1) No Garnett?
Four days ago in Utah Kevin Garnett limped off the court with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. That was a very unpleasant moment. Forty eight hours later we heard the injury was not critical. What a relief to finally take in some air after two straight days of breath holding. I never realized how important oxygen was!
So what have the Celtics done without their best player? Win. Boston is 5-0 this season without Mr. Garnett and 14-2 without him since he moved over from the land o' lakes. That's incredible!
They can't win a title without Garnett but they can win some games for a while.
2) Doc
This nonKevin winning percentage alone is adequate proof of just how great a coach Doc Rivers is. This is not like filling Robert Parish's spot with Bill Walton for a short time. Doc subs Brian Scalabrine for Garnett and wins. Then Scalabrine goes down and he plugs in Big Baby and still wins... against good teams on the road. The team never loses faith in one another. The team just keeps going forward. Great great job Doc.
3) Scalabrine
Speaking of Brian Scalabrine-- No one has risen in the eyes of Celtic observers more. In just a few months he's gone from a novelty equivalent of the departed mascot Lucky to indispensible understudy and calming veteran presence. Admit it: When Scal went out you said to yourself, "Oh no! We NEED him!"
4) Scalabrine and Rondo
And speaking more of Scalabrine-- Rajon Rondo made a fascinating statement that he loves playing with Scal on the floor because the big redhead regularly moves to the corner on offense taking a tall defender with him. This opens up the middle for Rondo's drives. With Jersey Red on the floor opportunities are created for Rondo that are not available when Garnett, Perkins, Baby, and Powe play in some tandem combination.
Last night is a perfect example. Scal plays most of the first quarter and Rondo scores 11. Scal goes out and Rondo only scores 3 the rest of the way.
5) Rondo
The incredible Rondo has run another point guard gauntlet on this extended road trip: So far he's faced Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Deron Williams, and Chauncey Billups. That's five straight guys who will some day get hall of fame consideration.
Question: How did he do? Answer: On average a lot better than they did.
Here's Rondo vs. 5 all stars over that period:
Points: Rondo 86, All Stars 66.
Assists: Rondo 50, All Stars 41.
Rebs: Rondo 38, All Stars 11.
If it wasn't for early foul trouble in Utah it would have been even more lopsided.
6) 666666
Phew, compiling data is hard! I'm never doing that again.
Hey while I was laboring I noticed an oddity in the box score from the Phoenix game: 6 guys were tied for the game high in rebounds at 6 each: Rondo, Perkins, Pierce, House, Powe, and Shaq. Is that an all time record of lowest top rebounder in a game? Anybody know?
7) Mikki Moore to the Rescue
The Moore I think about it, the Moore I believe this will work. Yes he's not strong, doesn't rebound much, or block shots, but what he does well will be magnified and multiplied on this wonderful Celtic team. He brings energy, plays good team defense (as opposed to bodying down low), can shoot the midranger, can run, and is tall. In Boston he'll inject that energy into the team. He'll be faster, taller, and will shoot better...
...well that last statement is a fabrication, but you get the idea.
8) More Rondoness
It's been argued over and over by the addled antiRondo faction on the internet that Rondo's stats are bogus; that they are inflated because he plays with Garnett. So when Garnett goes out what happens to Rondo's stats? Minutes- up. Shots- up. Points- up. Rebounds- up. Assists- up. Rondo critics, shut- up.
9) Saer Sene and the Renounced Senegalese
The man with the longest arms in the history of the NBA is available. Mouhamed Saer Sene has been waived by OKC. Want him? No? Didn't think so.
Cheikh Samb also of Senegal, has likewise been waived. Is it an international conspiracy against this African nation?
10) Baby and Powe
It would be wrong to not save the last "thing" to briefly discuss the contributions of Glen Big Baby Davis and Leon Powe. As previously mentioned they are both playing well at the same time, something that has not happened before. They are playing together and gaining poise. It cannot be overstated how important this is. If they continue on their current path, it is the difference between a championship and no championship.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
10 things at the break
1) A Call For Charity
Rondo is so good with so much room to grow it's scary.
