Post by FLCeltsFan on Oct 5, 2015 7:00:00 GMT -5
Boston Celtics 2015-16 Season Preview
Team Name: Boston Celtics
Last Year's Record: 40-42
Key Losses: Brandon Bass, Gigi Datome, Phil Pressey, Gerald Wallace
Brandon Bass was a starter for most of the season and one of the more steady vets on the young team. Gigi came late in the year and didn't play all that much but he became a crowd favorite and the fans will miss Gigi and his bun. Phil Pressey was a spark plug off the bench and did good things whenever he got into the game. Terry Rozier should fill his role this season quite well. Gerald Wallace was a solid locker room leader and one of the best inbounds passers at the end of games. His leadership role will be filled by Amir Johnson and David Lee, but I'm not sure anyone can make those end of game passes like Gerald.
Key Additions: Amir Johnson, David Lee, Terry Rozier, RJ Hunter, Jordan Mickey
1. What Significant Moves were made during the off-season?
One of the most significant moves made this off season was to re-sign Jae Crowder. Crowder brings energy and versatility to the team on both ends of the court, especially on defense. Other significant moves were to sign Amir Johnson and trade for David Lee. Along with providing good veteran leadership as well as solid play on the court.
2. What are the team's biggest strengths?
The team's biggest strength is depth. They have a deep team of very good players and there isn't much of a drop off from the 1st five to the second five to the 3rd five. But the depth will give Brad Stevens a tough job deciding who plays and how much as there will always be very good players sitting more than they would like. Also, I think team chemistry is a strength. The team came together last season and are a very close unit. The new players this year seem to fit very well with the core remaining from last season.
Along with the depth, the Celtics have athleticism and speed in many of their players. This lends itself to the up-tempo system that Brad Stevens wants to run. Versatility is also a strength. The versatility of their bigs allows them to spread the floor and create mismatches while the versatility of the wings allows for running small ball lineups, again creating mismatches. They have many players who can play several positions, which will allow the Celtics to be creative in their lineups.
3. What are the team's biggest weaknesses?
Most of the experts would say that the team's biggest weakness is that they don't have a superstar to carry the team. I'm not all that sure that is correct. The Celtics have a number of players who are on the verge of stardom. Many consider Isaiah Thomas to be a star in his own right now. Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk and Marcus Smart all have star potential. And the depth in some ways can help to alleviate the need for a super star with several borderline stars on the team. Perhaps, the biggest weakness remains the lack of a defensive center who can defend the rim and the paint. Jordan Mickey may become that guy. Amir Johnson will help with that problem but it still is a need.
4. What are the goals for this team?
Of course, the goal is always a championship. But, I think that this team is still in a rebuilding phase and so I'd make my goals for them a little less haughty. I'd like for them to better their record from last season and make the playoffs once again. I'd also consider the season a success if they get past the first round of the playoffs. Baby steps all the way to Banner 18.
5. Which players will emerge as leaders this season?
With his arrival last season, Isaiah Thomas rallied the team to the playoffs. He has worked on his game in the off season and is a better distributor and has been sensational in training camp so far. I expect him to emerge as one of the leaders on this team.
Amir Johnson and David Lee are both veterans who have been around and will be leaders in the locker room and on the court. Both have much wisdom to impart to their teammates and the younger players will listen because they will back it up with their work ethic. Marcus Smart is a natural leader and should emerge even further as a leader on the Celtics as he starts his sophomore season.
6. Will any of the rookies contribute this season?
I expect all three of them to contribute at one time or another. RJ Hunter is a scorer with a high BBIQ who can fill a need on the team when they hit scoring droughts. Jordan Mickey is the best shotblocker and rim protector on the team. He is long and athletic and although there are several players ahead of him on the depth chart, he may work his way into the rotation with his tough defense. Terry Rozier is already garnering attention from both the coaches and his peers. He is fast with a high BBIQ and is a lock down defender. He may be the most likely to work his way onto the court this season. So, whether because they impress in practice or because of injuries, I think all 3 are capable of helping the team this season.
