Defense Wins Championships

A big game for the Celtics tonight, but an even bigger one for the Knicks when they face off at Madison Square Garden at 7 pm. The two hottest teams in not just the Atlantic division, but in the Eastern Conference are a combined 19-1 in their last twenty games and the Celtics will be looking to push their win streak to 11 games. Amare Stoudemire has scored 30+ points in eight consecutive games, however the key to this game will be Stoudemire's defense, as well as the pace of the game.

The Knicks and Celtics have opposite mindsets on the court, and sport opposite strategies as the Knicks love to points up as many points as fast as possible in an attempt to outrun and outscore their opponent, while the Celtics are mainly dedicated to defense and a smooth, organized, steady paced offense. The Knicks are young, extremely athletic, and stacked with offensively talented players who can all take on the scoring load when given the opportunity. The Celtics are stacked with all-star veterans who are all playing great right now due to their tough consistent defense, and explosive playmaking ability of Rajon Rondo. All eyes will be on the surging Knicks to see if they can keep their winning streak alive against Boston's Eastern Conference Champs, and prove that they could still be near the top of the conference come playoff time. Carmelo's eyes certainly will be.

The Celtics need to set the pace for this game, and make sure that their focus is to score more points than the Knicks rather than scoring as many points as possible. The Knicks outran and outplayed many mediocre teams with their ability to put up points in bunches, with huge performances from players like Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, and rookie Landry Fields. Their most recent victory against Carmelo Anthony and the Nuggets proved that they can even beat playoff teams when they get into big scoring battles, and made Carmelo express interest in joining the Knicks after the high scoring game, which featured 254 points. However, unlike the Nuggets, Boston's veterans as well as Rajon Rondo will slow down the pace of this game in order to run their offense effectively, as well as to prevent New York from scoring over 100 points.

The Knicks will be gunning to score, and Amare will be looking to put up 30 for the ninth consecutive game. However, even if he does, the Celtics should come out on top for this one because they will be able attack the dismal defense that is the New York Knicks' from so many different angles. This game is largely a display of great offense vs. great defense, and anyone playing for Doc Rivers will be the first to tell you that defense wins championships. The Celtics really just need to go out and execute the way they do every night, slow down New York's offense, and attack the paint on offense. The Knicks often let their opponents score practically at will in the hopes that they can make it up on the offensive end, and Boston should be able to take advantage behind the playmaking of Rondo, and scoring ability of the Big Three. The Garnett-Stoudemire matchup should be interesting, and I expect both to put up a lot of points as Stoudemire is too explosive for Garnett to single-handedly contain, and Stoudemire does not play enough defense for Garnett to not take advantage of. Keep an eye on Semih Erden in the middle, who will probably be helping out a lot on Stoudemire. Erden plays extremely tough, contests every shot, and is great at making his presence known in the paint. With Erden starting at center last game, the Bobcats only put up 62 points against the Celtics, and Erden played 40 solid minutes with 4 blocks and a game-high plus/minus of +34. If Amare's point streak ends tonight, it will be largely because of Erden's tough play and ability to contest nearly every shot in the paint. In this battle of offense and defense, the Celtics' tough veteran defense should prevail, while their offense will have no problem putting up points against the Knicks.

The LBJ Effect... How Stopping Westbrook Stops the Thunder

The Celtics take on the Thunder for the second time this season tonight, and are looking for their tenth win of the season. The last time these two faced off, Oklahoma City's star point guard Russell Westbrook was shut down for much of the game by our own star point guard, Rajon Rondo. Needless to say, The Celtics came out on top, the way they typically do when facing offenses that are fueled by a single star player. By minimizing Westbrook's presence on the court, Kevin Durant can only do so much damage, and Boston should be able to hold him down just enough to create a LeBron James effect where he will put together great fantasy basketball numbers, but his team will come up short. Boston's defense, veteran leadership, and depth will be the key differences in this matchup.

Not to mention dominance in the paint. The Thunder's starting big men do not match up well against any of Boston's big men, and while the Celtics' points will not neccessarily all come from down-low, very few of Oklahoma City's should. Jeff Green is very athletic and explosive for a big man, but is injured, and even if he plays, he and the rest of the Thunder's big men will get outmuscled on the boards against bigger guys, like Shaq and Big Baby. As for depth, Delonte West had a very solid first game back for the Celtics the other night against the Wizards, and Boston's bench seems to be finally coming together the way they should have been eleven games ago. I trust Doc to find a way to make it all work out in terms of creating both scoring and point guard opportunities for both Nate Robinson and West, and the backup big men should keep chipping in solid minutes off the bench.

Both of these teams are very talented, but I expect Boston to come out on top, largely because they are so well-meshed as a team compared to others around the NBA. The Thunder know that Durant is their star player, and that he led the league in scoring last year, and they love to win games fueled by his and Westbrook's explosive style of offense. If Rondo can shut down Westbrook while still putting up tons of assists, then Kevin Durant's numbers alone will not be enough to propel the Thunder to victory. Look for Paul Pierce to keep racking up the points while the Celtics pick up their tenth win tonight, and assert themselves even further in the power rankings.

Team Chemistry: Beating the Heat

The Celtics try to bounce back tonight after losing their last game to the Dallas Mavericks, as they take on the new and improved Miami Heat for the second time this season. The last time around, Boston's defense was able to stop Miami's big three from taking over the game, while Rondo racked up assists and set Boston's Big Three up for a ton of clutch baskets. Look for a similar outcome tonight, as I still do not think Miami's star-studded lineup will be able to work together to get it done against a quality basketball team. Miami has already lost three of their first eight games, and are coming off a loss against the Utah Jazz in which they completely collapsed, both offensively and defensively, in the second half. Based on how this season has started off, I think it is safe to say that team chemistry is no myth, and King James will absolutely not be leading any team to any win records this season.

While I do not think this game will come down to a last second shot by Boston, the Dallas game did, and it is becoming clear that the Celtics need to put some more planning behind the final play of the game. Rondo's missed jump shot at the end of regulation against the Milwaukee Bucks sent the game into overtime, when he absolutely could have driven in and tried to draw a foul or kicked it out to an open man when the defense collapsed on him. He again was left with the opportunity for an open jumper at the end of the Dallas game, and once again missed, only to be followed up by a sloppy last second in-bounds play that resulted in an airball from Kevin Garnett. Rondo's jump shot has improved vastly over the last couple of seasons, but it is absolutely not reliable enough of a weapon to be used in any game tying or game winning situation. Rondo needs to stay in the point guard role in these situations, and clutch jumpers should be left up to Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, two of the most clutch shooters in recent NBA history.

