Hey Jealousy
by Jeff Clark on May 10, 2007 5:02 AM EDT
in Boston Celtics Articles
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PrintYou know, I'm happy that we've got a chance to land one of the top 2 picks in a historic draft. I'm thrilled that we have a shot at one of 2 players that could change our team's fortunes literally overnight. However, I can’t help but feel jealous of the teams participating in what may be the most thrilling playoffs in recent memory (and we’re not even out of the 2nd round!).
Think about what we’ve witnessed already.
- An 8 seed (Nellieball) knocking off a 1 seed (the Dirk face) in 6 games!
- The defending Champs knocked off in round one
- Canadian Steve Nash looking like a hockey player
- Bulls vs. Pistons, just like old times
- And last night Derek Fisher played the role of the cavalry
It’s just going to get better as the stakes are raised. The Suns vs. Spurs series is like watching the finals early. The winner will have to deal with the Cinderella Warriors or the solid as a rock Jazz. Someone from the East (Detroit probably) is going to emerge. If we’re lucky, we might even see some heroics from LeBron before it is all over with.
And the Celtics are at home watching. We’re on the outside looking in. Our players are on vacation, working on their games, hoping to get back to the playoffs, praying that the guy we draft doesn’t take their spot. Celtics fans are detached and bored and missing out on the full effect of this wonderful postseason.
I’m jealous.
Even when the Celtics were losing in the first round a couple years ago, we learned a lot about our team. We learned that a weird core of Pierce, Walker, Davis, Payton, and LaFrentz was not good enough. We learned that Antoine Walker wasn’t a good long-term fit at all. We learned that Pierce still had some growing up to do (he has for the most part). And we even caught glimpses of how special Al Jefferson was going to be.
This year, all we’re learning is what workout program Ryan Gomes prefers. The draft lottery selection show IS our playoffs. Everything hinges upon that day. Despite what Danny and Wyc try to tell you, it is critical with a capital C. Win that lottery, and doors of opportunity are blasted open. Don’t win it, and we can only look forward to more uphill climbs and perhaps more seasons calculating lottery odds.
May 22 is still a dozen or so days away. So just sit back and try to enjoy the other teams playing in the playoffs.
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I think in the Indy series, we also learned Doc can get outcoached. This years playoffs are great so far but I still think last years were even better. So many game 7’s and overtimes there. Also the Mavs-Spurs series was one for the ages.
by orrzor on May 10, 2007 8:06 AM EDT reply actions
What we also learned then — what guys like Monta Ellis and even Dirk are learning now — is that there’s a difference between performing well in the regular season and performing well in the playoffs. When a team can focus their strategy exclusively on the other team in a seven game series, when players play each other in successive games, when it all really counts, the intensity ratchets up, everything becomes concentrated, and some guys step up while others crack. Guys only learn how to play in those conditions by doing it, so it’s imperative that we make the playoffs next year.
why has is just become assumed that either Oden or Durant will just instantaneously become a savior? I’ve been impressed with both, and I’d love to have a shot at Oden, but be weary of the hype. don’t we remember how Darco was supposed to transcend the game too? even if GO becomes SOLID soon, it may not put us over the hump (i.e. Yao Ming T-Mac = 0???).
libermaniac – before the playoffs started, i was hoping for Houston/Dallas. But the Utah/GS games have been phenomenal. Actually, all the western series have been great. But the Eastern playoffs. Probably because neither Cleveland or Detroit have even lost a game, yet. Detroit hasn’t even come close.
by Cullain on May 10, 2007 12:00 PM EDT reply actions
Envy is one of the seven deadly sins…..
by The Real Large James on May 10, 2007 12:46 PM EDT reply actions
Good article Jeff, I concur. Do or die with the ping pong balls. For some reason I have these bad dreams that we end up with Noah.
by bceltfan on May 10, 2007 2:05 PM EDT reply actions
Yes I hope we get the number 1 or 2 but if we don’t there could be somebody below that very talented. Example Deron Williams in Utah I believe he was a 4 pick. But if we get a 3 or lower pick I think you will see players traded and draft picks traded in a big way. There is so much pressure to win now but I think we will get the 1 or 2. When you see an outstanding talent like Oden and Durant and they are 18/19 they have a lot of pressure on them to be a big part for the franchise to become one of the best teams again. Pierce will help Oden or Durant if we get one of them but we need 2 veterans along with the pick or picks not matter what happens in the draft and anything can happen next year. So there is a very high possiblity for trades next year no matter what happens in the draft and who we get. We need veterans to go far in the playoffs and today’s veteran could be 27 years old vs 20-30 years ago a veteran was around 30 years old. On another note here are the number 1 picks for the last 4o years and 20 of them played centers either in College or the NBA.
Actually, envy is listed as the most serious of all sins. Never mind. Yeah, there have been some excellent games. No, it doesn’t bother me at all we’re not in it. Once we’re not there I don’t really care what happens, as long as the Nicks,Pat Riley, and the Lakers are all out.Soon, I won’t even watch. Also, Jeff, don’t be so either-or.We have some real nice players who are getting better and better. Let’s just see wha happens, OK. I really do have faith in Ainge.
If we get Noah, you will see a lot of fans filing into the Garden two by two.
by The Real Large James on May 10, 2007 4:09 PM EDT reply actions
Anyone who thinks the Celtics will get the first or second pick is fantasizing. However, what is even worse: if we do get the first or second pick, in the first preseason practice the pick will collide with the holder in perpetuity of the Walter McCarty Little Big Man Award and suffer a career ending injury.
by Celtsfansince55 on May 10, 2007 4:34 PM EDT reply actions
what happened to Nash’s nose? It looks like it was ripped off
by jurrasic earl on May 10, 2007 8:55 PM EDT reply actions
Earl, Tony Parker headbutted him unintentionally. It was a mess. No one caught on to the early 90’s rock reference in the post title?
by professorperkins on May 10, 2007 10:42 PM EDT reply actions
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