2019-2020 Celtics Regular Season Thread

mcpickl

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for the PLAYOFFS:

Theis (~27mpg) will share the 5 with Kanter (~16mpg) and TL (5mpg) - maybe a few minutes of Granite there depending on match-ups. (TL really doesn't deserve any minutes here and would be fine with him stapled to the bench)

Kemba, JT, JB, GH, Smart should play ~ 34-38mpg (score/situation dependent),
which is ~180 mpg out of 192 mpg from the 1-4 position.
3-4 of Kemba, JT, JB, GH, Smart should be on the floor at all times in the playoffs IMO.

That leaves ~12 mpg split between Wanamaker, Grant, Romeo, Semi

match-up/play/energy will dictate mpg (ie vs. Milwaukee I'd expect Semi to get more run since he has experience with Giannis)

I believe Romeo's defense surpassed Green, and when you're the #5 offensive option, defense matters more.

so that's 1-12.

13. Green
14. Waters
15. Edwards
16. VP
17. Fall

*edited because my math was originally off:rolleyes:
They can't play Kanter that many minutes in the playoffs. He'll kill them defensively. They're really going to have to hope Theis can avoid the cheap fouls and pump him up to 30ish minutes a game, and probably have to get away with as many minutes with Grant Williams as the tiny 5 as they can get away with.

Also, Wanamaker is going to play real minutes every night. With only the 5 trustworthy non-centers in the rotation, and 4 of them starting, it's nearly impossible to not have Wanamaker as the next most trusted guy playing fairly significant minutes. I'd be surprised if Wanamaker doesn't top the 12 minutes a night you had split among those 4 guys by himself.
 

benhogan

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They can't play Kanter that many minutes in the playoffs. He'll kill them defensively. They're really going to have to hope Theis can avoid the cheap fouls and pump him up to 30ish minutes a game, and probably have to get away with as many minutes with Grant Williams as the tiny 5 as they can get away with.

Also, Wanamaker is going to play real minutes every night. With only the 5 trustworthy non-centers in the rotation, and 4 of them starting, it's nearly impossible to not have Wanamaker as the next most trusted guy playing fairly significant minutes. I'd be surprised if Wanamaker doesn't top the 12 minutes a night you had split among those 4 guys by himself.
Kanter played decent in the playoffs last year and was excellent this season with the Cs (until the hip injury). His minutes will be match-up dependent. Kanter will play against classic 5s (Phil), BUT is unplayable when the opponent goes small. Theis should see a bump in his reg season 24mpg, if he can play 30 effective minutes great. I believe Theis is a better 3pt shooter then his numbers have been this season. If he turns it on in the playoffs that would be huge.

I guess we could see Wanamaker getting 10+ mpg in a Toronto series when they go FVV/Lowry backcourt for big minutes. Then again I could see Romeo or Semi seeing minutes instead of BradW in a Mil series.

The 1-4 should see Kemba, Tatum, Brown, Smart, Hayward each getting 34-39mpg. I don't want to see any of them giving up minutes to Brad Wanamaker. Whatever the residual is can go to the best matchup for Romeo/BradW/Semi/Grant(w/some Center minutes)

What's your stance with Rob Williams, do you think he splits minutes with Kanter?
 

Kliq

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Kanter played decent in the playoffs last year and was excellent this season with the Cs (until the hip injury). His minutes will be match-up dependent. Kanter will play against classic 5s (Phil), BUT is unplayable when the opponent goes small. Theis should see a bump in his reg season 24mpg, if he can play 30 effective minutes great. I believe Theis is a better 3pt shooter then his numbers have been this season. If he turns it on in the playoffs that would be huge.

I guess we could see Wanamaker getting 10+ mpg in a Toronto series when they go FVV/Lowry backcourt for big minutes. Then again I could see Romeo or Semi seeing minutes instead of BradW in a Mil series.

