Official Celtics 2022 Off-Season Thread

[playa-hater]

Yep. They both scored 9-14 from 3.
Hauser's been hitting 43% from beyond the arc, all year in the G League.

Hauser needs to gain his confidence in the regular NBA. He doesn't belong in the G League.

One thing I have noticed for years, is the Celtics tend to not give players much rope as opposed to other teams. There are some outliers, but no faith in the many they draft. Very puzzling.

To add to the puzzlement, when the young guys do get more playing time (15 minute or more), they acquit themselves well. Seriously, I can't remember a game where Pritchard, Nesmith, or Romeo got 15+ minutes, and they stunk it up. As for Hauser, he hasn't seen enough playing time, but I have faith that he would be OK. Just needs more PT.

I wonder if there is a breakdown on games where the 3 hit their 1st shot they play a lot more but when they miss their 1st shot they don't play much.

[zoyathedestroya]

One thing I have noticed for years, is the Celtics tend to not give players much rope as opposed to other teams. There are some outliers, but no faith in the many they draft. Very puzzling.

To add to the puzzlement, when the young guys do get more playing time (15 minute or more), they acquit themselves well. Seriously, I can't remember a game where Pritchard, Nesmith, or Romeo got 15+ minutes, and they stunk it up. As for Hauser, he hasn't seen enough playing time, but I have faith that he would be OK. Just needs more PT.

I wonder if there is a breakdown on games where the 3 hit their 1st shot they play a lot more but when they miss their 1st shot they don't play much.

Just a theory... Young players usually don't get yanked when they miss shots more than when they miss defensive rotations/coverage.

FWIW, three of the six games where Nesmith played more than 18 minutes, he missed all his threes. Langford had five games where he missed all his threes but played 20+ minutes.

I just think Ime just leans heavily on his vets as any traditional coach does.

[Hal14]

Read on Twitter

Wasn't 9-14 from 3 exactly Tatum's line too?

Yep. They both scored 9-14 from 3.
Hauser's been hitting 43% from beyond the arc, all year in the G League.

Hauser needs to gain his confidence in the regular NBA. He doesn't belong in the G League.

While I would like to see us give Hauser a shot, throw him in there and see if he can earn some rotations minutes off the bench, at the same I don't fully agree that "he doesn't belong in the g-league".

Keep in mind, there's some really good players in the g league. The Warriors have 2 guys they just drafted in the lottery (Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody) who have been in g league basically all season since the warriors have so many good vets on the team.

If Kuminga and Moody (drafted 7th and 14th respectively) aren't too good for g-league, than neither is Hauser. Hauser went undrafted.

Also, the guy many are comparing hauser too (duncan robinson) spent his rookie year in the g league where he shot the lights out and put up better numbers than Hauser in the g-league, yet it wasn't until robinson's 2nd season before he finally started to get non-garbage time minutes for the Heat.

In addition to Kuminga and Moody, lots of other talented rookies are playing heavy g-league minutes this season. BJ Boston, Keon Johnson, Sharife Cooper, jalen Johnson, Usman Garuba, James Bouknight, Josh Primo, Jaden Springer, Miles McBride, Josh Christopher, etc. All of these guys were drafted in 2021 - Hauser went undrafted.

[Fencer reregistered]

Celtics players who got big roles young include Rondo, Bradley, and Smart. That said, all three were quickly regarded as all-NBA defenders.

Pritchard also had a lot of opportunity as a rookie. That said, he was pretty old/experienced as rookies go.

I think both Williamses have been on pretty reasonable growth-in-responsibility paths.

And as noted above, Nesmith and Langford have both been hugely unreliable if you combine their health and their play. I'm actually an optimist about both of them, but it's hard to blame coaches for not relying on them.

[Parliament10]

Celtics players who got big roles young include Rondo, Bradley, and Smart. That said, all three were quickly regarded as all-NBA defenders.

Pritchard also had a lot of opportunity as a rookie. That said, he was pretty old/experienced as rookies go.

I think both Williamses have been on pretty reasonable growth-in-responsibility paths.

And as noted above, Nesmith and Langford have both been hugely unreliable if you combine their health and their play. I'm actually an optimist about both of them, but it's hard to blame coaches for not relying on them.

If memory servers me correctly, Rondo and Bradley did have some stints in the then D-League, their First season, respectively.
But, that did help them immensely. Rondo went on to become the Starter on a Championship Team.

