Tag Archives: Boston Celtics

Jaylen Brown

The Kids Are Alright – Brown and Tatum Lead the Way

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After the Gordon Hayward injury, Brad Stevens knew he would have to rely on a lot of younger players. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum would have to grow up and contribute in a big way. We knew that Tatum and Brown had a chance to be great. Nobody could have predicted how quickly these two would acclimate and exceed in their new roles. The ceiling is the limit, and Stevens expects that much:

Brown started the game on fire, scoring 13 of his game-high 23 points in the first quarter. His aggression and willingness to go to the basket have been on display since day one. Brown is exceptional at getting to the hoop and has shown the ability to break down defenders and finish around the rim. After some shaky shot making last season, Brown is shooting 62.1 percent in the restricted area and 65.1 percent on all of his two-point shots. He’s also been dynamic inside the three-point arc. Adding even a league-average three-point shot will make him very difficult to stop.

Jayson Tatum

Tatum took the increased role with the team and ran with it. Understandably, Tatum was hesitant on the offensive end early in the season. He passed up open shots and deferred to veterans like Kyrie and Horford. Tuesday night against the Knicks was Tatum’s coming out party. It may have been Brown’s 21st birthday, but Tatum shined just as bright. He scored in a variety of ways, including knocking down four out of six shots from beyond the arc. He showcased his midrange game, blew past slower defenders, and threw down a hellacious put-back dunk on Tim Hardaway’s head.

Tatum’s offensive game has been even better than advertised. He is in the top-five for the rookie class in points (4th), rebounds (5th), three-point shooting (2nd), steals (3rd), and blocks (2nd). His numbers have been far more than what was expected at this point in his rookie year, but Tatum is proving to be a potent scorer who can also impact the game in a handful of different ways.

TATUM AND BROWN ARE THRIVING ON DEFENSE

The offensive numbers are great, but Brown and Tatum have held their own on the defensive end. Before the season started, Stevens harped on how important Brown’s defense would be to the Celtics. Brown has all of the tools to be an elite wing defender, and has shown signs of taking that next step.

Brown was thrown into the fire on defense early in the season. Guarding LeBron and Giannas on back-to-back nights is near impossible, but Brown held his own. He has also been able to switch on to both point guards and power forwards seamlessly. He will draw the assignment of every team’s best wing scorer, and his ability to defend will dictate the team’s success.

Tatum’s defense, something that was seen as a work-in-progress before the season, has been a pleasant surprise. While his athleticism doesn’t compare to Brown, Tatum’s length allows him to recover and challenge shots. Tatum still has trouble guarding bulkier post players, i.e. Dario Saric, but his ability to switch and play team defense unlocks lineups that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

There will be bumps along the road. Not every night will result in historic scoring from Brown and Tatum. But these two are stars, and the sky is the limit for their potential. If there is a silver lining around the Hayward injury, it’s that fact that the youngsters will get a chance to expand their game and dominate.

 

Jabari Bird- Ready to Contribute?

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WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

“He’s more ready than anybody. He can guard at a high level. He can play, and he will outplay a lot of people.” 

Jaylen Brown said this about Jabari Bird, his former Cal teammate, after Bird’s first minutes as one of Brown’s newest NBA teammates.  In the past, Brown has called Bird his mentor from when he first arrived at Cal. The script has flipped.  Brown now tries to hype up his mentor-turned-protege, but there is some validity to the statement. Brad Stevens echoed Brown’s comments, speaking positively of Bird’s chances in the NBA.

 

“Defensively, I think he has a chance to be really good. Through preseason, I felt like he was one of our better perimeter defenders. I feel like he has huge upside.”    

When the coach says this after going to you late in the game, and keeps you in for half of the 4th quarter, it carries some weight. Stevens preaches defense first for every player. The development of scoring weapon Jabari Bird will be approached the same way. During the game, announcer Brian Scalabrine said, “It’s defense that will get you on the court, but offense that will keep you there.” He was talking about Terry Rozier, but the same can be said for Bird. If he can continue to show his defensive prowess in practice, we could see him getting more time.

