Official Boston Celtics Thread

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Pacers fan here, but Im a Hoosier 1st and foremost, so unless your name is Eric Gordon, I pull for you to do well,lol. So with Brad Stevens, and now Hayward being Celtics, Im pulling for them to win it all, although still will root for Pacers when they play Celtics, but it doesnt hurt as much when we do lose to them.
Most times when there is a big roster change, it does take time for teams to work kinks out, so Im sure they will have a learning curve. I dont think it will be quite as long of a learning curve as it might be for other teams, do to Brad Stevens. Brad has a way of getting the most out of the whatever the talent level he has to work with. Lets be honest when you best player is 5'9 at best, and you do as well as they did, with IT as their star, and a roster full of basically role players, thats not a knock on any of those guys either, as when I think of role player, I dont think garbage, I think of a guy who is talented, but fits whatever role you ask of him. Horford is pretty darn good, but I wouldnt call him a star by any means.
I think the big ? for the Celtics, is 1, how Kyrie fits in, if he thinks this is his team, and he is the Lebron if this team, he will be sadly mistaken, and that could cause chemistry issues. The other ? is can Kyrie stay healthy, this isnt a player who has been all that durable in his career.
Celtics no longer have their best 2 defenders, so that possibly could be a issue, although Brad Stevens has a way of getting guys to give effort on defense, and I do think that Brown kid, could be a very good wing defender, but the loss of Avery and Crowder will likely so up some especially early in the season. Gordon is a solid defender, and with the emergence of Jaylen Brown, along with Smart, they should be OK.
The ability is there for Kyrie to be a solid defender more so than with IT, but its the willingness to play defense is the issue, like James Harden, although I would say Kyrie does put more effort than Harden does,lol.

If Kyrie stays healthy and thats a big IF, I believe Boston could be the best team in the EC, and beat the Cavs. I fell Lebron is at the age, where if he has to fully carry the load night in and night out, all season long, then do it also come playoff time, his run of consective finals run will be over. Cavs now have no closer to go to outside of Lebron now, and with Lebron having to carry all the load, I think he will be wore down some come playoffs.

If I were a betting man, I would almost bet the farm on Boston vs Warriors finals this yr, with Warriors obviously winning it all, just to much talent on Warriors for any team to overcome unfortunately, if they are fully healthy that is.

I like your detailed post. The last paragraph is where I might have a little bit of a disagreement in your post. Like you said Boston has lost two really solid defenders in Bradley & Crowder. Hayward & Irving aren't nowhere as near as good defensively as what we lost. They are better combined offensively no doubt.

I think Kyrie will fit in well in Boston but it might take 15-20 games to do so. The Cavs might not be the team we have to worry about beating in the East anyhow. It just might be the Wizards who showed signs last season of coming on to be contenders. 1st-3rd in the East though should be between these 3 teams(Celtics, Wizards, & Cavs).

Like you said, the Warriors will be cream of the crop again in the West. Nobody will come within 8-10 games of them in final regular season records. They could get upset in the playoffs though but it's not likely. Probably Warriors vs one of these 3 teams from the East in the finals. I would have to go with the Wizards by a slight advantage followed by almost a tie between Boston & the Cavs.

[CaseIH]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

I like your detailed post. The last paragraph is where I might have a little bit of a disagreement in your post. Like you said Boston has lost two really solid defenders in Bradley & Crowder. Hayward & Irving aren't nowhere as near as good defensively as what we lost. They are better combined offensively no doubt.

I think Kyrie will fit in well in Boston but it might take 15-20 games to do so. The Cavs might not be the team we have to worry about beating in the East anyhow. It just might be the Wizards who showed signs last season of coming on to be contenders. 1st-3rd in the East though should be between these 3 teams(Celtics, Wizards, & Cavs).

Like you said, the Warriors will be cream of the crop again in the West. Nobody will come within 8-10 games of them in final regular season records. They could get upset in the playoffs though but it's not likely. Probably Warriors vs one of these 3 teams from the East in the finals. I would have to go with the Wizards by a slight advantage followed by almost a tie between Boston & the Cavs.