The Celtics should win this game because they are very good at stopping offenses that revolve around a single player. When LeBron starts bringing the ball up and trying to do everything himself, the Heat will again start sitting around and looking like the Cavs of old, just like they did in the season opener. If not, then it should be a great game, and the Celtics will need big games from all their big men to keep Miami's big three from putting up too many points in the paint. This could be an issue since both O'Neals are currently game-time decisions, and without a true center, the Celtics could get beat badly inside. Shaq should play however, and look for him to step up along with Big Baby when he gets his chance, and possibly even some valuable minutes from Semih Erden if Jermaine can't play. Rondo should be able to put up double digit assist numbers once again, and while Miami and Boston are arguably the two best teams in the East, I think the Heat will be the first to lose consecutive games.

Silencing the Thunder

The Celtics face the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight, another playoff team that is stacked with young talent led by Kevin Durant, who led the NBA in scoring last season. Both of these teams are fun to watch, but they play very different styles of basketball. It should be a great game as OKC's explosive offense goes up against a very physical veteran Celtics' defense. The Thunder have the ability to put up points in bunches when point guard Russell Westbrook and Durant are working their inside-outside game when both are knocking down jumpers and exploding to the hoop. Also, Jeff Green is one of the best up and coming big men as an aggressive big man who also will explode to the hook if given the opportunity, similar to Josh Smith from the Hawks. Boston's tough defense is matched by few, and they will need to be at their best tonight if they want to keep the Thunder under 100 points.

Where the Celtics should be able to outplay and outmuscle OKC is in the paint, even with Shaq still sitting out due to injury. Kevin Garnett, Glen Davis, and Jermaine O'Neal should be able to dominate the key both on offense and on defense against the inexperienced big men on the Thunder. It is a given that Westbrook and Durant will find a way to put up points, so just being consistent with scoring inside will be the key to this game. Rondo should keep putting up 10+ assists tonight if he can find his big men off the pick and roll, and the stellar shooting thus far from Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will help his cause as well. I expect Boston's defense to come alive this game the way they did against the Heat in the season opener. Also, look for Boston's Big Four to dismantle OKC's defense down low on the way to their sixth win of the season.

Rondo Vs. Rose

All eyes will be on the two best point guards in the Eastern Conference in this game. This should be a great game, as both these teams will be likely making a lot of noise come playoff time, and both have star-studded lineups to accompany their hard nosed physical style of play. Rondo and Rose tend to play some great basketball when they are up against each other, and tonight should be no exception.

Where the Celtics have the edge right now is from behind the three point arc, largely because of the energized play of Boston's Big Three. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce are all putting up large amounts of points, many of which are from jump shots. Chicago lineup is stacked with players who love to slash to the hoop and score from inside, but I doubt that they will be able to put up 90 points against the Celtics' veteran and very physical defense. While Chicago's defense is also tough, the Celtics have the ability to score from all angles, and Rondo will be running the court looking to tack on another 15 or so assists to his (so far) record season. Joakim Noah will absolutely make his presence known in the paint, so physicality, tight defense, and good ball movement are the keys to a Celtics' victory in this one. Based on the way they have been playing so far this season, these are three things that they should have no problem executing.

The game will be close, and if the Bulls do edge out the C's then it will likely be because their defense locked down Rajon Rondo from dominating on the offensive side of the ball. However, even if they are able to contain the guy, who may very well be the most explosive player in the NBA, Boston's Big Three is playing too well right now for the Celtics to not put up a significant amount of points. Look for big games from each of them, as well as Big Baby Davis, whos jumper is looking as nice as any other power forward's in the league. Brian Scalabrine's been playing a couple minutes a game for the Bulls, and I really hope we get to see him back on the court in Boston. Like I said yesterday, Boston's fans better give Scal a standing ovation when they see him. Regardless, l see this being a hard fought game with the Celtics just barely coming out on top, and again asserting themselves as the beasts of the East.

20,000 Points for Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce broke the 20,000 career points barrier and Rajon Rondo racked up another 15 assists en route to a thriller of an overtime win over the Bucks last night. The back and forth contest featured at least 15 ties and 15 lead changes over the course of the game, but in the end the Celtics came out on top, fueled by double digit scoring from Rondo, Pierce, Ray Allen, KG, and Big Baby, most of whom were being consistently set up by some precision passing from Rondo. The Bucks played hard and showed they may be a little more resilient than their 1-4 record indicates with a double-double from Andrew Bogut, solid play by Brandon Jennings, and some clutch points being chipped in from role players such as Delfino and Ilyasova. Regardless, it was not enough to overcome the cohesive play of a very tough Boston team, and Paul Pierce's overtime free throws put the game out of reach.

What did concern me during this game was the fact that the Celtics had a nine point lead earlier on in the game, and let the Bucks back into it instead of stepping on their necks and putting them away early. This game was much closer than it should have been. Also, the final play at the end of regulation (after a Boston timeout, mind you) ended with a pull-up jump shot from Rajon Rondo. I have done nothing but rave about Rondo's explosive play and ever-improving jump shot, but this was not the last second play I wanted to see for breaking the tie. Rondo should have drove to the hoop the way he does best and tried to draw a foul, and if anyone was shooting a jump shot for the win, I would hope it would be Ray, Pierce, or Garnett. Rondo's jumpshot is no longer abysmal and can be utilized in games effectively, but it should absolutely not be the Celtics' first option for any last second game winning shots.


Tomorrow night the Celtics have another home game, and they are up against the Boozer-less Bulls. I expect everyone in Boston to be on their feet to welcome back BRIAN SCALABRINE, even though he will be wearing the wrong colors. The Bulls are a tough team that could make their presence known in the playoffs this year, with some great slashers on their team including Luol Deng who put up 40 points against Portland on Monday. The Rondo-Rose matchup will be fun to watch like it always is, and look for Rondo to chip in another 15 dimes to help add to his record breaking season thus far. I hope that at least one time tomorrow night we'll see Scal for three, but more importantly, look for the Celtics to clog up the paint against all of Chicago's inside scorers and to win the game with tough defense, great passing, and three pointers. Check back tomorrow for a more in-depth analysis and keys to the game.

Rondo is Setting Records

Rajon Rondo has broken the NBA record for assists through the first four games of the season with 67 assists, 17 of which came last night against the Pistons. The game before that, Rondo had 24 assists and a triple-double against the Knicks, and is now clearly running the offense for Boston. His agility, incredible passing, and ability to drive and score makes him one of the biggest offensive threats in the NBA, and with so many all-star veterans surrounding him on the court, the quality of Boston's offense may be rapidly catching up to their championship worthy defense. Rondo should be able to keep up this solid play as he keeps improving and developing, and he could have another huge game tonight when the Celts take on the Milwaukee Bucks in Boston.

