Analysis of Celtics Games (2020-2021)

[lovegtm]

He got a lot better at drawing fouls through the playoffs, and that midranger is a shot you need to be an elite scorer.

He’s stopped doing the thing where he fakes at the 3-point line and steps in for long 2s. His current midrangers are more comfortable fadeaways that also set up step-throughs and passes from valuable real estate on the floor.

He needs to improve getting to the rim, but he’s Tatum, so he will figure it out, because he generally figures everything out eventually.

 

[benhogan]

But wait - I thought BOS didn't have any shooting?

That was last week's hot take...This week it was all about the Wing Depth Crisis.

 

[lovegtm]

If our Semi-charmed kind of backup wing play reverts to old form I would say having someone who can competently spell Tatum or Brown in the playoffs is a need.

My takeaway from Semi's recent performance isn't "Trust Semi!" so much as "damn, look how good the Celtics look with a $7-15M wing who can shoot", which is what Semi has been simulating this year.

At the same time, I'm totally fine waiting to find out whether Semi or Grant's shooting is for real, because the opportunity costs of throwing assets around for short-term fixes compounds rapidly.

 

[benhogan]

My takeaway from Semi's recent performance isn't "Trust Semi!" so much as "damn, look how good the Celtics look with a $7-15M wing who can shoot", which is what Semi has been simulating this year.

At the same time, I'm totally fine waiting to find out whether Semi or Grant's shooting is for real, because the opportunity costs of throwing assets around for short-term fixes compounds rapidly.

Exactly. Danny can actually swing for the fences if the team is patient & invests PT in some of the youngsters.

When you have Tatum + Brown freaking leaping out of this league + Smart as your first 3 wings

+ a handful of recent first-round picks + Mr. Universe (shot 38% from 3 last season) as your wing depth, other teams are pretty damn envious.

If any of those firsts or Semi start trending higher, Danny has the option to head into the trade market with that + all future draft picks + 3 separate TPEs, and score something special. We even have TT's salary to make something work if necessary.

 

[shoelace]

One surprising thing I learned about Tatum: Both this year and last his True Shooting % is just about league average.

I've heard this a few times this year, but I'm not sure how useful it is to look at true shooting percentage out of context. How does Tatum's TS% compare to other high usage players that take more shots and tougher shots because they demand significant attention? Tatum's TS is .585 this season, Kawhi Leonard's was .589 in 2019-2020. That's with Tatum getting to the line 4 times a game and Kawhi last year getting there 7 times a game. I'm sure if I did a deeper dive I'd find Tatum compares well enough to other elite, high usage wings, though obviously not like some of the elite bigs or Harden.

This isn't to say that Tatum doesn't have areas to improve with respect to finishing and drawing fouls, but I'm not really worried about his offensive efficiency at all.

 

[slamminsammya]

I've heard this a few times this year, but I'm not sure how useful it is to look at true shooting percentage out of context. How does Tatum's TS% compare to other high usage players that take more shots and tougher shots because they demand significant attention? Tatum's TS is .585 this season, Kawhi Leonard's was .589 in 2019-2020. That's with Tatum getting to the line 4 times a game and Kawhi last year getting there 7 times a game. I'm sure if I did a deeper dive I'd find Tatum compares well enough to other elite, high usage wings, though obviously not like some of the elite bigs or Harden.

This isn't to say that Tatum doesn't have areas to improve with respect to finishing and drawing fouls, but I'm not really worried about his offensive efficiency at all.

To be clear, I was not framing it as a criticism. It was just surprising to me, at some level I understood there was a tradeoff between usage and efficiency, but I hadn't grasped that the value in having guys who can create like that is analogous to innings eaters in baseball. Tatum or Leonard function like the starter who goes 200 innings at a 4.3 ERA, allowing the other role players around them to be fresh and efficient.

It was just eye opening that the Celtics offense last year was 4th in the league. And one of its key cogs was essentially league average shooting. I suppose it is less surprising when you focus in on eFG% where the Celtics were 17th last year.

