Celtics 2019-2020 depth chart and roster

TripleOT

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I'm a big fan of Semi, but he's a disaster on offense. If you're a team with Semi as one of your top nine rotation players, you're probably not that good. Watching him try to do anything offensively besides shooting threes is painful, and watching him clang threes isn't much better. Great body though.
 

Jimbodandy

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I'm a big fan of Semi, but he's a disaster on offense. If you're a team with Semi as one of your top nine rotation players, you're probably not that good. Watching him try to do anything offensively besides shooting threes is painful, and watching him clang threes isn't much better. Great body though.
To me, Semi seems like Swiss army knife insurance. In occasional matchups, he'll be the plug-in guy. He's defensive insurance for 2-4. He can cover some of what Marcus does and some of what Tatum/Brown do on defense.

But you're right--he has gotten nowhere on offense. His shooting is no better, he can't take anyone off the dribble, and seems to have almost zero BBIQ on offense. And he's almost 25.

His defensive versatility is useful, and he's cheap. They're not going to release or trade him to make room for 15th men. But he's frustrating as shit to watch sometimes.
 

Montana Fan

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Yeah, poor Semi. Had high hopes for him but agree that offensively he's shown nothing that says, "play me".

I think the regular rotation of players is going to broken down as follows.

Smalls
Kemba
Edwards

Wings
Hayward
Jaylen
Tatum
Smart
G. Williams

Bigs
Theis
Kanter
RWIII

That's a pretty solid group. So far they've given high effort on offense and defense . There's no standing around and waiting for Kyrie to make something happen. I know people have concern that Hayward, JB and JT can coexist, as long as each of them continue to drive and score or drive and kick, there's going to be plenty of sharing going on.
 

benhogan

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That's a pretty solid group. So far they've given high effort on offense and defense . There's no standing around and waiting for Kyrie to make something happen. I know people have concern that Hayward, JB and JT can coexist, as long as each of them continue to drive and score or drive and kick, there's going to be plenty of sharing going on.
Agreed. Kemba, Hayward, Jaylen, Tatum, Theis, Edwards, Smart, Grant, Kanter, TL are probably the 10 rotational players. With Semi/Wannamaker showing up when the eventual injuries happen, they aren't bad deep bench (11-13), cheap depth.

Not only can Hayward, JB, JT, coexist, they can thrive...Both Brown/Hayward look stronger and can share the defensive 4 responsibilities. I'm actually looking forward to Philly game to see how this works, it may blow up in our face against the larger teams (Ind., Phil., Mil, Orlando) but its worth a look to see how the team deals with big frontlines. CBS seems open to experimenting with rotations and playing some rookies minutes, so nothing is set in stone.

Also, Brad was smart by clearly placing veteran Enis Kanter with the 2nd unit, this creates several positive situations:
1. Theis can be the lunchpail player/screen setter on offense, where he only shoots wide-open 3s or PnR dunks. This leaves shots for our most efficient scorers. We don't need points from Theis for him to be effective.
2. Theis can play aggressive, high energy minutes since he will be expected to play ~15mpg with the starters.
3. Kanter plays against 2nd unit BIGs/PGs/Wings and won't get as exposed defensively.
4. Kanter can get offensive points down low and offensive boards against less skilled BIGs. Plus he will not be expected to play more than ~15-20mpg, so he can also play high energy mins
5. Williams/Poirier will also be options for ~10mpg as they gain experience at the NBA level

I believe the team will be looking to upgrade the roster on Dec 15th. This team has the ballast, interesting rookies and draft picks' to make an impact deal with a tanker.
 

lovegtm

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...
Not only can Hayward, JB, JT, coexist, they can thrive...Both Brown/Hayward look stronger and can share the defensive 4 responsibilities. I'm actually looking forward to Philly game to see how this works, it may blow up in our face against the larger teams (Ind., Phil., Mil, Orlando) but its worth a look to see how the team deals with big frontlines. CBS seems open to experimenting with rotations and playing some rookies minutes, so nothing is set in stone.
...
Philly and Milwaukee are the toughest of those teams by far for the current roster, just because Embiid can dominate smaller centers so thoroughly. Giannis is his own unique challenge--I actually like a Smart/Tatum/Hayward/Brown/Theis lineup against him, because you can help really hard while still recovering to shooters. The fact that Lopez in the post isn't really part of MIL's offense helps.

