Danny on Toucher and Rich

[Celtics18]

I think Danny is sort of down-low pointing out why we shouldn't be too surprised if this team struggles in the playoffs again.

In the playoffs, everybody tries hard and rotations shorten.  Being the team that gets by on "grit and hustle" doesn't help you stand out as much anymore.  The playoffs is about executing and making shots.

That's fine, though, because this team was never intended or expected to go deep in the playoffs.  It's a prototype for what could be moving forward if Ainge can upgrade some of the placeholders -- admirable, likable, hustling placeholders -- we've got right now.

Grit and hustle are key ingredients in the playoffs.  Having a star offensive player who can take over helps.  Luckily, we also have one of those.

I like our chances to advance beyond the first round . . . maybe even further.

[PhoSita]

I think Danny is sort of down-low pointing out why we shouldn't be too surprised if this team struggles in the playoffs again.

In the playoffs, everybody tries hard and rotations shorten.  Being the team that gets by on "grit and hustle" doesn't help you stand out as much anymore.  The playoffs is about executing and making shots.

That's fine, though, because this team was never intended or expected to go deep in the playoffs.  It's a prototype for what could be moving forward if Ainge can upgrade some of the placeholders -- admirable, likable, hustling placeholders -- we've got right now.

Grit and hustle are key ingredients in the playoffs.  Having a star offensive player who can take over helps.  Luckily, we also have one of those.

I like our chances to advance beyond the first round . . . maybe even further.

I agree with that first sentence, I just think a lot of teams that maybe don't play as hard in the regular season turn it up in the playoffs, so it's harder to stand out on that basis.

The playoffs are going to be interesting, for sure.

[Celtics18]

I think Danny is sort of down-low pointing out why we shouldn't be too surprised if this team struggles in the playoffs again.

In the playoffs, everybody tries hard and rotations shorten.  Being the team that gets by on "grit and hustle" doesn't help you stand out as much anymore.  The playoffs is about executing and making shots.

That's fine, though, because this team was never intended or expected to go deep in the playoffs.  It's a prototype for what could be moving forward if Ainge can upgrade some of the placeholders -- admirable, likable, hustling placeholders -- we've got right now.

Grit and hustle are key ingredients in the playoffs.  Having a star offensive player who can take over helps.  Luckily, we also have one of those.

I like our chances to advance beyond the first round . . . maybe even further.

I agree with that first sentence, I just think a lot of teams that maybe don't play as hard in the regular season turn it up in the playoffs, so it's harder to stand out on that basis.

The playoffs are going to be interesting, for sure.

I take it you don't expect us to advance past the first round. 

I think we have a good shot to do so.  It won't be easy whoever we play.  Charlotte, Atlanta, and Miami are all formidable opponents.

The playoffs should be fun.  So will the last few games of the regular season. 

I'm not taking anything for granted, but I am excited for this. 

[KG Living Legend]

Sorry if already posted.

And I get worried that we can be taken out of our game too easily. Even last night (during a 104-97 win against the New Orleans Pelicans) against a depleted team I feel like we're taken out of our game too often. We go through these offensive droughts. We haven't made enough shots consistently. And like I said, we rely on grit and hustle and defense, and I just think that we need guys to make more shots."

Basically the point I've been making for awhile now on here. Grit is nice, but as some point you need talent.

 Nice. Sounds like we e drafting Buddy Hield! And maybe Valentine!  whoop whoop!!!

[PhoSita]

I take it you don't expect us to advance past the first round. 

I have no idea what to expect, honestly.


If we're on the road against the Hawks, I think we'll lose.  But I don't know if that series would be close to a sweep, or if it'd go 6 or 7. 

Otherwise, I think the Celts have a good shot ... but I also won't be surprised if they lose in 5 or 6 due to bad luck, or because the Heat turn it up a notch in the playoffs.

In the second round and beyond, I don't like the Celts against the Cavs, and beating the Raps seems like a tall order, though I'm not sure what to think of that team, either, since they have a poor playoff track record.

[greece66]

I think Danny is sort of down-low pointing out why we shouldn't be too surprised if this team struggles in the playoffs again.

