CelticsBlog: FanPosts

Dreaming the Celtics "Dream Team"

2013-05-22T21:13:17Z

What I'm going to write in this fan post is very unrealistic and will probably Never happen. Never ever. This is just something that's been a day dream in the back of my mind ever since I read Danny Ainge's talk about the Celtics future including Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Again there is no source of this and there will most likely never be one of this nature.

Before I mention my "dream team" team, I would like to say I feel like Ainge should be in the hot seat. He not only brought in 6-8 players last season who barely did a thing for this team to be able to contend for a Championship. He also mentioned after the season ended, to the crappy NY Knicks, that they're more than 1 player away from contending unless they picked up a "great player" in Free Agency. Management above him should put him in that hot seat. I also feel like Doc is putting him in that seat too. To me, I feel like Doc Rivers is contemplating whether to come back as a Celtics head coach. I think he wants to see what Ainge brings to the table without having Pierce and possibly KG not in the lineup next season.

Again, before I write this, there is no source and this is highly doubtful to actually happen. I 'm the last person who's willing to accept the Celtics future without the likes of Pierce and Garnett.

With that being said, here's my dream. Through my eyes, with Ainge being in the hot seat. He needs to make some pretty BIG moves this off season, plain and simple. For the time being, he starts waiving players including Wilcox and White for now. Next, he somehow makes a deal with the Clippers to move Pierce and Rondo as a sign and trade for Chris Paul. Before making the move, he tells KG the plans and KG just decides to hang up his jersey and retire a Celtic while Pierce feels like he can go another year before retiring a Celtic. With those moves opening some cap with the players waived. Then moving Rondo for CP3, Ainge decides to go even deeper. He finds a crazy way to sign and trade O.J. Mayo for Avery Bradley.

Stay with me now, after grabbing CP3 and Mayo for giving up Pierce, Rondo and Bradley. He looks to open more cap space and at the same time make a push in the draft. In another crazy manner, he finds a top 5 draft pick team willing to take Courtney Lee and Brandon Bass and the #16 pick to make that push for Nerlens Noel.

Stick with me for another minute, the dream is almost over. With all the moves being made and all the cap space opened, a BIG man looks at our team and calls Ainge. Mr. Dwight Howard enters the building. He finds a way to sign D12 to a nice contract to put him in a Celtics jersey.

So all in all, my dream ends with this Celtics "Dream Team" lineup..

Chris Paul / Terrence Williams

O.J. Mayo / Jason Terry

Jeff Green / Jordan Crawford

Jarred Sullinger / Nerlens Noel

Dwight Howard / Shavlik Randolph

Lastly this is a fictional dream with no sources of any kind. Just a simple dream that I (A Die Hard Celtics Fan) needed to get off my chest. Hopefully to anyone reading this understands this and feels the laughter.

Again, before I write this, there is no source and this is highly doubtful to actually happen. I 'm the last person who's willing to accept the Celtics future without the likes of Pierce and Garnett.

So all in all, my dream ends with this Celtics "Dream Team" lineup..

Chris Paul / Terrence Williams

O.J. Mayo / Jason Terry

Jeff Green / Jordan Crawford

Jarred Sullinger / Nerlens Noel

Dwight Howard / Shavlik Randolph

A look at Eric Gordon

2013-05-22T21:09:40Z

In the 3-point era of the NBA, only 9 guards have averaged 22 PPG at the age of 22. The list is comprised of Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, Isiah, Iverson, Stephon Marbury, Derrick Rose, Kyrie Irving, and Eric Gordon. Gordon’s company in the list makes it easy to see why Phoenix was willing to sign him to a 58 million dollar offer-sheet over 4 years. With this in mind, why wouldn't the Celtics jump at a trade to bring him to Boston?

The most glaring issue with Eric Gordon is health. He has played in just 107 of his teams’ last 230 games. To say that Gordon has been plagued by injuries is a gross understatement. His recent career has been defined by injuries. This presents the biggest risk in trading for Eric Gordon. Giving up pieces for a player who missed 53% of available games is extremely worrisome. Holding off on this concern though, assuming he’s healthy, would Eric Gordon be worth trading for?

To state the obvious, Eric Gordon is a very gifted scorer. He has a smooth jump shot with a quick release that leads to few of his shots being blocked. He good at catching and shooting off screens and very effective at scoring during transition. However, the majority of his offense comes through isolation and the pick and roll, where he is not quite as effective.

Gordon is a high volume shooter who dominates the ball. Using Hollinger’s ratings for Usage Rate, Gordon is one of 10 players to post a USG% greater than 27. Gordon himself ranks at #7 with a Usage rate of 27.8. Of these 10 players, Gordon ranks dead last in FG%, Turnover Ratio, and PER. He ranks ahead of only John Wall in TS% and EFG%. This gives a broad picture of inefficiency, so a more in depth look at his 2012-2013 shooting might be of use here.

