I have no problem standing behind the statement that the culture of the 2020-21 Celtics was not right, and I have a lot of respect for Brad Stevens as a coach.
2022-2023 General Celtics thread
- Thread starter RorschachsMask
- Start date
At very least a new voice was needed in the locker room, and Ime did that admirably I believe. Stevens is an excellent coach, an even better POBOS.
While Al is the steady vet that keeps everyone even, I'm starting to think Blake is the guy that's been around so long, who at one point was at the absolute top on the NBA and it just disappeared so quickly that he has the "live in the moment" mindset and keeps the team loose
This is funny because Al was drafted 2 years before Blake and made his NBA debut three years before Blake (due to Blake missing what should have been his rookie year with a knee injury). I don't mean this critically - you might be right about the dynamic - but I think people tend to forget how long Al has been around. Watch them move on the court and Al certainly looks younger (by a good 8 to 10 years maybe!
)... but he isn't.I wonder how much of it is this team environment versus Blake's previous stops. The Nets were a mess while Blake was there. Detroit was a .500 team that was on its way to being a high lottery team. The Clippers were a very good team but I doubt the envoronment there matched what the Celtics have now.
I think MortReport is onto something. Al is older, but Griffin rose higher and crashed harder. Griffin won the slam dunk contest in 2011, when Jaylen Brown was 15 and Jayson Tatum was 13. You know which player they were watching. Griffin offers them something that Al can't, regardless of their chronological ages. (Not a knock on Al, of course, as he offers 10 things Griffin can't).This is funny because Al was drafted 2 years before Blake and made his NBA debut three years before Blake (due to Blake missing what should have been his rookie year with a knee injury). I don't mean this critically - you might be right about the dynamic - but I think people tend to forget how long Al has been around. Watch them move on the court and Al certainly looks younger (by a good 8 to 10 years maybe!
I wonder how much of it is this team environment versus Blake's previous stops. The Nets were a mess while Blake was there. Detroit was a .500 team that was on its way to being a high lottery team. The Clippers were a very good team but I doubt the envoronment there matched what the Celtics have now.
SI covers used to be a bigger deal but this is still good.
View: https://twitter.com/SInow/status/1580182979414228993
View: https://twitter.com/SInow/status/1580182979414228993
He won’t, because he is a believer in the SI cover curse. See: Garciaparra, Nomar; 2001.
Hey, I just wanted to thank all the posters in this forum for an awesomes offseason. I have studiously avoided flowing a team year round as it’s just too much in today’s medium environment. But as @DeJesus Built My Hotrod said a couple months ago, the NBA really is the best 365 day sports product. And this team is just so darn enjoyable. And I have greatly enjoyed following the offseason here even though I don’t post much, as I’m spending more time reading to learn. Heck, the Kevin Durant thread must be the most enjoyable time following a nothing burger that I can remember.
So, imho, great job! This team is fun, and this place is fun.
So, imho, great job! This team is fun, and this place is fun.
While I’m at it: Love Smart in the center.
Tatum, though, is the face of the NBA’s top two smartphone apps.
*Unless I’m being surveilled by my phone, but I tried to double check.
end of the roster/Maine update from Jared Weiss (from the very worthwhile Athletic)
https://theathletic.com/3685820/2022/10/13/celtics-grant-williams-contract/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983
Boston waived big Luka Samanic so he can head to Maine when training camp opens Oct. 24, then signed former Providence College guard A.J. Reeves to an Exhibit 10 before he was waived and sent to Maine on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they waived guard Brodric Thomas, as first reported by Hoopshype’s Mike Scotto, and signed 7-footer Reggie Kissoonlal, who was playing in Denmark last season before the 26-year-old caught the eye of the Celtics’ scouting department. The Houston Rockets hold Thomas’ G League rights, so he is unlikely to join the Maine Celtics, team sources told The Athletic.
