Offense Seems Soooooo Much Better With Shaq

[Dybdal]

When reading this, the only thing im thinking is that its such a shame that JO is hurt, believe it or not i think if the basketball gods gave that kid a chance for a full season.. he would pay it back with devidence

[Fafnir]

Not many dropped passes, multiple moving screens a game, or getting stripped by bringing the ball down.  All those fumbled passes, etc. are turning into easy points with Shaq. Loving it!

Note:  I am NOT saying I want to be rid of Perk, because I don't.  Just stating how much better the offense is with Shaq.  Hopefully Perk can learn a thing or two from Shaq.

On the other hand, the field goal defense has moved from being top of the league to being decidedly average.

We're not average currently the C's rank 7th in eFG% at .485. Last year we were 9th for the season at eFG% .487.

The eFG number is good because the Celtics defend the three well. Shaq doesn't really affect three-point shooting much, so I couldn't care less for this statistic.

As far as simple FG% is concerned, our opponents are shooting .450, which is decidedly the middle of the pack (tied for 12th, to be precise).

The Celtics defense is designed to force teams into taking long two points that are contested.

Defending the rim/paint and defending the three point line are the two most important defensive principals the C's have.

The Celtics are right in line with last year's attempts at the rim, FG% at the rim, and are doing a better job of preventing the three ball.

To say the defense is suffering based on just FG% is myopic.

Perkins is a better defender than Shaq, but KG is playing much better this year. I think it balances itself out. I'm excited about the prospects for this team if Perkins can come back and play effectively.

[celticinorlando]

offense is so much better with a healthy KG

[celticinorlando]

i want to see a frontline of KG, Shaq and Perk 

[footey]

I don't think Perkins can learn much from Shaq other than his excellent footwork.

What Shaq does at this point in his career is based on his massive size, length, and huge hands.

I disagree. He is very agile around the hoop, despite his size. He shows good hands and good balance. He is a tremendous athlete, especially for his age and size.

[Spilling Green Dye]

Do you remember how Doc used to love "small ball" years ago, even though it didn't really work??

I suggest they play "tall ball" for a minute or two one game for fun.  Shaq, Perk, KG, Jermaine, and Pierce @ Point.  It would at least look funny lol

[Fafnir]

Do you remember how Doc used to love "small ball" years ago, even though it didn't really work??

I suggest they play "tall ball" for a minute or two one game for fun.  Shaq, Perk, KG, Jermaine, and Pierce @ Point.  It would at least look funny lol

To be fair nothing on those teams worked very well...

[drza44]

I agree with the OP, and in fact have expected it since they signed Shaq.  I've said before, and continue to say, I just don't think folks realize what we have here.  This is still the regular season, and Shaq doesn't even play himself into full shape until April.  But even still, the combination of a healthy Garnett and Shaq on offense has just unbelievable potential, even at this stage in their careers. 

Rondo is getting most of the credit for his absurd passing rates, and Pierce and Allen are still the leading scorers.  But I'm telling you.  The Celtics are offensive Voltron with Shaq in there instead of Perk.  Everyone has a precise, exact role to play and all of them can play it at a huge level.  Put them together, keep them healthy, and I really don't even think the playoffs will be that competitive.  This team doesn't really have a ceiling right now.

[Birdbrain]

offense is so much better with a healthy KG

Tell me about it.  KG looks so much better.

[Jon]

Besides simply having Shaq's postgame (which a ton of people have already said a ton of great things about), I think simply having a 5th dominant offensive scorer out there makes everyone else even harder to guard.  When Rondo penetrates now, if anyone on the defense goes to help, Rondo is going to hit Shaq or KG for the alleyoop or find Pierce or Allen at the three point line (and they're both hitting over 45% from downtown!). 

If this team is healthy in the playoffs, I don't see how they lose. 

[lon3lytoaster]

offense is so much better with a healthy KG

Tell me about it.  KG looks so much better.

Understatement of the year. KG looks so good it's almost scary. Seeing him be able to finish the oops and hard dunks again is a great sight, to say the least.

[Spicoli]

I agree with the OP, and in fact have expected it since they signed Shaq.  I've said before, and continue to say, I just don't think folks realize what we have here.  This is still the regular season, and Shaq doesn't even play himself into full shape until April.  But even still, the combination of a healthy Garnett and Shaq on offense has just unbelievable potential, even at this stage in their careers. 

Rondo is getting most of the credit for his absurd passing rates, and Pierce and Allen are still the leading scorers.  But I'm telling you.  The Celtics are offensive Voltron with Shaq in there instead of Perk.  Everyone has a precise, exact role to play and all of them can play it at a huge level.  Put them together, keep them healthy, and I really don't even think the playoffs will be that competitive.  This team doesn't really have a ceiling right now.

Voltron analogy was good because that's exactly how they're playing right now. They're playing as one. Rondo has his specific role as facilitator, Ray has his specific role as floor spreader, Paul has his specific role as a scorer, KG has his specific role as defender and rebounder, and Shaq has his role as finisher under the hoop. They all execute their roles PERFECTLY, and i am having an absolute blast watching it unfold.

[Fafnir]

offense is so much better with a healthy KG

Tell me about it.  KG looks so much better.

Understatement of the year. KG looks so good it's almost scary. Seeing him be able to finish the oops and hard dunks again is a great sight, to say the least.

The only thing missing from KG's game this year has been his passing, his assists are down.

But given how he's able to finish so much better this year that's fine by me.

[guava_wrench]

While I agree with the thread, I do not think threads like this should be posted after playing teams like Washington. Post it after we play against a team with a good offense.

Miami crushed Phx. Bosh was very productive and they scored like crazy. Some could say they have a great offense. But when they play us, not so much.

We are not as good on offense as we were against Washington. Few teams will give away repeated alley oops.

[MBunge]

This is still the regular season, and Shaq doesn't even play himself into full shape until April. 

Yeah, but in the playoffs teams will be relentless in putting Shaq into pick-n-rolls in a way they aren't now.  Team's have limited practice time during the regular season and when they do make match-up adjustements, it tends to be on defense.  While I think Shaq could score enough to help win a playoff game or two, I really hope Doc can call on a reasonably healthy Perk and JO if needed.

Mike