Official Celtics 2022 Off-Season Thread

[Fierce1]

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ALL THE MORE REASON TO HATE ON THE GUY!!

But seriously this comes as no surprise. Horford and Smart (along with the coaching staff) are the primary reasons why this team has already established a defensive identity early in the season.

If the stats results in wins then I'm sure the Smart hate will start to dissipate.

The problem with Smart is he tends to screw up late in games.
Just like in the Dallas game.

In the win against the Cavs, Celts were leading by 1 point with 2:55 remaining in the 4th.
But Smart suddenly shot a step back jumper that missed.
Cavs had a chance to take lead after that Smart miss.

So why did Smart take that step back jumper when it was not a good shot?

If the Celts lost that 2nd game against the Cavs, the stats would still show how great the Celtic defense was with Smart on the court.

Smart plays great defense for 46 minutes then screws up in the last 2 minutes, that could turn a potential win into a loss.

Great stats must also result in wins.

The stats would be meaningless if it doesn't result in wins.

Right now the Celts are just a .500 team.

If the Celts start to win more games and go over .500, I'm sure the Smart hate will be less.

But if the Celts continue playing .500 basketball, the stats are meaningless.

[Bad-Thoma]

Tatum has been vomit inducing. Can't hit shots, terrible, dumb decision making, still whining to the refs. This team goes as far as he does. Idk what's happening but he needs to wake up cause this sh*t is bad.

For those looking for Tatum's shot:

Watch on YouTube

I laughed way too hard at that

[Celts17Pride]

Just don't get too attached to players. The Celtics with their $17+ million TPE, $9.5+ million TPE, all their future 1st round picks, vets on decent contracts and young players are set up for trading. I fully expect 4-6 players on the Celtics won't be here at the end of the season.

What would you think we're on the hunt for, positionally?

Shooting at any position probably SG/SF/PF maybe even PG

[Fierce1]

Just don't get too attached to players. The Celtics with their $17+ million TPE, $9.5+ million TPE, all their future 1st round picks, vets on decent contracts and young players are set up for trading. I fully expect 4-6 players on the Celtics won't be here at the end of the season.

What would you think we're on the hunt for, positionally?

Shooting at any position probably SG/SF/PF maybe even PG

I think the Celts should use the 17m TPE, ASAP, on a big man like Christian Wood or even Daniel Theis.

Then address the need for shooting on or before the trade deadline.

[playa-hater]

From an article today.. https://hardwoodhoudini.com/2021/11/15/boston-celtics-team-trade-aaron-nesmith/

part of the read:


Having shown flashes of serious potential as a legitimate NBA scorer during the latter parts of last season and absolutely shinning throughout this year’s Summer League and preseason, the former lottery pick was penciled in by many as a legitimate breakout candidate and even a potential competitor for a starting gig in the team’s first five rotation.


Now, while there are many who are simply chalking things up to Nesmith being yet another draft bust from the Danny Ainge era, there are others — ourselves included — who believe that his lowly start is more so due to his inconsistent playing time than anything else.


Averaging just 9.4 minutes per outing and seeing three separate coach’s decision DNP’s is by no means a quality way of getting a shooter, let alone a young player, the confidence and rhythm that they need in order to serve as a potential difference-maker.

For some reason, it appears as though the sophomore has been living rent-free in rookie head coach, Ime Udoka’s dog house seemingly as soon as the season began

-----------------------------------------------------

Yet some on here can't see that Ime is totally suffocating this kid. Using a Ime saying "it's totally mind boggling"

[playa-hater]

taging up that post, watching GS totally dismantle the Nets. Even when Curry sat in the 3rd, GS went on a 23 to 10 run. Everyone moves and everyone is a shooting threat. It's like watching a team from a different century compared to Boston..

[GoGreen]

taging up that post, watching GS totally dismantle the Nets. Even when Curry sat in the 3rd, GS went on a 23 to 10 run. Everyone moves and everyone is a shooting threat. It's like watching a team from a different century compared to Boston..

When you know how to draft, you have good teams. When you don't, you have the Celtics. Top heavy with a thin bench.

[Jammer]

taging up that post, watching GS totally dismantle the Nets. Even when Curry sat in the 3rd, GS went on a 23 to 10 run. Everyone moves and everyone is a shooting threat. It's like watching a team from a different century compared to Boston..

Well, along those lines, I am one of the minority who want to see Nesmith and Pritchard with three starters, but NOT SMART. Problem is, the way those two are shooting, do you actually expect Tatum or Brown to pass them the ball?

If Horford or Rob is at center, Tatum at PF, Nesmith at SF, and Brown or Richardson at SG, that leaves Pritch with teammates who can actually put the ball in the hoop. But Pritch and Nemsith are gonna have to make the open looks they'll get. Harder for Ime to justify the way those two are shooting unless he personally has faith in them, which from the looks of things, right now, he doesn't.