The 1-4 should see Kemba, Tatum, Brown, Smart, Hayward each getting 34-39mpg. I don't want to see any of them giving up minutes to Brad Wanamaker. Whatever the residual is can go to the best matchup for Romeo/BradW/Semi/Grant(w/some Center minutes)

What's your stance with Rob Williams, do you think he splits minutes with Kanter?
Kanter should have some moments in the playoffs. He'll have at least one game where he puts up a double-double in like 15 minutes, but he'll also get some games where he will play about three minutes in the second quarter and nothing else.

Time Lord is just a complete mystery. He has only played 606 career minutes and appeared in 55 games, he really has no track record of anything in the NBA so there is no way to project how he would fare in the playoffs. I'd like to think he could have some moments in the playoffs, but I have no expectations for him.

In reality, as we've all mentioned throughout the season, there are very few true 5s that are going to be a big problem for the Celtics. Outside of Embiid, is there anyone in the East that would be capable of say, destroying Grant Williams so we couldn't play him at the 5 to spell Theis? Vucevic maybe? Brook Lopez? I don't see it as a real factor outside of a matchup against Philly.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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They can't play Kanter that many minutes in the playoffs. He'll kill them defensively. They're really going to have to hope Theis can avoid the cheap fouls and pump him up to 30ish minutes a game, and probably have to get away with as many minutes with Grant Williams as the tiny 5 as they can get away with.

Also, Wanamaker is going to play real minutes every night. With only the 5 trustworthy non-centers in the rotation, and 4 of them starting, it's nearly impossible to not have Wanamaker as the next most trusted guy playing fairly significant minutes. I'd be surprised if Wanamaker doesn't top the 12 minutes a night you had split among those 4 guys by himself.
I hope that the time off fixes whatever was ailing Wanamaker. At least on defense. Watching him get torched by opposing teams earlier in the year and then seeing him homebuilding on the other end was painful during the "regular season". If that happens in the playoffs it will be brutal.
 

tbrown_01923

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I hope that the time off fixes whatever was ailing Wanamaker. At least on defense. Watching him get torched by opposing teams earlier in the year and then seeing him homebuilding on the other end was painful during the "regular season". If that happens in the playoffs it will be brutal.
Didn't we settle on him being over exposed from having to play because of injuries? Its been so long I cannot even remember...
 

lexrageorge

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Didn't we settle on him being over exposed from having to play because of injuries? Its been so long I cannot even remember...
The team had very few games were all of Kemba, Smart, Brown, and Hayward were healthy. So Wanamaker got forced into a lot of minutes that he would not normally play if everyone was available.
 

benhogan

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The team had very few games were all of Kemba, Smart, Brown, and Hayward were healthy. So Wanamaker got forced into a lot of minutes that he would not normally play if everyone was available.
Agreed. Brad rarely had the main rotation all available.

The math says if our Starters + Smart are all healthy then Brad can mix/match the 1-4 bench on very short minutes. Kemba/Smart can run the point and Hayward can also initiate the offense.

I do like Wanamaker a bit more than most, but I agree he can be Jeckyl & Hyde. Really like him situationally on offense, late in games with a lead due to FT shooting/additional ball-handling/strength.
 

Kliq

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Well no one would be able to challenge his release if he does pull from there.
 

lovegtm

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If you add up the minutes guys are likely to do on short playoff rotations, Wannamaker ends up around 5 mins/night if guys are healthy. And that’s if the matchup dictates using him. That’s fine.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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With reports of 17 man rosters, I wonder if the C's might look at a street FA as another bench/rotation player. I can see an argument against it but given that many of us agree that the bench is relatively weak, it might be prudent to have a veteran who can step in for a few minutes and settle things down.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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If I'm remembering the stats correctly from when I looked them up 6 lifetimes ago, Wanamaker has been a sniper on open catch-and-shoot threes, like approaching 50%. And more like 20% or even worse after a dribble.

His D has been hit or miss but at its best, his size and strength can be tough to handle.

Just don't dribble.
 