Jabari Bird has a two-way contract, something new to the NBA this season. It allows teams to sign up to two additional players who can spend up to 45 days with the team. The rest of their time is spent in the G-league.  This allows teams to keep a specific player in their system. Two-way contracts can be converted to one-year minimum deals at the discretion of the NBA team. If Bird has more performances like he did against the 76ers, this could be an option for the Celtics. They are already suffering from the injury bug, and looking internally for answers might be the best option.

 

UNCHARTERED WATERS

As Coach Stevens tries to find lineups that work, Bird has found himself thrown into the fire. This is important for Bird. Using him this early in the season is interesting because of the limit placed on these players. If the Celtics continue to use him now, they will have to make a decision sooner than later. Bird will become a restricted free agent when he completes his 45-day limit with the team. We should expect the Celtics to use all of his days and get to this point. The high praise from his teammates and coaches proves they will want to take a harder look at him.

It is possible the Celtics let the contract play out before making a decision on Bird.  Don’t be surprised if they convert it to a minimum deal before then. They need another player to fill a roster spot right now, and Bird checks out. Several options have surfaced which would be solid choices for the final roster slot.   But if Bird continues to prove his worth on the court, he might be the best choice. Signing him now would free up the ability to sign another player to a two-way contract. The deadline to use this slot is January 15th.

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

Bird has always played with high energy on both ends of the floor, and his NBA career has started no differently. If he continues to see minutes, he will start to show his scoring ability. He shot 37% from three-territory last season at Cal, and 44% in Summer League. Athleticism and quickness are a big part of Bird’s game. He uses these skills to get into the paint with cuts and drives. He made 64% of his looks around the rim last season at Cal.

A former McDonald’s All-American Five-star recruit, his college career improved considerably while at Cal. Four-year college players like Bird are rare.  Very skilled offensively, he shows he can guard at a high level. Scouts tend to shy away from four-year guys.  They think that group doesn’t have as much upside as younger guys. If he can continue to trend in the right direction, we should bank on seeing more of Jabari Bird.

“I know I can play with anybody, and I’m ready.” – Jabari Bird

Celtics in the Aftermath of Gordon Hayward’s Injury

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ANTICIPATION FOR OPENING GAME DAY ENDS TRAGICALLY

The anticipation for the Celtics/Cavaliers Opening Day game rose to an all-time high. Yet no one could have predicted one of the players would suffer a horrific, and potentially season ending injury. No one was prepared to witness a devastating loss, not only against the Cavaliers, but most importantly losing Gordon Hayward.

GORDON HAYWARD SUFFERS A HORRIFIC INJURY IN OPENING DAY GAME

Gordon Hayward was just 6 minutes into the 1st quarter, when he suffered a dislocation and fracture of his left tibia. He has since undergone a successful surgery, and has begun the rehabilitation process. There has not been an estimated time for Hayward to return, and he quite possibly may be out for half, or even the full season.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT IN THE AFTERMATH OF HAYWARDS INJURY

We have to expect the same things from the Celtics that we did at the beginning of the regular NBA Season. Nothing should change except for who will replace Hayward. Coach Brad Stevens stated that Marcus Smart will move into the starting lineup, alongside Kyrie, Brown, Tatum and Horford. The Celtics have to remain focused on their goals as a team, in order for them to keep being successful this season.

KYRIE IRVING NEEDS TO STEP UP AS TEAM LEADER

This is the moment Kyrie Irving needs to step up his role as the Celtics Team leader. It may be a difficult task after losing Hayward, but if there was a time for a leader–this is that time. Irving needs to get himself, and the Celtics, to focus on team goals now more than ever. He will have to bring the Celtics versatility and chemistry they had, prior to Hayward’s absence, and regain team effort. The players may have changed, but the game remains the same. Gordon Hayward wouldn’t want it any other way.

Gordon Hayward Injury

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CELTICS?

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In a night filled with anticipation and excitement, a 102-99 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers seemed insignificant to the Boston Celtics. The image of Gordon Hayward laying on the ground and pointing at his left ankle in shock will stick in the minds of fans across the NBA. According to many media outlets, Hayward suffered a fractured left ankle and has been flown back to Boston to undergo surgery. A timetable for his return has not been specified. It seems trivial to talk about what the team does going forward in the face of such a devastating injury, but the season moves on. The Celtics have to regroup and move forward without Hayward.

