SI mid-season grades - Celtics = B-

[Moranis]

http://www.si.com/nba/2016/01/19/nba-midseason-grades-warriors-spurs-cavaliers-knicks-pelicans

Boston Celtics: B-

Record: 22–20
Off. Rating: 19 | Def. Rating: 2  | Net Rating: 9

Back in October, the table seemed set for the Celtics to make major strides up the standings: Boston capped off last year with noticeable positive momentum once the Rajon Rondo cloud was lifted, the off-season additions of Amir Johnson and David Lee helped stabilize a young frontcourt, and Brad Stevens, one of the league’s top coaches, was set to lead a roster deep enough to withstand an 82-game season and to handle just about any stylistic match-up.

The resulting story hasn’t been quite so tidy. Boston boasts the East’s leading defense, thanks to a host of quality individual talents (Johnson, Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley, and Marcus Smart) and improvement from its younger bigs. The offense, however, hasn’t held up its end of the bargain: Isaiah Thomas, who has emerged as a first-time All-Star candidate in a starting role this season, isn’t quite equipped to be a one-man show and lacks a true sidekick. An infusion of dynamic scoring talent at the trade deadline would be ideal, as the Celtics’ healthy point differential (No. 3 in the East) and underwhelming showing in close games suggest that a little boost might pay real dividends in the win/loss charts. Yes, the East has improved around the Celtics, but there’s still a degree of unmet potential at play here.   

The Nets received a F-.  Classic.

Sixers received a C with this classic quote

There’s a difference between being terrible and being embarrassing, and it’s good to see the Sixers back on the proper side of that divide. 

[otherdave]

B-  seems about right.  I am hoping for a better W-L record in the second half due to the continuing development of MS, KO, JC, IT, and others.  I also believe the condensed 9 person rotation will bear fruits.

[MikeB12]

I'm also a little disappointed in the Celtics first half record of 22-20 so far.  Don't think the C's can make the playoffs with such a poor home record...gosh, only 11-10 at home, not very good at all.

I give the C's a C+ for the season so far.

My disappointment lies in the fact the C's have lost a number of games that they were heavily favored to win, especially during the recent losing streak they had just before they won 3 straight.

I don't think this club with the players it has now can do much more than be the 7th or 8th seed in the playoffs...not sure they will even make the playoffs this year.   Stevens has apparently gotten all he can out of this team as it is right now.

The team as a whole is a very poor shooting team.  Hopefully they can draft some players with all star talent; otherwise, the C's will continue to be just an average NBA team.

MikeB

[Quetzalcoatl]

If the Warriors can get an A++, the Nets should be able to get an F--. 

[Atzar]

If I'm totally honest, I think they're slightly ahead of where I thought they'd be.  Never bought that they were a potential 50-win team this year.  I was of the opinion that their late run last year was a bit fluky - a high-effort team playing against a lot of teams that were either tired or had mailed it in already.  I thought that, despite their improvements in the offseason, they were due for another 40-ish wins this year.  They're a bit ahead of that pace.

I'd probably give them a straight B. 

[PhoSita]

C+

The plus is for entertainment value.  Thomas and Crowder have been enjoyable, and Kelly has his moments too.

They get a C from me for being thoroughly mediocre. 

They haven't done much to develop the younger talent on the roster -- none of the rookies nor James Young have gotten any consistent or meaningful playing time -- and continuing to give playing time to more experienced players, who likely won't be here in a year, hasn't changed their trajectory away from "first round roadkill."

[Csfan1984]

C+

[moiso]

C+

The plus is for entertainment value.  Thomas and Crowder have been enjoyable, and Kelly has his moments too.

They get a C from me for being thoroughly mediocre. 

They haven't done much to develop the younger talent on the roster -- none of the rookies nor James Young have gotten any consistent or meaningful playing time -- and continuing to give playing time to more experienced players, who likely won't be here in a year, hasn't changed their trajectory away from "first round roadkill."

I give them an A for developing the "fairly young" players Crowder, Olynyk, and IT though.  And it looks like Stevens is finally putting Smart in a position to succeed.  I love that Smart is finally handling the ball and is posting up lately instead of standing at the 3point line.

I think I'd go with a B overall.  I think we overachieved last year and I am happy with how things are going this year.  I don't really care about every win or loss.  I like the development overall.

[slamtheking]

If I'm totally honest, I think they're slightly ahead of where I thought they'd be.  Never bought that they were a potential 50-win team this year.  I was of the opinion that their late run last year was a bit fluky - a high-effort team playing against a lot of teams that were either tired or had mailed it in already.  I thought that, despite their improvements in the offseason, they were due for another 40-ish wins this year.  They're a bit ahead of that pace.

I'd probably give them a straight B. 

I feel the same way in terms of expectations for this season but since they're only meeting expectations, I'd give them a C

[ssspence]

They haven't done much to develop the younger talent on the roster -- none of the rookies nor James Young have gotten any consistent or meaningful playing time -- and continuing to give playing time to more experienced players, who likely won't be here in a year, hasn't changed their trajectory away from "first round roadkill."

This has been a disappointment for me, as well. I think the Cs would be very smart to let Young play through his NBA initiation, and get his feet under him. If they don't by the end of Year 2, I doubt his confidence will really recover considering the type of lad he seems to be.

[flybono]

7  16 vs playoff teams, tells you all u need to know.