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Does Tacko Travel? There is a slight shuffle after he steps out and before he gets his feet set.
 

mcpickl

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Kanter played decent in the playoffs last year and was excellent this season with the Cs (until the hip injury). His minutes will be match-up dependent. Kanter will play against classic 5s (Phil), BUT is unplayable when the opponent goes small. Theis should see a bump in his reg season 24mpg, if he can play 30 effective minutes great. I believe Theis is a better 3pt shooter then his numbers have been this season. If he turns it on in the playoffs that would be huge.

I guess we could see Wanamaker getting 10+ mpg in a Toronto series when they go FVV/Lowry backcourt for big minutes. Then again I could see Romeo or Semi seeing minutes instead of BradW in a Mil series.

The 1-4 should see Kemba, Tatum, Brown, Smart, Hayward each getting 34-39mpg. I don't want to see any of them giving up minutes to Brad Wanamaker. Whatever the residual is can go to the best matchup for Romeo/BradW/Semi/Grant(w/some Center minutes)

What's your stance with Rob Williams, do you think he splits minutes with Kanter?
I don't think Kanter was particularly good in the playoffs last year, or this year with the Cs. If he plays minutes, he'll hang up numbers because that's what he does. He just gives it all back on the defensive end. He can't defend. It's not an effort thing, his feet are just too slow.

It's hard to trust Robert Williams. He has quite a skillset, but he can't stay on the floor and he still hasn't figured out the angles on defense. He always seems a step out of position, usually too close to the middle because he's looking to make a block.

If either Kanter or Williams plays significant minutes for Boston, they're in trouble. They badly need Theis to be able to play in the 30s.
 

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I don't think Kanter was particularly good in the playoffs last year, or this year with the Cs. If he plays minutes, he'll hang up numbers because that's what he does. He just gives it all back on the defensive end. He can't defend. It's not an effort thing, his feet are just too slow.

It's hard to trust Robert Williams. He has quite a skillset, but he can't stay on the floor and he still hasn't figured out the angles on defense. He always seems a step out of position, usually too close to the middle because he's looking to make a block.

If either Kanter or Williams plays significant minutes for Boston, they're in trouble. They badly need Theis to be able to play in the 30s.
So if you self-scouting as an opposing team, you have to expect them to target Theis for early fouls... then what?
 

bigq

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So if you self-scouting as an opposing team, you have to expect them to target Theis for early fouls... then what?
Tacko time seems like the obvious answer.

Joking aside, it’s matchup dependent but some combination of Kanter, Williams, Semi and TL.
 

RetractableRoof

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Tacko time seems like the obvious answer.

Joking aside, it’s matchup dependent but some combination of Kanter, Williams, Semi and TL.
Do you think the Cs get a significant benefit of Stevens being able to mix and match, or are we just "in trouble" as said just above?

Edit: I wonder if expanded rosters means the G League contracts are available for the playoffs, versus their previous inability? Has there been any statement on the issue?
 

bigq

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Do you think the Cs get a significant benefit of Stevens being able to mix and match, or are we just "in trouble" as said just above?

Edit: I wonder if expanded rosters means the G League contracts are available for the playoffs, versus their previous inability? Has there been any statement on the issue?
My opinion is the Celtics have great depth at the 1-4 and they can effectively manage the 5 position with a variety of bodies.

Not sure what g league players would be of interest at the 5 but I think Dejesus had the same question recently. My guess is if they aren’t good enough to make an NBA roster they probably can’t help the Celtics but I’d be happy to be wrong.
 

RetractableRoof

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My opinion is the Celtics have great depth at the 1-4 and they can effectively manage the 5 position with a variety of bodies.

Not sure what g league players would be of interest at the 5 but I think Dejesus had the same question recently. My guess is if they aren’t good enough to make an NBA roster they probably can’t help the Celtics but I’d be happy to be wrong.
Maybe I'm confused, I thought Fall was on a G-League contract making him ineligible for more than 10 games in the regular season - when you joked I wondered if he'd be useful for a surprise in bounds play/defense, etc.

I'm probably mixing some stuff up, it feels like a generation ago now.
 

scottyno

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Maybe I'm confused, I thought Fall was on a G-League contract making him ineligible for more than 10 games in the regular season - when you joked I wondered if he'd be useful for a surprise in bounds play/defense, etc.