Kissoonlal is a Florida native who played at Northwestern State in Louisiana before transferring to Division III Marian University in Indianapolis. He’s a capable spot-up shooter from deep on high volume, and has decent speed and fluidity off the bounce for such a tall player. There’s potential for him to turn into a Luke Kornet type, though shooting and dribbling against even G League defenders is like going from Division III to the Big 10.
There may be more small transactions like this before 5 p.m. Monday, which marks the formal end of training camp and ends the period when Exhibit 10 contracts don’t affect the luxury tax. They will also lose three roster spots as the rosters go to the maximum of 15 guaranteed deals and a pair of two-way spots, so time is of the essence to bring in Exhibit 10 signings and get them waived off to Maine.
That leaves Vonleh, Jake Layman, and Justin Jackson as the current candidates for the two remaining opening night roster spots. In Friday’s win over Charlotte, Vonleh finally made good on the optimism the Celtics staff had for him during the first week of training camp, looking more like the guy who started for the Knicks three years ago than someone who played in China last year. Vonleh spoke to the media at the beginning of the week while Layman and Jackson still haven’t, a hint he’s likely making the roster.
Boston could still use a bigger wing who can defend and attack closeouts, so Jackson or Layman could earn that last roster spot in Friday’s preseason finale against Toronto.
https://theathletic.com/3685820/2022/10/13/celtics-grant-williams-contract/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983
Boston waived big Luka Samanic so he can head to Maine when training camp opens Oct. 24, then signed former Providence College guard A.J. Reeves to an Exhibit 10 before he was waived and sent to Maine on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they waived guard Brodric Thomas, as first reported by Hoopshype’s Mike Scotto, and signed 7-footer Reggie Kissoonlal, who was playing in Denmark last season before the 26-year-old caught the eye of the Celtics’ scouting department. The Houston Rockets hold Thomas’ G League rights, so he is unlikely to join the Maine Celtics, team sources told The Athletic.
Kissoonlal is a Florida native who played at Northwestern State in Louisiana before transferring to Division III Marian University in Indianapolis. He’s a capable spot-up shooter from deep on high volume, and has decent speed and fluidity off the bounce for such a tall player. There’s potential for him to turn into a Luke Kornet type, though shooting and dribbling against even G League defenders is like going from Division III to the Big 10.
There may be more small transactions like this before 5 p.m. Monday, which marks the formal end of training camp and ends the period when Exhibit 10 contracts don’t affect the luxury tax. They will also lose three roster spots as the rosters go to the maximum of 15 guaranteed deals and a pair of two-way spots, so time is of the essence to bring in Exhibit 10 signings and get them waived off to Maine.
That leaves Vonleh, Jake Layman, and Justin Jackson as the current candidates for the two remaining opening night roster spots. In Friday’s win over Charlotte, Vonleh finally made good on the optimism the Celtics staff had for him during the first week of training camp, looking more like the guy who started for the Knicks three years ago than someone who played in China last year. Vonleh spoke to the media at the beginning of the week while Layman and Jackson still haven’t, a hint he’s likely making the roster.
Boston could still use a bigger wing who can defend and attack closeouts, so Jackson or Layman could earn that last roster spot in Friday’s preseason finale against Toronto.
Reggie Kissoonial is a skinny, relatively athletic 7 footers who shoots threes. I guess he could be a decent development project, but from the videos I just watched, he’s years away from effective NBA minutes, if ever.
View: https://youtu.be/H_ZEmWgC1kI
View: https://youtu.be/H_ZEmWgC1kI
Do they really "need" a bigger wing? Enough to sign a 15th player? I would still bet on Jackson and Layman both being cut and (maybe) sent to Maine.
https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268981/Sixers-Waive-Charles-Bassey
wouldn't mind Brad throwing this guy into the mix
wouldn't mind Brad throwing this guy into the mix
Manute Bol was listed at 7'7, 200 even. Remarkable to me that he survived in the NBA for 10 years and over 600 games.
I still remember watching him just wreck the Celtics in one game.
Found it: March 26, 1987.