Indiana doesn't concern me as much--the Celtics are a tough matchup for them just because Theis will be just fine against Turner (who has no post game), and the wings aren't much smaller than Sabonis. Ditto for Orlando, although Vucevic could give some trouble.

That said, the fact that Hayward looks healthy and that Brown and Tatum have clearly improved means that an upgrade at center probably needs to happen this year, because this team would absolutely be in contention in the East with an upgrade at that position.
 

JakeRae

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I don’t see much value in either Wanamaker or Ojeleye. Both can be played but you would never want to play either. I’d rather keep both Strus and Green if they both have any chance of being actual rotation level players. I don’t have a strong view on which to cut and would probably default to keeping whoever the other players liked more.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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I haven't seen any of preseason so far but there is definitely some appeal to having multiple potential dead eye shooters on the roster. If only so that we can stop talking about trying to acquire Lou Williams every year. Sometimes you just need a guy who is great at one thing. Carsen seemed active enough on D to be playable there too. No idea about Strus but I'm intrigued if he can be a surprise sniper.
 

lovegtm

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I haven't seen any of preseason so far but there is definitely some appeal to having multiple potential dead eye shooters on the roster. If only so that we can stop talking about trying to acquire Lou Williams every year. Sometimes you just need a guy who is great at one thing. Carsen seemed active enough on D to be playable there too. No idea about Strus but I'm intrigued if he can be a surprise sniper.
Yeah the current NBA is such that you want to
take a shot on multiple guys who have elite shooting upside (if they have even decent physical/mental profiles), since the payoff is outsized when you bink.
 

benhogan

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I don’t see much value in either Wanamaker or Ojeleye. Both can be played but you would never want to play either. I’d rather keep both Strus and Green if they both have any chance of being actual rotation level players. I don’t have a strong view on which to cut and would probably default to keeping whoever the other players liked more.
I just don't expect Ainge/Stevens to cut ties with either Brad/Semi. Both have played effectively at the NBA level at times. Both are "strong" and decent defensive players, Strus is a huge question mark in this dept. AND when push comes to shove if the team is beset by injuries, Brad would be more comfortable playing Wannamaker or Semi if needed. Also, the team has a lot of rookies on the roster already, having 2 cheap vets on the deep bench (#11-13 spots) isn't a bad idea.

BUT I will say that coming off the bench cold and playing well is a skill, and Semi doesn't seem to have it. Strus looked great yesterday and Green has looked fantastic every time he has stepped on the court since Summer League. They will need to make a decision in a week. I still think Green gets the 15th spot and they have an agreement for Strus to get cut but to go to Maine (unless he gets an NBA roster spot offer). This gives the Celtics a chance to look at both Green/Strus further and a potential Celtic trade on Dec 15th or injuries may open up a top 13 roster spot.
 

Jimbodandy

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Agreed. Kemba, Hayward, Jaylen, Tatum, Theis, Edwards, Smart, Grant, Kanter, TL are probably the 10 rotational players. With Semi/Wannamaker showing up when the eventual injuries happen, they aren't bad deep bench (11-13), cheap depth.

Not only can Hayward, JB, JT, coexist, they can thrive...Both Brown/Hayward look stronger and can share the defensive 4 responsibilities. I'm actually looking forward to Philly game to see how this works, it may blow up in our face against the larger teams (Ind., Phil., Mil, Orlando) but its worth a look to see how the team deals with big frontlines. CBS seems open to experimenting with rotations and playing some rookies minutes, so nothing is set in stone.

