I Believe in Time Lord...Why Can't You?

[Deathofthebambino]

One thing I've noticed (and the commentators have commented on this, too) is that Rob W. gets a lot of attention as a rim runner. It's kind of funny to see Tatum driving to the basket, and him being single covered (even sometimes not covered) because people are covering RW as he rolls towards the basket.

This was what I was about to talk about after catching up on this thread. TL is obviously not a threat to post up in the low block (at least not yet) and he's not as good at setting the screens down low that Theis and TT set leading to some easy hoops, but TL does something neither of them can do. He will never clog a lane. If you leave TL to provide help, the guy creating (Kemba, JT, JB, and especially Marcus) can throw the ball 44 feet in the air, and TL is going to go get it and slam it home. If those guys can beat their man off the dribble, the help has to come from the wing, because whoever is guarding TL down low is in no mans land. He leaves TL, it's a dunk, he stays with TL, it's a dunk, if a wing drops down to help, it's a wide open spot up 3 for someone.

That's where this offense needs to be going now that Smart is back, and TL is playing well. And I like TT and Theis, TL just brings another dimension, and his shot blocking on the other end is next fucking level. He's making blocks on every type of shot, when he's man up with someone, when he's helping someone, down low, at the 3 point line, etc. He makes mistakes, but they are getting fewer by the game, but he's just a fucking disruptor out there for opposing offenses.

 

[NomarsFool]

He's also pretty good at getting steals as well.

 

[Saints Rest]

His high-post passing is really a thing of beauty. If you haven’t, check out his over the top pass to Smart yesterday

 

[radsoxfan]

I do worry a bit about the hip thing, hopefully nothing like the impingement IT dealt with. Obviously hasn't hurt his athleticism at all yet but would be a bummer if its a long term issue.

I hope is is playing at least 25 min a game the rest of the way. Still only 16 min per game so far this year.

Just for fun (and since bowiac pays me commission per post)

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

I do worry a bit about the hip thing, hopefully nothing like the impingement IT dealt with. Obviously hasn't hurt his athleticism at all yet but would be a bummer if its a long term issue.

I hope is is playing at least 25 min a game the rest of the way. Still only 16 min per game so far this year.

Hip thing is worrisome only because he missed 3 weeks in 2019-20 with bone edema.

I assume there's likely no connection between the hip and TL's popliteal artery entrapment condition?

I just hope he stays healthy as he's really fun to watch.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

What do they have left that is tradeable?

The Lakers, along with the Nets, are the top buyout destinations so they don’t necessarily need anyone to trade. For starters, it appears nearly certain that Drummond is going to end up on one of these two teams

 

[Devizier]

I am enjoying this thread while largely not participating in it, but just wanted to register my shock that no one has compared Timelord to Ben Wallace yet.

 

[the moops]

nm

 

[Devizier]

Williams is nowhere near the defensive player and is leaps and bounds better offensively

I’m just joking, for what it’s worth.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

I’m just joking, for what it’s worth.

You never can tell around here sometimes lol.

 

[lovegtm]

The Lakers, along with the Nets, are the top buyout destinations so they don’t necessarily need anyone to trade. For starters, it appears nearly certain that Drummond is going to end up on one of these two teams

I was responding to someone mentioning them as a trade destination. Obviously they’re the leaders on the buyout market.

 

[benhogan]

https://www.celticsblog.com/2021/3/16/22329388/payton-pritchard-and-robert-williams-the-unearthing-of-a-raw-duo-boston-celtics
to the eye test, Grant, Semi and Teague's defense doesn't help

Danny should add a rotational wing/ballhandler that can play + perimeter defense and not kill them on offense. Nwaba would have been a nice cheap option but needs wrist surgery (6 weeks out)

https://pistonpowered.com/2021/03/15/detroit-pistons-delon-wright-odd-man/2/

 

[Cesar Crespo]

Danny should add a rotational wing/ballhandler that can play + perimeter defense and not kill them on offense. Nwaba would have been a nice cheap option but needs wrist surgery (6 weeks out)

This has been the story all year. In an ideal world, they could find a point wing but any 3&D guy would work.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

https://www.celticsblog.com/2021/3/16/22329388/payton-pritchard-and-robert-williams-the-unearthing-of-a-raw-duo-boston-celtics
to the eye test, Grant, Semi and Teague's defense doesn't help

Danny should add a rotational wing/ballhandler that can play + perimeter defense and not kill them on offense. Nwaba would have been a nice cheap option but needs wrist surgery (6 weeks out)

https://pistonpowered.com/2021/03/15/detroit-pistons-delon-wright-odd-man/2/

I have been on the Nwaba bandwagon for some time. The guy can’t stay on the floor though.

