I understand defense wins championships, but.........

[lantinm]

we are averaging 91.9 PPG!  Our offense has some real issues, and Rondo is the only one who can get his own shot and create for others.  I would have included Pierce in that statement, but until he gets in shape, I think he's most effective coming off of screens and in the post.  I really think Doc needs to sit JO, and start Bass.  I know that Garnett isn't a true 5, but so be it.  We are starting these games like we are stuck in the mud.  Bass is a guy who looks like he can give you 16 and 8 in 34-36 minutes of action and shoot a high percentage.

Starters

C- Garnett - 31 minutes
PF- Bass - 34 minutes
SF- Pierce - 32 minutes
SG - Allen - 33 minutes
PG - Rondo - 36 minutes

Bench -

C - JO or Steamer - 17 min
PF - Wilcox - 14 min
SF - Pietrus - 16 min
SG - Bradley/Moore (dictated by how well our O or D look) - 15 min
PG - Dooling - 12 minutes + (could play some 2 when Rondo is re-inserted)


I'm also fine with JJJ taking Wilcox's minutes.  Wilcox hasn't shown much as of yet.

[Roy H.]

Believe it or not, our defense is well behind our offense right now.  In terms of efficiency, our offense ranks 11th in the NBA.  Our defense, on the other hand, is 20th.  That's not going to get it done.

[BballTim]

Believe it or not, our defense is well behind our offense right now.  In terms of efficiency, our offense ranks 11th in the NBA.  Our defense, on the other hand, is 20th.  That's not going to get it done.

  I've been fairly happy with the defense lately, and I liked what I saw from Peitrus last night. I think we're moving up the ranks in defense, and I think that once PP gets back into the swing of things we should be ok on that side of the ball as well.

[Fafnir]

Believe it or not, our defense is well behind our offense right now.  In terms of efficiency, our offense ranks 11th in the NBA.  Our defense, on the other hand, is 20th.  That's not going to get it done.

Unless our defense can recover to an elite level we're not going to play winning basketball.

[lantinm]

Believe it or not, our defense is well behind our offense right now.  In terms of efficiency, our offense ranks 11th in the NBA.  Our defense, on the other hand, is 20th.  That's not going to get it done.

I hear what you are saying Roy, but 91.9 PPG is just not going to cut it.  It seems like we are playing 4 on 5 at the offensive end with JO on the floor.  I also don't think we lose that much rebounding with Bass replacing him in the starting lineup.  I know that the efficiency #'s tell a different story, but in watching these games you can tell that we are a better team with Bass on the floor.

[snively]

Believe it or not, our defense is well behind our offense right now.  In terms of efficiency, our offense ranks 11th in the NBA.  Our defense, on the other hand, is 20th.  That's not going to get it done.

This is true.  But the other perspective is that after the first 4 games, our offense has gone in the tank as our defense improved (helped that we played so many terrible offensive teams of course).

[Who]

I'd be pretty reluctant to move Bass into the starting lineup.

I think the bench needs his scoring punch and overall impact.

[MBunge]

Moving Bass into the starting lineup would be a terrible idea.  KG is even less able to bang with bigger, stronger centers now than when he was younger and Bass is a significantly worse defender against 5s than Baby and isn't much better a rebounder.  Doc fell in love with going small with KG at the 5 in '08 and that worked because Posey was able to present a real tough match up against other teams' power forwards.  But Doc has refused to recognize that neither Baby nor Bass, while each has their strengths, can do ANY of the things that Posey did to make that small line up work.

Mike

[Greenbean]

Believe it or not, our defense is well behind our offense right now.  In terms of efficiency, our offense ranks 11th in the NBA.  Our defense, on the other hand, is 20th.  That's not going to get it done.

Unless our defense can recover to an elite level we're not going to play winning basketball.

Yeah...were playing such a slow pace right now because guys are out of shape.

Thats why the per game averages are deceiving.

Defense isnt there yet.

[Chris]

I'd be pretty reluctant to move Bass into the starting lineup.

I think the bench needs his scoring punch and overall impact.

I also think there is a rule of diminishing returns with a player like him.  While he can be very valuable as instant offense and energy off the bench, his lack of passing would be a bigger issue in the starting lineup, and he will be less effective inside against bigger starting lineups.  He is best when punishing backup PFs, many of whom are undersized just like himself.

The way to fix this teams starting lineup is to get the hall of fame players to play better.

[green7]

put greg in the starting line up and watch everything change i can feel it what player will go in the paint knowing their shot will be block because of gregs long arms all he needs to do is box out and look for more rebounds JO does not have it anymore he's a role player @ best at least stiemsma can add youth and energy to the starting line up

[PosImpos]

Believe it or not, our defense is well behind our offense right now.  In terms of efficiency, our offense ranks 11th in the NBA.  Our defense, on the other hand, is 20th.  That's not going to get it done.

The problem is that efficiency doesnt matter if due to poor rebounding and turnovers you regularly have many fewer possessions than your opponent.

[snively]

I'd be pretty reluctant to move Bass into the starting lineup.

I think the bench needs his scoring punch and overall impact.

Agreed.  Frustrating that we don't have any playmaking for him when we transition to the all bench unit though. 

[Celtics4ever]

That alone speaks volumes about Doc feelings on his shot.   He can hit the open ones here and there.   But if he was a force offensively they would get him the ball.

[ManUp]

We're are depending on 34, 35, and 36 year old veterans to produce at near star level. The names Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett don't mean the same in 2012 compared to what they did in 2008. The load hasn't been lightened enough since 08.