2010 CelticsBlog Draft: Atlantic Division Press Conferences

[Who]

Rashard Lewis = very good defensive PF

Paul Pierce = very good to excellent defensive SF

Ray Allen = unsure how to rank him, I thought he was below average for the regular season as a whole but he upped it impressively in the playoffs and was a very good to excellent defender then. The difference between the two and his age makes me nervous about what he'll do next season.

Playing in front of a David Lee + Perk/Anthony big man combination though, I fully expect Ray to put in another below average defensive regular season.

Jameer Nelson = below average defensive PG

Hedo Turkoglu = below average defensive SF but serviceable team defender

Kendrick Perkins = good to very good defender but needs to have a PF with quickness alongside him (which is not David Lee).

[Who]

Pondexter, a rookie I like but think shouldn't be anywhere near an 8 or 9 man rotation, Wayne Ellington, who was awful last year, and Ime Udoka, another 3 PPG, 3 RPG limited player

I would use Pondexter as my main backup wing. Pondexter can defend and rebound his position at an above average level and looks capable of defending all three perimeter positions + some PFs.

Udoka as the fourth wing in the depth chart and Ellington as the fifth wing. Udoka is a below average but serviceable fourth wing and Ellington is a questionable fifth wing but he provides a different skill-set to the other two which I like.

[StartOrien]

I believe you are mistaking harshness of tone for reality of the situation Roy. Edgar's entire post was hype and hyberbole and, let's be fair here, it's pretty obvious what the strategy was. I didn't put words in Edgar's mouth, I simply gave my opinion on what their team building strategy was.

I think it's very hard to tell somebody else what the reality of their thinking was, nick.  You can interpret somebody's actions, but when you tell them it's "very obvious" what their strategy was, that's where putting words into people's mouths comes in.

Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kendrick Perkins are all Celtics.  They're also all very good players, who were 60% of the starting lineup of a Finals team.  If healthy, Perkins is an excellent fit next to David Lee.

When I look at Edgar's / Redz' lineup, I don't see a team trying to trick people into voting for them.  Rather, a see a team that has a very complementary starting lineup that, if healthy, can defend, score, shoot from outside, initiate offense from the post, pass, etc.  It's a very nicely designed lineup.

Now, there are question marks, Perk's health among them.  However, how can anybody sit here and say "you only took those guys because they're Celtics", when that lineup is a very good one featuring four guys who have been recent all-stars, and another who is a top-tier defensive center?

I just can't see myself voting for a team whos starting center is out untill at least Feb and we have know idea how he will be when he returns.  I was freaking out about the real celtics center position untill we signed Shaq and Jermaine.  Both of which are better than toronto's backups IMO

It's fair not to be in love with Toronto's team, I just don't like people basically insulting others by putting words in their mouths.

Regarding the Perk issue, I think the big man depth is respectable with Anthony (perhaps the starter in Miami) and Miller.  It's a weakness, but I think Toronto could weather the storm until the playoffs.  The starting lineup is going to be excellent defensively (even without Perk), and four of the five guys are all very good scorers and shooters.

I definitely wouldn't say excellent defensively.  You're taking the Celtics and removing their two best elite defenders and replacing them with bad ones.  Plus Anthony and Miller are both steps back from Perk, who is their best defensive player and is gonna be out half the year.

Perk, Paul, Ray, and Nelson have all been starters on teams that finished #1 in the league in defense.

It amazes me how often I see the defense of the Magic players underrated.  I see Rashard and Jameer called bad defenders, Turkuglu a horrible one.  Yet, they all played on the #1 defense in the NBA in 2009.

They've also been paired with Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett respectively.

Can one player take 3 or 4 poor defenders and make them into a great defense?  I don't think so.

Also, I guess I'm surprised to hear people doubting Paul Pierce's and Ray Allen's defense on CelticsBlog.  Both of those guys are very good defenders.  Ray had a poor regular season stretch for about two months, and maybe that's a concern with Toronto, but in the playoffs he played at lockdown levels.

