Ok the slow poke has finished, the Celtics roster has been moved to the team page. I'm ready for questions and I challenge anyone to say we are not the #1 Defensive team and best team overall. I might have a move or two that I would change if I did everything all over again but overall I couldn't be happier with this team. Thanks to Nick and all of the mods for making it all happen.
I'd like to see your team start Vince Carter at the two. I think that is a stronger lineup overall than your current one with Billups in that starting lineup.
The main reason would be to keep W.Frazier at the point and Hondo at the three. W.Frazier, in particular, who I think his value decreases when used as a two guard instead of a big powerful defensive PG.
Hondo is fine at either wing position but I'd keep him at the SF because I think the starters at that position taper off a bit after the top 6/7 guys and that having a guy as good as Hondo there is a nice advantage for you. Plus, I don't like the idea of A.English or P.Stojakovic starting. Much prefer Vince's game.
I think Vince with his size (6-7, wide shoulders, strong body, incredible explosiveness) is a very tough guy for some SGs to matchup against physically. Add in his very talented skill-set and he is a very nice 4th / 5th best starter for any team.
I think I have him beat no matter who he starts at the wings and the point.
I like my chances either way but Who may have a point in a game against your guys I might go with Vince. Walt against CP3 plays great def and limits his options. I think Vince's explosiveness would require PP to need a lot of help and with Hondo's non-stop movement LeBum would never keep up. McAdoo against the greatest PF of all time, not even close. I give you Moses in a close one but not by a lot. Ewing had size, mobility and was a great defender.
Pierce and Carter matched up 4 times in the 2001-02 season (the year I chose for Pierce and still very much in Vince's prime). Pierce was better then Vince, though both were below their season averages. In fact aside from one monster game from Pierce (30 points on 59%) neither player shot better then 38.5% in any of the games, though both were close to their averages in the other statistics. As expected Pierce also got to the line more.
They also matched up 4 times in the 2000-2001 season (the year I chose for Carter). Vince was better than Paul (VC-28ppg, 53fg%, 65% 3p% vs 24ppg, 49fg%, 43% 3p%). According to the box scores for that year Pierce was a SF for 2 games which when factored in brings his numbers to (20ppg, 42fg%, 43% 3p%) when matched against Vince and Vince's numbers don't change. Toronto won 3 out of 4 of the games.
In 01-02 (the year you chose) PP is listed at SG in only 1 of those games in which he had 22pts and Vince had 27. Toronto won that game.
I think they are pretty even but Vince has had a slight advantage in these earlier years. No question Pierce is the better guy today.