 

[lovegtm]

These Tatum/TL/PP + 2 JAG lineups look so good, as long as the JAGs are hitting a few 3s. PP adds a lot of dynamism that used to be missing from these types of Tatum lineups, which lets them loosen things up before the Tatum action. Defensively they're really tough.

 

[benhogan]

These Tatum/TL/PP + 2 JAG lineups look so good, as long as the JAGs are hitting a few 3s. PP adds a lot of dynamism that used to be missing from these types of Tatum lineups, which lets them loosen things up before the Tatum action. Defensively they're really tough.

While not flashy, Tatum is the Celtics' best defender.

On another note, Brad needs to get in the business of developing & instilling confidence in Nesmith. Consistent small doses of PT over the next month, whatever the result. No reason AN can't be one of those JAGs

 

[lovegtm]

I'll also add that I'm starting to fall in love with this team pretty hard. It's a mix of top-end talent and fun developing guys that hasn't really been there for awhile. Last year was really fun, but was more about Tatum and Brown turning into that top-end talent, without much development further down the roster.

 

[BigSoxFan]

I'll also add that I'm starting to fall in love with this team pretty hard. It's a mix of top-end talent and fun developing guys that hasn't really been there for awhile. Last year was really fun, but was more about Tatum and Brown turning into that top-end talent, without much development further down the roster.

Yup. They have great chemistry and they all seem to love 8 Mile. And we’re sitting here at 6-3 with almost literally zero contributions from Kemba, Romeo, and Nesmith. Time Lord is developing right before our eyes, Jaylen has made a leap to all-star, Tatum is on the verge of mega-stardom, etc. Shoot, even Semi has looked really good lately and Grant is turning it around. There is a lot to like about the team, its chemistry, and where it’s heading.

 

[BillMuellerFanClub]

I'll also add that I'm starting to fall in love with this team pretty hard. It's a mix of top-end talent and fun developing guys that hasn't really been there for awhile. Last year was really fun, but was more about Tatum and Brown turning into that top-end talent, without much development further down the roster.

Getting 2013 Red Sox vibes from this team.

 

[Strike4]

How's Carson Edwards looking? I saw he had to layups in the 3Q so he appears to be getting some action ahead of others.

(I can't watch the games, only highlights .)

 

[slamminsammya]

How's Carson Edwards looking? I saw he had to layups in the 3Q so he appears to be getting some action ahead of others.

(I can't watch the games, only highlights .)

Terrible. Like a rec league player in his off ball movement and instincts for where to be.

Why do we never see Tatum/Brown PnR? Both of those guys are threats on the pop, and Tatum with his frame I feel could be a solid screener. I realized last night I don't think I have ever seen it. Any ideas why?

 

[NomarsFool]

After I thought we had exercised the demon of the 2 BIG lineup, CBS ran it out there again to start the game (admittedly the start was good), but that group coughed up the lead to start the 2nd half. It's just not a good lineup. Theis is not a catch and shoot 3 threat, and TT can't do anything offensively.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

The reason we're seeing two bigs so much, seeing Carson etc. is that there is not night-to-night enough wing depth to matchup wtih the other team. People sometimes say Smart is a wing and while that is true if the roster is healty, it is simply inaccurate in a world where Teague and Walker are hurt---we need his minutes elsewhere (which is obvious from watching the games). Theis at 4 means Tatum and Brown are at wing---and so the option is really Theis at 4 or one of the questionable wing depth guys playing more.

Down the road Smart can play wing if everyone is healthy and Romeo will be a wing option.

Today, though, CBS has to piece together wing depth from Semi, Grant, Edwards, Green and those guys aren't consistent---some nights Semi or Grant is good but some nights they need some scoring or shot-creation and those guys need to sit for Edwards (or Nesmith a bit). So that is why we're seeing these guys and also why the depth is an issue, at least short term and depending on what happens with Romeo and Walker in particular.

 

[Cellar-Door]

The reason we're seeing two bigs so much, seeing Carson etc. is that there is not night-to-night enough wing depth to matchup wtih the other team. People sometimes say Smart is a wing and while that is true if the roster is healty, it is simply inaccurate in a world where Teague and Walker are hurt---we need his minutes elsewhere (which is obvious from watching the games). Theis at 4 means Tatum and Brown are at wing---and so the option is really Theis at 4 or one of the questionable wing depth guys playing more.

