What we need (to get out of the 1st round of playoffs)

[DERRENMATTS]

Two years in a row, with our overachieving style of play, we've made the playoffs, but were ousted in the very 1st round.

Players have been stepping up and making improvements, and we just acquired Al Horford, which should solidify our status as a top 4 team in the east.

But to get to the 2nd round and farther, we need to shore up our deficiencies.

Our 3 big ones are:

1) Scoring
2) Better shooting (especially 3 pointers)
3) Shot blocking

We absolutely need more scoring. As poorly as we shot the ball last year, its a testament to our defense that forced turnovers for easy baskets that helped us to be a top 10 offensive team in the NBA. An credit to Isaiah for coming up big time after time when we needed buckets. But its just too much stress on the team when we go through droughts scoring the ball. We need more players putting the ball through the hoop consistently.

And as many 3's we've taken last year, we were terrible about making them. Marcus Smart was in Antoine Walker territory. Jae Crowder didn't connect on a good % either. Even IT. We need more pure shooters taking those 3's. Will RJ Hunter respond to the challenge of filling our need? Will James Young? Will Smart improve enough to shoot a respectable percentage? If we can up our shooting % a smidge, we're talking top 7 - 8 in the NBA offensively.

Shot blocking. Neither Amir Johnson or Al Horford are big time shot blockers. They play below the rim and rely more on good positioning. But its great to have a guy who can erase mistakes and take a few points away from opponents. Hoping Jordan Mickey can help us here.

[oldtimeball]

I see our needs as scoring defined as getting easy clutch baskets. Specifically offensive rebounding. Creating offense.. A true point guard... We have to many one dimensional players. We need a veteran !

Second we need rebounding. Can't fast break if you don't rebound.

Third we need interior tough defense. Shutdown of the easy stuff. Make them work. Set the tempo by hustle.

Fourth we need creative patient offensive mindset. Learning to win in the last 5 minutes of a game.

[DERRENMATTS]

Agree with what you said, OTB.

I think Rozier will fit in well this year. He's a player who can rebound (fills a need), push the ball up court, dish it or take it to the rim himself. He's also a guy who can break down defenses a bit, create a bit, and get his own points to a degree.

But we need more of these guys.

As far as interior defense, I wonder how much Philly is asking for Noel. They still need to unload one of their bigs.

[oldtimeball]

I would like either of those bigs .. But at what price? I think the Celtics are a lot like the red Sox. A lot of hitters but how many DHS on a team do you need ? lol.

They must take a big step forward if they want to get Westbrook or a big superstar in free agency. Actually KD signing with the warrior's may make Westbrook want to come east lol. We cannot hope for a improved season. Make it happen. Bring in wade. He is the only veteran who has won it multiple times available? Unless you can get ginobli ...

Al is a piece of the puzzle.. But we have to get better than Cleveland quickly.. Isaiah is he going to be as good this year. We need proven players ...