2023-24 Celtics

[InstaFace]

I like playing the Knicks, because they take the entire game as seriously as possible, it feels a little more playoff-y when we play them. We can do whatever we want to a team like the Pacers, but the Knicks actually tell us something about where we can find and exploit advantages, whether we can knock down shots with a hand in our face if we need to, whether our guys' heads are on a swivel and their awareness is where it needs to be, or whether (as can happen) it's up their respective asses.

I thought all 4 of our stars had a good game, White couldn't get his threes going (until that one late), but was a menace defensively and came outta nowhere with some steals and rebounds. Horford was the one who kinda wasn't it, he got himself caught in no man's land a few times, not coming in enough to help and affect the ball handler, but while leaving his guy so open that when they find him he can't recover and it's an open look for 3.

That's my one complaint with this game, and frankly with the last couple of games: the number of times that our rotations just end up leaving someone entirely open from 3. Grimes got 3 or 4 in a row (or nearly so) against us, hitting them all, because we kept on leaving him open in the corner or right around the break. Whether intentional or just a mistake, we're giving up a lot of expected-points equity on those plays and I hope they tighten them up.

Tatum got himself a technical for complaining. He had a mildly legit complaint (getting clotheslined by Hart coming around a screen, no call), but took it too far and got a sort of cumulative, lifetime-achievement-award sort of T for his troubles.

 

[slamminsammya]

I like playing the Knicks, because they take the entire game as seriously as possible, it feels a little more playoff-y when we play them. We can do whatever we want to a team like the Pacers, but the Knicks actually tell us something about where we can find and exploit advantages, whether we can knock down shots with a hand in our face if we need to, whether our guys' heads are on a swivel and their awareness is where it needs to be, or whether (as can happen) it's up their respective asses.

I thought all 4 of our stars had a good game, White couldn't get his threes going (until that one late), but was a menace defensively and came outta nowhere with some steals and rebounds. Horford was the one who kinda wasn't it, he got himself caught in no man's land a few times, not coming in enough to help and affect the ball handler, but while leaving his guy so open that when they find him he can't recover and it's an open look for 3.

That's my one complaint with this game, and frankly with the last couple of games: the number of times that our rotations just end up leaving someone entirely open from 3. Grimes got 3 or 4 in a row (or nearly so) against us, hitting them all, because we kept on leaving him open in the corner or right around the break. Whether intentional or just a mistake, we're giving up a lot of expected-points equity on those plays and I hope they tighten them up.

Tatum got himself a technical for complaining. He had a mildly legit complaint (getting clotheslined by Hart coming around a screen, no call), but took it too far and got a sort of cumulative, lifetime-achievement-award sort of T for his troubles.

The knicks lead the league in corner 3's as a share of 3pa this year, and I think we saw that tonight as they have two guys who are very skilled playing to the middle of the floor in randle and especially brunson. The celtics definitely helped off the corners quite a bit tonight, I thought it was often not necessary but maybe thats a joe tactical decision since he isn't too worried about guys like hart or grimes out there.

 

[the moops]

The knicks lead the league in corner 3's as a share of 3pa this year, and I think we saw that tonight as they have two guys who are very skilled playing to the middle of the floor in randle and especially brunson. The celtics definitely helped off the corners quite a bit tonight, I thought it was often not necessary but maybe thats a joe tactical decision since he isn't too worried about guys like hart or grimes out there.

I can't recall the exact numbers, but Zach Lowe, on his pod, mentioned that the Celts were giving up a lot of threes, but very few corner threes compared to the rest of the league. Wonder if that is still the case after tonight

 

[Over Guapo Grande]

...

Tatum got himself a technical for complaining. He had a mildly legit complaint (getting clotheslined by Hart coming around a screen, no call), but took it too far and got a sort of cumulative, lifetime-achievement-award sort of T for his troubles.

He clapped his hands in frustration. That is apparently the line. You can cuss an official up and down the court, but don't you dare clap your hands in displeasure. That might be seen as showing them up or something.

 

[benhogan]

Bench report
Another outstanding game from Hauser. His defense was very good. Hitting 3's when the C's were down.
47.5% from 3 for the season

PP hit a 3 & was decent. He got stuck on some BIGs & held up, but his defense will be a problem.