Down the road Smart can play wing if everyone is healthy and Romeo will be a wing option.

Today, though, CBS has to piece together wing depth from Semi, Grant, Edwards, Green and those guys aren't consistent---some nights Semi or Grant is good but some nights they need some scoring or shot-creation and those guys need to sit for Edwards (or Nesmith a bit). So that is why we're seeing these guys and also why the depth is an issue, at least short term and depending on what happens with Romeo and Walker in particular.

I think another issue is this.....

Semi and Grant look a lot better as PF than SF (yes Brad is all about Bigs, Swings, Ball Handlers, but I say PF in the sense of they are best with 3 players who can cover the other team's guards and wings, and a big to rebound for them)

It's good that Semi has looked very good all year, it is good that in the last 2 Grant has turned things around. It's not ideal that they both can only seem to do that when they are the second big. That means you still need 2 of Tatum/Marcus/Jaylen out there. Should be less of a problem when healthy, as you get more Marcus (and maybe 8Mile) at the 2 spot once you have Kemba/Teague back, and you will have Green who is a 2/3. It's one reason Carsen got run last night, Brad is trying to build Grant up, and with foul trouble and minutes watching.

I think one of Grant/Semi/Theis is going to get squeezed out of this rotation IF everyone is ever healthy. Thompson is going nowhere given his status as the best rebounder by a mile, TL looks like he's carving out his 15 MPG and maybe he stretches that to 18-20. Tatum, Smart, Brown, Kemba are locks. PP is going to get time for both his offense running and shooting, Teague is going to get a slice of PG duty for a while.

That leaves a lot of guys for not many minutes eventually... Nesmith (eventually we hope)/Green/Langford can all be your "2" in the sense of guarding the quicker wings, which gives them some flexibility for deep bench minutes. The last spot with minutes is the "4" and smallball 5. I think that's a 3 way fight between Grant/Theis/Semi and I think Theis is going to lose it eventually.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

I think another issue is this.....

Semi and Grant look a lot better as PF than SF (yes Brad is all about Bigs, Swings, Ball Handlers, but I say PF in the sense of they are best with 3 players who can cover the other team's guards and wings, and a big to rebound for them)

It's good that Semi has looked very good all year, it is good that in the last 2 Grant has turned things around. It's not ideal that they both can only seem to do that when they are the second big. That means you still need 2 of Tatum/Marcus/Jaylen out there. Should be less of a problem when healthy, as you get more Marcus (and maybe 8Mile) at the 2 spot once you have Kemba/Teague back, and you will have Green who is a 2/3. It's one reason Carsen got run last night, Brad is trying to build Grant up, and with foul trouble and minutes watching.

I think one of Grant/Semi/Theis is going to get squeezed out of this rotation IF everyone is ever healthy. Thompson is going nowhere given his status as the best rebounder by a mile, TL looks like he's carving out his 15 MPG and maybe he stretches that to 18-20. Tatum, Smart, Brown, Kemba are locks. PP is going to get time for both his offense running and shooting, Teague is going to get a slice of PG duty for a while.

That leaves a lot of guys for not many minutes eventually... Nesmith (eventually we hope)/Green/Langford can all be your "2" in the sense of guarding the quicker wings, which gives them some flexibility for deep bench minutes. The last spot with minutes is the "4" and smallball 5. I think that's a 3 way fight between Grant/Theis/Semi and I think Theis is going to lose it eventually.

I agree---they have an extra big and one of the things Brad is trying to figure out (with the 'extra' minutes he has to play with right now) is which of Theis, Semi, Grant loses out in the end. I think in addition to above they like some lineups iwth Tatum or Brown at the 4 as well, further complicating 'big' minutes.

