Why is ESPN so Anti-Celtics?

[indeedproceed]

No real reason to expect the Celtics to accomplish anything this year.  We swept the worst team in the playoffs (with Amare and Billups out, they were the worst). 

We certainly seem to be outmatched going against Miami.  Our bench and our big men are awful.  It's really LBJ, Wade and Bosh vs. Rondo, KG, Pierce, and Ray

Sure, and while we are at it, let's ignore the fact that we beat Heat 3 out of 4, and we lost when we were in a state of discombobulation.  Sorry, I have zero fear of the Heat. The Bulls and Lakers, yes, the Heat, no.

Considering half the roster was different during all three of those wins...I don't see how it applies

Well, considering that of the minutes played in those 3 games, the players sent out only account for 13%, I think they're a little relevant.

Just because we're without Perkins and likely Shaq does not mean that we're without the best parts of the team.

But yeah, we ought to be overly negative and dire about the circumstances. Its not like we just swept a 6 seed, and have an improving defensive presence at the 5 for the first time since Perkins was traded. I can see why people would choose to be negative right now.

[Rondo2287]

No real reason to expect the Celtics to accomplish anything this year.  We swept the worst team in the playoffs (with Amare and Billups out, they were the worst). 

We certainly seem to be outmatched going against Miami.  Our bench and our big men are awful.  It's really LBJ, Wade and Bosh vs. Rondo, KG, Pierce, and Ray

Sure, and while we are at it, let's ignore the fact that we beat Heat 3 out of 4, and we lost when we were in a state of discombobulation.  Sorry, I have zero fear of the Heat. The Bulls and Lakers, yes, the Heat, no.

Considering half the roster was different during all three of those wins...I don't see how it applies

I agree, im predicting heat in 3.  This is a follow up to my Knicks in 3 prediction going into last series.

[muddy02]

You must work for ESPN cause all i wanna do now is read it

So we're the only team in the 2nd round as of this moment (Chicago looks like they'll close out the Pacers). However ESPN states, "With the only sweep of the first round, Boston made a statement against New York, but this season's Celtics still seem poorly equipped to make a deep playoff run. Beyond lacking a strong center and playing slowly, as we discussed previously, the Celtics had the lowest offensive rebounding rate in the league this year. Historically, that would mark them as possible playoff underperformers."

That article was blatant casual fan half-hearted 'lets talk about everyone so that everyone clicks on it' garbage. Content prostitution at its best. ESPN ought to be ashamed they put forward and promoted something that a 9th grader could write. Basically its Madden 2008 all over again.

(If you don't get the reference, 2008 was the year EA Sports realized that they actually own exclusive rights to all NFL videogames, so they can just put out whatever crap they wanted and people would still buy it. ESPN now owns sports, and just puts out pure garbage because someone will read it.)

PPS: That article really sucked.

[PosImpos]

No real reason to expect the Celtics to accomplish anything this year.  We swept the worst team in the playoffs (with Amare and Billups out, they were the worst).  

We certainly seem to be outmatched going against Miami.  Our bench and our big men are awful.  It's really LBJ, Wade and Bosh vs. Rondo, KG, Pierce, and Ray

Sure, and while we are at it, let's ignore the fact that we beat Heat 3 out of 4, and we lost when we were in a state of discombobulation.  Sorry, I have zero fear of the Heat. The Bulls and Lakers, yes, the Heat, no.

Considering half the roster was different during all three of those wins...I don't see how it applies

Well, considering that of the minutes played in those 3 games, the players sent out only account for 13%, I think they're a little relevant.

Just because we're without Perkins and likely Shaq does not mean that we're without the best parts of the team.

But yeah, we ought to be overly negative and dire about the circumstances. Its not like we just swept a 6 seed, and have an improving defensive presence at the 5 for the first time since Perkins was traded. I can see why people would choose to be negative right now.