I do not (DO NOT) understand the vocal legion of basketball viewers who STILL insist he is sub par. This is wanton dumbness that can only be hurting these fine people in other aspects of their lives.
Can't anyone help them?
2) Coach Thibs
Doc got booted and Mr.T (I pity the poor fool who doesn't play defense) took over. He did what I would do if I ran the zoo: Keep Rondo In The Game. I mean I understand Rondo's a slightly built fellow who takes a pounding but when he's pacing the offense everything becomes simple and beautiful.
Mr. T just kept Rondo in there, something he could afford to do with a week of rest approaching; with Rondo playing Robin to Pierce's caped crusader the Celtics took the game over in the fourth and swept by the hapless unbranded cows.
3) Trade Deadline Nears
Will they or won't they? After much thought my best guess is... I dunno. Trades often come together at the last possible minute so to coin a phrase "anything is possible." Around the league some owners are desperately trying to win while others are just as desperately trying to keep their business empires afloat. Between those factors there are plenty of teams looking to Monty Hall it this week.
In all the chaos there is a possibility for the Celtics to get involved, perhaps as a third team facilitating a deal.
4) Perkins...
...has not been the same since his shoulder injury. At least he's not out though. With so many big name guys going down for the season there's something to be thankful for, and isn't Valentine's Day all about giving thanks? (Oh wait that's the November one isn't it?)
5) Nowitzki and Pierce
The two have been linked since they went back to back in the draft years ago. For a long time everybody felt sorry for Pierce while saying how lucky Dirk was to play with a talented franchise and for a deep-pocketed free-spending owner.
As the old song goes, who's sorry now? Dallas is ok but no contender. Dirk doesn't have much talent around him. Mr. Cuban is still wealthy but somehow eerily disturbing (don't you think?) While Paul Pierce is the happy thriving defending champ and Finals MVP.
6) A Lack Of Tallness?
Perhaps.
Do you toss and turn wondering what will become of you in May and June with only Baby and Powe anchoring the interior of the second unit? Think of this: They've never both played well at the same time until now. Yes it's true. For the first time ever Leon and Glen are starting to play well as a pair.
Shhh... don't tell anyone but this could be huge.
7) Marion Traded To Toronto
First off Jermaine's not really helping Miami. He's not really helping anybody. He's only a place holder now.
The other thought: Is there a clause in Marcus Banks and Shawn Marion's contracts that says they must never ever be parted til the end of time? Antoine Walker and Tony Delk did the same dance a few years back, remember?
No Raptor fans, this doesn't help you much either. Since his contract is short, you do get to rid yourself of Marion soon though. Just know that Marcus Banks has to leave at the same time.
Also your future's very bright with Joey, Kris and Jason.
8) One-handed Rebound
Did anyone else see Rondo rebound the ball one handed in the middle of the lane to start a break (I think in the first half)? The ball caromed out and Rondo just caught it one handed like it was a softball and he had a glove on.
Connie Hawkins used to do that, but I've never seen a point guard do it.
9) Record
The Celtics are one game ahead of last year's pace. True.
10) Title
It's coming. Again. Have faith.
If you're complaining instead of enjoying this team please change before you ruin your life. It's for your own good.
Rondo is so good with so much room to grow it's scary.
I do not (DO NOT) understand the vocal legion of basketball viewers who STILL insist he is sub par. This is wanton dumbness that can only be hurting these fine people in other aspects of their lives.
Can't anyone help them?
2) Coach Thibs
Doc got booted and Mr.T (I pity the poor fool who doesn't play defense) took over. He did what I would do if I ran the zoo: Keep Rondo In The Game. I mean I understand Rondo's a slightly built fellow who takes a pounding but when he's pacing the offense everything becomes simple and beautiful.
Mr. T just kept Rondo in there, something he could afford to do with a week of rest approaching; with Rondo playing Robin to Pierce's caped crusader the Celtics took the game over in the fourth and swept by the hapless unbranded cows.