The Bucks surged their way into the playoffs with very solid play at the end of last season, but so far this Milwaukee team looks neither tough nor cohesive, and the Celtics should have no trouble beating them down. Look for Rondo to have another big game, but at the same time give up a lot of open shots to Brandon Jennings because of his high-risk, high-reward style of defense. Jennings is much more dangerous as a shooter than most other guards Rondo has had to defend so far this year. As for the other eight players on the court, the Celtics have the edge everywhere except the 5 spot, where Andrew Bogut is always a potential threat for a double-double. Look for KG and Big Baby to help out a lot in the paint, and for the Celtics to jump out to a significant lead sometime in the first half. Boston's Big Three is looking great so far, and Rondo is setting records, while the Bucks scored 76 points last night against Portland, and their SG John Salmons no longer appears to be the scoring threat that he was at the end of last season when the Bucks were surging. Barring a third or fourth quarter meltdown, the Celtics should go home tonight with their fourth win.

Not Finishing Strong

If the Celtics want to be successful this season, they need to dispel their reputation as a team that lets up in the second half. Their failure to beat the Cavs was a perfect example of the Celtics' tendency to get complacent when it comes to closing out teams, as was their minor collapse in the second half against Miami when their gigantic lead was slashed into by LeBron's individual attempt to take over the Heat's offense. Furthermore, they failed to put away a Knicks' team that is definitely improved, but should still be no match for our defending Eastern Conference champs. Keeping up their solid play after halftime is always an area of concern for this team, like it has been for seasons past, and the younger guys like Rondo, Nate, Big Baby, and even Marquis Daniels need to bring the energy when all the older veterans on the roster cannot. Very few teams match up talent-wise with the Celtics, and they need to close out games and secure these easy wins against teams like the Cavs. J.J. Hickson should not be able to outmuscle all the all-star and former all-star big men that Boston has down low.

The Celtics take on the Pistons tonight, and while this Detroit team has so far played better than some people expected, they are the third team in a row that the Celtics should have no real trouble beating. Rodney Stuckey is their playmaker, and should be much easier to contain than guys like LeBron and D-Wade. The key to this game is how Jermaine O'Neal plays in his first start with Shaq sitting out due to injury. J.O. was suppossed to be the starter this year, and while his play has been sub-par this season, I expect good things from him in his first start via blocks and rebounds, and hopefully some clutch baskets down low too.

On another note, It will be difficult for the Celts to get through the game using only Jermaine, Kevin Garnett, and Big Baby down low since none of them are in tip-top physical shape, so don't be too suprised to see some minutes from Semih Erden or maybe even Luke Harangody. I wanted Shaq to be coming off the bench this year, and as a starter he is already missing time because of injuries after only three games. I hope that J.O. can assert himself tonight as the potential starting center for the Celtics, so that the second unit of Shaq, Big Baby, and Nate Robinson can come in to dominate other teams' benches all season long. Shaq is still good enough to be starting, but will not be able to do so without missing a significant amount of time this season, and he is much more valuable to the Celtics on the bench than on the injured reserve.

The First of Many

Last night’s game had a familiar feel to it. Not only did the Rondo and the Celtics come out strong and take an early lead, only to get complacent in the second half and let their opponents back into the game, but LeBron James was the leading scorer in a game where his team could not get it done against a very tough Celtics’ defense. This year’s NBA season opener could be described as a textbook example of a little something called TEAM CHEMISTRY. Everyone knew that the Heat looked good on paper after getting James and Chris Bosh, but as I said before the game they are not yet cohesive, and do not play the sort of team basketball that wins championships. Sorry LeBron, but the Celtics do, and while the Heat’s two top players combined for an epic 14 turnovers, Rajon Rondo was absolutely the player of the game racking up 17 assists and helping Boston’s Big Three to a combined 49 points.

The bench played great as well, with solid minutes from Nate, Big Baby, and even Marquis Daniels who needs to have a big year as Boston’s only backup small forward. Other than their usual temporary lapse in the second half, the Celtics played great basketball, and have asserted themselves as the reigning Eastern Conference champs. I am looking forward to the next time a Miami point guard tries to contain Rajon Rondo, because the next time around he will be looking to score some points as well.

The Celtics take on the LeBronless Cavs tonight, and should win their second game of the season as long as they do not let their guard down against some underrated scorers on an underdog of a Cleveland team. The Cavs have two good point guards in Mo Williams and Ramon Sessions, and Antawn Jamison will be looking to score as the main man now that LeBron James is no longer on their team. Look for Shaq to play well and dominate the boards against his former team while he is in, as well as consistent play from the Celtics’ bench when Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are not on the court knocking down three-pointers. There’s no better way to start off the season than with a pair of big wins.

2010-2011 Season Opener: Celtics vs. Heat

The wait is over everyone. SCAL-4-THREE is back, and just in time for the season opener tomorrow night when the newly LeBronified Miami Heat take on our Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics. It should be a great game, and you will not want to miss it, especially since this could very well be a preview of next summer’s Eastern Conference finals. I see the Celtics coming out on top in this one, as they will be eager to show that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the East despite all the predictions around the country that Miami will break all kinds of win records. As for this very long and very active offseason coming to a close, there are several things to keep in mind in regards to this coming season.

1. The West will not be dominant. There has not been a dramatic swing of power from the Western to the Eastern conference, but apart from the Lakers, most playoff favorites for this year are coming out of the East. The balance of power is about equal right now, which is very rare for the NBA, and it will not take long for people to begin noticing that good teams in the Western conference will no longer be dominant to good teams in the East.

2. Carmelo Anthony could be on the move. Just because the season starts tomorrow does not mean that trades and player acquisitions will stop any time soon, and Carmelo is just one of many players who could very likely be wearing a new uniform by the time the trading deadline rolls around.

3. Dwyane Wade is already hurt. The Heat will be good during the regular season, but I just do not believe that their big three will come together like Boston’s did, as LeBron and Wade will both be battling for rights to the final last-second shot. It is unlikely that both of them will stay healthy all year, and Wade already had to miss preseason games due to injury. Once LeBron gets his chance to be running the show for the Miami Cavs, their team chemistry will become sketchy at best, and their likelihood of beating strong teams in the post season will be low.

