Brad rips the team after the loss - "We're a 'finesse' (AKA soft) team."

[alldaboston]

Outside of the Chicago game in Boston, Amir has been pretty terrible, too. He just simply looks like an old man out there at times. I'm really hoping for an upgrade via trade or Kelly stepping in the starting lineup.

What are some possible targets? I wonder if WCS would help us? Could we start him at C, and shift Horford to PF?

[BlackCeltic]

Outside of the Chicago game in Boston, Amir has been pretty terrible, too. He just simply looks like an old man out there at times. I'm really hoping for an upgrade via trade or Kelly stepping in the starting lineup.

What are some possible targets? I wonder if WCS would help us? Could we start him at C, and shift Horford to PF?

Id like that. Would Rozier be enough?

[RockinRyA]

Call out Ainge as well!

Only a matter of time before BS is back in Indiana..

I like the call out, terrible effort by a playoff team..

Lol Brad is under contract for 6 years.

Does it really matter how long the contract is? Rivers was under contract as well, He Gone.

There Is Always an out clause, it's called, "I'm moving on"

are you ignorant? Rivers was TRADED. Rivers basically had to send out assets from the team he will coach just to be able to move. There is basically nothing Rivers coulve done if Ainge didnt consent, thats why they had to give Ainge an incentive to do so. 

[alldaboston]

Outside of the Chicago game in Boston, Amir has been pretty terrible, too. He just simply looks like an old man out there at times. I'm really hoping for an upgrade via trade or Kelly stepping in the starting lineup.

What are some possible targets? I wonder if WCS would help us? Could we start him at C, and shift Horford to PF?

Id like that. Would Rozier be enough?

Maybe, they do need a point guard (unless they want to rely on Lawson and Farmar for their backup spots once Collison returns)

[max215]

Outside of the Chicago game in Boston, Amir has been pretty terrible, too. He just simply looks like an old man out there at times. I'm really hoping for an upgrade via trade or Kelly stepping in the starting lineup.

What are some possible targets? I wonder if WCS would help us? Could we start him at C, and shift Horford to PF?

Id like that. Would Rozier be enough?

Maybe, they do need a point guard (unless they want to rely on Lawson and Farmar for their backup spots once Collison returns)

Uggh, WCS has regressed a ton this year. He's been awful, even earned a DNP-CD tonight.

[kraidstar]

Geeze, after watching his press conference, it looks like he's talking a lot about IT's perimeter D. He was talking a lot about Mudiay and not being physical with him.

I mean, he's surely not talking about AB and Smart, who are about as physical as they can be.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was IT. He really does mail it in sometimes, I remember a game where Brad was literally screaming at him, Mike Gorman seemed almost alarmed because Brad was so angry.

I attended a preseason game a couple years back, and IT was playing like he was heavily medicated, he was just atrocious, zero energy or focus. It might be the worst performance I've ever seen by a good player, and I'm not exaggerating, it was embarrassing. He wasn't that bad tonight, but I do remember specifically thinking in the first quarter that he looked like he didn't want to play defense today.

He shouldn't get too comfortable, there's a lot of talent behind him, especially if we draft one of the stud guards with the Brooklyn pick.

[jpotter33]

Outside of the Chicago game in Boston, Amir has been pretty terrible, too. He just simply looks like an old man out there at times. I'm really hoping for an upgrade via trade or Kelly stepping in the starting lineup.

What are some possible targets? I wonder if WCS would help us? Could we start him at C, and shift Horford to PF?

I think Danny will ultimately give KO the chance to win the spot, but if he doesn't end up looking like starter material, then I think Danny ends up pulling the trigger on some type of deal.

A Noel trade is always still possible. He would greatly help with our rebounding and interior defense, and he's definitely available at a discounted price, though how much of a discount is still to be determined.

And Boogie is still certainly a possibility. If you believe the report that came out today on Yahoo, Boogie is certainly available, the price is just really high. I think Danny is still holding out hope of getting him for less than they're asking now, but who knows.

As for WCS, I don't think he'd upgrade us that much. I think he's a very light Nerlens Noel with nowhere near the ceiling, and he's looked terrible this year.

But at this point, I think I would just prefer getting Noel to Boogie, who will cost a significant amount. If you could get Noel for something like Rozier, Young, and the Memphis pick, to me that's a no-brainer. I think we're legitimate contenders with Noel, who helps us in several regards that we desperately need. And it wouldn't preclude us from also going after Boogie, who we'd still have significant assets to trade for.

And look at where we're at right now - we're 29th is defensive efficiency and 2nd in offensive efficiency. Further, right now we're third in the league in three point percentage, and we're shooting a decent fg%, too. However, we're at 27th in rebounding percentage. Someone like Noel is exactly what we need (as long as his knees check out). He'd bring us rebounding, rim protection, would provide around the same amount of offense that Amir does from putbacks and junk plays, and he'd provide us even more mobility defensively out on the perimeter.