7. On a team loaded with defensive minded players, who will be the top defensive player?
I love defensive players. I love the line from the movie "The Air Up There" where Kevin Bacon tells the natives he is coaching that "defense is more important than breathing." Defense wins games and I love the fact that Danny has gone after so many players who play tough defense. Of all of the tough defenders on the team, Jae Crowder stands out as the top defender. Crowder is a feisty athlete who "does all the little things." In the playoffs, he asked to defend LeBron and did a very credible job of it. Crowder isn’t afraid to hustle, grind or throw around his body and is one of the more tenacious defenders in the league.
8. Predictions for this season
a. One player must be cut. This may be one of the toughest decisions for Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens this season. It seems at this point that Perry Jones may be the odd man out, but I hate to see him go as he has a ton of potential. Danny may still have a trade up his sleeve and make a 2 for 1 trade. If he does, all bets are off. Anyone could be on the way out.
b. The Celtics will be a top 5 defensive team in the league this season.
c. Isaiah Thomas will win the 6th man of the year award and be the leading scorer on the team, in spite of coming off the bench.
d. The Celtics will better their record from last year and finish 48-34.
e. The Celtics will make the playoffs for the second season in a row and this time will win their first round series Boston Celtics 2015-16 Season Preview
Team Name: Boston Celtics
Last Year's Record: 40-42
Key Losses: Brandon Bass, Gigi Datome, Phil Pressey, Gerald Wallace
Brandon Bass was a starter for most of the season and one of the more steady vets on the young team. Gigi came late in the year and didn't play all that much but he became a crowd favorite and the fans will miss Gigi and his bun. Phil Pressey was a spark plug off the bench and did good things whenever he got into the game. Terry Rozier should fill his role this season quite well. Gerald Wallace was a solid locker room leader and one of the best inbounds passers at the end of games. His leadership role will be filled by Amir Johnson and David Lee, but I'm not sure anyone can make those end of game passes like Gerald.
Key Additions: Amir Johnson, David Lee, Terry Rozier, RJ Hunter, Jordan Mickey
1. What Significant Moves were made during the off-season?
One of the most significant moves made this off season was to re-sign Jae Crowder. Crowder brings energy and versatility to the team on both ends of the court, especially on defense. Other significant moves were to sign Amir Johnson and trade for David Lee. Along with providing good veteran leadership as well as solid play on the court.
2. What are the team's biggest strengths?
The team's biggest strength is depth. They have a deep team of very good players and there isn't much of a drop off from the 1st five to the second five to the 3rd five. But the depth will give Brad Stevens a tough job deciding who plays and how much as there will always be very good players sitting more than they would like. Also, I think team chemistry is a strength. The team came together last season and are a very close unit. The new players this year seem to fit very well with the core remaining from last season.
Along with the depth, the Celtics have athleticism and speed in many of their players. This lends itself to the up-tempo system that Brad Stevens wants to run. Versatility is also a strength. The versatility of their bigs allows them to spread the floor and create mismatches while the versatility of the wings allows for running small ball lineups, again creating mismatches. They have many players who can play several positions, which will allow the Celtics to be creative in their lineups.
3. What are the team's biggest weaknesses?
Most of the experts would say that the team's biggest weakness is that they don't have a superstar to carry the team. I'm not all that sure that is correct. The Celtics have a number of players who are on the verge of stardom. Many consider Isaiah Thomas to be a star in his own right now. Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk and Marcus Smart all have star potential. And the depth in some ways can help to alleviate the need for a super star with several borderline stars on the team. Perhaps, the biggest weakness remains the lack of a defensive center who can defend the rim and the paint. Jordan Mickey may become that guy. Amir Johnson will help with that problem but it still is a need.
4. What are the goals for this team?
Of course, the goal is always a championship. But, I think that this team is still in a rebuilding phase and so I'd make my goals for them a little less haughty. I'd like for them to better their record from last season and make the playoffs once again. I'd also consider the season a success if they get past the first round of the playoffs. Baby steps all the way to Banner 18.
5. Which players will emerge as leaders this season?
With his arrival last season, Isaiah Thomas rallied the team to the playoffs. He has worked on his game in the off season and is a better distributor and has been sensational in training camp so far. I expect him to emerge as one of the leaders on this team.