 

[benhogan]

I have been on the Nwaba bandwagon for some time. The guy can’t stay on the floor though.

The kind of guy you want on your team:

• David Nwaba was projected to have an extended recovery time after straining his wrist in a February 28 game, but he asked to play Friday because so many of his teammates are unavailable, Feigen states in a separate story. Surgery has been recommended, which would sideline Nwaba for six weeks. “Dave came up to me and was like, ‘I’m injured, but it’s hard for me to sit over there and watch when we’re so low on bodies and we’re so decimated and we’re in foul trouble. And even though I’m not 100 percent, maybe I can give a little bit,’” Silas said. “To hear that was definitely gratifying. That tells you a lot about him as a competitor and him as a person and him as someone you want in your group.”

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/rockets/article/Rockets-David-Nwaba-asks-to-play-through-pain-16022690.php

 

[bakahump]

Wallace and Timelord are a good comparison. Both are unique. It will be interesting to follow the distinctive way their careers have develop to end up as similar players.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

I'm on the Delon bandwagon if the price is cheap enough. I'd be willing to move a lottery protected (maybe top 20 protected) first for him. Or maybe Detroit is really high on Grant Williams or Carsen Edwards for some reason. He's the bench version of everything we need and is cheap enough that he wouldn't really impact future moves. I don't see the C's acquiring Collins and Ball, Lauri and Grant are probably staying put. Get Delon for this year and next, keep most of/all the TPE and find the 3rd piece in the summer... unless the C's can actually acquire someone like Collins/Ball/Lauri/Grant this season.

It would also open up the possibility of trading Wright or Smart in the offseason, not to mention Kemba. The more I look into Delon, the more I like him on the C's. Jayson, Jaylen, Kemba, Smart, TL, Delon, TT and TPE player is an extremely solid 8 man rotation. They'd still have Nesmith and Langford to dream on too.

I'd have to think Delon will have enough suitors that 2nd round picks won't get it done.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

The kind of guy you want on your team:

• David Nwaba was projected to have an extended recovery time after straining his wrist in a February 28 game, but he asked to play Friday because so many of his teammates are unavailable, Feigen states in a separate story. Surgery has been recommended, which would sideline Nwaba for six weeks. “Dave came up to me and was like, ‘I’m injured, but it’s hard for me to sit over there and watch when we’re so low on bodies and we’re so decimated and we’re in foul trouble. And even though I’m not 100 percent, maybe I can give a little bit,’” Silas said. “To hear that was definitely gratifying. That tells you a lot about him as a competitor and him as a person and him as someone you want in your group.”

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/rockets/article/Rockets-David-Nwaba-asks-to-play-through-pain-16022690.php

He’s a poor mans Smart. Every team needs this type of toughness in their deep bench.

 

[benhogan]

I'm on the Delon bandwagon if the price is cheap enough. I'd be willing to move a lottery protected (maybe top 20 protected) first for him. Or maybe Detroit is really high on Grant Williams or Carsen Edwards for some reason. He's the bench version of everything we need and is cheap enough that he wouldn't really impact future moves. I don't see the C's acquiring Collins and Ball, Lauri and Grant are probably staying put. Get Delon for this year and next, keep most of/all the TPE and find the 3rd piece in the summer... unless the C's can actually acquire someone like Collins/Ball/Lauri/Grant this season.

It would also open up the possibility of trading Wright or Smart in the offseason, not to mention Kemba. The more I look into Delon, the more I like him on the C's. Jayson, Jaylen, Kemba, Smart, TL, Delon, TT and TPE player is an extremely solid 8 man rotation. They'd still have Nesmith and Langford to dream on too.

I'd have to think Delon will have enough suitors that 2nd round picks won't get it done.

100% agree on the priority of acquisitions and it leading to more flexibility for the Summer (if Danny/Wyc are deadset on Summer TPE use)

Delon Wright is not a terrible settle. Does it get the Celtics to the Nets level this season? nope. BUT I wouldn't be shocked to see one of Ky, Harden, KD out for the playoffs. Then the EC is up for grabs.

Daniel Theis (you probably just forgot him) is still part of my main rotation

There are a few 3-ways, with Tristan heading out, that should make Delon Wright happen without the Celtics 2021 first going out the door.

 

[radsoxfan]

Hip thing is worrisome only because he missed 3 weeks in 2019-20 with bone edema.

I assume there's likely no connection between the hip and TL's popliteal artery entrapment condition?

I just hope he stays healthy as he's really fun to watch.

