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Post by jmost on Sept 18, 2021 10:19:18 GMT -5
They have BKN, MIL at the top followed by PHI, MIA, ATL, and then BOS. I can't really argue with that, partly based on last year, but also because we have maybe the most question marks. New coach, likely a new system and style of play, lots of questions about where the new guys (Schroder, Richardson, Horford) fit in, and how much we will get from Langford and Nesmith. Not to mention Robert's health. I think we could exceed expectations, but I also think it could take a while for us to gel. www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/where-celtics-land-espns-2021-22-nba-standings-predictions
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Post by jrmzt on Sept 20, 2021 17:37:20 GMT -5
PHI might actually slip. With the Simmons drama and Embiid always an injury caution, I think they're on thin ice.
But I probably wouldn't argue against the rest of that list. BKN, MIL are solid bets for top two and MIA, ATL appear to have better overall top to bottom rosters than we do.
I'd also watch out for a team like the Raptors who are well-coached and have solid players in OG, VanVleet, Siakam and that top draftee.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Sept 28, 2021 2:04:24 GMT -5
I'm calling it right now -- we are going to be the [HASH]2 seed, right in back of MIL.
The Nets are going to be fighting each other, and the Heat and Hawks are going to be good, but not as good as us.
The reason for my optimism is because we have the right pieces and players in place. Udoka has stressed ball movement and we now have role players who can actually knock down shots (Richardson, Pritch, Nesmith, Hauser, Garrison Matthews, Juancho). Tatum, Brown and Smart will always have shooters to pass to.
We also have guys who can bail us out when we need them need to -- Tatum and Brown, as well as Schroder and Kanter can get buckets.
Our defense is going to be better, and we have the defensive versatility to go big or small, depending on the matchup.
We have more veteran players who are more reliable than rookie and 2nd year players.
And lastly, Tatum is ready to cement himself into the top 7, and Jaylen in the top 15.
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Post by jrmzt on Sept 28, 2021 20:41:11 GMT -5
I like your optimism! Jaylen saying hes back healthy is a good sign for me. The fact he did what he did last year whilst playing through a hand injury means he's going to be even better this year!! In fact, I'm calling it. Jaylen Brown All-NBA Third Team and Jayson Tatum All-NBA Second Team.
If the Time Lord would just give us a healthy season, I'd really like to see what he could do as a fulltime starter.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Sept 28, 2021 21:03:01 GMT -5
I like your optimism! Jaylen saying hes back healthy is a good sign for me. The fact he did what he did last year whilst playing through a hand injury means he's going to be even better this year!! In fact, I'm calling it. Jaylen Brown All-NBA Third Team and Jayson Tatum All-NBA Second Team. If the Time Lord would just give us a healthy season, I'd really like to see what he could do as a fulltime starter. Actually, Jaylen said he wasn't the same last season -- his body was worn down and he lacked his burst and explosiveness. He feels good now, he'a fresh and his spring is back (I'm paraphrasing) and is ready to dominate.
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Post by jmost on Oct 5, 2021 13:02:11 GMT -5
Looks ever more likely that Simmons won't play for Philly and they won't be able to get what they think is fair value for him. Either way, the Sixers won't be as good.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Oct 5, 2021 14:33:18 GMT -5
Looks ever more likely that Simmons won't play for Philly and they won't be able to get what they think is fair value for him. Either way, the Sixers won't be as good. Trust The Process 😁 Noel Okafor Fultz Simmons All that tanking and nothing to show. And Philly is an Embiid injury away from being back in the lottery.
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Post by jmost on Oct 5, 2021 16:01:40 GMT -5
I'm shedding no tears for them. Not because it's Philly, but because of the way they tried to build it. Shameless tanking.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Oct 5, 2021 17:34:13 GMT -5
I'm shedding no tears for them. Not because it's Philly, but because of the way they tried to build it. Shameless tanking. It's only time before Embiid is going to want to win and will want out of Philly.
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Post by jrmzt on Oct 5, 2021 18:41:36 GMT -5
I'm shedding no tears for them. Not because it's Philly, but because of the way they tried to build it. Shameless tanking. Not gonna lie though...some years I have wished we properly tanked instead of fighting for the 7th or 8th seed. But then again, I'm always questioning how badly we seem to do with overseas prospects. I'd really like to see us improve our overseas scouting and pick up a gem in the late rounds. So if we don't tank, then the least we can do is spend on more overseas resources...heck Boston is on the right side of the coastline to be constantly flying across to Europe!
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Post by jrmzt on Oct 5, 2021 18:44:11 GMT -5
I'm shedding no tears for them. Not because it's Philly, but because of the way they tried to build it. Shameless tanking. It's only time before Embiid is going to want to win and will want out of Philly. Kinda wish Embiid would slim down significantly..he needs to lose about 10-15 kgs and get abit more svelte like Pau Gasol. He has all the finesse skills already.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Oct 5, 2021 18:59:10 GMT -5
Agreed. Embiid needs to lessen the load on his legs.
I think we hit on some useful oversea talent recently. Theis was nice. But I see your point -- Zizic bombed, as did Yabusele and Poirier. Maybe Madar and Bergarin pan out.
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Post by jrmzt on Oct 6, 2021 18:49:39 GMT -5
Theis was ok but we saw him exposed hugely in the playoffs. His season averages were acceptable but that was because he took on both the good and the bad big men in the league...so overall he looked ok. When it came to handling the upper echelon of teams..he was destroyed by Embiid and got into foul trouble very quickly. Same with Aron Baynes. Both are good backups but not starters.
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Post by jmost on Oct 6, 2021 20:30:14 GMT -5
I always thought Theis would have been great if he were 2-3 inches taller. Especially on the defensive end.
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