All these mediocre teams signing mediocre free agents=Celtics 2014 lottery gold.

[LilRip]

TP for chambers. I too think we're pretty much a lock for one of the 5 worst teams next year. We're in the company of the sixers, suns and magic. i would have included the Bobcats but Big Al puts them in "playoff contender" status.

With Al Jefferson, Charlotte still isn't a team I expect to win 30 games.

Some of these free agent signings that Celtics fans think are removing roadblocks to tanking are going to end up being as good as the Detroit signings of Villanueva and Gordon.

well, with Boston and Philly bottoming out, i'd say that improves every eastern team's record, including the Bobcats/Hornets. And am i the only one who likes Kemba Walker? i think he'll improve and having Al Jeff could have them winning 30-35 games, more if they're lucky. as i said, playoff contender meaning a candidate for the 6-8th seed. not a championship contender.

[LooseCannon]

TP for chambers. I too think we're pretty much a lock for one of the 5 worst teams next year. We're in the company of the sixers, suns and magic. i would have included the Bobcats but Big Al puts them in "playoff contender" status.

With Al Jefferson, Charlotte still isn't a team I expect to win 30 games.

Some of these free agent signings that Celtics fans think are removing roadblocks to tanking are going to end up being as good as the Detroit signings of Villanueva and Gordon.

well, with Boston and Philly bottoming out, i'd say that improves every eastern team's record, including the Bobcats/Hornets. And am i the only one who likes Kemba Walker? i think he'll improve and having Al Jeff could have them winning 30-35 games, more if they're lucky. as i said, playoff contender meaning a candidate for the 6-8th seed. not a championship contender.

If I had to bet, I'd say the Celtics win more games than them next season.

[Yogi]

The Celtics could be okay, but assuming they don't add a guard that can make the 3 pointer consistently and a real center that can defend, I don't think there is a chance in heck for them to make the playoffs.

Who's bad? IMO, some of the usual suspects and some new players...

1. Philly - clearly tanking
2. Lakers - Kobe is out for 30+ games, what else have they?
3. Boston - You know about us
4. Utah - Shedding talent like a dog shaking off water!
5. Suns - As usual
6. Sacramento - As usual
7. Orlando - Just too young!
8. New Orleans - Just too young, too!

Charlotte, Cleveland, Toronto and especially Detroit move up a bit. Milwaukee and Atlanta stay about the same. Dallas falls, but not far enough.

C's as 6th seed? Even if Lee, Humphries and Wallace equal their best production ever; even if Rondo plays the whole season and Sully is perfectly healthy and productive; even if Green turns into a 23/6/4 All Star; even if one of Melo, Iverson or Olynyk turns into starter quality overnight the C's are going to be struggling to make the 8th seed, much less the 6th!

Personally, I hope Coach Stevens can get the team to play their hearts out, and everybody develops, grows, recovers their form, and all other good things. Even so, think 9th or 10th worst is as good as they can realistically go and 5th or 6th worst is probably where they end up.

Do you have any clue how good 23/6/4 is?  Those are MVP numbers.  A team with two guys in the MVP conversation would not be fighting for the 8th seed. 

1. Rondo is an all star.
2. Bradley is an all NBA defender. 
3. Green could potentially be an all star. 
4. Sullinger is as efficient a double double as you will find in the league. 
5. Lee, Wallace and Bass all started for playoff teams last year coming off the bench this year.
6. Olynyk is a lottery pick.   

We will be making the playoffs in the east.  How many other teams outside of the top 5 in the east even have an all star?

[Quetzalcoatl]

Just today we're seeing Josh Smith to Pistons, Landry to Sac, Jack to Cavs... this is amazing.  Wiggins and Parker are going to be the new Celtics / L.A. rivalry for years to come

[Smitty77]

1. Miami
2. Brooklyn
3. Indiana
4. Chicago
5. New York
6. Boston
7. Washington
8. Toronto
9. Cleveland
10. Atlanta
11. Milwaukee
12. Orlando
13. Detroit
14. Charlotte
15. Philadelphia

Put down the pipe man.

All the teams in bold got better significantly.
We got way worse and we finished 7th seed last season. how are we finishing higher? What big men do we have to protect the rim? What jumpshooters do we have?
Here's your list and who they got this offseason already. You can imagine anyone that signed a bigger free agent will try and get better. (ie Hawks will get Mo Williams, Bobcats will try to get someone else like Humphries off us to help Al Jeff inside).

Let's assume we move Wallace and Humphries.
Starting 5 of Rondo, Bradley, Green, Sully, Olnyk.
How do we beat any of the teams below in bold?

