Official Boston Celtics Thread

[R1zzo23]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

I’ll have to check out the Poirier highlights. That seems like an overpay for Theis but we were seemingly desperate and this allowed us to go over the cap because he was an RFA. Wanamaker was perhaps the worst PG in the league last year and I’ll be beyond pissed if he takes any minutes away from Carsen Edwards and even Tremont Waters. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an NBA guard miss more open layups than Wanamaker did last year.


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[BleacherBum2310]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

I actually like Theis. He's solid. I think he will be the big in closing lineups except against the teams like Embiid and Capela like Bigs. I dunno what they do there. This team desperately needs a Timelord jump though or it's probably going to be ugly most of the season. He has the potential with his athletic ability to be really good.

Poirier looks like a better on D Kanter. I actually thought Wanamaker looked okay in spurts when they weren't playing Rozier. so I'm really interested to see how he does in rotation like role.

[jeremym480]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

I’ll have to check out the Poirier highlights. That seems like an overpay for Theis but we were seemingly desperate and this allowed us to go over the cap because he was an RFA. Wanamaker was perhaps the worst PG in the league last year and I’ll be beyond pissed if he takes any minutes away from Carsen Edwards and even Tremont Waters. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an NBA guard miss more open layups than Wanamaker did last year.


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Statistically, (albeit in a much smaller sample size) Wanamaker was much better than Rozier in most categories. Rozier was the better defender, rebounder and didn't turn it over as much but shooting wise Wanamaker was much better around the rim and at less 3 to 10 feet as well.

Spoiler

I think Rozier leaving is going to be addition but subtraction and at least Wanamaker won't necessarily do anything to hurt us like a chunker like Rozier did. I think Smart will be the backup PG but I'd love to see one of the rookies take the 3rd PG role... maybe even backup role and Smart going to SG. Also, I would have actually loved to have seen Larkin back but I guess we were already at our max one 5'10 PG's.


I was also okay with Theis coming back. With Kanter, Poirier and RWilliams, Theis should be more of a PF than C and with his height and limitations I think he will do much better there.

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Statistically, (albeit in a much smaller sample size) Wanamaker was much better than Rozier in most categories. Rozier was the better defender, rebounder and didn't turn it over as much but shooting wise Wanamaker was much better around the rim and at less 3 to 10 feet as well.

Spoiler

I think Rozier leaving is going to be addition but subtraction and at least Wanamaker won't necessarily do anything to hurt us like a chunker like Rozier did. I think Smart will be the backup PG but I'd love to see one of the rookies take the 3rd PG role... maybe even backup role and Smart going to SG. Also, I would have actually loved to have seen Larkin back but I guess we were already at our max one 5'10 PG's.


I was also okay with Theis coming back. With Kanter, Poirier and RWilliams, Theis should be more of a PF than C and with his height and limitations I think he will do much better there.

Agree with you totally on the bold above. I don't think Edwards or Waters will even be in our rotation at all @ PG. I see them as G-League players for the entire 2019-20 season unless injuries play a role. I do think Langford will see some minutes but probably not until later in the season after some practicing & grooming.

I think our PG's will be Kemba, Smart, & Wannamaker with Smart being interchangeable to play some SG. I certainly don't think Wannamaker is good enough to be our backup PG straight up. Smart has to be in that role because of his experience & just being a better decision maker.

We have Brown & like you said Smart that can play SG too. Langford would probably be our 3rd SG for next season but his minutes would be limited anyhow. He should get more playing time his sophomore campaign. He might even see some time in the G-League next season as well.

Grant Williams, in my opinion even though I'm a HUGE Vols fan & a big fan of his, will probably also be in the G-League most of next season. Especially with the signing of Kanter & resigning of Theis. I hated to see Baynes go but I think Danny is looking for more offense from our big men so he went out & got Kanter. Theis is more of an offensive threat than Baynes as well.

Edit: I actually misread the bold that I quoted above. I thought you were NOT for a rookie being our 3rd PG. I personally think neither Edwards or Waters is capable of playing PG right now. They both need to be groomed in the G-League probably for the entire 2019-20 season. That's unless injuries play a role like I said. I think we're better off grooming both of them & having our PG rotation as Kemba, Smart, & Wannamaker.