Jaylen Brown

WHO STEPS UP FOR THE CELTICS?

The Celtics were understandably shocked after the Hayward injury. Players were forcing things in an attempt to pick the team up for the remainder of the first half. As the game move on and emotions settled, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Jayson Tatum stepped up. With Hayward out for the foreseeable future, the youngsters are going to have to carry this team. Even before the Hayward injury, Brown was attacking the basket without inhibition. He was a key piece in bringing the Celtics back from an 18-point deficit in the third quarter. After looking completely hapless in the first half, Smart turned up the intensity and scored all of his 12 points in the third quarter.

The success of the Celtics in Hayward’s absence will fall on these three players. Tatum will not have a chance to grow and mature in a smaller role. He is going to get more minutes and be expected to contribute. Tatum finished the game with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and showed more poise as the game went on. While the Hayward injury is devastating, it will give Brown, Tatum, and Smart even more minutes to develop.

Kyrie Irving

IT REALLY IS KYRIE’S TEAM NOW

There have always been questions about Kyrie’s leadership. The coming months will, hopefully, answer those questions. The Celtics are his team now, and he will have to lead them. After a sluggish start in an emotionally charged game, Kyrie showed what he is capable of in the fourth quarter. He knocked down three shots from beyond the arch to keep the C’s close. Kyrie finished with 22 points and 10 assists, and yet he will need to do more. There will be a balancing act that Kyrie has to conquer. Yes, this team will need exceptional numbers from him, but most importantly, he can’t force things. Kyrie needs to get people involved and in addition be the assassin that we know him to be.

WHAT WILL THE CELTICS LOOK LIKE NEXT MONTH

Because the details of Hayward’s injury are still up in the air, the Celtics must reformulate their plan going forward. Three-point shooting on the wing will need to be better. Brown and Tatum combined to go 3-11 from behind the three-point line. Marcus Morris will certainly help when he returns, but the kids will have to step up. Stevens should stick with the youth movement in Hayward’s absence. Kyrie, Brown, Morris, Tatum, and Al Horford will give the Celtics the best chance to win. Smart, Terry Rozier, and Aron Baynes will captain the second unit. Everyone will need to step up in the coming months. Kyrie, Brown, and Horford will carry the load, but each player will need to contribute.

Our thoughts and prays are with Hayward for a speedy recovery. I will leave you with a bit of optimism:

Jayson Tatum

THE JAYSON TATUM ERA IS ABOUT TO BEGIN

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The circumstances around the arrival of Jayson Tatum in Boston are…peculiar. The Celtics hit the jackpot with the number one pick after years of being screwed by the ping-pong balls. In a draft that was both deep, and filled with potential franchise-altering talent, Boston held the reigns. Fans could hardly contain themselves after combing through highlight clips of Markell Fultz, the presumptive top pick out of Washington. Then Danny Ainge trades the pick. The team drops down to the third pick, Fultz heads to Atlantic division rival Philadelphia, and Tatum lands in our laps. Oh how quickly things can change.

Tatum slid under the national radar while people were more enamored with Fultz and Lonzo Ball. He wasn’t as flashy as Ball, and Fultz put up much better numbers on a bad team. After missing his first eight games at Duke with a foot sprain, it took Tatum time to adjust to the college game. As the season went on, he got more comfortable, and started to show off one of the most polished offensive games in college basketball.

Tatum Dunk

Ainge has a track record of drafting long, athletic players whose offense needs work. After moving from one to three in the draft, the choice came down to Tatum, or Kansas star Josh Jackson. He picked Tatum, and immediately added a potent scorer to the team. While he certainly has holes in his game, Tatum proved he was every bit as talented on offense as advertised. He torched defenses with midrange jumpers and savvy moves around the basket throughout Summer League play. His outside shot needs work, but he has been able to knock them down when left open. While the numbers have dipped in the preseason, his game is drawing rave reviews from Boston royalty:

Tatum does have a similar build and offensive game to a young Paul Pierce. He’s not the most athletic, but his basketball IQ is through the roof. The typical rookie mistakes have, and will, happen, but his maturity will give him an advantage on the competition. He has also shown a willingness to compete on the boards and the ability to defend multiple positions.

