Is KG Done?

[Bankshot]

Don't get me wrong I love KG, but he looks just about done to me. He doesn't make much of an impact offensively or defensively. I will be surprised if he doesn't retire after this year. Sad.

[Roy H.]

Lots of guys around the league are looking terrible right now.  I'm assuming that it's just rust that normally would have been shaken off in training camp and the pre-season.

[Redz]

Fuuny thing about KG is for the first time since he injured his knee in `08-`09, I'm not worried about his knee.  He's just sort of an afterthought right now until PP gets back.  (and it's strange to think of KG as an afterthought).  So yes, in my mind he's slipped some.

[Who]

Too early to say definitively ... but it's looking like KG has taken a major step back

[Chris]

I don't think he is done.  I think he is still one of the best defensive big men in the league, and that can't be overlooked.  I just don't think he is a guy who can give it to you consistently on both ends anymore.

I think he has basically become Marcus Camby.  Still a defensive force, but offensively, he is just a jumpshooter, who will move the ball, not gum up the offense, but can't do much more than that...at least 3 out of 4 games.  He still might have games here and there where his legs feel better and he can do more, but for the most part, that is what he is now.

I agree though, that he will likely retire after this year.  I am not sure he is dealing well with not being able to dominate, and I think he will hang it up.

[MVP]

I think a lot of it has to do with him being out of shape. I don't think KG played much ball during the offseason especially with the lockout. Some of his struggles probably have to do with him dropping of some, but I think a lot of it has to do with him being out of shape/rusty. Doc has been trying to play KG is 5-6 minute spurts because of this. I think KG will look much better in a week or two when he starts getting into game shape.

[Bankshot]

Lots of guys around the league are looking terrible right now.  I'm assuming that it's just rust that normally would have been shaken off in training camp and the pre-season.

I hope you are right. It's painful to watch him right now.

[Inside-Out]

I don't think he is done.  I think he is still one of the best defensive big men in the league, and that can't be overlooked.  I just don't think he is a guy who can give it to you consistently on both ends anymore.

I think he has basically become Marcus Camby.  Still a defensive force, but offensively, he is just a jumpshooter, who will move the ball, not gum up the offense, but can't do much more than that...at least 3 out of 4 games.  He still might have games here and there where his legs feel better and he can do more, but for the most part, that is what he is now.

I agree though, that he will likely retire after this year.  I am not sure he is dealing well with not being able to dominate, and I think he will hang it up.

He may not be completely done, but he's no all-star, just a role player.  He's still great at denying passing lanes and s/r defense, but the comparisons to Camby are very generous.

When someone penetrates the paint, KG has been moving his body out of the way and trying to "block" by waving his arms at the penetrator.  Pretty weak defense of the rim, IMO.  He seems to be backing away from physical play inside.

Like Gary Payton in the late years, his mouth is still in top form, though.  Unfortunately, now what would have been considered inferior players by a wide margin are able to give it right back and also back it up (e.g. the diminutive Carl Landry).

KG is a useful player, but is clearly no superstar, all-star, or anything else.  We'll see flashes, but this is the 1991 team all over again.

[35Lewis]

I think the KG we knew is done but I don't think KG the starting caliber NBA player is done at all.  He's missed some defensive stops that he would have got in the past but he is still effective.  I was surprised that he wouldn't be better in the zone with his length but that's an adjustment so we'll see what happens.

I think it's a natural progression at this stage in someone like KG's career to move to the 5 more especially in todays NBA.  He's pretty much been there with Doc's small lineups over the last couple of years anyway.  Unfortunately KG and Bass don't compliment each other well because they play similar and the Celtics don't have a Reggie Evans type that will just rebound to play the PF while KG goes to center.

[Marcus13]

Yeah, he'll be a fine defensive presence for us to get through the season but Im sure he calls it quits at the end of the season.

Im sure he doesnt enjoy hobbling around the court either

[Neurotic Guy]

Lots of guys around the league are looking terrible right now.  I'm assuming that it's just rust that normally would have been shaken off in training camp and the pre-season.