[R1zzo23]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

I actually see Grant Williams playing more NBA minutes - at least until the All Star break - than Romeo Langford. Fact is we need a big body that’s willing to play tough at the four and Williams has enough versatility to be on the floor with the Jay’s, Hayward, Smart and Walker in a lesser role.

In the second half of the season I’m really hoping that Langford could be that spark plug wing man off the bench that maybe gives them a little offense in transition against opposing benches, but I think it’s going to take longer for him to adapt to the NBA game than Grant Williams.


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[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

I actually see Grant Williams playing more NBA minutes - at least until the All Star break - than Romeo Langford. Fact is we need a big body that’s willing to play tough at the four and Williams has enough versatility to be on the floor with the Jay’s, Hayward, Smart and Walker in a lesser role.

In the second half of the season I’m really hoping that Langford could be that spark plug wing man off the bench that maybe gives them a little offense in transition against opposing benches, but I think it’s going to take longer for him to adapt to the NBA game than Grant Williams.



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I've watched Grant Williams play every single game while he was @ UT. Even watched a couple in person. He's a very smart player & guy. He knows the game well. However, he has problems getting into foul trouble trying to guard bigger players. He can hold his own against PF's & C's that are not bulky & strong. He can use his strength well against those type players by going into their body & getting them off him.

He's only 6'7" but he does have good enough strength to play underneath. He has problems against PF's & C's that are both taller & just as thick as him. This is where both offensively & defensively he has weaknesses. He gets in foul trouble trying to guard these type players but also gets frustrated trying to get around them & commits offensive fouls & over the back fouls rebounding. He can shoot decent from the outside.

He's developed a 3-pt. shot but that didn't come until his junior season. He's quick enough to score on the inside & does have quite a few moves. I'm just concerned about his fouling & frustration he seems to show when he gets into foul trouble & someone bigger than him gives him trouble. That's going to be the case for him @ his height playing underneath.

He does sort of have the game of a Draymond Green though. He's about the same height & weight but should end up being a stronger offensive threat than Draymond. He just won't be nearly as good of a passer even though he can pass the rock.

[BleacherBum2310]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

I actually see Grant Williams playing more NBA minutes - at least until the All Star break - than Romeo Langford. Fact is we need a big body that’s willing to play tough at the four and Williams has enough versatility to be on the floor with the Jay’s, Hayward, Smart and Walker in a lesser role.

In the second half of the season I’m really hoping that Langford could be that spark plug wing man off the bench that maybe gives them a little offense in transition against opposing benches, but I think it’s going to take longer for him to adapt to the NBA game than Grant Williams.


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Same I'm really high on Grant Williams. Maybe too high lol.

[R1zzo23]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

I wouldn’t say I’m super high on Grant Williams but he fills a position of need and is an older player that should be able to contribute sooner. We will see!

Let’s get this summer league underway!!!


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[R1zzo23]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Watched the game on DVR last night. Here’s a few thoughts:

Carsen Edwards has a role in the NBA and has an NBA skill already and that’s to shoot and score the ball. He’s going to be a good bench scorer from time to time.

Grant Williams is just solid. Solidly built, plays solid basketball, does all the little things. He’s already better than Yabu and I don’t know what Yabu would even make the roster at this point.

Tremont Waters has got some serious wiggle to him. His hands are lightning fast but he needs to really work on a floater game in the lane or else he’s going to struggle to score.

Tacko Fall played decent and I think there’s a chance he finds himself on a 2-way with us because we desperately need big men.

Robert Williams did nothing to impress me either. Sure he Dunks everything and has a nice block but I didn’t see the progress I would have liked.


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[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Watched the game on DVR last night. Here’s a few thoughts:


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Carsen Edwards has a role in the NBA and has an NBA skill already and that’s to shoot and score the ball. He’s going to be a good bench scorer from time to time.

Agree with you totally. Edwards has deep range for sure. He is built so solidly as a small PG too so he can use his strength to get to the basket when needed & also to fight through traffic.

