Will Doc have the guts to bench Sheed in the playoffs?

[MBunge]

While Sheed has been playing a bit better recently, I don't think anyone can argue that he's consistenly been the biggest offender on this team when it comes to lack of focus and effort this season.  Doc has almost entirely ignored Sheed's lackadaisical play, obviously because he's convinced the team needs a content and motivated Sheed to win the in playoffs.

Now, I hope Sheed does turn it up in the post-season, though I'm not sure he can really shake off a season of laziness that easily.  I suspect that even if he makes the effort, Sheed is going to find that his skills can no longer be summoned that easily.

However, if Sheed plays hard, I don't think here's any question that Doc will live and die with him in the playoffs.  My question is...after looking the other way all season, will Doc bench Sheed if he doesn't play hard now?  It's not like there's any point in trying to keep Sheed happy for next season.  If Sheed comes out and half asses it in any game this post-season, do you think Doc will respond by putting Shelden or anyone else in his place?

Mike

[PosImpos]

If he's not giving us anything on the floor, Doc will bench him.  I have a feeling Rasheed will produce just enough to not get yanked, though.

[Tai]

If we have to worry about him doing this, then quite honestly, the starters might do the same.

What I mean is, I think Sheed just came in this season out of shape, a step behind what a NBA player should be, condition-wise. So, I'm not sure what you could ask for other than him to not shoot 3's since it's clear that shot hasn't been there for him this season.

You admitted right off the bat that Sheed's played a bit better lately. One would think that should be enough to think Doc will trust him, regardless.

[Chief]

I'd like to think Rasheed will actually flip that switch like Robert Horry did for years come playoff time.

[PosImpos]

I'd like to think Rasheed will actually flip that switch like Robert Horry did for years come playoff time.

The question is has Rasheed ever actually done that before?

[mmbaby]

I think Doc should play Sheed and I would feel very uneasy if he didn't. Also Glen Davis.

[EJPLAYA]

The lack of ability to see how much better Sheed is than any other big we have on the bench baffles me. I am not discounting the fact that he is older and a little slower to rotate than in years past. I am not discounting that he at times doesn't take the shots we would like him to take. Yes he could get a few more rebounds if he was being more focused on them.

When he decides to play though he is a great player. He is BY FAR our very best low post player on the team. No one is even a close second. He also deters a lot of shots when he is down there on D. He does rebound when he wants to. (See the first quarter of last nights game). He does have all the shots inside and out so is a nightmare matchup for opposing centers and PF's. He is a very good free throw shooter. He passes well out of the post.

You can complain and complain, but Sheed will be a lot more aggressive and productive in the playoffs than he was in the regular season. He wasn't interested. Neither was PP, KG, Ray, Rondo, Perk, etc… Against a small Miami squad, he will come up big. If he doesn't, THEN come back and post about it. Just don't blame him for everything if the rest of the squad lays an egg.  

[Mr October]

I'd like to think Rasheed will actually flip that switch like Robert Horry did for years come playoff time.

The question is has Rasheed ever actually done that before?

He has played in 150 playoff games, gone deep into the post season 7 times, and was often the most dangerous player on those Portland and Detroit teams.

Aside from 1 bad year (last year), he's performed well in the playoffs.

[Jon]

I agree with some posters that he's better than some people give him credit for.  More importantly, I wouldn't rule out a solid showing in the playoffs.  He very well could turn it on, post up, and play great defense.  Furthermore, he may darn well keep firing up threes; however, what if he gets hot?  For all we know, there may be some game he goes 7-10 from three point land and wins the game for us. 

He may suck.  We may get knocked out in the first round.  However, I'm not ready to judge anything yet. 

[gpap]

No, Doc should NOT bench Sheed!!!! Let's just stop blaming everything wrong with the Celtics on Sheed!

[snively]

The lack of ability to see how much better Sheed is than any other big we have on the bench baffles me. I am not discounting the fact that he is older and a little slower to rotate than in years past. I am not discounting that he at times doesn't take the shots we would like him to take. Yes he could get a few more rebounds if he was being more focused on them.

When he decides to play though he is a great player. He is BY FAR our very best low post player on the team. No one is even a close second. He also deters a lot of shots when he is down there on D. He does rebound when he wants to. (See the first quarter of last nights game). He does have all the shots inside and out so is a nightmare matchup for opposing centers and PF's. He is a very good free throw shooter. He passes well out of the post.

You can complain and complain, but Sheed will be a lot more aggressive and productive in the playoffs than he was in the regular season. He wasn't interested. Neither was PP, KG, Ray, Rondo, Perk, etc… Against a small Miami squad, he will come up big. If he doesn't, THEN come back and post about it. Just don't blame him for everything if the rest of the squad lays an egg.  

I'm not as confident that Sheed will be more aggressive/productive in the playoffs, but I agree that he is by far the best option off the bench. His combination of length, post defense and post offense, though overshadowed by his inaccuracy from deep and general immobility, makes him far more valuable than Davis and Williams.  

[PosImpos]

I'd like to think Rasheed will actually flip that switch like Robert Horry did for years come playoff time.

The question is has Rasheed ever actually done that before?

He has played in 150 playoff games, gone deep into the post season 7 times, and was often the most dangerous player on those Portland and Detroit teams.

Aside from 1 bad year (last year), he's performed well in the playoffs.

That's not what I meant.

Has Rasheed ever played like crap in the regular season and then suddenly turned "flipped the switch" in the playoffs (like Robert Horry supposedly)?

[liam]

I think Doc would bench anyone if he thought it would be better for the team. He benched House and TA.  He played Cassell and then benched him. I think Doc just wants to win.

[xmuscularghandix]

No, Doc should NOT bench Sheed!!!! Let's just stop blaming everything wrong with the Celtics on Sheed!

Exactly.

Sheed doesn't have the negative impact that all the so called "experts" would have you believe. Lets get off of this crap.

[Who]

Nope -- Doc may bench him for one game but he'll be right back in the rotation the next night. Sheed has a guaranteed role.