4. The Celtics are looking fresh. After a strong preseason, it is clear that Rondo is picking up right where he left off last year as a rapidly rising star, and the Celtics bench is the real deal. Not to mention, the Big Three is still the Big Three, and Kevin Garnett is looking energized like the KG of old as he tries to recover from his rough post season this summer. I think he is going to bounce back and have a big year, barring any injuries, and help lead this team that has one of the most lethal second units in the NBA. The clown squad of Shaq, Big Baby, and Big Nate Robinson will put up massive amounts of points over other bench squads around the league.

5. Scal’s a Chicago Bull. I hate to see him go. He was a true leader, and a great friend, mentor, player, and icon to those around him during his time in Boston. Brian Scalabrine, you were an inspiration to us all, and I hope you get a standing ovation when the Bulls come to Boston.

The season starts tomorrow night, and look for the Celtics to exploit any weakness in this revamped Miami team that they can find. Both these teams are star-studded, but look for Rondo to be the difference maker via points, assists, and steals because Mario Chalmers is really just no match for him. Also keep an eye out for how new Celtics’ players, mainly Shaq, mesh well with their team in comparison to how unnatural it will look for all of Miami’s new players. The Celtics play better team basketball, and look for them to start this season off with a big win.

Teams to Watch Out For... That No One is Talking About

With all the talk about the new "Big Three" in Miami, a lot of people have forgotten that the Celtics, Heat, and Lakers are not the only teams in the NBA. It was just last season that most would say that the Magic and Cavaliers were the only Championship worthy teams in the East. Naturally, now the Heat are the "only" team in the league that can bring down the Lakers, since they now have King James and co. However, LeBron still does not have a ring, and he won't at the end of this season either because the Celtics, Lakers, and several other teams definitely could be garnering some attention of their own come the start of next season.

Utah Jazz
This Jazz team was already very good with superstar point guard Deron Williams and sharp-shooting center Mehmet Okur, so adding our old pal Big Al Jefferson to their frontcourt will make them that much more dangerous. They also have one of the best backup big men in the league with Paul Millsap, and just a very long and tall team in general that could very well rake in blocks and rebounds this season. Williams will continue his high level of play, and his assists will go up this year with so many options to dish the ball out to, including their newest addition at the two spot, Raja Bell. Depth is also a non-issue for this team since Kirilenko and C.J. Miles are both very good small forwards for their lineup, the latter of which really stepped up in the playoffs. They also have a solid backup to Williams with Ronnie Price, and a rookie forward to watch out for in Butler's Gordon Hayward. The kid plays better when he's an underdog.

Memphis Grizzlies
This team has been quietly improving under the radar for a few years now, and this could be the year they make a significant playoff run. Rudy Gay is not just a kid anymore, and his stellar play for Team USA in the FIBA games right now could very well be a sign that he will be bringing his high-energy dunks and blocks, as well as his improved shot, to lead the Grizzlies to a solid season while they are overlooked. Also, O.J. Mayo is going to keep getting better, and their array of young, decent, and still improving big men will make them capable of sticking with other starting 4s and 5s around the league. Zach Randolph will not be their main big man this year, instead look for the break out of someone such as Hamed Haddadi, the gigantic 7'3 Hasheem Thabeet, or Pau's younger brother Marc Gasol. Being surrounded by players that are flourishing this year, point guard Mike Conley might also finally not only be able to play well, but do so consistently. This team could very well be tough to play against, and will have a very capable defense that could get tons of blocks and steals. Their addition of Tony Allen also confirms the Grizzlies' defensive mindset, and the offensive production will follow closely behind.

Chicago Bulls
Since he was playing for Florida in college, I've always just hated something about Joakim Noah. When I watch him play, I get frustrated when he scores, when he celebrates, and can't help but say out loud "man, I hate that guy." However, there's no denying that Noah has improved dramatically, and solidified himself as a dominant big man, whether it be at the 4 or 5 spot, in the NBA. He consistently plays well both on offense and defense, and has become a better overall player each year while he and Derrick Rose make up one of the best point guard-center combos in the East. These guys play with high energy and tend to score with slam dunks and flashy cuts to the hoop, and that is exactly how the Bulls offense is going to operate next season. All under the passing and cutting of Derrick Rose, guys like Noah, Luol Deng, and Ronnie Brewer will find ample opportunity to throw it down and draw fouls. All the while, their newest big man, Carlos Boozer, will be gobbling up rebounds and likely be working well with Noah in the paint to help contribute to a ton of inside scoring for the Bulls this season. Chicago will absolutely not be relying on the three, but will have the ability to knock some down when opponents are least expecting it with sharp shooters such as Rose, Keith Bogans, Kyle Korver, and backup point guard C.J. Watson. They will dominate opponents inside, and though their three point game will not be feared, they will utilize it when necessary. The Heat (and Celtics) are not the only teams in the East that made moves this offseason, and the Bulls will truly be a force to be reckoned with.

Oklahoma City Thunder
They played very well in the playoffs last year, are stacked with up and coming stars, and Kevin Durant was the league's leading scorer. The Thunder play very well together, are young, quick, energetic, and when they rally behind Durant and Russell Westbrook they can completely demoralize a team with their offensive onslaughts. Jeff Green will likely keep improving this season, and we may see an expanded role from James Harden, and this young energetic team will be fun to watch. While their offense may be as dangerous as any team in the league, their defense is not very strong, mainly because of their lack of big men. Rookie Cole Aldrich could end up being their best big man this season other than Jeff Green, who is hardly a big man. Centers such as Byron Mullens and Nenad Krstic just are not enough to get it done against playoff-worthy teams. It will be interesting to watch if the Thunder can find a way to overcome this one issue, because with their high flyers and incredible ability to score from all angles, this team will be good no matter what... solving their problem in the paint is the difference between them making the playoffs, and them succeeding in the playoffs.

Golden State Warriors
New jerseys are just one improvement to this Warriors team this offseason. The other one is David Lee. Steph Curry and Monta Ellis are a very dynamic combination of guards, and as Curry matures in his sophomore season, this team could potentially be very dangerous with the ability to score from anywhere. Center Andris Biedrins has had his ups and downs in his career, but now playing alongside David Lee in the paint, this season will definitely be and up for him. Lee was one of the biggest names in free agency this offseason, and going from a dismal Knicks team to this talented but previously unsuccessful Warriors team could be a great fit. With backup big man Brandan Wright, I think that the Warriors will be strong in the paint in both the blocks and rebounds department, and will force teams to beat them from outside. Meanwhile, they have some serious scoring ability not only down low with Lee and Biedrins, but from outside with Steph Curry and Charlie Bell. Also contributing with some slashing moves to the hoop will be Monta Ellis and newly acquired Rodney Carney. I am also interested to see how their rookies develop, as big man Ekpe Udoh could become a great backup big man in working with the veterans already there, and Taiwanese guard Jeremy Lin from Harvard just keeps on surprising people with his ability to contribute and high level of play. This team won't be going to the finals this year, but don't be surprised if they turn some heads on their way to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. If they play their cards right, Golden State could have a bright, bright future centered around Stephen Curry.