Grant Williams is just solid. Solidly built, plays solid basketball, does all the little things. He’s already better than Yabu and I don’t know what Yabu would even make the roster at this point.

I will have to admit the 1st game of Grant in the Summer League surprised me a bit. He played really well & his awareness on the court looked great. He can shoot the 3 ball & also has that 8-10 mid range game as well. And, yes Yabusele will have a hard time to make this team. He just might be in the G-League for the entire season or just straight out we will release him.

Tremont Waters has got some serious wiggle to him. His hands are lightning fast but he needs to really work on a floater game in the lane or else he’s going to struggle to score.

I agree with you here too. I thought we messed up in drafting Waters over Jordan Bone. However, Waters looked like a PG that I didn't see last season. I watched him play in at least 4 games last season @ LSU & he didn't look good in any of those games including a game against Grant Williams & my Vols. Waters was a top 30 recruit coming out of high school so maybe he's starting to show that now.

Tacko Fall played decent and I think there’s a chance he finds himself on a 2-way with us because we desperately need big men.

Fall has better footwork than I thought he did. He's not just a space eater in the lane. He actually has some moves & isn't slow either. Still has a ton of work to do but he certainly has a chance to make the team on a 2-way contract.

Robert Williams did nothing to impress me either. Sure he Dunks everything and has a nice block but I didn’t see the progress I would have liked.

Agree with you on Robert Williams as well. He looks to not have improved much. He needs serious work on his offensive game. He can defend & block shots. He is athletic & can jump out of the gym but for a guy with his height & size he's not a good rebounder.

He should be pulling just about every defensive rebound off the rim combining his height & athletic ability. He just doesn't want it bad enough. Doesn't seem to have that fire or go get it attitude.

[jeremym480]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Watched the game on DVR last night. Here’s a few thoughts:

Carsen Edwards has a role in the NBA and has an NBA skill already and that’s to shoot and score the ball. He’s going to be a good bench scorer from time to time.

Grant Williams is just solid. Solidly built, plays solid basketball, does all the little things. He’s already better than Yabu and I don’t know what Yabu would even make the roster at this point.

Tremont Waters has got some serious wiggle to him. His hands are lightning fast but he needs to really work on a floater game in the lane or else he’s going to struggle to score.

Tacko Fall played decent and I think there’s a chance he finds himself on a 2-way with us because we desperately need big men.

Robert Williams did nothing to impress me either. Sure he Dunks everything and has a nice block but I didn’t see the progress I would have liked.


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I agree with all of your assessment. I don't want to get too high or too low off of one Summer League game but I'm a big fan of both Edwards and Grant Williams already. I love both of their attitudes first and foremost. That isn't just based of off the game but off of their college careers and what the coaches are saying about them.

Edwards has a true scorers mentality. He gets the ball out quickly and without hesitant and he may miss a shot (or two) badly but he can forget about it by the next possession. That's something that guys like Tatum and sometimes Hayward seem to struggle with. Tatum going into a shell after missing two or three shots always annoyed me. The only thing that frustrated me more was him passing up an open three only to dribble up into a contested two frustrated me to no end last season. I love that Edwards has that quick release on the catch and shoot.

Williams also has the quick release and I think his ability to stretch the floor is going to be key to his playing time next season. He also looked really good bringing the ball up court, had some nice passes, and looked solid on D as well. He has a really high bball IQ and seems like a "Brad" type of player. I'm really look

Tacko surprised me. He has better footwork and is more agile than I thought. Waters wasn't so great on offense but his on defense is really good. His hands and instincts are really solid. He may not have a role with the Celtics this season but if not he'll probably lead the G-League in steals.

As far as the negatives, Robert Williams was one for me. He didn't have a terrible game per se but didn't look good and was outplayed. I don't know if he's disinterested or what but he needs to step it up a notch. I don't expect him to be Hakeem Olajuwon out there but he at least needs to crash the boards and hustle up and down the court. Of all of the players in SL he may be the one that I expected the most out of next season but he needs to show that he's ready for a bigger role.. If his is ready anyway. The main player who looked bad though was Yabusele. I think we can all admit that Yabu just isn't an NBA player at this point.

