Rose: With Perkins Gone, We Know We Can Beat the Celtics

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TP's for ThaPreacher.

Danny boy gambled alright.  He gambled on the health of each of his FA signings: shaq, jO, Delonte...even Quisy, plus Perk coming back....SOMETHING had to work out health-wise, because if healthy, the talent was/is undeniable.

Trading Perkie, Danny didn't just gamble, he doubled-down on the health of Shaq and jO.  We need solid, energetic minutes (and bunches of hard fouls) from both of them.  If we get it, we don't miss Perk this offseason, basically making us plus one Jeff Green and swapping Krystic for Erden (not bad).

It's all or nothing, folks.

[gpap]

All this Perkins crap is starting to get really old and tiring.

One player does NOT make a team and NO ONE is irreplaceable.

[manbehindtheman]

Publicly, Derrick Rose told the Chicago Sun Times Wednesday that he was concerned that the Bulls were "not moving in the right direction."

Privately, within the Bulls locker room, their belief that they could beat the Celtics changed when Boston traded Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City.

The Bulls felt that with Perkins gone, everything changed for the Celtics. They no longer had the toughness, the tenacity, the presence in the post.

“He was tough,” Rose said. “He was really tough to go around. They’re different.

“We know we can beat them,” Rose flatly said.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AgO4FCHm_lG0NQrqWwXdeF28vLYF?slug=aw-wojnarowski_rose_and_bulls_send_statement_to_celtics_040811

Starting to seem like the C's don't have that mental edge over these teams anymore. I really hope Shaq can be that guy in the paint.

forget about shaq, he is DONE, if we are to win it will take a herculian effort from some of the other guys.

[Kane3387]

Wow who knew Perk was the Celts MVP the last 3 years.  All this talk is such foolishness. 

Perk wasn't MVP, although he absolutely was one of this team's leaders.  His presence is missed, both on and off the court.  We've lost a lot of our intimidation factor among other teams, and we've lost a lot of our internal chemistry. 

Obviously, Perk wasn't the only important piece on this team, but he was certainly one of them.

We miss Shaq more. Perk played ten games. Did he even play the Bulls this year? Without Shaq the series is a toss up. With Shaq I will put my money on us.

It's interesting tho. The celtics got "celticed" last night. They are looking at a younger them basically. Rose ability over Rondo and KG's ability over Noah kind of cancel each other out. I think the x factor is Ray. We need his shooting. Props to the Bulls, they just beat us.

And I don't care. I learned to never judge this team after I saw us get blown out by Cleveland by 30 points last year and then respond by winning six straight playoff games.

This team was dominant without Perk and with Shaq. We also had Nate instead of West and Quis instead of Green.

This team has the ability and the excuses are boring and annoying now. If they lose it's not because we traded a guy who played ten games. It's because we were mentally weaker then anyone thought we were.

[Kane3387]

Lets say KG and Noah's intensity and toughness cancel out, I'd rather have either JO or Shaq than Boozer. That's where the Bull's collapse will come, when Boozer disappears.

No need to hate on Boozer.



In all seriousness, though, the guy is a good post scorer, a good shooter, and a very good rebounder.  I wouldn't count on him wilting completely.  

He's solid but he never put up any fight against Gasol and the Lakers. He was always dominated. All his production was when Baby guarded him and KG was out. Watch for KG to do to him what he did to Jamison last year on one leg.

Guarantee you this. In a series Doc won't be sticking to the rotation and limiting minutes crap he did last night.

Also do not be surprised if the Celtics weren't showing their full hand last night. We weren't catching Chicago and if we beat Miami we will only have to beat Washington twice to wrap up 2nd seed.

[Kane3387]

Boozer and Noah weren't exactly world beaters last night.

But with the way the Celtics played, it was enough to get the job done.

Deng was the dude that caught fire...while Rose was steady all game long.

It's kinda scary how it only took 2 guys to really beat us....that's all it takes I guess when we stink completely as a team though.

We can't beat contending team getting the production we got out of the big 4 last night

[slamtheking]

Wow who knew Perk was the Celts MVP the last 3 years.  All this talk is such foolishness. 

Perk wasn't MVP, although he absolutely was one of this team's leaders.  His presence is missed, both on and off the court.  We've lost a lot of our intimidation factor among other teams, and we've lost a lot of our internal chemistry. 

Obviously, Perk wasn't the only important piece on this team, but he was certainly one of them.

We miss Shaq more. Perk played ten games. Did he even play the Bulls this year? Without Shaq the series is a toss up. With Shaq I will put my money on us.

It's interesting tho. The celtics got "celticed" last night. They are looking at a younger them basically. Rose ability over Rondo and KG's ability over Noah kind of cancel each other out. I think the x factor is Ray. We need his shooting. Props to the Bulls, they just beat us.