I'm probably mixing some stuff up, it feels like a generation ago now.
He was (not 10 games, but a limited amount and would have been ineligible for playoffs), though it sounds like they might change that rule for this year only in case more players than normal need to be replaced in the playoffs due to injuries/virus
 

RetractableRoof

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He was (not 10 games, but a limited amount and would have been ineligible for playoffs), though it sounds like they might change that rule for this year only in case more players than normal need to be replaced in the playoffs due to injuries/virus
OK, thank you. Yes, the rules changes will be interesting, as will any attempt to gain an advantage by the extra availability.
 

scottyno

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OK, thank you. Yes, the rules changes will be interesting, as will any attempt to gain an advantage by the extra availability.
Presumably, it'll still be only 12 players actually active a night, but they'll have a pool of 17 to draw from instead of 15. They could someone else off the street if they fall within certain restrictions instead, but I'd guess most teams just go with their 2 way players.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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17 could help with intra-squad scrimmages getting ready. I wonder if the bottom couple players would work like in the MLB playoffs where you can only add someone if you declare someone out for the entire series.
Discount accordingly but I read something on the Twitters about there being a designated free agent pool that can be tapped in the event of injury or infection. If that is the case, you are likely correct about it being similar to the MLB.
 

lexrageorge

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Maybe I'm confused, I thought Fall was on a G-League contract making him ineligible for more than 10 games in the regular season - when you joked I wondered if he'd be useful for a surprise in bounds play/defense, etc.

I'm probably mixing some stuff up, it feels like a generation ago now.
Two-way players can be with the big league club for up to 45 days, but are not normally eligible for the playoffs. Two-way contracts can be converted into NBA contracts up until the final day of the regular season, but then the team with 15 regular contracts would normally have to cut a player to do so.

If they expand rosters to 17, the Celtics could elect to convert Fall's and Waters' contracts to regular NBA contracts without having to cut one of their regular 15 roster players.
 

RetractableRoof

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Two-way players can be with the big league club for up to 45 days, but are not normally eligible for the playoffs. Two-way contracts can be converted into NBA contracts up until the final day of the regular season, but then the team with 15 regular contracts would normally have to cut a player to do so.

If they expand rosters to 17, the Celtics could elect to convert Fall's and Waters' contracts to regular NBA contracts without having to cut one of their regular 15 roster players.
Thanks for the summary - I genuinely feel like my brain is a squash right now. "This is your brain, this is your brain after covid" or something.
 

chilidawg

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Discount accordingly but I read something on the Twitters about there being a designated free agent pool that can be tapped in the event of injury or infection. If that is the case, you are likely correct about it being similar to the MLB.
Good article in the Athletic about this possibility. Broekhoff sound like a guy who'd fill a good role off the bench.

https://theathletic.com/1858906/2020/06/09/free-agent-options-for-celtics-if-rosters-expand/
 

benhogan

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My opinion is the Celtics have great depth at the 1-4 and they can effectively manage the 5 position with a variety of bodies.

Not sure what g league players would be of interest at the 5 but I think Dejesus had the same question recently. My guess is if they aren’t good enough to make an NBA roster they probably can’t help the Celtics but I’d be happy to be wrong.
Agree with the bolded.

For years, Brad has been the master of getting something out of nothing at the 5. He'll mix/match his way to bench production at Center. During this season, Kanter put up obscene per/36#s (16.8pts/15.9 rebs), his adv off/def #s were very good this season (112off/ 103.7def/ +8.3). On/Off positive. RPM positive. PIPM positive. +1.5 BPM. ORtg/DRtg of 121/103...Nothing here tells me he gives up his offensive production with terrible defense. He's clearly been a net positive while playing alongside inexperienced bench players.

While I agree EK is a klutzy perimeter defender, he isn't asked to play there, Brad has him drop back on screens (esp when the opposing BIG isn't a threat from 3). Brad will use Granite when he needs bench perimeter D at the 5.