Celtics lose by 3 to a much worse Bullets team, 106-103. Manute Bol puts up a line of 6 points, 17 rebounds, 12 blocks, 3 steals.
McHale shot an uncharacteristically bad 7 of 12 that night, and DJ was 2 of 13, probably because of Bol.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198703260WSB.html
This is awesome. Legitimately fucking awesome.
View: https://twitter.com/mikekadlick/status/1580722919818203136?s=20&t=AXCVRrm83flZGc2pe3y-UQ
View: https://twitter.com/mikekadlick/status/1580722919818203136?s=20&t=AXCVRrm83flZGc2pe3y-UQ
Yeah, that's awesome - these guys grew up together so its great to see them so tight.
We need them back like oxygen.
58% is better than his career numbers, and he only shot better than that twice 86/87 and 88/89
I’m going to be heartbroken if JB signs elsewhere when he’s a free agent. He and Tatum are genuine and team oriented, and it’s so refreshing to see NBA stars who support their teammates. The Jays insisting that SI include Smart on their cover photo is just another example.
View: https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1580910306619842560
Sounding like Vonleh is basically a lock for spot 14. Speculation that the Celtics will actually sign a 15th guy because they have injury issues, so Jackson or Layman most likely.
Sounding like Vonleh is basically a lock for spot 14. Speculation that the Celtics will actually sign a 15th guy because they have injury issues, so Jackson or Layman most likely.
Glob said as much yesterday.
Where the Celtics roster stands days before the season opener - The Boston Globe
They really don't want to leave a spot open? I'm trying to imagine a scenario where Jackson or Layman is better than having an open roster spot and can't.
McHale was actually 7-20 that night; his 35% shooting night represented his season low, one of 2 times where he shot less than 40%, and one of 12 where he shot less than 50%.
Also should note that 5 of his worst 6 shooting games, including the game referenced above, happened after he Larry Nance stepped on his foot on March 11th, which turned into a career altering injury for McHale.
They'll cut one of them when needed, but they are already running with 14 usable spots since Gallo will be out most or all of the year and TL will be out a good while which brings you down to 13, Kornet was dinged up, you want to take it easy on minutes early, and 1-3 guys will have minor injuries/illnesses basically at all times. If the owner is willing to pay the tax money, better to start the year with the 12th man you want than be running 10-11 deep early in the year and trying to cycle in 10-days.
Not to much to recap about last night's craptastic game. The floor in Montreal was bad, the officials were bad, the Celtic players' commitment to defense was not there, after a red hot shooting first quarter the Celtics outside shooting was really not there. This was basically the Celtic starters against the Raptors minus Siakam (healthy scratch), and the Celtics mostly mailed it in.
White came out aggressive and burying threes -5 for 6 for the game, including 4 for 5 in the first quarter. He finished with 23 points on 6 of 8 shooting and 6 of 7 from the line before fouling out in 26 minutes.
Tatum had his shot falling early but I'm not sure he hit a three after the first quarter, finishing 3 for 10 on the game.
Brown was better, shooting 9 of 15 and tying for the team lead with 23.
Celtics had 19 turnovers, all but 3 of them coming from 4 guys (Brown 5, Smart and Grant 4, Tatum 3). Rough game for Grant overall.
Sam Hauser's shot vanished: he shot 1 of 7 from 3. One was well guarded and maybe partly bocked, but most were open. In one on one matchups in the defensive zone, he competed well. I don't think he's ever going to be a good defender, but I think he'll be able to play well enough to have a career. He also added 6 rebounds in 22 minutes, another sign that he competes.
Pritchard did not play in the first half and had a rough one, shooting 0 for 5 (0 for 4 from 3) with one assist in 17 minutes.
Blake has no hops at all but he can still contribute a bit as a floor-bound guy. Drew a charge (something he led the league in last year despite not playing much), had 6 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes.