And I don't care. I learned to never judge this team after I saw us get blown out by Cleveland by 30 points last year and then respond by winning six straight playoff games.

This team was dominant without Perk and with Shaq. We also had Nate instead of West and Quis instead of Green.

This team has the ability and the excuses are boring and annoying now. If they lose it's not because we traded a guy who played ten games. It's because we were mentally weaker then anyone thought we were.

I think you're missing the point though.  It's Perk's leadership on the team that is missed more than his play.  People can quote the team's stats with and without Perk in the lineup this year and say the team is just as good without him but I truly think he provided leadership by example and was a key to the team's ubuntu attitude. 

His efforts to come back from that knee injury to try to be ready to play this year has to serve as inspiration and set the tone for team commitment that others could look to emulate.  I think Danny truly broke something on this team when he traded Perk.  Maybe the team's play in the playoffs will completely disprove that theory but we'll find out soon enough. 

[Eja117]

All this Perkins crap is starting to get really old and tiring.

One player does NOT make a team and NO ONE is irreplaceable.

It didn't seem that way when people were crucifying me for suggesting shopping Brady after playing like a pop warner back up in his third straight playoff loss

[Eja117]

I think it's not just about who isn't here. I think it's also about who is here.

What does he have to fear? Krstic will get really offended and play well?

[Kane3387]

Wow who knew Perk was the Celts MVP the last 3 years.  All this talk is such foolishness.  

Perk wasn't MVP, although he absolutely was one of this team's leaders.  His presence is missed, both on and off the court.  We've lost a lot of our intimidation factor among other teams, and we've lost a lot of our internal chemistry.  

Obviously, Perk wasn't the only important piece on this team, but he was certainly one of them.

We miss Shaq more. Perk played ten games. Did he even play the Bulls this year? Without Shaq the series is a toss up. With Shaq I will put my money on us.

It's interesting tho. The celtics got "celticed" last night. They are looking at a younger them basically. Rose ability over Rondo and KG's ability over Noah kind of cancel each other out. I think the x factor is Ray. We need his shooting. Props to the Bulls, they just beat us.

And I don't care. I learned to never judge this team after I saw us get blown out by Cleveland by 30 points last year and then respond by winning six straight playoff games.

This team was dominant without Perk and with Shaq. We also had Nate instead of West and Quis instead of Green.

This team has the ability and the excuses are boring and annoying now. If they lose it's not because we traded a guy who played ten games. It's because we were mentally weaker then anyone thought we were.

I think you're missing the point though.  It's Perk's leadership on the team that is missed more than his play.  People can quote the team's stats with and without Perk in the lineup this year and say the team is just as good without him but I truly think he provided leadership by example and was a key to the team's ubuntu attitude.  

His efforts to come back from that knee injury to try to be ready to play this year has to serve as inspiration and set the tone for team commitment that others could look to emulate.  I think Danny truly broke something on this team when he traded Perk.  Maybe the team's play in the playoffs will completely disprove that theory but we'll find out soon enough.  

We will see in the playoffs. That's a stretch IMO in regards to Perk's leadership. No disrespect but you're telling me that the Big 3 need Perk's example to inspire them to play with focus, heart, and urgency?

Dude, there might not be a season next year!!! THIS IS IT!!! THIS IS THERE LAST CHANCE... AND THEY HAVE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GO OUT ON TOP!!! And you want me to believe that since Perk got traded, they are going to take their ball and go home?

I can't say what I want to in a response to that bc it's too profane. This core is absolutely pathetic if, bc Perk is gone, they can't do their job and go to work. I mean all they are required to do is try, and play hard and passionate ball. That's it! Do your job to the best of your ability bc that's what you are paid to do. It's Celtic Pride...

If what you say is the case, then this team doesn't have Celtic Pride. I am disgusted if that's the case. They don't deserve a blog full of passionate fans devoting time and energy to them then.

However I want it on record that I don't buy that. I believe this team is TOUGH AS NAILS mentally and physically. They will go down fighting. It has taken game 7s the last two years to beat us bc we were tough and we weren't healthy.

If KG was traded then OK I buy that but not Perk. KG is the emotional leader. Not a guy who played in ten games and barely played when it mattered most in crunch time.

This team produced never actually knowing what Perk would be like when he came back, or if he was going to come back and when that would be. That's why we got both Oneals bc it was likely Perk couldn't even contribute at all this year.

You're right, we will see the true Celtics in the playoffs. Plain and simple this team needs to grab their lunch pails and come to the work; otherwise forget them.

[slamtheking]

Wow who knew Perk was the Celts MVP the last 3 years.  All this talk is such foolishness. 