The 'wing' spot is just TBD in my mind---they have a lot ways it might all fit, and there isn't a proven player off the bench for those minutes. I am not super worried about it and certainly have a level of optimism someone rises up to be a great option for those minutes, with others losing minutes as you suggest. I do think there's also a risk that they end up with a gap here because there is no one proven in the picture and (in particular) Romeo's health and development have been so uncertain. But this is a problem they can fix via trade, just at a higher cost.

 

[NomarsFool]

I guess for me, I'd rather see Semi and Grant get a lot of minutes at the 4 to see who can eventually contribute, rather than having Theis play the 4.

 

[Cellar-Door]

I guess for me, I'd rather see Semi and Grant get a lot of minutes at the 4 to see who can eventually contribute, rather than having Theis play the 4.

I think Brad has faith in both, but he's trying to figure out if Theis can regain his 2018 3pt shooting, which would make him viable there. Also, tough to just outright bench him 6 games into his contract year after he gave you good production on a cheap deal last year.

 

[BaseballJones]

6-3 at the 1/8th mark of the season. Very small samples of course. But they've had one horrendous game, getting blown out by the Nets. They lost by one to the Pacers, and lost by three in a poor performance against the Pistons. I figured they'd be at about .500 though 20 games, so they're ahead of that pace, and are figuring some things out.

Very pleased so far with Tatum, Brown, Time Lord, and Pritchard.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

How's Carson Edwards looking? I saw he had to layups in the 3Q so he appears to be getting some action ahead of others.

CE didn't do much. He had two fast break finishes for positive but he missed two wide-open catch and shoot 3s from the corner.

Defensively, he didn't seem to make any egregious mistakes but he was tasked with guarding Iquadola and Avery Bradley for stretchs.

Why do we never see Tatum/Brown PnR? Both of those guys are threats on the pop, and Tatum with his frame I feel could be a solid screener. I realized last night I don't think I have ever seen it. Any ideas why?

Typically, teams use PnR to get an advantageous matchup - you know, get a guy who is too small or not quick enough to guard the ballhander. JT and JB probably get the teams #1 and #2 wing defenders so there's no reason to run a PnR with those two as either (i) the guy who can guard JB/JT can guard the other guy and (ii) if a guy can't guard JB/JT, rather than to switch the defender on to the other player, JB/JT can just beat the defender himself.

 

[NomarsFool]

I think Brad has faith in both, but he's trying to figure out if Theis can regain his 2018 3pt shooting, which would make him viable there. Also, tough to just outright bench him 6 games into his contract year after he gave you good production on a cheap deal last year.

I don't think he should be benched at all. I'd rotate the 3 Cs out there and give them all ~20 minutes a game to keep them fresh. I'm okay with playing 2 BIGs for ~6 minutes a night to change things up a bit, but I don't like playing that lineup for ~12 minutes a night and digging themselves in a hole in the 1Q with it.

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

CE didn't do much. He had two fast break finishes for positive but he missed two wide-open catch and shoot 3s from the corner.

Defensively, he didn't seem to make any egregious mistakes but he was tasked with guarding Iquadola and Avery Bradley for stretchs.

Typically, teams use PnR to get an advantageous matchup - you know, get a guy who is too small or not quick enough to guard the ballhander. JT and JB probably get the teams #1 and #2 wing defenders so there's no reason to run a PnR with those two as either (i) the guy who can guard JB/JT can guard the other guy and (ii) if a guy can't guard JB/JT, rather than to switch the defender on to the other player, JB/JT can just beat the defender himself.

For JT/JB I'd think about it more as a means of getting them the ball in motion with a defender who's more out of position than if they were just trying to take them off the dribble. But there are plenty of other ways to make that happen. Could be an interesting wrinkle to try.

 

[lovegtm]

For JT/JB I'd think about it more as a means of getting them the ball in motion with a defender who's more out of position than if they were just trying to take them off the dribble. But there are plenty of other ways to make that happen. Could be an interesting wrinkle to try.

They do use both of them as screeners more and more now, just mostly for Smart/PP, which makes sense.

 

[slamminsammya]

CE didn't do much. He had two fast break finishes for positive but he missed two wide-open catch and shoot 3s from the corner.

Defensively, he didn't seem to make any egregious mistakes but he was tasked with guarding Iquadola and Avery Bradley for stretchs.

