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.