The best shape of their lives: Celtics training camp

DJnVa

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Or that's the cause. Hopefully not.
Yeah, and Karalis said "it may be nothing! I don't want people to overreact. It's like when you see your friend is a little off and ask 'Hey, you okay?'"

But it's weird to say "don't overreact" when you go out and do a segment on it on a pretty popular Celtics podcast. *Of course* people are going to make a big deal out of it.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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Yeah, and Karalis said "it may be nothing! I don't want people to overreact. It's like when you see your friend is a little off and ask 'Hey, you okay?'"

But it's weird to say "don't overreact" when you go out and do a segment on it on a pretty popular Celtics podcast. *Of course* people are going to make a big deal out of it.
Did Karalis say that this was based on Smart's on-court or off-court demeanor?

Weird. I mean other than the first two(-ish) passes he threw that got picked off, he seemed fine to me but I was looking more at the new and young guys rather than Smart.
 

Cesar Crespo

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Did Karalis say that this was based on Smart's on-court or off-court demeanor?

Weird. I mean other than the first two(-ish) passes he threw that got picked off, he seemed fine to me but I was looking more at the new and young guys rather than Smart.
If he were "mailing it in" because of the contract extension, you'd probably notice it in his midsection. Smart was never the most in shape guy to begin with so his waist would be the first thing to go. I didn't see the game. How did he look physically?
 

Light-Tower-Power

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Did Karalis say that this was based on Smart's on-court or off-court demeanor?

Weird. I mean other than the first two(-ish) passes he threw that got picked off, he seemed fine to me but I was looking more at the new and young guys rather than Smart.
Yeah, and he was diving all over the floor in a preseason game so it isn't like his energy wasn't there.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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If he were "mailing it in" because of the contract extension, you'd probably notice it in his midsection. Smart was never the most in shape guy to begin with so his waist would be the first thing to go. I didn't see the game. How did he look physically?
I don't have the best eye for these kind of things but he looked physically fine to me, maybe a little thinner than last year. Also, as LTP mentioned, he picked Jalen Suggs' pocket once and dove on the floor going after the loose ball - in what I think was the 1Q of the first preseason game.
 

CoffeeNerdness

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Honestly, Marcus is a fellow who bounces to the beat of his own drum and always strikes me as a bit "off"(on court). I think he uses that energy to get himself going. Dude played the last season like he wanted to rip someone's head off. Perhaps it's all the nutshots?
 

Cesar Crespo

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I don't have the best eye for these kind of things but he looked physically fine to me, maybe a little thinner than last year. Also, as LTP mentioned, he picked Jalen Suggs' pocket once and dove on the floor going after the loose ball - in what I think was the 1Q of the first preseason game.
So if he's "off" it's fair to say it's mental.

Or he just had a bad start and someone decided it had to be more than that when it's actually not. First impressions stick.

It's 1 preseason game. Outside of conditioning/obvious eye ball stuff, there's not much to tell. If Smart look winded after 5 minutes or like a roll of Charmin, yeah.
 

Cesar Crespo

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Honestly, Marcus is a fellow who bounces to the beat of his own drum and always strikes me as a bit "off"(on court). I think he uses that energy to get himself going. Dude played the last season like he wanted to rip someone's head off. Perhaps it's all the nutshots?
He was "off" last year to the detriment of the team (compared to previous versions of Marcus Smart, anyway).
 

HomeRunBaker

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Karalis said on his podcast today that something seems "off" with Smart. And he mentioned JB seemed to go out of his way last night answering a generic question by saying he's demanding more of Smart this season.
Playing out of position. He’s now thinking the game rather than how he would normally attack it. Please end this madness Ime!!
 

DJnVa

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Did Karalis say that this was based on Smart's on-court or off-court demeanor?
This was not based on just the game, said it's been last few days. He did say he could be completely off, but it seems weird to talk about it if you really think it's nothing more than a dude having a bad day or 2.

Go to 31 minute mark:

 

teddykgb

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I want to see it with Nesmith and he is the best shooter but unless they find a way to hide him on defense I just don’t see it working. He legitimately seems to try but I just don’t think he has nba lateral quickness. Really hope I’m wrong but that probably isn’t something that can be learned, maybe only minimized
 

Cesar Crespo

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Nesmith's problems staying on the court will be on the other end. It won't be for lack of effort though.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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This was not based on just the game, said it's been last few days. He did say he could be completely off, but it seems weird to talk about it if you really think it's nothing more than a dude having a bad day or 2.

Go to 31 minute mark:

Thanks for posting. Will be interesting to see if it's something or a nothingburger.

(Personally, I don't think that JB mentioning Smart when talking about defense is so weird since Smart is supposed to be their best defender but what do I know?)
 

DJnVa

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This has NOTHING to do with training camp, but just a video of a dude watching Bird highlights for the first time:

 

bakahump

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In Honor of Covid and everyones new favorite appliance, Nesmith needs to be nicknamed The Air Fryer.
 

