Official Celtics 2021-22 Season Thread

[Hal14]

In one hand no one really knows who may start. But I really want Nesmith to earn that role. I still believe heavily in having a true shooting threat (if he can prove this and I think he can)... that... DOES NOT NEED TO TOUCH THE BALL!!!

I can not state that enough. Tatum and Brown both need a certain amount of shots, touches to get going. Just the threat of a high level shooter, who can in theory, switch out on most players is what I believe Boston has lacked in years..

Too many ball needy players fail way more than succeed. Look at how James Harden went scoring conservative and became a pass first facilitator just to keep KD and Kyrie going.

Nesmith, like Joe Harris, like Duncan Robinson, needs to fill that role. If he can't than move on to someone else of course.

If Nesmith isn't ready for that role, then let's see if Garrison Mathews can do it.

NBA
Nesmith = 37% from 3, has made 40 career 3's
Mathews = 38.9% from 3, has made 95 career 3's

College
Nesmith = 41% from 3, made 119 career 3's
Mathews = 37.4% from 3, made 360 career 3's

I could be wrong, it really is hard to know what Ime will do. but having said that I would be monumentally shocked with all the higher profile talent Boston has and established players that IME will choose a potential 2 way player in Mathews. Even if Mathews plays well, I don't believe Mathews gets a serious look as a starter.

Still do like the pickup

Well you're saying you want to see Nesmith start. All I'm saying is, Mathews is arguably the better player and the better shooter at this point in both of their careers.

Too many good players and too many shooters is a good problem to have.

[Hal14]

Read on Twitter

Smart had some pretty revealing details in here, on Brad and the extension:

"The entirety of Boston’s management shakeup arrived as a shock to most observers, but Smart said he sensed the end of Stevens’ coaching tenure approaching. Especially after the 2019-20 season, Smart said he could see the burden of the job impacting Stevens. The Celtics reached the Eastern Conference finals that season but needed to spend months away from family and friends while competing in the Orlando bubble.

“I think around that time he was also into talks to take another college coaching job,” Smart said. “And I think just all that pressure really weighed in on him. Just like anything, just like players, someday, if you’re not in it all the way, retire. You leave on a good note. And that’s kind of what he did. It took a toll on him. Just like anybody else, he’s human. So I understood it.”

"We’ve had numerous talks, me and Brad, and pretty much after that bubble season was probably most likely his last season,” Smart said. “We kind of were the reason he came back, to give it another shot. At least from my standpoint, I kind of had a feeling (he would stop coaching the Celtics). But like I said, to take the GM job, that was a surprise.”

"Before signing a four-year, $77 million contract extension in August, Smart said he strongly considered turning down the offer to test free agency next summer. That was the maximum value the Celtics could offer in negotiations at the time, but Smart could have waited until the next offseason to seek more money from either Boston or another team. He even had a number in mind.

“At least $90 million,” Smart said.

After discussions with those he trusts, Smart eventually decided the security of a long-term contract outweighed the possibility of chasing what he believes he’s worth. Smart said he considers himself “blessed” to have signed such a hefty contract, which will run through the 2025-26 season, but still thinks several lesser players cashed bigger checks."

Assuming that when Smart says he thinks "several lesser players cashed bigger checks" he means Rozier. Probably Duncan Robinson too.

Hopefully Smart uses that as motivation and has an all-star caliber season this year.

And as for Smart's comments about Brad stepping down as coach, that is very eye opening. Not surprising but it definitely explains why this team underachieved so bad last year. Yes, a lot of it was injuries/COVID. But clearly Brad was "not in all the way" (as smart put it) last season as coach of the Celtics. Hence, the lack of chemistry, both on and off the court. The lack of urgency the team played with, the lack of cohesion, the inconsistent effort. There was something that was off.

Clearly Brad is now doing a job where he's "all in" and so is Ime. I'm excited for this fresh start.

[Shak_Celts]

Read on Twitter

Smart had some pretty revealing details in here, on Brad and the extension:

"The entirety of Boston’s management shakeup arrived as a shock to most observers, but Smart said he sensed the end of Stevens’ coaching tenure approaching. Especially after the 2019-20 season, Smart said he could see the burden of the job impacting Stevens. The Celtics reached the Eastern Conference finals that season but needed to spend months away from family and friends while competing in the Orlando bubble.

“I think around that time he was also into talks to take another college coaching job,” Smart said. “And I think just all that pressure really weighed in on him. Just like anything, just like players, someday, if you’re not in it all the way, retire. You leave on a good note. And that’s kind of what he did. It took a toll on him. Just like anybody else, he’s human. So I understood it.”

"We’ve had numerous talks, me and Brad, and pretty much after that bubble season was probably most likely his last season,” Smart said. “We kind of were the reason he came back, to give it another shot. At least from my standpoint, I kind of had a feeling (he would stop coaching the Celtics). But like I said, to take the GM job, that was a surprise.”

"Before signing a four-year, $77 million contract extension in August, Smart said he strongly considered turning down the offer to test free agency next summer. That was the maximum value the Celtics could offer in negotiations at the time, but Smart could have waited until the next offseason to seek more money from either Boston or another team. He even had a number in mind.