His 2013 shot chart isn't terrible, especially if you enjoy the warm colors of subpar shooting.

Gordon takes about a third of his shots at the rim, making only 52%, which is very low for compared to his past seasons. The gaping wound that is the midrange area accounts for a little over 20% of his shots. For whatever reason, Gordon is steadily declining as a three-point shooter. He shot 39% in his rookie year and has fallen every year, landing at 32% in 2013. This isn't terrible, but it is a concern, especially considering he takes four of them per game (closer to 5 per 36 min.) The midrange disaster combined with the diminishing three point percentage is the biggest obstacle to overcome offensively.

To put it bluntly, scoring is all Eric Gordon can do. He doesn't produce many assists and needs to cut down on turnovers. Gordon is also a truly awful rebounder, even accounting for his position. He is undersized, but that isn't an excuse to post such mediocre rebounding totals. Defensively, he leaves a lot to be desired as well. Gordon has never played on a good defensive team, and it shows in his own statistics. The Hornets ranked 28th in Def Rtg this year. Gordon’s own Def Rtg falls below the bottom half for the team, which is a rough way to say it’s not very good. Using stats from Synergy Sports, his PPP allowed on defense is .91, which is about equal to James Harden or Ricky Rubio. Not exactly the comparisons you want being made about you defensively. While Gordon appears to be a bad defender on a bad defensive team, there is always a chance that playing in Doc’s system might turn that around. (Ignoring of course what the loss of Bradley and probably KG will do, which can't be overstated)

Some of this critique is unfair to Eric Gordon. He has only played for bad teams where he was required to be the number one scoring option. It is not a common, or easy thing for a player in this position to play efficiently. Also, given the lack of games he's played, there isn't a very large sample size to judge his last couple of years on. It is hard to predict what effect playing with Rondo could have on his game, or how the emergence of Jeff Green could affect his touches. However, judging Eric Gordon solely on the information available, he is too much of a liability to give up Bradley and Pierce for.

His 2013 shot chart isn't terrible, especially if you enjoy the warm colors of subpar shooting.

Reviewing the cast around Rondo (Part 3) Jeff Green addition

2013-05-22T16:08:07Z

Some say the evening sunset is the most amazing sight. I will say that watching a basketball player playing at their very best is something that most basketball fans believe is an amazing sight. Rondo has painted many sunsets through the years.There are always moments, games, plays embedded in my heart. When I’m asleep it always feels like I'm there in the moment.

The Big Four, and Big Three era has given many dreams, and many nightmares. Jeff Green made a lasting impression with me when he out played Lebron James for 47 minutes, until James hit the game winning jumper to give the Heat a 105-103 win in Boston. Jeff Green had an epic 43 points, and he showed us what he's able to do on any given night. Green was strong after that game. He did have some inconsistent stretches, but they didn't stick long. Instead of 4 or 5 games stuck in limbo with 8 points here, or 11 points there. Green would have one game here and there that set him back. Every player has games like that no matter how good you are.

It's still unclear if Green has become a player that the Celtics can fully depend on. I believe he is, but he still has one big test in front of him. Can he play with Rondo? Can he take the mantle from Paul Pierce? Is he on his way to becoming an All-star? Jeff Green is almost there, it's really up to him if he wants to take the next step. His confidence level is through the roof. So what issue is head of Green? Both Rondo and Green demand the ball to be effective. Green does have a nice catch and shoot three-point shot, and jumper. Plus Jeff Green is alley-oop catching machine.So they can make it work, but they need to build something together.

Jeff Green had a solid postseason, averaging 20.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists over six games against the Knicks.That's what they need from Jeff as regular season averages. Jeff Green in so many ways is a poor mans Lebron, but not when it comes to rebounding or defense, and not even passing. Green can score with so much velocity,and power,and his first step is amazing.

The 2013-14 season will determine Green's future in Boston. Jeff should be a bit better after being one year removed from heart surgery, his endurance and strength should be much better. I think Jeff Green could be the ace in the hole for the future. If Rondo and Green don't build something this summer. Then all hope is lost in my eyes. Rondo honestly needs to build relationships with every player that is in Boston for the long term. But nobody seems as important like Jeff Green these days. For our sakes, and Rondo's honestly. Lets hope Green is the perfect second option for Rondo. I hope he's Robin to Rondo's Batman.

http://www.celticstitletown.com/

New Trade Proposal: Avery Bradley/Jared Sullinger for DeMarcus Cousins...Paul Pierce via 3 team trade for Josh Smith