EDIT: I just think we need to make a trade in the season. The only real big in free agency is Griffin, who I seriously doubt will consider Boston. There's also Hayward, who I think we have a good shot at, but he doesn't help us at the big position. So why not Noel? I'd prefer to trade for Noel and keep Smart, Jaylen, and our 2 Brooklyn picks rather than potentially lose all of them for Boogie, who would honestly probably make our defense even worse.

[alldaboston]

Outside of the Chicago game in Boston, Amir has been pretty terrible, too. He just simply looks like an old man out there at times. I'm really hoping for an upgrade via trade or Kelly stepping in the starting lineup.

What are some possible targets? I wonder if WCS would help us? Could we start him at C, and shift Horford to PF?

Id like that. Would Rozier be enough?

Maybe, they do need a point guard (unless they want to rely on Lawson and Farmar for their backup spots once Collison returns)

Uggh, WCS has regressed a ton this year. He's been awful, even earned a DNP-CD tonight.

really? [dang]. thanks for the info, i was just going off what i remembered from scouting reports about him during college. i guess that idea goes out the window

[alldaboston]

Outside of the Chicago game in Boston, Amir has been pretty terrible, too. He just simply looks like an old man out there at times. I'm really hoping for an upgrade via trade or Kelly stepping in the starting lineup.

What are some possible targets? I wonder if WCS would help us? Could we start him at C, and shift Horford to PF?

I think Danny will ultimately give KO the chance to win the spot, but if he doesn't end up looking like starter material, then I think Danny ends up pulling the trigger on some type of deal.

A Noel trade is always still possible. He would greatly help with our rebounding and interior defense, and he's definitely available at a discounted price, though how much of a discount is still to be determined.

And Boogie is still certainly a possibility. If you believe the report that came out today on Yahoo, Boogie is certainly available, the price is just really high. I think Danny is still holding out hope of getting him for less than they're asking now, but who knows.

As for WCS, I don't think he'd upgrade us that much. I think he's a very light Nerlens Noel with nowhere near the ceiling, and he's looked terrible this year.

But at this point, I think I would just prefer getting Noel to Boogie, who will cost a significant amount. If you could get Noel for something like Rozier, Young, and the Memphis pick, to me that's a no-brainer. I think we're legitimate contenders with Noel, who helps us in several regards that we desperately need. And it wouldn't preclude us from also going after Boogie, who we'd still have significant assets to trade for.

And look at where we're at right now - we're 29th is defensive efficiency and 2nd in offensive efficiency. Further, right now we're third in the league in three point percentage, and we're shooting a decent fg%, too. However, we're at 27th in rebounding percentage. Someone like Noel is exactly what we need (as long as his knees check out). He'd bring us rebounding, rim protection, would provide around the same amount of offense that Amir does from putbacks and junk plays, and he'd provide us even more mobility defensively out on the perimeter.

EDIT: I just think we need to make a trade in the season. The only real big in free agency is Griffin, who I seriously doubt will consider Boston. There's also Hayward, who I think we have a good shot at, but he doesn't help us at the big position. So why not Noel? I'd prefer to trade for Noel and keep Smart, Jaylen, and our 2 Brooklyn picks rather than potentially lose all of them for Boogie, who would honestly probably make our defense even worse.

I just hate the idea of paying a guy like Noel max money. I really don't like his game that much, relative to the amount of money he's gonna be earning next year. He would do a lot of good stuff for us on defense and on the boards (although I recall reading on here that his rebounding percentage/rate is no better than Amir's), but he's kinda a nonexistent offensive player.

Then again, if we continue our 2nd ranked offensive efficiency, we might not have a need for offense out of a guy like Noel.

[mr. dee]

Outside of the Chicago game in Boston, Amir has been pretty terrible, too. He just simply looks like an old man out there at times. I'm really hoping for an upgrade via trade or Kelly stepping in the starting lineup.

What are some possible targets? I wonder if WCS would help us? Could we start him at C, and shift Horford to PF?

Id like that. Would Rozier be enough?

Maybe, they do need a point guard (unless they want to rely on Lawson and Farmar for their backup spots once Collison returns)

Uggh, WCS has regressed a ton this year. He's been awful, even earned a DNP-CD tonight.

More reason to get him. We should grab him while his value is low. Having a new environment should help revitalize his game.

[Ilikesports17]

Hopefully, he's talking about Zeller, and hopefully, we never see Zeller on the court again. Zeller is up there with Pau, Mirotic, David Lee, and Scola among my most hated players in the league.

why pau?

[Ilikesports17]

Outside of the Chicago game in Boston, Amir has been pretty terrible, too. He just simply looks like an old man out there at times. I'm really hoping for an upgrade via trade or Kelly stepping in the starting lineup.

What are some possible targets? I wonder if WCS would help us? Could we start him at C, and shift Horford to PF?

