Celtics General Thread 2019-20, "Re-Start"

[exculpatory]

I am predicting it now....if healthy, the Celtics are going to the NBA finals this year. There isn't a team in the Eastern Conference that has 4 All-Star caliber guys at the top...and not only does Boston feature 4 All-Star guys, but those 4 guys mesh well. This isn't last season where the pieces didn't fit. Kemba, JB, JT, and Hayward all fit well together. Then you add in Smart, Kanter, Theis and young pieces that are improving....
The Celtics are crushing teams lately. They just seem to be getting better and better. I have a really good feeling about this team

From your lips to the basketball god’s ears.

CELTICS OORAH!

[MagicBagley18]

I am predicting it now....if healthy, the Celtics are going to the NBA finals this year. There isn't a team in the Eastern Conference that has 4 All-Star caliber guys at the top...and not only does Boston feature 4 All-Star guys, but those 4 guys mesh well. This isn't last season where the pieces didn't fit. Kemba, JB, JT, and Hayward all fit well together. Then you add in Smart, Kanter, Theis and young pieces that are improving....
The Celtics are crushing teams lately. They just seem to be getting better and better. I have a really good feeling about this team

Do you think the Celtics would go after Dedmon now that he wants out, ddb? I've heard they've been interested in him in the past.

how do we get to his salary or close enough in a trade without losing someone which defeats the whole point of adding him to this current team in the 1st place is the question....seems it's just too hard with our salary structure this season. or best bet is probably buy outs tho i am open to some ideas being thrown out here to make the math work

[zoyathedestroya]

I am predicting it now....if healthy, the Celtics are going to the NBA finals this year. There isn't a team in the Eastern Conference that has 4 All-Star caliber guys at the top...and not only does Boston feature 4 All-Star guys, but those 4 guys mesh well. This isn't last season where the pieces didn't fit. Kemba, JB, JT, and Hayward all fit well together. Then you add in Smart, Kanter, Theis and young pieces that are improving....
The Celtics are crushing teams lately. They just seem to be getting better and better. I have a really good feeling about this team

Do you think the Celtics would go after Dedmon now that he wants out, ddb? I've heard they've been interested in him in the past.

how do we get to his salary or close enough in a trade without losing someone which defeats the whole point of adding him to this current team in the 1st place is the question....seems it's just too hard with our salary structure this season. or best bet is probably buy outs tho i am open to some ideas being thrown out here to make the math work

Exactamente. Buyout is unlikely but trade is counterintuitive. Any non-star big that's making north of 8M seems like a no-go.

[ddb]

I am predicting it now....if healthy, the Celtics are going to the NBA finals this year. There isn't a team in the Eastern Conference that has 4 All-Star caliber guys at the top...and not only does Boston feature 4 All-Star guys, but those 4 guys mesh well. This isn't last season where the pieces didn't fit. Kemba, JB, JT, and Hayward all fit well together. Then you add in Smart, Kanter, Theis and young pieces that are improving....
The Celtics are crushing teams lately. They just seem to be getting better and better. I have a really good feeling about this team

Do you think the Celtics would go after Dedmon now that he wants out, ddb? I've heard they've been interested in him in the past.

absolutely not. he has 3 years at over 13 million per remaining on his deal. only way Boston even entertains Dedmon is if he's waived. and even then I think the general public worries about the Celtics Big-Man situation a lot more than the actual coaching staff and front office. Theis/Kanter/GWilliams has been a good trio. Williams/VPoirer will be back too.

[Darth Celtic]

I am predicting it now....if healthy, the Celtics are going to the NBA finals this year. There isn't a team in the Eastern Conference that has 4 All-Star caliber guys at the top...and not only does Boston feature 4 All-Star guys, but those 4 guys mesh well. This isn't last season where the pieces didn't fit. Kemba, JB, JT, and Hayward all fit well together. Then you add in Smart, Kanter, Theis and young pieces that are improving....
The Celtics are crushing teams lately. They just seem to be getting better and better. I have a really good feeling about this team

Do you think the Celtics would go after Dedmon now that he wants out, ddb? I've heard they've been interested in him in the past.

absolutely not. he has 3 years at over 13 million per remaining on his deal. only way Boston even entertains Dedmon is if he's waived. and even then I think the general public worries about the Celtics Big-Man situation a lot more than the actual coaching staff and front office. Theis/Kanter/GWilliams has been a good trio. Williams/VPoirer will be back too.