I'm not doubting eithers defensive abilities, just pointing out that it's a silly point to make.

[mgent]

I believe you are mistaking harshness of tone for reality of the situation Roy. Edgar's entire post was hype and hyberbole and, let's be fair here, it's pretty obvious what the strategy was. I didn't put words in Edgar's mouth, I simply gave my opinion on what their team building strategy was.

I think it's very hard to tell somebody else what the reality of their thinking was, nick.  You can interpret somebody's actions, but when you tell them it's "very obvious" what their strategy was, that's where putting words into people's mouths comes in.

Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kendrick Perkins are all Celtics.  They're also all very good players, who were 60% of the starting lineup of a Finals team.  If healthy, Perkins is an excellent fit next to David Lee.

When I look at Edgar's / Redz' lineup, I don't see a team trying to trick people into voting for them.  Rather, a see a team that has a very complementary starting lineup that, if healthy, can defend, score, shoot from outside, initiate offense from the post, pass, etc.  It's a very nicely designed lineup.

Now, there are question marks, Perk's health among them.  However, how can anybody sit here and say "you only took those guys because they're Celtics", when that lineup is a very good one featuring four guys who have been recent all-stars, and another who is a top-tier defensive center?

I just can't see myself voting for a team whos starting center is out untill at least Feb and we have know idea how he will be when he returns.  I was freaking out about the real celtics center position untill we signed Shaq and Jermaine.  Both of which are better than toronto's backups IMO

It's fair not to be in love with Toronto's team, I just don't like people basically insulting others by putting words in their mouths.

Regarding the Perk issue, I think the big man depth is respectable with Anthony (perhaps the starter in Miami) and Miller.  It's a weakness, but I think Toronto could weather the storm until the playoffs.  The starting lineup is going to be excellent defensively (even without Perk), and four of the five guys are all very good scorers and shooters.

I definitely wouldn't say excellent defensively.  You're taking the Celtics and removing their two best elite defenders and replacing them with bad ones.  Plus Anthony and Miller are both steps back from Perk, who is their best defensive player and is gonna be out half the year.

Perk, Paul, Ray, and Nelson have all been starters on teams that finished #1 in the league in defense.

So what?  That doesn't make Ray or Nelson good defenders.  They were just playing on good defensive teams.  And Lee's team finished 28th in the league in defense for the past two years.

See above.  I think it's hard to take 60% of a starting lineup that was one of the best defensive units in the history of the NBA, add in another guy who was on a #1 defense, and then call those players anything other than excellent defensive players.

David Lee is a weak defender, although he's an excellent rebounder, which goes a long ways in terms of preventing extra possessions.  Surrounded by very good defenders, Lee would be fine.  

All of this presumes a healthy Perk, but come playoff time, the Toronto lineup is one that can both score and defend.

EDIT:  Also, like I said, I'm pretty shocked that somebody could watch Ray's defense in the playoffs and say that he's not a good defender.  I'd submit that that's a case of reputation outweighing reality.  Ray's defense has been well above-average all three years in Boston, with one two-month regular season dip this season.

If you think you can replace Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, and Kendrick Perkins with David Lee, Jameer Nelson, and half a season of a Kendrick Perkins coming off injury and still remain a top defensive team then...I don't even know what to say to that.

Ray's defense is good at times, but I don't consider him anything anything more than an average defender (whose weaknesses are less visible on a top defensive team).  Paul is a good defender and Perk is a great defender, but that's not nearly enough to be considered an excellent defensive team especially when combined with two below average defenders.

[Roy H.]

I believe you are mistaking harshness of tone for reality of the situation Roy. Edgar's entire post was hype and hyberbole and, let's be fair here, it's pretty obvious what the strategy was. I didn't put words in Edgar's mouth, I simply gave my opinion on what their team building strategy was.

I think it's very hard to tell somebody else what the reality of their thinking was, nick.  You can interpret somebody's actions, but when you tell them it's "very obvious" what their strategy was, that's where putting words into people's mouths comes in.

Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kendrick Perkins are all Celtics.  They're also all very good players, who were 60% of the starting lineup of a Finals team.  If healthy, Perkins is an excellent fit next to David Lee.

When I look at Edgar's / Redz' lineup, I don't see a team trying to trick people into voting for them.  Rather, a see a team that has a very complementary starting lineup that, if healthy, can defend, score, shoot from outside, initiate offense from the post, pass, etc.  It's a very nicely designed lineup.

Now, there are question marks, Perk's health among them.  However, how can anybody sit here and say "you only took those guys because they're Celtics", when that lineup is a very good one featuring four guys who have been recent all-stars, and another who is a top-tier defensive center?

I just can't see myself voting for a team whos starting center is out untill at least Feb and we have know idea how he will be when he returns.  I was freaking out about the real celtics center position untill we signed Shaq and Jermaine.  Both of which are better than toronto's backups IMO

It's fair not to be in love with Toronto's team, I just don't like people basically insulting others by putting words in their mouths.

Regarding the Perk issue, I think the big man depth is respectable with Anthony (perhaps the starter in Miami) and Miller.  It's a weakness, but I think Toronto could weather the storm until the playoffs.  The starting lineup is going to be excellent defensively (even without Perk), and four of the five guys are all very good scorers and shooters.

I definitely wouldn't say excellent defensively.  You're taking the Celtics and removing their two best elite defenders and replacing them with bad ones.  Plus Anthony and Miller are both steps back from Perk, who is their best defensive player and is gonna be out half the year.

Perk, Paul, Ray, and Nelson have all been starters on teams that finished #1 in the league in defense.

It amazes me how often I see the defense of the Magic players underrated.  I see Rashard and Jameer called bad defenders, Turkuglu a horrible one.  Yet, they all played on the #1 defense in the NBA in 2009.

They've also been paired with Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett respectively.

Can one player take 3 or 4 poor defenders and make them into a great defense?  I don't think so.

Also, I guess I'm surprised to hear people doubting Paul Pierce's and Ray Allen's defense on CelticsBlog.  Both of those guys are very good defenders.  Ray had a poor regular season stretch for about two months, and maybe that's a concern with Toronto, but in the playoffs he played at lockdown levels.

I'm not doubting eithers defensive abilities, just pointing out that it's a silly point to make.

How is it a "silly" point?  We're not talking about Leon Powe's contribution to the Celtics' defense, we're talking about 60% of their starting lineup.  If those guys weren't all very good defenders, the Celtics wouldn't have had a historically good defense.  Similarly, if Jameer was a defensive sieve at the point guard position, Orlando wouldn't have been able to pull off a #1 ranking.  Doubt his one-on-one skills all you want, but Jameer is a good team defender.

[StartOrien]

I believe you are mistaking harshness of tone for reality of the situation Roy. Edgar's entire post was hype and hyberbole and, let's be fair here, it's pretty obvious what the strategy was. I didn't put words in Edgar's mouth, I simply gave my opinion on what their team building strategy was.

I think it's very hard to tell somebody else what the reality of their thinking was, nick.  You can interpret somebody's actions, but when you tell them it's "very obvious" what their strategy was, that's where putting words into people's mouths comes in.

Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kendrick Perkins are all Celtics.  They're also all very good players, who were 60% of the starting lineup of a Finals team.  If healthy, Perkins is an excellent fit next to David Lee.

When I look at Edgar's / Redz' lineup, I don't see a team trying to trick people into voting for them.  Rather, a see a team that has a very complementary starting lineup that, if healthy, can defend, score, shoot from outside, initiate offense from the post, pass, etc.  It's a very nicely designed lineup.

Now, there are question marks, Perk's health among them.  However, how can anybody sit here and say "you only took those guys because they're Celtics", when that lineup is a very good one featuring four guys who have been recent all-stars, and another who is a top-tier defensive center?

I just can't see myself voting for a team whos starting center is out untill at least Feb and we have know idea how he will be when he returns.  I was freaking out about the real celtics center position untill we signed Shaq and Jermaine.  Both of which are better than toronto's backups IMO

It's fair not to be in love with Toronto's team, I just don't like people basically insulting others by putting words in their mouths.

