realball wrote:Blaze4G wrote:realball wrote:
Siakam missed 12 games to start the season, then a bunch more from covid. My point is that the whole injury covid excuse doesn't work for either of them.
And the Raptors have far more young players in their rotation than the Celtics, not to mention having Tatum, who is the best player on either team. You guys have Cs like Robert Williams and Al Horford, we're playing Scottie Barnes, Chris Boucher, and Precious Achiuwa at C. Guys like Pritchard and Langford have at least had some decent moments, the Raps have been playing 7-man rotations with Siakam/Barnes at PG because our bench players have been so bad.
It's really not debatable, the Celtics are definitely a more talented than the Raps, and far more balanced as a team. We just have a much better coach. I don't think many people expected us to be at .500 this season, while most people would have had the Celtics as at least a lock for a top 8 spot.
1. You were the one that brought up Siakam missed 12 games which is why I brought up Jaylen missing 14 games.
2. The average age of raptors starting 5 is 23....the Celtics (if you remove horford and put Grant Williams who have started several games) is 24....with horford it is 27.
3. If Tatum was playing at his usual level we would be much higher in the standings. Before past 2 games 1 would argue his level of play was below Siakam.
4. I cant believe you really mentioned Pritchard and Langford lol. Same Pritchard avg 5 points on 37% shooting? Langford 4.9 points? I might as well say Flynn and Justin have had some decent moments.
5. I already highlighted based on NBA stats the raptors have the worst bench and Celtics is 3rd worst. Although Raptors bench I must admit is substantially worse. Is dragic that bad?
6. I actually had raptors making the playoffs this yr as an 8 seed, above .500. Funny thing is my friend does a podcast and I stated this in December...so I can actually prove it lol. I wont lie, I had celtics ranked minimum 4th seed.
I agree with others here that if Pascal was on Celtics instead of Jaylen, it would work better. Likewise I think Jaylen would make Raptors better instead of siakam (with a healthy vanvleet of course).
1. No dude, YOU were the one who brought up Brown getting covid and missing games.
2. We would kill to have Horford or Robert Williams on our team right now.
3. That's kind of the point, Siakam is almost playing as well as Tatum, he's definitely a better player than Brown this season.
4. It should give you an idea of how bad our bench has been that we'd consider Pritchard and Langford an upgrade.
5. Dragic hasn't even played, he's been that bad.
6. How very optimistic of you. I had the Celtics as top 6 and the Raptors in the play-in. Then again no one saw the Cavs being this good.
1. Whoops it was other person that brought up Siakam missing games which is why I brought up Brown missing games in our discussion. Last season he had 1 motnh he average 26 and another month he averaged 27 points shooting 52% and 50% respectively. I for sure wouldn't say he is one of leagues best scorer but he has shown the ability to do it extremely efficiently.
2. To be honest, I havent been able to watch any NBA games lately, but from what I have heard, Al hasnt been good recently. Shooting 42%, 27% from 3, avg 7 points...I would take whatever barnes is doing over that. Rob Williams on the other hand is great.
3. Maybe I miscommunicated but I don't necessarily disagree that Siakam is playing better now but I think the margin is small and would rather Brown due to being younger and I think higher upside. Past month Brown is averaging 25.5 points on good efficiency, so its not like he isnt playing well...celtics went 8-5 in those games too....so not empty stats.
4. haha although I would disagree about it being an upgrade, I can see your point...raps bench is awful. I honestly think raps can make a run this yr (2nd round possible ecf although a long shot) with some bench additions.
5. I noticed, but he can't be worse than whoever else plays.
6. Severely disappointed with my team thus far....and I feel vindicated for my raps pick. When I said it on the podcast every single member laughed at me. Yep, cavs has been surprising...especially after sexton went down and they kept winning.