I haven't watched a game since Jan 4th... What'd I miss?

[LarBrd33]

I'm a die hard Celtic fan.  I'm originally from New England, but I moved to Seattle back in 1995.  Briefly couldn't follow the Celtics, but starting in 1997 we finally got the internet and I began listening to every single game via internet radio...  every single miserable game of the Pitino, Walker, Mercer, Billups era.   There was hope.  There was always hope.  And it carried on through the Pierce years.  Eventually thanks to NBA League Pass we were able to start watching every single game as opposed to listening to them.   Thanks to DVR, I probably hadn't missed a SINGLE game of the KG era.  In all, there's probably only a handful of games since 97 that I haven't either listened to or watched in the entirety.

I have to say this, because I have a little confession to make.  I haven't watched a full game since Jan 4th.  I've been disgruntled with the direction of this team since late last season when I finally accepted that Shaq wasn't returning.  I had been in denial about he Perk trade and kept insisting, "It'll be ok guys... Shaq is going to come back.  Ainge isn't an idiot... he wouldn't have traded Perk unless he was EXTREMELY confident Shaq would be 100% for the playoffs"...  

The "Big 3" era was officially over for me on 4/3/11.  It's the game Shaq returned against the Pistons and played his last minutes.  Watching him limp off court was officially the death of our season and ultimately the death of the Celtics as a contender:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lag38gB12uo&feature=player_detailpage#t=24s

... My heart wasn't in it anymore.  I knew we couldn't compete without a big man.  Getting crushed by the Heat in 5 games was fully expected and anticipated.  

Post-lockout I knew we were in trouble.  Shaq retired.  Jeff Green was out for the season. Krstik was stuck overseas.  Jermaine O'Neal was now our default center... JO, a guy made of glass who was 7th on our team last year in rebounds per 36 minutes... behind Luke Harongody and Troy Murphy... just ahead of Semih Erden.  We were in trouble.  Big trouble.  

Doc knew it too.  He told Ainge to get him talent... regardless of chemistry.  He knew the bench was depleated.  He knew that beyond the big 4 (3 of which were nearing retirement), we had 11 different players making up this roster from the one that won a title 4 years ago.  There was a brief glimmer of hope when David West was close to signing... but that fell through.

Not a single young player on this squad intrigued me.  Jeff Green was the lone player who seemingly had potential to turn into a borderline star... and he was out.  We had a couple late 1st round role players like Bradley and Johnson, but they were long shots at best to turn into anything more than journeymen.  Without a big man and with teams like Miami IMPROVING their rosters, the season looked destined to turn out even worse than the last.  The outcome was inevitable.  4-8 seed... early exit from the playoffs.  We were a sitting duck franchise.  There was nothing new to learn from this team.  We'd win some... we'd lose some.  We would be a team in limbo.  

I've been watching Ray, Pierce, KG and Rondo for 4 years now... I know what they can and can't do.  I've already seen the best they have to offer.  I already know what's going to happen in each specific game.  No surprises await.  This is the most bored I've been as a Celtic fan since 1997.

We lost to a crap New York team on opening day.  We followed it up by losing to the Heat two days later.  Yup... seems about right.  I watched these games.  These games confirmed everything I already knew about this team.  We have heart,  we'll win some games, but we don't have enough talent to compete come playoff time.

I started to lose interest.  Missed a couple games.  Heard some buzz about Stiemsma and finally decided to tune in again on Jan 4th to see what all the fuss was about.  Ultimately decided he was a bum who had a couple flukey games and stopped watching.  

I haven't been able to sit through a full game since.  Partially because it was too painful (I caught large chunks of Rondo vs Lin and large chunks of Lakers vs Celtics).  I wanted to distance myself from watching the games, because I FULLY EXPECTED that Ainge would be blowing it up by the deadline.  I didn't want to get too sentimental, you know?  When you're following this team from a distance, it's easy to say "Trade ray and pierce for 1st round draft picks... it's better for a future" (which is entirely true, btw... even if they were late 1st rounders).  When you're watching them daily, it's a lot harder to emotionally prepare for it.  I kept saying that if a center fell out of the sky (like Kaman), I'd have a glimmer of playoff hope and have a reason to tune in again.  The deadline came and went and we're still in the exact same hapless position.