Regarding the Perk issue, I think the big man depth is respectable with Anthony (perhaps the starter in Miami) and Miller.  It's a weakness, but I think Toronto could weather the storm until the playoffs.  The starting lineup is going to be excellent defensively (even without Perk), and four of the five guys are all very good scorers and shooters.

I definitely wouldn't say excellent defensively.  You're taking the Celtics and removing their two best elite defenders and replacing them with bad ones.  Plus Anthony and Miller are both steps back from Perk, who is their best defensive player and is gonna be out half the year.

Perk, Paul, Ray, and Nelson have all been starters on teams that finished #1 in the league in defense.

It amazes me how often I see the defense of the Magic players underrated.  I see Rashard and Jameer called bad defenders, Turkuglu a horrible one.  Yet, they all played on the #1 defense in the NBA in 2009.

They've also been paired with Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett respectively.

Can one player take 3 or 4 poor defenders and make them into a great defense?  I don't think so.

Also, I guess I'm surprised to hear people doubting Paul Pierce's and Ray Allen's defense on CelticsBlog.  Both of those guys are very good defenders.  Ray had a poor regular season stretch for about two months, and maybe that's a concern with Toronto, but in the playoffs he played at lockdown levels.

I'm not doubting eithers defensive abilities, just pointing out that it's a silly point to make.

How is it a "silly" point?  We're not talking about Leon Powe's contribution to the Celtics' defense, we're talking about 60% of their starting lineup.  If those guys weren't all very good defenders, the Celtics wouldn't have had a historically good defense.

Again, I'm shocked that people who watch 100+ Celtics games per year are doubting the defensive credentials of Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.  I understand if people think Rashard Lewis or Jameer Nelson are terrible defenders, since most fans don't watch Orlando games outside of the playoffs.  But Pierce and Ray?

Because it's misleading. I think they're both above average defensive players but if they were removed from their lineup the overall impact on the defense wouldn't be giant.

If you removed KG and Dwight Howard from those lineups, they suffer immensely. Sliding from elite to good. Presenting that argument is discounting the impact that their defensive palyer of the year had on the team.

[jgod213]

Roy i'm completely on board with you on this; you gotta figure if KG/Perk don't go down over the past 2 playoff years you're talking about a team that could have at least 2 titles in the past 3 years.  Obviously KG/Rondo/Perk are all well-above average defenders, but i think Ray and Paul have become the best all-around defenders on the team (in the playoffs).  Their ability to challenge the jump shot and cut off penetration (against the likes of Wade/LeBron/Kobe) has been, IMO, their most impressive traits over the last couple of years.

The only thing that i'd be worried about is their ability to continue playing efficent offense at such a high level when their defensive abilities would be called upon more often with a supporting defensive cast of Miller/Lee/Nelson.

PS

I think Nelson's issues defensively are directly related to his height - or lack-there-of.  The effort is there, but against bigger PGs he has his hands full.

[StartOrien]

I also see limited cases of people quesitoning their ability. The concensus I've seen on this thread with one exception is that Pierce is a really good defensive player and Allen is a good to really good defender.

The questions defensively lie within their front court.

EDIT: The questions defensively lie within (fictional) Tornoto's front court

[riah32]

I added two players to my team who I forgot about...I know it brings me to 14 but not sure who I would drop so look at my presser again.

You've got to drop one of them, now.  Teams that aren't below the roster maximum aren't playoff eligible.

I'll drop Flip Murray then and keep Jordan Crawford.

[StartOrien]

I added two players to my team who I forgot about...I know it brings me to 14 but not sure who I would drop so look at my presser again.

You've got to drop one of them, now.  Teams that aren't below the roster maximum aren't playoff eligible.

I'll drop Flip Murray then and keep Jordan Crawford.

Good night, sweet prince.