Horford is looking a little weathered to start the year

 

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

The knicks lead the league in corner 3's as a share of 3pa this year, and I think we saw that tonight as they have two guys who are very skilled playing to the middle of the floor in randle and especially brunson. The celtics definitely helped off the corners quite a bit tonight, I thought it was often not necessary but maybe thats a joe tactical decision since he isn't too worried about guys like hart or grimes out there.

Hart is especially bricklayerly of late so leaving him is a smart strategy.

To me the story of the game was Tatum exerting his will down the stretch. He went into closer mode earlier and to great effect. Maybe we get more of this going forward in games where a pesky opponent is hanging around into the fourth.

 

[Jimbodandy]

FWIW, I'm issuing a mea culpa on Pritchard. He has really turned a corner defensively to the point where he's not horrible anymore. That's not to say that there won't be elite wings who abuse him this year, but he holds his own in most situations that Joe's putting him in. His ball-handling is still good, and his vision has even improved somewhat. Not sure what percentage of this improvement is him and how much is coaching, but it's real. Right now, he, Hauser, and Al are the clear 8-man rotation pieces.

Also as vision goes, Jaylen and Porzingis seem to have a nice 2-man connection. I like the lineups that Joe is throwing out there.

 

[lovegtm]

FWIW, I'm issuing a mea culpa on Pritchard. He has really turned a corner defensively to the point where he's not horrible anymore. That's not to say that there won't be elite wings who abuse him this year, but he holds his own in most situations that Joe's putting him in. His ball-handling is still good, and his vision has even improved somewhat. Not sure what percentage of this improvement is him and how much is coaching, but it's real. Right now, he, Hauser, and Al are the clear 8-man rotation pieces.

Also as vision goes, Jaylen and Porzingis seem to have a nice 2-man connection. I like the lineups that Joe is throwing out there.

People really made too much of PP's physical profile. He's not IT. There are a number of 6-1, short-ish wingspan, strong+quick guards who have carved out OK to good defensive careers.

He needed reps and minutes, and they are feeding those to him now.

As you said, he's also playing within himself more on offense and focusing on keeping his dribble alive, rather than picking it up and getting stuck inside the arc. I'm moderately excited for what he can develop into over the next 72 games. I think there's a rotation player and low-end playoff contributor in him somewhere.

 

[NomarsFool]

It was a nice win. I was struck, though, how much of NBA basketball is guys standing around the perimeter not moving. It’s not just the Celtics, it was both teams. Seems like the three is just too easy for them, so there are many plays where there is little to no action. It’s fun to watch a player dribble, dribble and stick a fadeaway three when it goes in. I just still get concerned about relying on that type of offense.

 

[Imbricus]

I just still get concerned about relying on that type of offense.

You're not the only one. I'd much rather watch pass-pass-drive-kick out for open three. Or pass-pass-drive-throw to open cutter for short jumper/layup.

I only saw part of last night's game, but I really liked Joe mixing up the defensive looks. They tried a zone, they tried a full-court press a few times. These new defenses are still a work in progress, but this is exactly the time of year to work out the kinks, so kudos there.

It's always exciting when Tatum goes other-worldly, as he did for a time in the fourth quarter last night, shooting threes over people, no matter what they do. But it is dangerous to depend on that too much; we all remember the Tatum stinkers from last year where he'd go like 1 for 9 from three. What I like about this year's Tatum is he can switch gears and finish at the rim so much better (well, this still remains to be thoroughly tested against the NBA's elite defensive teams).

Pritchard's play has evolved. I was really impressed with how well he fought through screens in the Brooklyn game (he knew when to go over and when to go under). Not as impressed in the Raptors game, but I like how he seems more focused on assists, and maybe less on points. I think one of the coaches took him aside and said, "Listen, you don't have to make four or five three pointers to have an impact. You have to make sure your teammates are in position to make four or five three pointers. And if you do that, we're not gonna yank you."

 

[lovegtm]

It was a nice win. I was struck, though, how much of NBA basketball is guys standing around the perimeter not moving. It’s not just the Celtics, it was both teams. Seems like the three is just too easy for them, so there are many plays where there is little to no action. It’s fun to watch a player dribble, dribble and stick a fadeaway three when it goes in. I just still get concerned about relying on that type of offense.

This was the Knicks offense, because the Celtics just weren't letting them generate any 1-on-1 advantages or action off screens, so they looked really really stagnant.

On the Celtics side, however, I'm not sure we were watching the same game?

