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Post by DERRENMATTS on Sept 26, 2017 19:17:33 GMT -5
Last year, we had Avery Bradley, a former All-Defensive teamer, Jae Crowder, one of the better wing defenders in the league, and Marcus Smart, a tenacious pit bull defender. 2 years ago, we had a top 3 defense, and we were known for our scrappy and tough nosed defense -- that was our identity. But last year, we took a big dip, even with the same defensive personnel.
Why?
In Brad Stevens' interview with Amanda and Marc, he revealed that last year, we got off to a slow start defensively because we thought too highly of ourselves, due to the recognition we received for being a strong defensive team.
Many Celtics fans wondered why we weren't very good defensively last year. I mean, our defensive stats were nowhere near what it was 2 years ago, and now we know why. We got big headed and thought we could coast.
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Post by jmost on Sept 26, 2017 20:27:54 GMT -5
Smart may be even better this year, as he has lost 20 pounds and his teammates say he is noticeably faster and more explosive.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Sept 27, 2017 0:58:20 GMT -5
I think Smart got a bit big headed last year, didn't play as hard as he could/should have. Maybe he thought he had arrived. Given he let himself get a bit out of shape, he didn't exactly try his best to take the next step. But he's definitely got something to prove this year, and losing all that weight is a sign he's serious.
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Post by jmost on Sept 27, 2017 6:39:59 GMT -5
I forget where I read it, but supposedly he has shown an uptick in maturity since last year - which is good to hear.
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Post by Roadrunner on Sept 28, 2017 18:28:07 GMT -5
I think BOS defense was not as good as in the past, because the offense (or pace) was changing. Might be a trade-off of losing Bradley, and Crowder, however not having to have another player sag on defense because of IT. Plus teams figured out how to exploit IT, by switching. Example - Christmas day, NY called the switch and it was Carmelo vs. IT (easy basket for Carmelo).
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Sept 28, 2017 18:43:48 GMT -5
I think BOS defense was not as good as in the past, because the offense (or pace) was changing. Might be a trade-off of losing Bradley, and Crowder, however not having to have another player sag on defense because of IT. Plus teams figured out how to exploit IT, by switching. Example - Christmas day, NY called the switch and it was Carmelo vs. IT (easy basket for Carmelo). Brad mentions they got to a slow start defensively because their intensity wasn't where it needed to be. Guys didn't play as hard as they did the previous year. |
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Post by Celtic17 on Sept 28, 2017 21:02:40 GMT -5
I think BOS defense was not as good as in the past, because the offense (or pace) was changing. Might be a trade-off of losing Bradley, and Crowder, however not having to have another player sag on defense because of IT. Plus teams figured out how to exploit IT, by switching. Example - Christmas day, NY called the switch and it was Carmelo vs. IT (easy basket for Carmelo). Brad mentions they got to a slow start defensively because their intensity wasn't where it needed to be. Guys didn't play as hard as they did the previous year. I read last year as a year of 'the shot'. Like this season in the MLB. All for the long ball. Defense don't make the kids watch. Sad. '17/18 Ainge is taking the turn. Stevens at the wheel. I like it... |
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