Small Ball - Like it or Loathe it?

[mgent]

It completely depends on the match-up.  Has to be KG though, not Bass.

[StartOrien]

I like it FOR THIS TEAM.  We don't rebound anyway...so why put an extra big out their to take up space?

That's an excellent point. The disadvantages of small ball are problems this team has already.

[myteamisbetterthanyours]

It completely depends on the match-up.  Has to be KG though, not Bass.

I agree.. I think KG at the 5 is better for the small ball line up.. Pierce needs to remember he's playing the 4 on defense tho and remember those rotations..

[TheReaLPuba]

Because of injuries and personnel we already play "small ball" and in this game our regular rotation got us down double digits....so what the heck why not go even smaller and at least get more speed into the game.

I felt like all game long we should have had more defensive activity because the Spurs just got way too comfortable and way too much penetration early on.

We did a helluva lot better in the 2nd half because of small ball but it's not something we should be playing on a regular basis if we can help it.

Small ball does make us play a lot more quicker but that plays into the hands of some opponents who like to score and play and up and down game.

We missed too many shots and open jumpers because we were too loosey goosey on offense and it was so frustrating!

[the_Bird]

Don't like small-ball, but what's the alternative, really?  Our best players are all little guys.  I'd rather see Bradley, Ray Allen, and Rondo on the floor together, versus shoehorning in Steimer or Hollins just because they're tall. 

I do like the smallball lineup a lot better with KG in the middle, rather than Bass.  Bass just isn't a good enough rebounder to be the ONLY big on the floor. 

[SHAQATTACK]

I like "TALL BALL"

Thats the game with a tennis ball I used to play with my Boston Terrier.

[Roy H.]

It's fine to try out situationally.  If it works, stick with it.  If not, scrap it.

[Capricious]

It only works in short spurts, and it eventually catches up with you.  Bass at the 5 does not work, ever.

Small ball is OK if you have 1 elite rebounder on the floor, which we never do (other than KG on D glass).

[Celtics18]

I liked it last night, but I don't want Doc to fall too in love with it.

The problem is that arguably his best five players are Rondo, Bradley, Allen, Pierce, and Garnett.  You want to have your best five players on the court at crunch time.  To be able to do that, Doc will have to go small.

I also honestly think that last night, Doc went with this lineup, to some degree, so he wouldn't have to deal with the fallout from the Bradley v. Allen debate.  He avoided it by playing them both down the stretch. 

Many will be unhappy, but my guess is that when he goes back to a more traditional lineup, it will be Ray in at the shooting guard spot to close games, and Avery cheering from the sidelines.

[Chief]

I can remember 2, maybe 3 games, in Doc's whole tenure as Celtics coach where we won when using it more than 5 minutes.
It's good for situations (end of a half/game) but not as a sound long term strategy.

So, yes, I loathe it!!!!!!!

I don't think Doc can figure out any other way to give Ray, Paul, Rondo, and Bradley all big minutes. He's just not that creative. Poor Steamer. The kid was playing well too. He might not find his way onto the court for more than 10 minutes the rest of the season. And what's going to happen when Pietrus comes back? Will he play PF/C?

Many believe Doc has done some of his best coaching when the Celtics have had lots of injuries. Doc does not have to worry about everyone's egos and can just play the traditional NBA line-up. I agree with this theory too.

[azzenfrost]

Whatever works. If it gives us better defense and better offense against a particular lineup of an opposing team, why not. The coach knows his players best and will know what combos to use.

[jgod213]

I wonder what effect Pietrus will have on this lineup - if he returns ready to go.  Seems like small ball would be even more effective if you can put another long defender next to Pierce instead of Ray.

[LooseCannon]

I wonder what effect Pietrus will have on this lineup - if he returns ready to go.  Seems like small ball would be even more effective if you can put another long defender next to Pierce instead of Ray.

Doc would probably play Pietrus at center next to Pierce, Allen, Bradley, and Rondo in honor of Don Nelson going into the Hall of Fame.

[Eja117]

Whatever gets the best players on the court

[manl_lui]

I like it FOR THIS TEAM.  We don't rebound anyway...so why put an extra big out their to take up space?

That's an excellent point. The disadvantages of small ball are problems this team has already.

we're already bad at rebounding, we should work to improve it, not have it the way it is or making it even worse.

Although I must say, when watching the Miami game, it seems like the guards were out rebounding the bigs. There was one play during the 4th quarter where I saw BOTH Rondo and Bradley fight for the rebound vs Joel Anthony or Bosh and ended up getting it. Love the way the two guards play defense and fighting for boards