With Marcus Morris expected to miss time to start the season, Tatum will be thrust into a starting role. With a potential starting lineup of Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward, Tatum, and Al Horford, the third pick in the draft will need to contribute right away. Starting on a team with high expectations may seem overwhelming, but this situation is ideal for Tatum. With Irving and Hayward garnering most of the defensive attention, he will have plenty of open shots on offense. The positive strides on defense will be what the starting unit needs from him. If he can keep guards in front of him and execute switches, any offense he can produce is icing on the cake.

EXPECTATIONS FOR TATUM

Expectations are always high for a top-three pick, but expectations might be even higher for Tatum. He and Fultz will always be linked after the trade, and he will have to live up to the expectations of a number one pick. He has shown that he has the skill, the drive, and the mentality to be a winner. Tatum may not be the pick Celtics fans wanted at first, but he is here and ready to help this team win. Just ask Horford:

McHale’s Musings – October 16, 2017

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As the latest addition to the rapidly expanding Boston Sports Extra team, I’d like to formally introduce myself. My name is Ryan McHale, and I’m from Milford, Massachusetts. I live with my wife and 2 incredible children. In addition to penning pieces for this site, I’m a middle school teacher and parent blogger. I find sports to be cathartic. While I may not have the athleticism of the superstars we known and love, I nevertheless relish in their victories and languish in their defeat. Each week, I enjoy writing down the laundry list of thoughts bouncing around my mind. I opted to share them this evening so that you, the loyal readers of Boston Sports Extra, can get a glimpse into the mind of the newest website contributor.

New England Patriots

  • Without a shadow of doubt in this young writer’s mind, The New York Jets had a touchdown taken away from them.  You will not change my mind.
  • Earlier this evening,  I engaged in a back and forth conversation on Twitter with former Patriots linebacker, Matt Chatham. We exchanged a number of tweets over the course of ten minutes. I haven’t changed my mind. Nor has he. In my mind, the Jets lost a touchdown. Chatham believes the letter of the law was enforced, thus the correct call was made. Whether or not the officiating crew reasonably interpreted a terribly written rule is a moot point. I did not see a single shred of overwhelming evidence to remotely suggest the call on the field should be overturned.
  • It’s no secret that the team’s defense is its Achilles’ heel through the first six games of the season. The unit, as a whole, looks lost and is suffering from the lack of a clear leader. Their inability to stop New York on first quarter 3rd downs was incredibly frustrating to watch. Yes, injuries are piling up. Yes, Patricia can only do so much with glaring personnel issues. However, the Patriots are supposed to be the ultimate “Next Man Up” squad. Or does that phrase only apply to the Brady-led offense?
  • Regardless of how sloppy the team may have looked at times this afternoon, coming back from a two score deficit on the road is nothing to scoff at. Here’s hoping the resiliency shown by the team today carries over to next week and a Super Bowl rematch with the Atlanta Falcons.

Boston Bruins

  • For the Boston Bruins, the mediocre play of Tuukka Rask is undoubtedly cause for concern. If there’s one thing (aside from injuries and inexperienced players) that threatens to derail the ’17-’18 campaign, it’s the leading man between the pipes. Rask has struggled mightily early on. With tonight’s loss, Rask is 1-3 with a paltry save percentage of .882 and 3.30 Goals Against Average (GAA).
  • The Black and Gold need the stable presence of Patrice Bergeron.
  • I predict that Charlie McAvoy will exceed the lofty expectations set upon him. McAvoy’s youth and speed should help stabilize a group of defensemen that haven’t been up to the task in recent seasons.

Boston Celtics

  • The Boston Celtics begin their season Tuesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Don’t these two teams have some kind of recent history together?
  • While the additions of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward will make this Celtics team Must-See-TV, is there any other sport with a more pointless regular season than the NBA? We’re forced to watch six months of games to get to the inevitable conclusion. Oh, how I miss parity.
  • Isaiah Thomas has every right to feel slighted by what he believes to be a cold-hearted move by Danny Ainge. While I’ll never understand the feeling of being traded, I imagine it’s hard not to take an involuntary move personally. However, Ainge made the move he felt was in the best interest of the Boston Celtics. Isaiah’s performance throughout last year’s playoffs will be remembered by fans of the green team forever.  By playing with such passion after the tragic death of his sister, Thomas solidified his place in Celtics lore.

