Post by jmost on Sept 29, 2016 7:19:04 GMT -5
I've been thinking a little on this, and then saw this article:
www.espn.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4724067/marcus-smart-could-be-celtics-x-factor
I think most of us are anticipating another incremental improvement for the Celtics this year, adding a few wins to the 48 from last year, but still leaving us something short of joining the elite. But if we are to make a BIG leap, which Celtic is most likely to be responsible?
I expect guys in their prime to come back somewhat better. I'd put Thomas, Crowder, Bradley, Olynyk in that group. Johnson being healthier will help. Horford's presence will help but I don't expect him to improve his game at this point. I am not expecting a lot of improvement from Zeller or Jerebko either. Gerald Green may help but I don't see him getting much (if any) better either.
So that leaves Smart, Rozier, Brown, Hunter, Young, Mickey, Jackson. And as much as I critisize his shooting, I think Smart probably has the best chance THIS year to elevate the team. That's IF his work on his shot gets him on track there. I think Brown will help but probably needs a couple of seasons to be in this discussion, and I'm not sure Rozier will get enough minutes to be a big difference maker. Mickey has some skills but I don't know if he has an NBA body. He looked undersized to me in summer league.
So I guess I'm saying Smart is the guy for 2016-17 who has to have a breakout year for the Celtics to make a big move. Crowder would be my darkhouse candidate. Thoughts?
www.espn.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4724067/marcus-smart-could-be-celtics-x-factor
I think most of us are anticipating another incremental improvement for the Celtics this year, adding a few wins to the 48 from last year, but still leaving us something short of joining the elite. But if we are to make a BIG leap, which Celtic is most likely to be responsible?
I expect guys in their prime to come back somewhat better. I'd put Thomas, Crowder, Bradley, Olynyk in that group. Johnson being healthier will help. Horford's presence will help but I don't expect him to improve his game at this point. I am not expecting a lot of improvement from Zeller or Jerebko either. Gerald Green may help but I don't see him getting much (if any) better either.
So that leaves Smart, Rozier, Brown, Hunter, Young, Mickey, Jackson. And as much as I critisize his shooting, I think Smart probably has the best chance THIS year to elevate the team. That's IF his work on his shot gets him on track there. I think Brown will help but probably needs a couple of seasons to be in this discussion, and I'm not sure Rozier will get enough minutes to be a big difference maker. Mickey has some skills but I don't know if he has an NBA body. He looked undersized to me in summer league.
So I guess I'm saying Smart is the guy for 2016-17 who has to have a breakout year for the Celtics to make a big move. Crowder would be my darkhouse candidate. Thoughts?