“At least $90 million,” Smart said.

After discussions with those he trusts, Smart eventually decided the security of a long-term contract outweighed the possibility of chasing what he believes he’s worth. Smart said he considers himself “blessed” to have signed such a hefty contract, which will run through the 2025-26 season, but still thinks several lesser players cashed bigger checks."

I love when players say real things, it's always nice to hear the things they really feel. Smart has always shot straight, some people may not like it, but it's part of why I love him! I hope he does an online truth telling series when he retires, there are so many things I need to know!!

[GoGreen]

I am very excited for this season to get going. Games can't start soon enough

[Hal14]

Read on Twitter

You tell em, Jaylen

[Bohemian]

I told my friends that I felt Brad wasn´t really coaching last year. You didn´t get the same intensity and it´s not an accident the team started losing its identity: defense, team oriented goals and effort were lacking for the first time.

Smart´s words confirm what we all felt last year. It must have been tough mentally for him. Smart doesn´t say it, but I guess he was really offered IU´s coaching job and for someone from that state it must have been difficult to reject it.

I don´t know Brad, but he must be one of those reliable, human and professional people who doesn´t want to let down his players and bosses. One of those people who would look to help others first before helping himself...and unfortunately when you do that, not only you hurt yourself more but also end up not being helpful for others.

I am glad he is in another state of mind now...and he is doing an awesome job as POBO.

As for Smart, he is always a direct person, he tells is as he feels it. So glad to have him signed for many years.

[Parliament10]

Training Camp, DAY 2

Watch on YouTube

Read on Twitter

[Fierce1]

The Celtics are going to be the surprise team of the NBA this season.

A lot of NBA fans will be surprised.

[Shak_Celts]

Read on Twitter

You tell em, Jaylen

It's going to fall on deaf ears, he's said nearly the exact same thing before.

[Parliament10]

Read on Twitter

[Bohemian]

Just a few more days and we see this team playing!!

[zoyathedestroya]

Read on Twitter

Still need a potent half-court offense for when pace considerably slows down in the playoffs.
Transition offense can only take you so far. But if he's talking about high tempo offense even in the half court with a lot of player movement and the ball zipping around, count me in.

Read on Twitter

[FlatearthZorro]

Read on Twitter

Smart had some pretty revealing details in here, on Brad and the extension:

"The entirety of Boston’s management shakeup arrived as a shock to most observers, but Smart said he sensed the end of Stevens’ coaching tenure approaching. Especially after the 2019-20 season, Smart said he could see the burden of the job impacting Stevens. The Celtics reached the Eastern Conference finals that season but needed to spend months away from family and friends while competing in the Orlando bubble.

“I think around that time he was also into talks to take another college coaching job,” Smart said. “And I think just all that pressure really weighed in on him. Just like anything, just like players, someday, if you’re not in it all the way, retire. You leave on a good note. And that’s kind of what he did. It took a toll on him. Just like anybody else, he’s human. So I understood it.”

"We’ve had numerous talks, me and Brad, and pretty much after that bubble season was probably most likely his last season,” Smart said. “We kind of were the reason he came back, to give it another shot. At least from my standpoint, I kind of had a feeling (he would stop coaching the Celtics). But like I said, to take the GM job, that was a surprise.”

"Before signing a four-year, $77 million contract extension in August, Smart said he strongly considered turning down the offer to test free agency next summer. That was the maximum value the Celtics could offer in negotiations at the time, but Smart could have waited until the next offseason to seek more money from either Boston or another team. He even had a number in mind.

“At least $90 million,” Smart said.

After discussions with those he trusts, Smart eventually decided the security of a long-term contract outweighed the possibility of chasing what he believes he’s worth. Smart said he considers himself “blessed” to have signed such a hefty contract, which will run through the 2025-26 season, but still thinks several lesser players cashed bigger checks."

Assuming that when Smart says he thinks "several lesser players cashed bigger checks" he means Rozier. Probably Duncan Robinson too.

Hopefully Smart uses that as motivation and has an all-star caliber season this year.

And as for Smart's comments about Brad stepping down as coach, that is very eye opening. Not surprising but it definitely explains why this team underachieved so bad last year. Yes, a lot of it was injuries/COVID. But clearly Brad was "not in all the way" (as smart put it) last season as coach of the Celtics. Hence, the lack of chemistry, both on and off the court. The lack of urgency the team played with, the lack of cohesion, the inconsistent effort. There was something that was off.

Clearly Brad is now doing a job where he's "all in" and so is Ime. I'm excited for this fresh start.

It's really arguable right now that Terry is a "lesser" player. He's been fairly decent in CHA, I might go as far as to say that he might be a better fit here than Smart.
As for Robinson, he's a top 5 shooter in the game. He has his flaws, but shooting is the most important thing in the league right now.
I honestly don't know what kind of money Smart expected, after one of the worst seasons of his career. Baffling to me. His defense wasn't good, his offense took a step back imo as he shot the 3 at under .330.

