Have these last 7 games changed your opinion on IT?

[vjcsmoke]

I'm so glad that you stepped forth as a Doubting Thomas.

But are you willing to step forth and issue a Mea Culpa when IT4 proves you wrong?

Hope so!  But most people will never admit when they are wrong.

I'll say it right now.  IT4 is the perfect player for this Celtics team now and into the future.

Lock him up for the next 4 years and use his window to win another banner or two.

You can Build around Isaiah.  Luckily we have a lot of assets built up.  Just need to see how DA can leverage those assets into proven talent.

We also have the cap space to go after ANOTHER premier free agent in the offseason.  And the crazy thing is we have a good chance of landing them.  I'll bet you that IT4 recruitment was one big reason why Horford was willing to join over this past summer.

2) I still don't believe Thomas is the answer for this team, I am a big fan but am still against paying him the max under the assumption we get a top two pick this draft. Truth be told Thomas has had two good games in the playoffs, the others his shooting and overall play was not great, but obviously there were outside issues that likely affected his performance.

I think if there is anyone we should now be discussing about paying it's Bradley. I think he has stepped up as the leader of this team. His offensive game has taking a huge jump, he has confidence, and he is one of the best defenders in the NBA. I think if you were to ask me now if we should extend Bradley 5 years at 18 mil or Thomas at 5 years/30 mil, the answer is AB. Also keep in mind AB is only 26.

[aefgogreen]

The main issue I have with IT is that when his quickness goes, he'll be pretty limited in what he can do.  If he signs his next contract at 30, you get two good years out of him before he loses significant speed.  Not sure if that's worth a max contract or not.  I go back and forth.

[Quetzalcoatl]

I think he'll be at this level for two years and then could transition back to one of the best 6th men of all time at that point.  He's so skilled

[mctyson]

The main issue I have with IT is that when his quickness goes, he'll be pretty limited in what he can do.  If he signs his next contract at 30, you get two good years out of him before he loses significant speed.  Not sure if that's worth a max contract or not.  I go back and forth.

You have to think of IT in the same context as this guy:

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/iversal01.html

He was putting up season with PER > 20 up to 32 years of age.  That will be worth the final year of a 4 year max deal.

[Ilikesports17]

The main issue I have with IT is that when his quickness goes, he'll be pretty limited in what he can do.  If he signs his next contract at 30, you get two good years out of him before he loses significant speed.  Not sure if that's worth a max contract or not.  I go back and forth.

You have to think of IT in the same context as this guy:

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/iversal01.html

He was putting up season with PER > 20 up to 32 years of age.  That will be worth the final year of a 4 year max deal.

Iverson also took awful care of his body, didnt seem to take longevity seriously, and played in a more physical era.

[More Banners]

I think he'll be at this level for two years and then could transition back to one of the best 6th men of all time at that point.  He's so skilled

Yes, and he's a shot maker. He just has such a solid jumper. I'm worried about loss of quickness too, but his shot and ability to get it over half court could assure him of a career into his mid-30's, it's just too hard to tell when and how fast he loses the step, and so what role he would have on the team more than 2 years out. And he's already under contract for 1 year. That's why I've been wanting to just enjoy his play at that bargain deal while we can, and see how it goes.

[GreenEnvy]

The main issue I have with IT is that when his quickness goes, he'll be pretty limited in what he can do.  If he signs his next contract at 30, you get two good years out of him before he loses significant speed.  Not sure if that's worth a max contract or not.  I go back and forth.

You have to think of IT in the same context as this guy:

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/iversal01.html

He was putting up season with PER > 20 up to 32 years of age.  That will be worth the final year of a 4 year max deal.

Iverson also took awful care of his body, didnt seem to take longevity seriously, and played in a more physical era.

And wasn't built like Isaiah.

I have no doubt that he isn't worth the max. He just turned 28, so he can sign his next contract at 29 and take him to 33? I do that deal without thinking twice. He's a superstar, the organization seems to love him as much as the fans.

[tarheelsxxiii]

This thread is going to get weird again after a 40+ point performance by Isaiah tonight. 

[ThaPreacher]

I haven't changed my opinion. The guy is a star and we should build around him.

True. But building around IT makes it essential that we have a shot blocker! As much as IT does offensively, IT creates difficulties for the Celtics defensively.
I don't know if he is a MAX Player-but he certainly warrants a sizable contract.

[Ilikesports17]

Maybe its green goggles, but if I need one bucket, there is literally not another player in the NBA Id rather have.

only guy who i might prefer is Durant.

[moiso]

Maybe its green goggles, but if I need one bucket, there is literally not another player in the NBA Id rather have.

only guy who i might prefer is Durant.

Pretty much.  Green goggles or not.

[hwangjini_1]

well, if this news is true, then my respect for him and his willingness to play through pain sure shot up.

"Glenn Ordway says IT is playing with a broken jaw."

[JohnBoy65]

well, if this news is true, then my respect for him and his willingness to play through pain sure shot up.

"Glenn Ordway says IT is playing with a broken jaw."

Brad shot this down today. He said he hasn't been told anything about IT having a broken jaw.

[jbpats]

well, if this news is true, then my respect for him and his willingness to play through pain sure shot up.

"Glenn Ordway says IT is playing with a broken jaw."

Brad shot this down today. He said he hasn't been told anything about IT having a broken jaw.

One would think that he'd be wearing some sort of face mask if true. I think this is just a click bait story.

[mmmmm]

well, if this news is true, then my respect for him and his willingness to play through pain sure shot up.

"Glenn Ordway says IT is playing with a broken jaw."

Brad shot this down today. He said he hasn't been told anything about IT having a broken jaw.

One would think that he'd be wearing some sort of face mask if true. I think this is just a click bait story.

Yeah, I don't see how he'd be able to play with a broken jaw without a mask -- and even that might be dangerous.  I suppose a small hairline fracture in the upper jaw might be something he could play through.  Seems risky.

That said, i would not be surprised if he had his lower jaw dislocated (not broken) by all this (two significant impacts within days of each other) and he is probably playing with a lot of pain both from the injury to the teeth and the dental surgery.   He apparently had more work done mid-game last night.

All that said, Marcus seems to be the one playing as if he's got a concussion ... what with all the turnovers.  Sigh ...