Thomas and Crowder starting to stand out from crowd.

[LarBrd33]

Avery Bradley had a terrific November in which he averaged 17 points with lights-out shooting.  That same month, Jared Sullinger almost averaged a double-double and statistically was a top 50 player.   They both unfortunately fell off a bit after that, though.

Since December 1st, the two guys standing out from the crowd are definitely Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder.

During that stretch, Thomas has been the #21 best player in the league in terms of EFF ... averaging 22.6 points, 7 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1 steal.

Jae Crowder has been the 47th best player in the league in that same span - averaging 17.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.5 steals with exceptional shooting percentages. 

Last year the knock on us was that we didn't have a single NBA starter on our roster.  Thomas and Crowder are making the case that we might have two.  Hopefully they keep this up.

How do you feel about those two slotting in as long-term starters at PG and SF respectively?  Do you think we should be focusing on upgrading other positions? 

[max215]

I'm not sure if Thomas is the PG of the future, but I'm starting to feel pretty confident about Crowder as a wing of the future.

[PhoSita]

The Celts should focus on getting two way impact players, period.

I like IT and Crowder a lot. 

At the same time, in a playoff series, I don't think opponents are afraid of getting beaten by Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder.

Between Bradley, Smart, Rozier, Hunter, Young ... I think we've got decent options present and future at the 2. 

I'd say the 4 and 5 spots have to be the primary focus.  Add an All-Star caliber player at one of those spots (the draft is probably the best chance for that) and an above average two way contributor at the other (an Ibaka or Gortat level guy), and the Celts could be quite good.  As good as a team can be without an MVP caliber player.

[chambers]

Part of Danny's strategy is filling the gaps around potential stars with solid two way players like Bradley and Crowder. (That have an appreciating trade value on nice contracts).The benefit of our two way guys is that they are also All NBA defensive candidates.

So to answer your last question, I think these two could definitely be long term starters-it obviously depends on what positions our eventual top 15 players play, but they could definitely fill those roles.
I still worry about exploiting IT in the post and in switches on defense,  but at least in the East there isn't too much threat of being overly abused by this.

[jpotter33]

Part of Danny's strategy is filling the gaps around potential stars with solid two way players like Bradley and Crowder. (That have an appreciating trade value on nice contracts).The benefit of our two way guys is that they are also All NBA defensive candidates.

So to answer your last question, I think these two could definitely be long term starters-it obviously depends on what positions our eventual top 15 players play, but they could definitely fill those roles.
I still worry about exploiting IT in the post and in switches on defense,  but at least in the East there isn't too much threat of being overly abused by this.

I unfortunately think we'll see this in the playoffs when the game slows down. It's too much of an advantage for teams not to try and exploit, though we've shown in flashes that we can effectively double-team when need be.

[Tr1boy]

Avery Bradley had a terrific November in which he averaged 17 points with lights-out shooting.  That same month, Jared Sullinger almost averaged a double-double and statistically was a top 50 player.   They both unfortunately fell off a bit after that, though.

Since December 1st, the two guys standing out from the crowd are definitely Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder.

During that stretch, Thomas has been the #21 best player in the league in terms of EFF ... averaging 22.6 points, 7 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1 steal.

Jae Crowder has been the 47th best player in the league in that same span - averaging 17.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.5 steals with exceptional shooting percentages. 

Last year the knock on us was that we didn't have a single NBA starter on our roster.  Thomas and Crowder are making the case that we might have two.  Hopefully they keep this up.

How do you feel about those two slotting in as long-term starters at PG and SF respectively?  Do you think we should be focusing on upgrading other positions?

Without the 2nd unit (particularly Smart and KO) , we would of lost the past 2 games.

Nobody is standing out really from this team. It's a collective effort. 

have the recent 1st unit go against the 2nd unit and I bet it would be a close match. 