Yeah, I don't buy the argument that the 3 wins against the Heat "don't count" because our roster was different.  As underwhelming as they may have been up to this point, are we really going to argue that the new players are giving us less than what Nate Robinson, Semih Erden, and Luke Harangody gave us in those first three meetings?  Marquis was productive, but I think between Green and Delonte we'll get more than enough production to make up.

Perkins was solid in that third meeting, but I think JO will be able to do as much if not more.  I also think Shaq will be back and able to play at least 10-15 minutes a game.  Krstic will give us at least as much as Semih ever did in those meetings.

As always, this upcoming series will be won or lost by the play of the Big 4 and perhaps one member of the bench in any given game (whether it's BBD, Green, Delonte, or JO / Shaq).

[dtrader]

So we're the only team in the 2nd round as of this moment (Chicago looks like they'll close out the Pacers). However ESPN states, "With the only sweep of the first round, Boston made a statement against New York, but this season's Celtics still seem poorly equipped to make a deep playoff run. Beyond lacking a strong center and playing slowly, as we discussed previously, the Celtics had the lowest offensive rebounding rate in the league this year. Historically, that would mark them as possible playoff underperformers."

Lacking a strong center? Did they even watch the series? Jermaine O'Neal has OVER performed and has proven that when healthy he can be a great shot blocker and post defender. Also, we don't play slow we run half court sets and occasionally push the break with Rondo. As far as the rebounding KG has been handling that (Averaging about 10 a game), although when we were playing on help D we gave up a few more rebounds then we should of. But the Big Shamrock is coming back next round and should help with this a LOT!

My question to ESPN is why all the hate aimed at my team? The Lakers are currently tied with a Hornet's squad that is missing its 2nd Option (aka David West) and the Grizzlies are on the brink of eliminating the Spurs...oh and without their best player (Rudy Gay). ESPN you guys are a bunch of haters. Boston stand up!!!!!!!

Without even touching the 'ESPN is anti-boston" claim, I'd say juat about everything quoted was appropriate.  Minus shaq, We DONT have a strong center. JO played great, but hes just back from injury, and playing limited minutes as he readjusts (saying that he has over performed just goes to show how low his expected production was).  Then Krystic..nuff said. 

Also we HAVE been playing slow. Yes, at their best the celts push the ball, but more often than not we've been doing half court sets, or walking the ball up..thats slow paced basketball.  If you only "occasionally" push the ball (especially with just 1 player), you're certainly not a fast paced team. 

As for rebounding...we have sucked. Period. To say otherwise is ridiculous. The whole reason the first 2 games versus NY were anywhere near as close as they were, is because we were getting severely out rebounded (and hustled).  One player having moderate success does not constitute solid team rebounding.

I agree that the celts may not get their due (and can beat anyone any given night), but I dont think our 1st series performance was enough to change anyones minds. I'm ecstatic at the outcome, but I still acknowledge that the team we faced was probably more handicapped than just about any other team in the playoffs.

[fairweatherfan]

No real reason to expect the Celtics to accomplish anything this year.  We swept the worst team in the playoffs (with Amare and Billups out, they were the worst). 

We certainly seem to be outmatched going against Miami.  Our bench and our big men are awful.  It's really LBJ, Wade and Bosh vs. Rondo, KG, Pierce, and Ray

Sure, and while we are at it, let's ignore the fact that we beat Heat 3 out of 4, and we lost when we were in a state of discombobulation.  Sorry, I have zero fear of the Heat. The Bulls and Lakers, yes, the Heat, no.

Considering half the roster was different during all three of those wins...I don't see how it applies

I agree, im predicting heat in 3.  This is a follow up to my Knicks in 3 prediction going into last series.

Psssh - how's the world look through those green goggles?

We realists know that Miami will easily win the first two games, then the Celtics franchise will fold from total humiliation.  LeBron, Wade, and Bosh will buy up all the championship banners on EBay to make sweet superhero capes for their "We Did It!" media blowout/party.  Two weeks later they will remember they were supposed to show up for the conference finals too.

