The center situation is just ridiculous

[dtrader]

And AB?

The last week or so has AB believing he could guard Michael Jordan, I bet.

I'm sure AB will get some time on Kobe.

Come back to earth guys he could not guard Irving how is he going to stop Kobe?

Kobe cannot be stopped, of course.

But I bet AB could slow him down in stretches.

I hope Kobe gets frustrated and then tries to out-shoot us or Ray Ray.....that will play right into our hands.

Avery Bradley will pick up 2 quick fouls and be relegated to the bench. Book it.

^This. 

Anyone catch Bradleys jumpshot only catching backboard today?  This kids shot is not "coming around" anytime soon smh.

[guava_wrench]

And AB?

The last week or so has AB believing he could guard Michael Jordan, I bet.

I'm sure AB will get some time on Kobe.

Come back to earth guys he could not guard Irving how is he going to stop Kobe?

Kobe cannot be stopped, of course.

But I bet AB could slow him down in stretches.

I hope Kobe gets frustrated and then tries to out-shoot us or Ray Ray.....that will play right into our hands.

Avery Bradley will pick up 2 quick fouls and be relegated to the bench. Book it.

^This. 

Anyone catch Bradleys jumpshot only catching backboard today?  This kids shot is not "coming around" anytime soon smh.

One shot means nothing. I have seen Ray airball.

Since starting the season 1-9, Bradley has shot 36-79. That's .455.

Moore is a good shooter, but he is shooting .365. Bradley is shooting .420.

I would avoid making conclusions about Bradley's ability to score. If TA can become a good shooter (which incredibly he seems to be now), I feel pretty good about Bradley who at least looks comfortable shooting.

[BudweiserCeltic]

Bradley can't guard Kobe... don't know why it's been suggested, he would be eaten up in the midrange/post.

[dtrader]

And AB?

The last week or so has AB believing he could guard Michael Jordan, I bet.

I'm sure AB will get some time on Kobe.

Come back to earth guys he could not guard Irving how is he going to stop Kobe?

Kobe cannot be stopped, of course.

But I bet AB could slow him down in stretches.

I hope Kobe gets frustrated and then tries to out-shoot us or Ray Ray.....that will play right into our hands.

Avery Bradley will pick up 2 quick fouls and be relegated to the bench. Book it.

^This. 

Anyone catch Bradleys jumpshot only catching backboard today?  This kids shot is not "coming around" anytime soon smh.

One shot means nothing. I have seen Ray airball.

Since starting the season 1-9, Bradley has shot 36-79. That's .455.

Moore is a good shooter, but he is shooting .365. Bradley is shooting .420.

I would avoid making conclusions about Bradley's ability to score. If TA can become a good shooter (which incredibly he seems to be now), I feel pretty good about Bradley who at least looks comfortable shooting.

Unfortunately, it isn't just 1 shot for Bradley...its the way he always shoots. Today was just notable in that he didnt even touch the rim. 

And Bradley isnt SHOOTING 42%.  People keep pointing to his fg% as an indicator of his "shooting" ability, but that isnt accurate.  His 42% fg is padded from layups and break aways.  Moore actually "shoots" the ball, and creates his own offense, so his fg% doesnt get inflated like Bradleys.  I mean Dwight Howard may shoot fgs at 60%, but that doesnt in any way make him a better "shooter" than Redick whose fg% may only be 45.  Same situation with Bradley vs. Moore. 1 gets layups, one shoots deep/contested jumpers. 

Other "shooting" percentages...FT%...Moore=100%, Bradley=65%.  3py%...Moore=34%, Bradley=9%....NINE % lol

[GreenFaith1819]

What's interesting here is that the mindset of Kobe being completely unstoppable.

He is not. He is 33 and already showing signs of decline. He's still a great player, but his days of taking over games are few and far between.

No matter the outcome of next Thursday, I know that Kobe Bryant and The Lakers will face perhaps the best Defensive Team they have faced all season.

I hope they are ready.

[dtrader]

What's interesting here is that the mindset of Kobe being completely unstoppable.

He is not. He is 33 and already showing signs of decline. He's still a great player, but his days of taking over games are few and far between.

No matter the outcome of next Thursday, I know that Kobe Bryant and The Lakers will face perhaps the best Defensive Team they have faced all season.

I hope they are ready.

1. - Kobe's having an absolutely monster year so far...no signs of slowing down right now.
2.- "already showing signs" doesnt make sense after 15+ years of play.  I hate him as much as anyone, but his consistency is ridiculous at this point.

[guava_wrench]

And AB?

The last week or so has AB believing he could guard Michael Jordan, I bet.

I'm sure AB will get some time on Kobe.

Come back to earth guys he could not guard Irving how is he going to stop Kobe?

Kobe cannot be stopped, of course.

But I bet AB could slow him down in stretches.

I hope Kobe gets frustrated and then tries to out-shoot us or Ray Ray.....that will play right into our hands.

Avery Bradley will pick up 2 quick fouls and be relegated to the bench. Book it.

^This. 