Typically, teams use PnR to get an advantageous matchup - you know, get a guy who is too small or not quick enough to guard the ballhander. JT and JB probably get the teams #1 and #2 wing defenders so there's no reason to run a PnR with those two as either (i) the guy who can guard JB/JT can guard the other guy and (ii) if a guy can't guard JB/JT, rather than to switch the defender on to the other player, JB/JT can just beat the defender himself.

I understand that usually they are for matchup hunting but as Jed Zeppelin pointed out there is also the purpose of giving a guy momentum, especially off dribble handoffs, which also allows for the handoff receiver to create separation off the ball or away from the attention of the defense. I get its not going to be the bread and butter but I am slightly surprised that I can't think of a single time Ive seen it.

 

[SteveF]

There's an opportunity cost. First, you are running that kind of PnR when you could run a different kind of PnR -- one that can't be switched without giving up a matchup advantage.

Second, you aren't using a big. What is the big doing while this PnR is happening to space the floor? You'd be better off with Jaylen/Jayson not involved in the action to be available for a pass when help inevitably has to come to deal with the mismatch. It's not a good use of the talents of the other players not involved in the PnR.

 

[slamminsammya]

There's an opportunity cost. First, you are running that kind of PnR when you could run a different kind of PnR -- one that can't be switched without giving up a matchup advantage.

Second, you aren't using a big. What is the big doing while this PnR is happening to space the floor? You'd be better off with Jaylen/Jayson not involved in the action to be available for a pass when help inevitably has to come to deal with the mismatch. It's not a good use of the talents of the other players not involved in the PnR.

You never know if you never try.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Might get to see some Nesmith tomorrow and a WHOLE lot of Theis:
View: https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1347317184796745729


Both Williamses, Carsen and Thompson questionable with H&S.

 

[HowBoutDemSox]

What does questionable for health and safety protocols mean, are they awaiting results of a test or contact tracing?

 

[Cellar-Door]

What does questionable for health and safety protocols mean, are they awaiting results of a test or contact tracing?

It's a catchall, could mean inconclusive test, could mean contact tracing, could mean positive test, no way to know.

Now questionable tells me it's not a confirmed positive yet, but otherwise we have no idea.

 

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

Tremont Waters come on dow...oh wait, you are down already.

 

[slamminsammya]

I swear to jeebus if they got COVID from the freakin fans in Tampa...

 

[TripleOT]

Tacko time.

 

[benhogan]

The reason we're seeing two bigs so much, seeing Carson etc. is that there is not night-to-night enough wing depth to matchup wtih the other team. People sometimes say Smart is a wing and while that is true if the roster is healty, it is simply inaccurate in a world where Teague and Walker are hurt---we need his minutes elsewhere (which is obvious from watching the games). Theis at 4 means Tatum and Brown are at wing---and so the option is really Theis at 4 or one of the questionable wing depth guys playing more.

Down the road Smart can play wing if everyone is healthy and Romeo will be a wing option.

Today, though, CBS has to piece together wing depth from Semi, Grant, Edwards, Green and those guys aren't consistent---some nights Semi or Grant is good but some nights they need some scoring or shot-creation and those guys need to sit for Edwards (or Nesmith a bit). So that is why we're seeing these guys and also why the depth is an issue, at least short term and depending on what happens with Romeo and Walker in particular.

5 guys were injured/out the last few games, which will always lead to deep bench use. That may be a running issue all season with this schedule. I'd like to see nervous Nesmith get some consistent min to see if he can work through his rookie jitters. Plus at some point Brad will need to load manage the Jays.

The double BIG is some sort of Frankenstein experiment, where Brad is trolling us.
Brad does have the bench wings that are capable of playing next to Tatum and Brown.

