disagree.

[buzz]

I am still thankful to watch a good team of great players, but it's always sorta sad to watch a team on the way down.

We are just too old and slow, with too thin a bench and too much tread worn off too many tires.

Will always love this group for the ride they have given us, and happy to see them pick it up a bit as of late, but hard to see how we get through a playoff draw that could include 3 out of LAL/CLE/ORL/ATL.

Best of luck, though.

[Mike-Dub]

I didn't bother reading this thread because I still believe unlike people like you PosImpos, but I didn't notice the word inconsistent thrown around a lot in it.

And when the word inconsistent comes to mind it makes me automatically think of how you are a fan for this team.

Go be a fan of another team if you are just gonna give up on this one.  We don't need fans like you who give up on the Celtics. 

Why don't you just leave like Brickowski, another fan who has given up.

Hmm, so who is less pleasant to have around, somebody who carefully articulates a certain viewpoint in order to create discussion, or a narrow minded instigator who doesn't read posts with titles he doesn't like and then tries to end discussion by telling other posters to leave?

Why don't you leave?  Or at least, try not to be such a

Some of the stuff you said is probably true, but I'm not going to give up on this team until we lose four games in a playoff series or Paul Pierce is raising the Larry Obrien trophy and neither should ne other Celtics fan.

I didn't bother reading this thread because I still believe unlike people like you PosImpos, but I didn't notice the word inconsistent thrown around a lot in it.

And when the word inconsistent comes to mind it makes me automatically think of how you are a fan for this team.

Go be a fan of another team if you are just gonna give up on this one.  We don't need fans like you who give up on the Celtics. 

After the season post all the stuff you want life this if we don't win it, but not while we still have a chance too with the season not being over by a long shot.

Mike, I'm one of those who will never give up on this team....a blind optimist(whatever that means), kool-aid drinker etc....but I have to disagree with your post. Just like everyone else, PosImpos has every right to share his opinions...you can't ask someone to leave because you disagree with them. If you don't like what he has written, post something to counter his views/beliefs.....or else ignore it. I know its been a tough season and after every loss the negativity on this blog spreads like wildfire...all we do is try to douse it or ignore it.

You're right I overreacted and I'm sure PosImpos had some good points but I completely disagree with him with this point in believing that the Celtics can win the title!

I didn't bother reading this thread because I still believe unlike people like you PosImpos, but I didn't notice the word inconsistent thrown around a lot in it.

And when the word inconsistent comes to mind it makes me automatically think of how you are a fan for this team.

Go be a fan of another team if you are just gonna give up on this one.  We don't need fans like you who give up on the Celtics. 

Why don't you just leave like Brickowski, another fan who has given up.

Hmm, so who is less pleasant to have around, somebody who carefully articulates a certain viewpoint in order to create discussion, or a narrow minded instigator who doesn't read posts with titles he doesn't like and then tries to end discussion by telling other posters to leave?

Why don't you leave?  Or at least, try not to be such a

Sorry PosImos, I'm sure you had good points in your post and you deserve to voice your opinion, but I just don't feel like reading on why the team can't win it to be honest.

There is one thing I do disagree with though  I believe completely that we still can win this thing but a lot has to go right for that to happen.

TP to you PosImos for me attacking you when it was uncalled for.

Vinnie and sspence I was wrong for what I said to PosImos and he did have some good points, but I do disagree with him and believe that the C's still can win the title if a lot of things go right.

[CelticG1]

#6

Where is the Superstar on the Magic? Vince Carter? Dwight Howard? Howard isn't, or at least from your description isn't (someone who carries their team in the fourth) and if you claim that Vince carter is than there is no way you can't say Pierce is as well.

Bottom line for me is that I only fear one team in the playoffs and that is the Cavs. They are the only team that makes me nervous because of Lebron and the fact is that the rules they have in place in the league right now benefit Lebron in every way to the point where you are not really allowed to play defense on him.  Every other team in the league in a 7 game series in the playoffs doesn't really scare me. Of course we could lose to these teams but I think we have the talent to beat any of these teams as well.

[PosImpos]

#6

Where is the Superstar on the Magic? Vince Carter? Dwight Howard? Howard isn't, or at least from your description isn't (someone who carries their team in the fourth) and if you claim that Vince carter is than there is no way you can't say Pierce is as well.

Bottom line for me is that I only fear one team in the playoffs and that is the Cavs. They are the only team that makes me nervous because of Lebron and the fact is that the rules they have in place in the league right now benefit Lebron in every way to the point where you are not really allowed to play defense on him.  Every other team in the league in a 7 game series in the playoffs doesn't really scare me. Of course we could lose to these teams but I think we have the talent to beat any of these teams as well.

Dwight Howard is a superstar.  He doesn't carry the Magic in the same way that Kobe and Wade carry their teams (offensively), but he does it defensively and on the glass - which is just as important.  Dwight Howard is a game changer, and at times he's unstoppable on both ends of the floor (almost always on the defensive end).  The Magic are built around him, and they succeed with that structure.  He's a superstar.

[Celtics17]

I just have one question for all of the naysayers? out there. Would you please tell me the team that will definitely win the title this year and why? I dont want any opinions either, I want to KNOW the team that will wint it all. Don't give me, well if Shaq is healthy and as long as Bynum comes back. That won't get it! My point is this, you can't do it because there is no clear cut, definite champion out there this year. That being said, why can't the C's be in contention if there is no clear cut favorite?

[tomatolander]

I remember that in 2008 NBA Finals Game 6, the Lakers only had 2 offensive rebounds, and those were in the 4th quarter. I know it's only one game. But that's pretty amazing.

The rebounding issue is alarming for this current team. Offensive rebound after offfensive rebound for the opponents.

[CelticG1]

I just have one question for all of the naysayers? out there. Would you please tell me the team that will definitely win the title this year and why? I dont want any opinions either, I want to KNOW the team that will wint it all. Don't give me, well if Shaq is healthy and as long as Bynum comes back. That won't get it! My point is this, you can't do it because there is no clear cut, definite champion out there this year. That being said, why can't the C's be in contention if there is no clear cut favorite?

Have to give you a tp for that. People are just picking "the field" over the Celtics it's ridiculous