Anyone catch Bradleys jumpshot only catching backboard today?  This kids shot is not "coming around" anytime soon smh.

One shot means nothing. I have seen Ray airball.

Since starting the season 1-9, Bradley has shot 36-79. That's .455.

Moore is a good shooter, but he is shooting .365. Bradley is shooting .420.

I would avoid making conclusions about Bradley's ability to score. If TA can become a good shooter (which incredibly he seems to be now), I feel pretty good about Bradley who at least looks comfortable shooting.

Unfortunately, it isn't just 1 shot for Bradley...its the way he always shoots. Today was just notable in that he didnt even touch the rim. 

And Bradley isnt SHOOTING 42%.  People keep pointing to his fg% as an indicator of his "shooting" ability, but that isnt accurate.  His 42% fg is padded from layups and break aways.  Moore actually "shoots" the ball, and creates his own offense, so his fg% doesnt get inflated like Bradleys.  I mean Dwight Howard may shoot fgs at 60%, but that doesnt in any way make him a better "shooter" than Redick whose fg% may only be 45.  Same situation with Bradley vs. Moore. 1 gets layups, one shoots deep/contested jumpers. 

Other "shooting" percentages...FT%...Moore=100%, Bradley=65%.  3py%...Moore=34%, Bradley=9%....NINE % lol

Did you know that points near the hoop still count for 2 points? A lot of those layups are contested and a lot of those jumpers are open. I don't see the validity of your analysis.

"Shooting" is ultimately irrelevant. Effectiveness is what matters. Not every player is good at cutting, catching the ball, and putting it up. To discount Howard is ridiculous when Howard hits a lot of hooks while running across the lane. That is a skilled shot.

[GreenFaith1819]

What's interesting here is that the mindset of Kobe being completely unstoppable.

He is not. He is 33 and already showing signs of decline. He's still a great player, but his days of taking over games are few and far between.

No matter the outcome of next Thursday, I know that Kobe Bryant and The Lakers will face perhaps the best Defensive Team they have faced all season.

I hope they are ready.

1. - Kobe's having an absolutely monster year so far...no signs of slowing down right now.
2.- "already showing signs" doesnt make sense after 15+ years of play.  I hate him as much as anyone, but his consistency is ridiculous at this point.

Sounds so much like Kobe (not you) - "He's having a monster year"..yes - but his team hasn't broken free from the pack, yet.

And no - he hasn't been consistent all season - no player has. Didn't you see the Lakers struggling earlier this season?

And Kobe was smack in the middle of it all. He's only righted his ship just over the last couple of weeks.

I highly respect Kobe but we'll see what happens on Thurs. The last quality shooter (Carmelo) that played against BOS was contained (Posey I mean Pietrus - was draped all over Melo), and I have no doubt that BOS will find a way vs Kobe and LA.

[dtrader]

And AB?

The last week or so has AB believing he could guard Michael Jordan, I bet.

I'm sure AB will get some time on Kobe.

Come back to earth guys he could not guard Irving how is he going to stop Kobe?

Kobe cannot be stopped, of course.

But I bet AB could slow him down in stretches.

I hope Kobe gets frustrated and then tries to out-shoot us or Ray Ray.....that will play right into our hands.

Avery Bradley will pick up 2 quick fouls and be relegated to the bench. Book it.

^This. 

Anyone catch Bradleys jumpshot only catching backboard today?  This kids shot is not "coming around" anytime soon smh.

One shot means nothing. I have seen Ray airball.

Since starting the season 1-9, Bradley has shot 36-79. That's .455.

Moore is a good shooter, but he is shooting .365. Bradley is shooting .420.

I would avoid making conclusions about Bradley's ability to score. If TA can become a good shooter (which incredibly he seems to be now), I feel pretty good about Bradley who at least looks comfortable shooting.

Unfortunately, it isn't just 1 shot for Bradley...its the way he always shoots. Today was just notable in that he didnt even touch the rim. 

And Bradley isnt SHOOTING 42%.  People keep pointing to his fg% as an indicator of his "shooting" ability, but that isnt accurate.  His 42% fg is padded from layups and break aways.  Moore actually "shoots" the ball, and creates his own offense, so his fg% doesnt get inflated like Bradleys.  I mean Dwight Howard may shoot fgs at 60%, but that doesnt in any way make him a better "shooter" than Redick whose fg% may only be 45.  Same situation with Bradley vs. Moore. 1 gets layups, one shoots deep/contested jumpers. 

Other "shooting" percentages...FT%...Moore=100%, Bradley=65%.  3py%...Moore=34%, Bradley=9%....NINE % lol

Did you know that points near the hoop still count for 2 points? A lot of those layups are contested and a lot of those jumpers are open. I don't see the validity of your analysis.

"Shooting" is ultimately irrelevant. Effectiveness is what matters. Not every player is good at cutting, catching the ball, and putting it up. To discount Howard is ridiculous when Howard hits a lot of hooks while running across the lane. That is a skilled shot.