September Poll

I've talked a lot recently about the Celtics' bench, and how their second unit is as good or better than many starting lineups around the NBA. With the addition of Shaquille O'Neal, and most recently the return of Delonte West, their bench becomes even more versatile and dangerous, and will be feared by backup players around the league. I predicted in my Breaking Down the Bench segments that Shaq could take the 6th Man award this year in his first season coming off the bench, but other members of the Celtics could very well break out this year and upset Shaq for the award, or maybe even work themselves into Boston's starting lineup... especially with the Big Three getting older, and potential injuries to the veterans lurking around every corner. With that being said, the September Poll has been released, so vote for which Celtic you think will be the biggest asset and most important player off the bench next season... other than Luke Harangody of course.

Delonte West: Pros and Cons

When the Celtics were losing massive amounts of games and having some major malfunctions before completing the trades that brought in Ray and KG, Delonte West was one of the few bright spots in their sub-par lineup. However, sub-par is exactly what they were, and that makes it hard to judge whether Delonte’s contributions to the team were really all that valuable or not, since regardless of his play, the Celtics could not win games. I definitely would not say that West is the worst of the remaining free agents that the C’s could’ve picked up, but due to his small size and off-the-court issues, he is not necessarily the perfect fit for this team either. Regardless, welcome Delonte West back to Boston, and be ready for all the positive things, and the potential baggage, that he may be bringing with him.

The Pros
For starters, he is another very solid backup player to add to the very solid Boston bench. He will be soaking up the minutes when Rondo or Ray Allen need to rest, and will help relieve some of the pressure off of Avery Bradley to really step up in his rookie season as a primary backup guard. Don’t be fooled, Bradley will still be around, and will still be quietly improving and stepping into his role as a future face of this team along with Rajon Rondo. Also, Delonte shoots right around .373 from deep over his career, and can typically stick with his man on defense, as well as use his quick hands to smack the ball loose a couple times a game. He can really be a solid player when his head is in the game, with the ability to score when you may least expect it and find open teammates for assists, which is an incredibly useful asset in a star-studded lineup like Boston’s. His last year on the Celtics was his highest scoring season, and look for him to pick up right where he left off when he got traded to Seattle.

The Cons
He is short. In my Breaking Down the Bench segments, I talked about how good Boston’s backups are with players like Shaq, Baby Davis, Big Nate, and an up and coming Avery Bradley… but a backup small forward was what they were truly lacking. By adding Delonte, who is a useful point guard and shooting guard, the Celtics are still greatly relying on Marquis Daniels to have a good season as Pierce’s backup. Delonte is a good player and I liked him a lot when he was a Celtic, but right now he just does not seem like the right guy to add to the roster when they already are stacked with guards and big men. Also, the guy is a bit crazy, getting caught speeding on a motorcycle with a guitar case filled with guns. I hope that the Celtics’ organization can help him to be very useful to them both on the court, as well as out of trouble when he’s off the court.

Overall, I would say that Delonte West is worth adding… but not necessarily at this moment for this particular Celtics’ team. They needed a bigger guy that could slash and shoot, like a Rudy Fernandez or Wilson Chandler type. Their offseason has been successful so far, but with this acquisition of Delonte West, I would not feel that the team was complete without adding or trading for a backup small forward at some point. However, that isn’t going to stop me from busting out my old Delonte West jersey, and it will be interesting seeing him subbing in and out for the guy they originally traded him for. Oh yeah, and did I mention he’s hooking up with LeBron’s mom?

Why Rondo Withdrawing from Team USA is Good News

After making his first all-star team, as well as winning over NBA fans around the nation thanks to some incredible plays during the postseason, Rondo fully deserved to be a part of Team USA this year. He has done nothing but work hard and get better since his rookie year, and is now considered one of the top point guards in the league. However, after his DNP against Spain, Rondo withdrew from the team, and there seemed to be a mutual understanding that despite his talent and basketball ability, Rajon's skill set is just not exactly what Coach K was looking for. Every player on that team is very talented, and the point guards are all like Rondo in that they are both quick thinking and quick footed. However, they are different in that Billups, Derrick Rose, and Steph Curry can all shoot the three ball.

So although I think that Rondo deserved to be there and, I would love to see him representing both the Celtics and the United States, his withdrawal from that team is good news for Celtics' fans. Rondo is extremely talented, but certainly has some holes in his game that he needs to be working on before the start of next season. He needs to keep working at improving his shot, mainly from the foul line, but also from the 3 point arc. If he wasn't already motivated to work on that in order to silence some of his critics for next season, he certainly will be now since his lack of shooting is probably the main reason he is no longer wearing red white and blue. Exciting and explosive as he may be, coming into international games for a couple minutes at a time only to pass the ball and make occasional Rondo-drives to the hoop won't help him in the future nearly as much as just working hard on his shooting and watching some game tape to see where he can improve his play.

His withdrawal from the team is not just good for Rondo's individual improvement, but for the Celtics as well. This already championship worthy team has some big new faces, and meshing together the way the 2008 Celtics did is vital to their future success. Pierce has even mentioned that he would like to see them go overseas and work out, the way their 2008 team did before their championship run, and the more time Rondo is spending getting to know his new teammates on and off the court, the better they will play together. Since trading for KG and Ray, Boston has been stacked with leadership and team chemistry, and Rondo working with his team to help incorporate Shaq, Jermaine O'Neal, and everybody else could lead to big things. Coach K said he would absolutely still consider Rondo for the 2012 Olympic team... but I believe improving his own play and getting himself a second ring and an 18th banner for the C's will be the biggest thing on his mind. Playing for his country in 2012 will just be icing on the cake.

Breaking Down the Bench... Backing Up The Truth

It's not easy finding a viable backup for Paul Pierce... but with each of the other Celtics' starters having very solid backups coming off the bench this year, the Celtics' second unit will be feared around the league. However, the small forward position is currently the one weak spot in Boston's bench, and could very well become a revolving door for various players as the season goes on. Captain Pierce is getting old, and he will not be able to soak up enough minutes over the course of the season for this hole in the second unit to be a non-issue, and that is why Marquis Daniels needs to step up and have a big year. With the extremely athletic and versatile Nate Robinson and Avery Bradley up top, and the powerhouse combo of Shaq and Big Baby down low, the C's bench may very well prove to be the best in the NBA this year. A big year from Daniels would be ideal for helping to complete them.