In the playoffs, everybody tries hard and rotations shorten.  Being the team that gets by on "grit and hustle" doesn't help you stand out as much anymore.  The playoffs is about executing and making shots.

That's fine, though, because this team was never intended or expected to go deep in the playoffs.  It's a prototype for what could be moving forward if Ainge can upgrade some of the placeholders -- admirable, likable, hustling placeholders -- we've got right now.

Good post by Pho once again.

DA has made lots of good moves:

• he guaranteed we'll have a supply of good picks regardless of our regular season performance
• got several players on long term contracts that look like steals now (AB, Crowder, IT)
• saved cap space for FAs
• got us the league's best young coach

but unless we get a couple of stars, this team might stagnate and turn into the new Hawks or Toronto. Given how big a difference a top-10 player makes in bball by comparison to other sports, you can't go far without a bit of luck.

[PhoSita]

I think Danny is sort of down-low pointing out why we shouldn't be too surprised if this team struggles in the playoffs again.

In the playoffs, everybody tries hard and rotations shorten.  Being the team that gets by on "grit and hustle" doesn't help you stand out as much anymore.  The playoffs is about executing and making shots.

That's fine, though, because this team was never intended or expected to go deep in the playoffs.  It's a prototype for what could be moving forward if Ainge can upgrade some of the placeholders -- admirable, likable, hustling placeholders -- we've got right now.

Good post by Pho once again.

DA has made lots of good moves:

• he guaranteed we'll have a supply of good picks regardless of our regular season performance
• got several players on long term contracts that look like steals now (AB, Crowder, IT)
• saved cap space for FAs
• got us the league's best young coach

but unless we get a couple of stars, this team might stagnate and turn into the new Hawks or Toronto. Given how big a difference a top-10 player makes in bball by comparison to other sports, you can't go far without a bit of luck.

Yeah I think the next step is to try and get that top 10 player one of the following ways:


(a) Use the Brooklyn picks rolling in and hope one turns into a superstar

(b) Try to sign a major name, or sign an excellent #2 (e.g. Horford) and trade for a major name

(c) Target a younger player who currently looks like a top 20-30 player in the league and hope that with a change in role or circumstances he can take a leap to top 10.

[Eja117]

So he's talking right now and interestingly he is naming players responsible for good team defense.

Didn't mention Smart or Rozier. Or Semi. Or Theis.

Mentioned Horford and Jaylen.

[Eja117]

Was asked if Smart frustrates him.  Took a deep sigh and said "I love the way he plays. If they picked up sides he'd get picked real quick cause nobody wants to play against him. He's playing fantastic right now and is a big part of our team right now."

[Eja117]

Just said "Tatum is not a great athlete"

"He's long. He's smart. He's not explosive. He's an average NBA athlete."

[Jiri Welsch]

Keep the updates coming!

[Green-18]

Just said "Tatum is not a great athlete"

"He's long. He's smart. He's not explosive. He's an average NBA athlete."

I always love Danny's interviews with T&R.  Danny is telling the truth about Tatum.  For an NBA wing his falls somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of athleticism. 

My long term hope for Tatum is a hybrid of Pierce and Dirk.  That's his true ceiling IMO.     

[Jiri Welsch]

Just said "Tatum is not a great athlete"

"He's long. He's smart. He's not explosive. He's an average NBA athlete."

I always love Danny's interviews with T&R.  Danny is telling the truth about Tatum.  For an NBA wing his falls somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of athleticism. 

My long term hope for Tatum is a hybrid of Pierce and Dirk.  That's his true ceiling IMO.   

I’m down with his ceiling being a Hall of Famer

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

Just said "Tatum is not a great athlete"

"He's long. He's smart. He's not explosive. He's an average NBA athlete."

paul pierce V2.0

[kozlodoev]

Just said "Tatum is not a great athlete"

"He's long. He's smart. He's not explosive. He's an average NBA athlete."

I always love Danny's interviews with T&R.  Danny is telling the truth about Tatum.  For an NBA wing his falls somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of athleticism. 

My long term hope for Tatum is a hybrid of Pierce and Dirk.  That's his true ceiling IMO.   

They also have a pretty nice segment with Mike Gorman on Wednesdays.