Boston Red Sox

  • Alex Cora needs to be the next manager of the Boston Red Sox. As a player, Cora was never one to shy away from accepting responsibility when things went wrong. This Red Sox club is full of players who don’t feel as though they should be held to a high standard and questioned with failing to perform as they should. The Sox have an unbelievable amount of talent, but they need a skipper who’s going to make them face the heat when they fail to get the job done. Otherwise, we’ll see another ego-filled clubhouse unable to reach their full potential.
  • It’s obvious that Chris Sale’s innings and pitch count need to be more carefully monitored in late August through September heading towards the playoffs. He’s a fast-working, hard-throwing, full-of-intensity pitcher. It should come as no surprise that he’ll have to overcome fatigue in the later stages of the season. The Sox need a fully rested Sale if they’re to find success in the postseason.
  • I consider Sale, Rafael Devers, Andrew Benintendi, and Mookie Betts to be the only “untouchables” in any future discussions with the Miami Marlins regarding Giancarlo Stanton. Aside from that foursome, every other player in that locker room is fair game. Make it happen, Mr. Dombrowski.

New England Revolution

  • The New England Revolution will be stuck in MLS purgatory until ownership is willing to truly invest in a competitive lineup and experienced head coach. There’s just too much talent across the league. The Revolution, and their loyal fanbase, deserve better.
  • At just 22 years of age, Diego Fagundez is on his way toward becoming a MLS superstar. He deserves to be the face of Revolution soccer moving forward.

 

Until next time,

Ryan McHale

2017-2018 Boston Celtics

FIVE BOLD PREDICTIONS FOR THE 2017-2018 BOSTON CELTICS

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The Boston Celtics are officially ready for the 2017-2018 regular season. Training camp and four preseason games are in the books. Roles are being defined and the chemistry is on the rise. In honor of Zach Lowe’s annual NBA predictions column, here are five bold predictions for the upcoming Celtics season!

Aron Baynes

ARON BAYNES WILL BE A MORE IMPORTANT ADDITION THAN MARCUS MORRIS

Baynes has been a revelation in the preseason. Before suffering a hyperextended left knee against the 76ers, he had been a pleasant surprise for the C’s. His stats, eight points and a little over four rebounds in 14 minutes/game, won’t jump off the page, but his impact on the floor is undeniable. He has crashed the offensive class, set thunderous screens, and been dynamic in the pick-and-pop midrange game. More than anything, though, he has brought a toughness and physicality that the Celtics haven’t had since the Garnett-Perkins era. Baynes can battle with the more bruising centers, allowing Al Horford to slide over to the power forward spot. He can become the defensive anchor that Boston has needed for years. Morris will definitely put up bigger numbers, but Baynes’ toughness and work ethic will land him a spot in the hearts of all Boston fans.

Kyrie Irving

THE CELTICS WILL ONLY HAVE ONE PLAYER AVERAGE 20+ PPG

The Boston offense has looked downright destructive throughout the preseason. When their “Big Three” of Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, and Horford play, the ball movement, spacing, and shooting dismantles opposing defenses. Kyrie’s penetration opens up shooters around the floor, Horford’s three-point shooting creates even more driving lanes, and Hayward’s ability as a secondary ball handler fills in all the gaps. Add on the offensive talents of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Terry Rozier, and Marcus Smart and there should never be a night where the team’s offense hits a wall. But given how many options there actually are, it’s hard to imagine anyone outside of Kyrie being able to consistently average 20+ points. There will certainly be nights when Hayward and Horford put up big numbers, but Kyrie will be the only one to eclipse 20+ points per game.