This is what I have been thinking (hoping).  A mortal KG is still an NBA starting PF, but will not be good enough to take this team where it needs to be defensively.  I am hoping that the lack of pre-season and the rush to cram 66 games into a small window is causing a slow start for his aging limbs.  I do think he'll iron out some of the early kinks.

[Bankshot]

I think the KG we knew is done but I don't think KG the starting caliber NBA player is done at all.  He's missed some defensive stops that he would have got in the past but he is still effective.  I was surprised that he wouldn't be better in the zone with his length but that's an adjustment so we'll see what happens.

I think it's a natural progression at this stage in someone like KG's career to move to the 5 more especially in todays NBA.  He's pretty much been there with Doc's small lineups over the last couple of years anyway.  Unfortunately KG and Bass don't compliment each other well because they play similar and the Celtics don't have a Reggie Evans type that will just rebound to play the PF while KG goes to center.

I think if KG was anyone else he would be done as a starter in his current form. Bass is a better player now, but there is no way Doc will give him KG's spot and I'm not sure I want that either. I just don't know.

[kevbo]

Good assessment on why the Camby comparison is off-base, Inside Out. KG has never been great at protecting the paint/rim; he's far more effective roaming at mid-range, swarming passing lanes, and causing problems on switches, while the other big man stays home and guards the rim (a la KG and Perk combo).

I've been thinking about this topic a lot since the tail end of last season and KG's mediocre performance in the play-offs. I don't think KG is completely done as an effective NBA player. We don't necessarily need to rush him straight away to MGH to remove the fork. But, in light of what I said above, I think his effectiveness with this Celtics team might be done.

By this I mean, the Celtics are relying on KG to provide both the bulk of front-court offense and defense now, as the Cs don't necessarily have the tandem with the stay at home big man to guard the rim as in years past. Offensively, KG can't get it done consistently anymore, as expected with his age and lack of a traditional/fundamental post game. He's a jump shooter on old legs. Defensively, he's trying to do everything, roam like he wants to from the high post, yet recover (sometimes at least) to protect the rim. He can't do it.

For KG to remain effective in his NBA twilight, I think he needs a situation where he can be the defensive, roaming, disrupting presence he's always been and an after-thought on offense. That's certainly not the role the Cs have him in presently.

Completely random thought, after watching the Mavs last night: wouldn't KG fill some of the void Chandler left for that team? A half season rental of KG might not be a bad gamble for them, and might put KG in a better spot to maximize what he still brings to the table.

[cman88]

I think the KG we knew is done but I don't think KG the starting caliber NBA player is done at all.  He's missed some defensive stops that he would have got in the past but he is still effective.  I was surprised that he wouldn't be better in the zone with his length but that's an adjustment so we'll see what happens.

I think it's a natural progression at this stage in someone like KG's career to move to the 5 more especially in todays NBA.  He's pretty much been there with Doc's small lineups over the last couple of years anyway.  Unfortunately KG and Bass don't compliment each other well because they play similar and the Celtics don't have a Reggie Evans type that will just rebound to play the PF while KG goes to center.

I think if KG was anyone else he would be done as a starter in his current form. Bass is a better player now, but there is no way Doc will give him KG's spot and I'm not sure I want that either. I just don't know.

KG is still a 15/8 guy...he may not be the elite player he once was, but hes still a starter in this league.

heck, Carlos boozer gives you those numbers

I think its partly rust. Doc said KG had trouble in training camp. its one thing being in regular shape, but basketball shape may need some time

[BudweiserCeltic]

No way he's done. Defensively he hasn't been at his top of course, but he still looks plenty of good to me, though some mental mistakes I rather do without. Offensively, he's simply taking a lot of tough shots. He's always been a jump shooter, but I don't think I've seen him posting up yet in all this season. Something needs to be corrected on his playing style this season, nothing to do with age.