1. Miami
2. Brooklyn
3. Indiana
4. Chicago
5. New York
6. Boston
7. Washington
starting 5 this season:Wall, Beal, Webster, Seraphin, Nene with Okafur and Singleton off the bench. Not a chance.

8. Toronto- Rudy Gay, Kyle Lowry, Demar Derozan, Terrence Ross, Jonas Valancunas.
I'd say it's fair to call that a wash?
9. Cleveland- Anthony Bennett and one more year experience= they are better than us without KG and Pierce.
10. Atlanta= Millsap and Mo Williams (perhaps Teague too?) and Al Horfoard and Korver= arguably better than us with Millsap and Horford.
11. Milwaukee= Larry Sanders, Ilyasova, Jennings and Mayo + whoever else they get.
12. Orlando=added Oladipo. Still suck but they're a 50/50 against us with Vucevic in the paint and Harris, Harrison and their inside presence against our non existent rebounding presence.
13. Detroit=Monroe, Caldwell Pope, Brandon Knight, Maxiell, stuckey, Singler.  Trying to sign Josh Smith, so obviously wanting to get better. If Smith to Houston doesn't happen then they are front runner.
The above players even without Smith vs our starting 5? lol
14. Charlotte= new starting 5
Al Jefferson, Biyombo, Kidd Gilchrist, Henderson, Kemba Walker. That's if we don't send Humphries to them and make them even better.
15. Philadelphia still suck and will be worse than us. Probably the only ones with the Magic that we are slightly better.

In the West?
Suns?
The Pelicans just signed Tyreke Evans so they'll have:
Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans, Anthony Davis, Chris Anderson, Lopez...
you think our starting five can beat the Pelicans? You realise bookmakers will have us as clear underdogs right?

You're dreaming if you think we're making the playoffs lol.

First, how in the world is Atlanta better with Mo freaking Williams.  He is TERRIBLE.  Jeff Teague is MUCH better.  Not even close!!  Milsap is a ROLE play and is NOT as much of a game changer as Smith was. 

The Bucks are likely to lose Monte Ellis and they lost Redick for two second rounders which will NOT make them better this year!!

Toronto should still be really bad.

As it stands now, Detroit is virtually the same horrible team.  Josh Smith would help, but he is NOT there yet.  Caldwell-Pope will hardly play at all with the other bigs.

As for Charlotte, Biyombo would not score 20 points if you left him on the court by himself for an entire half:-))  Kidd-Gilchrist is also offensively challenged.  Is Charlotte going to lock up Henderson long-term?  Still a lot of questions.  Kemba likes to shoot a LOT!  Will he actually run the pick and roll effectively with Big Al?  Big Al is one of the worst post defenders in the league too!!

Time will tell on the Magic. Oladipo is NOT a prolific scorer and may never develop into one either!!  He is a very good defender and they have a nice future in front of them as a team.  That being said, they will not have a lot more wins this year.  Maybe 10 at best.

Smitty77

*Mo Williams was an All Star in Cleveland. Jeff Teague is no where near All Star point guard material. Not even close.
*Paul Millsap is arguably a much better fit on Atlanta because he takes much higher % shots around the basket. He basically does what Josh Smith did (rebound, score points, defend elite 4's) without the weakside rim protection of Smith. He is 6 million cheaper and far more efficient and consistent. He won't be wasting ATL possessions with those terrible jumpshots that Smith loves.
Millsap has missed out on an All Star place in the West by one place TWICE. I'll note that Josh Smith has never been an All Star either. So think twice about calling Millsap a role player compared to Josh Smith. They'll also still have Horford- an All Star big man as well.

*The Bucks signed OJ Mayo to a 3 year deal and are looking for more pieces. They'll kill us.

*The Raptors still have Rudy Gay, Kyle Lowry and DeMar Derozan. They have Valancunas too. They'll be bad, but they'll be on the same level as us. We are pretty close to them because they lack serious inside threats outside valancunas. I'll add them to our lottery contenders.

*The Pistons will be a year older and now have an elite shooting guard. Caldwell pope is a 6'6" shooting guard. He's not a big. He solves a big problem area for them. They found Singler's niche at the small forward at the end of last season. Brandon Knight, Pope, Singler, Monroe and Drummond is a far superior starting 5 than ours.

