Should Brian Scalabrine Supplant Shelden Williams?
by Greg Payne on Jun 16, 2010 1:03 PM EDT
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Shelden Williams has played 18 total minutes through six games of the 2010 NBA Finals, and they've been sort of...um...disastrous.
So far, Williams's play has been defined by the fumbled passes, the failed attempts at rebounds, and a few questionable basketball decisions. Questions about the quality of his hands lingered all season, and so far in these Finals, those questions are being answered in the worst possible way. In particular, his brief stints have been highlighted by and will be remembered for two specific plays that people probably can't help but harp on.
First, there was the horrific inbounds pass at the end of the first half in Game 2 that was picked off by Kobe Bryant and turned into a three-pointer that cut a nine-point deficit down to just six. It was a horrible way to end what was an otherwise promising half for the Celtics, defined by Ray Allen's three-point barrage.
And then, last night, there was the blown dunk with 3:48 remaining in the first half. Cue the Candace Parker jokes.
In the larger scheme of things, those were just two plays, and every single player puts in the occasional bad play (see Rajon Rondo's seven turnovers in Game 5), but now, with Kendrick Perkins most likely out of the equation in Game 7, Williams could see more valuable minutes, because after all, every minute in Game 7 of the NBA Finals is valuable. And given the mistakes we've seen thus far, I feel the need to raise the question: Should Brian Scalabrine, who will most likely dress in place of Perkins, be awarded the minutes that might go to Williams?
The easy answer is yes, because, quite frankly, it would be incredibly difficult for Scal to be worse than Williams has been thus far. Both are listed at 6'9, so the Celtics wouldn't be giving up any height, and while both are below average rebounders, you'd have to figure Scal holds the edge in veteran savviness and would be less likely to commit unnecessary turnovers and make poor basketball decisions. We wouldn't necessarily be counting on Scal to produce, but instead, just not mess up. That's really all that it comes down to between these two players - who is more likely to not make a mistake and potentially cost the Celtics a bucket? Scal gets my vote, strictly based on what we've seen from Williams thus far. And if he scores a point or two, uses his fouls wisely, and happens to grab a few rebounds, all the better. Again, he can't be much worse than Williams has been. On top of that, in a series that has seen a lack of effort at times, playing an energy guy like Scal could actually go a long way, as the team that has made the most hustle plays has won every game.
Realistically, with one game remaining, Doc Rivers will most likely ride Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis, and Kevin Garnett for as long as possible. You'd hope those three could keep the Celtics above water, but if foul trouble becomes an issue, then a fourth big will be needed, and the minutes will probably be given to either Williams or Scal.
As fresh as Scal has looked on the sideline in those designer clothes and white, suede shoes, it's time for him to turn in the dinner jacket for the warm up jacket and provide the necessary spot minutes that will in fact matter in Game 7 tomorrow night.
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it's got to be scal
He’s fresh,but so should be williams,but Scal spaces the floor,and he has more toughness,and has played in bigger playoff moments,and yes won’t blow dunks 2ft away from the basket.
Because he can't dunk from two feet away...LOL
by Finkelskyhook on Jun 16, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Free Scal.
Mr. Air Intangibles
When Perk was asked what he thought of Howard winning the gold medal this summer, he responded: "What’s his impression of me after I won a ring?"
Yes, he should
I am a Shelden supporter, but it is time to activate Scals. He has played in the system longer .. .has totally stayed engaged with the team.
He got shafted in 2008 and so far in 2009, and he played his college ball in LA. I think he’s focused, pumped and ready to make a difference.
The whole reason he got his ridiculous 5 year contract from Danny Ainge was because of the tough hustle plays he made for the Nets in one of their playoff runs. Gotta go with Scal over Sheldon.
I am surprised
When I saw “Seldom” Williams play in pre season and the start of the regular season, I thought for sure he was going to be our Leon Powe. Still upset Powe had to leave and join the Cavs, but after watching Williams play, I though we at least replaced the talent. Now he back rims dunks and doesn’t rebound… WTF happened?
And people thought Sheldon was better than BBD...
That’s what shocks me more.
I feel like everyone was ripping on BBD early this year...
Last night was the worst BBD performance I can remember.
he did not play bad last night… 9 rebounds, 4 on the offensive glass, 2 blocks and a steal… he played hard…
Yes Baby played just fine
He only got one or two opportunities, not like in previous games when he was given 10 or more opportunities to make points. The ball has not be passed to him for a bucket since he had the 18 points in the 4th game. I find that mystifying, but feel that’s why he needs to be a starter.
Wow
I can’t believe that Williams is so incredibly bad that I actually have to give this some serious thought.