Amir Johnson and David Lee are both veterans who have been around and will be leaders in the locker room and on the court. Both have much wisdom to impart to their teammates and the younger players will listen because they will back it up with their work ethic. Marcus Smart is a natural leader and should emerge even further as a leader on the Celtics as he starts his sophomore season.
6. Will any of the rookies contribute this season?
I expect all three of them to contribute at one time or another. RJ Hunter is a scorer with a high BBIQ who can fill a need on the team when they hit scoring droughts. Jordan Mickey is the best shotblocker and rim protector on the team. He is long and athletic and although there are several players ahead of him on the depth chart, he may work his way into the rotation with his tough defense. Terry Rozier is already garnering attention from both the coaches and his peers. He is fast with a high BBIQ and is a lock down defender. He may be the most likely to work his way onto the court this season. So, whether because they impress in practice or because of injuries, I think all 3 are capable of helping the team this season.
7. On a team loaded with defensive minded players, who will be the top defensive player?
I love defensive players. I love the line from the movie "The Air Up There" where Kevin Bacon tells the natives he is coaching that "defense is more important than breathing." Defense wins games and I love the fact that Danny has gone after so many players who play tough defense. Of all of the tough defenders on the team, Jae Crowder stands out as the top defender. Crowder is a feisty athlete who "does all the little things." In the playoffs, he asked to defend LeBron and did a very credible job of it. Crowder isn’t afraid to hustle, grind or throw around his body and is one of the more tenacious defenders in the league.
8. Predictions for this season
a. One player must be cut. This may be one of the toughest decisions for Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens this season. It seems at this point that Perry Jones may be the odd man out, but I hate to see him go as he has a ton of potential. Danny may still have a trade up his sleeve and make a 2 for 1 trade. If he does, all bets are off. Anyone could be on the way out.
b. The Celtics will be a top 5 defensive team in the league this season.
c. Isaiah Thomas will win the 6th man of the year award and be the leading scorer on the team, in spite of coming off the bench.
d. The Celtics will better their record from last year and finish 48-34.
e. The Celtics will make the playoffs for the second season in a row and this time will win their first round series
Team Name: Boston Celtics
Last Year's Record: 40-42
Key Losses: Brandon Bass, Gigi Datome, Phil Pressey, Gerald Wallace
Brandon Bass was a starter for most of the season and one of the more steady vets on the young team. Gigi came late in the year and didn't play all that much but he became a crowd favorite and the fans will miss Gigi and his bun. Phil Pressey was a spark plug off the bench and did good things whenever he got into the game. Terry Rozier should fill his role this season quite well. Gerald Wallace was a solid locker room leader and one of the best inbounds passers at the end of games. His leadership role will be filled by Amir Johnson and David Lee, but I'm not sure anyone can make those end of game passes like Gerald.
Key Additions: Amir Johnson, David Lee, Terry Rozier, RJ Hunter, Jordan Mickey
1. What Significant Moves were made during the off-season?
One of the most significant moves made this off season was to re-sign Jae Crowder. Crowder brings energy and versatility to the team on both ends of the court, especially on defense. Other significant moves were to sign Amir Johnson and trade for David Lee. Along with providing good veteran leadership as well as solid play on the court.
2. What are the team's biggest strengths?
The team's biggest strength is depth. They have a deep team of very good players and there isn't much of a drop off from the 1st five to the second five to the 3rd five. But the depth will give Brad Stevens a tough job deciding who plays and how much as there will always be very good players sitting more than they would like. Also, I think team chemistry is a strength. The team came together last season and are a very close unit. The new players this year seem to fit very well with the core remaining from last season.
Along with the depth, the Celtics have athleticism and speed in many of their players. This lends itself to the up-tempo system that Brad Stevens wants to run. Versatility is also a strength. The versatility of their bigs allows them to spread the floor and create mismatches while the versatility of the wings allows for running small ball lineups, again creating mismatches. They have many players who can play several positions, which will allow the Celtics to be creative in their lineups.