[Moranis]

Game 1 - Oct 31 - Celtics had Shaq starting (4 bench players played in the game and only Davis and JO are still with the team).  Miami started both Carlos Arroyo and Joel Anthony.  Wade missed almost the entire pre-season.  8 point Celtic win.

Game 2 - Nov 11 - Celtics had Shaq starting (4 bench players played in the game and only Davis is still with the team). Miami started both Carlos Arroyo and Joel Anthony.  5 point Celtic win.

Game 3 - Feb 14 - Celtics had Perkins starting.  Wafer, Daniels, and Bradley played a fair amount of minutes.  Heat still didn't have Bibby, though did have Mike Miller.  3 point Celtic win.

Game 4 - Pretty much the lineups of the post season. Miami wins by 23.

[Marcus13]

Game 1 - Oct 31 - Celtics had Shaq starting (4 bench players played in the game and only Davis and JO are still with the team).  Miami started both Carlos Arroyo and Joel Anthony.  Wade missed almost the entire pre-season.  8 point Celtic win.

Game 2 - Nov 11 - Celtics had Shaq starting (4 bench players played in the game and only Davis is still with the team). Miami started both Carlos Arroyo and Joel Anthony.  5 point Celtic win.

Game 3 - Feb 14 - Celtics had Perkins starting.  Wafer, Daniels, and Bradley played a fair amount of minutes.  Heat still didn't have Bibby, though did have Mike Miller.  3 point Celtic win.

Game 4 - Pretty much the lineups of the post season. Miami wins by 23.

TP.  Thats all Im sayin.  The last game was far more of an indicator than the first three.  Not to mention, the third game was the one where we actually had something to play for

[indeedproceed]

Game 1 - Oct 31 - Celtics had Shaq starting (4 bench players played in the game and only Davis and JO are still with the team).  Miami started both Carlos Arroyo and Joel Anthony.  Wade missed almost the entire pre-season.  8 point Celtic win.

Game 2 - Nov 11 - Celtics had Shaq starting (4 bench players played in the game and only Davis is still with the team). Miami started both Carlos Arroyo and Joel Anthony.  5 point Celtic win.

Game 3 - Feb 14 - Celtics had Perkins starting.  Wafer, Daniels, and Bradley played a fair amount of minutes.  Heat still didn't have Bibby, though did have Mike Miller.  3 point Celtic win.

Game 4 - Pretty much the lineups of the post season. Miami wins by 23.

TP.  Thats all Im sayin.  The last game was far more of an indicator than the first three.  Not to mention, the third game was the one where we actually had something to play for

So you're saying the completely uncompetitive swoon this team took at the end of the season is far more of an indicator of the Celtics playoff chances than the first 3 games? Interesting.

[Rondo9dunx]

No real reason to expect the Celtics to accomplish anything this year.  We swept the worst team in the playoffs (with Amare and Billups out, they were the worst). 

We certainly seem to be outmatched going against Miami.  Our bench and our big men are awful.  It's really LBJ, Wade and Bosh vs. Rondo, KG, Pierce, and Ray

Sure, and while we are at it, let's ignore the fact that we beat Heat 3 out of 4, and we lost when we were in a state of discombobulation.  Sorry, I have zero fear of the Heat. The Bulls and Lakers, yes, the Heat, no.

Considering half the roster was different during all three of those wins...I don't see how it applies

I agree, im predicting heat in 3.  This is a follow up to my Knicks in 3 prediction going into last series.

Heat fans have a forum you know. I can recommend one for you if you'd like.

[Rondo9dunx]

Game 1 - Oct 31 - Celtics had Shaq starting (4 bench players played in the game and only Davis and JO are still with the team).  Miami started both Carlos Arroyo and Joel Anthony.  Wade missed almost the entire pre-season.  8 point Celtic win.

Game 2 - Nov 11 - Celtics had Shaq starting (4 bench players played in the game and only Davis is still with the team). Miami started both Carlos Arroyo and Joel Anthony.  5 point Celtic win.

