Post by DERRENMATTS on Dec 23, 2006 14:00:24 GMT -5
I like what I see from our 2 young studs, Jefferson and Green. In their very first game without any veteran leadership, they showed a lot of positive things that we can get excited about. First of all, have you guys seen Gerald's intensity? Have you seen his demeanor and body language on the floor? This is important to me and quite frankly, the reason why I'm hard on Pierce at times. Pierce, as incredible as he is, often goes through periods where he's slacking or his mind appears to be elsewhere (but to his credit, he can turn it around in an instant and take the scoring load upon himself). Gerald has gained favor in my eyes because of his intense gaze. Seems to always have a scowl and determined look out there, moreso when he's playing offense, but its there, at times, on defense too. He's not goofing around out there--he's out to prove that he can play and help his team win.
Jefferson's got it too. Jefferson plays with a lot of passion when he's involved (and he really wasn't for the most part in his career here in Boston). He's playing with a lot more focus, and no one is harder on himself than Jefferson is when he draws a foul but misses the shot that could have netted a three point play. And I like seeing Jefferson pump his chest with his fist and scurry around the court after he makes a tough shot and gets fouled in the act. On one play last night, Gerald converted a tough drive to the bucket as he was fouled by a help defender, and Jefferson was lividly excited for Gerald, and nearly ripped off his jersey in congratulation. That's what I call passionate and enthusiastic. He pumps himself up, as well as the team with his bursts of enthusiasm.
Not only are they talented young basketball players, but I'm optimistic about our future with them as the centerpieces because of how intense they play. You want your best players on the team playing with determination and intensity because the other guys around them will follow their lead and play at that level too. They raise the standard to a certain level and the other guys will try to match it. Both Jefferson and Gerald want to win, and their serious focus is shown in their eyes, in their facial and bodily expressions, and in the way they play.
Last night was a good offensive showing for our 2 young stars (both came through with 20 pts). Neither of them got into a consistent rhythm, but were able to come through with shots that will be their bread and butter later in their careers. Jefferson continues to score against the league's best shot blockers (last night was Dalembert's turn) and he's still got a lot of room to improve. Gerald didn't know exactly what to do (he often was fighting himself, whether he should drive or pull up), but he shows the amazing ability to rise up high on his jump shots, quicker than the defenders can get to him, and this will be a weapon he'll harness later on in his development. He has the making of being an incredible midrange shooter (and he already has a sweet outside stroke).
I can't wait for the next couple of upcoming games without the veterans. We aren't going to look pretty for the most part, but all I want to see are the flashes of brilliance from the young guys.
--Telfair and Rondo need to step up their offense. This is going to open up the floor for everyone else.
--Tony's got to keep attacking in a straight line. Last night, he was doing some dancing with the ball, and that's when I get scared.
--Powe's gotta be given more playing time. The guy delivers rebounds for us whenever he's on the court, and he wrestle away rebounds from the other team. That's one of the little things that helps teams win games. And get him the ball on offense once in awhile too, huh?
Jefferson's got it too. Jefferson plays with a lot of passion when he's involved (and he really wasn't for the most part in his career here in Boston). He's playing with a lot more focus, and no one is harder on himself than Jefferson is when he draws a foul but misses the shot that could have netted a three point play. And I like seeing Jefferson pump his chest with his fist and scurry around the court after he makes a tough shot and gets fouled in the act. On one play last night, Gerald converted a tough drive to the bucket as he was fouled by a help defender, and Jefferson was lividly excited for Gerald, and nearly ripped off his jersey in congratulation. That's what I call passionate and enthusiastic. He pumps himself up, as well as the team with his bursts of enthusiasm.
Not only are they talented young basketball players, but I'm optimistic about our future with them as the centerpieces because of how intense they play. You want your best players on the team playing with determination and intensity because the other guys around them will follow their lead and play at that level too. They raise the standard to a certain level and the other guys will try to match it. Both Jefferson and Gerald want to win, and their serious focus is shown in their eyes, in their facial and bodily expressions, and in the way they play.
Last night was a good offensive showing for our 2 young stars (both came through with 20 pts). Neither of them got into a consistent rhythm, but were able to come through with shots that will be their bread and butter later in their careers. Jefferson continues to score against the league's best shot blockers (last night was Dalembert's turn) and he's still got a lot of room to improve. Gerald didn't know exactly what to do (he often was fighting himself, whether he should drive or pull up), but he shows the amazing ability to rise up high on his jump shots, quicker than the defenders can get to him, and this will be a weapon he'll harness later on in his development. He has the making of being an incredible midrange shooter (and he already has a sweet outside stroke).
I can't wait for the next couple of upcoming games without the veterans. We aren't going to look pretty for the most part, but all I want to see are the flashes of brilliance from the young guys.
--Telfair and Rondo need to step up their offense. This is going to open up the floor for everyone else.
--Tony's got to keep attacking in a straight line. Last night, he was doing some dancing with the ball, and that's when I get scared.
--Powe's gotta be given more playing time. The guy delivers rebounds for us whenever he's on the court, and he wrestle away rebounds from the other team. That's one of the little things that helps teams win games. And get him the ball on offense once in awhile too, huh?