Let's do it. Please allow The Daddy to throw out the disclaimer that since the trade I am the biggest bandwagon follower there is and have followed them religiously. That being said, I think I know enough to assess them.
At 22 and 3 they are easily the most impressive team defensively. Led by KG (more on him later) this team showed last night that their defense will hold up against anyone. Should they go on to play in the conf. finals or NBA finals, their defense may be what gets them there. The secret behind it is simply communication, rotation, and simply team defense. Team D: A-
Offensively I have been less than impressed. Ray is still finding his groove (IMO) and KG still is too Ben Wallace minded. The Truth still forces it sometimes, and Perk is a liability. Collectively, they've had some surprises, but need to develop from within as the season goes on. Team O: B-
Individuals:
KG: Might as well start out with the Bill Russell of the 21 century (Please don't somebody blast me for that, it's a gentle compliment to the man). I didn't think he could transform a team defensively the way he has. I watch the games and KG is moving around the court, challenging, and yelling as if his job was to deny the other team the oxygen on the court. Like he did last night, I'd like to see him exert himself more on offense. He really thinks this is still Pierce's team and that he is the new Ben Wallace. That's fine, but three more shots a game instead of trying to post up Perk or isolating Pierce against 2 defenders would make sense to me. KG: B
Truth: Defensively, he's putting forth the effort and making himself a very good defender at times. Offensively, it's easier for him but he's still adjusting. He hasn't learned to utilize the options afforded him yet. Still the team's best scorer, Pierce gets a B.
Jesus: When did he learn defense? He is rotating, hustling, and playing within the team. Great news for the Celtics, bad news for the league. Maybe that's why his percentage sucks so much and so often? Hit the shots Ray!....eh, how about a B-
Rondo: My favorite player on that team outside of KG. He makes dumb plays, but is a defensive stud. He showed last night what he can do on offense if taken lightly. I predict by playoff time he'll be averaging close to 14 and 6. I see an emerging Tony Parker-ish player with much more defensive savvy. The team needs a vet backup (Beg for a buy out SAM!). Given the pressure he's under, Giant Hands gets an A.
Perk: Liability on offense still. I watch the games over and over waiting to see him show some offensive prowess. He doesn't show much. He's no Ben Wallace on offense though. He throws it down with authority and can have a soft touch...sometimes. Defensively he's pretty good. Next to KG he's better, but is still a decent center. However, this is the team's biggest weakness. Perk, C+
Posey: Being a role player. Doing fine, perhaps he could provide more offensively. He's still everything Hassell wishes he could be. B
House: He's a leader now? Didn't see that coming. He plays D, is a positive influence, and runs the backup PG better than we predicted. B+
Baby: Stop making dumb fouls. channel your enthusiasm. Continue to bang down low. He'll be what we wish the Rhino was. B
Tony Allen: No confidence. Was on the verge of being a good player. Still plays solid Defense. Unless he develops the team may not make that finals appearance. C
ooops, forgot Doc: I still don't care for his coaching. He gets the players' respect though, and isn't doing anything terribly wrong I can see...but then again I'm a JV/middle school coach, not an NBA coach! Doc - B
All in all, this team is scary. If the league continues to ignore them and credit their wins to an inferior conference, this team will blow someone out in the playoffs in the first/second round. Watching last night (Via an executive suite at the Wolves game) showed me that this team has meshed almost as well as the Pistons have in four years, but in a quarter of a season! Impressive to me. Yea, the Pistons won cuz TA was overzealous. So what. The Pistons played as good a game as can be expected from them (IMO). I thought they played great overall while the Celtics played fine, but not as well as I've seen them play. Pierce got held in check, but the bench (in the few minutes they got) played timidly.
I would LOVE to see this team against Detroit, SA, Dallas, or the Suns in the playoffs. At some point they will struggle, but 2 steps back is neccessary for a leap forward. By season's end they may be on or above the Spurs' level...
Here's to the Celtics' bandwagon!
