Wizards (24-54) at Celtics (49-29) 4/9

[FallGuy]

What do people think of Garnett's defense over the last couple of weeks?

I think it's dropped off pretty badly versus where it was earlier in the season.

I've been saying this as well. He was at a level of 1st team all nba defense 2 weeks ago and something happened.

It's called sustainability.  He's so far beyond the days when he can do this over the long haul.  I don't even think anymore he can play at that level for an entire series let alone several series.

KG looks like his body has decided it wants to retire.

it would be helpful if his mind decided that also. it would clear a lot of space on the books....KG is done. finished. he has no lift and he labors throughout games. i admire him for trying...but he is never going to be what he was before he tore his knee up....and I do believe be tore something in his knee the C's hid it from the public

He's looked worse recently but I have a hard time believing it's anything different than two months ago or he'd be sitting waiting for the playoffs. My guess is they're pushing him hard in the weight room and he's lacking energy for that reason (they've suggested they'll do just that and that will be the result some nights). Or, like the rest of our band of overpaid "all-stars", they're just phoning it in until next weekend.

[JohnBagleyValueMeal]

No way you pin this on the starters - the bench took an enormous dump on the court. BBD in particular got torched on the defensive end and had 3 turnovers in 4 possessions at one point.  Sheed at least played a little defense.

I think the thing with KG is that the very thing that made him the league's best defender--his hyper competitiveness and effort--is what is making things difficult for him now.  He still wants to play that high pressure aggressive defense, but his body isn't answering anymore. He'll either learn to play within his newly limited abilities or he'll be like he is now--occasionally good but not dominant.

[DinTN]

 

[Who]

What do people think of Garnett's defense over the last couple of weeks?

I think it's dropped off pretty badly versus where it was earlier in the season.

I've been saying this as well. He was at a level of 1st team all nba defense 2 weeks ago and something happened.

It's called sustainability.  He's so far beyond the days when he can do this over the long haul.  I don't even think anymore he can play at that level for an entire series let alone several series.

I think Garnett is either (1) carrying an injury (2) is finished as a star player.

Hard to see this being anything else.

The scary thing is, lately Garnett has been almost invisible for long stretches on the court.

Yeah, that's why I'm hoping it's an undisclosed injury because the other answer is ... well, devastating. Game over time. Begin full blown rebuilding process. No hope for any respectable seasons or retooling for quite some time.

[snively]

What do people think of Garnett's defense over the last couple of weeks?

I think it's dropped off pretty badly versus where it was earlier in the season.

I've been saying this as well. He was at a level of 1st team all nba defense 2 weeks ago and something happened.

It's called sustainability.  He's so far beyond the days when he can do this over the long haul.  I don't even think anymore he can play at that level for an entire series let alone several series.

KG looks like his body has decided it wants to retire.  The question is how long his mind can win out.

I think he has to make the transition to the 5-spot to prolong his career.  Our team defense was built around KG as the quick 4: it's not working anymore.  KG can still rebound, shoot, pass and defend the post against non-Shaqs, he just can't hedge and recover on quick, slashing jumpshooting 4s (of which there is an amazing variety nowadays) anymore.

That means adding a real 4 to the team instead of slogging forward with the a trio of slow, unathletic 5s as KG-complements.

[celticinorlando]

i just don't get why this team would phone anything in. they aren't that good. what are they going to say when they are locked up in a tight series with the heat or bucks? this team is done. period. it pains me to say it but i don't expect anything from them come 4/17.

as for KG...he has dragged that leg all season. i dont think he has anything left

[dino radja]

it's frustrating me how much nick young looks like nick cannon.

[celticinorlando]

What do people think of Garnett's defense over the last couple of weeks?

I think it's dropped off pretty badly versus where it was earlier in the season.

I've been saying this as well. He was at a level of 1st team all nba defense 2 weeks ago and something happened.

It's called sustainability.  He's so far beyond the days when he can do this over the long haul.  I don't even think anymore he can play at that level for an entire series let alone several series.

I think Garnett is either (1) carrying an injury (2) is finished as a star player.

Hard to see this being anything else.

The scary thing is, lately Garnett has been almost invisible for long stretches on the court.

Yeah, that's why I'm hoping it's an undisclosed injury because the other answer is ... well, devastating. Game over time. Begin full blown rebuilding process. No hope for any respectable seasons or retooling for quite some time.

you are 100 percent correct.

[Who]

It will be easier for Garnett to play team defense from the center position. He'll be closer to the hoop and won't have to move as far to provide help defense and he'll be involved in less pick and rolls (PFs are usually more offensively talented and thus get more screen and rolls). It would put a lot less pressure on his mobility and allow him to be more efficient with his movement defensively.

Garnett's instincts and ability to read a game (anticipation of danger) defensively would still allow him to have a good impact defensively as a center. Particularly with his team defense. His man-to-man would likely vary widely depending on matchups.

[PosImpos]

What do people think of Garnett's defense over the last couple of weeks?

I think it's dropped off pretty badly versus where it was earlier in the season.

I've been saying this as well. He was at a level of 1st team all nba defense 2 weeks ago and something happened.

It's called sustainability.  He's so far beyond the days when he can do this over the long haul.  I don't even think anymore he can play at that level for an entire series let alone several series.

I think Garnett is either (1) carrying an injury (2) is finished as a star player.

Hard to see this being anything else.

The scary thing is, lately Garnett has been almost invisible for long stretches on the court.

Yeah, that's why I'm hoping it's an undisclosed injury because the other answer is ... well, devastating. Game over time. Begin full blown rebuilding process. No hope for any respectable seasons or retooling for quite some time.

Honestly, it's probably about the same either way.  If KG is still dealing with injuries that are limiting his mobility, energy, and athleticism on the court, then he might as well be done because he's not going to suddenly get better after more than a year.

Barring a miraculous rejuvenation it looks like KG is pretty much done being anything close to the KG of old.  That tells us something we've pretty much known (but have had difficulty admitting) since February: the window has closed.

[nickagneta]

If this gets up to 30 points, if I were Doc I would get myself thrown out of the game.

[PosImpos]

If this gets up to 30 points, if I were Doc I would get myself thrown out of the game.

Yeah.  I think if I were there watching I'd get myself thrown out of the game.

[celticinorlando]

all this talk about KG...what is Paul Pierce's excuse? i know he was injured but man he is nowhere near the level is was at last season or the year before.


if they go down 30 to the wiz at home....then i would just walk off the court if i were doc

[nickagneta]

Yeah, those of us trying to dump on the starters and say this is all their fault haven't been paying attention. This deficit, a 19-0 run at one point, happened with the bench on the court.

[Tenacious D]

boston would be a 6, 7 or 8 seed in the west...

there is NO WAY in the world this team is going to turn it on for the playoffs.

They are deluding themselves if they think they can flip a switch in a week. Im thinking the 1st round will be hard fought, like CHI last year, and making it out will take all they got. Round 2? Doubtful. Most doubtful.