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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jun 18, 2024 0:35:15 GMT -5
Do we win it all again next year?
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Post by CelticsLoyalist on Jun 18, 2024 1:03:40 GMT -5
...the Quest for 19 has begun!
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Post by freshnthehouse on Jun 18, 2024 1:19:30 GMT -5
The option is definitely there! All of the main guys are back. But you could say the same thing about Denver in 2023 (minus Bruce Brown). But they definitely have a puncher's chance!
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Post by eja117 on Jun 18, 2024 5:47:47 GMT -5
I think they do
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jun 18, 2024 11:04:05 GMT -5
I think it all depends on health. The core will be back. It's definitely possible, but it will take some luck and staying healthy.
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Post by jmost on Jun 18, 2024 13:25:20 GMT -5
No one repeats without relatively good health, but we are better positioned to absorb an injury to a starter than anyone else - as we just saw.
The Jays have gotten better every year and the only reason why they won't come back even better in the Fall is if they're satisfied now that they won one, but I don't think that's how they're wired. This team is built on the idea of continuous improvement, trusting the process of putting in the work and worrying less about results. That comes from Joe M to some extent, but I think it's just how the Jays are wired. They want to be great, they're both just entering their prime, and they are now free from the pressure of "will they ever win one?.
The East will be tougher, assuming fewer injuries to key players, but I don't see anyone who scares me. I think Denver is still the biggest threat, because Jokic is a beast, but I think we will repeat. There's something about having the confidence of knowing you can do it that helps you relax, and I think, especially for Tatum, that will unlock a whole 'nother level of his game.
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Post by eja117 on Jun 18, 2024 14:50:07 GMT -5
In terms of health I'm a little nervous about Jrue and Tatum not having any time off due to the Olympics, but other guys are going too. Granted very few of them made it to the finals. Actually none of them did. I've also heard D White is considered a possible replacement if someone can't go such as maybe Tyrese Haliburton.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jun 18, 2024 19:08:56 GMT -5
We're returning our core 8, so right there we have reason for optimism.
Horford and Jrue may see a dip due to age (though it may be miniscule). Porzingis may need to tone his game down some to avoid potential leg injuries.
But on the flip side, Jaylen and Tatum are still trending upwards, DWhite's confidence may boost his game up another notch, and Hauser and Pritch could further cement their roles.
And Joe should only improve as a coach too.
But with teams coming after us next year, I'd be more confident of a repeat if we acquire another solid and reliable bench player -- someone who can push Hauser and Pritch back a spot.
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Post by eja117 on Jun 18, 2024 19:22:41 GMT -5
I kinda envision taking a big and spending a lot of time learning so he can contribute a bit in his 2nd year, a little what happened with Perk. I theorize maybe that player comes on line around the time Al is going off line. I think if you picked two big prospects like that it pushes some of the ones we have and each other.
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Post by CelticsLoyalist on Jun 18, 2024 19:26:27 GMT -5
Definitely, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves are poised to make significant improvements next year. They've gained invaluable playoff experience and proved themselves against top teams like the Nuggets and Mavericks. Additionally, I'm really impressed by the performances of the Orlando Magic, the Indiana Pacers, and the New York Knicks. I foresee a competitive environment in the East, with at least four formidable teams in the West.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jun 18, 2024 19:28:59 GMT -5
I kinda envision taking a big and spending a lot of time learning so he can contribute a bit in his 2nd year, a little what happened with Perk. I theorize maybe that player comes on line around the time Al is going off line. I think if you picked two big prospects like that it pushes some of the ones we have and each other. You mean through the draft? What about Kornet and Queta -- Joe sounds like he loves Kornet, but we hardly see Luke play. I definitely am interested in getting Horford's eventual replacement soon -- now that he's a champ it's only a matter of time before he hangs it up.
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Post by eja117 on Jun 18, 2024 19:33:05 GMT -5
Yeah. I think Kornet is line for a raise and more playing time. I like Queta a lot and I think drafting young bigs could push him.
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Post by CelticsLoyalist on Jun 18, 2024 19:45:58 GMT -5
I think Kornet is the strongest canidate as our backup. While I also have an appreciation for Queta, historically, we have tendency to fall in love with players like him only to trade them away in obscurity. I hope to see a different outcome this time. Additionally, I see significant potential in Brissett, and Walsh has shown promise in both the G League and in end-of-season games featuring our developing players. I've been really impressed by all our G guys, rooks and end of bench guys.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jun 18, 2024 19:55:56 GMT -5
I'm high on Walsh as well. He's a developing wing player who could in time be an excellent role player.
Kornet is fine. I'm not so keen on Neemy. But are these two too limited offensively to carve out their space on the roster?
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Post by CelticsLoyalist on Jun 18, 2024 22:46:38 GMT -5
Kornets size I think and offense is already close to there. White Q I don't think so much but has had flashes
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