Later, Bradley took over Ray Allen's spot (after Allen was injured) and never relinquished it.

Edit:
Rondo didn't do the D-League. Maine Red Claws weren't formed yet.
But, he was behind D. West and Telfair, his Rookie Year.

[Shak_Celts]

Celtics players who got big roles young include Rondo, Bradley, and Smart. That said, all three were quickly regarded as all-NBA defenders.

Pritchard also had a lot of opportunity as a rookie. That said, he was pretty old/experienced as rookies go.

I think both Williamses have been on pretty reasonable growth-in-responsibility paths.

And as noted above, Nesmith and Langford have both been hugely unreliable if you combine their health and their play. I'm actually an optimist about both of them, but it's hard to blame coaches for not relying on them.

Tatum year 1 and JB kinda because AB went down but more S2. They have given some guys play right away but mostly they stick with vets (as has been said). The only problem is, most of the other young guys who didn't play early/S2 are pretty much all off the team and/or out of the league tho. I think Rob is the only guy finally playing real minutes after a slow 2 seasons that Cs have kept. That is why I was so afraid it was a bad omen for Nesmith in season one but POPBO/CBS finally played him and he looked very promising. We have developed some guys (I guess, maybe they did it themselves), but I always feel weird when we don't see young guys get minutes as a Cs, history shows they get swept away eventually.

[Parliament10]

To add to the puzzlement, when the young guys do get more playing time (15 minute or more), they acquit themselves well. Seriously, I can't remember a game where Pritchard, Nesmith, or Romeo got 15+ minutes, and they stunk it up. As for Hauser, he hasn't seen enough playing time, but I have faith that he would be OK. Just needs more PT.

I wonder if there is a breakdown on games where the 3 hit their 1st shot they play a lot more but when they miss their 1st shot they don't play much.

Just a theory... Young players usually don't get yanked when they miss shots more than when they miss defensive rotations/coverage.

FWIW, three of the six games where Nesmith played more than 18 minutes, he missed all his threes. Langford had five games where he missed all his threes but played 20+ minutes.

I just think Ime just leans heavily on his vets as any traditional coach does.

No Question though, the Celtics have been holding their Younger Players back, for years. Doc was notorious for that.
While some other teams do allow their Rookies some more leeway. Though, that tends to be on Non-Playoff teams.

My initial point was, that the Celtics really didn't/don't need the "Baby-sitters".
As our younger players end up being the best options, in the long run.

Tatum, Brown, Smart, Rondo, Bradley, Rozier, Rob Williams, Grant Williams, Langford, Pritchard, Nesmith.
Maybe even Hauser and B. Thomas. -- That's almost a whole team.

Again, we didn't really Kyrie, Kemba, Hayward, and Horford (the first time). And we don't need some of the Vets, now.

[Feed Your Head]

Alright, now their defensive FG percentage, and the differential between the oppositions regular FG percentage.

Romeo- 39.7/-4.2
Rob- 41.6/-4.5
Tatum- 42.1/-3.0
Horford- 43.1/-3.1
Schroder- 44.2/-0.1
Smart- 44.7/-0.1
Jaylen- 46.4/+1.2
Grant- 47.1/+1.8
J-Rich- 48.1/+3.9

Romeo and Rob are beasts on that end.

[Ben-N1ce]

I wonder if there is a breakdown on games where the 3 hit their 1st shot they play a lot more but when they miss their 1st shot they don't play much.

Just a theory... Young players usually don't get yanked when they miss shots more than when they miss defensive rotations/coverage.

FWIW, three of the six games where Nesmith played more than 18 minutes, he missed all his threes. Langford had five games where he missed all his threes but played 20+ minutes.

I just think Ime just leans heavily on his vets as any traditional coach does.

No Question though, the Celtics have been holding their Younger Players back, for years. Doc was notorious for that.
While some other teams do allow their Rookies some more leeway. Though, that tends to be on Non-Playoff teams.

My initial point was, that the Celtics really didn't/don't need the "Baby-sitters".
As our younger players end up being the best options, in the long run.

Tatum, Brown, Smart, Rondo, Bradley, Rozier, Rob Williams, Grant Williams, Langford, Pritchard, Nesmith.
Maybe even Hauser and B. Thomas. -- That's almost a whole team.

