Boston Celtics: Worst perimeter defense in the league?

by Jason Whetzell on Nov 26, 2009 4:23 AM EST

The Celtics have proven they can't defend the 3 point shot. No one seems to have reported this fact so I figured I would say something.

Look at the Celtics first loss to Phoenix. The suns shot 13-24 (54%) from three point range.

Indiana shot 9-18 from three

Orlando 10-22

See the trend? On wins we keep the teams in the 35% range or less. For example Utah was 0-10 and we pummeled them by nearly 20 points. I can't say it is due to our defense and I would chalk it up to cold shooting.

Sure tonight we won (Nov. 26th), but just barely, and if the 76ers had Lou Williams and Brand active we probably would have lost. You know why? Because they shot 13-20 (65%) from three.

How come this issue has not been addressed? We would still be undefeated if we could keep every team at even just an average 35% three point shooting.

I hate to say it but maybe we need a better perimeter defender to replace Ray. Or (hopefully) the defensive scheme needs to change to address the 3 point shot more.

What do you guys think?

Poll

Why can't we defend the three?

Ray Allen's age is an issue

6 votes

Weak perimeter defensive schemes

15 votes

Too much help defense inside

14 votes

Something else

10 votes

45 votes | Poll has closed

Be respectful and keep it clean. Thanks.

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Comments

Yes

Our perimeter defense is a problem and must be remedied.

I think Walker can help us here alot when he returns to our roster, which I hope will be soon.

Daniels also has to be utilized at the small forwrd position more often against athletic quick small forwards, he is a great defender and Doc has to use him more wisely.

Also hopefully Ainge will make a trade using the expiring contracts of Scal and/or TA to bring in a small forward defender, one with size who can defend larger, stronger and athletic small forwards like Lebron etc..

by leothetiger on Nov 26, 2009 10:50 PM EST reply actions

Agree with you leothetiger......

Walker is a player we need to get on the court ASAP.

He is young, athletic and energetic and is just what this team needs.

Daniels is also athletic, energetic and young and must be used more often to defend against quicker, athletic small forwards who give Pierce trouble especially when he has to defend the perimeter.

I also agree Ainge must try to trade and get a small forwrd who can defend big, strong athletic small forwards like Lebron.

I also would like to see Hudson get more time as I think he is a super quick, athletic defender and can spell Allen when Allen is having trouble defending opposing guards.

by celtics #1 on Nov 27, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions

other teams

are getting lucky behind the arc

by basketblll on Nov 27, 2009 4:09 AM EST reply actions

agreed

People are ignoring the stochastic nature of the 3Pt shot. The Celtics have been getting tons of open looks from beyond the arc – and are just plain missing. Is that because the other team defended them well? No, they are just shooting poorly.

Conversely, in our losses, the other teams have been simply making those shots. It only takes 2-4 extra ‘made’ 3Pt shots to really swing an entire game.

Traditionally, the last two years the Celtics have given the perimeter to the opposition and denied the paint. That is the same defense they are using now. Over the course of time that is a better defensive strategy than trying to always run off every perimeter shot because over time, the shooting percentages for the three just aren’t high enough. It is better statistically to win the game in the paint. But once in a while the other teams will simply shoot the lights out and win from the perimeter. There isn’t really a lot you can do.

To me, far more troubling is the Celtic’s own reliance on perimeter shooting for their offense – while they HAVE been generally taken on open looks, they have been getting burned by poor shooting. They need to own the paint on offense as well.

by mmmmm on Nov 27, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions

agree.

some of this has been random noise, so far.

we are missing open looks and the opponent is making open looks. If sheed makes 5 more threes and the opponents aren’t so hot we are 13-2 or better and no one is complaining….much. Even if Ray is cold and all else is the same

So I agree that some small adjustments are needed and aren’t overreaction. I would try to urge Sheed to either pass more or get down low simply by pointing out to him the pace at which he is shooting threes far far exceeds his previous behavior. And you have to tell the group you are being hurt by the three both ways.

Posey was a very good perimeter defender and Rasheed isn’t. We simply need for Sheed and Baby to be additive to what we had, on d, two years ago and Quisy has to play the Posey roll on d. If Sheed can move back to his career 3 average he’ll fill the Posey roll on offense

there isn’t a lot to add to most of the smart discussions here. Still waiting for the team to gel, and shopw signs of having better rhythm.

by wahz on Nov 27, 2009 5:35 PM EST reply actions