*AL Jeff makes the Bobcats instantly better. He gives them an extra 10 wins a season. He rebounds, scores and brings a work ethic to the locker room that they need. Biyambo is a defensive specialist. Gilchrist will only get better and get more of the ball in his second season. Who has Kemba ever had on that roster to even run pick and roll with? Byron Mullens? lol.
Fact: Bobcats are better than last season. Their lottery chances have decreased overall.( which is great for us)

The Magic still stink, but they got Victor and they still have a much better rounded team than ours. They have a big man that can defend and rebound in Vucevic. They still have Glen Davis and a nice talented guard/forward rotation.

All of the above indicates good news for our draft chances. Much better than 5 days ago.

One by one:  Mo was arguably the weakest All-Star in the last 20 years.  He ONLY made it due to Lebron WHINING about him making it.  That was done for James and NOT because Mo deserved it.  Even Mo knows that.  Why do you not get it??  Here is Mo's current info:

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/maurice_williams/

He was a 13.11 Efficiency for the year.  He is BELOW average.  Stop living in the past Chambers.

Oh yes, the Bucks will kill us after losing JJ Redick and soon losing Monte Ellis.  OJ makes up for BOTH of those losses, right Chambers??  They will KILL us:-)))))

Oh yes, Valanciunas is an all-star:-))  He might become one in SEVERAL YEARS, but he is a role player and the typical soft Euro.

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/jonas_valanciunas/

Pistons getting Josh was a good move.  They might now pass us.  That is good.

I live 45 minutes from Time Warner Arena, so I know quite a bit about the Cats.  You cite Jefferson's work ethic.  Wow!!  He is one of the laziest big men defensively in the entire league.  He does not exactly look like he lives in the gym.  I bet his fat percentage is well over 15%.  I really wonder how Kemba will adjust to shooting less.  He loves to shoot the ball a LOT having watched most of their games in person or on TV.  Biyombo can hardly catch the ball.  He is a good shot blocker, but terrible on offense!!!  Also, I was never a Mullens' fan, but he was worth them giving him a qualifying offer of $4 million after trying to develop him for 2 years.  MJ is the WORST owner in history.  Certainly the worst GM EVER!!!

Well, the Magic do have a player than can out-eat almost anyone in the NBA at the buffet in Davis:-))  How many games will he miss due to injury THIS year??  That Indy kid was NOT even an offensive threat at Indiana.

I just think that you and several others are underestimating Stevens. 

Now, IF Rondo only plays 20 to 30 games and Sully only plays half a season, then I would agree with you.  That being said, it sounds like both should be back by November.

Smitty77

[Smitty77]

TP for chambers. I too think we're pretty much a lock for one of the 5 worst teams next year. We're in the company of the sixers, suns and magic. i would have included the Bobcats but Big Al puts them in "playoff contender" status.

Al makes them a playoff contender:-)))  Wow.  Have you EVER seen the Cats play?

Smitty77

[rondoallaturca]

Do you have any clue how good 23/6/4 is?  Those are MVP numbers.  A team with two guys in the MVP conversation would not be fighting for the 8th seed. 

1. Rondo is an all star.
2. Bradley is an all NBA defender. 
3. Green could potentially be an all star. 
4. Sullinger is as efficient a double double as you will find in the league. 
5. Lee, Wallace and Bass all started for playoff teams last year coming off the bench this year.
6. Olynyk is a lottery pick.   

We will be making the playoffs in the east.  How many other teams outside of the top 5 in the east even have an all star?

1. You're only surefire valid point.

2. Bradley is a phenomenal individual defender but there's no way he can anchor an entire team like KG can. Our frontcourt doesn't even feature a legitimate center right now and we're going to be crushed to pulp defensively even with Bradley.

3. He still has a lot of holes in his game. It's certainly possible Green rounds into an all-star caliber player, but more realistically he's going to stay an excellent complementary piece.

4. There are plenty of efficient players that put up major stats on crappy teams.

5. Lee, Wallace, and Bass were all role players for their respective playoff teams.

6. ...So?

When the Nets acquired Deron, they still finished with the fifth worst record in the NBA - and that was in a lockout season where no teams were prepared and individual talent like Deron's could impact games even more than they usually do.

And it's not like I'm wishing for the C's not to make the playoffs. If they can, then they absolutely deserve it, because realistically, this is not a playoff team, as weak as the Eastern conference is.

[Smitty77]

TP for chambers. I too think we're pretty much a lock for one of the 5 worst teams next year. We're in the company of the sixers, suns and magic. i would have included the Bobcats but Big Al puts them in "playoff contender" status.

With Al Jefferson, Charlotte still isn't a team I expect to win 30 games.

