Point, Counterpoint

by Jeff Clark on Apr 22, 2008 7:41 AM EDT in Boston Celtics Articles

After a full year of Rondo and the backups by committee, I'm still getting used to seeing Sam I Am out there on the court. I can't help but think of the phrase: "he gives you a different look" because Sam is the anti-Rondo.

Rajon is a 2nd year guy and Sam's got hundreds of years of experience. Rajon is a pass first guy while Sam is a shoot first, second, and probably third kind of guy. Rajon is one of the best defenders in the league while Sam is still learning where to stand in Thibbodeau's schemes. Rajon's personality is a peaceful stream while Sam's is a white water rapid.

None of this is intended to be a criticism of Cassell. He is what he is and he's won Championships and turned bad franchises around with his style. He's a very, very valuable piece to this puzzle. In fact, if you ask me, I think the glaring contrasts between Rondo and Cassell work in our favor.

It has the effect of giving our offense a different look and changing the pace. Think about the days when Tim Wakefield takes the mound, with that fluttering knuckleball that frustrates hitters for most of the day. When he's replaced by a flamethrowing reliever, the hitters have to make a huge adjustment. Ok, it isn't exactly like that (I know, stick to basketball Jeff), but you get the idea.

For instance, if a team used to fighting under the pick when Rondo has the ball (daring him to shoot - not always the best strategy, but it is the best they've come up with so far) the defender has to remember to fight over the pick when Sam is in the game, or he'll make them pay with open three pointers.

Sometimes the Celtics need a different look when one strategy isn't working. Or if one look is working, and you really want to confuse the other team's defense, sometimes throwing a different look at them mixes them up even more.

Of course the flipside is that you could upset your own team's rhythm and flow and let the other defense get back into the game. But that is what we have superstars for; to overcome those situations and to make it work. It is also up to Doc to make sure that the right combinations are on the court at the right moments.

Sam I Am is a different sort of cat, in more ways than one. The contrast between him and Rondo seems to be an effective combination. Sam gives us a different look and so far it is looking good.

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Comments

I wasn’t that excited about Sam since I felt Eddie House was passable at the point and a key member of the team chemistry. But, Sam has fit in and he’s knocking down his shot and there are still set pieces for Eddie.

As far as the future, I think Pruitt is going to be a player. If he is, Danny has done the somewhat impossible – traded our youth and re-stocked our youth. Powe, BBD, Rondo and Perk have many servicable (and maybe an all star in there)years ahead of them. And to think a year ago I was fearing the loss of Gerald Green. That’s why I have my day job.

by Wildblu1 on Apr 22, 2008 8:54 AM EDT reply actions

Quote from the 1970’s NBA Cool “Cat” aka Walt “Clyde” Frazier:

“Sam will shoot you into a game, or Sam will shoot you out of a game”

It better be the former and not the latter is all I have to say, or I won’t care what kind of a “cat” Sam I Am is. I will personally blow up his remaining 8 lives in a Celtic type Jihad. ;)

by Master Po on Apr 22, 2008 9:32 AM EDT reply actions

Well said Po. I am definitely an anti-Sam, and think House could have played the role that Sam is. He is a better shooter, and so if all Sam really gives you is shooting then it wasn’t really a benefit. Maybe they don’t press and trap Sam as much because of his veteran status, but that doesn’t amount to a whole lot. He is only effective when he is on the floor with the starters. It was sad to see House only getting garbage minutes. He didn’t deserve that. If we win a championship I live with it, but House is better than that.

by EJPLAYA on Apr 22, 2008 9:57 AM EDT reply actions

with sam as a sub, if he’s not hitting, put in eddie.do not keep rondo out too long in close games.

by nazzbo on Apr 22, 2008 9:58 AM EDT reply actions

Sam is here to do what Danny had in mind when he tried to get Reggie Miller to come back. He’s a vet with playoff experience who is able to hit big shots at key times. Since it was decided to just let Sam do his thing instead of having him adapt to the team he’s gotten the job done. I don’t think this has anything to do with Rajon or Eddie House. House might seem to be the odd man out, but I think we’ll see his importance as the playoffs progress.

by TrueGreen on Apr 22, 2008 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

Sam won’t shoot us out of a game; at worst, he’ll shoot himself onto the bench.

by Eeyore III on Apr 22, 2008 10:17 AM EDT reply actions

Rondo is young and healthy, and if we need him to go 40, he can go 40, but let’s hope that’s not for more than one or two games.

by clover on Apr 22, 2008 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

Po, po, po.

Chill, dude, chill.

by Woodstock Libertarian on Apr 22, 2008 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

What is the deal with Perk? Were his double double games just anomalies? I don’t get it! His baby hook shot looks very much like a BABY hook! Kinda gets to the rim and then kinda wobbles and can be easily blocked. Perhaps I am overreacting a bit? I wish Powe was a few inches taller.

by richardlight86 on Apr 22, 2008 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

LEON doesn’t need ….
HEIGHT.

LEON doesn’t need ….
SIZE.

LEON has all he will ever need already: a mean disposition, a pair of suction cup hands, and a bloodlust for the rim.

by dobbs on Apr 22, 2008 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

And when you say his name, you better damn well make sure its in all caps, because he demands it.

Madonna. Jack.
Ronhaldino.

LEON.

by dobbs on Apr 22, 2008 12:03 PM EDT reply actions

Richard, Perk is what he is and the main reason he’s made this little ‘jump’ this season is KG. When Perk’s next deal comes up, someone will overpay big time for him because they’ll overlook the KG factor.

Part of the reason KG deserves to be MVP is his impact on making Perk look like a good NBA center. Without Garnett he’s still a solid backup — at best.

by Kuberski33 on Apr 22, 2008 2:40 PM EDT reply actions

Gotta disagree WildBlue. I think your view of Pruitt is far too optimistic. I mean, really, what exactly has he done, even in absolute garbage time, that leads you to believe he has something special?
Is it his poor decisions?
His airballs?
Bad fouls?
Inability to guard a 2nd string NBA PG?
I’m just not with you. I think he’s gone next year personally.

by Bleedgreen on Apr 22, 2008 4:34 PM EDT reply actions

richardlight86 said:
What is the deal with Perk? Were his double double games just anomalies? I don’t get it! His baby hook shot looks very much like a BABY hook! Kinda gets to the rim and then kinda wobbles and can be easily blocked. Perhaps I am overreacting a bit? I wish Powe was a few inches taller.

I really didn’t want to get involved in this, but ignore the numbers and watch Perk play defense. Focus only on Perk. Then you’ll see the value he brings to the Celtics. Also, consider that if Perk took more shots he would be a better shooter. He doesn’t take alot of shots because that’s not his role. Perk is just one of these TEAM players who does what he’s supposed to and does it very well.

by TrueGreen on Apr 22, 2008 5:47 PM EDT reply actions

TrueGreen is spot on (phrase of the day)..Perk does all the little things…just notice how much Smith likes to crash the boards, when Perk isn’t in the game! He’s not the fastest or most talented center around but, he is a force..and he’s still a kid..

by Fastbreak on Apr 26, 2008 9:49 AM EDT reply actions