 

[benhogan]

I really liked Joe mixing up the defensive looks. They tried a zone, they tried a full-court press a few times. These new defenses are still a work in progress, but this is exactly the time of year to work out the kinks, so kudos there.

Yep, I'm enjoying CJM's defensive curveballs.

More, different styles of ball pressure (full court, 3/4 court, half court, 2-man zone pressure, half court 2-1-2 zone)
instead of always retreating to the 3-point line on defense.

Joe has also been very detail-oriented at the ends of quarters, setting up time-consuming pressure to alter 2-for-1s.

 

[Strike4]

Bench report
Another outstanding game from Hauser. His defense was very good. Hitting 3's when the C's were down.
47.5% from 3 for the season

PP hit a 3 & was decent. He got stuck on some BIGs & held up, but his defense will be a problem.

Horford is looking a little weathered to start the year

Hauser looked incredible on defense last night. I still have trouble reconciling this with him looking exactly like my rec league friend who is a total oaf. And also when I used to see him on the Red Claws and he would chuck up air balls and didn't look like he belonged on that floor even.

 

[lovegtm]

Hauser looked incredible on defense last night. I still have trouble reconciling this with him looking exactly like my rec league friend who is a total oaf. And also when I used to see him on the Red Claws and he would chuck up air balls and didn't look like he belonged on that floor even.

Yeah, the whole meme about "Hauser has to be hidden and only played in certain matchups" is total bs at this point. He's a solid defender in 95% of situations, and I can't say why, or I'll get in trouble.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

I really like the defensive versatilty we've seen---we were speculating in offseason they'd have some zone looks and I like that being part of the arsenal. The talent defensively isn't going to be what it was two years ago (a historically great D much of the year) but it's going to be in the neighborhood while also being more malleable for matchups, hopefully.

Offensively, there's still some gelling to occur but the talent is there and they have strong, functional role players off the bench which is very nice to back up four significant creators.

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

One of Tatum's last makes of the game saw him carry the ball up, get doubled early, dish it off to I think Jrue, but the ball ended up bouncing between Tatum, KP, and Jrue, each making the defense uncomfortable enough to overcommit leaving one Jayson Tatum WIIIIIIDE open for three.

That's the kind of ball movement that can and will win games in late-and-close half court situations without anyone forcing a dribble into the teeth of a defense or really without anyone having to make a particularly difficult pass (especially because KP is SO HUGE). It was just quick ball movement, probe the D a bit, get them moving, then move the ball again and someone ended up open. The game was mostly over so it wasn't necessarily the best defensive set in the world but even so, it's the kind of possession that in the past has typically been a "dribble for 23 seconds then shoot" situation for this team.

That's not to say they don't still have some of those possessions but no team runs a perfect offense for 48 minutes and it's Tatum so you live with it as long as it doesn't completely take over the offense and bog them down completely. They have notably yet to truly cheesedick a game away, which speaks to how they have improved on both ends.

Speaking of the D, the open corner threes were annoying but I don't begrudge those few mistakes. Brunson is just that kind of player that gets all eyes on him with that mix of shifty + methodical. Just need to trust that the help defender will be there and not feel the need as the 3rd defender to drift away from your man or get screened off him. Randle also takes a lot of effort to keep out of the paint and keep him from getting downhill. Thought the D did a great job especially in the 4th. KP is a real difference maker.

Hauser is not the most fluid athlete in the world so his movement on D can look a little mechanical at times but you can see him working his ass off to keep his feet moving and stay in front of his man. He reads the ball handler well. Guys just cannot blow by him the way they think they can, it's pretty funny. Glad he has found his stroke. It's like something just needed to be slightly recalibrated and now he is center cut every time.

Edit: One thing worth adding on Sam, he keeps his hands up on D!! And it doesn't seem to cost him quality or freedom of movement, mostly because he's very much a "do your job" defender. Is he making the dynamic play? Stripping the ball from a guy? No, probably not. He's like a defensive version of a hold-up striker in soccer whose job is to maintain possession to let the rest of his teammates catchup and get in position to make plays.

 

[benhogan]

Hauser looked incredible on defense last night. I still have trouble reconciling this with him looking exactly like my rec league friend who is a total oaf. And also when I used to see him on the Red Claws and he would chuck up air balls and didn't look like he belonged on that floor even.