3. What are the team's biggest weaknesses?
Most of the experts would say that the team's biggest weakness is that they don't have a superstar to carry the team. I'm not all that sure that is correct. The Celtics have a number of players who are on the verge of stardom. Many consider Isaiah Thomas to be a star in his own right now. Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk and Marcus Smart all have star potential. And the depth in some ways can help to alleviate the need for a super star with several borderline stars on the team. Perhaps, the biggest weakness remains the lack of a defensive center who can defend the rim and the paint. Jordan Mickey may become that guy. Amir Johnson will help with that problem but it still is a need.
4. What are the goals for this team?
Of course, the goal is always a championship. But, I think that this team is still in a rebuilding phase and so I'd make my goals for them a little less haughty. I'd like for them to better their record from last season and make the playoffs once again. I'd also consider the season a success if they get past the first round of the playoffs. Baby steps all the way to Banner 18.
5. Which players will emerge as leaders this season?
With his arrival last season, Isaiah Thomas rallied the team to the playoffs. He has worked on his game in the off season and is a better distributor and has been sensational in training camp so far. I expect him to emerge as one of the leaders on this team.
Amir Johnson and David Lee are both veterans who have been around and will be leaders in the locker room and on the court. Both have much wisdom to impart to their teammates and the younger players will listen because they will back it up with their work ethic. Marcus Smart is a natural leader and should emerge even further as a leader on the Celtics as he starts his sophomore season.
6. Will any of the rookies contribute this season?
I expect all three of them to contribute at one time or another. RJ Hunter is a scorer with a high BBIQ who can fill a need on the team when they hit scoring droughts. Jordan Mickey is the best shotblocker and rim protector on the team. He is long and athletic and although there are several players ahead of him on the depth chart, he may work his way into the rotation with his tough defense. Terry Rozier is already garnering attention from both the coaches and his peers. He is fast with a high BBIQ and is a lock down defender. He may be the most likely to work his way onto the court this season. So, whether because they impress in practice or because of injuries, I think all 3 are capable of helping the team this season.
7. On a team loaded with defensive minded players, who will be the top defensive player?
I love defensive players. I love the line from the movie "The Air Up There" where Kevin Bacon tells the natives he is coaching that "defense is more important than breathing." Defense wins games and I love the fact that Danny has gone after so many players who play tough defense. Of all of the tough defenders on the team, Jae Crowder stands out as the top defender. Crowder is a feisty athlete who "does all the little things." In the playoffs, he asked to defend LeBron and did a very credible job of it. Crowder isn’t afraid to hustle, grind or throw around his body and is one of the more tenacious defenders in the league.
8. Predictions for this season
a. One player must be cut. This may be one of the toughest decisions for Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens this season. It seems at this point that Perry Jones may be the odd man out, but I hate to see him go as he has a ton of potential. Danny may still have a trade up his sleeve and make a 2 for 1 trade. If he does, all bets are off. Anyone could be on the way out.
b. The Celtics will be a top 5 defensive team in the league this season.
c. Isaiah Thomas will win the 6th man of the year award and be the leading scorer on the team, in spite of coming off the bench.
d. The Celtics will better their record from last year and finish 48-34.
e. The Celtics will make the playoffs for the second season in a row and this time will win their first round series Boston Celtics 2015-16 Season Preview
Team Name: Boston Celtics
Last Year's Record: 40-42
Key Losses: Brandon Bass, Gigi Datome, Phil Pressey, Gerald Wallace
Brandon Bass was a starter for most of the season and one of the more steady vets on the young team. Gigi came late in the year and didn't play all that much but he became a crowd favorite and the fans will miss Gigi and his bun. Phil Pressey was a spark plug off the bench and did good things whenever he got into the game. Terry Rozier should fill his role this season quite well. Gerald Wallace was a solid locker room leader and one of the best inbounds passers at the end of games. His leadership role will be filled by Amir Johnson and David Lee, but I'm not sure anyone can make those end of game passes like Gerald.
Key Additions: Amir Johnson, David Lee, Terry Rozier, RJ Hunter, Jordan Mickey
1. What Significant Moves were made during the off-season?
One of the most significant moves made this off season was to re-sign Jae Crowder. Crowder brings energy and versatility to the team on both ends of the court, especially on defense. Other significant moves were to sign Amir Johnson and trade for David Lee. Along with providing good veteran leadership as well as solid play on the court.