[Ben-N1ce]

taging up that post, watching GS totally dismantle the Nets. Even when Curry sat in the 3rd, GS went on a 23 to 10 run. Everyone moves and everyone is a shooting threat. It's like watching a team from a different century compared to Boston..

Curry hits more threes in a single game at least once a week..than the Celtics hit in a total game at least once a week.

[playa-hater]

taging up that post, watching GS totally dismantle the Nets. Even when Curry sat in the 3rd, GS went on a 23 to 10 run. Everyone moves and everyone is a shooting threat. It's like watching a team from a different century compared to Boston..

Well, along those lines, I am one of the minority who want to see Nesmith and Pritchard with three starters, but NOT SMART. Problem is, the way those two are shooting, do you actually expect Tatum or Brown to pass them the ball?

If Horford or Rob is at center, Tatum at PF, Nesmith at SF, and Brown or Richardson at SG, that leaves Pritch with teammates who can actually put the ball in the hoop. But Pritch and Nemsith are gonna have to make the open looks they'll get. Harder for Ime to justify the way those two are shooting unless he personally has faith in them, which from the looks of things, right now, he doesn't.

But the thing is, if a player hardly ever gets a chance, or a real one, and NEVER with the Js, how the hell is he or anyone wearing sneakers supposed to be productive? especially a young but promising one.

Nesmith already proved quite a bit ( 43% from 3) during last year's playoff run to finish the season.

Anyone who has EVER played the game, knows the coaches have a major role in making or breaking a players confidence. The only ones who don't see it are the ones who spent there entire life on the sidelines..

[playa-hater]

taging up that post, watching GS totally dismantle the Nets. Even when Curry sat in the 3rd, GS went on a 23 to 10 run. Everyone moves and everyone is a shooting threat. It's like watching a team from a different century compared to Boston..

Curry hits more threes in a single game at least once a week..than the Celtics hit in a total game at least once a week.

Yes but due to Curry's GOAT level I am willing to leave out his production. It's the whole team of role players who are all shooting threats and killing the league with this style.. And Klay is not even there yet.

[Parliament10]

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[playa-hater]

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I hope Schroder makes the all star game, so we can trade him for a lottery pick

[Half-Full]

taging up that post, watching GS totally dismantle the Nets. Even when Curry sat in the 3rd, GS went on a 23 to 10 run. Everyone moves and everyone is a shooting threat. It's like watching a team from a different century compared to Boston..

Well, along those lines, I am one of the minority who want to see Nesmith and Pritchard with three starters, but NOT SMART. Problem is, the way those two are shooting, do you actually expect Tatum or Brown to pass them the ball?

If Horford or Rob is at center, Tatum at PF, Nesmith at SF, and Brown or Richardson at SG, that leaves Pritch with teammates who can actually put the ball in the hoop. But Pritch and Nemsith are gonna have to make the open looks they'll get. Harder for Ime to justify the way those two are shooting unless he personally has faith in them, which from the looks of things, right now, he doesn't.

The trouble with playing Pritchard and Nesmith with the Jays is that they demand the ball. The second unit plays better when neither of the Jays are on the court, and Pritchard is in charge. A lineup of Pritchard, Nesmith, Romeo, Grant, and RWill or Horford is what I would like to see more of. Richardson in there instead of Nesmith if you want a bit more defense.

[playa-hater]

taging up that post, watching GS totally dismantle the Nets. Even when Curry sat in the 3rd, GS went on a 23 to 10 run. Everyone moves and everyone is a shooting threat. It's like watching a team from a different century compared to Boston..

Well, along those lines, I am one of the minority who want to see Nesmith and Pritchard with three starters, but NOT SMART. Problem is, the way those two are shooting, do you actually expect Tatum or Brown to pass them the ball?

If Horford or Rob is at center, Tatum at PF, Nesmith at SF, and Brown or Richardson at SG, that leaves Pritch with teammates who can actually put the ball in the hoop. But Pritch and Nemsith are gonna have to make the open looks they'll get. Harder for Ime to justify the way those two are shooting unless he personally has faith in them, which from the looks of things, right now, he doesn't.

The trouble with playing Pritchard and Nesmith with the Jays is that they demand the ball. The second unit plays better when neither of the Jays are on the court, and Pritchard is in charge. A lineup of Pritchard, Nesmith, Romeo, Grant, and RWill or Horford is what I would like to see more of. Richardson in there instead of Nesmith if you want a bit more defense.

yes the Js do.. at least the lanes will be more open.. have you seen how wide open Smart and/or Schroder and/or Grant Williams are?? (though Grant at least is making his shots..)

Looking closer at Nesmith's shooting.. last 20 games last season (playoff run) at 15 min per, Nesmith shot 50% FG and 42% 3FG.. a much greater example than a few minutes, some DNPs, in less games.