Sam battled Robinson/Randle in the post and held his own...More importantly, there were 1-2 possessions where Sam guarded Brunson. He got low, stayed in front of Jalen, and challenged the shot with his length. That was an eye-opener. At this point, it's really only super quick guards (like Maxey) that Sam can't handle.

Get that Pritchard-style extension to Sam's agent ASAP

There's a world where Sam passes Al in minutes with double BIGs taking a back seat. Along with Horford shrink wrapped as the backup 5.

 

[lovegtm]

Sam battled Robinson/Randle in the post and held his own...More importantly, there were 1-2 possessions where Sam guarded Brunson. He got low, stayed in front of Jalen, and challenged the shot with his length. That was an eye-opener. At this point, it's really only super quick guards (like Maxey) that Sam can't handle.

Get that Pritchard-style extension to Sam's agent ASAP

He's eligible for an extension 2 years after he signed his previous one, so sometime summer 2024 iirc. There's a good chance he'll take a solid discount in order to lock in money, because he's made very, very little to this point.

 

[NomarsFool]

On the Celtics side, however, I'm not sure we were watching the same game?

Did you not see Tatum just shoot threes over people? I mean, he was awesome last night. For sure. And it's fun when they are going in. But, it's not my favorite brand of basketball.

 

[benhogan]

He's eligible for an extension 2 years after he signed his previous one, so sometime summer 2024 iirc. There's a good chance he'll take a solid discount in order to lock in money, because he's made very, very little to this point.

An under-the-radar move that Brad/Zarren are exploiting with the backend of the roster + two-way contracts. It's a clever way to fill out the rotation for future seasons.

 

[NomarsFool]

It's interesting how deep KP takes (and makes) three pointers. He brings a very different dimension to the spacing than Horford - who, while he has hit a lot of key threes, doesn't seem to be nearly the same kind of outside threat as KP. KP is proving to be a really efficient scorer on this C's team.

 

[tims4wins]

It's interesting how deep KP takes (and makes) three pointers. He brings a very different dimension to the spacing than Horford - who, while he has hit a lot of key threes, doesn't seem to be nearly the same kind of outside threat as KP. KP is proving to be a really efficient scorer on this C's team.

Dude has a career high TS% of 62.7% last year... and is at 70.5% so far this year. And it doesn't even really feel fluky. At this point I absolutely expect him to set a new career high, albeit not at 70%. But 65% seems achievable. He's at a career high 40.8% from 3 but that doesn't really feel fluky at all. It's not significantly above his career norms, and he is getting so many open looks.

 

[lovegtm]

Did you not see Tatum just shoot threes over people? I mean, he was awesome last night. For sure. And it's fun when they are going in. But, it's not my favorite brand of basketball.

Yes, and I also watched the other 46 minutes of basketball. They had a lot of very good, intentional movement and screening to generate quality offense.

 

[m0ckduck]

It's interesting how deep KP takes (and makes) three pointers. He brings a very different dimension to the spacing than Horford - who, while he has hit a lot of key threes, doesn't seem to be nearly the same kind of outside threat as KP. KP is proving to be a really efficient scorer on this C's team.

This has been said before, but the thing that constantly startles me on deep threes from KP is his quick release. It looks for all the world like a guard shooting in a giant's body. Horford's shot form is like somebody unfolding an easel to start painting on a weekend afternoon. Defenders are able to close out on him much more effectively, so he's only open when he's really, really "open".

 

[Spelunker]

This has been said before, but the thing that constantly startles me on deep threes from KP is his quick release. It looks for all the world like a guard shooting in a giant's body. Horford's shot form is like somebody unfolding an easel to start painting on a weekend afternoon. Defenders are able to close out on him much more effectively, so he's only open when he's really, really "open".

He creates so much space with his leg kick out. Everyone kicks out, obviously, and KP's is really minimal as these things go. But he's so huge, and his legs are so long, a you can't really close on him directly: you kinda have to run around the path if his lead leg.

(plus, how are you really going to bother *his* shot).

 

[Jimbodandy]

Yeah, the whole meme about "Hauser has to be hidden and only played in certain matchups" is total bs at this point. He's a solid defender in 95% of situations, and I can't say why, or I'll get in trouble.