Hayward is a solid team defender, but but obviously lacks some footspeed to be a lockdown defender, like Crowder or Bradley, but Hayward wont hurt you defensively. Kyrie on the other hand Id say he is worse defensively than IT, by his lack of effort. Kyrie;s defensive effort is much more than the Rockets get with Harden, but I do think Kyrie if he puts his mind to it, could be a solid defender, and if anyone can get it out of him, it will be Brad Stevens.

I cant really disagree with you, on the Wizards, might be the toughest team that Boston has to get by in the EC.

Im curious to see how the Cavs mesh this yr, especially if players on the team feel Lebron is planning on leaving the Cavs high and dry once again. Granted Lebron owes the owner nothing, or any Cavs fan for that matter, he did what he said he wanted to do and thats bring a championship to Cleveland, but I could see chemistry issues do to his drama queen act. On top Lebron having to carry the full load once again all season long, as I mentioned. especially at this stage of his career, I know he is a freak of nature, and keeps excellent care of his body, but he isnt 25 anymore, and this team will be Lebron or bust. Love is a good player, but he needs the ball fed to him to be effective offensively he cant create himself. Rose isnt much more than a glorified role player, and Ive always felt he was a loser, and no team expecting him to be able to help carry the load offensively nowdays, wont even see the finals IMO, let alone be able to win it all. Ive just never like him, due to Calipari being his coach and the whole SAT scandal, although IMO I dont think kids should have to go to college for a yr before entering the draft, not everyone is cut out for college.

Wizards could definitely challenge for the EC crown this season, but Bradly Beal is also kind of frail, and spends alot of time in street clothes instead of on the court. If Washington is fully healthy, meaning Beal stays healthy, thats a pretty darn good backcourt, that could give the Celtics issues. But Horford hasnt been the most durable player either, so it will be important for the Celtics to have him fully healthy as well if they want to get to the finals.

Ainge still has the ability to go out and add to that team during the season, and I think he will likley be more aggressive this season, in making moves than he was last season. Thats why I wish the Pacers would have held on to PG, if a team like say Boston felt at trade deadline, by adding him they could not only win the EC, but give the Warriors a run in the finals, we could have got more than we did for PG. But if I was in their shoes, I would have probably been ticked off at PG, and would have wanted to move him before the start of practice, just to make sure there isnt lockerroom issues arise due to everyone knowing he was leaving at seasons end. While I can see their side of it, as a fan, Im glad PG didnt pull the drama queen act like Lebron, or a Dwight Howard, and he made them aware before the draft that he wasnt resigning with them, just wish he would have been more of a man, and did it face to face rather than thru his agent, and wish he would have given them a more heads up, rather than just right before the draft. Oh well, I actually think OKC gave us quite a bit for a player, that there is a 99% chance he wont resign with them.

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20989859/new-cleveland-cavaliers-guard-isaiah-thomas-no-love-boston-celtics-gm-danny-ainge

I'm with you on this one IT. I'm still fuming over this one.

[redsox4evur]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Yea IT is being a little whiny kid. No reason to get pissed at an owner and not even respond to his text to him. As Wyc pointed out during his preseason interview with Felger and Mazz. Quick recap in this Twitter thread. https://twitter.com/jaredweissnba/st...25817069117440
Now back to IT, I’m now even more firmly in the camp that is happy he is gone. He should know this is a business and you get traded, hell he was traded 2 times in 2 years. And I now like him less because he didn’t text Wyc back after Wyc gave him his best wishes.


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[jeremym480]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

I still love IT even though he's been up in his feelings since the trade. His season and playoffs last year were really something. I get how he feels, I mean he was the front man on this quick rebuild and was right there with Ainge on selling the Celtics to Durant, Horford and Hayward. He was true warrior on and off the court.