Also, Brad was smart by clearly placing veteran Enis Kanter with the 2nd unit, this creates several positive situations:
1. Theis can be the lunchpail player/screen setter on offense, where he only shoots wide-open 3s or PnR dunks. This leaves shots for our most efficient scorers. We don't need points from Theis for him to be effective.
2. Theis can play aggressive, high energy minutes since he will be expected to play ~15mpg with the starters.
3. Kanter plays against 2nd unit BIGs/PGs/Wings and won't get as exposed defensively.
4. Kanter can get offensive points down low and offensive boards against less skilled BIGs. Plus he will not be expected to play more than ~15-20mpg, so he can also play high energy mins
5. Williams/Poirier will also be options for ~10mpg as they gain experience at the NBA level

I believe the team will be looking to upgrade the roster on Dec 15th. This team has the ballast, interesting rookies and draft picks' to make an impact deal with a tanker.
I love everything about this post.

I'd like to add that Kanter as second unit center also puts one of his better skills (offense) on a unit where it is best utilized (second unit guys). The first unit is already loaded with guys who can create their own shots, but the next wave of guys isn't as much. Frankly his rebounding is probably more needed there as well.
 

benhogan

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Philly and Milwaukee are the toughest of those teams by far for the current roster, just because Embiid can dominate smaller centers so thoroughly. Giannis is his own unique challenge--I actually like a Smart/Tatum/Hayward/Brown/Theis lineup against him, because you can help really hard while still recovering to shooters. The fact that Lopez in the post isn't really part of MIL's offense helps.

Indiana doesn't concern me as much--the Celtics are a tough matchup for them just because Theis will be just fine against Turner (who has no post game), and the wings aren't much smaller than Sabonis. Ditto for Orlando, although Vucevic could give some trouble.

That said, the fact that Hayward looks healthy and that Brown and Tatum have clearly improved means that an upgrade at center probably needs to happen this year, because this team would absolutely be in contention in the East with an upgrade at that position.
Smart/Tatum/Hayward/Brown/Theis

I'd love to see Brad try that rotation at the start of the 1st and 3rd quarters to match up against Phil/Mil BIG rotations.

Would Brad have the guts to use Kemba situationally in those games? Kemba would dominate the opponents' bench players and Brad could still find Kemba 30mins in those games.
 

benhogan

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I loved how that unit played at the start of the Orlando game, but didn't have the balls to suggest Kemba off the bench. Thanks for stepping up BH.
Ha. I'm surprised I don't have a few arrows coming out of me by now. ;)

One of the benefits of the post-Kyrie Era is the team is firmly back in Brad's hands. The Kanter move has me thinking/hoping Brad will aggressively experiment with match-ups and rotations.
 

Jimbodandy

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Ha. I'm surprised I don't have a few arrows coming out of me by now. ;)

One of the benefits of the post-Kyrie Era is the team is firmly back in Brad's hands. The Kanter move has me thinking/hoping Brad will aggressively experiment with match-ups and rotations.
What you're suggesting is not crazy talk. But I agree that starting Smart and bringing Kemba off the bench is a bridge too far. Frankly, it would confuse the guys in the same way that it confused baseball players to bring closers in the 8th inning at one point (still does).

Brad will experiment still. And stuff like limiting Kemba's minutes for defensive reasons (when the time is right) is one of those things. It can be done in such a way that it helps the team and isn't a distraction.

Page 11 of this thread has been fire.
 

Eddie Jurak

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OK, with 3 preseason games under the team's belt, it's time to restructure my list. I know Stevens has cautioned against using his current rotations as a strict guideline, but there are some things that have become more obvious over the past week or so.