2013-05-21T00:22:20Z

It's well documented that Boston is not a top attractive destination for top free agents or top talent in the NBA. Most top players look for situations to play in warmer climates...So, why would Cousins thrive in a Celtics uniform unlike Sacramento? 1. Cousins wants to play for Boston...he has interest in becoming a Celtic and dawning that storied uniform and experience that Celtic Pride (this interest bucks the trend of top talent wanting to come to Boston)...2. He has a college connection with Rajon Rondo as a fellow Kentucky Wildcat and mutual respect exists between the two...DMC has never played with a PG like Rondo who is pass-first...makes everyone better on the court (this duo would be one of the best in the NBA). 3. In Boston exists one of the strongest locker-rooms you will find in all of the NBA to help mold and steer the big fella. 4. Doc Rivers, a players coach and leader of men and extremely skillful in getting players to "buy-in." 5. Kevin Garnett....need I say more?

To get somethimg great you often have to give something great or real, real good. I would hate to see Bradley and Sullinger go...they are excellent role players and young....but they are just that, role players. As much as I love them, they are not superstars in this league and alone cannot take the Celtics to Banner 18. Yet, they are good enough and have good value that if the possibility existed to trade Bradley and Sullinger for Cousins I would hope Danny would make the trade. I believe Bradley and Sullinger are more easily replaced than an all world talented center in this league.

The Truth, The Captain, Paul Pierce is Mr. Celtic and will always be a Celtic...I would love for him to finish his career in Boston. However, not thinking with my heart, it makes more sense finacially to try and trade him...for the future of the franchise. No one player is more important than the franchise...during the last trade season there was an effort to move Pierce and some trade partners were involved. If it were possible to revisit that deal over the summer I would do my best to make it happen to aquire Josh Smith. Another top talent who WANTS TO COME TO BOSTON that would help put the C's back in contention for a championship...he would succeed in Boston for many of the same reason listed for Cousins...and a frontcourt of KG,Cousins,and Smith would be amoung the best in the league. Or KG could come off the bench allowing Green to be the staring 3 and Josh at the 4 with cousins at the 5.

To round this out, I would look into trading Lee/crawford for Tony Allen via sign & trade to lessen the blow of losing Bradley. If in fact OKC Amnesties Perk, he would be a Target as well to get on a minumum deal. Brandon Bass would still be there for depth at the four or maybe transition to the back-up 3 spot behind Green and I would look at a good point guard in the draft to back up Rajon Rondo...Not a perfect team, 3-point shooting would still be lacking somewhat outside of JET and Green...but the C's would well on their way to competing for Banner 18. With a young and experienced core of Rondo, Green, Smith, and Cousins...the Celtics I believe would be favorites in the East for the forseeable future...where the Celtics should be.

Starting 5: Rondo/Allen/Green/Smith/cousins...
bench: Garnett/Perkins/Bass/Terry/Draft Pick

Say what you want about DMC, "crazy, headcase, bad locker room guy" but...DMC is probably the best center in the NBA and certainly has the biggest up side/talent. DMC can do it all at the 5 spot and there is not a center in the league that he would be over matched by...and he is only 22/23 years old. He is a player that a franchise can build around...but ofcourse to harness that incredible talent and upside DMC has to be in the right situation. Boston...is that situation... It's well documented that Boston is not a top attractive destination for top free agents or top talent in the NBA. Most top players look for situations to play in warmer climates...So, why would Cousins thrive in a Celtics uniform unlike Sacramento? 1. Cousins wants to play for Boston...he has interest in becoming a Celtic and dawning that storied uniform and experience that Celtic Pride (this interest bucks the trend of top talent wanting to come to Boston)...2. He has a college connection with Rajon Rondo as a fellow Kentucky Wildcat and mutual respect exists between the two...DMC has never played with a PG like Rondo who is pass-first...makes everyone better on the court (this duo would be one of the best in the NBA). 3. In Boston exists one of the strongest locker-rooms you will find in all of the NBA to help mold and steer the big fella. 4. Doc Rivers, a players coach and leader of men and extremely skillful in getting players to "buy-in." 5. Kevin Garnett....need I say more? To get somethimg great you often have to give something great or real, real good. I would hate to see Bradley and Sullinger go...they are excellent role players and young....but they are just that, role players. As much as I love them, they are not superstars in this league and alone cannot take the Celtics to Banner 18. Yet, they are good enough and have good value that if the possibility existed to trade Bradley and Sullinger for Cousins I would hope Danny would make the trade. I believe Bradley and Sullinger are more easily replaced than an all world talented center in this league. The Truth, The Captain, Paul Pierce is Mr. Celtic and will always be a Celtic...I would love for him to finish his career in Boston. However, not thinking with my heart, it makes more sense finacially to try and trade him...for the future of the franchise. No one player is more important than the franchise...during the last trade season there was an effort to move Pierce and some trade partners were involved. If it were possible to revisit that deal over the summer I would do my best to make it happen to aquire Josh Smith. Another top talent who WANTS TO COME TO BOSTON that would help put the C's back in contention for a championship...he would succeed in Boston for many of the same reason listed for Cousins...and a frontcourt of KG,Cousins,and Smith would be amoung the best in the league. Or KG could come off the bench allowing Green to be the staring 3 and Josh at the 4 with cousins at the 5. To round this out, I would look into trading Lee/crawford for Tony Allen via sign & trade to lessen the blow of losing Bradley. If in fact OKC Amnesties Perk, he would be a Target as well to get on a minumum deal. Brandon Bass would still be there for depth at the four or maybe transition to the back-up 3 spot behind Green and I would look at a good point guard in the draft to back up Rajon Rondo...Not a perfect team, 3-point shooting would still be lacking somewhat outside of JET and Green...but the C's would well on their way to competing for Banner 18. With a young and experienced core of Rondo, Green, Smith, and Cousins...the Celtics I believe would be favorites in the East for the forseeable future...where the Celtics should be. Starting 5: Rondo/Allen/Green/Smith/cousins... bench: Garnett/Perkins/Bass/Terry/Draft Pick

