The Celts just got eliminated from the playoff picture by Indiana. They've slipped back into the mid-lottery with their recent return to mediocrity, though injuries have played a part. Just as well. Danny Ainge had to draft in the lottery eventually, right?
But those injuries have uncovered yet another rising star, joining Delonte West and Ryan Gomes. This time, it's high schooler and D-League alum Gerald Green. That guy can play. He can certainly dunk; this leaves no doubt about that. But he can shoot too, when he's actually given playing time (50% FG, 44% 3FG). Tonight he dropped 22 on the Pacers, on 10-16 shooting. Pretty remarkable for a guy who's like 19 and not named LeBron. Granted, he's being fed the ball and told to shoot, and likely isn't holding up his end of the deal on defense, but so far so good. He's no stinker, that's for sure. If GG learns his defensive rotations, and continues to soak up Pierce's one-on-one moves like Keanu Reeves absorbed Jujitsu, look out. Mr. Szczerbiak might not want to buy that condo in the North End quite yet.
And here comes the broken record... what a fascinating roster. You'd have to go back to the 2000-01 Bruins to find such a complete, all-encompassing youth movement, and with such promise! If Ainge keeps this group together... Pierce, West, Szczerbiak, Green, Perkins, Jefferson, Gomes, Tony Allen... things could get really, really fun in a hurry. But again, they need a veteran to slap them around. Either a point or a big, doesn't matter much to me, but they need a wizened old grown-up in a major way. Right now the Celts are very much like the last few Clippers editions. Tons of talent, bonafide superstar, athleticism up the wazoo, no leadership. The Celts need their Sam Cassell if they want to take a leap forward.
But those injuries have uncovered yet another rising star, joining Delonte West and Ryan Gomes. This time, it's high schooler and D-League alum Gerald Green. That guy can play. He can certainly dunk; this leaves no doubt about that. But he can shoot too, when he's actually given playing time (50% FG, 44% 3FG). Tonight he dropped 22 on the Pacers, on 10-16 shooting. Pretty remarkable for a guy who's like 19 and not named LeBron. Granted, he's being fed the ball and told to shoot, and likely isn't holding up his end of the deal on defense, but so far so good. He's no stinker, that's for sure. If GG learns his defensive rotations, and continues to soak up Pierce's one-on-one moves like Keanu Reeves absorbed Jujitsu, look out. Mr. Szczerbiak might not want to buy that condo in the North End quite yet.
And here comes the broken record... what a fascinating roster. You'd have to go back to the 2000-01 Bruins to find such a complete, all-encompassing youth movement, and with such promise! If Ainge keeps this group together... Pierce, West, Szczerbiak, Green, Perkins, Jefferson, Gomes, Tony Allen... things could get really, really fun in a hurry. But again, they need a veteran to slap them around. Either a point or a big, doesn't matter much to me, but they need a wizened old grown-up in a major way. Right now the Celts are very much like the last few Clippers editions. Tons of talent, bonafide superstar, athleticism up the wazoo, no leadership. The Celts need their Sam Cassell if they want to take a leap forward.
posted by Jeff at
1:04 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home