[Redz]

Okay, Toronto, it's pretty obvious you took the philosophy that drafting deep in the draft you didn't think you could put together a true contending team so your philosophy became "Let's get as many Celtics on the team as possible and try to hide the severe limitations of the team behind the loyalty the voters would have towards voting for a team with a lot of Celtics, whether that team was really very good or not".

Your starting center won't be playing until February at the earliest and if he follows a path similar to Leon Powe(which given the timing and types of injuries both had is not out of the question), he might not be a factor at all next year. That leaves you playing 34 year old Brad Miller huge minutes with your only viable big man to spell both Lee and Miller being Joel Anthony. Yes that would be the same Joel Anthony that averaged a whole 3 PPG and 3 RPG last year.

Then the rest of your bench, that will be needed to spell 33 year old Paul Pierce and 35 year old Ray Allen(2 players that got severely burned out two years ago when they were overplayed and 2 years younger) are Delonte, who can't play for the first 10 games of the year, Pondexter, a rookie I like but think shouldn't be anywhere near an 8 or 9 man rotation, Wayne Ellington, who was awful last year, and Ime Udoka, another 3 PPG, 3 RPG limited player.

I think what makes the real Celtics tick is Rondo, Garnett's defense and Perk's inside presence. Your team has a pretty steep step back from Rondo to Nelson, a PF that is a bad defender at best and no inside presence other than a 34 year old Miller who just won't be able to give you quality starters minutes for the whole year.

This Toronto team is not the Celtics and has no depth, a player that can't play because he's in Europe, another that can't play for ten games because he had a transgression, another player that can't play because he's injured and might not make it back and old starters who will have to log huge minutes for the team to be successful.

I see a 2nd or 3rd place Atlantic finish and no playoffs for the AngryCrotorPickles.

I think you're giving us, ok maybe just me, way too much credit in the political arena.  It's not like we drafted God on our team.  Though Larry Bird is pretty close.  I know my reasoning for picking a lot of Celtics was because I like them as players and they've been pretty successful.  

Setting political motivations aside...

Your concerns about our depth are legit.  We screwed up with the Rasho pick and made a couple of trades where we received fewer players or picks than we were giving up, which left us short on bodies.  This was more a function of us not having the time to deal with the draft to the extent necessary (is honesty allowed here?).

Still, Delonte's out for 10 games and will be a solid bench guy after that.  

The Perk part of the Pickles problems was a calculated risk (not a political ploy).  In the 4th round he was a solid choice based on what was left out there for centers.  The aim is to put enough scorers around Joel Anthony so that he can concentrate on defense (clearly his strong point anyhow) and let Miller split some time in the middle.  We feel we have enough shooters to make this work.

The idea is to have Perk ready for a playoff push, and we do think we have enough to make the playoffs.  But really, that's the risk we took.  If you don't believe Perk can be effective in the playoffs, then no, I wouldn't put much stock in our squad.  We're hoping he'll be ready to rock.

Peace on earth.

[indeedproceed]

I also see limited cases of people quesitoning their ability. The concensus I've seen on this thread with one exception is that Pierce is a really good defensive player and Allen is a good to really good defender.

The questions defensively lie within their front court.

EDIT: The questions defensively lie within (fictional) Tornoto's front court

I agree. However, I think people are underselling how good David Lee is with the ball in his hands.

The signing of Amar'e Stoudemire means the Knicks  have something to show for their painful payroll cleanse and that is certainly worth something. But here's the reality of the situation: The Knicks just spent $100 million on a player who may not be an upgrade over David Lee.

Let's put aside the fact Stoudemire is one awkward landing on his microfractured knee away from fading into NBA oblivion such as former All-Stars Allan Houston and Chris Webber. Let's also forget for the moment that Lee is younger than Stoudemire and has logged fewer miles on the odometer.

Strictly in terms of production, Lee was the superior player last season and by some accounts, it wasn't even close.

According to ESPN Insider John Hollinger's player metric Estimated Wins Added, which converts a player's box score statistics into an all-in-one win estimate, Lee's stellar play was worth a total of 17.5 wins to the Knicks last season, good for the fifth-best campaign in the NBA. And Stoudemire? His contributions translated to 15.8 wins last season, lower than Lee but still among the league's best.