BUT I wouldn't mind Danny moving one of Tre/Carsen and add a cheap wing. Any ideas? besides expensive Ariza and RHJ

Casey keeps treating Mykhailiuk like their 10/11th man and Troy Weaver doesn't mind making bad deals

 

[Burkharts Uppercut]

BUT I wouldn't mind Danny moving one of Tre/Carsen and add a cheap wing. Any ideas? besides expensive Ariza and RHJ

Moving Tremont only opens up a 2 way roster spot which I'm guessing anyone useful would not agree to. It's time to move on from Carsen. It's possible he becomes an NBA player one day but it won't be on his rookie contract. Kyle Korver is out there, and would be as nice shooter to have on our bench. Sure his D is bad, but it can't get much worse than Arson and I'd trust Brad to put him in good situations like how he managed Kanter. I would also like to see what the J's can do with a real shooter in the corner creating space. It's getting tiring watching all the clean looks that get turned down because Granite and Semi won't shoot anything but wide open empty gym shots.

Another low-key 3 and d target that shouldn't cost much if nothing better comes along is Kent Bazemore, who can be traded in February. He wasn't getting much run at the beginning of the season, but has started getting minutes. If the Warriors aren't fighting for a playoff spot, we could trade Javonte's non-guaranteed contract to them for Marquese Chriss who is probably done for the year, have GS pay his salary and waive him. Then add Bazemore through the Poirier exception. This would probably save the Warriors 8-12 million in luxury tax and only cost us the pro-rated remainder of Bazemore's 2.3m salary.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

5 guys were injured/out the last few games, which will always lead to deep bench use. That may be a running issue all season with this schedule. I'd like to see nervous Nesmith get some consistent min to see if he can work through his rookie jitters. Plus at some point Brad will need to load manage the Jays.

The double BIG is some sort of Frankenstein experiment, where Brad is trolling us.
Brad does have the bench wings that are capable of playing next to Tatum and Brown.

BUT I wouldn't mind Danny moving one of Tre/Carsen and add a cheap wing. Any ideas? besides expensive Ariza and RHJ

Casey keeps treating Mykhailiuk like their 10/11th man and Troy Weaver doesn't mind making bad deals

I don't think the wing minutes are primarily a result of the short-term injuries---we've seen all the guys mentioned used all season, and erratically. The minutes for Waters, sure...those are about the short-term injuries.

Brad does have bodies to put at wings, but he does not have proven guys. That is why he is doing what he's been doing in terms of different guys playing based on matchup and performance. It's still early, but it is pretty clear he doesn't really fully believe in/trust his options right now. That of course can (and I hope does) change.

I don't think he is playing two bigs to troll anyone, as several have shared there are multiple legitimate reasons: he wants to understand if Theis can play 4; he is seeking to have his 5 best healthy guys out there at the same time; he doesn't have proven wings and is mixing and matching based on matchups. I said early on I didn't like it and still don't, but I do understand why he is doing it.

In terms of specific players, I don't think there's much avaiable in trade yet wtihout paying a premium; better to wait a month and see what plays out. In terms of who I personally am thinking about....

I don't think RHJ is much of a fit unless we learn Romeo is out for the year (no reason to believe that is the case). Though, I wouldn't be opposed to adding him in place of Javonte, personally.

Mykhailiuk would be a good fit; hard to know what Detroit is thinking in terms of his future--he has one more year of control I believe. He's playing 18 minutes a game and they are playing a lot of guys so not sure they view him as expendable...but not obvious they would not.

Kyle Anderson of Memphis is another guy who could fit, but he's not the shooter we'd like to add ideally. He's more versatile and a better playmaker than RHJ, but not as good defensively. Not a first choice, and they would not seem right now to want to move him---but depending on Morant's and JJJ"s return he might become so

Ariza is certainly out there, to me that's a guy who you want near the trade deadline because it'll chew up part of the TPE for a couple-month rental. Worthwile if things look then precisely as they do today, though.

 

[radsoxfan]

Tacko time.

If Brad starts Tacko and Thies then I will start to become concerned.

 

[chilidawg]

If Brad starts Tacko and Thies then I will start to become concerned.

Brad be trollin' if that's the case. Looking forward to an all smurf lineup as well.

 

[128]

Even though he's not a big, I'm guessing we're more likely to see Nesmith now, given the depleted roster.

 

[greek_gawd_of_walks]

Even though he's not a big, I'm guessing we're more likely to see Nesmith now, given the depleted roster.

