Is Our Savior Already Here?
by Jeff Clark on Mar 10, 2007 2:29 PM EST
in Boston Celtics Articles
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Watching this team lose 18 games in a row forced fans to look to the draft to bring us a player that would change the fortunes of our franchise. Lately, however, there is reason to believe that the star player we’ve been waiting to put next to Paul Pierce already wears a Celtics uniform.
If you could draw up a blueprint of the kind of player that would compliment Paul Pierce’s game, you would probably want a low post player. Someone that could score at will against single coverage (and some double teams) in the paint. Someone who can get to the line or pass out to open shooters. Someone that will be among the lead leaders in rebounds. Someone, in short, like Al Jefferson.
Now if you were adding a player just like that to this team through the draft, you’d still need him to get used to playing in the NBA and with this particular group of teammates. Jefferson has played with Pierce and other Celtics for almost 3 years now, and he’s still only 22 years old.
This is what we all hoped for when Jefferson was drafted. In a way, it has taken an epic journey to get us to this point. Epics are typically broken into 3 parts. The introduction, the tragic turn, and the triumphant return. (Think Star Wars or Lord of the Rings) The natural promise he showed his first year gave us hope. He even forced the Pacers to start double teaming him in the playoffs. This prompted the infamous Media Guide with his picture on the cover.Â
The second year was full of trials. Mostly due to a lingering and mysterious ankle injury. Doubt and quiet trade rumors started to follow Jefferson. He finally got healthy and worked on his conditioning and body in the offseason. He worked with new low post coach Clifford Ray and fans dared to hope for a better year.
The whole team started off the year poorly and Jefferson missed some more time early in the year. This prompted many to exclaim “here we go again.â€Â  However, he came back strong and when Pierce went down for several weeks, the team turned to Jefferson to step up and provide scoring. And step up he did. Al turned into a double double machine despite drawing the focus of every opponent’s defense.Â
Since Pierce’s return, Jefferson has exploded. The team has won 5 of its last 6 and Jefferson has averaged 25.8 points and 14 rebounds including two games over 30 points and none under 20 during that stretch. Pierce and the other Celtics are making an effort to get Jefferson the ball and in turn he’s continuing to pull down rebounds for them. Other players have also stepped it up since Pierce’s return, including Delonte West, Rajon Rondo, and even Brian Scalabrine. But without a doubt, the engine that makes this team run is Al Jefferson.
The timing of Jefferson’s emergence will most likely earn him quite a payday. He goes into the offseason with one year left on his contract and the team will be highly motivated to extend his contract. Given what Nene and Samuel Dalembert signed for in recent years, you can expect the numbers to be in the range of 9 to 10 million a year.  The team will need to consider this when considering their future cap room. That means that Wally’s contract will be an additional burden and we might want to consider hanging onto Theo Ratliff’s contract to get cap relief. In particular that flexibility would be needed if we intend to extend players like Delonte West (this summer) and even Gerald Green (a year from now).
This team is going to have a high draft pick one way or another. If that pick happens to be a top two pick and lands us a franchise player through the draft, it will be a fantastic development for the team. However, even if we lose the lottery, we have reason to believe that the team already has a franchise post player.
With a healthy Pierce and the arrival of Al Jefferson, this team is no longer the second worst team in the league, regardless of what the record says. I can’t wait to see what kind of team this will be heading into next year.
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After seeing Al perform in his first Vegas Summer League I predicted greatness (on the ESPN blog, and took a great deal of heat for my optimism)….a 15/10 player who would eventually top out at 20/10. I never expected this degree of breakout in only his third year.
While I feel good about recognizing his early talent I also predicted a rosy future for Perk with a projected ceiling of 12/14.
Thus far Perk has taken longer to reveal his eventual upside, always seeming to have his development set back due to injury. Perk still has “robotic” moves but on occasion seems to show glimpses of “fluid” movement.
