Tag Archives: #NBA

Comparing 2018-19 Celtics with 2007-08 Championship Team

Expectations are through the roof for the 2018-19 Boston Celtics. They have appeared in back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals, though both times falling short to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With James moving to the Western Conference, as well as superstars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward returning from injury, the Celtics are favored to reach the NBA Finals. That being said, lets compare the 2018-19 starters to the 2007-08 NBA Championship team to see if they have what it takes.

Point Guard – Kyrie Irving vs. Rajon Rondo

Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the hoop against Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

Irving and Rondo have converse playing styles. Irving is a high volume efficient scorer, who takes about 20 shot attempts per 36-minutes. Whereas Rondo is a pure playmaker, who has led the league in assists three times since 2011-12.

Rondo was a perfect fit for the 2007-08 Celtics. His playmaking ability and defensive impact made him an ideal “true” point guard. Through 9 seasons in Boston, Rondo averaged 12.0 points, 9.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds, while having .127 win-shares per 48-minutes.

In contrast, Irving is the primary scorer as well as the primary playmaker. In his first season in Boston, he averaged 27.3 points, 5.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds, while having a win-shares per 48-minutes of .222. He may be the most talented guard in Celtics history and will surely have a major impact on the franchise.

Shooting Guard – Jaylen Brown vs. Ray Allen

Brown’s shooting was criticized early on. In his rookie season, he shot only 45 percent from the field and 34 percent from the 3-point line. In year two, Brown improved those numbers to 47 and 40 percent respectively. When comparing his first two seasons with Allen, the similarities between their per 36-minute statistics might shock you.

Name	G	3PA	3P%	2PA	2P%	TRB	AST	STL	PTS
Ray Allen	164	4.1	.377	9.6	.451	4.5	3.5	1.2	16.7
Jaylen Brown	148	4.5	.379	8.1	.507	5.8	1.8	1.1	15.8

Per 36-minutes (first two seasons)

Through their first two seasons, Brown was a slightly more efficient shooter than Allen, but overall their statistics are remarkably similar. Making this comparison after Brown’s rookie season would have been insane, but after his sophomore campaign, I believe the comparison is warranted.

Also, the high-flying 21-year-old is a force on the defensive end. His 3.2 defensive win shares ranked fourth on the Celtics last season, ahead of defensive minded players like Marcus Smart (2.5), Aaron Baynes (2.5) and Marcus Morris (2.2). The emergence of Brown as a star should not surprise anyone, as he is capable of playing highly efficient and effective basketball on both ends of the court.

Allen played a pivotal role for the Celtics during their Championship run. Celtics fans can expect Brown to do the same.

Small Forward – Gordon Hayward vs. Paul Pierce

Gordon Hayward #20 of the Utah Jazz shoots against Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The similarities between these two are uncanny, as well. Pierce stands in at 6-foot-7, weighing 235-pounds and Hayward at 6-foot-8, 225-pounds. Each of them are all-around players adept at padding the stats sheet. Both are versatile, capable of playing the wing, two-guard or primary ball handler roles effectively. From ages 24-26, the two players share a very similar stat line per 100 possessions.

Name	G	3PA	3P%	2PA	2P%	TRB	AST	STL	PTS	ORtg	DRtg
Paul Pierce	241	7.1	.342	18.6	.451	9.1	5.6	2.3	33.0	105	100
Gordon Hayward	229	7.3	.370	15.3	.488	7.7	5.7	1.8	30.5	113	106

Per 100 Team Possessions (Ages 24-26)

According to the numbers, Hayward is more efficient and effective than Pierce on both sides of the floor. His all-around skill set will be key for Boston, as they pride themselves on versatility and efficiency.

Power Forward – Jayson Tatum vs. Kevin Garnett

Despite their difference in size, Garnett standing 6-foot-11, weighing 245-pounds, Tatum at 6-foot-8, weighing 225 pounds, I felt comparing the two would be fair as they both made their NBA debuts at 19-years-old, and are versatile on the offensive end.

Garnett began his career by receiving 1995-96 All-Rookie honors after averaging ten points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks over 29-minutes per game. Tatum would have similar success, averaging 14 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block across about 31-minutes per game, while also receiving All-Rookie honors.

Garnett was one of the greatest defensive players of his generation. His nine All-Defensive First team honors are tied for most in NBA history. Despite the difference in their stature, Tatum possesses a similar defensive edge. In 2017-18, Tatum’s defensive win shares of 4.0 ranked first among Celtics players. His length and athleticism allow him to guard nearly every position on defense, which Garnett did seamlessly.

Back to the offensive side of the ball. Both Garnett and Tatum are capable shooters, although Tatum was significantly better in his rookie season. Each averaged over nine field goal attempts per game, although Tatum’s effective field goal percentage of .538 was significantly better than Garnett’s .497.