Definite, no doubt starters:
- Kemba
- Tatum
- Hayward
- Brown
- Theis

Sixth man:
- Smart

Second unit:
- Kanter
- Poirier/R. Williams
- Edwards

Deep Rotation (aka, 10-12):
- Robert Williams/Poirier
- Ojeleye
- Grant Williams

Victory Cigars and Red Claws (13-15):
- Langford
- Green
- Strus

Two-way players:
- Waters
- Fall

Thanks for coming to camp:
- Wannamaker
- Maten
- Gates
I agree with some of this, but not all. For starters, Wanamaker will be on the team because the Celtucs are going to be light in the PG department after Walker. And it will come down to Strus vs Green for the last roster spot.

Here's what I expect:

I agree that Walker, Hayward, Tatum, and Brown will start no matter who the C is, but that it will usually be Theis, at least until someone else challenges him for the job.

Smart and Kanter will come off the bench. Who else comes off the bench will be somewhat up in the air, but it could be 2 of the rookies: Edwards and G Williams. If not them, Wanamaker will get some of those minutes.

I think my ideal bench unit, which actually got a few minutes in one of the games, would be Smart, Kanter, Edwards, and Grant out with Hayward.

I think the deep bench guys will be Wanamaker (unless he's ahead of Edwards), Ojeleye, Poirier, and Green/Strus.

I think Robert Williams and Romeo Langford will spend a lot of time in Maine with their 2-way buddies.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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I they have an agreement for Strus to get cut but to go to Maine
I don't think that's possible since Strus has a greater than $50,000 in training camp guarantees. Full rules here: https://2ways10days.com/nba-g-league-faq-4cce7056ea97

edit: maybe I'm wrong as this article - https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2019/10/boston-celtics-upgrade-max-strus-sign-rookie-to-two-year-partially-guaranteed-contract-report.html - says that Strus could sign with Maine. I don't understand if Green isn't eligible for G League why Strus would be when Strus has the higher partial guarantee. Maybe someone can explain it to me.
 

Lazy vs Crazy

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I don't think that's possible since Strus has a greater than $50,000 in training camp guarantees. Full rules here: https://2ways10days.com/nba-g-league-faq-4cce7056ea97

edit: maybe I'm wrong as this article - https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2019/10/boston-celtics-upgrade-max-strus-sign-rookie-to-two-year-partially-guaranteed-contract-report.html - says that Strus could sign with Maine. I don't understand if Green isn't eligible for G League why Strus would be when Strus has the higher partial guarantee. Maybe someone can explain it to me.
They need to go through waivers and become free agents then can sign in Maine, they can’t be assigned on their current contracts, I believe.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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They need to go through waivers and become free agents then can sign in Maine, they can’t be assigned on their current contracts, I believe.
But one of the Q&As says this:

Can free agents sign with any G League team of their choosing?
No. Players sign contracts with the league and enter a player pool. The teams can then claim players dependent on their waiver order. The waiver period is 48 hours and once that has passed and a player is unclaimed then they enter the “available player pool” and any team can acquire them regardless of waiver priority.​
It would seem unlikely that Strus wouldn't be claimed. Plus even if he didn't get claimed, if he really went through waivers and was unaffiliated, he'd be eligible to be called up by any NBA team, wouldn't he?

Someone tell me if I'm wrong.
 

mcpickl

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I don't think that's possible since Strus has a greater than $50,000 in training camp guarantees. Full rules here: https://2ways10days.com/nba-g-league-faq-4cce7056ea97

edit: maybe I'm wrong as this article - https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2019/10/boston-celtics-upgrade-max-strus-sign-rookie-to-two-year-partially-guaranteed-contract-report.html - says that Strus could sign with Maine. I don't understand if Green isn't eligible for G League why Strus would be when Strus has the higher partial guarantee. Maybe someone can explain it to me.
You're correct. Green and Strus are ineligible to play with Maine if they're waived.

It's in the third item after the salary scale box here http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q82
 

lovegtm

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Smart/Tatum/Hayward/Brown/Theis

I'd love to see Brad try that rotation at the start of the 1st and 3rd quarters to match up against Phil/Mil BIG rotations.

