Bigs

[joshrblabber]

My main reason for optimism this season is the bigs. On paper, Amir and Al are a perfect combination. They are both consummate team players at both ends of the floor. They have both spent the last few years mentoring their frontcourt partners which is no longer necessary. They now have a chance to perform at the top of their games and make each other better. I am hoping for career years from both of them. I can't think of another team that has that kind of skill and maturity at the 4/5. It is still a big man's game.

I think KO is ready to be the 3rd big, and the combination of Zeller, Mickey and Jonas should be able to contribute as the 4th. This team will go as far as the bigs can take it, hopefully all the way.

[DERRENMATTS]

I do feel more confident of our frontcourt duo of Amir and Al. But beyond them, I'm crossing my fingers. Olynyk, if he's healthy and confident, can do some nice things on offense -- but he doesn't rebound well. I was expecting more out of Mickey, and thought I'd see more good things from him, but so far it hasn't shown yet.

But as long as our AA Bros. (Amir & Al) stay healthy the whole year, we'll be in good shape.

[joshrblabber]

That 40-point Q3 last night was a glimpse of the future. Having a legitimate inside presence opens everything up.

[DERRENMATTS]

Having Horford is incredible. He adds such a presence out there that we haven't had since KG. He can make plays that Amir, Sully, Zeller and Olynyk can't.

You can see why he's an All-Star -- he's just at another level above our other guys.

But the greatest thing about him is his humility. He's really going out there simply to help his team win. No self accolades, no selfishness, no glory for himself.

[DERRENMATTS]

Also, really liked the way he shields his man and grabs rebounds (and holds onto them, unlike Kelly and Tyler) with both hands.

I bet if Horford wanted to be selfish and grab his stats, he could average 20+ ppg. But he's just going to do what is needed, whether that's scoring 20, or setting up his teammates to score, which means sometimes he'll score a meager 11 pts.

[FLCeltsFan]

Agreed! I love Horford and what he brings to the team. He just seems to naturally fit with this team. And, as you said, part of that is his humility and team first attitude.

[DERRENMATTS]

Ubuntu was great during the KG-PP-RA era.

I think we have a rebirth of the one-for-all, team first attitude with the bunch of guys and leaders we have now.

[FLCeltsFan]

Oct 7, 2016 19:56:20 GMT -5 DERRENMATTS said:

Ubuntu was great during the KG-PP-RA era.

I think we have a rebirth of the one-for-all, team first attitude with the bunch of guys and leaders we have now.

Yes,  I think that feeling of team first is alive and well with this group.  But instead of calling it Ubuntu,  let's call it "We are One  Superstar.  "

[oldtimeball]

Zeller had a good game..

[DERRENMATTS]

Zeller's range now extends close to the 3 pt line. He didn't roll much in this game (don't remember seeing any), but he looked good draining long jumpers.

Actually, all the bigs who played tonight, had good touch on their shots. Mickey was hitting his too.

[joshrblabber]

IMO Zeller is a good 12th man but his D and rebounding (or lack thereof) prevent him from becoming a rotational player. I liked what I saw from Mickey last night. He has a much better handle than I expected, he was initiating the offense from the top of the key, and he plays good D. He may get more minutes than Zeller this year.

[oldtimeball]

I saw Zeller play in the last game.. is he usually that tentative? Seemed very indecisive..

I don't have a issue with him being a 12 or higher guy. just the salary..

[jmost]

Zizic update: www.celticsblog.com/2016/10/10/13216164/nba-boston-celtics-draft-pick-ante-zizic-impressing-overseas

I'm seeing 17 foot range, some nice footwork and the ability to score with both hands in the post, decent court vision, strong shot blocking and aggressiveness on both ends. I think this guy will be a player.

[DERRENMATTS]

And he is putting up numbers you'd expect from an NBA caliber prospect.

[oldtimeball]

Oct 14, 2016 21:05:58 GMT -5 jmost said:

Zizic update: www.celticsblog.com/2016/10/10/13216164/nba-boston-celtics-draft-pick-ante-zizic-impressing-overseas

I'm seeing 17 foot range, some nice footwork and the ability to score with both hands in the post, decent court vision, strong shot blocking and aggressiveness on both ends. I think this guy will be a player.

jmost thank you! Wow.. He's already better than most of the bigs on our team..close behind horford..

is he still in Europe because of emotional maturity?

he reminds me of Blake Griffin. Tongue sticking out.. hmmmmm..

we need him now