Name	Season	FGA	eFG	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	PTS	OWS	DWS	VORP
Kevin Garnett	1995-96	11.5	.497	7.9	2.3	1.4	2.1	13.1	1.8	2.6	2.1
Jayson Tatum	2017-18	12.3	.538	5.9	1.9	1.2	0.9	16.4	3.0	4.0	1.8

Per 36-minutes (Rookie Season)

Overall, I believe Tatum will have a similar impact as Garnett on both sides of the floor, despite the differences in their size and play styles.

Center – Al Horford vs. Kendrick Perkins

Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots a jump shot against Kendrick Perkins #43 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Once again, we have ourselves two opposite playing styles. Perkins was a bruiser in the paint, whereas Horford is used as a pivot atop the key.

Perkins acted as the team’s primary rebounder and rim protector in 2007-08. Since the team was filled with stars, he fit the enforcer role perfectly.

On the contrary, Horford is used as an offensive catalyst. The 32-year-old is one of the most versatile offensive big-men in the NBA. His ability to drive, post up, and shoot make him lethal on the pick-and-roll.

In 2017, he shot 43 percent from the 3-point line on a career high 97 3-point shot attempts. Also, his playmaking ability cannot be overlooked, as his 676 assists since 2016-17 rank second among big-men behind only Nikola Jokic (817).

Although he gets criticized for his inability to corral boards and block shots, it is clear Al Horford is an indispensable offensive cog in the machine that is the Boston Celtics.

Conclusion

After the analysis, it seems the 2018-19 Celtics roster rivals the talent of the 2007-08 Championship team. Only time will tell their fate, but fans will surely have an exciting season ahead.

Kyrie Irving Drama Comes To End – Or Not

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These past couple of weeks have been swamped by possible trade talks surrounding star Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler and our very own Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving. This has been a topic almost overtaken by “Hot Take Heaven”, as everyone seems to have their own opinion about what team Butler and Irving will join up with. While it’s an intriguing topic to cover, we need to “About Face!” and come back to reality.

Kyrie Irving won’t be traded this season.

Kyrie Irving has been dropping us hints through his interviews and media day appearances, all but revealing to us his plan for the future. Let’s break these things down and put together the clues he has left us.

The Jackie MacMullan Interview

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Kyrie recently did an interview with ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan, who asked him about the rumors surrounding him and Jimmy Butler possibly joining with a team to play together. He informed her that they have had no such discussions since 2016 – When they were playing together on the USA Team and discussing the future in a practice session.

That’s believable. Players are going to shoot around basketballs and spitball about playing together in the NBA. Generations have done it on the playground and there is no reason to disbelieve that star NBA players do it on the USA Team competing overseas.

“Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this?” Kyrie asked, motioning to the great history of the Celtics franchise. It is a franchise rich with championship history and full of great players. Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Paul Pierce and Kevin McHale headline several of the players that have come through the ranks for Boston. 17 Finals championships and 22 retired numbers hang in the rafters. He’s absolutely right, who wouldn’t want to be a part of this?

That begs the question for the rumors. Why won’t he commit to Boston?

Financial Restrictions

2020-21
Gordon Hayward $34.2M (Player Option)
Marcus Smart $13.4M

Need to resign Jaylen Brown.

2021-22
Need to resign Jayson Tatum

— John Vogel (@johnvbasketball) September 25, 2018

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Kyrie Irving is arguably the best point guard in the league at this current time. His scoring ability is out of this world, especially when he is healthy and attacking the basket. He hit .408 from beyond the three point line last season, and averaged 24.4 points per game and 5.1 assists. He is undoubtedly a top tier point guard in the league.

Kyrie Irving deserves to be paid as one, and he knows it.

Boston is in a world of pain when it comes to future contracts that they need to have figured out. Jayson Tatum will be getting a huge paycheck come his time to sign an extension. They want Jaylen Brown around. Marcus Smart is tied up for four more years. Gordon Hayward is under a huge contract for another three years. Al Horford is under his huge contract for three more years, as well. While Kyrie is under a player option next season, it’s very easy to assume that he won’t accept it as it’s about half of the going rate for a payer of his caliber.

To re-sign Kyrie, someone is going to have to go, or some agreement will have to be made. The question becomes, what will it be?

Media Days

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The Celtics media day on Monday filled Celtics fans with optimism and hope. There were a lot of great and encouraging statements made by several of the players. However, Kyrie made some comments when he took the podium.

“I believe Boston is the place for me,” he said, before throwing a little shade. “Obviously it’s everybody else’s job to look forward to my future before I can, so I just really thought it was important to make sure it’s known that this franchise is really built for the next few years of being at the top-tier of teams in the league.”