Scal is a good defender
And can sink some much needed 3s. Scal would be a great defender if he didn’t pick up fouls every time!
scal knows the rotations; williams doesn't
shelden williams did not lose last night’s game for us but he didn’t help either. then again no one did.
Scalabrine logical fit for Thursday
Scals is ready to contribute Thursday in what could be a wonderful historic moment—the second time we win a game 7 away from home against L.A. He would provide some space inside, would rebound desperately needed balls to open the floor up for Rondo, and could shoot the three when it comes up. He could be the Don Nelson of 2010.
Darn right Scal should play over Shelden
He’s smarter and has better hands. About the only really bad thing I can remember him doing was that one game during the regular season where he came in just to inbound at the end of the half (I think) and threw it directly to the other team. Can’t even remember who it was against. My memory and brain in general are very foggy right now operating on 5 hrs. of sleep and stewing about Game 7. But, yeah, Scal over Shelden for sure.
Well I assume Scal will dress anyway
Since it appears Perkens will be out, it opens up a spot on the 12 man roster. Than I assume Doc will use whom ever he thinks will fit better, Hopefully they will be able to get by with Sheed, Davis, and Garnett and not need to play either of these two.
Mike Dunleavy discounts the gravity of the Game 6 loss
In this morning’s, 6/16, Los Angeles Times guest columnist Mike Dunleavy pointed out: “Don’t read too much into Game 6 being such a blowout. It’s to be expected that the Lakers would come out with with an impressive performance…in a must-win situation. In fact, in many ways, the fact that Boston lost so badly might have been better emotionally for the Celtics than a close loss.”
If you listen to anything Dunleavy says - the general rule of thumb
is to do the exact opposite.
Play Scal
Sheldon shouldn’t be on the floor unless one of the teams is up 40
Well, first of all....
I garauntee Perkins will attempt to play. I’m guessing the only way he doesn’t play is if he can’t walk at all, or the team does not let him. Will he be effective? Probably not. He could however, give us some fouls and also allow Sheed to stay in his role.
To answer the question of who should dress between Scal and Sheldon, I say both. Why do we have Quisy and Finley both in uniform? Neither have played any meaningful minutes in this series. It would seem to me better to have as many big men in uniform for game 7.
you don't know how injured he is or isn't
All any of us know is what we saw, which can be debated until the MRI results are known. It seems to me Bynum has been playing on a tore up knee all playoffs. You think Perk being the tuff guy he is won’t give it a go? I don’t think so. I am willing to bet Perk tries play, regardless of what the team doctors say.
the thing with Bynums injury… the doctors said he cannot make it worse by playing so that is why he has played. It is not about toughness. Of course Perkins would be willing to play through pain, but he hurt different ligaments in his knee than Bynum. Some things you just cannot play through. I’m no knee expert, but what we saw from the play where Perkins was hurt looked much worse than the play Bynum got hurt.
Well... Looks like I was wrong anyways
Perk totally tore up his knee and is offically done. Damn!
I hate to harp on this
but boy how I miss Powe right now! Let’s just hope Bynum can’t go (which looks like the case) and get ready for an awesome fast paced, game 7! Go Celts! We can do this!
as a laker fan
this sucks. i hope perk can go.
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
To us winning is a tradition. We are victors and need not explain. You may hate us, but your girlfriends love us. - BC
As a Laker fan . . .
Now you Boston fans know what we’ve had to go through the past 3 years with Bynum. At least you have only 1 day & 1 game to mope around. You guys are toast tomorrow! Game 6 WAS your game 7.
most awkward dunk ever.....
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
To us winning is a tradition. We are victors and need not explain. You may hate us, but your girlfriends love us. - BC
by silverstreak3k on Jun 16, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I can already envision Scal hitting the game winning 3 in game 7 of the NBA Finals to end his career
that would go down as one of boston's best sports moments ever, here's hoping it comes true!
Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk
where has he been?
Didn’t he play a ton of meaningful minutes in the Orlando series last year? He wasn’t horrible. It has really been the only thing I could quibble about with Doc lately…and it never really figured to matter but now it does.
my vote is for scal, but
This would be the perfect spot for Leon. I miss Powe
by bdo3272 on Jun 16, 2010 2:26 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Yes, Scal should dress
EVEN IF Perk plays. Shelden is not ready to play in the Finals.
YES
As has been mentioned many times:
1. Spreads the floor
2. Solid defender
If the rest of the team hustles for rebounds and Scal plays in his role, we should be OK.
