Amir

[joshrblabber]

Amir is an afterthought in most discussions these days, but I believe that he could be a key piece this season and hopefully beyond. I watched him for years in TO, where he played with JV and was a tremendous asset. He was far from 100% last season due to foot/ankle problems, but if he is healthy I see him as a great fit with Horford. He does everything well, whatever the team needs on any given night. He is a great old-school 4 - no 3's, just control the paint at both ends.

His health is the key - does anyone know his physical status?

[FLCeltsFan]

I know that at the end of the season when he started to get healthy, he played very well. It was like he was a different player. He battled plantar fasciitis for much of the year and tried to play through it but it did limit his effectiveness. Rest is the key to heal that up and I haven't heard of any health issues with him this off season. I would think if there was any lingering health issue, Danny wouldn't have picked up his option for next season.

[oldtimeball]

I guess in my mind that gives us 2 pfs and no real center.. Ideally I think horford is a 4.. And would do much better with a true 5.

[DERRENMATTS]

Amir played mostly Center last year, and did a nice job (again, not healthy all year).

He and Horford should make a nice defensive tandem.

And yes, he is pretty underrated among Celtics fans. I don't think I even give him the credit he deserves.

[freshnthehouse]

I just worry about his health. dude has played hurt a lot over the last few seasons. But when healthy he's a very solid player.

[DERRENMATTS]

Horford and Amir -- 2 unselfish, team oriented bigs who do what needs to be done. Not flashy guys, but they effectively execute plays.

[joshrblabber]

Trust me, when healthy Amir is a lot more than solid. He makes big plays that win games. I would compare him to Paul Silas minus the jump shot. He makes great decisions and his positioning is stellar. His improved play at the end of season last year got him to maybe 80%. I think because of this most fans underrate him, we haven't seen his best game. Hopefully we will see it this year.

[joshrblabber]

Aug 3, 2016 17:12:58 GMT -5 DERRENMATTS said:

Horford and Amir -- 2 unselfish, team oriented bigs who do what needs to be done. Not flashy guys, but they effectively execute plays.

Chemistry-wise they remind me of Cowens-Silas. They will probably not reach that level, but I love the potential here. Our bigs could actually dominate some games.

[oldtimeball]

Just because he played center does not mean he is a true center.. I hope that he and Al mesh.. Dominant? I think that's really optimistic.