So that ends it, right? He’s going to stay in Boston, right?

No, I don’t believe this solves everything.

What do you expect the man to do?

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Kyrie Irving can do two things as a Boston Celtic. He can either be happy to be where he is as the focal point of the offense, or he can demand a trade to a team that will pay him. He hurt his image when he asked to be traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James. So what do you expect the man to do?

Kyrie wants to play basketball. It’s a long off-season and it’s been longer for him because he missed all of March and the playoffs. He doesn’t want the typical Boston Press drama surrounding him all season about playing on another team.

Of course, Kyrie is going to say that he wants to stay in Boston. I genuinely believe him, too. I think he does. However, he understands that with the cap issues, there is a chance the two sides might not come to an agreement. He doesn’t want the media talking about that all season long. Kyrie wants the media focusing on his play, his team, how well they mesh together and how legendary this team could end up being.

So stop talking about Kyrie trade rumors and Jimmy Butler reunions. Start talking about this year and trust the Celtics’ ability to keep stars around forever.

We should all take on Kyrie’s approach to the topic and tackle this when it comes. First, Boston’s got a championship to win.

Kyrie Irving Avoids Minutes Restriction to Begin the Season

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Injuries Plagued Boston All Season

The major story line from the Celtics’ 2017-18 season was injuries. Recently acquired Gordon Hayward suffered a gruesome ankle injury to begin the season. Kyrie Irving would miss the final 15 games of the regular season and all of the playoffs after undergoing another knee surgery in mid-March.

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 2: Gordon Hayward #20 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics talk before the game against the Charlotte Hornets during a preseason game on October 2, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Irving’s procedure involved the removal of two screws which were implanted in his left patella after his knee fracture in the 2015 NBA Finals. The time-table for his return was originally set at four-five months. Luckily, he was cleared for basketball activities in late July.

Rising stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier all shined during their absences. They performed admirably but were not enough to dethrone LeBron James in the Eastern Conference. Now with LeBron out West and a healthy Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving, the Celtics have a great chance to reach the NBA Finals.

Irving Avoids Minutes Restriction

According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, Irving will be under no minutes restriction to begin the year, which is a great sign. It is interesting when you consider Irving’s injury history, as well as the Celtics’ depth, which includes Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart and Daniel Theis.

Kyrie Irving (11) of the Boston Celtics dribbles up the floor. (Photo from CelticsLife.com)

In 60-games last season, Irving reached career highs in field goal percentage (.491), 2-point field goal percentage (.541), and true shooting percentage (.610). His per-36-minute average of 27.3 points per game was also the highest of his career. This figure ranked fifth among qualified players behind only James Harden, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant. Also, Irving’s win shares per-48-minutes (.221) ranked equal to that of former teammate LeBron James (.221). This shows how significant of an impact the 26-year-old can have.

Boston is Better With Kyrie

With Irving in the lineup, the Celtics record was 41-19. Without, the Celtics would go 9-6 in their remaining 15 regular season games and 11-8 in the playoffs. It is clear the Celtics are a superior team with him in the lineup. Avoiding a minutes restriction to begin the season is enormous. Irving’s health remains key for the team’s success moving forward. He will be a major player on their journey to banner number eighteen.

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Which NBA teams should Celtics fans keep an eye on?

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The Boston Celtics will be must-see TV with superstars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward returning. It will be important for Celtics fans to pay attention to other NBA teams as well because they will determine the placement of Boston’s draft picks at the end of the year.

In order to make mid-first-round draft picks sound exciting, the following is a list of notable Boston Celtics first-round draft selections outside of the lottery: Terry Rozier (No. 16 – 2015), Avery Bradley (No. 19 – 2010), Gerald Green (No. 18 – 2007), Al Jefferson (No. 15 – 2004), Rick Fox (No. 24 – 1991), Reggie Lewis (No. 22 – 1987)

Memphis Grizzlies

Mike Conley (11) of the Memphis Grizzlies flexes during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. (Photo from TheCommercialAppeal.com)

In 2015, the Celtics, Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans orchestrated a three-team trade sending forward Jeff Green from Boston to Memphis in exchange for Austin Rivers, Tayshaun Prince, and a protected future first-round pick. Rivers would eventually be traded to the Clippers for a second-round pick. Prince went to the Pistons in a three-team deal involving Isaiah Thomas. The Celtics still hold the Grizzlies’ draft pick, which will be protected if it falls in between No. 1 and No. 8 in 2019 or No. 1 and No. 6 in 2020, and will be unprotected in 2021.