THE CELTICS WILL BE A TOP-15 REBOUNDING TEAM

Alright, I get it. I can already hear people grumbling under their breathe about the incredible heat coming off of this prediction. But is it all that crazy? The Celtics still don’t have one player that can average double-digit rebounds, that hasn’t changed. The strength of this team will be gang-rebounding. Baynes will do his part to clean up the glass when he gets minutes. Tatum and Brown are both athletic enough to grab five rebounds/game with enough court time. Rozier and Smart are two of the league’s best rebounding guards. There will be nights when the Celtics gets bodied on the boards, but don’t be surprised when they finish in the top half of the league in rebounding at the season’s end.

Brad Stevens

BRAD STEVENS FINALLY WINS COACH OF THE YEAR

The hype around Brad Stevens has been steadily growing since he came into the league. His after-timeout plays are already the stuff of legends. Stevens has had an argument for COY in years past just based on how much he got out of the limited talent he had to work with. This year will be different, though. If he can meld all of these new players and manage the egos of multiple All-Stars, something he hasn’t had to do before, then his case for COY should be unmatched. Add on a trip back to the Eastern Conference Finals, or beyond, and he becomes a lock.

THE CELTICS WILL HIT THE OVER FOR THEIR WIN TOTAL

The annual Over/Under win projections for the 2017-2018 NBA season were released a few weeks ago. The Celtics are projected to be first in the Eastern Conference with 56.5 wins, three wins above the Cleveland Cavaliers. After looking ahead of schedule with their chemistry and continuity on the court, they will exceed expectations. The Celtics will win 58 games and come in fourth for best record behind Golden State, Houston, and San Antonio.

TERRY ROZIER

TERRY ROZIER BEGS FOR MORE MINUTES

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Coming into the 2017-2018 season, the Boston Celtics had a lot of uncertainty. With only four players remaining from last year’s team, the depth and chemistry were gone. Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward added top-notch talent, but there were plenty of question marks, especially with the bench. Flash forward to the preseason and Terry Rozier is starting to destroy some of those question marks. Dynamic on both ends of the floor, Rozier has quickly proven to everyone that he has taken a big leap forward.

These numbers speak for themselves. Rozier’s decision making has been dialed in so far this year. Regardless of the small sample size, he has shined anytime he has gotten minutes. He knocks down outside shots and finishes at the rim, something that had been a problem for him in years past. Rozier has stepped up as a play maker, getting into the paint and finding shooters. He is playing under control, and when he can avoid pin-balling his way through the lane and throwing up a wild shot, he can become a real asset to a young bench group.

Rozier has joined this year’s team as a more capable shooter and a grind-it-out, lead-by-example player. He’s even bringing down rebounds in a more explosive fashion, which is hard to believe given his track record. His improvement has already garnered the attention of both his coach, who talked about his abilities on the defensive end, and Jaylen Brown:

Expectations for Rozier

While calling Rozier one of the best guards in the league may be a slight exaggeration, his ceiling is very high. Terry has positioned himself to be one of the premier reserve guards in the league with his improvement. Think about Cory Joseph with the Toronto Raptors. He took time to mature and solidify his game, but now is one of the best backup point guards around. Rozier has the potential to be an above average defender, offensive spark plug off the bench, and a capable shooter. With Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder gone, Rozier and Marcus Smart, another backup guard with something to prove, will need to step up in a big way.

Terry must take what he learned from the veterans on last year’s team and put it into action. A lot of responsibility will fall on him to run the second unit, and his maturity will be tested. The opportunity will be there. Irving and Brown will need to rest, and Rozier has a firm grasp on those minutes after his stellar preseason. His rebounding will be an undervalued asset for a team in need of it. Consistency will be the challenge for Rozier after his up-and-down 2016-2017 season, but the preseason has been encouraging. For this team to succeed Rozier will need to be a factor. With the inexperience of the bench, he will need to carry the bench when younger players like Jayson Tatum are hitting the rookie wall. The expectations will be higher, but Rozier looks like her is ready to meet them.

Horford-Baynes Front Court Resembles 2008 Celtics?

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Laying the Foundation

After a wild 2017 off-season for the Boston Celtics, one key player remains from the 2016 club. That player is Al Horford, and he is entering his second year with the 17 time NBA Champions.

Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge made various offseason moves after a 2016-2017 Eastern Conference Finals exit. One signing that goes under-the-radar is that of Center Aron Baynes.