Smokey Joe

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Wait… Marcus Smart got irritated with someone for flopping? Does he think that he has a monopoly?
 

DJnVa

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Karalis said this morning that, yes it happened, and no, it wasn't a big deal at all.
 

benhogan

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Wait… Marcus Smart got irritated with someone for flopping? Does he think that he has a monopoly?
Marcus is PO'd that Grant labelled himself mini-Al. The robed King doesn't like it when his minion offers his loyalties elsewhere.

Plus the lack of Grant's daily fast food deliveries is really becoming a problem for Smart
 

Bertha

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I have a relative who worked the NBA bubble in Orlando last year. He was running on one of the paths one day, and heard a warning from behind that someone was going to pass him. It was smart and Williams in an intense bike race. They were going top speed, and Smart was ahead. It feels as if they are like extremely competitive older and younger brothers.
 

benhogan

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I have a relative who worked the NBA bubble in Orlando last year. He was running on one of the paths one day, and heard a warning from behind that someone was going to pass him. It was smart and Williams in an intense bike race. They were going top speed, and Smart was ahead. It feels as if they are like extremely competitive older and younger brothers.
line forming at BK for free fries?
 

Cellar-Door

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Cesar Crespo

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line forming at BK for free fries?
They've both had their weight issues but at least with Marcus Smart we've never really had to question his drive.

Grant's drive could be in question given he had a chance for real minutes last year in his 2nd NBA season and he showed up out of shape. This year, he appears to have slimmed down. Maybe his drive is totally fine, but he doesn't have Smart's track record yet. Also, Fat Williams hasn't been productive. Pudgy Smart has.
 

lovegtm

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I'm not a huge fan of him, but Hollinger's preview is up for those with an Athletic subscription:
https://theathletic.com/2865703/2021/10/08/hollingers-2021-22-boston-celtics-preview-lineup-roster-prediction-did-they-fix-the-frontcourt/

He seems to think Jabari is getting cut, basically didn't cover him at all in the substantive portion (even though he covered everyone else including Hauser) only mention was in the section about how they could duck under the tax if they wanted to
The cursoriness with which Hollinger pays attention to the league is always impressive. You have to try to know as little as he does when it's your full-time job.
 

mikeot

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The cursoriness with which Hollinger pays attention to the league is always impressive. You have to try to know as little as he does when it's your full-time job.
Slick burn: I knew there was a reason I hated his analysis. Fifth place finish prediction? FU Hollinger.
 

lovegtm

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Slick burn: I knew there was a reason I hated his analysis. Fifth place finish prediction? FU Hollinger.
I mean, the Celtics may well finish 5th, but it will have little to do with JH's "analysis."
 

Eddie Jurak

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With Brown out, Langford got the start in preseason game 2. Horford also started alongside Williams. Schroder was also out, so Pritchard got the backup PG work.

Horford (16 points), Langford (13 points), and Grant Willams (12 points) were all very good. Tatum got off to a slow start and turned the ball over a lot but finished the game with 20 points in 28 minutes, along with 9 rebounds and 7 assists.

The 2 big lineup with Williams and Horford worked well. 2-big lineups that included Kanter, not so well.

Smart isn't shoot well (2-7) though he was OK from 3 (1-2) and didn't chuck up threes when there were better options. Had a good stretch in the third quarter when he drove and set up open threes for Tatum, Horford, and Grant. Finished with 7 assists.

Rob did not achieve much in the way of stats but he was a +22 in 20 minutes.

Jabari Parker got his first action of the preseason, playing the 4th quarter. He ended the game in a lineup with Juancho Hernangomez, Sam Hauser, Bruno Fernando, and Ryan Arcidiacono. How the mighty have fallen.
 

benhogan

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They've both had their weight issues but at least with Marcus Smart we've never really had to question his drive.

Grant's drive could be in question given he had a chance for real minutes last year in his 2nd NBA season and he showed up out of shape. This year, he appears to have slimmed down. Maybe his drive is totally fine, but he doesn't have Smart's track record yet. Also, Fat Williams hasn't been productive. Pudgy Smart has.
Not sure if someone told him to bulk up? or it was his bright idea, so he could play more 5? But I'm not sure it's a question of "drive". The front office/HC completely whiffed on their approach/personal choices at the Center position last season

They have TL, Al, Kanter, Fernando and Hernangomez to cover the 5 this season. Grant will have to find his minutes at the 4
 

Jimbodandy

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Thought that Grant looked fucking fantastic tonight. Definitely has more footspeed and hops than last year by a lot. Could be a useful role player. It would be nice to not dread that guy (whether him or Semi) hitting the floor this year when on ball beef is needed.

Romeo looks pretty dialed in too.