Kanter averaged 29mpg over 16 playoff games for Portland in a very competitive Western Conf last season. I have little concern about him playing half those minutes as the C's back-up 5.

G-League fodder will definitely not be on the C's active roster. "Broekhoff" is something maybe Danny will ponder in the offseason but doubt that is even being considered now.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kanteen01.html
 

Saints Rest

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Agree with the bolded.

For years, Brad has been the master of getting something out of nothing at the 5. He'll mix/match his way to bench production at Center. During this season, Kanter put up obscene per/36#s (16.8pts/15.9 rebs), his adv off/def #s were very good this season (112off/ 103.7def/ +8.3). On/Off positive. RPM positive. PIPM positive. +1.5 BPM. ORtg/DRtg of 121/103...Nothing here tells me he gives up his offensive production with terrible defense. He's clearly been a net positive while playing alongside inexperienced bench players.

While I agree EK is a klutzy perimeter defender, he isn't asked to play there, Brad has him drop back on screens (esp when the opposing BIG isn't a threat from 3). Brad will use Granite when he needs bench perimeter D at the 5.

Kanter averaged 29mpg over 16 playoff games for Portland in a very competitive Western Conf last season. I have little concern about him playing half those minutes as the C's back-up 5.

G-League fodder will definitely not be on the C's active roster. "Broekhoff" is something maybe Danny will ponder in the offseason but doubt that is even being considered now.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kanteen01.html
I agree with this post in spades. The fact that most 2nd-string 5's won't be offensive threats goes a long way toward mitigating EK's defensive weaknesses. Furthermore, when there is a 2nd string 5 (can we call him a 10?) who can shoot from the outside or is quick to the hoop, Brad can go to Granite for that.
 

scottyno

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Discount accordingly but I read something on the Twitters about there being a designated free agent pool that can be tapped in the event of injury or infection. If that is the case, you are likely correct about it being similar to the MLB.
Sounds like it's going to be G league players and players who have former NBA experience, so it would come down to is someone like Jamal Crawford more useful to the team than Tacko I guess
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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Sounds like it's going to be G league players and players who have former NBA experience, so it would come down to is someone like Jamal Crawford more useful to the team than Tacko I guess
Tacko was ok in his tiny sample sized run and his athleticism is more intriguing than his height to me. But I think this team can use more scoring or ball handling than size if they hope to make a deep run (side note, I am elated to be even able to contemplate a playoff scenario as well as talking hoops with every single one of you people).

I would not be shocked if the Celtics went with this roster plus Waters and Fall or go the other way and add a scorer plus one of those too. The reality is that if any of the G Leaguers have to play meaningful minutes, the Cs are likely screwed.

On the FA front, there are no hidden gems that I can see. Its essentially down to whether they think they can steal some quick offense for a few minutes each game without screwing up their team defense too badly. I don't know the answer to that question but after they stood pat at the deadline, it told me that the organization really values continuity as well as chemistry. Do they really want to add an unknown to the mix now?
 

scottyno

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Tacko was ok in his tiny sample sized run and his athleticism is more intriguing than his height to me. But I think this team can use more scoring or ball handling than size if they hope to make a deep run (side note, I am elated to be even able to contemplate a playoff scenario as well as talking hoops with every single one of you people).

I would not be shocked if the Celtics went with this roster plus Waters and Fall or go the other way and add a scorer plus one of those too. The reality is that if any of the G Leaguers have to play meaningful minutes, the Cs are likely screwed.

On the FA front, there are no hidden gems that I can see. Its essentially down to whether they think they can steal some quick offense for a few minutes each game without screwing up their team defense too badly. I don't know the answer to that question but after they stood pat at the deadline, it told me that the organization really values continuity as well as chemistry. Do they really want to add an unknown to the mix now?
You mean you aren't on the SIGN IT train that I've seen some people on twitter advocating for to be a big time player off the bench??? Totally agreed though that if they actually need well really anyone beyond their first 8-10 guys to play minutes that matter they're fucked anyway so might as well have some fun with the rookies.
 

lovegtm

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Agree with the bolded.

