Do we NEED a rim protector?

[alldaboston]

I'm curious to know whether this team really needs a rim protector, I'm kind of interested in learning how much of an impact a solid shot blocking big could have on this team. I know blocked shots are not the only thing, but that's what seems to be a big focus here, but really, 2 blocked shots a game isn't going to make a huge difference.
Again, I know it's not just about blocking shots, but besides that, how much does a rim protector help?

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

Like a shot blocker? Nah, we don't need one. I want a guy who is great at help D more than anything. Blocking is a plus bc it helps keep people out of the paint though but you don't need it.


I think there has been a thread on this already.

[Sketch5]

Like a shot blocker? Nah, we don't need one. I want a guy who is great at help D more than anything. Blocking is a plus bc it helps keep people out of the paint though but you don't need it.


I think there has been a thread on this already.

Exactly. Blocking shots is nice, but I'd rather have a guy who can move his feet well and cut off the defender that just beat his man and make him take a tough shot. That could be considered rim protection too I guess.

[Beat LA]

How is this even a question after what we saw this season, lol ?

[Denis998]

We don't need a shot blocker but rather a big that can guard the post very well. Someone that can help on penetration as well as guarding his own man. As a team we are in the race for the worst interior defense in the league. Having such a hole in that area negates the impact Bradley and Smart have.

[Yoki_IsTheName]

The last 4 teams remaining in the season have legitimate rim protectors. Of we do, every team needs one.

And rim protector is not just shot blocking. It's that, plus the ability to defend shots close to the rim by just being a presence, challenging shots, making it difficult for others to get easy baskets in the paint.

[gpap]

How is this even a question after what saw this season, lol ?

I have no idea!

[Celts Fan 508]

Yes, it would take our defense to a new level, why is this even being discussed?

[GetLucky]

The Celtics do not necessarily need a "rim protector," per se, as I think that term is too depreciative. They simply need a defensive-minded big. Think about it: Sullinger, Olynyk, and Zeller are all offense-first big guys, and the Celtics still had an average to above-average defense. That's amazing! A defensive-minded big would do wonders for the team, no matter what their "speciality."

What the "modern" defenses now do are: 1) channel people to the sidelines and 2) switch constantly. This scheme makes the ability to switch and move laterally more imperative than the ability to block shots. What defenses used to do is force guys towards the middle of the floor into a shot-blocking big(s), but the advent of soft, wiry seven-footers shooting threes has made that strategy hard to execute.

However, a defensive leader on the floor (like KG or Bogut) who can see everything initially and quarterback his players helps put teams over the top. What you see with the Hawks and Warriors is predicated on constant switching and communication. It is very much a team initiative. So I honestly think that, yes, a big man is incredibly important to help put a defense over the top, but length on the team overall can be just as big a factor. That's why I think what the Bucks are doing is interesting. They can eventually get the frenetic, constant-switching defense like the Warriors, but instead of some possessions ending in 6'3" Stephen Curry being posted up, the Bucks' defensive possessions will end in 6'7" MCW or 6'11" Greek Freak being posted up.

If the Celtics get a big that can move their feet (like KG) and alter shots, they no longer have to "ice" every screen, and the guards will be in much better shape. However, with that comes the need for overall length and defensive proficiency. Likewise, if they get an intimidating "shot blocker" who is more apt at roaming the paint and calling out screens, that could put the team over the top also. I have no doubt that Stevens would come up with a grat scheme based around our personnel, but it is not the only option, and it's on the entire team (current bigs included) if they want to get their foot into the door of being an elite defense. They were already pretty decent (especially considering our bigs), but I think a defensive big man, no matter what his speciality, with length is what the team needs, not necessarily a "shot-blocker."

[Hemingway]

We really just need another center. Zeller is our only true 5. We are 2 deep everywhere else.

[Rosco917]

We need a physical defensive presence that dissuades players from attacking us down low, and at the rim. He   
doesn't have to lead the league in blocked shots. He has to play solid team defense, not loose his man, not get pushed around, and yes protect the rim. He doesn't have to be a big time scorer, but some offensive output would be nice. 

All year long we had opposing centers, even moderately talented bigs, have career nights on us.

 

 

[Chris22]

When was the last time we had an athletic big?

[BudweiserCeltic]

The obsession with rim protectors is misguided. What we need is talent, period.

[GetLucky]

The obsession with rim protectors is misguided. What we need is talent, period.

Yes, but tall talent certainly trumps shorter talent in most cases.

[Bucketgetter]

The last 4 teams remaining in the season have legitimate rim protectors. Of we do, every team needs one.

And rim protector is not just shot blocking. It's that, plus the ability to defend shots close to the rim by just being a presence, challenging shots, making it difficult for others to get easy baskets in the paint.

I don't think I'd call Mozgov a legitimate rim protector.