[Tr1boy]

Add also AB who has been playing near 40 mins a game.  Just a workhorse

[Csfan1984]

Having good stretches means little if player can't be depended on come playoffs. I think unless you get guys who can play big under playoff conditions you have to be looking at upgrades. I still see players on this team as only role players with the exception of IT. IT can be an elite six man. Crowder and a few others still need more time to prove themselves.

[mctyson]

How do you feel about those two slotting in as long-term starters at PG and SF respectively?  Do you think we should be focusing on upgrading other positions?

Crowder is a no-brainer at this point.  Even if he just stays at his current level and never improves, his play is more than worthy of a starting SF spot on almost any NBA team, including contenders.  He is locked up long term for cheap money.  Unless you can flip him for Paul George right now...I don't see a 2-way player that replaces him.

We talk a lot about the Brooklyn picks on this blog, but Danny acquiring Crowder and a 1st round pick for Rondo might be the best trade he has ever made.

Thomas is a little more challenging.  There is no question that he has offensive talents that no on else on this roster has.  It would be hard to upgrade those.  But his defense is still an issue.  He plays hard,  but there is little that can be done when you are 5 inches shorter than most of the guys playing your position.

Again, he is locked up for a few more years on short money, so there is no reason to do anything.  But if they could package him with picks and player to get....say...John Wall?  You do that immediately.

[CFAN38]

Part of Danny's strategy is filling the gaps around potential stars with solid two way players like Bradley and Crowder. (That have an appreciating trade value on nice contracts).The benefit of our two way guys is that they are also All NBA defensive candidates.

So to answer your last question, I think these two could definitely be long term starters-it obviously depends on what positions our eventual top 15 players play, but they could definitely fill those roles.
I still worry about exploiting IT in the post and in switches on defense,  but at least in the East there isn't too much threat of being overly abused by this.

I have to agree with you come playoff time games plans are very team specific and focus on exploiting weakness. Where as the regular seasons lack of practice time seems to create repetitive game plans where teams focus on playing to their logical strengths. A recent example would be the way teams almost always played a bigger wing way off the ball against rondo in the playoffs. I fear IT being focused on and exploited if he is starting. Where as 6th man BS can better dictate match ups.

I unfortunately think we'll see this in the playoffs when the game slows down. It's too much of an advantage for teams not to try and exploit, though we've shown in flashes that we can effectively double-team when need be.

[Surferdad]

Impossible to say whether IT and Crowder will be starters on this team next year.  They also represent valuable trade chips. They both have weaknesses that could be exploited in the playoffs. It all depends on the moves Danny is able to make. I am not sure either is a cornerstone player but as others have said, they are really good pieces to have around elite stars.

[SHAQATTACK]

Can tell they are good .   By the reaction of their opponents

Crowders spirited and aggressive play has earned him
more dirty hits , cheap shots , taken more abuse than any player I Seen in a long time.  Because he plays hard he has to,endure the rath of the lazy NBA players , poor officiating , and now abuse from the opponents coaches.  SMH

[kozlodoev]

Impossible to say whether IT and Crowder will be starters on this team next year.  They also represent valuable trade chips. They both have weaknesses that could be exploited in the playoffs. It all depends on the moves Danny is able to make. I am not sure either is a cornerstone player but as others have said, they are really good pieces to have around elite stars.

Developing players on undervalued contracts are not trade chips. There is zero chance either of these two will be traded unless someone like Anthony Davis is available..

[Rosco917]

Crowder has gone from a energetic defender with little offense, kind of a throw-in when he arrived. To consistent 3 point shooter, with a solid, and growing overall offensive game, all while being a team leader. IMO this kid has taken two steps forward, if he keeps this up we're looking at a small forward, who will average 15+ a game, grab 6-7 rebounds, all while playing tough, aggressive defense, while still being young.

IMO Thomas should be a fixture, starting or coming off the bench, the guy brings energy, scoring, and a great attitude. Yeah, he lacks size, and he can be picked on while playing D, but he makes up for it, IT is a weapon.

This team needs to up grade it's bigs, and grab another shooter, but not at the expense of IT or Crowder.