I am truly impressed with the variety of evasive moves that Jefferson demonstrates on a nightly basis. The tutelage of Clifford Ray shows but even Ray didn’t have this arsenal of offensive tricks!
by moskqq on Mar 10, 2007 5:01 PM EST reply actions
even if you are [deleted] delusional and think that Al’s sudden emergence (a step below Dwight HOward) next to Paul Pierce has instantly transformed us into a 55-60 win team… there is still absolutely no reason for you to be rooting for victories during this next 21 games. It can only hurt our draft position. And again, assuming you’re borderline retarded and think you are looking at a 55-60 win team, wouldn’t it be nice to add a supernova talent like Durant (Who I project to average 24.5 points, 7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.52 steals, 1 block on 47% shooting as a rookie and be better than Pierce within the next 3 years) or Oden (who will be even better than Durant) to the mix? Wouldn’t that springboard our franchise into being a contender for the next 15 years?
LOSE BABY LOOOOOSEEE. Wins right now do nothing but hurt our potential future dynasty.
Great article Jeff. I agree that this team is nowhere near the second worst team in the league. Al’s emergence has put them on another level. I honestly believe that if Perk is healthy next season he will also emerge. I don’t think this team is doomed whatsoever if we don’t get the top pick. With the emergence of more of our young players, this team is only going to get better.
by FLCeltsFan @ CelticsBlog on Mar 10, 2007 5:19 PM EST reply actions
do you think we would be better with the line up of
rondo Rondo
pierce Pierce
green OR Green
durant Jefferson
jefferson Oden
by celts34 on Mar 10, 2007 5:25 PM EST reply actions
I think you pointed out the most amazing part of this whole Al emergence — he’s only 22. For some reason people are very quick to treat Al like he’s a young veteran; that’s why he was given such a hard time last year. Gerald, in contrast, is treated like the barely-out-of-high-school kid that he is; everybody’s patient with him — and rightfully so — despite the fact that he’s only one year younger than Al.
I also think that Al’s development drives home the point that these young guys, who are 21/22/23, make huge strides year-to-year during the early stages of their career. So in evaluating the Celtics’ prospects next season, even if they were to retain exactly the same roster, you have to account for the very real possibility that, for example, Gerald and Rondo will be completely different players next season.
So what you will about Danny, and he’s certainly made some questionable moves (the Telfair trade still makes me nauseous), but I have never been this excited about the Celtics (post-Bird). They suck this year, and I don’t even care. I’d rather watch a team that offers glimpses of greatness lose 60 games than watch a team that I KNOW will never win a title (like the Pierce/Antoine celtics) win 45.
by Roark on Mar 10, 2007 5:39 PM EST reply actions
He’s better than Kevin McHale was at the similar stage in his career
by BigAlBeezy on Mar 10, 2007 6:39 PM EST reply actions
Al’s emergence does suggest that, even with only mild improvements, this team could make the playoffs next year.
To seriously contend, though, they need at least one more star-caliber player. Perhaps they get him in the draft (Oden, Durant), or through trade (for Green, Ratliff, picks).
Next year should be fun, though. I’ll be surprised if they’re not around .500, which would feel great after this year.
For everyone rooting for the Celtics to lose and hoping/expecting one of the top two picks don’t be surprised if it doesn’t happen. Stats are often misleading, but fantakers take note. If you count the 6 games before PP got injured and the games since he returned the Celtics are over 500 for those games. They are a mediocore team at best don’t be surprised if they end up with the only the 4th or 5th worst record.
Scal has been “useful” and with the exception of his dismal performance last year, has earned his keep this year. Perhaps he, like the rookies, needed time to understand HIS role? While he lacks great athleticism, he gives full effort and his defensive contributions have been quite needed. He also comes with a high basketball I.Q. which is also apparent.
by moskqq on Mar 10, 2007 6:48 PM EST reply actions
We have reached a very precaurious and critical position now.. we know how good some of these kids can be but are they enough to win it all? the answer is no, even if we changes coaches the answer is no. What we have in front of us is a one in a generation draft that will produce some of the most talked about big men in a while and that when looking at the bigger picture has to play a role somewhere…
I am very happy at Al Jeffs development , i was very critical of him (call it tough love) , but he is just one more piece the 1000 piece puzzle that has yet to go..