Sounds crazy but we should trade our 21 year defensive pitbull for a halfway decent big man

2013-05-19T17:42:52Z

I know everyone wants to trade Rondo. He has been in the league seven years and this point guard still shoots free throw like a drunk Wilt Chamberlain, he has a temper like Pekovic going through roid rage, and has the consitency of well, something inconsistent (I ran out of something witty to say).

Despite all of this, Celticsblog readers still consider him the best trade asset we have next to Paul Pierce's expiring contract. They are willing to trade him even with the next closest thing to a point guard that we have is a 22 year old shooting dribble who can't dribble, can't pass and can't shoot. Why?, because he plays all-world defense.

I like Avery Bradley as much as the next guy but he is a 6'2" shooting guard who also happens to be a streaky shooter at best. The lack of shooting was the major difference in this year's team. Without Ray Allen, the defense never shifted and the team could never get into their motion sets. When we lost Ray Allen and Paul Pierce's and Brandon Bass's shooting dropped off, the most consistent shooter became Garnett. Defenses packed in and we were toast without any consistent inside game.

I am yammering on too much. So, this is what I propose. We should trade Paul Pierce for picks and a decent young player like Alonzo Gee. we would need to add Sideshow Bob to make the money work and we would still get a trade exception. Cleveland has four picks in this year's draft. Would you really want to add another rookie to that roster. Paul Pierce can fit in to that unit and excel but my bet is that he would just get waived and he would be free to join a contender.

Now, what do we do with Avery. I say, trade him to Minnesota as we sign the big and burly pekovic. this gives them incentive to take in the contract of Bass or Courtney lee which is a just a redundancy with Sully. Of course this leaves a gaping hole at the two spot. This is where the Cleveland picks come in. I think the celtics should pick Sergei Karasev.

Projected as a small forward, he has all the tools to become a decent shooting guard. has decent range. Can create off the dribble if the defence closes up on him. Excellent length at a height of 6'7" and wingspand of 6'10" he has the potential to be a very good defensive player. He is an excellent scorer despite his lack of athleticism( which is why he has fallen in the draft). He would be eaten up by Athletic 3s in the NBA but should be able to use his length and size to do well against NBA SGs not named Kobe or Dwyane Wade. He has also led the top league in Russia in scoring at JUST 19 years of age. Check out the video from DraftExpress, he hardly missed. Imagine, he has been doing this against grown men in the top russian league. Scary!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wX8pNcC1eU

. ISo you have a lineup of:

Rondo/Terry/Twill/veteran pointguard(shaun livingston perhaps?)

Karasev/Lee/Terry/Twill

Green/Gee/Karasev/Lee

Garnett/Sully/Green/Randolph

Pekovic/Dieng/Randolph/Melo

This is a pretty long post but thanks from reading. I dont go a day without reading celticsblog. Tell me guys what you think. I maybe crazy but this just might work in keeping us in title contention ala 2004 Pistons. What do you guys think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wX8pNcC1eU

. ISo you have a lineup of:

Rondo/Terry/Twill/veteran pointguard(shaun livingston perhaps?)

Karasev/Lee/Terry/Twill

Green/Gee/Karasev/Lee

Garnett/Sully/Green/Randolph

Pekovic/Dieng/Randolph/Melo

Any chance of something like this happening?