Last season, Memphis finished 14^th in the Western Conference with a 22-60 record. With the return of Mike Conley from injury, as well as the emergence of former Celtic MarShon Brooks, the Grizzlies may improve. If that is the case, the Celtics may get their hands on a draft pick in the back half of the lottery. Although if the Grizzlies are to struggle, it may be another season or two until the Celtics see any further return on Jeff Green.

Los Angeles Clippers

During the 2016 NBA Draft, the Celtics traded picks 31 (Deyonta Davis) and 35 (Rade Zagorac) to the Memphis Grizzlies for a future 2019 first-round pick from the Clippers. Boston still owns the Clippers pick, which is lottery protected in both 2019 and 2020. If Los Angeles has not conveyed the pick by then, they will instead convey a 2022 second-round selection.

With the Clippers returning to mediocrity, it seems unlikely the Celtics will receive compensation any time soon. Last season, the Clippers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010-11. With the departures of Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan, not one of their remaining players has ever appeared in an All-Star game.

When the Clippers inevitably struggle, it will be detrimental for Boston. Their best-case scenario would be to receive a first-round pick outside of the lottery. Celtics fans should be rooting for Doc Rivers once more, because the more the Clipper lose, the longer the Celtics will have to wait for a return.

Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) dribbles up court during an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, Danny Ainge made a bold, but brilliant trade, moving the No. 1 draft pick (Markelle Fultz) to the Philadelphia 76ers for the No. 3 overall pick (Jayson Tatum) and a future first-round pick in 2018 from the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston would only receive the Lakers pick if it was between No. 2 and No. 5, which it was not, however. So, Philadelphia will send Boston the better of their own or the Sacramento Kings 2019 first-round picks.

Celtics fans should not expect to receive the 76ers pick, as they finished third in the Eastern Conference last season and have two of the NBA’s brightest young talents in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Rather, Celtic’s fans should expect to receive the Kings pick, as they are clearly the inferior team, finishing 12^th in the Western Conference last season. It will be important to keep an eye on De’Aaron Fox and the Sacramento Kings, as they could have a dreadful season, which would drastically assist Boston come draft day.

How Jamal Crawford Makes The Celtics Better

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Crawford wants to add some hardware to his name before he retires

The 38-year-old veteran Jamal Crawford has reported mutual interest with multiple teams. Two of the most notable would be the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics. Since entering the league in the year 2000, he has played for eight different teams. The three-time sixth man of the year recipient knows a thing or two about playing limited minutes.

Last year with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he put up some solid numbers at age 37. In 80 games played for the team, he scored 10.3 points, while snagging 1.2 rebounds per game, and collecting 2.4 assists per game. Is there anymore he can give to any contending team?

What can he offer for the Celtics?

With a team that’s as young as this year’s Boston Celtics, this guy is worth keeping around. His ability is still up there to be able to perform on a nightly basis. He becomes more of an asset if he can help shape and develop the young core of guards on this roster, including Terry Rozier.

Terry Rozier got a small taste of being a successful starter in this league last season. While that opportunity will be very limited due to Kyrie Irving’s return this year, all eyes are on him to see if he can handle being put back on the bench and still showing ample amounts of ability.

In 16 games played as a starter, he averaged 15.6 points per game, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. What stands out to me are the 6.4 rebounds per game stat. Not a lot of point guards grab boards excessively like that besides Westbrook.

This is where Jamal Crawford comes into play. Even though he has had a successful career, he was never a prominent starting guard. If it seems that Rozier loses confidence or doesn’t play well, Crawford can come in and assist in his development.

While most sources can agree at least 4 teams are in the mix to gain his services, he clearly wants to win a ring sooner rather than later. With only the threat of signing with the Warriors, the Celtics currently have the second-best odds of landing him to Beantown.

According to Spotrac, his highest paid season was back in the 2016-17 season with the Los Angeles Clippers. That season he was 36 years old, and still made a cool $13,253,012 million.

With just weeks away from training camp, we will shortly see how this turns out. Stay tuned to Boston Sports Extra for the latest updates on everything Celtics!

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What Will Aron Baynes’ Role Look Like This Season?

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Aron Baynes broke onto the scene last season as a serious impact player for the Boston Celtics. The New Zealand born 6’10, 260 pound big man appeared in all but one game for Boston last season, and started 67 matches. At the ripe age of 32 this season, Baynes appears to be leaving the stages of his prime and beginning his regression towards the depths of retirement.

Baynes entered the league at an older than normal age, debuting with the San Antonio Spurs on January 25th, 2013. He was undrafted out of Washington State. After spending three years with the Spurs, he signed with the Detroit Pistons where he spent the next two years. Last season was his first as a Celtic.