So here we are.  I'm a bad fan.  I haven't been watching.  I skipped the Kings game tonight as well.  Why bother?  "I'll wait until after the trade deadline to see what we look like" has been replaced with "i'll wait until after the buyout deadline and see if we can sign some help".

So... what'd I miss?  Anything interesting?  I hear Bradley has looked like an NBA player at times.   ANything else?  

[Celtics18]

For the most part, they've looked like the Boston Celtics, just with a little less consistency than in previous seasons.  

One specific play that I'll give you (I forget what game it was) was a defensive rebound by Greg Stiemsa, followed by a three quarter court bullet pass through a couple of back pedaling defenders to a streaking player (Rondo, I think it was, but that part is irrelevant) for a fastbreak layup that inspired me to drop my jaw in awe.  I didn't know Greg could do that.

Maybe I'll try to think of other plays later.

[SHAQATTACK]

DA has tried to bring in some name FA help , but none are bitting.  Boston is on the decline as a power and superstars don't want any part of Boston.

I'm afraid settling to the bottom , and rising again from the ashes is the only way Boston is going to be a championship team once again.

Check back in about 5 years .

[Celtics18]

Bye, y'all, check back when John Hollinger has us ranked as the top contender.

[LarBrd33]

Bye, y'all, check back when John Hollinger has us ranked as the top contender.

I don't even care if we're a top contender.  I'd rather we be developing young players for the future than seeing us trot out a mediocre old team.  In this league you are either competing for a title or trying to put yourself in position to compete for a title.  This season we are doing neither.  We are renting KG and Ray for the remainder of the season and then we will start rebuilding next year.  This season is like a straight-to-video sequel of a popular movie franchise... a cash grab with some familiar faces.  "Aladdin 4:  The Rise of Stiesma"

  

[Celtics18]

Bye, y'all, check back when John Hollinger has us ranked as the top contender.

I don't even care if we're a top contender.  I'd rather we be developing young players for the future than seeing us trot out a mediocre old team.  In this league you are either competing for a title or trying to put yourself in position to compete for a title.  This season we are doing neither.

We're competing for the best result we can get.  Personally, I'm enjoying the ride. 

I guess it's just different philosophies on being a fan of your team. 

I hope you are enjoying your Celtics sabbatical.

[LarBrd33]

Bye, y'all, check back when John Hollinger has us ranked as the top contender.

I don't even care if we're a top contender.  I'd rather we be developing young players for the future than seeing us trot out a mediocre old team.  In this league you are either competing for a title or trying to put yourself in position to compete for a title.  This season we are doing neither.

We're competing for the best result we can get.  Personally, I'm enjoying the ride.  

I guess it's just different philosophies on being a fan of your team.  

I hope you are enjoying your Celtics sabbatical.

That's a debate I had with people in 2007.  Was the "best result" trying to win every meaningless game possible or was the "best result" tanking the season to win the Oden/Durant draft.  I felt the "best result" was tanking.  Celtics have a 2008 title that seems to suggest I was right.

I don't think the "best result" is limping into the playoffs this year undermanned and getting punished by a young uppity team with an ax to grind.  I can already visualize Joaquim Noah cackling over a bruised and beaten Kevin Garnett... ending this entire era on a low note.

If we couldn't find guys to help us in the short term, I almost would have rather we just bought out Ray, KG and traded Pierce for an expiring contract.  Then at least we would have hope for the future (a top draft pick)

[Celtics18]

Bye, y'all, check back when John Hollinger has us ranked as the top contender.

I don't even care if we're a top contender.  I'd rather we be developing young players for the future than seeing us trot out a mediocre old team.  In this league you are either competing for a title or trying to put yourself in position to compete for a title.  This season we are doing neither.

We're competing for the best result we can get.  Personally, I'm enjoying the ride.  

I guess it's just different philosophies on being a fan of your team.  

I hope you are enjoying your Celtics sabbatical.

That's a debate I had with people in 2007.  Was the "best result" trying to win every meaningless game possible or was the "best result" tanking the season to win the Oden/Durant draft.  I felt the "best result" was tanking.  Celtics have a 2008 title that seems to suggest I was right.

I don't think the "best result" is limping into the playoffs this year undermanned and getting punished by a young uppity team with an ax to grind.  I can already visualize Joaquim Noah cackling over a bruised and beaten Kevin Garnett... ending this entire era on a low note.