Would Brad have the guts to use Kemba situationally in those games? Kemba would dominate the opponents' bench players and Brad could still find Kemba 30mins in those games.
I think Brad absolutely could/would use Kemba like this in certain playoff matchups. It’s basically how he used IT by the end of the 2017 Wizards series: IT started, but his minutes were more matched up against bench players.
 

benhogan

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I think Brad absolutely could/would use Kemba like this in certain playoff matchups. It’s basically how he used IT by the end of the 2017 Wizards series: IT started, but his minutes were more matched up against bench players.
Good memory and great additional point.

Add in that Kemba seems to be a solid character guy, team-first player, wants to win and has already received his large deal. He should be fine/open to Brad tinkering with rotations. Plus I don't think its a complete indictment of Kemba's defense but more of a nod to Smart's versatility.

I do think we, the media, players, execs get caught up in who starts the 1st and 3rd Quarters too much. Instead of "who starts", a greater emphasis should be on MPG, matchups, and end of the game/crunch time usage (which Brad has noted many times over the years).
 
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lovegtm

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Good memory and great additional point.

Add in that Kemba seems to be a solid character guy, team-first player, wants to win and has already received his large deal. He should be fine/open to Brad tinkering with rotations. Plus I don't think its a complete indictment of Kemba's defense but more of a nod to Smart's versatility.

I do think we, the media, players, execs get caught up in who starts the 1st and 3rd Quarters too much. Instead of "who starts", a greater emphasis should be on MPG, matchups, and end of the game/crunch time usage (which Brad has noted many times over the years).
Yeah, I really just want to see lots of Smart+Hayward+Brown+Tatum+Theis. The ball pressure and physicality are so tough to play against. You're giving up some size with Theis, but you're really big at the 1-3, which makes up for a lot of that, and lets you do lots of switching and helping. Especially against Giannis, so much of the strategy is helping at opportune times while still being able to recover, and long wings go a long way for that.

The biggest drop in last year's defense vs. 2017-2018 (imo) was that the 2017-18 version was way more on a string and helping/digging aggressively in sync, even with Kyrie. Last year the only time they got anywhere close to that was against Indy in round 1(a pretty easy opponent with no Oladipo) and vs. MIL in game 1.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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I think Brad absolutely could/would use Kemba like this in certain playoff matchups. It’s basically how he used IT by the end of the 2017 Wizards series: IT started, but his minutes were more matched up against bench players.
Speaking of IT circa 2017, anyone else get the feeling that 'Arsen Edwards is going to be terrific filling that role in Brad's offense at some point? It's amazing how much gravity he has for a rookie when he's on the floor. PHI really could have used him.
 

lovegtm

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Speaking of IT circa 2017, anyone else get the feeling that 'Arsen Edwards is going to be terrific filling that role in Brad's offense at some point? It's amazing how much gravity he has for a rookie when he's on the floor. PHI really could have used him.
Totally, and an even closer (Philly-related) comp would be how the Sixers used Reddick's gravity to generate some spacing in their otherwise-clogged offense.
 

HomeRunBaker

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I'm a big fan of Semi, but he's a disaster on offense. If you're a team with Semi as one of your top nine rotation players, you're probably not that good. Watching him try to do anything offensively besides shooting threes is painful, and watching him clang threes isn't much better. Great body though.
Trying to wonder how you’re a big fan of Semi then lol.

He was forced into an actual NBA role as a rookie due to a multitude of injuries and was pretty horrific. He hasn’t showed any growth to change my opinion of him. Semi seems like a kid who was at his best as a 17-yr old when he could physically dominate his competition then once he arrived at Duke found that he needed actual ball skills to be successful. At SMU he often could get by on physicals but again once the competition picked up in the NBA he hasn’t shown the ability to prove his floor game.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Totally, and an even closer (Philly-related) comp would be how the Sixers used Reddick's gravity to generate some spacing in their otherwise-clogged offense.
JJ benefits from an extra 5” in height and is one of the best ever in moving without the all in utilizing screens. This isn’t a fair comp for Edwards.
 

benhogan

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Trying to wonder how you’re a big fan of Semi then lol.