2013-05-19T02:26:43Z

Not sure if this would work salary wise or anything, haven't really dug into that. Just more of a thought than anything...

Bos Gets: Tyler Zeller, 2013 Lottery Pick, (Possible Filler)

Cle Gets: Paul Pierce, Fab Melo

If Cleveland ends up out of the top three or four in the lottery, their likely target Porter may be gone. Acquiring Pierce would be the perfect fix for that, also bringing veteran experience to a young team. Melo could prove to be a suitable backup to Varejao, at least in years to come. At the same time however, Cleveland could very well not want to move Zeller and keep him with the young group they're already developing, especially with concern over Varejao's health going forward.

The Celtics, if this trade could work, would have a young center who seems to be developing well enough to assume a starting center role. With the lottery pick, the Celtics could chose to take another prospect center like Olynyk, Len, or Zeller. However, Len is considered a project by many, Olynyk doesn't provide the defensive or rebounding skill the team needs, and Zeller may be more affective in the NBA as a floor stretching power forward. A backup point guard could also be drafted, with highly touted prospects at the position like Trey Burke and MCW projected to go in the early/mid lottery. If Zeller was acquired, drafting a pg may be the route to go.

Anyone think or know whether this trade could work as far as salaries and everything else goes? Seems like it may be a good trade for both teams.

Not sure if this would work salary wise or anything, haven't really dug into that. Just more of a thought than anything...

Bos Gets: Tyler Zeller, 2013 Lottery Pick, (Possible Filler)

Cle Gets: Paul Pierce, Fab Melo

Anyone think or know whether this trade could work as far as salaries and everything else goes? Seems like it may be a good trade for both teams.

Trade Proposal: BOS / SAC Avery Bradley/Jordan Crawford/Fab Melo for DeMarcus Cousins

2013-05-19T01:18:29Z

First of all, I'd hate to see Bradley go...but last trade season when there were trade rumors about DMC and Boston, the belief was that it would take Avery Bradley to be a center piece of A deal in order for DA to get it done. I would hope this offseason if this deal was a possibility DA would pull the trigger. Say what you want about DMC, but he is a game-changer...and as a part of the Celtics he would change the entire Eastern Conference...there is not a center in the entire east that could handle him...and DMC and Garnett on the floor at the same time would be RIDICULOUS!

Should Chris Wilcox Get Another Stint With The Celtics?

2013-05-18T16:16:59Z

Chris Wilcox is the only free agent the Celtics have to offer to the NBA this offseason. Wilcox has already expressed his desire to come back to the Celtics but that's only half of what's necessary. The Celtics' front office has to also want Wilcox back as well, but has Wilcox given the Celtics a good enough reason to sign him again?

One thing that I think Ainge has to consider with Wilcox is his health. Chris Wilcox has been a victim of the injury bug for the last 2 seasons, playing 89 out of a possible 147 games during that span. Wilcox had to deal with the heart surgery that took him out for the whole season last year, and a thumb injury that made him miss half of December and almost all of January.

Another thing that I think Ainge should consider is Wilcox's offensive abilities. The Celtics are a jump shooting team, and have been for a few years now, but Chris Wilcox works very close to the basket, and finishes very well around the rim. Wilcox has only taken 9 shots out of the paint, during the 2012-2013 season which I think is essential for a primarily jump shooting team, he's a legit presence in the paint. His effectiveness though is strictly limited to the amount of minutes he plays.

The major question that I've always asked was "Why doesn't Chris Wilcox get more playing time?". For someone who could've led the league in FG% if he qualified, you would think that he'd be given more minutes. Wilcox scores at the most efficient rate in the NBA, but he doesn't get much playing time not only due to injury woes, but because of his subpar rebounding.

Centers that have played a minimum of 40 games, and average a minimum of 10 minutes, have a total rebounding percentage of 15.6%, while Wilcox sits at 12.8%. These same Centers have a defensive rebounding percentage of 21%, while Wilcox is at 17.3%. These same Centers finally have an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.3% while, Wilcox is at 8.1%.

Wilcox is also a subpar shot blocker, but i'd say he plays pretty solid defense. Out of the players that have played a minimum of 800 minutes on the Celtics, Wilcox has the 2nd highest defensive rating on the team, behind only Kevin Garnett. His opponents also have an eFG% of 51.4% against Wilcox, which is right around the league average for centers which is 51.3%.

The fine folks over at ESPN gave Wilcox a season grade of D+, saying that Wilcox was never able to find his niche in the system this season, and the play of Shavlik Randolph has essentially made Wilcox expendable. After all, Ainge was willing to part with Wilcox in the deal that brought in Jordan Crawford, but Wilcox's contract allowed him to veto the deal.