If we couldn't find guys to help us in the short term, I almost would have rather we just bought out Ray, KG and traded Pierce for an expiring contract.  Then at least we would have hope for the future (a top draft pick)

Fair enough.  Again, different philosophies.

I will never root for my team to tank.  I don't think it's honorable.  If that means being a 40 to 45 win team for a few seasons that makes the playoffs and can't get over the hump, but plays to win, I'd personally rather have that than watch my team "tanking." 

I can't help but root for the Boston Celtics to win whenever they step on the floor, and, at the same time, I can't help watching them.  I've learned to cope with occasional feelings of disappointment. 

[LarBrd33]

NBA teams have until March 20th to reach buyouts with players and still have enough time to clear waivers before the March 23rd playoff eligibility deadline...

If we add a couple big men next week, I'll probably start tuning in again.  Unfortunately it doesn't sound like Kaman is getting bought out... and even if he does, it seems the Heat are the frontrunners to sign him. 

Wasted season.  Sad knowing that a few role players could have turned this team into a legit contender.  KG, Ray and Pierce all still have plenty of game... it's the rest of the team that has gone in the toilet.

[Celtics18]

NBA teams have until March 20th to reach buyouts with players and still have enough time to clear waivers before the March 23rd playoff eligibility deadline...

If we add a couple big men next week, I'll probably start tuning in again.  Unfortunately it doesn't sound like Kaman is getting bought out... and even if he does, it seems the Heat are the frontrunners to sign him. 

Wasted season.  Sad knowing that a few role players could have turned this team into a legit contender.  KG, Ray and Pierce all still have plenty of game... it's the rest of the team that has gone in the toilet.

I never believed in Kaman anyway.  I don't think we need a big who likes to get the ball in the post and back his man down for 5+ seconds before putting up a shot.  I think he's a flow disruptor. 

For help defensively and to add some big man depth, I'll be satisfied with, say, Ronny Turiaf and Chris Johnson.

[vinnie]

NBA teams have until March 20th to reach buyouts with players and still have enough time to clear waivers before the March 23rd playoff eligibility deadline...

If we add a couple big men next week, I'll probably start tuning in again.  Unfortunately it doesn't sound like Kaman is getting bought out... and even if he does, it seems the Heat are the frontrunners to sign him. 

Wasted season.  Sad knowing that a few role players could have turned this team into a legit contender.  KG, Ray and Pierce all still have plenty of game... it's the rest of the team that has gone in the toilet.

Chris Johnson to save the day. The guy couldn't help Portland, has never stuck in the NBA, weighs about 15 pounds, and is not the answer for anybody. Yet, he will help the Celtics? Great job with the center position, Danny. Maybe your buddy Mchale's will save the day for you again.

I never believed in Kaman anyway.  I don't think we need a big who likes to get the ball in the post and back his man down for 5+ seconds before putting up a shot.  I think he's a flow disruptor. 

For help defensively and to add some big man depth, I'll be satisfied with, say, Ronny Turiaf and Chris Johnson.

[Celtics18]

NBA teams have until March 20th to reach buyouts with players and still have enough time to clear waivers before the March 23rd playoff eligibility deadline...

If we add a couple big men next week, I'll probably start tuning in again.  Unfortunately it doesn't sound like Kaman is getting bought out... and even if he does, it seems the Heat are the frontrunners to sign him. 

Wasted season.  Sad knowing that a few role players could have turned this team into a legit contender.  KG, Ray and Pierce all still have plenty of game... it's the rest of the team that has gone in the toilet.

Chris Johnson to save the day. The guy couldn't help Portland, has never stuck in the NBA, weighs about 15 pounds, and is not the answer for anybody. Yet, he will help the Celtics? Great job with the center position, Danny. Maybe your buddy Mchale's will save the day for you again.

I never believed in Kaman anyway.  I don't think we need a big who likes to get the ball in the post and back his man down for 5+ seconds before putting up a shot.  I think he's a flow disruptor. 

For help defensively and to add some big man depth, I'll be satisfied with, say, Ronny Turiaf and Chris Johnson.

I'm not asking for a saviour, just a couple of big bodies who can fill in for some minutes and give KG and Brandon some needed rest.