Id like that. Would Rozier be enough?

Maybe, they do need a point guard (unless they want to rely on Lawson and Farmar for their backup spots once Collison returns)

Uggh, WCS has regressed a ton this year. He's been awful, even earned a DNP-CD tonight.

More reason to get him. We should grab him while his value is low.

doesnt he suck at rebounding?

[mr. dee]

Outside of the Chicago game in Boston, Amir has been pretty terrible, too. He just simply looks like an old man out there at times. I'm really hoping for an upgrade via trade or Kelly stepping in the starting lineup.

What are some possible targets? I wonder if WCS would help us? Could we start him at C, and shift Horford to PF?

Id like that. Would Rozier be enough?

Maybe, they do need a point guard (unless they want to rely on Lawson and Farmar for their backup spots once Collison returns)

Uggh, WCS has regressed a ton this year. He's been awful, even earned a DNP-CD tonight.

More reason to get him. We should grab him while his value is low.

doesnt he suck at rebounding?

We'll get him for rim protection. Doesn't need to beast on boards as long as he gives our guards space for rebounds.

[Greyman]

Not time to panic. This is though a very good test for Stevens. This game came after a few days break from the team's previous game. Even with players out, those on the court should have been up for the game.

Sometimes in professional sport even the best prepared and ready teams can inexplicably take their foot off the accelerator. This team depends on outstanding defence. In a sport where there are only 5 players on the court, one weak link opens a lot of opportunity for your opposition.

Stevens said he wasn't surprised and that he knew the opposition would bring a good game. His lack of surprise must also include knowing there were signs his players weren't in the right mind frame. How he deals with this, both attitude and tactics wise, will dictate what happens next. Over to you coach.

[blink]

Outside of the Chicago game in Boston, Amir has been pretty terrible, too. He just simply looks like an old man out there at times. I'm really hoping for an upgrade via trade or Kelly stepping in the starting lineup.

What are some possible targets? I wonder if WCS would help us? Could we start him at C, and shift Horford to PF?

I think Danny will ultimately give KO the chance to win the spot, but if he doesn't end up looking like starter material, then I think Danny ends up pulling the trigger on some type of deal.

A Noel trade is always still possible. He would greatly help with our rebounding and interior defense, and he's definitely available at a discounted price, though how much of a discount is still to be determined.

And Boogie is still certainly a possibility. If you believe the report that came out today on Yahoo, Boogie is certainly available, the price is just really high. I think Danny is still holding out hope of getting him for less than they're asking now, but who knows.

As for WCS, I don't think he'd upgrade us that much. I think he's a very light Nerlens Noel with nowhere near the ceiling, and he's looked terrible this year.

But at this point, I think I would just prefer getting Noel to Boogie, who will cost a significant amount. If you could get Noel for something like Rozier, Young, and the Memphis pick, to me that's a no-brainer. I think we're legitimate contenders with Noel, who helps us in several regards that we desperately need. And it wouldn't preclude us from also going after Boogie, who we'd still have significant assets to trade for.

And look at where we're at right now - we're 29th is defensive efficiency and 2nd in offensive efficiency. Further, right now we're third in the league in three point percentage, and we're shooting a decent fg%, too. However, we're at 27th in rebounding percentage. Someone like Noel is exactly what we need (as long as his knees check out). He'd bring us rebounding, rim protection, would provide around the same amount of offense that Amir does from putbacks and junk plays, and he'd provide us even more mobility defensively out on the perimeter.

EDIT: I just think we need to make a trade in the season. The only real big in free agency is Griffin, who I seriously doubt will consider Boston. There's also Hayward, who I think we have a good shot at, but he doesn't help us at the big position. So why not Noel? I'd prefer to trade for Noel and keep Smart, Jaylen, and our 2 Brooklyn picks rather than potentially lose all of them for Boogie, who would honestly probably make our defense even worse.

TP for a well thought out post.  I agree that BS/DA will let things proceed with getting KO back on the floor before making any moves.  I used to be a big trade for Boogie guy, but I have kind of soured on him a little bit because of how much we would have to gut the team to get him.  I think the big question for me about trading for Noel is how much will he command on his next contract?  Do people think he will absolutely get a max contact?  I am not sure he deserves that, but I feel like he could be a really good fit on our team.

We do have some flexibility with our backcourt which may help fit Noel into future salary caps.  If it takes Roz or Smart to snag Noel, I am ok with that.  Both have their flaws.  I guess I would rather keep Smart because at this point he seems like he will able to be elite at something (def) and the jury is still out on Rozier.  But we are going to have the logjam of contracts for IT, Bradley, and Smart all coming up soon.   DA is going to have to determine who we keep long run.  I have the feeling that IT might be the one to go unless we can sign him to a team friendly deal.   With the glut of great point guards in the league it may be the easiest position to replace.