The 6’10” Australian-born Baynes is entering his sixth NBA season and will be given a bigger role this year. A possible starting front court of Horford at power forward and Baynes at center seems ideal for both players.  Horford would play at his natural position and focus on his offensive strengths (moving the ball, spreading the floor). Baynes would be the physical bruiser the Celtics have lacked who can primarily grab boards and defend the paint.  This front court would be comparable to the 2007-2008 Celtics duo of Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins. This pair was important to the team 10 years ago, and could be the blueprint for this upcoming season.

Horford to Garnett Comparison:

Before you freak out, I am not saying that Horford is on the same level as “The Big Ticket.”

Garnett was the 2004 NBA MVP with the Minnesota Timberwolves and 2008 NBA Defensive Player of the Year for Boston. Horford has never acquired either of these accolades and likely never will, but that is fine.  KG was a post-up nightmare for opposing defenses who also had solid rim protection skills. During the ’07-’08 season, he averaged 18.8 points per game and 1.2 blocks per game.

Horford averaged 14.0 points and 1.3 blocks for the Celtics in 2016-2017. A key advantage he holds over Garnett is elite passing ability (5.0 assists per game last season). He also has the ability to stretch the floor with a consistent three point shot (.355% last season).  With the addition of Aron Baynes, Horford will likely get to move back to his natural position. This will allow him to put more focus on his offensive game.

KG was at his best when playing power forward for the Celtics. Upon the departure of Perkins after the 2010-2011 season, Garnett was forced to play center. He saw many of his averages drop, including points, rebounds and blocks per game.

Do not expect Horford to emerge as the next “Big Ticket” for the Boston Celtics in 2017-2018. Instead, while playing at his natural position alongside a true center in Baynes, expect his offensive production to increase.

Baynes to Perkins Comparison

Aron Baynes was not a name that stuck out to most people during the 2017 “Summer of Ainge.” Kendrick Perkins was not a name that stuck out to most people during the “Big 3 Era” of the Celtics.   Baynes does not hold the same value as the additions of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. Instead, he has the chance to be a key role players for a championship contender.  The Aussie has been making a case for himself to be a starter during the pre-season. He can provide a “space and pace” offense at Center for the Celtics with a surprising mid-range jumper.

“Aron Baynes really encouraging. Can move laterally, great defensively, offense has been better than we thought.” said Coach Stevens about the Aussie thus far in the pre-season.

Those are words that could never have been said about Perkins. He played his role on the 07-08 Celtics team as an interior defender and glass cleaner. Perk could not shoot effectively outside of the paint (10-31 from shots 10 feet outside paint to three point range).

Importance of Role Players

None of Perkins career stats will amaze you, but his presence in the lineup was valuable. Boston was missing Perk during the 2010-2011 NBA Finals Game 7 against the Los Angeles Lakers.   Perkins was lost to a torn ACL in Game 6 and veteran Rasheed Wallace had to start in his place (Wallace got exposed, Lakers won the championship, Celtics fans were left disappointed).

Players like Aron Baynes or Kendrick Perkins are important to championship-caliber teams. They assume the primary duties of rebounding and rim protector, allowing others to provide the offense.   Baynes will need to take the leap in terms of improving his rebounds and blocks per game (4.1 and .4 respectively through 14.1 minutes per game during his career). If he does, fans will begin to love the addition of #46 for the Celtics in 2017-2018.

Horford-Baynes, Garnett-Perkins Final Thoughts

Boston’s front court for the 2017-2018 campaign looks very comparable to that of the 2007-2008 championship team.   Horford and Baynes will be playing alongside All-Star talents in Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. This will allow them to be key contributors by playing to their strengths.  Garnett will go down as one of the Celtics biggest acquisitions in franchise history and it paid immediate dividends. The team captured Banner 17 during his first season with the team.

Perkins was a valuable role player for the Celtics when they last were competing for championships. This was because he allowed Garnett to play his natural position.  Baynes could have the same effect in the starting lineup this season. Starting the other new-comer Marcus Morris would force Horford to play Center. The Celtics would have to take that into consideration if they decide not to start the Aussie.

Boston has a similar front court situation to the 2008 Championship roster. Playing alongside the additions of various new talents provides the ability to compete for Banner 18.