3) Trade Deadline Nears
Will they or won't they? After much thought my best guess is... I dunno. Trades often come together at the last possible minute so to coin a phrase "anything is possible." Around the league some owners are desperately trying to win while others are just as desperately trying to keep their business empires afloat. Between those factors there are plenty of teams looking to Monty Hall it this week.
In all the chaos there is a possibility for the Celtics to get involved, perhaps as a third team facilitating a deal.
4) Perkins...
...has not been the same since his shoulder injury. At least he's not out though. With so many big name guys going down for the season there's something to be thankful for, and isn't Valentine's Day all about giving thanks? (Oh wait that's the November one isn't it?)
5) Nowitzki and Pierce
The two have been linked since they went back to back in the draft years ago. For a long time everybody felt sorry for Pierce while saying how lucky Dirk was to play with a talented franchise and for a deep-pocketed free-spending owner.
As the old song goes, who's sorry now? Dallas is ok but no contender. Dirk doesn't have much talent around him. Mr. Cuban is still wealthy but somehow eerily disturbing (don't you think?) While Paul Pierce is the happy thriving defending champ and Finals MVP.
6) A Lack Of Tallness?
Perhaps.
Do you toss and turn wondering what will become of you in May and June with only Baby and Powe anchoring the interior of the second unit? Think of this: They've never both played well at the same time until now. Yes it's true. For the first time ever Leon and Glen are starting to play well as a pair.
Shhh... don't tell anyone but this could be huge.
7) Marion Traded To Toronto
First off Jermaine's not really helping Miami. He's not really helping anybody. He's only a place holder now.
The other thought: Is there a clause in Marcus Banks and Shawn Marion's contracts that says they must never ever be parted til the end of time? Antoine Walker and Tony Delk did the same dance a few years back, remember?
No Raptor fans, this doesn't help you much either. Since his contract is short, you do get to rid yourself of Marion soon though. Just know that Marcus Banks has to leave at the same time.
Also your future's very bright with Joey, Kris and Jason.
8) One-handed Rebound
Did anyone else see Rondo rebound the ball one handed in the middle of the lane to start a break (I think in the first half)? The ball caromed out and Rondo just caught it one handed like it was a softball and he had a glove on.
Connie Hawkins used to do that, but I've never seen a point guard do it.
9) Record
The Celtics are one game ahead of last year's pace. True.
10) Title
It's coming. Again. Have faith.
If you're complaining instead of enjoying this team please change before you ruin your life. It's for your own good.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
10 things about Baby, Powe, playoffs, and all stars
I have a few thoughts during this, the relentless march to banner 18:
1) Big Baby's Resurgence
Remember all the calls for metaphorical infanticide? You probably do since they were still taking place only a month ago. Then something wonderful happened: Glen Davis got into playing shape. That's all it ever was. He came into camp a little heavier and a lot slower. The advantage Baby has over other players is his incredible quickness to size ratio. Without that he is not very useful. Now that his turbo-tootsies have returned Mr. Baby is back on a positive career path.
2) Big Baby's Expanding Game
He can shoot too and not just from five feet and in. Big Baby is by no means the first Celtic frontcourter to expand his range. Ryan Gomes comes to mind as a recent example. Let me go back further though:
Long ago in the 1970's the Celtics drafted a great young center whose nickname also started with the word Big. Big Red was a marvel. Dave Cowens was undersized for the 5 spot but absolutely ferocious. The Celtic coach was Tommy Heinsohn (For those who didn't see the 70's teams play you really missed something. Think Mike D'Antoni style offense coupled with matching defense.)
Because Cowens was so quick he was routinely open for the long jumper. Tommy told Dave to shoot it. Dave replied I can't shoot it, I'll miss. Tommy said it doesn't matter if you miss; if you shoot it now you'll hit it later. And that's what happened.
Returning to the present, Doc and Baby have gone through the exact same conversation. I wonder if Tommy told Doc the Cowens story.
3) Leon
Have the same people who were Baby bashing seamlessly switched to Powe pummeling? Don't you remember how great Leon was in the Finals? Remember how well he started the season? He hasn't forgotten how to play; he's just going through a rough stretch and has gotten inconsistent minutes because of it. Leon shall return!
