My NBA international subscription shows me more road than home announcing teams for the Celtics, so I hear a lot of otherwise experienced observers who are seeing the Celtics for the first time. Most of them are impressed by the Celtics' defense intensity and their ability to reach in and strip the ball without fouling. Reaching in is usually a defensive mistake, but apparently not for these Celtics.
Crowder and Smart are the most proficient at this skill, but Bradley, Johnson, Thomas and occasionally Sullinger have their moments as well. Defending the rim isn't a team strength, but adding Johnson has made for a noticeable improvement in the team's interior defense, and can block the occasional shot. Sullinger responded well to having to earn his playing time in preseason: he looks a little bit lighter and quicker, while still bring some bulk inside.
Presumably Stevens deserves some credit as well, for organizing a defensive approach that takes advantage of his players' quick hands, and protects individual weaknesses. What is the 2015 Celtics defensive system?
Crowder and Smart are the most proficient at this skill, but Bradley, Johnson, Thomas and occasionally Sullinger have their moments as well. Defending the rim isn't a team strength, but adding Johnson has made for a noticeable improvement in the team's interior defense, and can block the occasional shot. Sullinger responded well to having to earn his playing time in preseason: he looks a little bit lighter and quicker, while still bring some bulk inside.
Presumably Stevens deserves some credit as well, for organizing a defensive approach that takes advantage of his players' quick hands, and protects individual weaknesses. What is the 2015 Celtics defensive system?