Without Another Rebounder, C's Won't Get Past First Round Again...

[Phantom255x]

Sorry to sound like a negative nancy on Christmas Day, especially after a Celtics win against the Knicks today.

I know we aren't built for legitimate contention yet, but if we want to at least make the second round, we NEED a guy like Bogut on this team.

In an 82 game season, it might look fine to lose a few games because Zeller or Olynyk can't grab a rebound for their life in the final minute. HOWEVER, in a playoff game, where losing just one game can change the course of the series, how do you like our odds then???

Other teams step up in the postseason and we have fairly soft bigs in the paint like Zeller and Olynyk right now (ugh...). Good shooters, can stretch floor but HORRIBLE rebounders. The idea of having guards collecting rebounds WON'T work against good teams especially in the playoffs.

Look at the Cavaliers-Warriors game today. Warriors couldn't rebound well late while the Cavaliers could, and what happened? The Cavaliers got 1-2 extra possessions, some extra points and ultimately won thanks to Thompson and co. If the Celtics want to progress and at least reach the second round or ECF.. They need to get Bogut. I'm still on the Bogut hype train right now.

What do you guys think?

[hwangjini_1]

perhaps, but last year in the playoffs the reason the celtics lost to atlanta was not "rebounding." it was because the celtics could not generate any consistent scoring, particularly outside shooting.

THAT PROBLEM arose from a series of injuries to bradley, olly, and crowder, who among the 3 point leaders on the celtics.

if they had been healthy, the celtic probably beat the hawks.

improvement in rebounding would be nice. but a more diverse and reliable offense is more important i think.

[Csfan1984]

Not sure if it's a lock they won't pass the 1st round just because of that reason. Usually it's a few reasons as to why a team doesn't advance.

[Phantom255x]

Not sure if it's a lock they won't pass the 1st round just because of that reason. Usually it's a few reasons as to why a team doesn't advance.

It just seems like this season, the Celtics are losing even more games because of the poor rebounding. It's beginning to really show on the court especially the final few minutes of games.

I would HATE to see a playoff loss because in the final minute we had a lead but couldn't get the rebound late leading to the opposition getting the extra possession and ultimately winning the game.

[Phantom255x]

perhaps, but last year in the playoffs the reason the celtics lost to atlanta was not "rebounding." it was because the celtics could not generate any consistent scoring, particularly outside shooting.

THAT PROBLEM arose from a series of injuries to bradley, olly, and crowder, who among the 3 point leaders on the celtics.

if they had been healthy, the celtic probably beat the hawks.

improvement in rebounding would be nice. but a more diverse and reliable offense is more important i think.

Yep, shooting was a big issue. Agree with that.

This season though, it looks like the shooting has improved. As long as Bradley and Crowder can stay healthy they should be good in the playoffs.

BUT, rebounding still remains a big issue. Adding Horford but also losing Sullinger in the process doesn't really improve the rebounding honestly. Zeller, JJ and Olynyk seem to be rebounding even worse than the last few seasons which is disappointing.

[Csfan1984]

Not sure if it's a lock they won't pass the 1st round just because of that reason. Usually it's a few reasons as to why a team doesn't advance.

It just seems like this season, the Celtics are losing even more games because of the poor rebounding. It's beginning to really show on the court especially the final few minutes of games.

I would HATE to see a playoff loss because in the final minute we had a lead but couldn't get the rebound late leading to the opposition getting the extra possession and ultimately winning the game.

Well if we are talking flaws that could hurt us I see the following.
-Scoring off the bench.
-More reliable 3pt shooting.
-Athletic 4 defender.
-Rebounding.
-Health.
-Go to scorer.
Are issues with this team currently so I won't just single out one thing.

[flybono]

perhaps, but last year in the playoffs the reason the celtics lost to atlanta was not "rebounding." it was because the celtics could not generate any consistent scoring, particularly outside shooting.

THAT PROBLEM arose from a series of injuries to bradley, olly, and crowder, who among the 3 point leaders on the celtics.

if they had been healthy, the celtic probably beat the hawks.

improvement in rebounding would be nice. but a more diverse and reliable offense is more important i think.

Rebounding aside, if your counting on slow foot olynek and Crowder for 3pt offense your already in trouble

[flybono]

Not sure if it's a lock they won't pass the 1st round just because of that reason. Usually it's a few reasons as to why a team doesn't advance.

Talent

[Clench123]

All teams have to do is play hard and shut down IT and we'd be out in the first round again.  We've all seen how awful we can be without IT. 

As much as we need a rebounder (yea this is paramount to our success) we need another scorer more.  It'll be better if we can have both in one *cough* Boogie *cough*

And if I have my choice of Noel or Okafor, definitely Okafor.

[mr. dee]

Depends on the match-up, really. If we meet teams like say the Hornets on the first round, we have huge advantage against them, especially with the home court, even with the team currently constructed.

[footey]

We could have used Zizic in today's game. Mistake not to put him on the roster.

[CoachBo]

Ainge's collection of draft chaff isn't the answer.

I agree completely with the OP - this team is on the playoff clock without rebounding help like Bogut.

Could definitely use a knockdown shooter, too.

[Phantom255x]

Ainge's collection of draft chaff isn't the answer.

I agree completely with the OP - this team is on the playoff clock without rebounding help like Bogut.

Could definitely use a knockdown shooter, too.

I view the need for a go-to scorer and a big who can score/rebound as the two major holes/needs left on this team.

Pair IT and Horford with another go-to scorer, and then add a big who can rebound, and this is a championship caliber-team.

Even when IT struggles or is contained, you can get the other shooter to get some shots (we don't have that privilege right now unless you are confident in Bradley night in and out).

Horford is great, but you replaced him with Sullinger who left in FA (and he was our best rebounder before Horford), so collectively, rebounding is still a big issue. Add another rebounding big and that leads to more second chance points and some extra possessions late in games.

[hwangjini_1]

perhaps, but last year in the playoffs the reason the celtics lost to atlanta was not "rebounding." it was because the celtics could not generate any consistent scoring, particularly outside shooting.

THAT PROBLEM arose from a series of injuries to bradley, olly, and crowder, who among the 3 point leaders on the celtics.

if they had been healthy, the celtic probably beat the hawks.

improvement in rebounding would be nice. but a more diverse and reliable offense is more important i think.

Rebounding aside, if your counting on slow foot olynek and Crowder for 3pt offense your already in trouble

this year they are shooting at 36% and 40% respectively. why is this a problem for 3 point shooting? they are at 2nd and 3rd behind bradley on this team, and ahead of IT.

[walker834]

What about Joakim Noah?  We could get him for a late 1st rounder i bet if we can unload Zeller.