Game 2 tonight, 7:30 ET against the Cavs. Should be fun.

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

After watching tonight's Summer League game against the Cavs I can see already that Grant Williams is our best rebounder on this team. He's nowhere near the tallest guy we have either. He just knows how to rebound at his height. He uses his strength & knowledge of the game to get the right positioning for both offensive & defensive rebounds.

Robert Williams played some better tonight but still only had 2 rebounds in 18 minutes playing time. Grant had 6 rebounds in 1 more minute of time on the court. Yabu still looks really bad. No way he should make the 12-man NBA roster. I personally think we should part ways with him & cut him or find a trade partner for him. However, I don't know who would want him.

Carsen Edwards with another solid game on both ends of the court as well with 14 points, 3 rebounds, & 2 assists. Tacko went 5-5 from the field with 12 points & hit both of his ugly looking FT's. LOL! Waters with an all around floor game too with 11 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, & 3 stls. I think we have a good enough Summer League team to possibly make the Championship game.

[jeremym480]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

After watching tonight's Summer League game against the Cavs I can see already that Grant Williams is our best rebounder on this team. He's nowhere near the tallest guy we have either. He just knows how to rebound at his height. He uses his strength & knowledge of the game to get the right positioning for both offensive & defensive rebounds.

Robert Williams played some better tonight but still only had 2 rebounds in 18 minutes playing time. Grant had 6 rebounds in 1 more minute of time on the court. Yabu still looks really bad. No way he should make the 12-man NBA roster. I personally think we should part ways with him & cut him or find a trade partner for him. However, I don't know who would want him.

Carsen Edwards with another solid game on both ends of the court as well with 14 points, 3 rebounds, & 2 assists. Tacko went 5-5 from the field with 12 points & hit both of his ugly looking FT's. LOL! Waters with an all around floor game too with 11 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, & 3 stls. I think we have a good enough Summer League team to possibly make the Championship game.

You pretty much covered everything that I was going to say. G Williams, Edwards and Tacko have been the most impressive players through the first two games; with Waters looking really good as well. Yabu and Aaron Harrison (not that he really matters cause he's not making anything other than the Red Claws anyway) have been the least impressive.

I agree with you about G Williams rebounding, as well. Him and R Williams are like night and day. One is extremely gifted psychically but gets out of position a lot because he's not ready mentally yet and the other isn't a physical specimen but he makes up for it with his IQ. I thought he was going to be what he has shown so far but you really had me second guessing myself since you watched him so much in college and though he wasn't ready to be an NBA player. One other thing I wanted to point out regarding G Williams is he is led the team in +/- both games. Not that +/- in the "be-all end-all" but in 38 minutes of play he's a +41. Pretty impressive and in contrast Yabu is -13 in 32 minutes and has just looked really bad.

It's still kind of early with Summer League, training camp and preseason left but barring a trade how do you guys think the roster ends up shaking out?



I've got the following penciled in

Kemba, Brown, Tatum, Hayward, Kanter
Smart, Langford, G Williams, Theis, R Williams
Edwards, Semi, Poirier
Tacko and Waters - 2 Way

That means cutting or trading both Wanamaker and Yabusele. Strus has a 2-way deal now but if I recall correct 2-way deals aren't guaranteed so that shouldn't be a big deal. It's going to be weird with four (possibly five) rookies but Stevens has done it before. My may point is keep Tacko. He's never going to be a 30 minutes a game NBA player but I think he can be a solid 10-15 minute a game contributor. If Poirier ends up being a bust, then perhaps Tacko could climb all the way up to backup center.

[R1zzo23]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Apparently Strus was guaranteed a 2-way spot and I’m not sure Ainge wants to live up to that reputation of going against promises. If so, that means to keep Fall we wouid need to either keep Waters with the NBA team - which I would advise against - or get rid of Yabu and bring Fall with the NBA team. Neither option seems appealing.


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[areobee401]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Could sign with Maine. Problem there is some other team could steal him away by offering an NBA spot. And I believe the team would want to keep Yabu on the roster for a potential future trade at the deadline. The contract would probably be needed to match money.