I actually think we don't need a big, big man to match up against the sixers. The bucks have a big man, and got destroyed. The wizards don't and can go toe to toe. We need a tall 3pt shooter. Targets like Davis Bertans and Nemanja Bjelica make that 6-7m a year range and can shoot from the bus parked outside. There are a few other in range as well. They can't rebound worth a crap, but our wings and PG's rebound well, so I think they can get some mins at pf/c. Bring Embiid outside where he can't move fast enough to rotate. Easy 3's all game long.

[MagicBagley18]

I am predicting it now....if healthy, the Celtics are going to the NBA finals this year. There isn't a team in the Eastern Conference that has 4 All-Star caliber guys at the top...and not only does Boston feature 4 All-Star guys, but those 4 guys mesh well. This isn't last season where the pieces didn't fit. Kemba, JB, JT, and Hayward all fit well together. Then you add in Smart, Kanter, Theis and young pieces that are improving....
The Celtics are crushing teams lately. They just seem to be getting better and better. I have a really good feeling about this team

Do you think the Celtics would go after Dedmon now that he wants out, ddb? I've heard they've been interested in him in the past.

absolutely not. he has 3 years at over 13 million per remaining on his deal. only way Boston even entertains Dedmon is if he's waived. and even then I think the general public worries about the Celtics Big-Man situation a lot more than the actual coaching staff and front office. Theis/Kanter/GWilliams has been a good trio. Williams/VPoirer will be back too.

Dedmon isn’t the answer but the 3rd Year in his deal is only partially guaranteed so it’s really 1.5 seasons but I agree with you that fans here worry way more than them ab this position

[OldCeltics]

https://www.nba.com/allstar

[31to6]

Does anyone else think it's kind of weird that the Celtics just... aren't getting talked about at all? Every statistical indicator suggests the Celtics have been one of the top teams in the league for the first half of the season in spite of struggling with health: top five on both offense and defense, third in winning %, third in SRS, with quality wins against good teams. Granted we benefited from lucky timing of playing some opponents with their own injury issues recently, but overall the Celtics are playing like a quality team and probably deserve some attention. Yet we have seen very light national media discussion, not much interest by general NBA fans online, etc. I'm not upset, I'm actually kind of pleased to slip under the radar, but I'm curious why this team is treated as not notable or exciting in spite of performance. Is it because our talent is more spread out instead of concentrated in marketable superstars?

It’s early and a team like MIA is still right on our heels. How much do we feel like they should be discussed? Probably not a lot. But if we take care of business over the next month and JB/JT continue to shine the spotlight is going to find them and the team as a whole.

[Slax]

Does anyone else think it's kind of weird that the Celtics just... aren't getting talked about at all? Every statistical indicator suggests the Celtics have been one of the top teams in the league for the first half of the season in spite of struggling with health: top five on both offense and defense, third in winning %, third in SRS, with quality wins against good teams. Granted we benefited from lucky timing of playing some opponents with their own injury issues recently, but overall the Celtics are playing like a quality team and probably deserve some attention. Yet we have seen very light national media discussion, not much interest by general NBA fans online, etc. I'm not upset, I'm actually kind of pleased to slip under the radar, but I'm curious why this team is treated as not notable or exciting in spite of performance. Is it because our talent is more spread out instead of concentrated in marketable superstars?

It’s early and a team like MIA is still right on our heels. How much do we feel like they should be discussed? Probably not a lot. But if we take care of business over the next month and JB/JT continue to shine the spotlight is going to find them and the team as a whole.

Hm, fwiw I do feel like they deserve discussion, but I don't think they are nearly as likely to actually contend for a championship as we are, because in spite of the standings Miami hasn't really been playing close to as well as the Celtics. They've had one of the easiest schedules in the league, they haven't outscored their opponents by as much, and other than Winslow they've been pretty healthy compared to the Celtics, Raptors, and Pacers. If I were a betting man, I would predict the Heat are likely to fade a bit later in the season when their schedule picks up in difficulty. This isn't just homerism. For example, I think once they're healthy, the Pacers have the potential to be a super dangerous team and maybe a threat to come out of the East. Just a Heat skeptic in particular. We'll see if they prove me wrong.

[31to6]

Does anyone else think it's kind of weird that the Celtics just... aren't getting talked about at all? Every statistical indicator suggests the Celtics have been one of the top teams in the league for the first half of the season in spite of struggling with health: top five on both offense and defense, third in winning %, third in SRS, with quality wins against good teams. Granted we benefited from lucky timing of playing some opponents with their own injury issues recently, but overall the Celtics are playing like a quality team and probably deserve some attention. Yet we have seen very light national media discussion, not much interest by general NBA fans online, etc. I'm not upset, I'm actually kind of pleased to slip under the radar, but I'm curious why this team is treated as not notable or exciting in spite of performance. Is it because our talent is more spread out instead of concentrated in marketable superstars?

