Could They Be Even Better?

by Jeff Clark on Oct 28, 2008 2:42 PM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Everyone is assuming the team will take at least a small step backwards if only because you can't go all out year after year and the team no longer has Posey for that extra experience off the bench. But there's one school of thought that says that at least the big three might be even better this year, which might more than make up for any negative influences. See these quotes from Bulpett's article in the Herald.

“I think they all will be better,” Rivers said. “They’re so comfortable with each other. They trust each other. The players trust each other now, and they trust the system. Last year they were learning that trust and this year they start the season with that trust. They’re back again and that’s an improvement. I think that’ll be one of our biggest improvements, not just the Big Three. Our starting five is back, so we should be better than we were last year because we should know each other better than we did last year.”

As good as Pierce, Garnett and Allen were last season, there was a certain feeling-out process as each, the former singular star on his team, moved into proper alignment on a team that had one goal: to win the NBA title.

Now they know better what they’ll be facing. They also know each other more completely.

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League Pass

Sorry this is off-topic, but is anyone else being told they can’t sign up for League Pass?

by Cousin It on Oct 28, 2008 2:52 PM EDT reply actions

FYI

tonight’s game is on TNT

not sure if that helps you or not, but I’ve never had issues with League Pass before, but I guess we’ll find out soon

also FYI: League Pass doesn’t show preseason games, so tonight will be the first games on

by Jeff Clark on Oct 28, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Better than last year? that would be scary.

by spinz on Oct 28, 2008 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

Yes

I have long been the minority opinion on this, but I absolutely believe they can (and will) be better this year than last year. Last year the team was trying to get on the same page, and (especially on defense) they were able to do that faster and better than anyone expected. But on offense, for much of the year they relied on individual talent to carry them. This year, when everyone knows their roles, I think that 10th place offense could move up closer to the top-5. And if that happens, while keeping the same defensive intensity, this team could be out-right scary.

by drza44 on Oct 28, 2008 3:32 PM EDT reply actions

I think they can be better too. However, the Eastern Conference is better, and every team will be gunning for them.

So I expect a less gaudy W-L record. That does not mean that they aren’t as good or even beter than last year’s team.

by Brickowski on Oct 28, 2008 3:40 PM EDT reply actions

I thought this last spring that the team would be better, but would finish with fewer victories. As long as there are no bad injuries, and the team enters the playoffs relatively healthy, they should win it all.

by amenhotep04 on Oct 28, 2008 4:05 PM EDT reply actions

Don't forget the "I" word

It all depends on injuries. If we stay as healthy as last year, we’ll be better. But in the NBA, injuries are the perpetual 500-pound gorilla in the room.

"People don't understand, if you can't live the rest of your life off one year in the NBA, you can't live off 21." -- Keon Clark

by Eeyore III on Oct 28, 2008 4:05 PM EDT reply actions

I was told that league pass sign up starts today, 10/28, and runs through 11/4 at the price of $169. After that it will be $189. League Pass has a free preview period until 11/4. The game tonight is on TNT. Hope this info is correct and helps you.

by thirstyboots18 on Oct 28, 2008 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

Ray Allen is going to rock the house

Ray Allen is going to rock the house. He was having ankle problems most of last year while he was trying to fit his skills into Doc’s style. He is over those ankle problems now and it took most of the year but he found a way to meld his skills into Doc’s system.

Ray’s play will be the single biggest improvement on the Celtics this year.

by ForexPirate on Oct 28, 2008 5:19 PM EDT reply actions

They can be better but the team could be worse...

Rivers said they will be better, and we can agree that by now they know each other better, and that they share the old feeling that comes from having fought together in the trenches.
However, we shouldn’t underestimate the fact that there won’t be two veterans like James Posey and P.J. Brown in the lineup, and that there’ll be Tony Allen and Patrick O’Bryant out there, two less smart players from a basketball IQ standpoint.

by Legend on Oct 28, 2008 5:37 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks for the info, Jeff and thirstyboots. Apparently, the problem is that dish network and league pass haven’t signed a contract yet, but are expected to shortly

by Cousin It on Oct 28, 2008 6:28 PM EDT reply actions

They will be better

The most overlooked factor in NBA team construction is how long teammates need to play together. Consistency = success. Especially with a team whose major strength is team defense. These players arent over the hill at all, despite the perception around the league. Thats just SNTS – Shiny New Toy Syndrome.

Of course, none of this guarantees playoff success – something that hinges on a few a plays and a healthy dose of luck – but they will certainly be one of the best teams in the league again, and I would be shocked if they werent the 1 seed in the East (barring a major injury).

by alskor on Oct 28, 2008 6:28 PM EDT reply actions