The Hauser stuff was always nonsense. To give people the benefit of the doubt (which perhaps is not fair but whatever), the league saw that similarly sized and pedigreed Duncan Robinson became unplayable at times because of his inability to avoid being a traffic cone. People might have read into that, but Hauser was never nearly as lost on defense and was more like what Strus became (not embarrassing) on defense. Like he was "ok" from day one and has even gotten a little better. He always anticipated well and moved his feet well for his size. He contests shots credibly.

For Pritchard, yeah maybe confidence and regular minutes made a difference. Maybe he was a casualty of being undercoached a bit last year. Seems like a different guy now to me though. He's sliding better, anticipating better than he had. And when guys body him, he doesn't bounce off like a scarecrow. It's one thing to match up ok with the Flynn/DiVincenzo types, but when he's providing credible man defense on the Brunson types, that's plenty. Guys that have been trucking him aren't now. I think that the guy did some real strength/explosion work in the last year that is materializing. Perhaps I just never saw it too, I don't know. Seems different.

I don't expect either guy to turn into peak Kawhi, but in this defense being ok is perfectly fine.

 

[lovegtm]

The Hauser stuff was always nonsense. To give people the benefit of the doubt (which perhaps is not fair but whatever), the league saw that similarly sized and pedigreed Duncan Robinson became unplayable at times because of his inability to avoid being a traffic cone. People might have read into that, but Hauser was never nearly as lost on defense and was more like what Strus became (not embarrassing) on defense. Like he was "ok" from day one and has even gotten a little better. He always anticipated well and moved his feet well for his size. He contests shots credibly.

For Pritchard, yeah maybe confidence and regular minutes made a difference. Maybe he was a casualty of being undercoached a bit last year. Seems like a different guy now to me though. He's sliding better, anticipating better than he had. And when guys body him, he doesn't bounce off like a scarecrow. It's one thing to match up ok with the Flynn/DiVincenzo types, but when he's providing credible man defense on the Brunson types, that's plenty. Guys that have been trucking him aren't now. I think that the guy did some real strength/explosion work in the last year that is materializing. Perhaps I just never saw it too, I don't know. Seems different.

I don't expect either guy to turn into peak Kawhi, but in this defense being ok is perfectly fine.

PP's always been strong; he just hadn't put it all together on D.

Strus is quite a good defensive comp for Hauser.

 

[RorschachsMask]

View: https://twitter.com/lissmx14/status/1724452735951532435


View: https://twitter.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1724446648028274841?

 

[tims4wins]

View: https://twitter.com/lissmx14/status/1724452735951532435


View: https://twitter.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1724446648028274841?

Dude is fast becoming a fan favorite.

 

[the moops]

To give people the benefit of the doubt (which perhaps is not fair but whatever), the league saw that similarly sized and pedigreed Duncan Robinson became unplayable at times because of his inability to avoid being a traffic cone.

And even in this comparison, Robinson moves way more fluidly than Hauser on offense, so one would think that it would be the same on defense

 

[lovegtm]

And even in this comparison, Robinson moves way more fluidly than Hauser on offense, so one would think that it would be the same on defense

Tbf there, we see this a TON in the NBA: guys who look great on offense suddenly not being able to move well or execute physically on D. Totally different skillsets.

 

[slamminsammya]

was Duncan Robinson ever "unplayable" for his defense? I thought he hit the bench exactly when his shit stopped falling.

 

[RorschachsMask]

Hauser is a really good positional defender, and has a strong base.

Robinson was actually a pretty solid defensive player at one point, not sure how true it is anymore. Part of that may be the zone, though.

 

[bigq]

People really made too much of PP's physical profile. He's not IT. There are a number of 6-1, short-ish wingspan, strong+quick guards who have carved out OK to good defensive careers.

He needed reps and minutes, and they are feeding those to him now.

As you said, he's also playing within himself more on offense and focusing on keeping his dribble alive, rather than picking it up and getting stuck inside the arc. I'm moderately excited for what he can develop into over the next 72 games. I think there's a rotation player and low-end playoff contributor in him somewhere.

It's a good development that he is becoming a rotation piece even now despite his early season shooting woes (currently .476 from 2 and .226 from 3). He is facilitating and rebounding which somewhat offsets his lack of scoring. On defense he appears to be moving his feet well and staying in front of his man. The playoffs are far away but it seems like PP will be effective and get some minutes in the post season in specific match ups where opponents have a small quick PG.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

Hauser is a really good positional defender, and has a strong base.