He has been out this year with left hip soreness as well, so it appears to still be an occasional issue. I thought I also saw some quotes from Brad about them limiting his minutes for this reason, though someone can correct me if I'm wrong there.

In general, there are 2 reasons he would have "bone marrow edema in his hip".

1. An overuse stress response not directly related to the joint itself. Like a mild stress fracture before it reaches the stage of actually fracturing

2. Labrum tear and cartilage loss leading to abnormal friction within the joint and eventual inflammation in the bone. This is what happens with impingement/arthritis, etc.

Even if its something along the lines of number 2, it could still be managed effectively. Tons of NBA players have labrum tears and early arthritis and often do fine for many years. Of course the outliers like IT progress rapidly and then they're toast.

No idea the specifics of Timelord's hip bone marrow edema, which bone it's in, or where in that bone. But something to keep an eye on for sure.

Not related to any sort of popliteal artery entrapment at the knee.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

100% agree on the priority of acquisitions and it leading to more flexibility for the Summer (if Danny/Wyc are deadset on Summer TPE use)

Delon Wright is not a terrible settle. Does it get the Celtics to the Nets level this season? nope. BUT I wouldn't be shocked to see one of Ky, Harden, KD out for the playoffs. Then the EC is up for grabs.

Daniel Theis (you probably just forgot him) is still part of my main rotation

There are a few 3-ways, with Tristan heading out, that should make Delon Wright happen without the Celtics 2021 first going out the door.

I didn't forget Theis. He's a FA at year's end and I was thinking more about next year. I could easily see them moving TT if they could get value for him, and not re-signing Theis too. It shouldn't be too hard to find a back up big.

 

[NomarsFool]

I didn't forget Theis. He's a FA at year's end and I was thinking more about next year. I could easily see them moving TT if they could get value for him, and not re-signing Theis too. It shouldn't be too hard to find a back up big.

I think it's pretty unlikely they re-sign Theis, but I could certainly be wrong on that. I think moving one of the two (TT or DT) makes sense right now provided they actually get some sort of asset in return. Since Theis is a UFA at the end of the season, I'd probably be leaning more towards trading Theis and having RW/TT be your playoff center tandem.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

I think it's pretty unlikely they re-sign Theis, but I could certainly be wrong on that. I think moving one of the two (TT or DT) makes sense right now provided they actually get some sort of asset in return. Since Theis is a UFA at the end of the season, I'd probably be leaning more towards trading Theis and having RW/TT be your playoff center tandem.

Yeah, but being free of TT's salary may be beneficial (or not). His contract could also have value in the offseason.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

He has been out this year with left hip soreness as well, so it appears to still be an occasional issue. I thought I also saw some quotes from Brad about them limiting his minutes for this reason, though someone can correct me if I'm wrong there.

In general, there are 2 reasons he would have "bone marrow edema in his hip".

1. An overuse stress response not directly related to the joint itself. Like a mild stress fracture before it reaches the stage of actually fracturing

2. Labrum tear and cartilage loss leading to abnormal friction within the joint and eventual inflammation in the bone. This is what happens with impingement/arthritis, etc.

Even if its something along the lines of number 2, it could still be managed effectively. Tons of NBA players have labrum tears and early arthritis and often do fine for many years. Of course the outliers like IT progress rapidly and then they're toast.

No idea the specifics of Timelord's hip bone marrow edema, which bone it's in, or where in that bone. But something to keep an eye on for sure.

Not related to any sort of popliteal artery entrapment at the knee.

Appreciate the response. Very informative as always.

 

[NomarsFool]

I'd have to think Delon will have enough suitors that 2nd round picks won't get it done.

Is he really worth more than that? He's someone who's potentially edged out as a starter on a horrible team. He's got one year left after this at $8.5 million, I think. Money matches up well with TT, if that is someone that Detroit would value more than Wright given their roster construction - no idea, really.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

Is he really worth more than that? He's someone who's potentially edged out as a starter on a horrible team. He's got one year left after this at $8.5 million, I think. Money matches up well with TT, if that is someone that Detroit would value more than Wright given their roster construction - no idea, really.

For some (veteran contender) teams a low-1st isn’t worth the guaranteed money so they wouldn’t mind dumping one in the process. I don’t feel this is a good use of assets for Ainge where we currently sit especially now that Kemba and Smart have returned.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

Is he really worth more than that? He's someone who's potentially edged out as a starter on a horrible team. He's got one year left after this at $8.5 million, I think. Money matches up well with TT, if that is someone that Detroit would value more than Wright given their roster construction - no idea, really.

The teams who would be interested are drafting at the end of the 1st and 2nd rounds. One would budge because a pick in the 20s isn't necessarily valuable. See HRB's post above.