It’s early and a team like MIA is still right on our heels. How much do we feel like they should be discussed? Probably not a lot. But if we take care of business over the next month and JB/JT continue to shine the spotlight is going to find them and the team as a whole.

Hm, fwiw I do feel like they deserve discussion, but I don't think they are nearly as likely to actually contend for a championship as we are, because in spite of the standings Miami hasn't really been playing close to as well as the Celtics. They've had one of the easiest schedules in the league, they haven't outscored their opponents by as much, and other than Winslow they've been pretty healthy compared to the Celtics, Raptors, and Pacers. If I were a betting man, I would predict the Heat are likely to fade a bit later in the season when their schedule picks up in difficulty. This isn't just homerism. For example, I think once they're healthy, the Pacers have the potential to be a super dangerous team and maybe a threat to come out of the East. Just a Heat skeptic in particular. We'll see if they prove me wrong.

All true, I just think the casual fans aren’t talking much hoops before Christmas or even the Super Bowl. So while you and I might’ve read that piece about how the Hawks were off to a good start this year and there wasn’t any reason to think it wouldn’t last, the dominant early narrative is that the Bucks and Lakers look really good.

But we’re rising, no doubt, and here’s hoping it continues. We could be getting a lot more press by the ASB, which, ironically, will be a true test of what these guys did or didn’t learn from last year.

[Parasite]

Been saying for a while this team has what it takes to get to the finals this year. But I’ve also been saying we need a buyout guy. We really need to see who shakes loose and think about grabbing one. For injury insurance if nothing else.

[Gant]

5 rookies played in that Cleveland game this afternoon. Their minutes ranged from 5 to 19. The high scoring rookie (with a modest 5 points) was Tremont Waters, who played those 5 minutes.

The Celtics now have the 3rd best record in the league at 22-7. The Lakers are in 2nd at 24-7, with LeBron possibly missing some time coming up. Leaguewide 2nd place is in reach.

The Celtics have some beatable opponents in the next 5: injured Toronto at home, at Charlotte, Atlanta at home, at Chicago, at Washington. Win them all and Milwaukee might be within reach too.

The Red Claws played today. They lost a close one. Tacko played and had 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 blocks in 23 minutes, while going 5 for 5 from the field.

[sam_I_am]

Does anyone else think it's kind of weird that the Celtics just... aren't getting talked about at all? Every statistical indicator suggests the Celtics have been one of the top teams in the league for the first half of the season in spite of struggling with health: top five on both offense and defense, third in winning %, third in SRS, with quality wins against good teams. Granted we benefited from lucky timing of playing some opponents with their own injury issues recently, but overall the Celtics are playing like a quality team and probably deserve some attention. Yet we have seen very light national media discussion, not much interest by general NBA fans online, etc. I'm not upset, I'm actually kind of pleased to slip under the radar, but I'm curious why this team is treated as not notable or exciting in spite of performance. Is it because our talent is more spread out instead of concentrated in marketable superstars?

I feel that the next 11 games will change the narrative. With almost all hands on deck except RW and only one scheduled loss ( PHI on second day of back to back ) ... the team is poised to go on a huge run. If early indicators of offensive rating when Hayward/Brown/Tatum play together are correct....January is going to be a huge month for the Celtics and there is a good chance they distance themselves from second tier teams and maybe even the Lakers and Clippers too.

Sam

I posted exactly this in my “next 14 games” thread before the Xmas game.

I projected a real possibility of 12-2 at that time (& 11-2 at this moment) with most likely losses on the road in the second game of a b2b VS Sixers & Bucks. If that occurs we will be 32-9 at precisely the half way point - and more than likely will have gained a little more separation from other good teams.

I saw that and wholeheartedly agree. Watching Tatum rack up a quick 24 pts in first half I couldn’t help but think of The Truth. Of course, when a young Pierce broke out and earned that nickname from Shaq he scored 45 pts in a half to beat the juggernaut Lakers on national TV! Anyway, this team is going to be tons of fun here on out!

[keevsnick1]

Does anyone else think it's kind of weird that the Celtics just... aren't getting talked about at all? Every statistical indicator suggests the Celtics have been one of the top teams in the league for the first half of the season in spite of struggling with health: top five on both offense and defense, third in winning %, third in SRS, with quality wins against good teams. Granted we benefited from lucky timing of playing some opponents with their own injury issues recently, but overall the Celtics are playing like a quality team and probably deserve some attention. Yet we have seen very light national media discussion, not much interest by general NBA fans online, etc. I'm not upset, I'm actually kind of pleased to slip under the radar, but I'm curious why this team is treated as not notable or exciting in spite of performance. Is it because our talent is more spread out instead of concentrated in marketable superstars?