Perk wasn't MVP, although he absolutely was one of this team's leaders.  His presence is missed, both on and off the court.  We've lost a lot of our intimidation factor among other teams, and we've lost a lot of our internal chemistry. 

Obviously, Perk wasn't the only important piece on this team, but he was certainly one of them.

We miss Shaq more. Perk played ten games. Did he even play the Bulls this year? Without Shaq the series is a toss up. With Shaq I will put my money on us.

It's interesting tho. The celtics got "celticed" last night. They are looking at a younger them basically. Rose ability over Rondo and KG's ability over Noah kind of cancel each other out. I think the x factor is Ray. We need his shooting. Props to the Bulls, they just beat us.

And I don't care. I learned to never judge this team after I saw us get blown out by Cleveland by 30 points last year and then respond by winning six straight playoff games.

This team was dominant without Perk and with Shaq. We also had Nate instead of West and Quis instead of Green.

This team has the ability and the excuses are boring and annoying now. If they lose it's not because we traded a guy who played ten games. It's because we were mentally weaker then anyone thought we were.

I think you're missing the point though.  It's Perk's leadership on the team that is missed more than his play.  People can quote the team's stats with and without Perk in the lineup this year and say the team is just as good without him but I truly think he provided leadership by example and was a key to the team's ubuntu attitude. 

His efforts to come back from that knee injury to try to be ready to play this year has to serve as inspiration and set the tone for team commitment that others could look to emulate.  I think Danny truly broke something on this team when he traded Perk.  Maybe the team's play in the playoffs will completely disprove that theory but we'll find out soon enough. 

We will. That's a stretch IMO. No disrespect but you're telling me that the Big 3 need Perk's example to inspire them to play with focus, heart, and urgency? There might not be a season next year!!! THIS IS IT!!! THIS IS THERE LAST CHANCE AND THEY HAVE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY!!! And since Perk got traded, they are going to take their ball and go home?

I can't say what I want to in a response to that bc it's too profane. This core is absolutely pathetic if bc Perk is gone they can't do their job and go to work. All they are required to do is try and play hard. That's it! Do your job to the best of your ability bc that's what you are paid to do.

If what you say is the case then I am disgusted and they don't deserve a blog full of passionate fans devoting time and energy to them.

However I want it on record that I don't buy that. I believe this team is TOUGH as NAILS mentally and physically and will go down fighting. It has taken game 7s the last two years to beat us bc we were tough and we weren't healthy.

If KG was traded then OK I buy that but not Perk. Not a guy who played in ten games and barely played when it mattered most. This team produced never actually knowing what he would be like when he came back or if he was going to and when. That's why we got both Oneals bc it was likely Perk couldn't even contribute.

Plain and simple this team needs to grab their lunch pails and come to the work; otherwise forget them.

chill dude.  you're getting more than a tad overworked about this if you're really driven to profanity to respond   

bottom line is this: some people, myself included, think there was a deep-rooted comraderie among the core players.  this included Perk.  The trade seems to have upset that chemistry.  That's the only opinion being put forth in my previous comments. 

As for whether it should upset this team, I don't think it should.  not at all.  I agree with that viewpoint completely.
I also agree with your points this team should play with a sense of urgency.  I'm not seeing it though and neither are a lot of other people following this team.   
I also completely agree they "need to grab their lunchpails and come to work".  That's what most fans want.  It's the lackadaisical attitude that's been on display the past couple of regular seasons that's frustrating/irritating. 

[csfansince60s]

Derek, concentrate on beating the Magic first, or "beating the Celtics" in the playoffs will be a moot issue for you.

[Kane3387]

Wow who knew Perk was the Celts MVP the last 3 years.  All this talk is such foolishness.  

Perk wasn't MVP, although he absolutely was one of this team's leaders.  His presence is missed, both on and off the court.  We've lost a lot of our intimidation factor among other teams, and we've lost a lot of our internal chemistry.  

Obviously, Perk wasn't the only important piece on this team, but he was certainly one of them.

We miss Shaq more. Perk played ten games. Did he even play the Bulls this year? Without Shaq the series is a toss up. With Shaq I will put my money on us.

It's interesting tho. The celtics got "celticed" last night. They are looking at a younger them basically. Rose ability over Rondo and KG's ability over Noah kind of cancel each other out. I think the x factor is Ray. We need his shooting. Props to the Bulls, they just beat us.

And I don't care. I learned to never judge this team after I saw us get blown out by Cleveland by 30 points last year and then respond by winning six straight playoff games.

This team was dominant without Perk and with Shaq. We also had Nate instead of West and Quis instead of Green.

This team has the ability and the excuses are boring and annoying now. If they lose it's not because we traded a guy who played ten games. It's because we were mentally weaker then anyone thought we were.