2. What are the team's biggest strengths?
The team's biggest strength is depth. They have a deep team of very good players and there isn't much of a drop off from the 1st five to the second five to the 3rd five. But the depth will give Brad Stevens a tough job deciding who plays and how much as there will always be very good players sitting more than they would like. Also, I think team chemistry is a strength. The team came together last season and are a very close unit. The new players this year seem to fit very well with the core remaining from last season.
Along with the depth, the Celtics have athleticism and speed in many of their players. This lends itself to the up-tempo system that Brad Stevens wants to run. Versatility is also a strength. The versatility of their bigs allows them to spread the floor and create mismatches while the versatility of the wings allows for running small ball lineups, again creating mismatches. They have many players who can play several positions, which will allow the Celtics to be creative in their lineups.
3. What are the team's biggest weaknesses?
Most of the experts would say that the team's biggest weakness is that they don't have a superstar to carry the team. I'm not all that sure that is correct. The Celtics have a number of players who are on the verge of stardom. Many consider Isaiah Thomas to be a star in his own right now. Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk and Marcus Smart all have star potential. And the depth in some ways can help to alleviate the need for a super star with several borderline stars on the team. Perhaps, the biggest weakness remains the lack of a defensive center who can defend the rim and the paint. Jordan Mickey may become that guy. Amir Johnson will help with that problem but it still is a need.
4. What are the goals for this team?
Of course, the goal is always a championship. But, I think that this team is still in a rebuilding phase and so I'd make my goals for them a little less haughty. I'd like for them to better their record from last season and make the playoffs once again. I'd also consider the season a success if they get past the first round of the playoffs. Baby steps all the way to Banner 18.
5. Which players will emerge as leaders this season?
With his arrival last season, Isaiah Thomas rallied the team to the playoffs. He has worked on his game in the off season and is a better distributor and has been sensational in training camp so far. I expect him to emerge as one of the leaders on this team.
Amir Johnson and David Lee are both veterans who have been around and will be leaders in the locker room and on the court. Both have much wisdom to impart to their teammates and the younger players will listen because they will back it up with their work ethic. Marcus Smart is a natural leader and should emerge even further as a leader on the Celtics as he starts his sophomore season.
6. Will any of the rookies contribute this season?
I expect all three of them to contribute at one time or another. RJ Hunter is a scorer with a high BBIQ who can fill a need on the team when they hit scoring droughts. Jordan Mickey is the best shotblocker and rim protector on the team. He is long and athletic and although there are several players ahead of him on the depth chart, he may work his way into the rotation with his tough defense. Terry Rozier is already garnering attention from both the coaches and his peers. He is fast with a high BBIQ and is a lock down defender. He may be the most likely to work his way onto the court this season. So, whether because they impress in practice or because of injuries, I think all 3 are capable of helping the team this season.
7. On a team loaded with defensive minded players, who will be the top defensive player?
I love defensive players. I love the line from the movie "The Air Up There" where Kevin Bacon tells the natives he is coaching that "defense is more important than breathing." Defense wins games and I love the fact that Danny has gone after so many players who play tough defense. Of all of the tough defenders on the team, Jae Crowder stands out as the top defender. Crowder is a feisty athlete who "does all the little things." In the playoffs, he asked to defend LeBron and did a very credible job of it. Crowder isn’t afraid to hustle, grind or throw around his body and is one of the more tenacious defenders in the league.
8. Predictions for this season
a. One player must be cut. This may be one of the toughest decisions for Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens this season. It seems at this point that Perry Jones may be the odd man out, but I hate to see him go as he has a ton of potential. Danny may still have a trade up his sleeve and make a 2 for 1 trade. If he does, all bets are off. Anyone could be on the way out.
b. The Celtics will be a top 5 defensive team in the league this season.
c. Isaiah Thomas will win the 6th man of the year award and be the leading scorer on the team, in spite of coming off the bench.
d. The Celtics will better their record from last year and finish 48-34.
e. The Celtics will make the playoffs for the second season in a row and this time will win their first round series