When Daniels was first signed, I was pretty excited and thought he would make a good fit for the Celtics as a larger, stronger version of Rajon Rondo who could drive effectively to the hoop and help stretch out defenses. However, I was thoroughly disappointed with his play and apparent lack of effort last season, as he failed to ever make a good impression as a member of the C's, and quickly became one of the last guys that I wanted to see on the court. But with an increase in minutes this year due to the departure of Tony Allen, Daniels will have ample opportunity to improve his game and became part of a second unit that will be considered more dangerous than most, and even more so than some starting lineups in the East. The guy had moments of brilliance when he was on the Pacers, and I still want to believe that he could become a great part of this team if he just exerts his full effort, especially on defense, and does his best to not turn the ball over excessively on offense. If he does not improve, the Celtics need to keep him on a short leash and consider some other options.

I would not be surprised to see Boston pick up a new SF, whether it be through a trade or through free agency by early next season. If not, and if Daniels does not play the way they need him to, the C's may very well go to a SF by committee game plan when Pierce needs to take a breather. We may see SGs be rotated in and out such as Ray Allen and Von Wafer to chip in some quality minutes and jump shots while sacrificing some size, or maybe even going to a larger lineup by using three big men at a time to try to work the inside and dominate the boards. How they back up Pierce will largely depend on the skill set of the team they are playing against, and unless Daniels takes over the back up 3 spot, don't be surprised to even see the rookie Harangody get some minutes backing up Pierce as a decent shooting, very large small forward. It's not ideal for the Celtics to ever be in a spot where their success is relying on Daniels, Wafer, or Harangody... but hopefully at least one of them will be able to back up The Truth well enough for the rest of the extremely talented bench to step in and do some damage to opposing benches while Boston's aging starters get some rest. The Celtics have the tools, the talent, and 9/10 solid players they need for a championship run next season... all they need now is for Marquis Daniels to step up and become a true Celtic, and the 10th and final piece to an outstanding lineup.

Breaking Down the Bench… Big Baby Davis

Glen Davis has become more important to the Celtics every single year, and could very well break out this season with increased minutes while an aging KG will need some time off. He has shown that he has the ability to play extremely well in clutch situations, and has become a fan favorite for his intensity, and high level of energy and emotion on the court, as well as his ability to outmuscle taller big men in the paint. Like with Nate Robinson, this energy and determination on the court often leads to a rally of Celtics’ points, and he is always willing to put himself on the line for his team, as we saw every time he went up against Dwight Howard’s lethal elbows in the Conference Finals. Now that he is playing alongside a true center in Shaquille O’Neal, and not the perimeter-prone Rasheed Wallace, Big Baby is going to be a big part of a powerhouse bench in Boston.

Bringing in Shaq will help Davis bring his game to the next level in two very basic, but important ways. First, Shaq will be hanging out near the paint at all times, taking up space, getting blocks, and pulling in rebounds. This takes a lot of pressure off of Big Baby to be the big man down low, as he was when Rasheed would so often play lazy and out of position. The two big former LSU men with similar playing styles will complement each other both on offense and defense, and will make up what is probably the best backup 4 and 5 combo in the NBA. These guys should be able to outmuscle and box out opposing players all season long, while contributing large amounts of points, rebounds, and opportunities for other guys to score. Second, Baby may be more excited than anyone else in Boston about the acquisition of Shaq since he is an idol of sorts to Davis, who attended O’Neal’s camp as a kid and was introduced to LSU’s coach by the Louisiana State alumnus. Shaq and Baby will work well together on the post, and O’Neal will be able to help Davis really develop his game and learn to use his size for maximum effectiveness. These guys will work backup big men around the NBA, and I am eager to see the huge calm and collected veteran helping the younger and more intense Big Baby become as good as he can be.

Boston’s bench is very versatile, and they will stretch out defenses as they have the ability to both dominate in the paint and from outside of it. Although Baby’s shot is not the prettiest thing in the world, the guy can heat up, and he is definitely not limited to only scoring from right under the hoop. Big Baby has shown that he can score against some of the best defenders in the league, and by working with Doc Rivers, as well as Shaq to improve his post moves, and Garnett to improve his jump shot, I believe Davis can become as effective in the NBA as he was in college. He brings a lot to the table, not only in terms of points, but in energy and charisma as well, and he helps complete a Celtics’ bench that will be feared all season and post season long. Depth is key to success, and with an ever improving Big Baby at PF, the Celtics have a lot of it.

Still remaining for Breaking Down the Bench, small forwards and how to back up The Truth.

Breaking Down the Bench... Nate Robinson

Truly Doc's little project, Nate was brought in this past season before the trading deadline to be Boston's backup point guard. Standing at just 5'9 on a good day, he was essentially a gimmick for the hapless Knicks... a tiny 3 time slam dunk champion, and fan favorite who would score points in bunches or not at all. When he was scoring, his style of play was contrary to that of Celtics' basketball, meaning he would enter tunnel (a.k.a. LeBron) vision, and start putting up wild shots while forgetting he has four other teammates on the court. When he wasn't, he would become essentially invisible. By trading for Robinson, Doc and the Celtics' organization rescued him from forever being just that little athletic guy who could dunk real well. After sitting and observing alongside the bench for most of his time on the Celtics, while getting tips from a great coach and veteran leaders that know what it takes to win, Nate's gimmick status has been erased, and he is now a key part of this championship caliber Celtics' team.

Big Nate was clearly full of potential and pure athleticism, but often played sloppy and inconsistent on offense before joining the C's. As a result, when the Celtics acquired him, they did not start using him right away. Faced with the difficult task of filling the shoes of Eddie House, who's clutch minutes and three pointers off the bench greatly contributed to Boston's 2008 championship run, Nate did not seem like the best pickup early on, as his minutes dwindled and Tony Allen took over the backup point guard role for much of the last half of the regular season. Little did we know that during all of this, the little guy was working hard with Doc to get better and become a true contributor to the team. Early in the playoffs, his energy on the bench just pumping up teammates and the crowd was the first sign that maybe the guy was actually starting to become a Celtic at heart. For many Celtics' fans, his performance in game 6 against Orlando sealed the deal.