Should Chris Wilcox be signed to another one-year veteran minimum deal? Or should the Celtics just let him walk?

Idea: Big Al for Lee/Bass/Crawford and 1st Rounder

2013-05-17T13:58:28Z

I know Al Jefferson has been raised many times already, but humor me here. Utah is way under the cap next year and has mostly forwards on the roster. If they are truly not resigning Al, then getting assets in a S&T is smart move, obviously. Lee/Bass/Crawford matches in salary and gives them 2 guards that can play. Bass has been up and down but clearly has some value. The #16 pick I think makes this very attractive to Utah.

Next year we start Rondo / Bradley / Green / Sully / Big Al

Bench - Pierce / Garnett / Terry / Wilcox

I think this is a good deal for both.

Super Second Rounders

2013-05-16T11:59:25Z

With the draft coming up, I thought it'd be fun to check out players that miraculously made the NBA picked from the second round. 2nd rounders are generally regarded as throw away picks, the expendables, odds are impossibly high that they'll even make a career as 13th guy off the bench.

To my surprise though. I found a decent number of players picked in the 2nd round that not only made the NBA, some became starters or even borderline stars commanding salaries of 10 mil or more. Here is a list of names that stand out going as far back as 2002:

2002 Draft:

35th Pick Carlos Boozer - Starter for Bulls

56th Pick Luis Scola - Starter for Suns

2003 Draft:

47th Pick Mo Williams - Former starter for Cleveland, key bench player for Clippers

51st Pick Kyle Korver - Starter for Atlanta

2004 Draft:

31st Pick Anderson Verejao - Starter for Cleveland

44th Pick Trevor Ariza - Starter for Wizards and key bench player for Lakers during their championship runs

2005 Draft:

33rd Pick Brandon Bass - Starter for Celtics

36th Pick Ersan Ilyasova - Starter/Bench for Bucks

40th Pick Monta Ellis - Starter for Bucks

45th Pick Louis Williams - Starter for Atlanta before MCL tear, won NBA 6th Man Award

56th Pick Amir Johnson - Starter for Raptors

57th Pick Marcin Gortat - Starter for Suns

2006 Draft

47th Pick Paul Millsap - Starter for Utah, now a free agent

2007 Draft

31st Pick Carl Landry - Former starter on other teams, key role player for Golden State

35th Pick Glen Davis - Starter for Orlando

48th Pick Marc Gasol - Starter for Memphis, won NBA Defensive Player of the Year

2008 Draft

31st Pick Nicola Pekovic - Starter for Timberwolves

34th Pick Mario Chalmers - Starter for Miami

35th Pick DeAndre Jordan - Starter for Clippers

36th Pick Omer Asik - Starter for Houston

45th Pick Goran Dragic - Starter for Suns

2009 Draft

No starters, too early to tell

2010 Draft

No starters, too early to tell

2011 Draft

No starters, too early to tell

2012 Draft

No starters, too early to tell

This was eye opening to say the least, I didn't expect this many starters. The last 4 years talent wise have looked real scarce though. Still, you never who'll break through with time.

But there are already a ton of names from 2009 to 2011 that aren't in the NBA anymore. Second rounders are still mostly busts. If you have the right talent scouts and can pick just ahead of most, you can still strike gold, you just also need a HUGE amount of luck.

2002 Draft:

35th Pick Carlos Boozer - Starter for Bulls

56th Pick Luis Scola - Starter for Suns

2003 Draft:

47th Pick Mo Williams - Former starter for Cleveland, key bench player for Clippers

51st Pick Kyle Korver - Starter for Atlanta

2004 Draft:

31st Pick Anderson Verejao - Starter for Cleveland

44th Pick Trevor Ariza - Starter for Wizards and key bench player for Lakers during their championship runs

2005 Draft:

33rd Pick Brandon Bass - Starter for Celtics

36th Pick Ersan Ilyasova - Starter/Bench for Bucks

40th Pick Monta Ellis - Starter for Bucks

45th Pick Louis Williams - Starter for Atlanta before MCL tear, won NBA 6th Man Award

56th Pick Amir Johnson - Starter for Raptors

57th Pick Marcin Gortat - Starter for Suns

2006 Draft

47th Pick Paul Millsap - Starter for Utah, now a free agent

2007 Draft

31st Pick Carl Landry - Former starter on other teams, key role player for Golden State

35th Pick Glen Davis - Starter for Orlando

48th Pick Marc Gasol - Starter for Memphis, won NBA Defensive Player of the Year

2008 Draft

31st Pick Nicola Pekovic - Starter for Timberwolves

34th Pick Mario Chalmers - Starter for Miami

35th Pick DeAndre Jordan - Starter for Clippers

36th Pick Omer Asik - Starter for Houston

45th Pick Goran Dragic - Starter for Suns

2009 Draft

No starters, too early to tell

2010 Draft

No starters, too early to tell

2011 Draft

No starters, too early to tell

2012 Draft

No starters, too early to tell

This was eye opening to say the least, I didn't expect this many starters. The last 4 years talent wise have looked real scarce though. Still, you never who'll break through with time.