Joe Johnson has now been shut down the hawks are headed further down , The griz’s action speaks for themselves , The Bobcats dont seem to want to splash out on FA just yet so another talented bigman they can pay measly amounts to for the next 4 years appeals to them , that doesnt leave alot of room for error .
We have our pride to restore but at the same time we have to restore the faith a whole city that after 20 years has lost alot of faith.
by havlicekstoletheball on Mar 10, 2007 6:48 PM EST reply actions
There are only three things that will put this team over the hump:
- A top 3 pick (I’m girding for the very real possibility of not getting Durant/Oden, and looking more realistically at a Noah, Wright or Horford)
- An offseason package-deal trade for a seasoned, borderline All-Star vet
- Dumping Doc
It wouldn’t hurt for Perkins and Allen to get healthy, particularly Perkins, but whatever.
In other words, Jeff, this team still has a long way to go, so the “wait till next year chant” still feels a bit tired this time around. Sorry to say it, but we’re still far away.
Love Big Al’s coming out party, though.
Al is our man for the future. I am so happy for him. especially since he gives Doc a lots of the credit. with a good pick and doc we will be a much better team next year.
by Freeease1 on Mar 10, 2007 7:57 PM EST reply actions
Now that Jefferson is in the bank, if:
1) Oden or Durant
2) Good coach
3) Allen recovers and resumes play
4) Gerald progresses, just to solid bench player
5) Health of Al, Pierce, etc;
Then:
Championship in 2-3 years.
by Austin Celts Fan on Mar 10, 2007 8:35 PM EST reply actions
Brikowski, couldn’t you root for the Knicks, the 76’ers, the Shia, the Sunnis, anybody who has another blog? Al is a joy ot watch now. Somebody else doesn’t have this modest, hard working, good teamate, scorer/rebounder. We do. I agree with the subject of this post. Saw today for the first time both Oden and Durant. Either would look good in green. But if we get Noah, that’s OK too. We have our inside/outside scoring covered. We need a high energy, defense first big man. I don’t think it’s Perk. He is no better than a back-up, as much as I like his pride etc. I think for me the missing piece is showing up – a winninig streak with a defense face that indicates that Doc can get through to his troops. Many reasons to be optimistic. Even you, Brikowski!
Celtic management needs to give out promotional St. Patrick coins with the inscription, “In Al we trust”. This is now Al’s team.
by bceltfan on Mar 10, 2007 9:10 PM EST reply actions
I don’t know about you, but I am petrified that Charlotte is going to beat us out to get the second most ping pong balls.
by smiggity on Mar 10, 2007 9:24 PM EST reply actions
Hopefuly he just stays injury free, an doesn’t start falling off.
by Michael on Mar 10, 2007 9:56 PM EST reply actions
I’m not comfortable with this kind of thinking because it might lead to complacency. As if great teams only have one big man who plays poor defense. I think we still need more pieces before we should feel comfortable with the depth on this team. We still need an athletic, defensive big man and a veteran PG. Those are not easily acquired and the draft can still be a huge step towards getting one of those two.
by obnoxiousmime on Mar 10, 2007 10:28 PM EST reply actions
I’ve always been optimistic about the Celtics’ young players. I’m squarely in the “no trade” camp. Trading players like Jefferson and Green would be insane, and so would trading the pick. They will get TWO good young players in the draft. I am a real Tony Allen fan, too.
They just have a crap coach who needs to be replaced.