But EWA represents only one player metric, and when dealing with an imperfect science such as this, it's best to solicit second opinions. What do we find? Statistical consultant to the Pacers and Basketball Prospectus author Kevin Pelton and his Wins Above Replacement Player (WARP) metric tells us that Lee bested Stoudemire by 2.4 wins last season. Another, sports economist Dave Berri's Wins Produced metric, says Lee's basketball worth doubled Stoudemire's on-court contributions last season (17.3 wins to 8.6).

Did the Knicks just hand a nine-figure check to a player that's only half the caliber of Lee? No -- the gap is far narrower than Berri suggests. But in analytics circles, there's still a margin between the two free-agent big men and it's not in Stoudemire's favor. A survey of the four most prominent statistical evaluations has Lee's 2010 season worth 3.1 wins better than Stoudemire's in a season in which both players were healthy and primary scorers on their respective teams.

Critics are quick to point out that Lee was a product of coach Mike D'Antoni's high-octane offense, and his stats should be docked accordingly. It's true, D'Antoni's fast-paced style has the power to inflate per-game numbers, but Lee's efficiency and per possession statistics remain first-rate even after adjusting for the rapid tempo.

And let's not forget Stoudemire had some assistance in Phoenix, too. Stoudemire owes much of his signature pick-and-roll finish to his two-time MVP co-pilot Steve Nash. Not to mention Stoudemire had some of his best years under D'Antoni's direction.

In the end, it comes down to the Knicks making the Amar'e deal for the sake of not appearing complacent this summer; doing something is better than doing nothing at all. Like a goalkeeper in a penalty kick situation picking a side while knowing his best option is to stay put, the Knicks' front office understood that action will be better received by the fans than inaction -- that is, keeping Lee in the fold.

The Knicks will try to sell Stoudemire's electric style of play as justification for the $100 million pricetag, but they may have been better off keeping the extra cash and playing Lee instead. With all the hype surrounding the big signing, it's certainly possible that the Knicks are merely running in place.

Statistically speaking, Lee isn't much different than Stoudemire. So, I don't think anyone should undersell how much of an improvement Lee is over Garnett in terms of offensive ability. You can argue until you're blue in the face about how Garnett is the emotional and defensive leader of this team, and I'd agree with you. However, you cannot dispute the fact that Lee is a DRASTIC improvement offensively, and will bolster the teams' rebounding acumen.

As far as Perkins goes even if he wasn't injured...Ray Allen had to be pulled off of elite 2's at times during the playoffs when he was playing 'lockdown' defense. Pierce completely took himself out of the Cavs series because he had to play tough defense every possession, and even then LeBron still averaged 27 points, 9 boards, and 7 assists over the 6 games, to Pierce's 13.5 ppg and 4.6 rebs over the same period.

I'd dispute KG being our best defender...I think Perkins is our best defender, but KG is more versatile and knows more tricks. Regardless though, without Rondo (our 3rd best defender) and KG, this squad looks like its in the middle of the pack last season, next season with Perkins injured and a year older Ray and Paul, I'm not sure you can count on this team to be even average defensively. They're going to need to pick and choose matchups, instead of shutting down teams.

[StartOrien]

I agree. However, I think people are underselling how good David Lee is with the ball in his hands

I don't think I am. I think he's absolutely spectacular offensive player, and I actually really like this team. I only harp on the pont because I thought some were quick to just brush the defensive issues off. In a heavy pick and roll league. This team is going to have a to put up a lot of points.

[greenteam17]

Atlantic Division
Philadelphia 76ers

PG CJ Watson

An underrated player who sits behind one of the best young PG's in the game in Chicago, CJ will start at point guard for the 76ers. As an above average defender I expect a solid showing from Watson on defense while not expecting him to carry a huge load offensively. Has shown tremendous quickness and ability to adapt, having gotten better each of the three years he's been in the league with Golden State.