The two main reasons are A) The lack of a true top 10 player type talent. Every other team in the conversation has one (Giannis, Embiid, Lebron/Davis, Kawhi/George). Its still really hard to win without that top flight guy. And B) The perceived weakness of the center position and that fact it might make a Bucks/76ers matchup a difficult win for the C's. If you dont have the best player, and you have an exploitable weakness, its hard to be seen as a champion contender.

Personally in a league that lacks a true juggernaut I think having 3-4 all star level guys might be good enough, even without an MVP level guy. But the C's have to prove it first.

[itrsteve]

absolutely not. he has 3 years at over 13 million per remaining on his deal. only way Boston even entertains Dedmon is if he's waived. and even then I think the general public worries about the Celtics Big-Man situation a lot more than the actual coaching staff and front office. Theis/Kanter/GWilliams has been a good trio. Williams/VPoirer will be back too.

Big truth.

It’s just tired narratives. Everybody sees Embiid and Giannis as the final bosses, so the only way to win is have somebody with a similar profile match them. It’s short sighted at best. They can be gamed for.

If Irving didn’t shoot us out of the series to end the season early, then last year would have been much different. We don’t have to play their brand of basketball. There’s other ways to win.

I’m starting to get pretty convinced that the finals are going to happen.

[Tyakack]

I am predicting it now....if healthy, the Celtics are going to the NBA finals this year. There isn't a team in the Eastern Conference that has 4 All-Star caliber guys at the top...and not only does Boston feature 4 All-Star guys, but those 4 guys mesh well. This isn't last season where the pieces didn't fit. Kemba, JB, JT, and Hayward all fit well together. Then you add in Smart, Kanter, Theis and young pieces that are improving....
The Celtics are crushing teams lately. They just seem to be getting better and better. I have a really good feeling about this team

Yeah, this is what I've been telling myself lately too. The only thing holding me back is I still don't think we match up well with the bucks and philly.. But, we have the talent to maybe overcome that in a 7 game series. The talent is there. The chemistry is there. I'm starting to slowly convince myself we may be finals bound if we can stay healthy. Certainly alot more of a possibility than I thought before the season.

[zoyathedestroya]

Just like this one famous dude said...



Believe it hard enough, we'll be hanging that 18th banner in no time.

Spoiler:

...then I'll be calling for Ainge's head the next time we lose two in a row.

[OldCeltics]

https://www.nba.com/allstar

Please vote for our boys!

[jmr07019]

Just playing around on NBA.com and I noticed the top 3 offenses take and make the most 3's per game despite being average at actually making them. Celtics are 4th best offense despite not being in the top 10 in 3 point attempts or makes. We should be shooting more 3's.

Offensive rating:
1. Mavs - 115.3
2. Bucks - 114.0
3. Rockets - 113.8
4. Celtics - 112.3

3 pointers made per game:
1. Rockets - 15.8
2. Mavs - 14.9
3. Bucks - 14.2
12. Celtics - 12.4

3 Point attempts per game
1. Rockets - 45.2
2. Mavs - 40.8
3. Bucks - 39.1
14. Celtics - 34.5

3 point percentage
8. Mavs - 36.5%
10. Bucks - 36.3%
13. Celts - 36.0%
20. Houston - 35%

[sam_I_am]

Just playing around on NBA.com and I noticed the top 3 offenses take and make the most 3's per game despite being average at actually making them. Celtics are 4th best offense despite not being in the top 10 in 3 point attempts or makes. We should be shooting more 3's.

Offensive rating:
1. Mavs - 115.3
2. Bucks - 114.0
3. Rockets - 113.8
4. Celtics - 112.3

3 pointers made per game:
1. Rockets - 15.8
2. Mavs - 14.9
3. Bucks - 14.2
12. Celtics - 12.4

3 Point attempts per game
1. Rockets - 45.2
2. Mavs - 40.8
3. Bucks - 39.1
14. Celtics - 34.5

3 point percentage
8. Mavs - 36.5%
10. Bucks - 36.3%
13. Celts - 36.0%
20. Houston - 35%

Great post. Smart, Carsen and Semi read the memo - some might wish they hadn’t. We need Hayward, Tatum, Theis and Grant to get with the program and let ‘em fly! Especially Hayward. Tatum could knock a few more down but at least he has upped his attempts this season.