I know you all will accuse me of blesphemy, but I think this Durany kid is way overrated. I think he’s too bony to excel in the pros. I’d rather have Oden or Noah instead.
by SoCalCeltic on Mar 10, 2007 11:40 PM EST reply actions
Perhaps I should proofread before I post hastily.
by SoCalCeltic on Mar 10, 2007 11:41 PM EST reply actions
So how is Durant overrated? Is it the pathetic 25 ppg thats hes averaging? How about the lousy 11 rpg? Or is it the fact that he has led a team starting 4 freshmes to a top 15 ranking, a high finish in their conference standings in a pretty good conference, and a good seed in the NCAA tourney?
Unbelievable.
by ucn33 on Mar 11, 2007 12:06 AM EST reply actions
Caveat: If I KNEW Perkins was going to be 100 percent next season AND have more of a career arc than he’s showing (injury or not), I might roll the dice and take Durant because a frontline of Perkins, Jefferson and Durant/Pierce and West/Durant/Allen would be outrageous. But Perkins is going to be what he is, a backup center, so it’s all the way with Durant. I fear we’re going to wind up with neither, but we still have a shot at a solid frontcourt helper in Noah, Wright or Horford, and that means something.
Here is a question for all of you Celtics gms/bloggers? I have looked at the 07’ free agent crop for centers and it is weak. So what do we do? We get the first pick we take Oden, fine without a doubt. If we get the second pick everybody seems set that Durant is the man. I am sold on his College ball and thats it right now. Big 12 in my opinion is not the ACC, big 10 or the SEC. What happens if we fall out of the top 3 and get pick 4 or 5? I am not sold on Wright of UNC and Noah has a motor that will not quit but he himself has a slight frame.
My suggestion and or question is what about the G-Town center? Hibbert. 7’2" 275 and something. Has been pretty good in the tourny and contributed big tonight in the Big east title game. I mean why not or trade the pick to Phoenix for some of their picks. They have three and they don’t need all of them and then start packing picks and youth for the one all-star available but at a position we don’t need.
by richardlight86 on Mar 11, 2007 12:48 AM EST reply actions
lets not write perkins off as just a decent backup centre at best.
He’s still VERY young
He’s been under an injury cloud for ages. Look back 6 months and people were really down on AL cos “he’s soft.. cant play with any pain”… and other BS. Then we found out he had a REAL problem in his ankle and it got fixed. Look at what has happened since.
Perkins is in the same system of coaches that created AL.
And, he is playing with and training against AL. Learning from other people is a great way to learn. I am not giving up on Perk just yet.
Every win makes the possibility of Durant or Oden more remote. Jefferson is a good player having a great string of games. He is not a franchise player. Please, stop the gushing and come back to reality. This team is horrible. We are not one player away. Or two. Or three. Pierce is gone sooner than later. Jefferson. Then? Gerald Green? Please. Rondo? DL at best (his shot is hideous, if you hadn’t noticed). West is the most overrated player on the Celtics. Perk is a stiff. Powe is undersized, at best a role player, and a good opposing coach can make him a liability at will. Just like Gomes.
Every meaningless win (and don’t trot out that nonsense that we are teaching the kids a winning attitude — a good coach will produce that out of the gate) pulls Durant or Oden further from our grasp. The lottery isn’t guaranteed, but with those two at the top, you’ve got to go for it. Especially if you’re the Celtics, who desperately need a superstar to build around.
Please, let’s get back to reality.
This team has a number of options going into this offseason…getting a top 2 pick ensures 10-12 years of dominant frontcourt play, but trading the pick if its outside the top 2 should yield a valuable veteran star contributor without the team giving up Al and even possibly Green depending on who the team persues…
Jefferson is a monster, but complementing him should be the major assignment for this organization, and I believe it is…
Great article Jeff. I love the play of Durant and the dominance that oden has demostrated but we have to consider that brandan wright, al horford, joakin noah or roy hibbert would be great additions. I really think that our future is on our hands not in the draft.
by SpanishCeltic on Mar 11, 2007 7:41 AM EDT reply actions
Al is a low-post plaeyr all the way, so why a center? An Athletic forward who could harrass the garnetts and Nowitkis of the world (Scal with Athleticis and a reliable shot lol!).
ps “this Durany kid is.. too bony to excel in the pros.”