For years, Brad has been the master of getting something out of nothing at the 5. He'll mix/match his way to bench production at Center. During this season, Kanter put up obscene per/36#s (16.8pts/15.9 rebs), his adv off/def #s were very good this season (112off/ 103.7def/ +8.3). On/Off positive. RPM positive. PIPM positive. +1.5 BPM. ORtg/DRtg of 121/103...Nothing here tells me he gives up his offensive production with terrible defense. He's clearly been a net positive while playing alongside inexperienced bench players.

While I agree EK is a klutzy perimeter defender, he isn't asked to play there, Brad has him drop back on screens (esp when the opposing BIG isn't a threat from 3). Brad will use Granite when he needs bench perimeter D at the 5.

Kanter averaged 29mpg over 16 playoff games for Portland in a very competitive Western Conf last season. I have little concern about him playing half those minutes as the C's back-up 5.

G-League fodder will definitely not be on the C's active roster. "Broekhoff" is something maybe Danny will ponder in the offseason but doubt that is even being considered now.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kanteen01.html
Yeah, I think sometimes people forget that there are no more Warriors out there, and not really any "Death Lineups" either.

Kanter absolutely has matchups that will be playable for 10-15 mins/game against Philly, Indy, Milwaukee, LAL. GWill played great against Gasol early this year, so there are options against the Raptors. LAC you can mix and match some, although Harrell is a problem.

Miami is a tough matchup for Kanter, but the Celtics are just better than the Heat in general, so that one isn't too concerning.

There are some very good teams this year, but I think people haven't quite yet adjusted mentally to there being no super-roster. Everybody has flaws and will be trying to fake their way through them in different ways.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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You mean you aren't on the SIGN IT train that I've seen some people on twitter advocating for to be a big time player off the bench??? Totally agreed though that if they actually need well really anyone beyond their first 8-10 guys to play minutes that matter they're fucked anyway so might as well have some fun with the rookies.
I know its unlikely but I keep hoping we get some sort of Carsen Edwards breakout game. I am actually still bullish on him as a scorer long term but it probably isn't in the cards this year.
 

scottyno

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I know its unlikely but I keep hoping we get some sort of Carsen Edwards breakout game. I am actually still bullish on him as a scorer long term but it probably isn't in the cards this year.
Me too, after seeing him light up the summer league I thought he was going to be IT lite off the bench, and he had a couple of great games early, and then just forgot how to shoot.
 

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I don't think we can totally discount the possibility of the Celtics deciding to just play their five best players for significant stretches of the playoffs, either, with Tatum as the nominal five. He's come far enough as a rim protector that what they gain in matchups on the offensive end may eclipse what they give up on defense.
 

mcpickl

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I agree with this post in spades. The fact that most 2nd-string 5's won't be offensive threats goes a long way toward mitigating EK's defensive weaknesses. Furthermore, when there is a 2nd string 5 (can we call him a 10?) who can shoot from the outside or is quick to the hoop, Brad can go to Granite for that.
Stopping the other 5 isn't the half of his defensive issues.

He's going to be put into pick and rolls over and over and over again.

It's going to be tougher to hide him on defense than it was with IT.
 

lovegtm

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Stopping the other 5 isn't the half of his defensive issues.

He's going to be put into pick and rolls over and over and over again.

It's going to be tougher to hide him on defense than it was with IT.
I mean, everyone knows this book on Kanter, but the Celtics were able to find enough matchups during the season to keep his splits solid.
 

benhogan

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I know its unlikely but I keep hoping we get some sort of Carsen Edwards breakout game. I am actually still bullish on him as a scorer long term but it probably isn't in the cards this year.
Whatever Carsen had going in 2019 March Madness, Summer League, & pre-season evaporated once the NBA regular season started. It looked like a confidence, limited minutes or role change thing? BUT then he went down to the G-League and stunk it up there also (3pt shooting wise).
Has me thinking something is wrong with his shot mechanics, maybe its something that he fixed during the lockdown? BUT doubt it, I wouldn't expect to see him play once play resumes. Carsen is a next season project.
 