That's what my thinking was. And maybe, with the lack of available bodies, Nesmith might play a little looser knowing that his being on the court is a bit out of team necessity.

 

[NomarsFool]

What he’s doing isn’t indefensible, I just don’t agree with it. Barring a trade, the Celtics need at least one of Semi/Grant/Nesmith to be a 20 minutes a game rotation player in the playoffs. I’d be making sure each of them (maybe not Nesmith yet) is getting that between now and the trade deadline so that Danny knows whether he needs to make a trade. I like winning as much as everyone, but I think we all agree that isn’t a super high priority right now.

 

[128]

nm

 

[Cesar Crespo]

What he’s doing isn’t indefensible, I just don’t agree with it. Barring a trade, the Celtics need at least one of Semi/Grant/Nesmith to be a 20 minutes a game rotation player in the playoffs. I’d be making sure each of them (maybe not Nesmith yet) is getting that between now and the trade deadline so that Danny knows whether he needs to make a trade. I like winning as much as everyone, but I think we all agree that isn’t a super high priority right now.

Think it's fair to assume it's not going to be Nesmith.

 

[chilidawg]

Think it's fair to assume it's not going to be Nesmith.

I think it's too early to assume anything.

 

[DannyDarwinism]

It’s be great if Marcus would stop sucking. Hopefully Kemba’s back soon so he can get back to playing his role, because he is lost right now.

 

[benhogan]

What he’s doing isn’t indefensible, I just don’t agree with it. Barring a trade, the Celtics need at least one of Semi/Grant/Nesmith to be a 20 minutes a game rotation player in the playoffs. I’d be making sure each of them (maybe not Nesmith yet) is getting that between now and the trade deadline so that Danny knows whether he needs to make a trade. I like winning as much as everyone, but I think we all agree that isn’t a super high priority right now.

I'd also like to see him give Nesmith some run.

Brad's probably not worried about bench wing as much as the board.
Grant avg 10mpg in 17 playoffs games and Semi avg 9mpg in 13 games last season.
Both will most likely be better, or Romeo may be ready by the playoffs. Or they could add someone before/at the trade deadline. Plenty of options

Some trade candidates tossed around in the recent past (very speculative):
Kyle Anderson, Bazemore, Mykhaliuk, Ariza, Oubre, Bjelica, PJ Tucker, Satoransky

Matthews didn't look like terrible depth tonight and he can shoot.

 

[Euclis20]

View: https://twitter.com/NBAHistory/status/1347768938298564612?s=20


So, that's nice.

 

[reggiecleveland]

Tako in the middle of a zone almost forces teams to pull their nonshooting big.

Semi actually looks like a ball player this year, not abodybuilder that hits the odd 3. He is much more fluid and confident in the offence.

 

[Jimbodandy]

Tako in the middle of a zone almost forces teams to pull their nonshooting big.

Semi actually looks like a ball player this year, not abodybuilder that hits the odd 3. He is much more fluid and confident in the offence.

Two fantastic observations.

Brad wheeling out a zone for Tacko shifts really threw Washington at times. And fwiw, I think that it was a boost of confidence. Even when they went back to man, he wasn't AS bad. It didn't look awful. If we had taken better care of the ball and buckled down overall, the fourth quarter would have been a cakewalk.

Semi is mostly still doing Semi stuff, but he has added the ability to effectively drive closeouts. It is huge. He's running the floor on fast breaks like a guy who knows what he's doing. And he's getting to the rim when guys overcommit to a closeout and not crapping his pants when he gets there. It's a kind of a leap, since he hasn't shown that whatsoever before. Plus, banging 3s at a pretty high rate is nice too.

 

[lovegtm]

It's looking like Semi is a legitimately competent NBA role-playing wing now. Along with JaVonte, that should give them enough to win games prior to any trade pickups or getting Kemba/Romeo back.

My main takeaway tonight was how good the defense is with more time together, and not playing 2 bigs. When they just have one big out there, they're so much more mobile and able to close out. Washington only got off 29 3s, and a lot of those were late in the game.