The bedrock of efficient offense in today's NBA is three pointers and free throws. Down in Houston, they've taken this principle to heart, and this year attempted 32.7 three pointers per game while also attempting 26 free throws a game.
As a result, Houston ranked 1st and 2nd in the league in those categories, respectively. Importantly, the Rockets weren't just hoisting up attempts; they led the league in three point makes per game, and were 5th in made free throws.
This focus on efficient offense, along with a strong defensive scheme, helped the Rockets fight for the 2nd seed in the West despite losing Dwight Howard and Terrence Jones to injury for much of the season.
Our Celtics, on the other hand, were a far cry from Houston's cut-out-the-middle offense. Boston ranked near the middle (13th) in both three point attempts and makes, though they were 27th in the league in percentage with a team average of 32.7 percent. That means the Celtics actually didn't break even on three point attempts as a team this year!
What really held the Celtics down was free throws; they ranked 27th in free throw attempts with roughly 20 a game, and 28th a game in makes.
To get to the bottom of this problem, take a look at how the key players on the roster ranked overall in relevant categories:
Thomas - 9th in FTA per 100; 26th in 3PM per 100
Bradley - 290th in FTA per 100; 82nd in 3PM per 100
Turner - 239th in FTA per 100; 227th in 3PM per 100
Smart - 218th in FTA per 100; 97th in 3PM per 100
Crowder - 165th in FTA per 100; 137th in 3PM per 100
Sullinger - 182nd in FTA per 100; 157th in 3PM per 100
Olynyk - 139th in FTA per 100; 127th in 3PM per 100
Zeller - 116th in FTA per 100; No 3 pointers
Bass - 104th in FTA per 100; No 3 pointers
Jerebko - 265th in FTA per 100; 118 in 3PM per 100
What this helps demonstrate:
- Other than Thomas, the Celtics' guards do not get to the free throw line, and they aren't very productive outside shooters, either.
- Celtics' big men do not get to the free throw line very often. It is especially egregious for non-shooters like Zeller and Bass to fail to get to the line more often.
- Bradley and Turner are poor starting options on the wing, failing to stand out in any way. Smart will hopefully improve his shooting or get to the line more often.
- The Celtics roster lacks specialization. There aren't enough players who are especially good at either shooting from outside or getting to the line, and only one guy who is especially good at both.
What are your thoughts? Who should the Celtics target via trade or in free agency to try and fix these weak points?