Beast Nenad

[footey]

I think he is thriving because of the Celtics slower pace of play.  Also since most of our guys prefer to get back on defense as opposed to rebounding, that leaves lots of balls for him to grab.

Both excellent points.

[kozlodoev]

I think he is thriving because of the Celtics slower pace of play.  Also since most of our guys prefer to get back on defense as opposed to rebounding, that leaves lots of balls for him to grab.

Right, but you still have to actually _grab_ those balls. We've had tons of problems on the offensive glass before with 4 guys getting back on defense, rather than crashing the glass.

All things considered, I am pleasantly surprised. While he won't jump out of the gym, Krstic seems to be more mobile than I expected. He's also fundamentally sound on both ends of the floor. I really liked the way he closed up space on defense against the Pacers last night.

[Greenbean]

I thought Perkins did well his first game, all things considered.  I can see that he'll be a great fit. He's definitely as advertised as far as being a big body that clears space and can really defend one on one against other centers in the NBA.  Sets good picks (although I think he got called twice for illegal screens), good communicator. Him and Ibaka should be a great duo down low once they start to gel more.  Perkins had it a little rough against Miami with foul trouble. Brooks has shown the desire to play small against Miami a lot and Perkins probably wasn't going to get big time minutes regardless. Miami's frontcourt is pretty weak in my opinion.

Get used to the illegal screens!

But also get used to the physical defense you are talking about above. Ibaka and Perkins as a frontcourt combo could be one of the most dominant defensive frontcourts this league has seen since Duncan/Robinson.

[Roy H.]

Ibaka and Perkins as a frontcourt combo could be one of the most dominant defensive frontcourts this league has seen since Duncan/Robinson.

Or at least since Perkins/Garnett.

[clover]

Ibaka and Perkins as a frontcourt combo could be one of the most dominant defensive frontcourts this league has seen since Duncan/Robinson.

Or at least since Perkins/Garnett.

Good catch, Roy!

[gar]

Perkins is not 100%; but Ibaka looks amazing. Next year could be their year to take over from the lakers

[thunderfan]

Yeah, Ibaka has been a true joy to watch. I had my eye on this guy before he even made it to the summer league prior to the 09 season.  He's gone from a non-english speaking kid running around clueless on the court to what he is now, in just a year and a half. It's a reflection of his work ethic and desire.  Relentless work on the court and off - English classes and the like.  And we all like a rags to riches/underdog story like Ibaka's.