Some of these free agent signings that Celtics fans think are removing roadblocks to tanking are going to end up being as good as the Detroit signings of Villanueva and Gordon.

well, with Boston and Philly bottoming out, i'd say that improves every eastern team's record, including the Bobcats/Hornets. And am i the only one who likes Kemba Walker? i think he'll improve and having Al Jeff could have them winning 30-35 games, more if they're lucky. as i said, playoff contender meaning a candidate for the 6-8th seed. not a championship contender.

I like Kemba too.  I just wonder if Kemba can learn to NOT be a gun, but be a pure PG. He was a gun at UConn and in his first two pro years.  Have you ever seen Kemba in person?  He is NOT six foot one and is NOT 184 lbs.  There is NO way.  He is NOT a very good long range shooter and really does NOT shot a high percentage from three.  He is also a defensive liability in the post.

Smitty77

[Smitty77]

Do you have any clue how good 23/6/4 is?  Those are MVP numbers.  A team with two guys in the MVP conversation would not be fighting for the 8th seed. 

1. Rondo is an all star.
2. Bradley is an all NBA defender. 
3. Green could potentially be an all star. 
4. Sullinger is as efficient a double double as you will find in the league. 
5. Lee, Wallace and Bass all started for playoff teams last year coming off the bench this year.
6. Olynyk is a lottery pick.   

We will be making the playoffs in the east.  How many other teams outside of the top 5 in the east even have an all star?

1. You're only surefire valid point.

2. Bradley is a phenomenal individual defender but there's no way he can anchor an entire team like KG can. Our frontcourt doesn't even feature a legitimate center right now and we're going to be crushed to pulp defensively even with Bradley.

3. He still has a lot of holes in his game. It's certainly possible Green rounds into an all-star caliber player, but more realistically he's going to stay an excellent complementary piece.

4. There are plenty of efficient players that put up major stats on crappy teams.

5. Lee, Wallace, and Bass were all role players for their respective playoff teams.

6. ...So?

When the Nets acquired Deron, they still finished with the fifth worst record in the NBA - and that was in a lockout season where no teams were prepared and individual talent like Deron's could impact games even more than they usually do.

And it's not like I'm wishing for the C's not to make the playoffs. If they can, then they absolutely deserve it, because realistically, this is not a playoff team, as weak as the Eastern conference is.

\

I agree that it will be hard for this team, as currently constructed, to make the playoffs.  That being said, IF Stevens gets this team into the playoffs, he should definitely be considered for Coach of the Year.

Smitty77

[rondoallaturca]

I agree that it will be hard for this team, as currently constructed, to make the playoffs.  That being said, IF Stevens gets this team into the playoffs, he should definitely be considered for Coach of the Year.

Smitty77

Absolutely agreed.

[Yogi]

1. You're only surefire valid point.

2. Bradley is a phenomenal individual defender but there's no way he can anchor an entire team like KG can. Our frontcourt doesn't even feature a legitimate center right now and we're going to be crushed to pulp defensively even with Bradley.

3. He still has a lot of holes in his game. It's certainly possible Green rounds into an all-star caliber player, but more realistically he's going to stay an excellent complementary piece.

4. There are plenty of efficient players that put up major stats on crappy teams.

5. Lee, Wallace, and Bass were all role players for their respective playoff teams.

6. ...So?

When the Nets acquired Deron, they still finished with the fifth worst record in the NBA - and that was in a lockout season where no teams were prepared and individual talent like Deron's could impact games even more than they usually do.

And it's not like I'm wishing for the C's not to make the playoffs. If they can, then they absolutely deserve it, because realistically, this is not a playoff team, as weak as the Eastern conference is.

1. We agree.

2. Bradley is an all NBA defender.  That is a fact and not up for debate.  Why would anyone expect a guard to anchor their team's defense?  The Celtics without Bradley and with KG were a much worse defensive team last year.

3.  All Star or not, Jeff Green is an efficient and productive player.  He's a top 20 player in the eastern conference. 

4.  Really?  I doubt you gave that any thought.  Go ahead and try to name some.  Sullinger was also a rookie, who is about to see a big spike in minutes and usage. 

5.  Most people in the league are role players.  Lee, Wallace and Bass are all in the prime of their careers and are elite in the roles they play. 

6.  Lottery picks obviously have a much greater percent of becoming productive NBA players than non Lottery players.  Obviously having one in your team, until they prove otherwise, makes your team better. 

[rondoallaturca]

2. You didn't deny that our defense overall is going to slide, and in tremendous fashion.

3. Efficient? Any time this guy faces a competent defense, he sputters. Any time this guy faces a solid defense, he implodes. He's a career .399 shooter in the postseason. I wonder why. He can only drive right, his ability to finish around the rim is a work in progress (which is unacceptable given his length and athleticism), and he only attempts about 3 free throws a night.