After playing so much time last year, the Boston faithful have to wonder if he will provide a similar impact this season. To really give you a good answer, we need to understand why he did so well last year for this team.

What role did Aron Baynes play last season?

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It only took five minutes for Gordon Hayward’s season to be over with a busted ankle. When Hayward went down, minutes opened up in the forward positions.

Jayson Tatum ended up playing the small forward position more then originally planned, and he did well. However, Marcus Morris started the first several games at the power forward. Head coach Brad Stevens felt that Morris would be better coming off of the bench and started giving the starting nod to Baynes, who brought a fierce defensive presence to the starting rotation.

Baynes ended up averaging 18 minutes per game and 6 points, while holding a defensive rating of 103. He also helped tremendously with second chance points, as he averaged 1.6 offensive boards per game. He shot 47% from the field for the season and 75% from the free throw line.

Will he see the field like that this season?

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Aron Baynes is a great complimentary piece to any team, and could probably start on half of the teams in the Eastern Conference. However, Baynes plays for the Boston Celtics, who have arguably the best roster, from top to bottom, in the NBA right now.

The minutes that Baynes had won’t be there this season. Between Hayward returning (providing he stays healthy), Jayson Tatum, and Marcus Morris, there isn’t a lot of time available. I would imagine that Stevens will move him to Center and play him between Al Horford and rookie big man Robert Williams III.

However, Aron Baynes will still make his presence felt on the court.

Main Image Credit: AP Photo/Charles Krupa

The Celtics With the Most to Prove this Season

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Who’s got the most to prove going into the 18-19′ season?

The Celtics enter the new season with an intriguing mix of players on the roster. They have a collection of established stars, developing contributors, long term projects, and unknowns. In this article, I’ll take a look at who on the roster has the most to prove to fans and the organization come October. Let’s get started.

Robert Williams, F/C

This one is a no brainer for most Celtics fans who have been paying attention this summer. Williams has a well-documented history of laziness. Two incidents specifically come to mind- the first where he overslept his introductory conference call. The other is when he missed his plane flight to the first summer league practice of the summer. There are certainly motivation problems here, and he needs to be whipped into shape.

The other major concern is his play style. Williams is a defensive minded player, and more than holds his own inside the paint on both ends. But his shooting is a major concern. He seems to be the only player on the roster who can’t make a shot from outside the paint. Williams has a lot to prove this season if he wants to silence his doubters.

Terry Rozier, G

I know it seems like Scary Terry has nothing left to prove after his emphatic showing at the end of the regular season and into the playoffs last year. However, this is the year where Rozier really has to show what he’s got. This is a contract year for him, and he’s got to keep up the production if he wants to get his money.

Rozier won’t get as many minutes as he got in the postseason last year, but it’s what he does in the minutes he plays that counts. It’s not like Rozier doesn’t have areas to improve in, either. A big improvement spot that comes to mind is consistency (Remember that horrendous game 7 of the ECF?). It’s time for Rozier to show out if he wants to get paid.

Gordon Hayward, F

Yes, Gordon Hayward has a lot to prove this season. After All-Star campaigns in Utah, Hayward only appeared in a Celtics uniform for five minutes this year. After Boston’s run of success, Hayward’s value became more and more downplayed as the year went on. He needs to show Boston fans the superstar player that the C’s signed last summer. He doesn’t need to post the same numbers that he was posting with the Jazz. However, he does need to show the fans that he can still play at a high level after the devastating injury that he suffered. Can he come back from it? Signs point to yes, but he needs to come out and shove it in our faces that he’s a top-tier talent.

Got any you felt were left off the list? Any you think shouldn’t have made it? Tell me on Twitter: @jackbuffett_

Presenting: The Celtics’ All Two-First-Name Team

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We’re officially in the NBA dead season. For the time being, there are no trades to be made, no dramatic shakeups to rattle the league’s core, and worst of all, no actual games to be played. In times like these, we have only one choice: Argue about really dumb, inconsequential stuff while we sit around waiting for the season to start.

The following is inconsequential, but it is certainly not dumb. I’ve gone ahead and constructed a roster of the best Celtics players with two first names. You’re welcome in advance.

What’s The Criteria? Did the player in question play in a Celtics uniform? Did that player have two first names? Was that player both good, and does he fit into a loosely constructed roster format? If the answer to all of those questions is yes, that player will likely be featured in this post.

Will There Be Videos? You better believe it.

Why Didn’t Vitaly Potepenko Make The Team? To the best of my knowledge “Potepenko” is not a first name. I promise that, and that alone, is the only reason.