Nate's energy on and off the bench is vital to the Celtics' success, and really gives them something to rally around. He is a guy that I've wanted to like for a long time, and I am glad that he gave me reason to do so in the final two rounds of the playoffs, and I hope that this was just the beginning of a long stint with the C's. When Eddie House would come in for Rondo, he would so often knock down a three right after stepping onto the court, as defenders would be giving the sharpshooter far too much space after having been trying to prevent Rondo from driving to the hoop. When Nate's on, he will still score in bunches, but unlike House or Rondo, he has the ability to both shoot and drive very effectively. He would likely be a starter on most teams, and the Celtics are lucky to have him running the point for their second unit next season, scoring and setting up plays for the big men down low. He could not be farther apart in size from the guys he will be playing with, and hopefully he will be able to run some effective pick and rolls using Big Baby and Shaq to create space from defenders. The Celtics have a ton of talent, but just the right amount of energy and emotion, and most of that is coming from guys like Nate and Baby off the bench. The Celtics are THE team to beat in the East this year, especially with a new and improved Nate Robinson as their backup point guard... Don't let Jeff Van Gundy tell you otherwise.

Next up for Breaking Down the Bench... everyone's favorite baby.

Breaking Down the Bench... Avery Bradley

Another new acquisition for the C's, Avery Bradley may very well be running this offense alongside Rajon Rondo in the future once the Big Three have called it quits. The first round pick out of Texas is quick, explosive, great on defense, and a valuable threat as a sharp shooter off the bench, replacing Tony Allen's less than stellar jump shot, while not sacrificing the athleticism and lock down defense he provided. Bradley is extremely talented, and has the potential to be a future star in the NBA, and is a perfect fit for Boston's bench.

Whether he is playing the two spot alongside Rondo or Nate Robinson, I can't wait to see the fast-breaks. As long as Bradley does not get too nervous about throwing it down against NBA big men, the alley-oops Rondo will set him up with will likely be regularly occurring on Sportscenter. His ability to get to the hoop is reminiscent of D-Wade's, and his commanding dunks could easily land him a spot in the dunk contest. With Nate and him, and the rest of the second unit playing as well as they are capable of, I can see the Celtics' bench putting up large amounts of points on other backup units, and even on some starters around the NBA. The best part is, most scouts wouldn't tell you that his dunks are his biggest asset. They'd tell you that his shot and his defense are.

Like Ray Allen, Bradley is known for his perfect form on jump shots, and will help stretch out defenses with both his three pointers and his ability to explode past defenders. While his scoring was somewhat inconsistent in his freshman year at college, I think no other coach and organization would be better suited for tapping into this kid's potential. Doc Rivers has a very good track record when it comes to getting his point and shooting guards to contribute to the best of their ability, and I believe Bradley will be contributing on offense for the C's much sooner than most people may think. It will also be extremely helpful for him to be surrounded by all the current and former veteran all-stars on this team who will be able to help him improve his play. Even if it does take him some time in the NBA before his offense is fully developed, his impressive defense makes him a player that the Celtics would much rather have than be having to play against.

He can read defenses and use his long arms to get steals like Rondo's, and can get up and block shots like Rudy Gay. The Celtics need to have a capable defender on their bench in order to win games, and this makes Avery Bradley a great pickup for them. Assuming he'll be on the court at the same time as Big Baby and Shaq, opposing teams will likely be passing the ball around a lot and trying to score from outside the paint, which will give the energetic guard many opportunities to steal the ball. Also, they may bring him in to shut down certain players as they did with Tony Allen, where his athleticism will be key to his success. I'm not saying we will see Avery Bradley the rookie coming in and shutting down guys like Wade and Kobe... but we may see it from Avery Bradley the sophomore. As an athletic player with the ability to drive and dunk, make three pointers, and provide some critical lock down defense, Avery Bradley is a great fit for this Celtics' team.

Tomorrow... Doc's little project, and why opposing teams have only seen the tip of the iceberg.

Breaking Down the Bench... Shaq

I have to admit that when rumors first started surfacing about Shaq joining the Celtics, I was horrified. Like many other long time Celtics fans, I've always poked fun at Shaq for how big and slow he is, and his trademark free throws. However, the idea of him as the backup center for the C's has grown on me more and more, as his size and power will almost certainly plug the gap in the Celtics' rebounding department. Also, despite the things he says in interviews and in front of reporters that give him his reputation as a funny guy, he has a very high basketball IQ. He has gained a lot of knowledge about the game and the players over his long career, and may even be able to give the Celtics some tips on how to stop Kobe in the playoffs... or at least aggravate him.

This season will be the first in O'Neal's 20 year career that he will be coming off the bench. Although there are a handful of reasons that I'd rather see him starting instead of Jermaine O'Neal, I think Shaq's transition to the bench will be a smooth one. He knows what his role will be, and I trust that Doc will know when to put the big guy in... for example, when KG isn't pulling down boards or when the Celtics are getting badly beat near the hoop. Huge and slow as they may be, I can't wait to watch the two LSU big men Shaq and Baby Davis outmuscling other backup forwards in the paint. As a backup for the first time, Shaq will definitely get some attention as a sixth man of the year candidate since his combination of blocks, rebounds, and personality is unmatched by any other backup player in the NBA. Hopefully he'll be able to contribute some points as well.

I think Shaq will fit right in with the veterans on this team, and will be able to teach Big Baby and the younger guys a thing or two also. His style of play fits well with Boston, as Rondo will love having Shaq sitting in the middle ready for his quick passes, and KG will love having another Hall of Fame big man helping him pull down rebounds. Though it's possible that he could slow down the Celtics at times, which is the major concern for many Celtics' fans, it is unlikely that he could slow them down so much that it would actually be a detriment to the team. It's not like Perkins is much more agile than O'Neal, and neither one of them would really be playing a role on the fast-break anyway. His free throws won't be fun to watch, but hey that's expected, the Hack-a-Shaq strategy was named after the guy. Hopefully Ray can take him and Rondo aside at some point and show them the masterful art of the foul shot.

Nevertheless, I think the pros in Shaq's game will definitely make up for the cons, and while he isn't a lock for sixth man of the year, don't be surprised if his contributions off the bench next season cause him to get some award worthy attention. As far as backup big men go, I don't think it gets much better than Shaquille O'Neal. The guy helps his team get to the playoffs almost every year, and with championships on a cluster of teams that will hopefully include Boston someday soon, he is a lock for the Hall of Fame. Honestly, I have a harder time visualizing him as a bench player than I do as a Celtic... but he's a great fit for the Celtics' second unit, and brings a lot to the table.

Next up for Breaking Down the Bench... the potential future face of the Celtics who was only two years old during Shaq's rookie season.