Ultimately, no matter who’s on the floor — if they want it, and play like they want it, we’ll be seeing the Duck Boats.
u beat your ass greg scale should get sheldons minutes this guy is about to be out the league at the age of 26 in not because of injury.. we should sign his wife 2 a 10 day contract maybe she can dunk when she’s wide open smdh. we will lose this game before we even start if sheldon in his warmups.. this shouldnt even be a hard decison for doc
John Hollinger
seems to think somehow that the C’s are better off without Perk. I couldn’t read the full article because I would never pay a dime for the espn insider subscription. Man, do I hate John Hollinger, what a Celtic hating douche bag!
Scal played well last year in the playoffs
Not great but he more than held his own. As he can make the 3, hell yes put him in.
god yes
i was a sheldon fan early in the year, but he has regressed terribly (i understand its hard when you don’t get to play much, but you can’t make the mental errors he has). sheldon can’t hold onto the ball. he doesn’t help in spacing the floor. he has had massive brain farts in games (like throwing the ball to kobe twice at the end of the half). scal plays hard, spreads the floor, and has a very high b-ball IQ. he’s a pesky defender as well. if williams gets minutes over scal in game 7 (and, let’s be honest, with perk out, one of them WILL get some minutes), i will throw something at my tv. and i love my tv.
Not a Celtics fan
But if Perk is out, I would go with Scal over Sheldon. Scal can at least provide range in the offense.
Good Luck tomorrow.
two words
resonable expectations.
How can you consider playing someone for game 7 of the Finals who hasnt played all year?
Scal should have been getting Sheldons minutes all year. The way in which the Celtics have treated Scal this year has been disrespectful.
agree with ya
start a player whos out of the 10 men rotation all year long and has not played a final game is a dangerous move
i’d say let kg/sheed/baby play more mins or play small for some time. scal isnt like an interior player any ways. put in sheldon early to fully use his 6 fouls
by friedgreentomatoes on Jun 16, 2010 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, that answers that
Torn MCL and PCL. No Perk. Just heard him say so in a presser on NBA TV. Hope our other bigs step it up.
Scal over sheldon
Scal is like tony allen okay as long as thier under control Doc knows how to keep both of them under control. If Doc yanks them out when they mess up they wont sulk because they are use to it. either one is capable of making a game changing play at any time. Sheldon is just taking powe place .we should have kept powe and had him for the playoffs. besides he much better looking even sitting on the bench.
scal
I think he had a brain concusion at one time. As far as sheldon playing maybe doc knock someone up and sheldon took the blame or kobe is going to let him be his houseman when the celts dump him at 6ft 9 he can wash the roof on the escalade. if he can hold on to the sponge ha haaaaa
How Do We Rebounds>
I don’t care if we play anyone at the 4 as long as the team rebounds,
We need 5 players hitting the boards and people BLOCKING out for the boards.
The team winning the boards is the Champion. Now that is Doc’s problem.
oh yeah it should be scal.
just think when they did not resign powe williams was signed to take his spot. and what did we get out of him was garbage. shit powe with 2 bad knees to me was better then signing this turd. scal is no stranger in the playoff wars he did it with the nets and with the celtics . i doubt scal will get much playing time unless sheed and baby get into foul trouble early but hell i would rather have stojko vrankovic coming off the bench then that bum williams .
lohaus #54
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choose the "lesser of two evils"....... :P
Yes, we have to go with Scal. We’ve been tru alot with him good and bad. I guess it would be his “Swan Song” before going to a coaching career.
How dis, we dress up both guys. Use Shellhead’s 6 fouls in the first quarter, rough up the opposite bigs. And we use Scal the rest of the way…..
Matchups
Scal could defend quite well Odom but i cant see him against Gasol or Bynum. I guess start KG and Sheed against Gasol and Bynum, use BBD as first from the bench and Scal only againt Odom (Odom plays a lot so it wont be difficult to find some minutes for him).
Use him in the first half (unless he plays too bad) to avoid some PF from the other 3 in the first half so we can use them at full at the end of the game.
I believe in The Switch
Scal will be playing tonight
Toucher and Rich had some info this morning that Scal is dressing and will most likely get some minutes. Doc was expressing the importance of his defense and had stated that Wallace will be starting for Perk.
Good. Ever carefully watch Scal play defense?
He clearly has been schooled well. He stays in front of his man and doesn’t go for upfakes. He a great help defender as well. He gets beat by better players but he rarely makes mistakes on defense. I have a lot of respect for that.
Scal absolutely
I feel bad for Sheldon, but he is not ready and needs more practice. It seems like he could become a really good player someday, but not now. Do not put him in there tonight. Scal knows what he’s doing, good bbIQ and has experience.
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