 

[benhogan]

Is he really worth more than that? He's someone who's potentially edged out as a starter on a horrible team. He's got one year left after this at $8.5 million, I think. Money matches up well with TT, if that is someone that Detroit would value more than Wright given their roster construction - no idea, really.

Delon Wright is an advanced metric stud (6 straight seasons of positive BPM, VORP, etc).

He does it all (/36 this season): 13pts, 6.1 rebs, 6.5 asst, 1.5 TO, 1.9 steals, .6 blocks. 6'5" PG/SG that would fit perfectly around our bigger stars. He and Marcus would provide excellent perimeter defense which is sorely lacking on this squad. Gives Brad a bigger ballhandler, so CBS can play his double PGs without creating too many mismatches. No more Teague. Less Tatum PG

It's about rounding out the rotation for the playoffs. Trading your 3rd best Center (it would have to be a 3-team trade that needs a backup 5) is a no-brainer if it returns a player like Delon Wright.

 

[HowBoutDemSox]

View: https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1371976602154725379

 

[The Mort Report]

View: https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1371976602154725379

Can he possibly play QB?

 

[Jimbodandy]

Any news on the leg today?

 

[ifmanis5]

Truly a miserable experience to watch this team this year except for Timelord who transcends description. Imagine a coach that would not start him at point? Only a sadist. Even Celtics haters like him; he's basically Gronk.
After the game he said he 'got bumped in the knee' and downplayed the injury but no official word yet as for status.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

How many people figured TL would be out for 2 weeks when he went to the locker room? Or maybe easier, how many of us were shocked when he came back in?

TL played season high 26 minutes last night. DA was on the radio explaining that the Cs were trying to build up his minutes.

“Robert has had health issues over the last couple of years and we’re just trying to build him up – build up the minutes,” Ainge noted. ” So we’re trying to be selective…He’s put in a lot of time to his body to get himself healthy and in the condition to do it. I mean, I’m very excited just because, not only is he healthy, but he looks conditioned enough to play with that intensity for every minute he’s on the court.” ​

​

* * * *​

​

“There’s a difference between playing – pretty much every player can go out and play 20 minutes. But to play like he plays for 20 minutes is not very easy to do,” Ainge explained. “We’re just trying to build up the stamina in his body and in his legs and his conditioning. And to play that hard for that long is – night in and night out has been very impressive this year.” ​

https://985thesportshub.com/2021/03/18/danny-ainge-explains-robert-williams-limited-minutes-on-toucher-rich/

Any news on the leg today?

He says someone bumped his knee and he thought it was worse but he was cleared to play: https://nesn.com/2021/03/robert-williams-cleared-after-briefly-leaving-game-for-celtics/

 

[bakahump]

Dude is a bad man. There was about a 45 second stretch last night where he was the best player I have seen take the floor for the celtics the last couple seasons.

 

[Jimbodandy]

Dude is a bad man. There was about a 45 second stretch last night where he was the best player I have seen take the floor for the celtics the last couple seasons.

I expect to get beaten up for this, but those stretches look like what my old man used to say that Russell looked like. Steals and blocks machine, can get to everything.

His overall understanding of the team defense has grown appreciably in the last month imo. Hope that he can stay healthy. He's a long, freak athlete with a good basketball mind.

 

[benhogan]

I expect to get beaten up for this, but those stretches look like what my old man used to say that Russell looked like. Steals and blocks machine, can get to everything.

His overall understanding of the team defense has grown appreciably in the last month imo. Hope that he can stay healthy. He's a long, freak athlete with a good basketball mind.

Rob is a unique shot-blocker, every week he is getting a little more disciplined. Occasionally gets steals by jumping into passing lanes.

He's definitely more vocal, directed JB a few times on the defensive end. It appears like his confidence is growing with minutes

I could see him adding muscle (only 23) in the off-season, which should lead to a little more offense.

If he could stay healthy, play 30mpg, what kind of #s would he post?

 

[JakeRae]

If he could stay healthy, play 30mpg, what kind of #s would he post?

With just a little progress in terms of getting looks, 20/12/2/2/3. His per 36 this season is 16/13.7/2.6/2/3.7, but I think we should expect offensive progression as he settles. I could see upside on assists too, whereas rebounds and blocks will probably slip a bit on a rate basis if he’s playing starter minutes.

 

[128]

Truly a miserable experience to watch this team this year except for Timelord who transcends description. Imagine a coach that would not start him at point? Only a sadist. Even Celtics haters like him; he's basically Gronk.
After the game he said he 'got bumped in the knee' and downplayed the injury but no official word yet as for status.