With all of that said, I'm not mad at the trade.... at all. Irving is younger, has a better contract and I think he's going to take the offense to another level. I'm also happy that we don't have to worry about overpaying a 30 year old PG. I've got no ill will towards IT, I hope that he does get paid and that he continues to have success, just not too much success (ie beating Boston in the playoffs).

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Yea IT is being a little whiny kid. No reason to get pissed at an owner and not even respond to his text to him. As Wyc pointed out during his preseason interview with Felger and Mazz. Quick recap in this Twitter thread. https://twitter.com/jaredweissnba/st...25817069117440
Now back to IT, I’m now even more firmly in the camp that is happy he is gone. He should know this is a business and you get traded, hell he was traded 2 times in 2 years. And I now like him less because he didn’t text Wyc back after Wyc gave him his best wishes.


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

IT isn't being whiny bud. He's just expressing his feelings. Ainge popped this trade on him out of nowhere when what he told IT after we initially got him was that he was going to be the main cog for the rebuilding process in Boston. Now he's gone just like that so I support him & how he feels. Ainge could have went to him before the trade & told him what was about to go down.

What about IT's game all of a sudden Ainge didn't want him as part of the rebuilding process? Was it the hip injury? Was it something IT had done behind closed doors? Yes, we got Kyrie who is a couple years younger but we also lost a sparky 5'8" PG that the Boston fans really really liked. Add to that we lost our best defender in Avery Bradley & our 2nd best defender in Jae Crowder. I like Hayward too. I wanted us to go after him but not to lose especially IT.

I still love IT even though he's been up in his feelings since the trade. His season and playoffs last year were really something. I get how he feels, I mean he was the front man on this quick rebuild and was right there with Ainge on selling the Celtics to Durant, Horford and Hayward. He was true warrior on and off the court.

With all of that said, I'm not mad at the trade.... at all. Irving is younger, has a better contract and I think he's going to take the offense to another level. I'm also happy that we don't have to worry about overpaying a 30 year old PG. I've got no ill will towards IT, I hope that he does get paid and that he continues to have success, just not too much success (ie beating Boston in the playoffs).

Bold above. I can't say that I'm still what you would call mad at the trade but I'm still in shock & aggravated at the trade. I really thought IT was going to be a Celtic for years to come. We still are going to be a contender in the East no doubt but I just loved IT & his competitive spirit & play on the court. He was a much much better Spud Webb.

Small but is so quick & can get his own shot off no matter who is guarding him. It's going to take a few games into the season probably before I will get completely over this trade. If we somehow fail & end up being a worse team than expected then it's not going to leave me & make me even more aggravated about it. Only time will tell just like only time will heal. Thanks.

[CaseIH]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Yea IT is being a little whiny kid. No reason to get pissed at an owner and not even respond to his text to him. As Wyc pointed out during his preseason interview with Felger and Mazz. Quick recap in this Twitter thread. https://twitter.com/jaredweissnba/st...25817069117440
Now back to IT, I’m now even more firmly in the camp that is happy he is gone. He should know this is a business and you get traded, hell he was traded 2 times in 2 years. And I now like him less because he didn’t text Wyc back after Wyc gave him his best wishes.


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

I can see why IT is hurt by being traded, here IT help recruit Gordon, although Hayward was going there with or without IT, Brad Stevens is why Hayward is a Celtic, but IT gave his all for that team, to do what he did, right after his sister died, and play, not sure too many would be able to do what he did right after his sister was killed.

But it was a smart move by Ainge, the upside of Kyrie is more than IT, IT wasnt like IT was going to hit a growth spurt, its amazing he is able to do what he does at that size. Also IT had made the comment they better back the brinks trucks up with money for him, as he said he wants to break the bank. If Im a GM, Im not breaking the bank, for a player who is vertically challenge, nor will you win a ring with your best player being 5'9, actually truth be told he is probably more like 5'7
Ainge made the right move, but I definitely understand why IT is unhappy with Ainge. Thats got to be a tough job for any GM of any of the sport, especially in the NBA, because you have alot less players on the roster, than in MLB or the NFL, so NBA GM,s probably form more of a bond with their players, making it hard to deal players away, and for players to get dealt away, from a place they are happy at.