Jabari looks slower than I am. For a guy with a non-guaranteed deal, you'd expect a bit of pep in his step in preseason. Looks more cooked than a Bickfords 2AM mystery meat.
 

lovegtm

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Thought that Grant looked fucking fantastic tonight. Definitely has more footspeed and hops than last year by a lot. Could be a useful role player. It would be nice to not dread that guy (whether him or Semi) hitting the floor this year when on ball beef is needed.

Romeo looks pretty dialed in too.

Jabari looks slower than I am. For a guy with a non-guaranteed deal, you'd expect a bit of pep in his step in preseason. Looks more cooked than a Bickfords 2AM mystery meat.
I guess Ime liked what he saw from Grant in that first preseason game--he took all of Juancho's minutes, and looked like he deserved them.
 

Eddie Jurak

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View: https://twitter.com/RedsArmy_John/status/1447041519798599681?s=20

John Karalis: This pass from Tatum needs to get a whole lotta love. Great recognition from Robert Williams to set that back screen to make sure Romeo got the clean look

https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com/2021/10/09/celtics-demand-ball-movement-from-stars-got-it-against-toronto


Every one of Smart’s seven assists went for 3-pointers, so while he only scored nine points, his scoring and assists were worth 28. An ability to get into the teeth of the defense and still get the ball out to open shooters, and do it accurately, is critical for a point guard in today’s league. And for Smart, this level of adjustment and control of the game is a welcome step forward from the first preseason game.
 

Eddie Jurak

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Al Horford shot 4-4 from three after going 1-4 in game 1.

But what stood out to me in this game is that Al has contined to develop his 3 point shot since leaving Boston.

Al came into the NBA not having a 3-point shot at all, and shot 21-65 on threes during his first 8 years in the league combined.

His last year in Atlanta was his first year shooting a lot of threes: he shot 34.4% on 256 attempts, averaging 3.5 attempts per 36 minutes.

During his 3 years in Boston he averaged 3.7 threes per 36 at 38.2% (35.5% in year 1, 42.9% in year 2, 36.0% in year 3).

Since leaving Boston, his 3-point shooting volume has increased even further, with 5.0 attempts per 36 during his year in Philly (35.0%) and 7.0 attempts per 36 during his partial season in Oklahoma (36.8%).

But what struck me watching him yesterday is that his 3-point shot has evolved since his time in Boston. From what I recall, last time Al was in Boston his 3-point release was slow. Not glacially slow like his former teammate Amir Johnson, but slow. Most of his shots were wide open ones that came from either being left open or off of pick and pop actions.

He seems to have a faster release now, and is able to take some threes that the Al we saw in Boston before would not have attempted. Not that he's ever going to be taking them with a hand in his face, but it seems like closeouts need to be getting there a little faster than before to deter the shot.
 

ragnarok725

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View: https://twitter.com/RedsArmy_John/status/1447041519798599681?s=20

John Karalis: This pass from Tatum needs to get a whole lotta love. Great recognition from Robert Williams to set that back screen to make sure Romeo got the clean look

https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com/2021/10/09/celtics-demand-ball-movement-from-stars-got-it-against-toronto
Watching the game, you could see Smart playing the role effectively for stretches, but he also had periods where he just looked like regular old Marcus, jacking a shot or not being involved. He also had some TOs. If he can summon the discipline to really commit to the role of playmaker for his full time on the court, it seems like maybe he has the ability to pull it off. I just worry we will only see it sporadically.
 

benhogan

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Watching the game, you could see Smart playing the role effectively for stretches, but he also had periods where he just looked like regular old Marcus, jacking a shot or not being involved. He also had some TOs. If he can summon the discipline to really commit to the role of playmaker for his full time on the court, it seems like maybe he has the ability to pull it off. I just worry we will only see it sporadically.
Don't be shocked if Smart feels some heat from Schroder, whose penetration skills are superior to Marcus. It may make Smart a little more disciplined in fulfilling his playmaker role.
 

MyDaughterLovesTomGordon

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I know Kanter has his flaws, but watching his run last night just reminded me of what a beast he is on the boards. I know it doesn't have the value it once did, but when he's in there the other team doesn't get many second chances and sometimes the Cs do. He's a fun player to watch.

The true garbage time minutes at the end last night were something to behold.
 

Eddie Jurak

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Watching the game, you could see Smart playing the role effectively for stretches, but he also had periods where he just looked like regular old Marcus, jacking a shot or not being involved. He also had some TOs. If he can summon the discipline to really commit to the role of playmaker for his full time on the court, it seems like maybe he has the ability to pull it off. I just worry we will only see it sporadically.
2 turnovers (vs. Tatum's 6) and only 2 attempted threes.
 

benhogan

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Keeping Horford healthy/available is going to be huge for this team. He really doesn't look much different from when he was here last. Thank you, OKC for shrink-wrapping him last season. If we can get his past Celtic production, obviously in less mpg, that would be huge for the Jays.

It appears like Ime will play the 2-BIGs lineup, still not a fan of using Al/TL's precious minutes that way.