He's not on the injury report for tomorrow nite, which is good news.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

March 9 games, 21.5 minutes, .759/-/.619, 11.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 3.1 blocks. 0.6 steals, 2.0 PF, 1.1 TO.

That's a line.

 

[DourDoerr]

TL sitting at #6 in the league at 1.8 BPG

 

[RetractableRoof]

I'm absolutely thrilled about his play lately, in so many ways. It's easy to point out a defensive play, or a vertical exploit, but I have to say I've been just as wowed about some of his passes. Just to be a bit balanced before I bubble over, our TL does need to spend some (more?) time on his free throws.

 

[chilidawg]

March 9 games, 21.5 minutes, .759/-/.619, 11.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 3.1 blocks. 0.6 steals, 2.0 PF, 1.1 TO.

That's a line.

And yet his +/- for the month is the worst of any Celtic getting regular minutes. Some how his stellar individual play isn't translating to team success.

 

[benhogan]

And yet his +/- for the month is the worst of any Celtic getting regular minutes. Some how his stellar individual play isn't translating to team success.

Simple: the rest of the bench is rotten, and our stars in the last 9 games have been OKish

Did you watch the 2nd half last night when he had 4 blocks and a steal? He was a huge part of the comeback. Then Marcus goes hero ball in OT and that impacts TL's +/-

Seems like you've planted your flag into that TL sucks hill. You keep on coming back here with +/- over a game or a few games. You realize guys he doesn't guard could drain 3s or run right by our sieve-like perimeter defenders? Also Brad has gone situational with Theis and TL, using TL for his defense. Well it's pretty damn hard to have a positive +/- when your minutes are skewed towards playing one side of the floor.

 

[chilidawg]

Simple: the rest of the bench is rotten, and our stars in the last 9 games have been OKish

Did you watch the 2nd half last night when he had 4 blocks and a steal? He was a huge part of the comeback. Then Marcus goes hero ball in OT and that impacts TL's +/-

Seems like you've planted your flag into that TL sucks hill. You keep on coming back here with +/- over a game or a few games. You realize guys he doesn't guard could drain 3s or run right by our sieve-like perimeter defenders? Also Brad has gone situational with Theis and TL, using TL for his defense. Well it's pretty damn hard to have a positive +/- when your minutes are skewed towards playing one side of the floor.

Not at all. I love TL and the player he's become. But seeing his +/- consistently poor as his role has expanded makes me wonder what's up with that. I thought that was the kind of thing people do around here. And I don't think because the people he's playing with are so poor, because with the exception of GW they all have a better +/-.

Sorry to interrupt the sploogefest.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Not at all. I love TL and the player he's become. But seeing his +/- consistently poor as his role has expanded makes me wonder what's up with that. I thought that was the kind of thing people do around here. And I don't think because the people he's playing with are so poor, because with the exception of GW they all have a better +/-.

Sorry to interrupt the sploogefest.

TL is second on the team in win shares and 54th in the league overall.

 

[chilidawg]

TL is second on the team in win shares and 54th in the league overall.

By Raptor, which is a blend of box score and +/- he's average. By Lebron he's been pretty good, second on the team behind Tatum. RPM says he's below average. So I guess there's plenty of room for discussion.

 

[BigSoxFan]

By Raptor, which is a blend of box score and +/- he's average. By Lebron he's been pretty good, second on the team behind Tatum. RPM says he's below average. So I guess there's plenty of room for discussion.

Not intending to shut down discussion but I think the eye test combined with several advanced metrics indicate that he has some real value out there. Just how much value is certainly up for debate but I love what I'm seeing out of him right now.

 

[slamminsammya]

Not at all. I love TL and the player he's become. But seeing his +/- consistently poor as his role has expanded makes me wonder what's up with that. I thought that was the kind of thing people do around here. And I don't think because the people he's playing with are so poor, because with the exception of GW they all have a better +/-.

Sorry to interrupt the sploogefest.

Can you please explain what makes you think raw +/- is a good measure of player impact in the NBA?

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

Season high in minutes before last game was against CLE with 26:35. He played 27:43 vs MEM, so two highest minutes totals in the last week (3rd highest was 3-04 vs TOR at 23:04). They really need his minutes with TT out.

So his minutes are definitely going up.

Note that career high was 29:07 on the last day of his rookie season (against WAS) so will be interesting to see when he breaks that.

 

[chilidawg]

Can you please explain what makes you think raw +/- is a good measure of player impact in the NBA?

Well it's an actual measure of how well (or not) the team plays when they're on the court, which ultimately is what I care about. Absolutely it's dependent on who else is on the floor etc., but so is any other stat. I'm glad to have you point out better measures.