Tell Tay Prince that!
by TenaciousD on Mar 11, 2007 9:15 AM EDT reply actions
Consolation prizes are for losers. We need Oden or Durant.
Yes, 10 – 15 other players would help but there not franchise players.
I haven’t seen much of Hibbert, but doesn’t he move a lot like Perk
To the guy who doesn’t think much of Durant, what are you watching? This kid needs one second to get his shot off and the defense can’t cheat off him. Do you think that might help a post player?
This Blog is so much better than the Globe!
People, if you wanna talk about a soft overrated player, Brandon Wright is it. He will NOT help the Celtics.
And for whoever said the Big 12 isnt the ACC, youre right. It isnt constantly the most overrated conference that plays absolutely no defense.
Hibbert may be a nice player, but hes very unathletic and his upside is limited. Id honestly rather take Aaron Gray (and yesI know Hibbert completely outplayed him last night).
by ucn33 on Mar 11, 2007 10:36 AM EDT reply actions
I still have not lost faith in Perk, and don’t buy this garb he’ll only be a backup center. I thihk you’ll see a major break through on him next year. I also like the bond that has developed with him and Al and that Al stated earlier that both of them are sticking around in the off season to work on their game. That said I’m in the Durant camp, I love this kids game. At ninteen he has plenty of time to fill out, and our trainers will make sure he does. Oden I’ll take for sure, but 1st choice I love Durant. Next I lean to Noah, my pick for finial 4 is Florida, love the maturity of this team. If we fall out of top 3, I would be in favor of sending pick to Memphis for Gasol. Hey just an opinion. LOL
by The Real Alaska on Mar 11, 2007 1:18 PM EDT reply actions
There’s 2 number 1 picks in this years draft. I’m guessing Oden goes first, Durant second. We are most likely stuck with the 2nd pick. Everyone knows this in the C’s organization, especially with Danny sitting next to Durant’s mother at last night’s Texas game(which Durant hit the game winning 3 in). Al Jefferson is Danny Ainge’s savior while this next pick will truly be the real savior to put us over the top with our talent. Either way, if you get Oden or Durant, you are getting a #1 quality pick. At first i was locked on Oden, but now that i am seeing that we are probably going to get Durant instead at #2 has made me thought of the great possibilities that he could provide for Al and Paul. If Durant plays the 3, there is no one on the opposing teams defense between the 2,3,4 position that could ever double-team. Durant would also be an NBA ready player that would have an immediate impact on our team. Defensively, i would feel sorry for any 3 that has to step up to a 6’10 Durant with a longer wingspan. Durant also provides versatility on offense with his height. He could play the 4, while Al plays the 5(which he has grown accustomed to), Green or Wally at 3, and Pierce at 2. We could always let Theo’s contract expire, and sign a center like Magloire this summer with Vin Baker’s money that is coming off the books to be our starting Center. Who knows, we just have to get this pick first….So yes this pick is our true savior.
If we do draft Durant, then say goodbye to Gerald (and hopefully Wally). I really like Gerald, but thats a tradeoff I wouldnt mind too much ;)
by ucn33 on Mar 11, 2007 4:00 PM EDT reply actions
I don’t see why that ultimately means goodbye for them….maybe Wally, but his trade value is at its lowest and he could be a good sixth man, and limited time off the bench might be best suited for his role and health. Green is Pierce’s backup which makes us deeper and sets good shoes for Gerald to try and fill in, in time. As i’ve always thought, Wally is a great 4th option on a good team. The waiting is starting to come full-circle….07’-‘08 might be the most exciting year since the 80’s, for us die-hards.
Ucn33, I see your point a little bit regarding the acc defensively. Overated is an extreme stretch. The Big 12 has never had the consistant strength of the Acc not even close. In fact my guess is that Durant is the biggest name to come along in a while. Oh wait a second, thats right who was Texas’s big man? What was his name? That 7 footer who was so big the the big 12 and busted out in the NBA. I really can’t think of his name. Thats right! Chris Mihm.
