hookshot199 wrote:GreenTeamah wrote:As of right now y’all are the clearcut favorites, but this time last year Celtics were the clearcut favorites, by the trade deadline we’ll have a clear understanding because Milwaukee, Indiana or Boston could make a move that puts them right there with you
I don't think we're clearcut favorites. I think the Sixers and Milwaukee are basically equal. For us, much will depend
on whether Embiid and Horford stay healthy and whether Simmons is willing to take a shot. We still need a shooter
off the bench and a backup point guard who can shoot (TJ with a 3-point shot). Our roster isn't complete. I'm not too
worried about it - yet - but am antsy about picking up a veteran shooter, a guy like Korver.
For Milwaukee, if Giannis improves his mid-range and long-range shooting, they'll be formidable. They've got in my
opinion, the best backup point in the league in George Hill.
For Indiana and Brooklyn, it depends on when Oladipo and KD return and if they return at top form. For Toronto,
it depends on whether Kyle Lowry has another year.
The issue for the Celtics - and I live down the road in Providence - is lack of a starting center and, more generally,
lack of depth in the front court. Kemba will give you more stability at point, but let's be honest, Kyrie, without all
the psycho-drama, is a better player. Nevertheless, I'd go for stability after last year.
In addition to your front-court deficiency - you really needed to be the third team in a Butler-to-Houston trade to
get Capela - you've got Hayward. I realize C's fans think he'll have a better season - and you're probably right - but
he's not a good defensive player even if he continues his recovery. He's not quick and athletic. The Sixers are long
and athletic. He'll have trouble against us unless we leave him wide open. But unlike last year, we've now got
Horford playing the top of our zone and running people into Embiid.
And then Tatum, who will be a big-time shooter. He's not a creator. He reminds me a bit of Tobias Harris.
I still believe you have a better coach. He'll get the most out of your roster. Jaylen will be playing for a contract.
That's all good. But basically, I think your biggest team structural problem is at the 5. Losing Baynes hurt. And
Horford, assuming he stays healthy, was always one of the glue guys on your roster. You still have Marcus Smart.
Again, our roster isn't complete. And just like the Celtics, we're capped out, thus have to depend on signing vets'
minimums to complete it.
Re the Celtics not meeting expectations last year, you had too many of the same players - short 4s and athletic
2s and 3s. It was predictable that Jaylen Brown would be unhappy with his minutes cut as you tried to re-integrate
Hayward.
Just my opinion.