This is the deepest Celtics team in recent memory. Deeper than 2007 (in some ways), and we know how that worked out...
And what’s even better is that by come mid-season, when the Celtics (knock on wood) return to full strength, they will have two All-Star centers…on the bench. Life is good.
The 2010-2011 Celtics starting 5 will eventually (we think) have all the same faces. Rondo, Ray, PP, KG, and Perk. The big man, sadly, remains injured, so instead we’ll put Shaquille O’Neal on the floor. Yeah, this Shaquille O’Neal:
Shaq-tastic, if I do say so myself.
A little older, but nonetheless, he’s a rather large presence under the hoop. And if Shaq gets tired, no problem; Jermaine O’Neal. When is the last time the Celtics have had this kind of depth at the low post?
And guess what, there’s more! Turkish player Semih Erden has impressed me during this preseason. He is tall and athletic, proving very mobile in his action this fall. Don’t forget about Big Baby, either. Glen Davis is getting better each year (while living up to his nickname, for certain).
I think we will be alright without ‘Sheed, don’t you think.
In the backcourt, Nate Robinson and Marquis Daniels return, and will probably be key focal points of this year’s bench. And this year we get the services of old friend Delonte West. So, the bench will score and grab some boards for sure. The void on this Celtics squad, however, is the loss of Tony Allen. Boston will, without a doubt, miss his defensive stands against the likes of Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, Joe Johnson, et al. Someone will need to step up.
This gives us an active roster of 11. Perkins is on injured reserve, leaving us one roster spot and two reserve spots left. Filling these spots will be decided amongst veterans Von Wafer and Mario West, rookies Avery Bradley and Luke Harangody, as well as former UMass player Stephane Lasme, invited to training camp a week before it started.
The rookies will stay. Harangody has played quite well. Bradley has struggled (3 turnovers in his first 4 possessions the other night), but he’s young. After the past few games, I do not think they will see the D-League. But they do have some depth to do that if they choose. Each of the other 3 players brings a different attribute to this team. Wafer is the scoring threat, Mario West is the defensive stopper, and Lasme is another low post player.
Who should this team bring along for the ride? Post your opinions below.
All I know is its going to be an exciting ride nonetheless.
P.S. Tickets for Opening night anyone? I would very much enjoy going, but my wallet has voiced other opinions.
If the C's keep the O'neals' minutes to 15-20 min a game each, everything will work out fine. If fans expect Lakers Shaq, or even the Heat version of Shaq, they'll be disappointed. However, if the C's can get a solid 17 min a game with like 9-10 points and 5ish rebounds they'll be in great shape. Center is an extremly important position, you don't need a great one, you need solid players at that position, and thats exactly what the O'neals will offer.
ReplyDeleteThe celtics probably won't be very astheticly pleasing this year, and probably won't have a good regular season. But, last year proved that all you need to do is make it to the tournament and play good D once you get there. I'll take the understated, defensive approach of the Celtics, over the flashy ways of the Heat.
I have more optimism about the regular season this year. While I'm sure the O'Neals will be overplayed at the beginning of the season, Perk will come back in time to relieve them from some of that time. Center is very important, and we now have great depth at the position, now that Erden has decided to come over. It very well may not be an aesthetically pleasing season (fast breaks with Shaq, etc.). But I still like the way we look thus far
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