Impressed with the new guys.

[Donoghus]

This was the first preseason game that I really got a chance to watch from start to finish.  The three off-season acquisitions all looked really impressive.  Turner, Thornton, and Zeller look like they are going to be solid contributors for us this season.

I'll be honest, I didn't have much love for any of them coming in, but they all look like guys who know how to play, and who have a lot to prove.  Looks to me like they might prove it.

You picked a great first game to watch Zeller.  Up until now he looked like he was playing himself out of the rotation.

Thornton on the other hand, looks like he'll score double digits every game if you give him some shots.

Do you think they'll go for the old "pump & dump" with Thornton like they did with Crawford last year?

[Birdman]

I was excited when the Celtics acquire Thornton..i always like what he brings, a scorer..also was excited when Turner was sign as a FA..i know its only preseason but Im still excited after seeing them play

[kozlodoev]

Do you think they'll go for the old "pump & dump" with Thornton like they did with Crawford last year?

Thornton is FA after this season. Unless there are some real plans to remodel the guard rotation this year, he's somewhat redundant. But then again, so are some of our other guards...

[Donoghus]

Do you think they'll go for the old "pump & dump" with Thornton like they did with Crawford last year?

Thornton is FA after this season. Unless there are some real plans to remodel the guard rotation this year, he's somewhat redundant. But then again, so are some of our other guards...

Agree.  There seems to be a ton of redundancy on this roster right now.

[pearljammer10]

Thornton can just fill it up.
Zeller had his best game as a Celtic.
Turner was on as usual.

Of course the Caveat is this is only preseason.
However it was good to see.

I think Jeff Green is looking expendable with Turner and Thornton both being able to fill scoring roles for us.  If we can move him as part of a package for a good defending big, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Green + Sullinger for Hibbert??

It's crazy how Thorton can log so many point and get up so many shots in so little minutes. He could really be a great spark off the bench if put on the right team in the right situation.

[Tr1boy]

Jeff green, bass, wallace have to go.

I would like to keep zeller, thornton and turner for the long run. Worse case these three guys would provide us one of the best 2nd unit in the league

[kozlodoev]

It's crazy how Thorton can log so many point and get up so many shots in so little minutes. He could really be a great spark off the bench if put on the right team in the right situation.

Well, that's all he does, so no surprise for me there. His problem is that he's been historically awful off the bench.

[Celtics18]

The guy who really impressed me the most out of that lot is Evan Turner.  He had a couple of solid seasons early in his career with the Sixers.  Unfortunately, he couldn't quite live up to the expectations of being supposed to be the guy and the hype surrounding his high draft status.

Subsequently, he's been labelled as a bit of a prima donna and a malcontent in recent years.  But the kid's got talent, and he's only twenty-five years old.  He looks like to me like he's ready to embrace his role as a versatile utility guy off the bench.  He can do a little bit of everything.

I'm hoping he turns out to be a real coup for Danny and our Celtics. 

[ScoobyDoo]

Agreed - nice post - TP.

Look, none of these guys project as all stars. However, four comments:

1. Rondo will be healthy and if he returns to form, he will have -

2. Zeller, Turner & Thornton, in addition to improved players Olynyk, Sullinger and Bradly to pass to.

3. Also, in my opinion we now have two more legitimate play makers, guys who can break you down off the dribble and drive and dish, in Smart and Turner, along with Pressey. When the team is at full strength, they should be able to be in full attach mode offensively for 48 minutes.   

4. Ainge has accumulated reasonable trade chips at little to no cost

Will they be world beaters? Probably not, but they will be tougher offensively and should be fun to watch. They'll compete hard and it will be fun to watch Smart and Young develop.

I do think Young will remain with the team more than in Maine.


 

[slamtheking]

Thornton and Turner have been just as expected. The problem is after watching the Celtics in 2013-14, it's easy to forget what an average NBA player looks like.

ZING!!

[Celtics18]

Thornton and Turner have been just as expected. The problem is after watching the Celtics in 2013-14, it's easy to forget what an average NBA player looks like.

ZING!!

I'm petitioning to give Marcus Thornton the nickname of Hooch.  That way we can have our dynamic bench duo of Turner and Hooch. 

[pp34isthe1]

Thornton and Turner have been just as expected. The problem is after watching the Celtics in 2013-14, it's easy to forget what an average NBA player looks like.

ZING!!

I'm petitioning to give Marcus Thornton the nickname of Hooch.  That way we can have our dynamic bench duo of Turner and Hooch.

idk man, gotta be careful. Hooch is crazy.

[the_Bird]

I'm petitioning to give Marcus Thornton the nickname of Hooch.  That way we can have our dynamic bench duo of Turner and Hooch.

Sorry, that nickname's already been claimed by Vin Baker.

[greece66]

I was excited when the Celtics acquire Thornton..i always like what he brings, a scorer..also was excited when Turner was sign as a FA..i know its only preseason but Im still excited after seeing them play

Enjoy excitement before it's too late. The Regular Season is about to begin.

[greece66]

Green + Sullinger for Hibbert??

Is the purpose of this thread to provide amusement for Larry Bird?