|
Post by FLCeltsFan on Dec 21, 2006 13:31:18 GMT -5
WEEI just announced that Pierce has a stress reaction in his left foot which may lead to a fracture if not treated properly and will miss the whole West Coast trip. Big blow to the team but maybe a blessing in disguise in that the kids will get the playing time they need to pick up their games.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2006 14:54:14 GMT -5
Its gonna be more running with Al and Green being the main scorers. I expect Telfair to shoot more.
|
|
|
Post by DERRENMATTS on Dec 21, 2006 16:30:04 GMT -5
I don't care if we go 0 for whatever during this west coast swing, as long as Gerald gets a ton of playing time, as well as some burn time for Allan Ray. And this is the opportunity for our PG's (both Telfair and Rajon) to run the team and set up the offense.
Get Al the ball and use Gerald's scoring ability.
3 weeks is an awfully long time. We may be back in the running for Oden again.
What'll be interesting is what Ainge will think if the team explodes and plays well in the absence of Pierce.
If Doc allows Telfair and Rajon to push the ball more, we'll see more fastbreak points (let Tony and Gerald run and dunk whenever possible). And if Jefferson is getting more touches, our halfcourt offense will click, especially when Wally returns.
|
|
|
Post by DERRENMATTS on Dec 21, 2006 16:52:48 GMT -5
Wow, I'd say about 98% of Celtics fans are disappointed that Pierce will be out, but are highly excited at the possibility of Gerald getting more playing time and Al playing a more vital role on offense.
|
|
|
Post by goceltics34 on Dec 21, 2006 16:55:04 GMT -5
I hate to be negative, but this is devestating. No pierce, wally, or perk. Bad time for the injury bug to hit us. If we go .500 on this road trip ill be doing backflips. Gerald is going to have to grown up in a hurry, andwere going to need some monster efforts from big al. Hopefully the kandi man can give us about 10 -15 minutes a game to give AL a breather. Man this sucks!!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by DERRENMATTS on Dec 21, 2006 17:41:07 GMT -5
This sucks because we're not going to win 5 in a row like we just did recently. But its a blessing in disguise because it gives our younger players time to get some action.
Honestly, if we are a sub .500 team with Pierce and Wally healthy and playing the best of their careers, it would be better if we played our young players instead and be a sub .500 team because it allows them to develop quicker, and it gives us a shot at drafting Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Joakim Noah, Brendan Wright, or some of the other prized draftees.
|
|
|
Post by eja117 on Dec 21, 2006 17:54:53 GMT -5
I guess I'm completely insane cause I'm not upset at all. We'll finally be able to see what the kids can do without any veteran interference. Every time Doc's hand is forced we do better. Finally GG AND Rondo will both have to play. Maybe even Gomes will move over a little giving Powe time, but I doubt it. My only disappointment is that Wally is on my fantasy team, and that Wally will probably be back soon anyway. Let's see what Doc and DA does if GG and TA and Rondo do incredibly well. AL has already forced that hand.
|
|
|
Post by DERRENMATTS on Dec 21, 2006 18:02:41 GMT -5
Right, Eja, I'm feeling the same way. It was something I hoped would happen anyways. I just recently posted this exact thought, that right now would be the best time for Pierce to go on an extended leave of absence (if there ever was a good time).
|
|
|
Post by BCHISTORIAN on Dec 22, 2006 2:17:43 GMT -5
injuries always suck but they have been blessing in disguise for the celts. it was the occasion for gomes' ascent last year and al's revelation this year. hope it has the same effect on gerald
|
|
|
Post by DERRENMATTS on Dec 22, 2006 2:59:31 GMT -5
Gerald would have already been a big bright spot for us right now (like Jefferson) if Doc would give him more playing time and use him properly.
All Gerald needs is confidence (and he'll get that with playing time) and the right situation to play in. He's capable of doing much more damage than Delonte, so he has to be given a bigger role than Delonte. Gerald must get more shot attempts and plays designed for him than Delonte. If he's not, we are just stunting his growth.
One 20 pt game is all it will take to get Gerald's confidence soaring high and then we'll see the kid take off and not look back.
|
|
|
Post by The Eye of the Q is upon you! on Dec 22, 2006 12:51:08 GMT -5
Oh Boy! Now the rest of the league things we might be tanking for the Oden lottery. But maybe, just maybe we come together as a team. One concern I have is Delonte West is really going to have to assert himself as a leader. We don't have a lot of players left and it probably caught up to us Wednesday night as we failed to beat Golden State. Man we stink at home this year. I think we need another building to play in.
|
|
|
Post by The Eye of the Q is upon you! on Dec 22, 2006 12:52:56 GMT -5
Oh, maybe the refs will feel sorry for us and give us a fair shake on the basketball court.
Never mind, it won't happen. Dave Stern thinks we ruined the NBA back in the 60's winning all those championships.
|
|
|
Post by DERRENMATTS on Dec 22, 2006 14:12:54 GMT -5
Big Al Jefferson will step up as the leader.
I don't think Stern can look at our team and think we are tanking. I mean, Wally and Pierce are out with injuries and a whole bunch of our other role players are out as well. I think this is the year that we win the top overall pick. Doesn't mean we will have the worst record in the league. We will win the 1st pick by way of the lucky ping pong balls bouncing our way. Its destiny. Greg Oden is the closest thing to Bill Russel I've seen in a long while (but of course, he won't be as good).
|
|
cfoo
Welcome To Celtics Green!
Posts: 1
|
Post by cfoo on Dec 22, 2006 21:53:49 GMT -5
I think the most important thing is we have a productive 2 weeks without Pierce and become a better team, so when Pierce comes back we will be that much better. It will almost be like adding a free allstar player to a good young team if we play well. We''ll see how good a coach Doc really is.
Imagine if Danny was able to build this team from the ground up and then add a player like Pierce. That's how I'm looking at this opportunity.
|
|
|
Post by Roadrunner on Dec 22, 2006 23:45:06 GMT -5
An opportunity for the young guns to step up.
|
|