Late Cut – Al Jefferson

This roster is only 8 spots, so that means some tough calls have to be made. Unfortunately, that means Big Al narrowly misses the cut. Jefferson was one of the last players to go straight from high school to the NBA, and his inexperience showed early on. Jefferson started only 8 games during his first two seasons. In 2007, however, he made a leap. Jefferson averaged 16 PPG and 11 RPG on 51.4% shooting, displaying enough promise to make himself the centerpiece of the Kevin Garnett trade that summer.

Backup Wing – Don Nelson

That’s right, the guy behind Nellie Ball was a key cog on five Celtics championship teams. Statistically, Nelson was unspectacular. Across 11 seasons with Boston, he averaged only 11-5-2 on 48% shooting in 21.8 MPG.

However, he also had one of the great moments of the late Russell-Era Celtics. Down the stretch in Game 7 of the ’69 Finals, Nelson scooped up a loose ball at the foul line. He released a high-arching jumper that bounced straight off the back iron, before dropping directly down through the rim as the shot clock expired. The shot pushed the Celtics’ lead to 105-102 with a minute and a half to play, giving just enough cushion for the C’s to clinch their 11th NBA title in 13 years.

Plus, he’s gone full Cool Grandpa on us all. Everyone needs a glue guy like that coming off the bench.

Backup Guard – Nate “Tiny” Archibald

Archibald is a forgotten legend from a forgotten era. “Tiny” played from 1972-77, averaging an impressive 27-3-9 on 47% shooting en route to three All-Star selections. He became the first (and only) player to lead the league in both assists per game and points per game in ’73, when his 34 PPG and 11.4 APG set the pace for the rest of the NBA.

An achilles injury caused him to miss the entire ’78 season. This injury led to his signing with the Celtics. Archibald’s numbers weren’t as gaudy in Boston as they were during his prime, but his efforts as a floor general and steady secondary creator alongside a precocious Larry Bird earned him three more All-Star honors from 1980-82, and an NBA title in 1981.

Backup Big – Bill Walton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNg6LG6Qhw4

It’s only fitting that the 6th man of this crew is Hall of Fame center Bill Walton. Okay, I took some liberties here (“Walton” isn’t exactly a common first name unless you’re the vice principal of North Jackson High School), but as the self-appointed arbiter of this list, I’ll allow it. The C’s snatched up Walton after the ’85 season, when foot and ankle injuries had all but derailed his career.

The former UCLA standout had an immediate impact: His unselfish play meshed seamlessly with Bird’s Celtics, already a team known for their passing and ball movement. The result? Walton was named 6th Man of the Year in 1986, as Boston sliced through the rest of the NBA en route to 68 wins and a title.

Starting Guard – Isaiah Thomas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39gFgeisYlA

It’s easy to lose sight of just how good Thomas was during his time in Boston, given the way things ended. The Celtics acquired him at the trade deadline in 2015, and promptly won 20 of their final 30 games to sneak into the playoffs as the 8 seed. IT was the spark, and after leading the Celtics back to the postseason in 2016, he lost his damn mind in 2017.

Thomas was a killer that season. He averaged 29-3-6 on 46/38/91 shooting, with the bulk of that production coming when it mattered most. He scored 20+ points in 43 straight games (a Celtics record), and averaged 9.8 points in the 4th quarter (2nd best in the NBA). The above video was arguably his greatest moment: dropping 53 points against the Wizards in the ECSF on his sister’s birthday, just days after her death. It’s hard to believe that he would be traded less than 4 months later.

Starting Guard – Ray Allen

I specifically remember being confused when the Celtics traded for Allen during the 2007 NBA Draft. At the time, pairing a 31 year old shooting guard with a 30 year old Paul Pierce and Al Jefferson seemed like a one-way ticket to 43 wins and NBA purgatory. Of course, little did I know a Kevin Garnett-sized shoe was about to drop, and the next great era of Celtics’ basketball was about about to begin.

Garnett was the heart and soul of those Celtics teams. Pierce was the captain. But Allen was the most consistent, and most deadly. Jesus Shuttlesworth averaged 17-3-3 on 47/40/91 shooting from 2008-11, with more clutch shots and game winners than I can count. He also has the two most iconic shots from the 2008 Finals, both from Game 4’s dramatic road comeback. There was the above triple-clutch reverse layup, and then the game-clinching blow-by of Sasha Vujacic.

Like Thomas, things ended on a sour note with the Boston brass. However, Allen was vital to the Celtic’s last championship run, and to restoring the franchise to their former glory.

Starting Forward – Reggie Lewis

Lewis’ story ended in tragedy, a life lost far too soon. While he was healthy and able to compete on an NBA court, however, he was one of the game’s best two way players, an All-Star just hitting his prime. Lewis only played in 49 games (and 405 minutes) in his rookie season. Then, from 1989-93, he blossomed. Lewis averaged 19-5-2 over that 5 season stretch, and was an All-Star in 1992.