4. Not sure if you're playing around or not. You seriously want me to give examples of efficient players putting up monster stats on a bad team?

5. Gerald Wallace is not in the prime of his career and is not elite in the role he plays. Bass is elite in a role that isn't existent on this Celtics squad. I would be very surprised if he stays on the roster for the whole season. I'll give you Lee, though.

6. Makes your team better, sure. Compounded by the fact that Ainge historically makes shrewd draft picks, and I'd be stupid to bet against Olynyk's success in the NBA. But honestly, are you seriously expecting him to make such a big impact that actually affects our record next year?

[Smitty77]

2. You didn't deny that our defense overall is going to slide, and in tremendous fashion.

3. Efficient? Any time this guy faces a competent defense, he sputters. Any time this guy faces a solid defense, he implodes. He's a career .399 shooter in the postseason. I wonder why. He can only drive right, his ability to finish around the rim is a work in progress (which is unacceptable given his length and athleticism), and he only attempts about 3 free throws a night.

4. Not sure if you're playing around or not. You seriously want me to give examples of efficient players putting up monster stats on a bad team?

5. Gerald Wallace is not in the prime of his career and is not elite in the role he plays. Bass is elite in a role that isn't existent on this Celtics squad. I would be very surprised if he stays on the roster for the whole season. I'll give you Lee, though.

6. Makes your team better, sure. Compounded by the fact that Ainge historically makes shrewd draft picks, and I'd be stupid to bet against Olynyk's success in the NBA. But honestly, are you seriously expecting him to make such a big impact that actually affects our record next year?

So I guess that Miami and San Antonio are NOT competent defenses as Green shot 53% from the floor vs. the Spurs and 56% vs. Miami.

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/jeff_green/season_splits.html

Versus Memphis he shot 53.3%.  I guess they suck on defense as well, right???

Smitty77

[rondoallaturca]

There's a difference between the regular season and the postseason. Again, Green shoots a miserable .399 in the postseason.

[Yogi]

2. You didn't deny that our defense overall is going to slide, and in tremendous fashion.

3. Efficient? Any time this guy faces a competent defense, he sputters. Any time this guy faces a solid defense, he implodes. He's a career .399 shooter in the postseason. I wonder why. He can only drive right, his ability to finish around the rim is a work in progress (which is unacceptable given his length and athleticism), and he only attempts about 3 free throws a night.

4. Not sure if you're playing around or not. You seriously want me to give examples of efficient players putting up monster stats on a bad team?

5. Gerald Wallace is not in the prime of his career and is not elite in the role he plays. Bass is elite in a role that isn't existent on this Celtics squad. I would be very surprised if he stays on the roster for the whole season. I'll give you Lee, though.

6. Makes your team better, sure. Compounded by the fact that Ainge historically makes shrewd draft picks, and I'd be stupid to bet against Olynyk's success in the NBA. But honestly, are you seriously expecting him to make such a big impact that actually affects our record next year?

1.  Our defense will no longer be top 3 in the league.  It will certainly not slide to lottery levels.  Rondo, Bradley, Lee, Green, Bass, Wallace and Sullinger are elite individual defenders.  We will have a younger, more athletic team. 

The best defensive line-up we sported last year playing a min of 100 min?

Bradley, Lee, Pierce, Green and Bass.  This was our 4th most used lineup during the regular season and had a defensive rating of 90.3. 

Bradley, Terry, Pierce, Green and Wilcox in 29 min had a defensive rating of 80.6

Terry, Lee, Green, Bass and Sullinger had 84.1 in 25 min.

Bradley, Crawford, Pierce, Green and Bass had 88.1 in 32 min.

Bradley, Terry, Crawford, Green and Bass had 90.8 in 27 min. 

These stats are easily attainable at http://stats.nba.com/teamProfile.html?TeamID=1610612738&Season=2012-13

2. Jeff Green after the all-star break was an extremely efficient and prolific scorer.  He put up 44 points (14/21 shooting) on Lebron James.  That should be enough to refute your argument alone, but I can certainly find more evidence if you desire. 

3. I notice that you haven't listed any players.  I can wait while you try to find some. 

4.  Gerald Wallace is 30 years old.  5-7 years younger than Terry, Pierce and KG.  Wallace is coming off a bad year, but he is a recent all star who is known for his hustle, energy and athleticism.  I'd say he's an elite role player off the bench without a doubt. 

5.  Of course he would.  He is the most skilled 7 footer not just on the team, but on his entire draft class.  Why would he not have a big impact?