He was forced into an actual NBA role as a rookie due to a multitude of injuries and was pretty horrific. He hasn’t showed any growth to change my opinion of him. Semi seems like a kid who was at his best as a 17-yr old when he could physically dominate his competition then once he arrived at Duke found that he needed actual ball skills to be successful. At SMU he often could get by on physicals but again once the competition picked up in the NBA he hasn’t shown the ability to prove his floor game.
I'm fine with the Celtics filling out their deep bench with cheap vets that understand the system and can play defense. Semi and Wannamaker fill the roles of #12/13 on the roster fine, not sure what we can expect there at that price. They are no Yabusele's
 

HomeRunBaker

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I'm fine with the Celtics filling out their deep bench with cheap vets that understand the system and can play defense. Semi and Wannamaker fill the roles of #12/13 on the roster fine, not sure what we can expect there at that price. They are no Yabusele's
Oh yeah I agree. I don’t share the Wanamaker hate or feel that a rookie like Waters is a better option for this season. Semi is fine as a deep bench player I was only pointing out that he hasn’t ever shown to be an NBA rotation guy.
 

lexrageorge

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The difference this season is that to keep both Wanamaker and Semi on the roster, the Celtics will have to bid adieu to a young player with potential (most likely Green or Strus). It's unlikely to matter that much. But this team is as much about the future as it is about the present, and neither Wanamaker nor Semi are part of that future, whereas there is still a small chance Green or Strus could be.
 

Big John

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Waters is a better player than Wanamaker--right now, not at some future time when Waters has learned the system. Waters does a better job of running the offense and he's a much better defender than Wanamaker. Waters is a steals machine. Sure, Waters will get posted up, but so will Wanamaker.

I have nothing against Wanamaker. He's a decent backup. But he's also 30 years old.
 

mcpickl

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The alternative is to start Smart alongside Kemba, and bring Hayward off the Bench.
Smart and Kemba are their two point guards in the rotation.

If they start together you'd be adding Wanamaker to your 9-10 man rotation instead of deep bench depth.

I think Smart has to come off the bench.
 

Big John

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Smart and Kemba are their two point guards in the rotation.

If they start together you'd be adding Wanamaker to your 9-10 man rotation instead of deep bench depth.

I think Smart has to come off the bench.
That's probably right, although I don't see how that forces Wanamaker to be the 9th or 10th man. That depends on the development of Carsten Edwards or Tremont Waters, yes? Neither one of those guys is a dime a dozen, like Wanamaker.

I admit to being slightly irrational on the subject of Waters.
 

Captaincoop

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He's just such a Danny pick, too. Tweener guard/wing with a unique set of skills but enough question marks (SG that can't shoot) to make you question where his ceiling is.
Danny has always loved picking first round guys who can't shoot. Too many to name, starting with Marcus Banks and through Romeo this year.

I wonder if part of it is that he subconsciously undervalues shooting as a skill because he himself had it naturally.

I constantly catch myself in hiring processes over-rating candidates who have the opposite skills than those I see in myself. I could see that happening with a GM who was a former player. Kind of like how Billy Beane became the GM who disregarded traditional athleticism and tools in favor of stats and production.
 

amarshal2

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The arguments for keeping Semi over Green are that either 1) he's looked totally different in practice this year or 2) they feel he's going to be a critical role defending Giannis and Embiid for 10-15 mins a game.

The latter is a tough argument, but they are really thin at credible defenders against both guys.
 

benhogan

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Waters is a better player than Wanamaker--right now, not at some future time when Waters has learned the system. Waters does a better job of running the offense and he's a much better defender than Wanamaker. Waters is a steals machine. Sure, Waters will get posted up, but so will Wanamaker.

