Post by brads4president on Jun 19, 2020 8:44:27 GMT -8
Boston Celtics Sim One Reactions
Boston Globe - Adam Himmelsbach
The Boston Celtics struggled to a .500 record in the preseason with Klay Thompson leading the way with 24 points per game. Although GM Bras4President was satisfied with his production, there was a lack of depth and scoring throughout the rest of the roster to compete in the Eastern Conference.
Thus, the Celtics decided to make a trade to add more scoring around the outside sharp shooter with the acquisition of Kyle Lowry and Evan Fournier from division rival, Philadelphia Sixers. “We felt that we needed to add some scoring punch in order to have a shot of competing this season” Brad told The Globe. “We felt that was a weakness after only scoring 92 points per game in the preseason. We were able to add Kyle (Lowry) and Evan (Fournier), which addresses that issue as they are a couple of the best outside shooters in the league”.
Currently the Celtics are taking the most threes per game (18.2 per) in the league making over seven per game, with Klay Thompson accounting for 2 makes per contest.
Those additions with one of the top rebounders in the league (Andre Drummond; 13.5RPG) and solid role players, such as Al Horford, Mike Conley (10ppg in 18mpg), and Carmelo Anthony (7ppg on 49%FG), the Celtics have pushed to an 8-2 record, sitting two games back in the strong Eastern Conference.
Although they are now pushing 100 points per contest, the Celtics stingy defense in through the first 10 games really propelled them to the top of the standings. They’re currently fourth in points allowed per game, first in opponents’ field goal percentage, and third in three-point field goal percentage. “We definitely hang our hat on the defensive side of the basketball,” said Brad. “Our guys are taking pride on that side of the court and is has showed up in a positive light for the team”.
There are some weaknesses for this squad that we will have to wait and see as the season progresses if they can address them. Despite being top ten in field goal attempted per game and a threat from downtown, they are currently 21st in the league in field goal percentage, as Al Horford (33%FG) and Andre Drummond (40%FG) have been struggling in the fast paced, three point shooting offense.
Additionally, there are concerns about whether this frontcourt can compete at a championship caliber level. Both of their losses this season, imposing Centers gave them significant issues. Joel Embiid had 36 points and 20 Rebounds as the Celtics suffered a 110-96 setback in South Beach, while Hassan Whiteside issued a dominant 16-point, 18-rebound, and 2-block performance in the Celtics lone loss at the TD Garden. "We have to be better upfront" mentioned Al Horford. "I specifically need to shoot the basketball at a higher rate and be a better asset on the defensive side of the basketball". "We think (Al) Horford and (Andre) Drummond will be fine upfront" Brad mentioned. "Al is such a great leader and all-around player, despite his early shooting stats we feel he will settle in. Andre is making huge impacts as a rebounder and rim protector. We are happy to have them in the frontcourt".
Furthermore, the Celtics had the fortune of playing seven of their first ten games at home. Time will tell if that was just a home-court advantage or if this team has what it takes to compete on the road. With just a modest six point positive differential, it will be interesting to see if they can keep up their solid start. “We understand that playing in Boston is a huge advantage,” Klay Thompson mentioned. “We know that it won’t be easy to play on the road and we will need to show up every night”.
Regardless, the Boston Celtics are a team in the thick of the playoff hunt. It is still very early, but the Big Green Machine seems to be pushing for a big run in year one.