Robinson was actually a pretty solid defensive player at one point, not sure how true it is anymore. Part of that may be the zone, though.

Robinson benefitted by having some great defenders on the floor with him but agreed on Hauser. He isn't good rotational and doesn't have the physicals but as a face up man to man defender he is very good positionally.

 

[Euclis20]

Hauser is a really good positional defender, and has a strong base.

Robinson was actually a pretty solid defensive player at one point, not sure how true it is anymore. Part of that may be the zone, though.

Robinson benefitted by having some great defenders on the floor with him but agreed on Hauser. He isn't good rotational and doesn't have the physicals but as a face up man to man defender he is very good positionally.

I'll always contend that Robinson looks a bit more exposed because the Heat have needed more out of him than the Celtics need (and hopefully will ever need) from Hauser. Hauser has been a 15-20 mpg guy for the Celtics since breaking into the rotation, while Robinson has played 25-30 mpg (and has started over 200 games) since the 19/20 season. Despite the occasional nice stretch against guys like Brunson, most of Hauser's minutes come opposite much of the opposing teams bench, guys who really can't pick on him (and when they try, it goes well for Boston). Most of Robinson's minutes come against opposing stars, so he's more consistently exposed as a negative defender.

 

[benhogan]

The Hauser stuff was always nonsense. To give people the benefit of the doubt (which perhaps is not fair but whatever), the league saw that similarly sized and pedigreed Duncan Robinson became unplayable at times because of his inability to avoid being a traffic cone. People might have read into that, but Hauser was never nearly as lost on defense and was more like what Strus became (not embarrassing) on defense. Like he was "ok" from day one and has even gotten a little better. He always anticipated well and moved his feet well for his size. He contests shots credibly.

For Pritchard, yeah maybe confidence and regular minutes made a difference. Maybe he was a casualty of being undercoached a bit last year. Seems like a different guy now to me though. He's sliding better, anticipating better than he had. And when guys body him, he doesn't bounce off like a scarecrow. It's one thing to match up ok with the Flynn/DiVincenzo types, but when he's providing credible man defense on the Brunson types, that's plenty. Guys that have been trucking him aren't now. I think that the guy did some real strength/explosion work in the last year that is materializing. Perhaps I just never saw it too, I don't know. Seems different.

I don't expect either guy to turn into peak Kawhi, but in this defense being ok is perfectly fine.

I'm still suspicious of PP's D, but a healthy Celtics will not have to depend on PP in high-leverage or mismatched situations. CJM will shoehorn him into situations that won't expose Pritchard (CJMs rotations have been excellent this year). PP banging Corner3s, added ballhandling, and his ability to anticipate offensive rebounds will play well on 2nd units with JB/KP.

IMO Hauser is better than Max Strus on both sides of the ball. Much better shooter + longer more fundamental defender.

Sam just needs to stop taking balanced 3s, wear a headband, and start flying off screens taking wild azz 3s to get NBA media attention. Then again I'm the anti-Strus guy around here.

 

[Jimbodandy]

was Duncan Robinson ever "unplayable" for his defense? I thought he hit the bench exactly when his shit stopped falling.

Hauser is a really good positional defender, and has a strong base.

Robinson was actually a pretty solid defensive player at one point, not sure how true it is anymore. Part of that may be the zone, though.

Yeah if his shot stayed where it was at his peak, they'd learn to live with his -1 D-DPM, but since it kinda came back to earth he became a break-glass guy for them. I think that Euclis is correct in that DR would be served better with less expected of him.

 

[slamminsammya]

View attachment 73807
Yeah if his shot stayed where it was at his peak, they'd learn to live with his -1 D-DPM, but since it kinda came back to earth he became a break-glass guy for them. I think that Euclis is correct in that DR would be served better with less expected of him.

-1 is not really that bad is it? esp for a role player

 

[benhogan]

-1 is not really that bad is it? esp for a role player

Duncan would have been fine if they didn't hand him an untradeable contract. You don't want to pay your bench, role players $19MM/yr

 

[Jimbodandy]

-1 is not really that bad is it? esp for a role player

It's the balance imo. If you're Devin Booker or Luka Doncic, who cares. You do so much on offense that it's well worth the tradeoff. If you're Robinson and banging 40% at high volume, you'll generally try to live with that too. But his last three years are .372, .328, and .357. Even at 37% on 7FGA, you're wondering if you don't have better options than a guy who's giving back a lot of points at the other end, nevermind at .357.