He was notorious for giving Michael Jordan fits (at least as much as any other player was able to), even blocking him 4 times in one game. The Celtics, in the wake of Len Bias’ death in 1986 and with Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish aging quickly, needed a new, young star to carry the franchise’s success into a new decade. Lewis seemed primed to be a key part of that next Celtics generation. Unfortunately, that was not meant to be.

Starting Forward – Cedric Maxwell

Before the decisive Game 7 of the 1984 NBA Finals, Maxwell reportedly told his Celtics teammates “Hop on my back boys, I’ll carry you home.” Cornbread put his money where his mouth was, scoring 24 points, along with 8 boards and 8 assists, to lead the Celtics to their 15th title. Maxwell earned his second ring with the franchise and cemented himself as a Celtics legend, after winning the Finals MVP in 1981.

Of course, it helps that in addition to his stellar work as a starter on those early 80s Celtics teams, Maxwell had (and continues to have) such a colorful personality. Listen to any Celtics radio broadcast and you’re sure to get a good quote or five. Here’s one from last December, at the expense of 2018 MVP James Harden. And, in case you were worried this was a new development, check out his speech from Larry Legend’s retirement ceremony in 1993. Simply put, Max is the best.

Starting Center – Bill Russell

Look, if you made it this far I probably don’t need to run down Bill Freakin’ Russell’s list of accomplishments. 11 titles in 13 years. Never lost a Game 7. A 5-time MVP, 12-time All-Star, and 12-time All NBA selectee. And that’s just scratching the very surface. He was beloved by coaches and teammates, and his contributions go beyond the court. He was a Civil Rights activist, and is one of the game’s greatest ambassadors. How could I have chosen any other Celtics’ center with two first names, two last names, or no names at all for this honor?

I also just wanted an excuse to show off this video:

If that wasn’t enough, there’s this classic commercial that, thanks to the mighty and glorious internet, is forever immortalized:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY9t2WeMX1c

Need I say more?

Coach – Brad Stevens

Nothing but respect for my GOAT.

Do the Celtics have a Better Future then the Warriors?

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The Boston Celtics are a very young team looking up and only scratching the surface of their potential. With young rising stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier on the roster locked up long term, one can only wonder how far this team can go in the future.

Right now, Boston seems to have the perfect balance of depth of new and experienced on the team. Still led by stars like Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, Boston is expected to appear in the NBA Finals this season. Anything less is a disappointment.

If this team reaches the Finals, they should face off against the Golden State Warriors, a squad who has simply dominated the NBA landscape the last five years. With a plethora of All-Stars on their team, they have been nearly unstoppable, especially so since the addition of Kevin Durant.

However, the question begs to be asked, let alone answered. Who has the brighter future? Boston or Golden State?

To properly answer the question, we must analyze the structures of each teams future. Each team has positives and negatives to assess to the situation.

Boston’s Young, Star Talent

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Boston is loaded with young, star talent. As mentioned before, the best young players on the squad are Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Terry Rozier. Certainly, don’t forget about rookie Robert Williams III or Semi Ojeleye. Both of those players are extremely talented but probably won’t see the court too much next year.

Marcus Smart just signed a four-year deal this past off-season, locking him up through the 2021-22 season. Terry Rozier will probably be the team’s next target, as his contract expires next season. Brown is good for the next two seasons, Tatum for the next three. Undoubtedly, Boston will sign the two of them to mega deals when their contracts expire.

The Celtics really sit in a good place, firmly in the driver’s seat, with the structure of their roster. Gordon Hayward, one of head coach Brad Stevens former college players, is locked into his deal through the 2020-21 season, providing the team with much-needed leadership and experience. Although Kyrie Irving will probably leave after this season or be traded through the season, Boston has the depth to deal with his loss.

Golden State, however, is running out

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Golden State used to rely on young talent to play well. The group of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green won them a Finals series against LeBron James and the full force of the Cleveland Cavaliers the first go around by themselves. However, with the addition of Kevin Durant and then signing Curry to a mega-deal, Golden State now finds themselves in a bind for money.

Golden State has Draymond Green signed through for the next two years, but next year Klay Thompson will be a free agent. Durant may not return for less money for a third straight year. New All-Star addition Boogie Cousins may not stick around either after next year.

This would potentially leave Golden State with Steph and Draymond, and not too much young talent. Two young players have shown potential, those guys being Jordan Bell and Kevon Looney. Neither player is quite the caliber of a Jaylen Brown prospect, but talented nonetheless. Jacob Evans was added this year in the draft and might turn into a fine young player. Regardless, Golden State could lose a lot of depth next year, especially if things don’t work out well for the team this season.