"The Fix" (without sacrificing PP or KG)

2013-05-13T23:02:59Z

CelticsNation, lets be honest with ourselves. Even if every player on the roster came back next year 100% healthy, Boston is only the 4th best Eastern Conference team. We all know that the Pierce/Garnett era is still capable of glory, but drastic changes have to be made. Here is what's needed to make the Celtics return to contender status, without having to trade our heros.

Trade for all-star caliber interior scoring. Jump shooting teams don't win championships (regularly).
Rebounding. Rebounding. Rebounding. More possessions = Higher scores.
Starting backcourt that combines for at least 30 ppg. Rondo/Bradley won't cut it.
Bench Scoring. All championship teams have it.

Trade for Ty Lawson and Pau Gasol. http://twitter.com/tyreecook/status/334063947030339584/photo/1

PG. Lawson/Terry

SG Bradley/Lee

SF Green/Pierce

PF Gasol/Sullinger

C Garnett/Mayo

Now, can you imagine Gasol and Garnett together in the post? Or defenses having to deal with Pierce and Terry coming of the bench? Or how about a point guard they actually have to guard? This team generates 100 ppg easily, even within Docs anemic offensive schemes. Also this is a much improved rebounding team and better (bigger) defensively.

Trade for all-star caliber interior scoring. Jump shooting teams don't win championships (regularly).
Rebounding. Rebounding. Rebounding. More possessions = Higher scores.
Starting backcourt that combines for at least 30 ppg. Rondo/Bradley won't cut it.
Bench Scoring. All championship teams have it.

Trade for Ty Lawson and Pau Gasol. http://twitter.com/tyreecook/status/334063947030339584/photo/1

PG. Lawson/Terry

SG Bradley/Lee

SF Green/Pierce

PF Gasol/Sullinger

C Garnett/Mayo

Fan Fiction: My Dream Wrestlemania Match

2013-05-13T13:22:01Z

The Heat vs Bulls has been the epitome of physicality. It's brutally physical that it resembles the 80's and the 90's games I saw when researching the history of the game. I love it. But it does remind me of something: Wrestling - my childhood hobby.

I wondered what would wrestlemania be if the Miami Big 3 face off the with the Chicago Bulls Big 3. Meaning we would have LBJ, Wade, and Bosh squaring off against Noah, Boozer and Taj Gibson with Derrick Rose on the sideline.

The story line so far has been the former WWE champion Derrick Rose has not been back in the ring since suffering an ACL tore after his figure four leg lock was reversed by Andre Iguodala into the Philadelphia Cross. Since then, Lebron James has taken over the WWE universe to become the world champion. Lebron is a specimen - his signature move the "LeChoke", where he grabs his opponents from the back of the neck, then crosses his legs around the abdomen and uses his 250 pound body to drag his opponents down on the mat, has never been countered.

The "King" is joined by the current WWE tag team champions D Wade and Chris Bosh. D wade's finisher is the cross arm breaker (think Alberto Del Rio). He debuted this devastating maneuver when he pinned Rajon Rondo in 2011. Since then, Wade has used to help him and Bosh, and occasionally the King, gain championship glory. Chris Bosh, the lesser known of the tree, uses the "Bosh Spice" finishing maneuver (think Gold Dust's nut cracker) finisher. It's unsightly but effective.

Things were happy and dandy for the 3 until the Bulls stable decided to challenge them. Although their leader, Derrick Rose, was sidelined Joakim Noah decided to challenge the King for the championship and Taj and Boozer teamed up for the tag team championship. To make things interesting, WWE general manager, Stern, created the first 3 on 3 championship. winner take all, match on wrestlemania.

The wrestlemania match was highly anticipated. On that day the Heat came to the ring all confident and riding high after winning 27 straight tile defenses. The Bulls wanted to upset that. The crowd exploded as Noah, Taj and Boozer came in with D Rose decked in suit and all acting as their manager/cheerleader.

Minutes the later, the match went on. Noah went after the King and a brutal back and forth ensued. Out of nowhere, Noah was able to connect on a clothesline and hoisted the King for the Noah's Ark (think Rybacks shell shock). But Wade jumped on the top rope and landed a flying kick on Noah as Bosh distracted the ref.