Tatum picked up a tech at some point in the game, and then with 2 minutes left in Q3, the refs hit him with a cheap tech after he complaimed about a foul call, ejecting him from the game. He had played 29 of the first 34 minutes so I was happy to see him done for the night. But, Grant got a T oresumably for arguing Tatum's case to the officials, and then the Celtics bench got a T because Tatum stayed on the floor too long. The Celtics had a 5 point lead at the time and Toronto erased that by hitting all 5 free throws (the 3 techs plus the original shooting foul).
Even after that, Mazzulla rode his other starters well into the 4th. But the Celtics' commitment to defense was never present. Raptor score by quarter: 35-28-35-29-10 (OT).
Preseason OT is the absolute dumbest fucking thing ever, BTW.
White came out aggressive and burying threes -5 for 6 for the game, including 4 for 5 in the first quarter. He finished with 23 points on 6 of 8 shooting and 6 of 7 from the line before fouling out in 26 minutes.
Tatum had his shot falling early but I'm not sure he hit a three after the first quarter, finishing 3 for 10 on the game.
Brown was better, shooting 9 of 15 and tying for the team lead with 23.
Celtics had 19 turnovers, all but 3 of them coming from 4 guys (Brown 5, Smart and Grant 4, Tatum 3). Rough game for Grant overall.
Sam Hauser's shot vanished: he shot 1 of 7 from 3. One was well guarded and maybe partly bocked, but most were open. In one on one matchups in the defensive zone, he competed well. I don't think he's ever going to be a good defender, but I think he'll be able to play well enough to have a career. He also added 6 rebounds in 22 minutes, another sign that he competes.
Pritchard did not play in the first half and had a rough one, shooting 0 for 5 (0 for 4 from 3) with one assist in 17 minutes.
Blake has no hops at all but he can still contribute a bit as a floor-bound guy. Drew a charge (something he led the league in last year despite not playing much), had 6 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes.
Tatum picked up a tech at some point in the game, and then with 2 minutes left in Q3, the refs hit him with a cheap tech after he complaimed about a foul call, ejecting him from the game. He had played 29 of the first 34 minutes so I was happy to see him done for the night. But, Grant got a T oresumably for arguing Tatum's case to the officials, and then the Celtics bench got a T because Tatum stayed on the floor too long. The Celtics had a 5 point lead at the time and Toronto erased that by hitting all 5 free throws (the 3 techs plus the original shooting foul).
Even after that, Mazzulla rode his other starters well into the 4th. But the Celtics' commitment to defense was never present. Raptor score by quarter: 35-28-35-29-10 (OT).
Preseason OT is the absolute dumbest fucking thing ever, BTW.
I don’t like this for the same reason I don’t like the Kornet guarantee. “This guy has never been good and has been actively bad the past few years but maybe he will be good for us” just never works for the Celtics. Like, whose career has gone bad in the NBA - out of the NBA - back in the NBA but good this time? PJ Tucker and not a lot of others. Bigs were a problem all preseason and I am concerned that will continue.
I get the idea that having multiple years on Kornet can be questionable, but I don't get in for Vonleh. Brad Wanamaker played oversees and he was a decent bench piece that led the league in FT% one season. Yes they mostly fail but we don't need him to be a regular rotation piece. The dude will be at the back of the roster, and will play very limited minutes with a bunch DNPs. How else would you like the team to use that roster spot?
edit:FG to FT thanks wadeboggs
Last edited:
These are basically the Enes Kanter/Jabari Parker roster spots. I doubt there are going to be many better vet min types who will sign for so cheaply and with no expectations of playing time.
Howard, Whiteside, or Cousins. Maybe there are culture concerns, maybe these guys don't want a smaller role, but the team clearly needs size with Williams out. With him out, Al is the only true NBA quality big on the team for the next ~three months, and he shouldn't be playing big minutes. That's a rough position to be in.
None of those guys do what the Celtics like their bigs to do (except maybe Whiteside a little), and none of them have been particularly better than Kornet in the last season or two. If they were the exact same players they are but their names were different we wouldn't even be talking about them (except maybe Whiteside), those guys have nothing left at all.