low defensive rating unit: KO, Jerebko, Turner, Crowder, Hunter

[Tr1boy]

Bucks offense looked lost once this 2nd unit came in to play. 

Great to see these guys plays solid all around D. 

[PhoSita]

Despite the fact that every time I go into a game thread I can be sure to find people complaining about how soft Kelly Olynyk's defense is, it does seem that Jerebko and Olynyk is a nice defensive pairing in the frontcourt, at least against bench units.

I like that pairing in general.  Versatile, skilled, smart, high energy.  Would like to see more of them together.

Sullinger and Amir seems to be our other good big man pairing.

[fairweatherfan]

Ah, the good kind of low!  Was briefly confused by the title.  Yeah our (mostly) bench group has been flummoxing some teams, especially those with weak benches.

[Tr1boy]

Despite the fact that every time I go into a game thread I can be sure to find people complaining about how soft Kelly Olynyk's defense is, it does seem that Jerebko and Olynyk is a nice defensive pairing in the frontcourt, at least against bench units.

I like that pairing in general.  Versatile, skilled, smart, high energy.  Would like to see more of them together.

Sullinger and Amir seems to be our other good big man pairing.

Jerebko and KO have nice chemistry.  KO is boxing out alot better this year.  Once the ball goes up he is boxing out guys right away, using his trunk to push guys out.  Jerebko is all over the court.

I think soon enough CBS could use any upfront combo (2nd unit) of

(if you need rim protection)
KO
Mickey
Jerebko

(Small ball D)
KO
Jerebko
Crowder


And just add Lee in certain parts of the game

[jpotter33]

Apparently, we're fourth in defensive efficiency so far league-wide. That says a lot about our team defense given that we have no traditional "rim protector" to speak of.

[PhoSita]

Apparently, we're fourth in defensive efficiency so far league-wide. That says a lot about our team defense given that we have no traditional "rim protector" to speak of.

It does, though it probably also says something about our schedule so far.  I think the Spurs are the only opponent that I'd call particularly formidable offensively.  That said, the Celts did a good job defensively against the Spurs.

Putting together an effective team defense with disparate parts lacking in individual talent might be Stevens' most notable ability as a coach.

[Tr1boy]

Apparently, we're fourth in defensive efficiency so far league-wide. That says a lot about our team defense given that we have no traditional "rim protector" to speak of.

It does, though it probably also says something about our schedule so far.  I think the Spurs are the only opponent that I'd call particularly formidable offensively.  That said, the Celts did a good job defensively against the Spurs.

Putting together an effective team defense with disparate parts lacking in individual talent might be Stevens' most notable ability as a coach.

I want a rematch vs the Spurs. Like right now

[danglertx]

Apparently, we're fourth in defensive efficiency so far league-wide. That says a lot about our team defense given that we have no traditional "rim protector" to speak of.

It does, though it probably also says something about our schedule so far.  I think the Spurs are the only opponent that I'd call particularly formidable offensively.  That said, the Celts did a good job defensively against the Spurs.

Putting together an effective team defense with disparate parts lacking in individual talent might be Stevens' most notable ability as a coach.

I'd have to throw Toronto in there at least with the Spurs if not higher.

[PhoSita]

Apparently, we're fourth in defensive efficiency so far league-wide. That says a lot about our team defense given that we have no traditional "rim protector" to speak of.

It does, though it probably also says something about our schedule so far.  I think the Spurs are the only opponent that I'd call particularly formidable offensively.  That said, the Celts did a good job defensively against the Spurs.

Putting together an effective team defense with disparate parts lacking in individual talent might be Stevens' most notable ability as a coach.

I'd have to throw Toronto in there at least with the Spurs if not higher.

Toronto's OK.  They're currently at 14th in offensive efficiency.  I think with Carroll on the floor they might be a top 10 team.

[Celtics18]

Our defense will keep improving.  We've been doing it the last couple of games without Marcus Smart.  Once he returns, he'll jump right back into his role as a defensive co-leader on this team.

Granted, Pho is right that we haven't played a lot of high octane offenses yet.  Once we start playing some better offensive teams, it's going to be tough to stay in the top five defensively, but I fully expect us to be solidly in the top ten all season long.

I feel like Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart's defensive impact is so under-rated.  I reject the notion that players can't be defensive difference makers if they aren't seven feet tall. 

[Quetzalcoatl]

KO is leading the league in Def Rtg right now at 83.1.  Last year, Hassan Whiteside had the all time record in that stat with 86.20.  KO is 3 points ahead of that right now!  I know it's early and KO will probably finish several points higher, but come on that's awesome.  Crowder is leading the league in steals right now, too.

KO: http://stats.nba.com/?topic=4&stat=17#!?StatType=Advanced
Whiteside: http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/def_rtg_season.html