lovegtm

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defensively hiding your match up specific, back-up BIG will be much easier than your 5'8" leading scorer that played 35mpg
Yeah, there was a lot of statistical and eye evidence that IT was an unhideable trash fire on defense. There isn't in Kanter's case, when deployed effectively and schemed well. His biggest problems have come when the rest of the team is too tired or disengaged to do the stuff needed for his minutes. There's a lot of execution involved in constantly icing screens, even middle, rearview contesting, sinking in the lane to cut off pocket passes, etc.

There's a weird thing with Kanter where the Kanter haters seem to think the Kanter likers are getting deceived by his points and offensive rebounds, and so feel the need to constantly enlighten the likers that "well actually, he's bad!" But most of the likers don't think he's amazing and don't care that much about the points and boards; they just want a warm body out there that can execute offensive schemes competently, steal some minutes against post guys, and tread water the rest of the time on D.
 

JakeRae

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I don't think we can totally discount the possibility of the Celtics deciding to just play their five best players for significant stretches of the playoffs, either, with Tatum as the nominal five. He's come far enough as a rim protector that what they gain in matchups on the offensive end may eclipse what they give up on defense.
I agree except that their next best 3 players are all 5s (counting Williams), so I think it’s unlikely they do this. Someone besides the core six players needs to get minutes and as much as there is resistance to this idea, barring Grant Williams or Romeo Langford having made a huge leap, they only have quality depth at the 5. Stealing minutes from Kanter to play Ojeleye or Wanamaker more does not help the team win games.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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Whatever Carsen had going in 2019 March Madness, Summer League, & pre-season evaporated once the NBA regular season started. It looked like a confidence, limited minutes or role change thing? BUT then he went down to the G-League and stunk it up there also (3pt shooting wise).
Has me thinking something is wrong with his shot mechanics, maybe its something that he fixed during the lockdown? BUT doubt it, I wouldn't expect to see him play once play resumes. Carsen is a next season project.
My guess is that he was rushing his shot, not understanding exactly how much time he did or did not have to get it off. He will shoot though eventually. I agree probably next season.
 

mcpickl

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I mean, everyone knows this book on Kanter, but the Celtics were able to find enough matchups during the season to keep his splits solid.
You don't think that has more to do with teams not spending as much time gameplanning for a regular season game in December as it does the Celtics being able to find a way to hide Kanters defensive liabilities?

defensively hiding your match up specific, back-up BIG will be much easier than your 5'8" leading scorer that played 35mpg
Strongly disagree with this. I think it's much harder to hide a defender who's playing near the basket than hide one that's out at the three point line.

And the Celtics had to work their asses off to hide IT.
 

Montana Fan

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240 - 35 for JT
205 - 35 for JB
170 - 35 for Kemba
135 - 35 for Gord
100 - 35 for Marcus
65 - 28 for Theis
37 - 15 for Kanter
22 - 12 for Wanamaker

Leaves 10 minutes to be either divvied up between the players listed above or sorted out between the rest of the bench.

I see Wanamaker getting minutes for Stevens. He's averaged 19 minutes per game this season, is high effort and plays within the scheme. I see him delivering neutral minutes at worst, i.e. what you hope to get out of a 5th starter in MLB.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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You don't think that has more to do with teams not spending as much time gameplanning for a regular season game in December as it does the Celtics being able to find a way to hide Kanters defensive liabilities?



Strongly disagree with this. I think it's much harder to hide a defender who's playing near the basket than hide one that's out at the three point line.

And the Celtics had to work their asses off to hide IT.
The struggle here is that the way defense works best now is different than in the past. Essentially, modern NBA players have to cover far more real estate in the pace and space era.

Undersized guards are clearly at a physical disadvantage but can at least use their foot speed and athleticism to compensate somewhat. Slow footed bigs have no way to recover when quicker guys blow past them such as when they get targeted in PnRs. Which is exactly how teams play against Kanter types in the playoffs.