[chambers]

Their play has improved tremendously since January 4th.
KG is playing center and is playing great- I mean I think he could play center for another 2 years. He is rebounding, blocking, moving the ball up the court.
 
You've missed some special games. You've missed some horrid games like the 76ers 2nd leg of back to back where they crushed us. Or the Kings game last night where it appeared that everyone's kool aid was spiked with Jack Daniels+sleeping pills at half time.

But it appears now that this team is capable of upsetting either Chicago or Miami in a 7 game series-particularly if we get inside help.
It's also very plausible that we get the 6th seed and face Orlando or the Pacers/76ers-but we need a decent 7 footer to have the best shot at achieving this.
Our biggest weakness is our pathetic bench.
Having no Green is just killing us. Pietrus is doing well rebounding and defending scorers but his shooting has been abysmal. Dooling still hasn't returned to his earlier season form after 2 months of injuries and we can only hope that he is comfortable now knowing he can't be traded.
Bradley has been great, and Wilcox was going great. But the curse hit us again and bingo.

We need a solid big man to replace JO, or at least come in with JO to give Bass+KG a break or we are leaving ourselves just way  too vulenerable to the 76ers or Pacers.

If you're a Celtics fan I would just appreciate what we have right now and that this is the best team you'll see wearing our uniform for a while. Watching Bradley improve every game is great. I wish Johnson would get a run, but even Steimsma has earned his spot- he's still learning.
The biggest improvement since the All Star break has been their ball movement and it's starting to resemble the old days. If they move the ball like they are capable of then they can seriously beat anyone when combined with their defensive power.

Other than that, Danny has some kind of Dwight Howard plan (keeping the vets to resign them on the cheap) in the works but it's doubtful it will come to fruition. When it doesn't come to fruition he'll trade them with their friendly contracts and he sees them more valuable in that capacity than moving them now when no one wants to give up first round draft picks for a 6 month rental.

Try and watch the second half of the season and watch this team battle for the 6th seed. If you're a KG fan you have to see this guy willing us to wins with Pierce- it's pretty inspiring to see him dominating some of the leagues top bigs night in and night out. I've watched every game and it's a roller coaster but they are slowly proving that they really can beat anyone. It's going to be very hard to do it in a 7 game series though without any more rebounding help and paint scoring.
It just really sucks that we've lost Green and Wilcox, and that we couldn't get David West. I truly believe we'd be a legit contender with those 3 in place.
Pains me to think about it.

[Celtics18]

Good stuff, Chambers. TP!

[Bahku]

Been a Celtic fan all my life, (which is, unfortunately, well before the Bird years), and the worst years were some of the Pierce years before KG and Ray came.

Sorry to disagree, but there were a couple of years during that period when there was literally "no hope". We watched because of The Truth, (and a while with 'Toine), and that was it.

If there was hope it was manufactured and a result of that green blood and those green glasses and the dream of Celtic Pride, and had nothing to do with reality.

It's how we survived those years as fans, and how those hardcore few of us came out on the other side still grasping that dream. We watched because of Paul, and not because there was any hope of making it deep.

Yeah, we're certainly getting our stripes of late and it's not fun, but it doesn't come close to then. It was bad, so bad that a .500 record was considered a great record, and almost unatainable.

Those were the lean years, and the years when many just couldn't hold on, and the deluded few of us who did were almost sorry for it. But it's also how we made it, and it was easier than changing the color of our blood.

But those years are what left a lasting mark, not just a scar, but a perspective that helps us realize that at times like these, (when we are above .500, pretty much assured of a playoff berth, with three superstars and a budding one, but struggling a bit), we are still ok.

So believe me when I say, there is hope, plenty of it, plenty to be thankful for and plenty to enjoy. If you're at that point where watching is more painful than not, then I'd say it's time to take those green glasses out of their case.

Time to get things in perspective and be reminded of how bad it once was, and how this isn't even close. Time to take a deep breath and be thankful for the past few years, and thankful that we're only missing a piece or two and not seven or eight or more.

Thankful that it's still fun to be a Celtic fan, and thankful that we're not Charlotte or Sacramento or New Orleans ... because there was a time not so long ago when we were.

Turn the set back on and watch, cuz struggles or not, they're still exciting, and all we've got, and sooner or later you'll be back ... why not make it sooner?

Life's too short, and so is the NBA season.