I think you're missing the point though.  It's Perk's leadership on the team that is missed more than his play.  People can quote the team's stats with and without Perk in the lineup this year and say the team is just as good without him but I truly think he provided leadership by example and was a key to the team's ubuntu attitude.  

His efforts to come back from that knee injury to try to be ready to play this year has to serve as inspiration and set the tone for team commitment that others could look to emulate.  I think Danny truly broke something on this team when he traded Perk.  Maybe the team's play in the playoffs will completely disprove that theory but we'll find out soon enough.  

We will. That's a stretch IMO. No disrespect but you're telling me that the Big 3 need Perk's example to inspire them to play with focus, heart, and urgency? There might not be a season next year!!! THIS IS IT!!! THIS IS THERE LAST CHANCE AND THEY HAVE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY!!! And since Perk got traded, they are going to take their ball and go home?

I can't say what I want to in a response to that bc it's too profane. This core is absolutely pathetic if bc Perk is gone they can't do their job and go to work. All they are required to do is try and play hard. That's it! Do your job to the best of your ability bc that's what you are paid to do.

If what you say is the case then I am disgusted and they don't deserve a blog full of passionate fans devoting time and energy to them.

However I want it on record that I don't buy that. I believe this team is TOUGH as NAILS mentally and physically and will go down fighting. It has taken game 7s the last two years to beat us bc we were tough and we weren't healthy.

If KG was traded then OK I buy that but not Perk. Not a guy who played in ten games and barely played when it mattered most. This team produced never actually knowing what he would be like when he came back or if he was going to and when. That's why we got both Oneals bc it was likely Perk couldn't even contribute.

Plain and simple this team needs to grab their lunch pails and come to the work; otherwise forget them.

chill dude.  you're getting more than a tad overworked about this if you're really driven to profanity to respond  

bottom line is this: some people, myself included, think there was a deep-rooted comraderie among the core players.  this included Perk.  The trade seems to have upset that chemistry.  That's the only opinion being put forth in my previous comments.  

As for whether it should upset this team, I don't think it should.  not at all.  I agree with that viewpoint completely.
I also agree with your points this team should play with a sense of urgency.  I'm not seeing it though and neither are a lot of other people following this team.  
I also completely agree they "need to grab their lunchpails and come to work".  That's what most fans want.  It's the lackadaisical attitude that's been on display the past couple of regular seasons that's frustrating/irritating.  

Naw man. I am passionate about this team. I have watched almost every game and thus have invested a lot of emotion and time into this team. I believe in this team and my response would have been profane because I would have dropped a couple F bombs. Thinking about how weak it is that Perkins being traded is the reason this team (the big 4) decided to stop believing in themsleves and trying is a joke. Again it's disgusting.

Lol I mean I didn't spend all that time and energy rooting for this team, talking up and defending this team to ppl, and just simply following this team so passionately to see their undoing be bc Perk was traded. That means I just wasted a lot of time and was basically deceived about how "its all about 18." It's frustrating enough to use a little profanity.

Enough about my profanity and motivation to use it though. That's not important.

I am glad you agree with me on some points and I am not casting aside what you said about Perk'd departure affecting the team. That would be incredibly ignorant, but i am sure most will agree that there is a job to do and these guys got to move on.

Life goes on. Perk moved on... If we followed his example that much then why stop now. You think he cares? Maybe a little but he has accepted it and is playing for a championship in OKC. Good for him. That's what a professional does. It's time for us to remember we are professionals and act like it. That's all. I can deal with the team losing if they give it their all. If a team is better then you, then it is what it is. But this team has to leave it on the court or they will regret it forever, just like they will last year's game 6 and 7.

Thanks for the response and toleration of my venting.

18!!!! I still believe! Keep the Faith!!!

[GreenFaith1819]

I giveth a Tommy Point to Tha Preacher. 

I hit the "Giveth" button, too.

Well said, Preacher.

[tenn_smoothie]

that's right guys - just keep telling yourselves that losing Perk is not that big a deal.

after all, he didn't have great offense and he wasn't quick and we won all these games while he was hurt and, gee, Green and Kristic are more mobile and athletic than Perk and when are these players gonna quit acting like a bunch of babies and get over Perk being gone, on & on & on. it's called denial.

that game vs Chicago thursday nite made me sick, not just because we lost but because we got muscled and pushed around and we didn't fight back. somebody should have put Rose into the basket standard in the 1st quarter and let him know that the lane is off-limits. then, when Boozer and Thomas started the rough stuff and staring us down, someone should have jumped in there and put both of those guys into the first row. that someone, many times, was Kendrick Perkins and he had teammates right behind him when he had to take the fight to the other team. of course, we don't have Perk anymore, do we ?