Next season could be a drastically different game

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If Klay and Boogie Cousins were to walk next year, here is what the starting lineups could end up looking like next year:

Golden State:
PG Steph Curry
SG Kevon Looney
SF Kevin Durant
PF Draymond Green
C Jordan Bell
6th Damien Jones

Boston:
PG Marcus Smart
SG Jaylen Brown
SF Gordon Hayward
PF Jayson Tatum
C Al Horford
6th Robert Williams

Let’s just ask the question. Which team are you taking? For the record, I would indeed be taking Boston in this lineup. It has more big-play potential from every corner, while Golden State is relying on its stars to get through the game.

In summary, I think it’s very clear who has the better, brighter future. The Celtics. It’s a runaway conclusion. The era of Golden State dominating the NBA week in and week out is almost to a close. The better news? The Celtics are in a position to capitalize.

Why Brad Stevens is the Most Underrated Coach in the NBA

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When will Brad Stevens catch a break? After guiding Boston to the Eastern Conference Finals the past two seasons with a depleted squad each year, some analysts are refusing to acknowledge Stevens as a bona fide coach in NBA ranks.

To understand the truth to this matter, we need to break down the accomplishments that Stevens has achieved during his tenure in Boston.

The first year in Boston

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Brad Stevens got the opportunity to coach for Boston after a very successful tenure in the college ranks as the head coach of Butler. After a national championship run that fell short in the 2012-13 season, Stevens was interviewed by multiple NBA teams.

Stevens landed the Boston job on July 3rd, 2013. Does anyone remember any of the players from that 2013-14 squad? Going, going and gone. I didn’t think so.

Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley played the guards, but Rondo was hurt the majority of the season so Jordan Crawford moved into the starting role. I repeat- Jordan Crawford. Jared Sullinger played center, only after Kris Humphries got hurt. Brandon Bass and Jeff Green held down the forward positions.

The team crawled to a miserable 25-57 record and finished fourth in the Atlantic Division.

The 2014-15 Season

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The Celtics added Tyler Zeller to play the five, and Evan Turner replaced Jeff Green after an injury. Late in the season, Boston traded for Isaiah Thomas, with intension to have him come off the bench. The young Celtics started to emerge, with Thomas averaging 19 points per game off the bench. Avery Bradley becoming a reliable 2nd option, then Marcus Smart, Jae Crowder and Kelly Olynyk all earning more playing time throughout the season.

Boston went 40-42, sneaking into the playoffs just to be swept under the rug by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Pieces come together

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Stevens liked the youth on his team. Boston allowed the older players to leave and started adding multitudes of young talent. Terry Rozier, Jordan Mickey and Jaylen Brown arrived to the squad. Isaiah Thomas became an offensive star and suddenly had a ton of offensive talent around him. Crowder, Bradley and the addition of Al Horford at center proved to be extremely useful. Boston made their first Eastern Conference Finals run in the 2016-17 season, without Thomas who had fallen victim to an ankle injury halfway through the playoff run.

The team leaned on Smart and Rozier to shoulder the load, which they did well. However, Boston was unable to contain both Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, and fell again in game six, again, to the Cavaliers.

The 2017-18 Season

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This season, the Celtics were truly primed to make a big run. They added Duke star Jayson Tatum to their lineup. Kyrie Irving was acquired from Cleveland. Boston signed Gordon Hayward from the Utah Jazz in free agency. This squad was so loaded, it didn’t seem like they could fall short of a title run.

Alas, disaster struck. Hayward went down with a broken ankle five minutes into the first game while Kyrie missed the entire month of April and the entirety of the playoffs. Instead, the team leaned on Tatum and Jaylen Brown to carry the load, which they did admirably. They went toe to toe in a seven game matchup with the Cavaliers before falling, 87-79.

What does Brad Steven have to do?

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What does Brad Stevens really have to prove? What accomplishment does he have to achieve before people outside of Boston recognize how gifted this man truly is?

Let’s explore some of his former players to see how they are faring with other teams. Jae Crowder? All but forgotten in Utah. Avery Bradley? Traded to the Detroit Pistons and then to the Los Angeles Clippers later in the season. Isaiah Thomas? Now on his fourth team in the last two years (Boston, Cleveland, Los Angeles Lakers and now the Denver Nuggets.

Stevens takes talent and finds the best way to play them and then he utilizes each player to his strength. What other coaches have done well in doing that? San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is about the only one that comes to mind.

Brad Stevens took a team missing two NBA All-Stars to the Conference Finals and then leaned on a rookie forward to lead his team into game seven. That accomplishment alone is incredible! All we hear about is how Brad Stevens doesn’t yet belong on the list of elite NBA coaches.

I beg to differ. He definitely does.