I'm not discounting Howard or contesting what counts for 2 points.  My whole point was about "shooting", and you brought up Moores lower fg% as a way to seemingly defend Bradleys shooting.  I was just explaining that his fg% doesnt actually speak to his "shooting", so it didnt counter my point at all.  His ft% and 3pt%s DO however show "shooting", and they are both dismal.

If you play a guard position "shooting" is not irrelevant. It creates spacing for the other positions.  Having a PG or "shooting" guard who can't actually "shoot", hampers your teams spacing, allows the defense to collapse, and brings down your entire teams effectiveness.  Howard plays the post. His lack of outside shooting has no impact on his teams spacing.  His poor FT% does however hurt his team...much the same as Bradleys FT and 3py%s.


As for Kobe...I never said he was consistent THIS season, but looking at a season thats only 20 games deep doesnt make sense.  I said that over 15+ years, he's been remarkably consistent.  I dont think that can be argued realistically.

[guava_wrench]

What's interesting here is that the mindset of Kobe being completely unstoppable.

He is not. He is 33 and already showing signs of decline. He's still a great player, but his days of taking over games are few and far between.

No matter the outcome of next Thursday, I know that Kobe Bryant and The Lakers will face perhaps the best Defensive Team they have faced all season.

I hope they are ready.

1. - Kobe's having an absolutely monster year so far...no signs of slowing down right now.
2.- "already showing signs" doesnt make sense after 15+ years of play.  I hate him as much as anyone, but his consistency is ridiculous at this point.

Sounds so much like Kobe (not you) - "He's having a monster year"..yes - but his team hasn't broken free from the pack, yet.

And no - he hasn't been consistent all season - no player has. Didn't you see the Lakers struggling earlier this season?

And Kobe was smack in the middle of it all. He's only righted his ship just over the last couple of weeks.

I highly respect Kobe but we'll see what happens on Thurs. The last quality shooter (Carmelo) that played against BOS was contained (Posey I mean Pietrus - was draped all over Melo), and I have no doubt that BOS will find a way vs Kobe and LA.

Melo is a quality shooter? I though he was a bulk shooter.

To be fair, Melo could be a quality shooter if he stopped chucking those horrible 3's. He needs to stick to where he is competent. He makes it easy for us when he takes 3's.

I hope JO is feeling good because we will need him on Bynum. Bynum would crush Stiemsma.

[Celtics4ever]

Bynum will crush O'Neal too in all likelihood.

[SHAQATTACK]

The Celtics vs LA will be to quote a famous Celtic , "bar fight"

Critical to the C's team self confidence to somehow take this game.

Kobe is shooting crazy and playing like a mad man. Lock down "D" on the black mamba 

I predict lots of Tech fouls and maybe an  ejection or two.

I can't wait .

[LooseCannon]

Maybe O'Neal is there to bait Bynum into a double technical or two so that KG can keep his hands clean.

Call me crazy, but if the Celtics have a miracle run to the finals, I think Jermaine O'Neal might give a Sheed-like performance of giving everything he has left, to the point that he retires and has knee replacement surgery after the season.

[mcshane41]

I think some points are missed in the discussion about the center spot being doom gloom/reality. Look, it is a weakness but the C's have shown they can still be a great team. SO yes they are winning, but can they win it all? Can the pull a 2010 run again? I really think they need to upgrade at  the 5 to do so. Its frustrating b/c I believe that with our D solid and game legs returning this C's team is right back where it was last year - contending.

Especially with the improved bench, AB  is showing he can be a game changer against weaker ballhandlers. Peitrus is a revelation as the 3's & D wing. Bass has been excellent. If Wilcox can keep up his hustle this C's team has everything it needs to make a deep run in the spring. If Danny can maximize our D with a better rebounding Center this team would right there with CHI & MIA. Personally I would sacrifice picks for a chance to win now. If this is the last run for the big 3 then send them out in style! Rebuild later.

[j804]

What's interesting here is that the mindset of Kobe being completely unstoppable.

He is not. He is 33 and already showing signs of decline. He's still a great player, but his days of taking over games are few and far between.

No matter the outcome of next Thursday, I know that Kobe Bryant and The Lakers will face perhaps the best Defensive Team they have faced all season.

I hope they are ready.

1. - Kobe's having an absolutely monster year so far...no signs of slowing down right now.
2.- "already showing signs" doesnt make sense after 15+ years of play.  I hate him as much as anyone, but his consistency is ridiculous at this point.

Sounds so much like Kobe (not you) - "He's having a monster year"..yes - but his team hasn't broken free from the pack, yet.

And no - he hasn't been consistent all season - no player has. Didn't you see the Lakers struggling earlier this season?

And Kobe was smack in the middle of it all. He's only righted his ship just over the last couple of weeks.

I highly respect Kobe but we'll see what happens on Thurs. The last quality shooter (Carmelo) that played against BOS was contained (Posey I mean Pietrus - was draped all over Melo), and I have no doubt that BOS will find a way vs Kobe and LA.

I hope ya know dang well though they would just love to right there ship against us, Kobe probably hates us more than Phoenix they will be jacked up. We have to be ready as well and we should be so far with how we've looked.