C's vs. Heat Big Men Dilemma

[2short]

Semih starters minutes projected numbers 
10 pts, 2 blocks, 10 rebounds, 5 turnovers, 4 assists, 6 fouls

If you took Semih's last 5 games, and broke them down to a per-minute production, it takes Semih 29 minutes to foul out.

So, if he played all 29 of those minutes, by per minute numbers he's looking at 9.5 pts, 6.5 boards, 1.5 asts, 1.5 TO's, 1 block, .5 steals, 55% shooting.

Work is slow today, whaddya want??

  wow work is a bit slow, but kudos to taking the time to figure that out.  One thing to factor in is the team he'd be playing with, starters.  More time with Rondo would mean easier shots.  But hey I'd be happy with those numbers.  I also think I'd get him the ball on the low post, dare Miami do guard him (with who) if they double he is quite a good passer.  Instead of passing to a cutting marquis he's got Paul Pierce.  Instead of kicking it out to nate, ray allen.
As for what if Davis fouled out from satch or got into foul trouble I don't think it would be a game that Luke would do well in.  He is a good rebounder but the speed miami has would kill him (i feel).  Now if Lasme were there 

[BballTim]

 I thought I'd heard Doc say, think for a previous game, that if JO and Shaq were out then BBD would get the start.  I'm almost certain of that.  He prefers playing BBD off the bench, but that doesn't mean he won't give BBD the start (he's started before when guys have been hurt).

  I think he said a couple of games ago (when JO was questionable) that he'd rather start Erden than Davis because Baby can back up both spots and Semih can't.

[LooseCannon]

From ESPN Boston's Celtics blog:

Rivers admitted the Semih Erden Era could start in earnest Tuesday against the Pistons, with potential even for Erden to start (he ran with the first-teamers at the end of Sunday's session). That would take some of the pressure off the rookie center, who has yet to see floor time despite being active through the first three games. It would also allow the team to keep Glen Davis in his first-off-the-bench role.

"I don't like starting Baby; Baby comes in at the 5 or 4 off the bench and when you start him, now you really take away a lot of options," said Rivers. "And then if he gets in foul trouble, you've taken away all your options."

Which sort of makes Semih Erden the new Scalabrine, I suppose.

If Boston is in a position to start Erden, it is almost certain that it will be KG and BBD as the bigs on the floor at the end of the game, so Big Baby will not be wanting for playing time.

Glen Davis wanted to know his role?  It's better to avoid confusing him and keep him in his role of first big off the bench (except maybe against big opposing front courts) while Perkins is out, then playing primarily as KG's backup when the team has three healthy centers who can go.

[Jon]

I bet Shaq plays and this is Doc just being ambiguous.

However, this is getting a little silly.  I'm all for being cautious with Shaq, but it's a freakin' bruise.  It's not something that's going to morph into a more serious injury; it just hurts. 

He should play against the Heat. 

[mgent]

Start Harangody.  Spread the floor.

[CelticSooner]

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Heat roll tomorrow night if Shaq can't go. Baby and Semih aren't going to stop the two big dogs from getting into the lane.

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Well, JO is proving to be unreliable....i hope he improves his health, and his game / reliability.... Shaq...as long as he is healthy for the playoffs, and we make it...nothing else really matters.....BUT, BBD has to find a way to be a better defender..on guys who can shoot over him....or look to LASME.....for the 2 x (6'8") = 10 fouls to give.....Lasme can jump better, and is faster......We still need height.......Erden...this is good for him and us...trial by fire...but a lot of good playing time, that is real time...THIS...is exactly what young players need to be ready for the playoffs, and show if they can make it....one more mobile 6'11" guy would be nice...and drop the WAFER...who said drop Erden for West.....wrong...height, length..play ERDEN..maybe he'll turn into a major player....Perk...prob NOT back this year.

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Too bad we had to settle for M Daniels...TA could help BIG VS Miami....uhm....did someone ask for DEFENSE...  Or, show me how MD can cover lebron or wade.....

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Did someone compair ERDEN with SCAL.........Come on.....one rebounds, one sits in the corner waiting for the ball, one goes for blocks.....one is......uhm somewhere..... Scal is and was a zero...Erden is new, and is already getting better, scal was in the league for 10 years ( and still is) but he hasn't EVER developed anything new...what the heck does he do for practice..throw pizza dough..?

[2short]

Too bad we had to settle for M Daniels...TA could help BIG VS Miami....uhm....did someone ask for DEFENSE...  Or, show me how MD can cover lebron or wade.....

Let's check Tony's defense last year on DWade...... ouch
Let's check Tony's stats for Memphis this year
Tony did not help defend Lebron or Kobe.  Daniels can help on lebron but isn't strong enough, we only have Pierce on Lebron.  Granted he is one of the toughest guys in nba to guard, pf body with sf speed.  But please no Tony the human turnover.  He did a nice job last year but he hurts you as much as he helps you.

[GreenEnvy]

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Heat roll tomorrow night if Shaq can't go. Baby and Semih aren't going to stop the two big dogs from getting into the lane.

If Shaq can't go, I predict Semih goes for 38 and 13 and even hits a bomb or two from downtown.

Miami will get straight Millsapped, Turkish-style.

[vinnie]

in that case we may as well just coast it

we arent winning with Semih starting

*shrugs*

Agreed 100 percent. If both Shaq and JO are out, no sense killing all of the other starters to try and win a meaningless game.

[vinnie]

Start Harangody.  Spread the floor.

If Harangody starts, Celts might want to consider forfeiting the contest 

[thirstyboots18]

I would like Doc to try KG and Luke, and Glen Davis with Semih...that way you have a rookie on the floor with a veteran.  I know that KG doesn't like to play center and doesn't really play with his back to the basket, but both Glen and Harangody are pretty effective shooters from 18 feet in and both have a pretty good nose for rebounds.  If Shaq cant go we might as well try something different and still give KG a little breather, and not wear Davis out either (especially with the way he keeps sacrificing his body.

I know Doc doesn't like to play rookies, and Harangody might not get any minutes, but I would like to see if he can keep his composure in a "big game" situation.  Luke, like Davis,  brings effort and hasn't seemed to get overwhelmed or flustered easily.  This would be a big test...if he fails you have at least gotten someone a few minutes break, if he succeeds, something more important has been learned.

[Fafnir]

I bet Shaq plays and this is Doc just being ambiguous.

However, this is getting a little silly.  I'm all for being cautious with Shaq, but it's a freakin' bruise.  It's not something that's going to morph into a more serious injury; it just hurts. 

He should play against the Heat. 

A swollen knee greatly increases the chance of other injuries, everything from a complete blow out to a twisted ankle when you try to compensate poorly.