Nesmith absolutely "can be" a damn good shooter. Minutes = Rhythm = confidence = production = better team offense for sure. Add a dash of energy to this equation as well.

[playa-hater]

Re: Tatum playing the 4 man vs the 3.. Tatum when playing the 3 man will tend to have a smaller, but quicker defender on him. That in Tatum's case leads to a ton of fadeaways/long 2s, which will lead to less FT attempts and tougher shots.

Tatum at the 4 will tend to have a bigger but less athletic defenders on him. Might lead to more space as a 3 point shooter or more "down-hill" blow byes and likely more Fts..

would also help alleviate the crowd at the wing positions (Brown-J Rich-Romeo-Nesmith and often Smart) more playing time = more comfort for all.

** In theory ** more wings equal better switching as well.

Would help balance out both units better with either Horford or RW manning the units.

This is NOT to say the 2 Bigs should never play together. They can be good for sure in some situations..

I would have thought before the season all these lineups would have been a first and obvious choice..

[Hal14]

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ALL THE MORE REASON TO HATE ON THE GUY!!

But seriously this comes as no surprise. Horford and Smart (along with the coaching staff) are the primary reasons why this team has already established a defensive identity early in the season.

If the stats results in wins then I'm sure the Smart hate will start to dissipate.

The problem with Smart is he tends to screw up late in games.
Just like in the Dallas game.

In the win against the Cavs, Celts were leading by 1 point with 2:55 remaining in the 4th.
But Smart suddenly shot a step back jumper that missed.
Cavs had a chance to take lead after that Smart miss.

So why did Smart take that step back jumper when it was not a good shot?

If the Celts lost that 2nd game against the Cavs, the stats would still show how great the Celtic defense was with Smart on the court.

Smart plays great defense for 46 minutes then screws up in the last 2 minutes, that could turn a potential win into a loss.

Great stats must also result in wins.

The stats would be meaningless if it doesn't result in wins.

Right now the Celts are just a .500 team.

If the Celts start to win more games and go over .500, I'm sure the Smart hate will be less.

But if the Celts continue playing .500 basketball, the stats are meaningless.

Clearly you don't know how to interpret the stats presented to you.

The stat you're responding to is saying that so far this season, Smart has contributed the most on the team to winning basketball. Our record is .500, but it's not Smart's fault.

You seem to be making the mistake of picking 2 games out of the 14 games we've played. And you're saying that in those 2 games, he's made 1 bad play in each. Um, so what?

The stats don't make dumb mistakes like that. The stats look at ALL of the plays in EVERY game. Both offense and defense. During all 4 quarters. How many plays are awesome, how many are good, how many are neutral, how many are bad and how many are terrible. It factors all of that in.

You say that "If the Celts start to win more games and go over .500, I'm sure the Smart hate will be less." when in reality, what the stats tell us is Smart is the last one we should blame - regardless of the team's record.

[Fierce1]

Clearly you don't know how to interpret the stats presented to you.

The stat you're responding to is saying that so far this season, Smart has contributed the most on the team to winning basketball. Our record is .500, but it's not Smart's fault.

You seem to be making the mistake of picking 2 games out of the 14 games we've played. And you're saying that in those 2 games, he's made 1 bad play in each. Um, so what?

The stats don't make dumb mistakes like that. The stats look at ALL of the plays in EVERY game. Both offense and defense. During all 4 quarters. How many plays are awesome, how many are good, how many are neutral, how many are bad and how many are terrible. It factors all of that in.

You say that "If the Celts start to win more games and go over .500, I'm sure the Smart hate will be less." when in reality, what the stats tell us is Smart is the last one we should blame - regardless of the team's record.

Like shooting 27% from 3pt land is helping the team win a lot of games.

The stats don't tell the whole story.

Smart can play great for 46 minutes then cost the Celts the game in the last 2 minutes and the stats will not show that.

There are Celtic fans here who will tell you that they can easily remember 3 games, last season, off the top of their heads where Smart lost the game for the Celts.

You don't have to be a genius to figure out Marcus Smart's issues.

When you're shooting 27% from 3pt land and you still keep shooting because you truly believe that you're a great shooter then that's a big problem.

The stats don't show that.

Marcus Smart's issues is beyond stats.

[Curmudgeon]

Actually through the first 14 games Smart is at 37.5% and 31% on treys. Tatum is 38.6% overall and 31.6% on Treys over the same period. So there really isn't much difference between the two during that stretch.

[Fierce1]

Actually through the first 14 games Smart is at 37.5% and 31% on treys. Tatum is 38.6% overall and 31.6% on Treys over the same period. So there really isn't much difference between the two during that stretch.

https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/2990992/marcus-smart

Smart is averaging 35.8 minutes per game, 9.6 points per game and shooting 35% from the field and 27.5% from 3pt land.