Game 3 - Feb 14 - Celtics had Perkins starting.  Wafer, Daniels, and Bradley played a fair amount of minutes.  Heat still didn't have Bibby, though did have Mike Miller.  3 point Celtic win.

Game 4 - Pretty much the lineups of the post season. Miami wins by 23.

TP.  Thats all Im sayin.  The last game was far more of an indicator than the first three.  Not to mention, the third game was the one where we actually had something to play for

So you're saying the completely uncompetitive swoon this team took at the end of the season is far more of an indicator of the Celtics playoff chances than the first 3 games? Interesting.

Bunch of Debbie Downers

[Rondo9dunx]

Was just watching First Take on espn2..


Skip Bayless, Chriss Broussard and the Androgynous guy in the middle were talking about lebron and wade not being clutch and compared them at end of games to the celtics saying that Miami has no option but to run iso but the celtics all play so smart, set up screens, run plays etc etc.

God I hate when people bash my team!

I'm going to start a new thread "Whis is CelticsBlog so Anti-Celtics?"

[fairweatherfan]

No real reason to expect the Celtics to accomplish anything this year.  We swept the worst team in the playoffs (with Amare and Billups out, they were the worst). 

We certainly seem to be outmatched going against Miami.  Our bench and our big men are awful.  It's really LBJ, Wade and Bosh vs. Rondo, KG, Pierce, and Ray

Sure, and while we are at it, let's ignore the fact that we beat Heat 3 out of 4, and we lost when we were in a state of discombobulation.  Sorry, I have zero fear of the Heat. The Bulls and Lakers, yes, the Heat, no.

Considering half the roster was different during all three of those wins...I don't see how it applies

I agree, im predicting heat in 3.  This is a follow up to my Knicks in 3 prediction going into last series.

Heat fans have a forum you know. I can recommend one for you if you'd like.

Psst - it's a best-of-7 series.  Predicting a team will win in 3 is probably a little tongue in cheek.

[Rondo9dunx]

No real reason to expect the Celtics to accomplish anything this year.  We swept the worst team in the playoffs (with Amare and Billups out, they were the worst). 

We certainly seem to be outmatched going against Miami.  Our bench and our big men are awful.  It's really LBJ, Wade and Bosh vs. Rondo, KG, Pierce, and Ray

Sure, and while we are at it, let's ignore the fact that we beat Heat 3 out of 4, and we lost when we were in a state of discombobulation.  Sorry, I have zero fear of the Heat. The Bulls and Lakers, yes, the Heat, no.

Considering half the roster was different during all three of those wins...I don't see how it applies

I agree, im predicting heat in 3.  This is a follow up to my Knicks in 3 prediction going into last series.

Heat fans have a forum you know. I can recommend one for you if you'd like.

Psst - it's a best-of-7 series.  Predicting a team will win in 3 is probably a little tongue in cheek.

I understand that but he's always super negative.

[Rondo2287]

No real reason to expect the Celtics to accomplish anything this year.  We swept the worst team in the playoffs (with Amare and Billups out, they were the worst). 

We certainly seem to be outmatched going against Miami.  Our bench and our big men are awful.  It's really LBJ, Wade and Bosh vs. Rondo, KG, Pierce, and Ray

Sure, and while we are at it, let's ignore the fact that we beat Heat 3 out of 4, and we lost when we were in a state of discombobulation.  Sorry, I have zero fear of the Heat. The Bulls and Lakers, yes, the Heat, no.

Considering half the roster was different during all three of those wins...I don't see how it applies

I agree, im predicting heat in 3.  This is a follow up to my Knicks in 3 prediction going into last series.

Heat fans have a forum you know. I can recommend one for you if you'd like.

Im not a heat fan, I predicted the Knicks in 3 as well.  I think given the fact that the celtics stand no chance I wouldn't be surprised if they just forfeit after 3