Again, we didn't really Kyrie, Kemba, Hayward, and Horford (the first time). And we don't need some of the Vets, now.

Celtics have drafted bad and don't develop. The Bulls literally just threw their rookie in the fire at PG because of the injury to Ball and he's going off. He'd be the best PG on the Celtics already lol Celtics draft picks never do that...or never get the chance. Certainly not this year and they aren't even rookies..

[Floody100]

Alright, now their defensive FG percentage, and the differential between the oppositions regular FG percentage.

Romeo- 39.7/-4.2
Rob- 41.6/-4.5
Tatum- 42.1/-3.0
Horford- 43.1/-3.1
Schroder- 44.2/-0.1
Smart- 44.7/-0.1
Jaylen- 46.4/+1.2
Grant- 47.1/+1.8
J-Rich- 48.1/+3.9

Romeo and Rob are beasts on that end.

Surprised by Grant & J-Rich but I wonder if that’s because they’ve got the hardest defensive assignments ?

[Feed Your Head]

Alright, now their defensive FG percentage, and the differential between the oppositions regular FG percentage.

Romeo- 39.7/-4.2
Rob- 41.6/-4.5
Tatum- 42.1/-3.0
Horford- 43.1/-3.1
Schroder- 44.2/-0.1
Smart- 44.7/-0.1
Jaylen- 46.4/+1.2
Grant- 47.1/+1.8
J-Rich- 48.1/+3.9

Romeo and Rob are beasts on that end.

Surprised by Grant & J-Rich but I wonder if that’s because they’ve got the hardest defensive assignments ?

Grant gets caught on more mismatches than anyone on the team, besides maybe Rob. But Rob has that insane length and athleticism that Grant just doesn’t. He is good switched onto the perimeter, but it’s still relatively easy to finish over him in the paint.

J-Rich has been more of a good team defender than man defender, at least to the eye.

[Floody100]

Alright, now their defensive FG percentage, and the differential between the oppositions regular FG percentage.

Romeo- 39.7/-4.2
Rob- 41.6/-4.5
Tatum- 42.1/-3.0
Horford- 43.1/-3.1
Schroder- 44.2/-0.1
Smart- 44.7/-0.1
Jaylen- 46.4/+1.2
Grant- 47.1/+1.8
J-Rich- 48.1/+3.9

Romeo and Rob are beasts on that end.

Surprised by Grant & J-Rich but I wonder if that’s because they’ve got the hardest defensive assignments ?

Grant gets caught on more mismatches than anyone on the team, besides maybe Rob. But Rob has that insane length and athleticism that Grant just doesn’t. He is good switched onto the perimeter, but it’s still relatively easy to finish over him in the paint.

J-Rich has been more of a good team defender than man defender, at least to the eye.

Do you think it’s time we start Grant over Al ?

[Feed Your Head]

Surprised by Grant & J-Rich but I wonder if that’s because they’ve got the hardest defensive assignments ?

Grant gets caught on more mismatches than anyone on the team, besides maybe Rob. But Rob has that insane length and athleticism that Grant just doesn’t. He is good switched onto the perimeter, but it’s still relatively easy to finish over him in the paint.

J-Rich has been more of a good team defender than man defender, at least to the eye.

Do you think it’s time we start Grant over Al ?

So this is tough lol, I would. But on the other hand, the Celtics starting five now have a net rating of +21.5, which is INSANELY good.

I just think Al would be better in shorter minutes off the bench, at center.

[playa-hater]

Surprised by Grant & J-Rich but I wonder if that’s because they’ve got the hardest defensive assignments ?

Grant gets caught on more mismatches than anyone on the team, besides maybe Rob. But Rob has that insane length and athleticism that Grant just doesn’t. He is good switched onto the perimeter, but it’s still relatively easy to finish over him in the paint.

J-Rich has been more of a good team defender than man defender, at least to the eye.

Do you think it’s time we start Grant over Al ?

most of the world agrees,, Not Ime, Al or his sister maybe.

[playa-hater]

Grant gets caught on more mismatches than anyone on the team, besides maybe Rob. But Rob has that insane length and athleticism that Grant just doesn’t. He is good switched onto the perimeter, but it’s still relatively easy to finish over him in the paint.

J-Rich has been more of a good team defender than man defender, at least to the eye.