Man it sucks seeing Hayward go down like that. I really thought they were a serious threat to knock the Cavs off this yr. It was still going to be tough to do, but with Hayward and Kyrie I felt they could do it. Now they may not even be the 2nd best team in the East. But Stevens is a heck of a coach, so if anyone can overcome the loss of 1 of your 2 best players, it will be Brad Stevens. I just hope Hayward is able to fully recover and get back to being 1 of the better players in the league. That was nasty to watch.

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

So hurt by the Hayward injury guys. He didn't even get to showcase a hint of why he might be able to help the Celtics. What a shame guys. That's the way things go sometimes though. Other players have to step up & I say that Kyrie now has to even be better than we expected.

I also say that Horford can't be just giving us 14-15 pts/game & 6-7 rbs/game. He has got to give us more now. Closer to 17-19 pts/game & 9-10 rbs/game. Jalen Brown had a solid 1st game & he needs to continue playing like he did in game #1 as well. Tatum although a rookie he has got to try & average double figures & grab 4-6 rbs/game. Thanks.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

I still love IT even though he's been up in his feelings since the trade. His season and playoffs last year were really something. I get how he feels, I mean he was the front man on this quick rebuild and was right there with Ainge on selling the Celtics to Durant, Horford and Hayward. He was true warrior on and off the court.

With all of that said, I'm not mad at the trade.... at all. Irving is younger, has a better contract and I think he's going to take the offense to another level. I'm also happy that we don't have to worry about overpaying a 30 year old PG. I've got no ill will towards IT, I hope that he does get paid and that he continues to have success, just not too much success (ie beating Boston in the playoffs).

I can't blame him for being hurt, though. He was aware enough to know his writing was on the wall at some point so it wasn't a total shock to him, but pulling that rug out from him when he was the star of a fantastic season has to hurt.

Not to mention how much **** players get for leaving a team and fans yelling about "loyalty," but the GM gets out of that scrutiny. Hopefully he helps the Cavs, but I have no faith in Wade or Rose being able to make a difference at the end of the season unless King James can keep their mindset right all year.

As for last night. As a Wizards fan I just feel sick for him and everybody involved with some kind of stake in the franchise. I was literally shaking after watching. Harlan saying, "he broke his leg" repeatedly just echoed in my head the whole night. I want to beat you guys up and down the court every game, but I hate seeing anybody go down like that.

Brad Stevens is a hell of a coach. You could tell he was excited for last night - he had a glimmer in his eyes those first 5 minutes. I'm sure he'll be able to keep you guys competitive throughout the year. Just a terrible way to start the season for the whole league.

[CaseIH]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

So hurt by the Hayward injury guys. He didn't even get to showcase a hint of why he might be able to help the Celtics. What a shame guys. That's the way things go sometimes though. Other players have to step up & I say that Kyrie now has to even be better than we expected.

I also say that Horford can't be just giving us 14-15 pts/game & 6-7 rbs/game. He has got to give us more now. Closer to 17-19 pts/game & 9-10 rbs/game. Jalen Brown had a solid 1st game & he needs to continue playing like he did in game #1 as well. Tatum although a rookie he has got to try & average double figures & grab 4-6 rbs/game. Thanks.

Yep, every player will need to up his game some, if they have any shot to even make it back to the ECF. Just sucks to see Gordon go down like that, I just hope he fully recovers, injuries like that, you just never know.

[BleacherBum2310]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

man the Hayward injury really just puts a bummer in this season for me. He was the guy I was looking forward to watching in this offense more so than Kyrie. You gotta feel for him for what he is going through....