Lets think of the Acc players and hof’ers in the NBA? Don’t have enough fingers. You are right about Wright too soft won’t make it. Durant maybe nast absolutely but he needs to put on like 25-30 pounds to make an impact on the next level. You might question this and infact I am sure you will after reading some of your comments but Gerald has as good of a jumper as Durant does.
Durant is compared to a lot of players such as Garnett, Noviski(spelling) and Mcgrady. Non of them are speed demons. Listen he is nasty but we are going to get either the 1 or 2 pick so what do you do? Do you hope GG makes a jump in his third year and trade for some of Phoenix’s picks and try for a player like Law IV one of your Big 12 boys. Get rid of Telfair and make Delonte Sweat? What do you do?
No more cause for concern? Posters here are appointing Jefferson the future of the franchise, better than Garnett, better than Paul Pierce, better than KEVIN MCHALE. Which one of those four has produced an 18 game losing streak? Tony Allen is worth more wins to the Boston Celtics at this point. It’s terrific to see the kid working hard, achieving a certain level of success. But maybe try to stay level headed until he produces in some meaningful wins, rather than 25-12 games against the league table scraps at the ass end of one of the franchise’s worst seasons (just in time for his contract extension).
by otiredbeacon on Mar 11, 2007 5:26 PM EDT reply actions
I’ve consistently been optimistic that the Celtics have the talent here already to develop into a strong team. Because of the injury to Pierce, and the many other injuries as well this year, they haven’t progressed in overall wins and losses as much as I and many others expected. We remember how many made so little sense in being disappointed and shortsighted with Al Jefferson’s because of lack of visible progress last year and were looking to trade him (although he was probably adding to his NBA intelligence/experience while both sitting and playing with his health dificulties). Those that thought that way then, now look at the whole team’s lack of progress this year in much the same way. But individuals have progressed and the team is growing and learning how to play together. They are unlikely to have any better than the third worst record for their lottery chances, and if they are lucky and get a top two pick Red will be ordering a lot of cigars for the future up there in heaven. And even if the get merely a top five pick, they’ll bring in another piece for trade or play to make a emerging strong team even stronger.
by SteveZ from Edgemont on Mar 11, 2007 7:49 PM EDT reply actions
I am by no means a Big 12 fan…nor am I am a fan of Texas and their sleeze of a coach Rick Barnes.
However, I stand by my original statement that the ACC, while still a good conference, is among the most overrated conferences in the country. It is not the powerhouse conference it once was…and hasnt been for a few years. There are no FF caliber teams in the ACC this season.
Gerald has a very different type of shot from Durant. At this point, Durant is smoother, more polished, and a better all around scorer. He can score in the post against certain opponents, he has a very nice midranged game, even off the bounce, and his shot from deep is unguardable with his size and quick release.
Gerald on the other hand has the explosive athleticism that allows him to get his shot off against anyone. He is a good shooter from deep, and he has several little midranged jumpers and pretty floaters. I love his little pullup where he hangs in the air, waits until his defender falls, and with his soft touch hits the shot.
Both need to signicantly improve their ballhandling skills to be even more effective at the 3 position.
by ucn33 on Mar 11, 2007 8:44 PM EDT reply actions
OK Ucn33 agreed, however I still think GG deserves one more year before we give up on him. You didn’t answer my question though. That is what do you do if you don’t get the first or second pick? The free agent crop although full of stars, there are no players that would help up bec most are Pierce type of players. With once exception but Billups isn’t coming here. So what do you do?
I havent given up on GG at all. I love his potential and his attitude. He has a scorers mentality, and with some experience and tutelage under a good coach, he good be a 20 ppg scorer in 2-3 seasons. He still has a long way to go defensively, and needs to add additional strength and improve his ballhandling to be effective at the wing position. However, judging by how much hes improved from last year, he is definitely heading in the right direction.