Breaking Down the Celtics Bench…

One Player at a Time

Bench players are vital to any team’s success in the NBA, as no team can win a championship without backups who can carry the load while the starters take a breather. Though every team has a starting lineup and a leading scorer, a key difference between the great teams and everyone else is whether they’re sending out a mere penalty kill unit to knock some time off the clock while the starters rest, or an actual second unit with the potential to be as dangerous and dominating as the first unit. Just ask Monta Ellis, who averaged nearly 26 points per game this season, but could not help Golden State win more than 26 games this year with Devean George being their biggest name off the bench.

This year, the C’s boasted a bench that was strong, but the Lakers’ bench was simply better. Sheed, Nate, and Big Baby all stepped up and showed flashes of brilliance in the postseason. However, the 7-game battle that featured a different hero almost every game was painful to watch at times, as guys like Odom and Shannon Brown really stepped up for L.A. and exposed weaknesses in the Celtics’ second unit. By losing Perk for the finale, they simply did not have the size they needed to close out Game 7 and the series. Boston won it all in 2008 when their bench was better than L.A.’s, with Posey shutting down opposing scorers, PJ Brown and Leon Powe patrolling the paint, and Eddie House knocking down clutch three pointers left and right. Like with that team, I think that the 2010-2011 Celtics will truly be a force to be reckoned with, featuring possibly the best bench and sixth man in basketball.

Keep checking back here, as each day this week I will break down why the Celtics’ bench will be so sweet next year, one player at a time. First up will be the NBA’s 2010-2011 sixth man of the year.

Point Guard Poll

Bill Simmons came up with the idea of the Celtics acquiring Chris Paul in a deal that would involve trading Rondo a little while back. While Chris Paul is incredibly talented, and many may consider him the best point guard in the league, I think no one would look better than Rondo running the point for the C's. Vote on who you'd most want to see at the Celtics 1 spot.

Reasons for Rondo

Nine Reasons why #9 Needs to Stay a Celtic

1 – The Potential. Heads didn’t really start turning for Rajon until this past post season. What his newest fans, and critics, need to recognize is that Rondo is still on his way up and still has a couple seasons before he really steps into his prime. He has rapidly improved over his four seasons, and will continue to defy his skeptics just as he did en route to the 2008 finals series when so many said the Big Three were a threat, but that the Celtics would fall short without a better point guard. However, Rondo’s potential could not be really tapped into without
2 – The Hard Work. Every player in the NBA has some sort of valuable basketball talent. But what really separates the true stars from the “all-stars” is a player’s mindset and determination. Though both Allen Iverson and Rondo made the Eastern Conference all-star team this year, it is safe to say who any team would be more comfortable with running the point. Instead of complaining about practice, Rondo would rather be out on the court three hours before game time during the post season joining Ray for his extensive shooting routine before games, which brings to mind Rondo’s
3 – Improved Shot. The free throws will come… I promise. It is obviously a deterrent to your team’s ability to win when the opposing team can use their Hack-a-Shaq strategy on your point guard… but with the work Rondo puts in, he will eventually overcome his apparent fear of sinking free throws that he has. He shoots a higher percentage in foul line jumpers than actual foul shots, and we saw a much improved three point shot from him this season, which was non-existent from his game in the past. While shooting may never be the biggest threat in his arsenal, it will not continue to be his so-called "Achilles heel". He will continue to become even more of a scoring threat, largely due to his

4 – Explosiveness. Opposing point guards, you better not take your eyes off Rondo for a second or you may end up looking like Jason Williams. Rondo’s quickness and ability to explode to the hoop is amazing at times, and no player in the league has a first step as quick and dangerous as his. This explosiveness makes opposing players look bad, and he will show flashes of brilliance that often lead to a Celtics' point barrage. This explosiveness does not only show in his flashy cuts to the hoop, but also in his
5 – Incredible Passing. Whether it’s a behind the back scoop to KG as he cuts through the paint, or a quick kick out to find an open Ray Allen or Paul Pierce at the 3 point line, Rondo’s quickness is most dangerous when it comes to his ability to dish the rock. His ability to recognize mismatches and opportunities on the court enables him to throw perfect alley-oops passes as KG rolls off a defender or when TA would come flying in from the wing. This explosiveness and passing makes Rondo close to unstoppable on the fast break, and it will be a sight to see when he's running the break with Avery Bradley in the Celtics' future. However, it is not just his passing that makes Rondo
6 – "The Quarterback." He played quarterback in high school, and started being called that on the court during this past post season day-in and day-out by commentators. His "quarterbacking" is not just his ability to hit the right spot when he passes the ball, but his ability to read the defense. The way he throws alley-oops passes before KG has even rolled to the hoop is just like Tom Brady’s bullets to the center of the field before Welker has even made his cut. As with Brady, players around Rondo know they can trust their passer, and know without looking that the ball will be there the split second that they have enough space from their defender. Rondo’s basketball IQ and ability to predict is second to none, both on offense and on
7 – Defense. There’s nothing quite like watching Rondo intercept a pass in full stride going the other way as he blows past everyone for an uncontested lay-up. The tight, physical defense that the Celtics play works largely in part to Rondo’s ability to steal the ball. Whether it is by reading their eyes, their signs, or simply by outhustling a lazy ball handler, there is a reason that he led the NBA in steals this year. Rondo racks in points, assists, steals, and he
8 – Rebounds like Jason Kidd... or better. While both guys are bigger triple-double threats than any other point guard, Rondo's rebounds come from his quickness, ability to read the ball, and explosiveness as his utilizes his energy and athleticism into the excelling in the one aspect of the game that point guards are so often excused from. These flashy flying rebounds he pulls down definitely put his body on the line, and he often pays the price when he goes up against guys more than twice his weight. But the boost it gives the Celtics when he outhustles opposing big men for offensive boards is vital to the Celtics' success. Rondo, like Pierce, needs to be a
9 – Career Celtic. All Rondo has done for the Celtics in his short career is get better, become a leader, defy critics, and win a championship (TWO if Perk had been healthy)... He made it clear from his rookie season that he can explode to the hoop, but looked nervous at times and missed lay-ups. When he started passing the ball instead, every time he'd beaten his man to the hoop, these mostly went to waste too when guys like Gomes would miss, or when the ball would bounce off an unaware Perk. To some he seemed inadequate, but Doc must have recognized how much better Rondo could be if he just had some better players around him. That is why they kept Rondo as the starting point guard when they shipped off half of the 06-07 team for Ray and KG, and Rondo seized the opportunity with hard work, constant hustling, and good teammates to silence critics and help lead the all-star veterans to a championship. Rondo will now continue to keep pouring in the points, and assists for the C's now that he's kicking the ball out to Ray Allen and not Allan Ray.