SG Jamal Crawford

The quality of Jamal's offensive game is in the top 10 of all shooting guards in the NBA, he will provide this young team with an experienced and dynamic offensive threat, who has proven to be a solid 20ppg scorer. His defense while weak, should be helped when he is motivated by George Karl. Has shown the ability when motivated at times with other teams to be a solid defender.

SF Jeff Green

An average scorer and defender for his first three seasons, Green was solid last year. His role on this team will be to provide a 3rd scoring option behind Blake Griffin and Jamal Crawford. His rebounding has been solid especially on the offensive end, and he should help add length on defense, on what is a fairly small unit.

PF Blake Griffin
The stud of this squad should provide a legitimate post scoring threat and solid defensive energy and presence. Another great quality of this kid, is his already seemingly beyond his years leadership. He will be a huge glue guy in the locker room and should encourage positive habits on and off the floor. Rookie of the year candidate who will not disappoint.

C David Anderson

An unproven risk, Anderson has had a solid showing this summer in FIBA, showed flashes of post scoring and solid rebounding. His defense is average and will not provide many blocked shots. However, his rebounding is consistent and heart is never a question with him. Should be a consistent double double threat on a nightly basis.

George Karl has shown an uncanny knack for being a great motivator and a very solid coach over the years. Logging 900+ wins is a rare feat in the NBA and he certainly fits the bill of a top flight coach, who is an inspiration to his players due to his ongoing fights with cancer.

Bench
F Leon Powe- As we all know a very energetic presence who can rebound and provide some low post pop on a night in/night out basis.

PG Mario Chalmers
Effective PG who has shown that he can indeed run an offense, he will split time with CJ Watson at PG and is certainly capable of starting at PG anytime.

PG Eric Bledsoe
Underrated player who fell in the draft should be a very solid PG option as he at times ouplayed John Wall in the summer league, shows potential to be a talented and starting pg in the future.

G Charlie Bell
An above average defender will be able to come off the bench and shut down opposing threats at SG. Quick feet and active hands will allow him to stay in front and provide tenacity on the defensive end.

F Luke Harangody
The latest coup in the Danny Ainge era, will provide a solid scoring threat off the bench as his offensive officiency is tremendous. A common criticism about his uncanny shooting style shouldn't be an issue, as he just seems to show a knack for putting the ball in the hoop. Incredible stamina and also the ability to produce rebounds at a solid rate make him a legit rotation guy.

F Tyler Hansbrough
A tough to back down defender and incredibly hard to get in the air, Hansbrough can be a defensive machine down low against opposing PF's. His expanding range on the offensive end should help provide yet another scoring threat either down low or in the mid range.

Sonny Weems
Providing a slasher type threat for some instant offense and additional depth at SG.

Greivis Vasquez
A very solid scoring threat who if he can figure out a way to make the transition physically and show the ability to distribute on offense can be a valuable piece.

I expect this team to compete on a nightly basis, and to provide solid competition in the east. I am eying one of the last playoff spots and with solid seasons from Blake Griffin and Jeff Green key to the quest.

My toughest decision was to trade away Carlos Boozer. I am a big boozer fan, but I have always shied away from players with big injury risks, and Boozer has a history of injuries.

My best move was acquiring Blake Griffin via trade. This guy has all the tools to become a superstar. While many of you may think that I am contradicting myself by taking him, after his injury last season, he has is young and has plenty of gas left in his tank. Could be a top 10 guy in 2-3 seasons.

Thoughts/Questions/and Comments?

[indeedproceed]

I agree. However, I think people are underselling how good David Lee is with the ball in his hands

I don't think I am. I think he's absolutely spectacular offensive player, and I actually really like this team. I only harp on the pont because I thought some were quick to just brush the defensive issues off. In a heavy pick and roll league. This team is going to have a to put up a lot of points.

True. The Allen-Pierce-Lee trifecta is going to need to get 55-60 points a night, with Nelson hopefully pouring in another 12-13 or so. I think that's possible though.