There's also the regular season vs. the playoffs. Some of those -1 guys can and do elevate when possessions matter more. Some can't and are hunted. I think that DR falls in the latter category.

 

[slamminsammya]

It's the balance imo. If you're Devin Booker or Luka Doncic, who cares. You do so much on offense that it's well worth the tradeoff. If you're Robinson and banging 40% at high volume, you'll generally try to live with that too. But his last three years are .372, .328, and .357. Even at 37% on 7FGA, you're wondering if you don't have better options than a guy who's giving back a lot of points at the other end, nevermind at .357.

There's also the regular season vs. the playoffs. Some of those -1 guys can and do elevate when possessions matter more. Some can't and are hunted. I think that DR falls in the latter category.

he's not giving a lot back on defense imo, he's just fine. I think his on off splits in the playoffs bear that out, where supposedly turnstiles get relentlessly hunted.

 

[snowmanny]

Did you not see Tatum just shoot threes over people? I mean, he was awesome last night. For sure. And it's fun when they are going in. But, it's not my favorite brand of basketball.

Brunson hated it too

 

[bakahump]

3Sam also is also a credible rebounder while in there (6.1/36 this year, 5.8 for career. About the same as this year Strus, 2x DR and in the same neighborhood as Jimmy Butler or Tobias Harris).

Granted he isnt pounding out there for 30 mins a game, but with passable d, an above avg to elite 3 and credible rebounding, the Kid can play.

 

[slamminsammya]

3Sam also is also a credible rebounder while in there (6.1/36 this year, 5.8 for career. About the same as this year Strus, 2x DR and in the same neighborhood as Jimmy Butler or Tobias Harris).

Granted he isnt pounding out there for 30 mins a game, but with passable d, an above avg to elite 3 and credible rebounding, the Kid can play.

you didn't want to go all in on saying he's an elite 3 pt shooter? I think we are safe to call it at this point. he's elite

 

[Euclis20]

you didn't want to go all in on saying he's an elite 3 pt shooter? I think we are safe to call it at this point. he's elite

Yeah 4 straight years above .400 in college followed by .427 in over 400 attempts in the pros (often with a hand in his face) is elite from 3, full stop. He's a terrific 3 point shooter with a high and quick release, the only question is whether or not the rest of the game is close enough to acceptable for him to play reliable playoff minutes.

 

[TomRicardo]

View: https://twitter.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1724446648028274841?

This makes a ton sense. Jayson Tatum's gravity really disrupts the ways to stall out KPs game. What KP also does strangely enough is make Jaylen Brown exist better with Jayson Tatum. KP gives them a pivot point to create even more space. KP covers holes in Brown's game just as much as Brown helps keep KP from getting stalled out.

The starters are 39 net rating together which is the highest five man line up in the league.

 

[JakeRae]

Strus and Robinson are both solid overall comps for Hauser. We obviously don’t know what the future holds for Hauser, but it’s also hard to see a ceiling that is a lot higher than where he is now, which is a very valuable 3-point specialist. He was the 13th best pure shooter in the league last year. He doesn’t have enough reps to rank on the Basketball Reference active career leaderboard, but if he did he’d be 5th, behind Joe Harris, Kennard, Seth Curry, and Steph Curry. He’d be just ahead of Bane, Klay, and MPJ. With the quality of looks he’s getting in this offense, it’s definitely possible to see him topping that list in the near future.

 

[kieckeredinthehead]

The starters are 39 net rating together which is the highest five man line up in the league.

For context, Iguodala / Durant / Curry / Thompson / Green had a net rating of 22.4.

 

[Deathofthebambino]

he's not giving a lot back on defense imo, he's just fine. I think his on off splits in the playoffs bear that out, where supposedly turnstiles get relentlessly hunted.

Unless they play the Celtics and the C's just decide to not hunt matchups for large portions of playoff games.

That's the thing I'm finding different about this year's team. They seem to be making a more conscious effort to get mismatches and exploit them, or use KP to drag a guy like MItchell Robinson out of the paint (of course, they went completely away from doing that to Embiid in the Sixers game, but I digress). I'm hoping they don't let these teams with stiffs on defense hide them somewhere. If the C's play the Bucks in the playoffs, and Lillard doesn't end up playing on ball on almost every possession, I might lose my fucking shit.