Celtics Must See TV – 2017-2018 Schedule Breakdown

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Now that the on-again, off-again trade finally has closure, and another preseason is among us, the Boston Celtics have yet another new look.   It makes one ponder some of the upcoming dates on the schedule. Which games are must-see TV for Celtics fans? Let’s take a look of what’s to come, shall we?

Celtics Must See TV

October 17th @ Cleveland on TNT – 8:00 PM

Could the season get off to a better start? The Celtics start against the Cavaliers, last year’s Eastern Conference Finals match-up. Coincidentally, these two teams completed a blockbuster deal with each other just a few short weeks before training camp.

While it may be bittersweet to see Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder in Maroon, the drowning out of TNT announcers to the Cavalier fans booing their newest traitor and our newest treasure will be delightful.

November 8th – Los Angeles Lakers on ESPN – 8:00 PM

I do not envision a rebirth of the past rivalry just yet.  But how can you not be interested, even a little, in how Lonzo Ball plays in his first game against the C’s?

Moreover, I can just imagine the buzz around Boston Sports Media and Lavar Ball.  The next coming of Don King in promotion of said event. Not to mention, it is always good to see the Purple and Gold get run out by the Leprechaun.

Christmas Day – Washington Wizards on ABC – 5:30 PM

A little bit of the sting has been taken out of this match-up since the trade of Jae Crowder and Isaiah Thomas to the Cleveland Cavaliers.   The Cavs escalated the battle with the poke/slap fest with John Wall where the Wizards then claimed it was the Celtics Funeral, wearing all black to their next contest.

The seven-game contest in last year’s playoffs is still fresh.  With John Wall claiming the number-one point guard crown, the Kyrie Irving and John Wall competition should make for must-watch television.

The Return

January 3rd, 2018 – Cleveland on ESPN – 8:00 PM

This will be the first return of fan favorites Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder to the Garden. All eyes will be on the diminutive 5′ 9″ guard with the heart and will of a GIANT.

He may not be ready for court action, but one can only imagine a fitting tribute will be played on the jumbotron for Thomas.   In Celtics green, he played with undeniable grit, passion, and fire during a most difficult time in his life and throughout the season.

The accomplishments and impact in Boston, on and off the court will not be forgotten.

February 11th – Cleveland on ABC –  3:30 PM

The game will be second to the retirement ceremony honoring Paul “The Truth” Pierce, number #34 in your program. He will be forever immortalized high in the Garden rafters, in a building where he played so many epic games.  None more memorable than the 2008 Eastern Conference Semis duel between him and King James. Fitting,  LeBron will be on hand.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66FNMqAAmX4]

Honorable Mention

November 3rd, @ Oklahoma City on ESPN – 9:30 PM

Who doesn’t want to watch the dynamic duo of Russell Westbrook and Paul George with side kick Carmelo Anthony take on the new BIG three incarnation of Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Al Horford. Not to mention Marcus Smart shines in his College Alma Mater’s state.

November 16th, Golden State Warriors on TNT – 8:00 PM

This will be a great barometer to see where our new look Celtics really rate compared to undoubtedly the team to beat for coveted Banner 18. I wonder what the clever Boston fans will come up with to play off the Kevin Durant Twitter Saga this summer.

December 20th, Miami Heat – 7:30 PM

Good friend Kelly Olynyk and Jordan Mickey (who?) come back to the Garden. This might be more of my own guilty pleasure. I was big into the #KOHAIRWATCH and although he never excelled to the player we all hoped he’d be consistently (Remember Game seven last year against the Wizards?), it’s hard NOT to like KO.

A Team to Follow Throughout the Year

The Philadelphia 76ers.

With top-pick Markelle Fultz (who everyone in Boston thought was coming here until the infamous trade down to #3) and number-one pick Ben Simmons who face number-three Jayson Tatum and number-three Jaylen Brown a number of times throughout the year, will make for an interesting development to follow.

The reality, if you try really hard, you could make any game worth watching.

The Celtics retooled with dreams of having fireworks this June and a Duck Boat Parade to City Hall. Close your eyes. Can you see the Championship banner waving?

Let me know the games you are looking forward to in the comments. You can find me on twitter @bleedcelticgrn