They will still make the playoffs because the east is bad and I'm sure there will be Tatum and Jaylen moments but Kyrie is going to get triple teamed now and with the lack of shooting and defense will be fine but it's not a top end defense this will be a struggle me thinks.

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

man the Hayward injury really just puts a bummer in this season for me. He was the guy I was looking forward to watching in this offense more so than Kyrie. You gotta feel for him for what he is going through....

They will still make the playoffs because the east is bad and I'm sure there will be Tatum and Jaylen moments but Kyrie is going to get triple teamed now and with the lack of shooting and defense will be fine but it's not a top end defense this will be a struggle me thinks.

I agree that the East is weak but already 0-2 & no Hayward there are no guarantees that the Celtics will make the playoffs. If players don't step up then we just might be on the outside looking in when it comes playoff time.

My guess is though that we will get in & should be no worse than a 5th seed but if everybody don't step up & play their game & some even above their head then we might end up not getting a playoff spot. Thanks.

[jeremym480]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

man the Hayward injury really just puts a bummer in this season for me. He was the guy I was looking forward to watching in this offense more so than Kyrie. You gotta feel for him for what he is going through....

They will still make the playoffs because the east is bad and I'm sure there will be Tatum and Jaylen moments but Kyrie is going to get triple teamed now and with the lack of shooting and defense will be fine but it's not a top end defense this will be a struggle me thinks.

Hayward getting injured definitely brought my excitement for the season way down. I mean, this is a guy that we've been waiting on for years and his free agency was such a roller-coaster of emotions his, then the wait and anticipation of the off-season. Finally it was time to see him on the court and it lasted just a little over five minutes. I was a wreck Tuesday night, then depressed Wednesday and yesterday I was in a bad mood all day.... and this really has no real effect on my life. I can only imagine how Hayward and his teammates feel.

As for us on the court, yeah any slim chance of Championship hopes and decent chance of winning the Eastern Conference is out the door. I still think we can be a top 4-5 team in the East, however I think my exceptions went from hoping to making the finals to hoping to make the 2nd Round of the playoffs.

I'm not too worried about the 0-2 start. Starting the season versus two of the best teams and two of the best players in the East and having such a bad injury in the first few minutes of the season was rough. However, both games were winnable at the end. I had us going 4-3 in October with Hayward. If we can finished 3-4 without him, then I'll take that. Getting Morris back will be huge. He can take some of the pressure off of the young guys and hopefully everyone starts picking it up a bit once they get a few games under their belts.

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Tatum is going to be a really good player in the NBA. I mean All-Star like caliber player too. He can really do it all. He can shoot. He can rebound. He can play defense. He can block shots. He can pass the ball. He will be a 20+ pts., 5-7rbs., & 3-5ast. game player each year once he gets into probably his 2nd season.

The combination of him, Irving, & Jaylen Brown to go along with Horford is a really nice combination of really solid players for us to have. Our role players in Smart, Rozier, Baynes, Morris, Ojeleye, & Theis makes this a very good team. I really didn't think our Celtics were going to be this good of a team. Just think this is being done without Hayward too.

Right now, we're definitely the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland hasn't figured it out yet & the Wizards aren't doing as good as our Celtics. When we lost our first 2 games I was thinking oh know here we go but ever since we have played like a team.

If everybody stays healthy I would not at all be surprised to see our Celtics come out of the East as the #1 seed. We just have too much talent & we are deep. We can play 11 players legitimately every single game. No other team in the NBA except for Golden State can say that.

I was so upset when we got rid of IT but as of right now it's turning out to be the right trade. IT isn't even playing yet & Kyrie in the trade is absolutely wearing it out. He keeps playing like he is & has then he will certainly be an MVP candidate. GO CELTICS!

[wco81]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

They're playing really well but Brown, Tatum and Horford are all shooting the lights out.

It remains to be seen if they can sustain that throughout the season and into the playoffs.

If their shooting reverts towards league averages or even all-star level averages, then they're going to be shooting sub 44/35 for a big chunk of the season.