11/29 Game Thread: Celtics (9-7) @ Magic (8-8) 6PM EST

[Deadcellz]

What a great couple of games! I'm having to catch the games the morning after right now which sucks but it's great to see us dominating teams. Here's to this road trip!

Also reading back some of you poster's need to get a grip of yourself, if I was at the pub after a magic win celebrating and you started talking about the demeanour of players post game interviews I'd give you the nod towards the door

[JF5]

I hope Victor realizes that there is no I in Team. We are clearly a better team offensively and defensively since he has taken on this new role.

I understand that it is not what he wants, but I do not one a one man superstar on this team. I want team victories

Its not really about that... I feel its more of the fact Vic is just stuck in a mentality where he won't improve himself because he thinks his game is already Star quality. Notice on how he started the season going to the rim looking for fouls instead of actually finishing the play? That's the mindset of a star player. His Scoring/offensive game from an eye-test perspective hasn't really changed much (Shooting is worse, though his all-around game is just tremendous at this stage). He really needs to get to work on that part of that game or he'll end up being a Tyreke Evans instead of a poorman's Russell Westbrook/Dwyane Wade.

All in all I'm happy that he's playing better... But I personally feel that he can be much better than this if he would allow himself to learn. Taking the Kawhi Leonard route would benefit him a lot.

[tooler]

I feel its more of the fact Vic is just stuck in a mentality where he won't improve himself because he thinks his game is already Star quality. Notice on how he started the season going to the rim looking for fouls instead of actually finishing the play? That's the mindset of a star player.

This seems like a ridiculous read of the situation. To me it simply looked like he was pressing and trying too hard given that finishing and drawing fouls was the only thing anyone ever talked about. I think it's safe to assume he was telling the truth when he said he put work in during the offseason to learn to finish with his left and draw contact better. It's reasonable for him to get frustrated and discouraged when it wasn't working or he reverted to his old bad habits.

All in all I'm happy that he's playing better... But I personally feel that he can be much better than this if he would allow himself to learn. Taking the Kawhi Leonard route would benefit him a lot.

I always find it amusing when fans think NBA stardom is as simple as developing like Kawhi Leonard.

I'm willing to grant there may be something to the theory posted earlier that coming off the bench has forced him to focus, act less "goofy," and play with a chip on his shoulder. But I can't sign to anything in your theory. It gets zero traction with me.

[tiderulz]

I hope Victor realizes that there is no I in Team. We are clearly a better team offensively and defensively since he has taken on this new role.

I understand that it is not what he wants, but I do not one a one man superstar on this team. I want team victories

may be no I, but there is a "me"

[AddiFB]

I hope Victor realizes that there is no I in Team. We are clearly a better team offensively and defensively since he has taken on this new role.

I understand that it is not what he wants, but I do not one a one man superstar on this team. I want team victories

Not directed at Dipo, though

[Bensational]

I hope Victor realizes that there is no I in Team. We are clearly a better team offensively and defensively since he has taken on this new role.

I understand that it is not what he wants, but I do not one a one man superstar on this team. I want team victories

may be no I, but there is a "me"

And there's a "Victor" in "Victory"

[JF5]

I always find it amusing when fans think NBA stardom is as simple as developing like Kawhi Leonard.

I'm willing to grant there may be something to the theory posted earlier that coming off the bench has forced him to focus, act less "goofy," and play with a chip on his shoulder. But I can't sign to anything in your theory. It gets zero traction with me.

I'm talking about grasping all the elements of the game and adding it to your repertoire. Great, he's added drawing fouls to his skill-set... But don't let the rest of your offense suffer because of it.

What I do commend him for is improving his all-around game. He's easily one of the best in the league when it comes to being an all-purpose guy.

I just have higher standards for him because I see the immense talent/abilities he has. Just don't want them to be squandered away because he already believes he's a star player. That's why I want him to be on the bench, so he can adjust his game be the player that I and many other people on this board believe he can be.

[SD2042]

Funny to read the Celtics board comments. Boston should, according to them, never lose to such a mediocre team like the Magic, which are all scrubs. It's like they've never had a good look over their own roster. It's not like it's filled with stars...

Boston is about as mediocre and subpar like Philly was post Allen Iverson era when they turn the keys over to Andre Iguodala a few seasons back.

If Brad Stevens isn't coaching that team they are nowhere near the playoff hunt. Its smoke and mirrors. However, with all of the trade chips they have (most notably those 2 Nets picks) I'd be shocked if they don't make a big deal for a star at some point. They have more to trade than anyone else they just need the disgruntled superstar to trade for.... (Read: Boogie Cousins).

Although I've heard the DMC rumors to Beantown and such. I wonder even if DMC gets a new change of team and different atmosphere, will any of the changes help calm down his volatility and anger issues for the sake of the team? Especially for a young team like the Celtics.

[J the Drafter]

As someone who hasn't had the opportunity to watch games recently, it looks like the team is on track. I am, however, disappointed in the production we're getting from Tobias. He hasn't been putting up any single-digit ppg stinkers recently, but he should be good for 20+ a night. I'm reasonably sure his scoring will pick up as Skiles finds a way to optimize his usage in the new lineup, but right now the team seems to have consigned Harris to a lot of floating around the three-point line. It seems Skiles' offense is struggling to use Tobias since his game doesn't use a lot of ballhandling; he waits for the pass and makes his move. I wish the team would at least set downscreens to facilitate his post-ups.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Boston is about as mediocre and subpar like Philly was post Allen Iverson era when they turn the keys over to Andre Iguodala a few seasons back.

If Brad Stevens isn't coaching that team they are nowhere near the playoff hunt. Its smoke and mirrors. However, with all of the trade chips they have (most notably those 2 Nets picks) I'd be shocked if they don't make a big deal for a star at some point. They have more to trade than anyone else they just need the disgruntled superstar to trade for.... (Read: Boogie Cousins).

Although I've heard the DMC rumors to Beantown and such. I wonder even if DMC gets a new change of team and different atmosphere, will any of the changes help calm down his volatility and anger issues for the sake of the team? Especially for a young team like the Celtics.

I think his anger issue stem from being on a crappy team so going to Boston doesn't change that. Anyway, I'm glad we beat these wannabes' this was probably the easiest prediction for me of the season.

[seeingstars]

As someone who hasn't had the opportunity to watch games recently, it looks like the team is on track. I am, however, disappointed in the production we're getting from Tobias. He hasn't been putting up any single-digit ppg stinkers recently, but he should be good for 20+ a night. I'm reasonably sure his scoring will pick up as Skiles finds a way to optimize his usage in the new lineup, but right now the team seems to have consigned Harris to a lot of floating around the three-point line. It seems Skiles' offense is struggling to use Tobias since his game doesn't use a lot of ballhandling; he waits for the pass and makes his move. I wish the team would at least set downscreens to facilitate his post-ups.

Harris has been playing pretty well actually. He may not be dominating the ppg column but he's been efficient and stellar in first quarters getting our team on the right track to begin games.

[p0peye]

You guys are way too obsessed with individual accomplishments. This is a team sport and winning is only thing that matters. Being from Europe, I never cared what stats any of the players in Partizan had, it was always about how many championships we won. Of players, I remembered wether he played well and helped us win or not, besides occasional fun highlight move.

If we're not winning, then you change the coach or players. Sometimes both. Be it in Europe or NBA, a true fan should not complain when his team is winning. Let alone winning after years of bottom dwelling.