Leon can play. Baby can play. Quit waiting until guys go through hard times so you can enthusiastically kick them when they're down.
(Scalabrine can play too.)
4) The Final Play Of The Philly Game...
...after Ray Allen hit that shot. Doc wisely placed long tall Patrick O'Bryant on the inbounds then comically motioned for him to wave his arms. Patrick mimicked Doc, jumping and waving like crazy, setting up a frenzied human barrier. The pass had to go over those wildly flailing arms and it sailed high, never having a chance to find it's intended Sixer target. I only note that because it was Patrick's first chance contributing to a critical moment in a win. It was effective and funny.
5) Ball Kids
You know those memos Mike Gorman reads every game advertising, "You can be a Celtics ball kid. You must be ages 13 to 18."
That's nice and all but I have a recommendation: How 'bout give the kids a rest and try some variety: "You can be a Celtics ball geezer. You must be ages 73 to 78."
On second thought, nevermind.
6) A Good Suggestion
That was a dumb idea. Here's a great one:
Via TrueHoop: "The TrueHoop Network gangs up to deliver a killer set of suggestions to reform All-Star Weekend. D-League All-Stars vs. Rookies, anyone?"
http://www.thetwomangame.com/2009/02/scorers-table-all-star-reform/
"Mike Kurylo, Knickerblogger: I’d like to see the freshmen play the NBDL All Stars. It’s become apparent that the NBDL is a viable source of NBA level talent. I think this would be a competitive game, since each has something valuable to play for. The D-Leaguers will be fighting to show that they belong in the league, and they may have an extra chip on their shoulder playing millionaire rookies."
Wouldn't that be cool?
7) HORSE
In case you missed it, the Celtic representative for horse should be Rajon Rondo.
Garnett speaking about Rondo:
"Paul [Pierce] told me never to play that man in H-O-R-S-E and I had to learn the hard way," admits Garnett. "He's really good at using the basket, he's really good at using the backboard and really good with the English. He makes it look easy."
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/12/16/rondos_mates_quick_with_the_compliments/?page=2
8) Shorthanded
Before we go through another whiny year of "woe is us" excuses from Laker likers over Bynum's injury, I have two things to point out:
The Celtics won the Finals easily last year playing THREE injured starters.
Three times that I can recall off the top of my head the Celtics lost championships because of injuries: Russell vs. the Hawks in the late 50's. Havlicek vs. the Knicks in the mid 70's. McHale and Walton in 1987. It happens. It's unfortunate. It's part of the game.
9) Quick Hits on the Philly Game
I think Ray sealed the all star replacement spot with that shot.
Uncharacteristically Rondo sort of channeled Tony Allen last night, alternating wonderful possessions with turnovers. He shot 9 for 12 from the field and had 8 assists but gave up the ball 7 times.
Two nice passes Paul Pierce; twice in the last minute.
Good pick on that last play Big Baby.
10) The Celtics Have To Do It Themselves
It was actually better for Boston with Jameer Nelson healthy. Before, Orlando had a decent shot at taking out Cleveland in the playoffs had the seedings worked out. Now Cleveland and Boston meet in the Eastern Finals which like last season will be the REAL FINALS.
1) Big Baby's Resurgence
Remember all the calls for metaphorical infanticide? You probably do since they were still taking place only a month ago. Then something wonderful happened: Glen Davis got into playing shape. That's all it ever was. He came into camp a little heavier and a lot slower. The advantage Baby has over other players is his incredible quickness to size ratio. Without that he is not very useful. Now that his turbo-tootsies have returned Mr. Baby is back on a positive career path.
2) Big Baby's Expanding Game
He can shoot too and not just from five feet and in. Big Baby is by no means the first Celtic frontcourter to expand his range. Ryan Gomes comes to mind as a recent example. Let me go back further though:
Long ago in the 1970's the Celtics drafted a great young center whose nickname also started with the word Big. Big Red was a marvel. Dave Cowens was undersized for the 5 spot but absolutely ferocious. The Celtic coach was Tommy Heinsohn (For those who didn't see the 70's teams play you really missed something. Think Mike D'Antoni style offense coupled with matching defense.)