Do you think it’s time we start Grant over Al ?

So this is tough lol, I would. But on the other hand, the Celtics starting five now have a net rating of +21.5, which is INSANELY good.

I just think Al would be better in shorter minutes off the bench, at center.

some stats are so over rated.. Al was 1-9 and basically horrible. (most of the year as well.) But a +19 because Tatum went nuclear again with J Brown and RW as well.

Al coming off the bench also allows Boston to Not play Kanter as much and instead play more of Romeo-Nesmith J Rich etc.. vs Kanter.

[Floody100]

Smart
Brown
Tatum
Grant
Rob

Is the perfect starting 5 for us right now. Al’s doing a decent job for us starting at the 4 but we need that reliable knock down shooter from the corner when Tatum & Brown are out there & Grant’s the exact person for that role.

[zoyathedestroya]

Read on Twitter

[Parliament10]

Grant gets caught on more mismatches than anyone on the team, besides maybe Rob. But Rob has that insane length and athleticism that Grant just doesn’t. He is good switched onto the perimeter, but it’s still relatively easy to finish over him in the paint.

J-Rich has been more of a good team defender than man defender, at least to the eye.

Do you think it’s time we start Grant over Al ?

So this is tough lol, I would. But on the other hand, the Celtics starting five now have a net rating of +21.5, which is INSANELY good.

I just think Al would be better in shorter minutes off the bench, at center.

Totally Agree. Al wouldn't get burnt out as much either. Still a lot of games to play, and then the Post-Season.

Smart
Brown
Tatum
Grant
Rob

Is the perfect starting 5 for us right now. Al’s doing a decent job for us starting at the 4 but we need that reliable knock down shooter from the corner when Tatum & Brown are out there & Grant’s the exact person for that role.

Grant answers a lot of issues for us, at the 4. Al has played his part, and will get the credit as our main Starter.
But it's time to switch-up, going down the stretch.


Proposed Rotation, 2nd Half of 2021-22:
Starters: Smart - Brown - Tatum - Grant - R. Williams
Rotation: Pritchard - Richardson - Langford/Nesmith - Horford
Reserves: XXXX - XXXX - XXXX - Fernando - Kanter
Two-Ways: Thomas - Hauser
_______________________________________________________

Ballhandlers:
Smart
Richardson
Pritchard

S/Wings:
Brown/Tatum
Langford
Nesmith

Big-Men:
R. Williams
Grant/Horford
(Kanter)

Reserves:
Thomas
Hauser
Fernando

[Fencer reregistered]

Quoted for 3 reasons:

-- General take on Rob.
-- Additional support for my theory that Rob will never be traded as long as the team cares about keeping Tatum happy.
-- What I highlighted as a snippet of Tatum's mentality.

https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2022/01/26/celtics-kings-5-takeaways/

If — again, we cannot emphasize the word “if” enough — the Celtics take a step forward in the near future, Rob Williams’ contract could be the type of lucky break you often see as part of a perennial contender. Williams spent the first few seasons of his career often injured and foul-prone, but when he was on the floor, he showed incredible flashes that earned him a four-year, $48 million extension that kicks in next summer. Projecting out his per-36 stats felt overly optimistic, but it was an interesting exercise.

As it turns out, Williams actually is capable of producing some of the absurd stat lines his per-36 numbers suggested (albeit not every night). On Tuesday, the Kings were terrified of him around the rim, and he gobbled up 17 rebounds. Jayson Tatum, meanwhile, went out of his way to praise him after the game.

“I love when Rob plays,” Tatum said. “Obviously when myself and JB are out, other guys got to step up. But I just love when Rob plays.”

Why?

“When you’re driving in traffic and you gotta kick out, you can just throw it to the sky and he’ll catch it,” Tatum said. “You can pressure the ball a little bit more because you know if you get beat, he’s back there protecting. He’s just a lot more vocal now than in previous years and he’s always active.”

Williams is a potential star. Where his career goes from here will be fascinating, but his presence on the Celtics is an enormous boost.

[Fencer reregistered]

And from the same article, a flip view of our recent discussion of the theory "Tatum likes a slow pace and Brown likes a fast one, so they don't mesh."

That combination might be a way to unlock their potential together: One player who takes over when the game slows down and another who thrives when it is played at his pace, both complementing the other.

https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2022/01/26/celtics-kings-5-takeaways/