[Hal14]

Read on Twitter

Smart had some pretty revealing details in here, on Brad and the extension:

Assuming that when Smart says he thinks "several lesser players cashed bigger checks" he means Rozier. Probably Duncan Robinson too.

Hopefully Smart uses that as motivation and has an all-star caliber season this year.

And as for Smart's comments about Brad stepping down as coach, that is very eye opening. Not surprising but it definitely explains why this team underachieved so bad last year. Yes, a lot of it was injuries/COVID. But clearly Brad was "not in all the way" (as smart put it) last season as coach of the Celtics. Hence, the lack of chemistry, both on and off the court. The lack of urgency the team played with, the lack of cohesion, the inconsistent effort. There was something that was off.

Clearly Brad is now doing a job where he's "all in" and so is Ime. I'm excited for this fresh start.

It's really arguable right now that Terry is a "lesser" player. He's been fairly decent in CHA, I might go as far as to say that he might be a better fit here than Smart.
As for Robinson, he's a top 5 shooter in the game. He has his flaws, but shooting is the most important thing in the league right now.
I honestly don't know what kind of money Smart expected, after one of the worst seasons of his career. Baffling to me. His defense wasn't good, his offense took a step back imo as he shot the 3 at under .330.

Yeah, what I meant was, those were Smart's words. He said "several lesser players cashed bigger checks". Those a were his words, not mine. I am guessing Rozier and Robinson are a couple of the guys that in Smart's opinion (not mine) are lesser players.

Whether Smart is better than either of them is debatable. This season will be interesting to see how all 3 of them play..

[FlatearthZorro]

Assuming that when Smart says he thinks "several lesser players cashed bigger checks" he means Rozier. Probably Duncan Robinson too.

Hopefully Smart uses that as motivation and has an all-star caliber season this year.

And as for Smart's comments about Brad stepping down as coach, that is very eye opening. Not surprising but it definitely explains why this team underachieved so bad last year. Yes, a lot of it was injuries/COVID. But clearly Brad was "not in all the way" (as smart put it) last season as coach of the Celtics. Hence, the lack of chemistry, both on and off the court. The lack of urgency the team played with, the lack of cohesion, the inconsistent effort. There was something that was off.

Clearly Brad is now doing a job where he's "all in" and so is Ime. I'm excited for this fresh start.

It's really arguable right now that Terry is a "lesser" player. He's been fairly decent in CHA, I might go as far as to say that he might be a better fit here than Smart.
As for Robinson, he's a top 5 shooter in the game. He has his flaws, but shooting is the most important thing in the league right now.
I honestly don't know what kind of money Smart expected, after one of the worst seasons of his career. Baffling to me. His defense wasn't good, his offense took a step back imo as he shot the 3 at under .330.

Yeah, what I meant was, those were Smart's words. He said "several lesser players cashed bigger checks". Those a were his words, not mine. I am guessing Rozier and Robinson are a couple of the guys that in Smart's opinion (not mine) are lesser players.

Whether Smart is better than either of them is debatable. This season will be interesting to see how all 3 of them play..

I never said, that you thought they were lesser players, and I agree he's probably referring to them as some of the other players are clearly better than him. Fournier also got some money, but only 3 years guaranteed, so I doubt he's one of these "lesser" players. Terry scored 20 a game last year and shot around 40 from 3 on over 8 attempts a game. He's been pretty great lately and he's a lot more dynamic than Smart, and he can play well on defense, too, when he puts his head into, he's also an exceptional athlete.

[Parliament10]

Read on Twitter

[Curmudgeon]

Any interest in Deividas Sirvydis, who was just waived by the Pistons, for the second 2-way? He's eligible I believe, and he can shoot.

[playa-hater]

I think Juancho is going to start.

My guess is based on how POBO spoke about Juancho, he talked about how much his cutting could help the Jays. I know he's not the coach but he said that was a big thing when they were looking to trade for him. He's up and down on 3s, but I think the wide open shots could do him well. If he can manage 37% that would be huge.

It may not happen but I would try it. I really want Al to come off the bench. I'd also be happy with the JRich/Nesmith look. What backup bigs can hang with Al? He can make sure our bench holds it together and allow both Jays to sit together at times.

W/e we go with, if our bench isn't top 5, something big went wrong. We should have a really good bench. Multiple guys have consistently scored in double figures. 30pts shouldn't be a big ask no matter who is on the bench. We will have around 4 guys who could get us at least 10 a night and a couple, on any given night, who could push 20 (Schrö I expect will avg at least 15 alone)! I know there won't be a ton of shots but there were enough shots last season, guys either didn't step up or weren't trusted to.

like I said in my other post, no one really knows who will start and play.. But I must admit this feels much more like a good problem and FUN to wait and see what happens than any in years past. I love my NFL Football, but Love my NBA + Boston even more.. Can't wait for this season to start.. as you always declare.

LETS GOOOO!!!

[GoCeltics123]

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

[playa-hater]

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

In one hand of course I'd like to hear that horford is looking great. In the other hand I hope that lights off fire in Robert Williams either way.