Because Cowens was so quick he was routinely open for the long jumper. Tommy told Dave to shoot it. Dave replied I can't shoot it, I'll miss. Tommy said it doesn't matter if you miss; if you shoot it now you'll hit it later. And that's what happened.
Returning to the present, Doc and Baby have gone through the exact same conversation. I wonder if Tommy told Doc the Cowens story.
3) Leon
Have the same people who were Baby bashing seamlessly switched to Powe pummeling? Don't you remember how great Leon was in the Finals? Remember how well he started the season? He hasn't forgotten how to play; he's just going through a rough stretch and has gotten inconsistent minutes because of it. Leon shall return!
Leon can play. Baby can play. Quit waiting until guys go through hard times so you can enthusiastically kick them when they're down.
(Scalabrine can play too.)
4) The Final Play Of The Philly Game...
...after Ray Allen hit that shot. Doc wisely placed long tall Patrick O'Bryant on the inbounds then comically motioned for him to wave his arms. Patrick mimicked Doc, jumping and waving like crazy, setting up a frenzied human barrier. The pass had to go over those wildly flailing arms and it sailed high, never having a chance to find it's intended Sixer target. I only note that because it was Patrick's first chance contributing to a critical moment in a win. It was effective and funny.
5) Ball Kids
You know those memos Mike Gorman reads every game advertising, "You can be a Celtics ball kid. You must be ages 13 to 18."
That's nice and all but I have a recommendation: How 'bout give the kids a rest and try some variety: "You can be a Celtics ball geezer. You must be ages 73 to 78."
On second thought, nevermind.
6) A Good Suggestion
That was a dumb idea. Here's a great one:
Via TrueHoop: "The TrueHoop Network gangs up to deliver a killer set of suggestions to reform All-Star Weekend. D-League All-Stars vs. Rookies, anyone?"
http://www.thetwomangame.com/2009/02/scorers-table-all-star-reform/
"Mike Kurylo, Knickerblogger: I’d like to see the freshmen play the NBDL All Stars. It’s become apparent that the NBDL is a viable source of NBA level talent. I think this would be a competitive game, since each has something valuable to play for. The D-Leaguers will be fighting to show that they belong in the league, and they may have an extra chip on their shoulder playing millionaire rookies."
Wouldn't that be cool?
7) HORSE
In case you missed it, the Celtic representative for horse should be Rajon Rondo.
Garnett speaking about Rondo:
"Paul [Pierce] told me never to play that man in H-O-R-S-E and I had to learn the hard way," admits Garnett. "He's really good at using the basket, he's really good at using the backboard and really good with the English. He makes it look easy."
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/12/16/rondos_mates_quick_with_the_compliments/?page=2
8) Shorthanded
Before we go through another whiny year of "woe is us" excuses from Laker likers over Bynum's injury, I have two things to point out:
The Celtics won the Finals easily last year playing THREE injured starters.
Three times that I can recall off the top of my head the Celtics lost championships because of injuries: Russell vs. the Hawks in the late 50's. Havlicek vs. the Knicks in the mid 70's. McHale and Walton in 1987. It happens. It's unfortunate. It's part of the game.
9) Quick Hits on the Philly Game
I think Ray sealed the all star replacement spot with that shot.
Uncharacteristically Rondo sort of channeled Tony Allen last night, alternating wonderful possessions with turnovers. He shot 9 for 12 from the field and had 8 assists but gave up the ball 7 times.
Two nice passes Paul Pierce; twice in the last minute.
Good pick on that last play Big Baby.
10) The Celtics Have To Do It Themselves
It was actually better for Boston with Jameer Nelson healthy. Before, Orlando had a decent shot at taking out Cleveland in the playoffs had the seedings worked out. Now Cleveland and Boston meet in the Eastern Finals which like last season will be the REAL FINALS.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)