The Cs really dont have the money to add that star through free agency, and therefore will even need to do it through the draft or via a trade. If the Cs do not get the top 2 picks, I would explore trading that pick for a guy like Ray Allen (and from what Ive heard he will most likely be available this offseason). It may mean giving up the pick AND Gerald, but for a proven superstar player in his prime who complements Pierce and Al perfectly, its a pretty good tradeoff.
There is no question that the Cs MUST do something BIG if they do not get one of the top 2 picks. Its about time Ainge makes a good trade…and if the Celts have another season of 25 or less wins, patience will wear very very thin with the fanbase/ownership.
by ucn33 on Mar 11, 2007 9:30 PM EDT reply actions
anyone that claims anything over kevin mchale doesnt know anything about basketball :)
by havlicekstoletheball on Mar 11, 2007 9:49 PM EDT reply actions
Ucn33 so we are in complete agreement that ownership is very much also to blame. Ray Allen, Allen Ray did a good job shutting him down during the Sonics game I mean he is still undersized but then again we do have Paul and Al so I suppose. Defensively he is worst then Gerald. I didn’t like him at Uconn.
by richardlight86 on Mar 11, 2007 11:11 PM EDT reply actions
Well, there has been some bad luck mixed in there, but right now ownership deserves much of the blame. Between the draft and potential trade possibilities, this is the last chance for this ownership group to do something MAJOR…otherwise, they will deservedly get canned.
Ray Allen is not a terrible defensive player. He isnt good at all, but not terrible. And at 6’5 he really isnt all that undersized for a shooting guard. Hes also a very smooth offensive player with a perfect stroke from the midrange and outside the arc. Pierce is more of a slasher with a good midranged game, and Allens outside/midrange shooting would open things up for Pierce to drive to the hole, and Big Al to post up inside.
As I said, a perfect complement for Pierce and Al.
Are you completely sold on Rondo as the point? I really like him, but until he develops at least SOME type of consistent shot (especially FTs), I have a hard time seeing him as a future starter on a very good team in this league.
by ucn33 on Mar 11, 2007 11:31 PM EDT reply actions
My early morning Bogg entry. Ucn33, am I sold on Rondo? He is the only pur point guard we have on the roster. I think this off season he should work on his 15, 18 and floater shot and of course ftws. His speed and intangables are second to none on the team. I like Marcus Williams as well but his speed doesn’t come close to Rondo’s. I would say you either keep West or package him with Theo’s contract or something.
I will say it again, we should if we don’t get a number one or two, look at Law from A&M. The kid has a tremendous amount of passion for the game. Last nights game proved that Rondo prob will be the point guard of the future. It also proved that Jefferson has a lot to work on but will be our future at the 4 not the 5 however, because he doesn’t have enough height. In Orlando Howard is there 4 not their 5 even though he plays some 5. I think Jefferson is going to be an all-star.
There were comments made that every good team needs an at least two all stars, well the Bulls made not win their 7 title any time soon but they have the third best record in the east and they lack even one all-star. Bye the way the east has a long way before it catched up to the West. last year was an anomaly in my opinion as well as when Detroit won it. The west is just good.
Dont forget that Law is an extremely clutch player as well.
I have come full circle…well almost full circle in reguards to my opinion on Rondo. I love his game and the effort he puts forth on both ends, but right now I cringe when he takes a jumper. He needs to develop some sort of a go to shot, or else defenders will be able to sag off him…taking away his penetration ability and reducing his passing effectiveness.
by ucn33 on Mar 12, 2007 4:10 PM EDT reply actions
Personally, I think he should start both in the backcourt (along with Pierce)…but this is typical Doc and his stupid bias about starting rookies/young players. Rondo has earned at least a chance to keep his starting job.
But this just yet another piece of evidence as to why Doc is unfit for the head coaching job of an NBA team. Hopefully, we will only have to suffer his coaching decisions through just the remainder of this season.
by ucn33 on Mar 12, 2007 9:26 PM EDT reply actions
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