Boozer performed a double clotheline on Wade and Bosh that sent them reeling. But Boozer got clotheslined by the King and he tumbled outside the ring. As the King turns back on Noah to perform the LE Choke, Noah poked the King's eyes and he tagged the Taj. Wasting no time, Taj performed a flurry of punches and clothesline and prepared to hit the Taj Mahal, a finisher performed by running end and to end and using a flying head chop. It connects. He pins the King, but the King kicks out in 2!

The match continues and it was back and forth. At the climax of the match, Wade connected on Boozer (the legal man) his patented cross arm breaker. Boozer, in an amazing feat of strength, lifted Wade up and slammed him on the mat. Stunned, Dwade then crawled to tap in Bosh, and as Bosh made a move towards Boozer, Boozer connected the Booze Cruise, a hard slamming spine buster.

As Boozer covered Bosh, The King, went in the ring and kicked Boozer prompting Noah and Taj to go in the ring. All hell broke loose as the ref was inadeverdently knocked off. The members of the Heat's posse, Mario and Cole, came rushing to the ring, but D Rose, threw his suit off and went in and wielding an arm chair blasted Mario and Cole.

Boozer recovered and D Rose assisted him in getting him. Just then the "twist" happened. D Rose blasted Boozer with a steel chair on the head. Then he performed his finisher, the D Rose figure 4! What on earth is going on! After that D Rose scampered away from the ring and the King took the chance to connect the Le Choke. The ref then somehow recovered just as Boozer tapped and the match ended.

Backstage Stern greets Derrick Rose and tells him, "Well done - CHAMP!"

Stay tuned for what will happen next!

P.S.

Hope you enjoyed. This is just for fun. :)

P.S.

Hope you enjoyed. This is just for fun. :)

KG & PP to OKC a possibility?

2013-05-12T18:18:49Z

I know the reasons why dealing KG & PP is unlikely, but if there were a scenario, how about to OKC? Playing supporting roles on a title contending team might appeal to both KG & PP and the OKC management. And the Thunder have assets the Celts would want. This assumes OKC doesn't want to resign Kevin Martin (currently at $12 M) and would require the Celts to take on Perkins $9M contract to make it work for OKC.

The Thunder have 2 first round picks, one which will be in the 10-12 range from Harden trade and their own late in the round. Talented rookies Perry Jones (more likely) and Jeremy Lamb (less likely) could also be included in some combination with picks and Perkins.

This move would lower the Celts cap number and maybe allow signing a quality free agent in a sign and trade that included less essential players like Lee, Bass or Terry.

Avery Bradley: The Future

2013-05-11T23:18:38Z

There are a lot of questions about this off-season.
But one question you don't hear that often, is how the performance of Avery Bradley will be next season.

Here is a prediction.

Avery Bradley has been an excellent ball defender, called the best ball defender in the game at times, but not very known for his offensive presence. If he wants to be great on both ends of the floor, he will most likely work on his offense a lot this off-season.

Obviously he will still work on his defense as well. If he improves on both offense and defense, he will probably be considered one of the top 10 guards in the league.

If his defense improves, he might actually have a chance at defensive player of the year.

There are a bunch of things to work on this off-season, but Avery Bradley, in my eyes, is one BIG part in getting back to being a legitimate threat to all NBA teams.

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Jeff Green: Our Future All-Star

2013-05-11T23:13:47Z

Jeff Green clearly had the breakout season he needed to become an impact player in this league. He averaged 12.8 points per game, 3.9 rebounds per game, and 0.8 blocks per game. They may not seem like great numbers, but numbers usually never tell the story of a player. Jeff Green had many great moments this season, including his career high in points with 43 against the Miami Heat.

Jeff Green definitely had to over come a huge obstacle to get to where he is now. Green, or Iron Man as he calls himself, was diagnosed with a heart problem, which required him to have heart surgery and miss all of the season. He had an amazing return, arguably the best comeback by a professional sports player this year. He doesn’t only make an impact on his life, but he makes a big impact on people around him, including his teammates. Kevin Garnett says that Jeff is so good, that you forget that he just went through major heart surgery.

Jeff Green is great offensively and defensively, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve. There could be many possibilities of what the Celtics could accomplish next year if Jeff Green improved. If the Celtics have the off-season they need, along with what Jeff Green can do next year, we could be a legitimate threat in the NBA, and a possible threat for their 18th NBA Finals Championship.

I guess we just have to wait to see how this off-season pans out to make further predictions on how Jeff Green and the Celtics will do next year.

It’s going to be an interesting off-season, but hopefully a championship one.

Article also featured on Celtic-Nation

I guess we just have to wait to see how this off-season pans out to make further predictions on how Jeff Green and the Celtics will do next year.

It’s going to be an interesting off-season, but hopefully a championship one.

Article also featured on Celtic-Nation