I have nothing against Wanamaker. He's a decent backup. But he's also 30 years old.
I also love me some Waters but I'd rather see him get tons of minutes at Maine instead of splinters in Boston for 8 weeks. If he absolutely lights it up in Maine then Wannamaker is added ballast in a Dec 15th trade deal.

ALSO If the team gets stricken with injuries at PG, Tre's only a phone call away, and he'll be ready to go.

The Celtics will have a ton of interesting development going on at Maine this season: Waters, Langford, Green or Strus, Fall. I hope the NBA posts highlight recaps of those games.
 

Big John

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To me, Waters is the most entertaining player on the roster, and that includes Tacko. LOL, Waters stripped Markelle Fultz so cleanly that Fultz hardly realized the ball was missing.

I plan to watch many more Red Claws games than I did last year.
 

mcpickl

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That's probably right, although I don't see how that forces Wanamaker to be the 9th or 10th man. That depends on the development of Carsten Edwards or Tremont Waters, yes? Neither one of those guys is a dime a dozen, like Wanamaker.

I admit to being slightly irrational on the subject of Waters.
Wanamaker is their third PG. Edwards isn't really a PG I don't think, he's a short shooting guard. Waters is on a two way contract so isn't in the rotation since he can't be in Boston more than 45 days.

If both your point guards in Smart and Kemba start, they're both going to come out of the game around the same time. So another PG will have to play since they'll both be resting, that guy would be Wanamaker.
 

bigq

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The Celtics will have a ton of interesting development going on at Maine this season: Waters, Langford, Green or Strus, Fall.
Between the Celtics and the Red Claws, I am not sure which team I am more excited about for the upcoming season. The Red Claws are going to be a lot of fun to follow and I can affordably bring my entire family to see them and sit court side.
 

benhogan

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20,111
Santa Monica
Between the Celtics and the Red Claws, I am not sure which team I am more excited about for the upcoming season. The Red Claws are going to be a lot of fun to follow and I can affordably bring my entire family to see them and sit court side.
buy tickets now if you can because the Maine Red Claws will be selling out their games
 

HomeRunBaker

bet squelcher
SoSH Member
Jan 15, 2004
30,096
Danny has always loved picking first round guys who can't shoot. Too many to name, starting with Marcus Banks and through Romeo this year.

I wonder if part of it is that he subconsciously undervalues shooting as a skill because he himself had it naturally.


I constantly catch myself in hiring processes over-rating candidates who have the opposite skills than those I see in myself. I could see that happening with a GM who was a former player. Kind of like how Billy Beane became the GM who disregarded traditional athleticism and tools in favor of stats and production.
You can include Tony Allen, Orien Greene, Gabe Pruitt, JR Giddens, James Young, Marcus Smart, and Semi. They all fit the same mold of gifted athletes who could make it good in this league if they possessed the work ethic to improve an easily improved skill such as shooting a basketball.
 

Eddie Jurak

canderson-lite
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Dec 12, 2002
44,475
Melrose, MA
"Interesting" preseason game tonight.

Walker, Hayward, Tatum, Brown, Smart, Theis and Kanter got the day off, as did the injured Lankford. Cleveland did not sit its top 7.

Celtics won 118-95, led by the little guys, Casen Edwards and Tremont Waters.

Edwards dropped 30 in just 21 minutes, in which he shot 10-16, including an amazing 9-15 from 3. An amazing 26 of his points (and 8 of his 3s) came in the 3rd quarter! Also added 3 rebounds, a block, and a TO.

Waters also shot 10-16, but only 24 points (and only 3-8 from behind the arc). But he added 7 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals in his 29 minutes.

Green had 16 and 9 in 30 minutes, where as his competition, Strus, only had 6 points in 27.

Poirier played 20 minutes and went for 8 points, 6 rebounds 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, which is a pretty nice line. Time Lord played 3 minutes and left with an injury. with the Celtics down 8-2.

Grant had 8 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and a block in 23 minutes.

Rough game for Tacko, who had 5 points, 2 rebounds, a block, and 4 TOs in 18 minutes.