Some observations after tonight.

[ctrey]

First of all, we are fun to watch. We have been in nearly every game we play and they are entertaining. That does count for something as it indicates we are as they say "Close"

We desperately need interior defense. It is horrifying to watch us just get mangled inside or when players blow by Rondo (Seems to happen a lot) there is no one there to challenge them. It is really our major issue.

We need more shooting. I part of me says the fact we have no go to scorer is a bigger issue but I like the offense Stevens has in place. If we could get somebody, anybody to keep teams honest on the perimeter that would be perfect.

Poor Kelly Olynyk could not guard a locked door with a shot gun. He is a stunning player in his very special way on offense but he can not guard anyone in the NBA.

Jeff Green is being aggressive. The cynic in me says it is because he is in an option year and wants to opt out for more money. That is fine by me if that is the case. Go get paid Jeff.

If I told you that our starting point guard would be averaging 10pts, 12asts, and 8boards but we would be 3-6 you would be a bit dumbfounded. I must admit I am. It does not add up.

We miss Marcus Smart in the line up more than his numbers would suggest.

Rondo is shooting 20% from the line. Let that sink in for a minute. 20%. Everyone who has ever posted on this blog could shoot better than that. Everyone.

We are doing well in nearly every "hustle" stat there is. That is a great thing.

My actual name is Evan Turner. I am embarrassed that someone with my name plays that badly for my favorite sports team of all time. Evan Turner is personally responsible for a 17% increase in my dark liquor consumption. I made a chart, ran the numbers. It's 17%. Thanks Evan.

I really hope we can send Brandon Bass someplace to play for a ring. Talk about a classy, hard working pro. Good on ya, Mr. Bass.

Speaking of that, How about Bass straight up for JJ Redick. I think that deal helps both teams.

Jared Sullinger is really bloody good. Get him a shot blocker next to him and watch the f#@k out. His numbers are almost identical to Kevin Love but he gets paid a bit less to do it. By a bit less I mean 14 million bucks less. (I know this is not a fair comparison in any way but Sully is going to be really good. Book it)

All I want for Christmas is for James Young to grasp the defense enough to be able to play some. I have a very good feeling about this kid. I really do.

This team is going to get better. I am sure of it. I honestly think a rim protecting big gets us in the playoffs in the East. John Henson everybody. John Henson.

This team has grit, plays with a fire and does not quit. They are just young and sloppy. Still makes it fun. Enjoy the ride.

[satch]

Long term observation? Is  this the team we go with for the rest of the year?

[Tr1boy]

20 percent!

[ctrey]

Long term observation? Is  this the team we go with for the rest of the year?

Nope. I think we make a deal for a real center. That is if we are pushing for the playoffs. If the tank-a-thon goes in effect, see Rondo, Green and Bass all shipped out. I think the first option is how we end up going.

[footey]

Awesome post, OP, TP et al. Are you from England?  Just seems so.  You write well.

[D Dub]

TP bruddah

[86MaxwellSmart]

for some reason...Rondo has gone back to rushing his free throws....He was doing better, relaxing--getting in rhythm...now, he's just nervously chucking it up there.

[Boris Badenov]

Nice post. TP.

[tarheelsxxiii]

I love Sully. I argue with friends in NY that, per 36, he is a borderline all-star in the East. The guy is legit. Surprised Kelly sucked so bad tonight, but I guess he was destined to come back down to earth. I'd prefer starting Zeller - he's a very cerebral guy, should not take him too long to learn offensive and defensive schemes. And starting him does not necessarily require a need to decrease KO's minutes - could just allow him to maintain his scoring proficiency while guarding reserves on the defensive end. I just came up with that, and I'm inebriated, but it seems like a good idea.

I agree with others that we miss Smart. I'm reiterating that I really enjoy watching this team and am kinda hopeful for the future. It'd be nice to make vast improvements while still landing a nice lottery pick this year. But I do hope we start to win some of these close games out of concern that the team may lose its intensity, dedication, and desire to win.

[vjcsmoke]

This team plays entertaining, losing  basketball.  Good for a high pick, but not good for making the playoffs.  But we weren't expecting that anyways, right?

Defense is awful, but offense is pretty potent.  Our guys can run and gun with the high scoring teams.  Too bad they score 114 but will usually give up 4-5 points more than they make.

Rim protector from the draft or a trade please?  John Henson would be nice but what would the package cost?  If it is bass, picks, and someone else we won't miss, I'm in!

[Celtics4ever]

Hate to bust your bubble but Sully 's D is just as bad as KO's.   He brings more to the table in terms of rebounds though.

His numbers are almost identical to Kevin Love but he gets paid a bit less to do it. By a bit less I mean 14 million bucks less.

True in PPG and RPG but alas not true in shooting, especially threes with the 18% this year.

[GreenWarrior]

I agree with most of the op's post. you'd think with all of the outside shooting we do that we'd have an actual shooter on the team.

if Olynyk is ever going to be anything in this league they need to make it a point to get him the ball more on offense, like actually work to get him the ball. otherwise there is no point in playing him...having him give up 20+ pts. while scoring 12-16 is pointless.

[SHAQATTACK]

This team plays entertaining, losing  basketball.  Good for a high pick, but not good for making the playoffs.  But we weren't expecting that anyways, right?

Defense is awful, but offense is pretty potent.  Our guys can run and gun with the high scoring teams.  Too bad they score 114 but will usually give up 4-5 points more than they make.

Rim protector from the draft or a trade please?  John Henson would be nice but what would the package cost?  If it is bass, picks, and someone else we won't miss, I'm in!

Losing basketball get old at some point no matter how entertaining .

[cb8883]

My actual name is Evan Turner. I am embarrassed that someone with my name plays that badly for my favorite sports team of all time. Evan Turner is personally responsible for a 17% increase in my dark liquor consumption. I made a chart, ran the numbers. It's 17%. Thanks Evan.

I really hope we can send Brandon Bass someplace to play for a ring. Talk about a classy, hard working pro. Good on ya, Mr. Bass.

Speaking of that, How about Bass straight up for JJ Redick. I think that deal helps both teams.

Jared Sullinger is really bloody good. Get him a shot blocker next to him and watch the f#@k out. His numbers are almost identical to Kevin Love but he gets paid a bit less to do it. By a bit less I mean 14 million bucks less. (I know this is not a fair comparison in any way but Sully is going to be really good. Book it)

All I want for Christmas is for James Young to grasp the defense enough to be able to play some. I have a very good feeling about this kid. I really do.

This team is going to get better. I am sure of it. I honestly think a rim protecting big gets us in the playoffs in the East. John Henson everybody. John Henson.

This team has grit, plays with a fire and does not quit. They are just young and sloppy. Still makes it fun. Enjoy the ride.

This part of your post is amazing. Evan Turner is appreciated because of the greater good involved. He's awful no doubt about that but as long as the Celtics lose 60-70 games this year I'm happy. If you want to contend however and be a treadmill squad then sure Bass for Reddick probably solves lots of problems for this team.

[greenhead85]

Good post.

KO I think should alternate with Sully.