The loss to Phoenix left me with a few questions. The biggest question was why Leon Powe only played 4 minutes. You may say because Doc thought Baby was a better matchup for Shaq, but Baby was obviously struggling and the team was getting outrebounded big time. Doc finally put Powe in and he responded with 2 rebounds and 2 points on a layup and in 4 minutes he was back on the bench. I really don't understand that. Powe produced and should have played more. We needed rebounding and he did that. He brought energy into the game and yet Doc put him right back on the bench. It is things like this that makes me really wonder about Doc's decision making and coaching.
What's up with Ray Allen? We have heard all the possibilities. He is injured, he is tired, he is having trouble fitting in. He has had to sacrifice his game. Whatever it is, I hope he figures it out soon because we need him to shoot better than 3-12 if they are going to make noise in the playoffs. He has been very inconsistent. He catches fire in the All Star game but yet struggles in most of the regular Celtics games. His shot used to be automatic and now he misses more than he hits. I really hope he can figure out the problem and get back on track.
Both the Herald and Globe have articles about how the Celtics are still loose and not worried about the losing streak. That is very good. I have confidence that they will right the ship. All teams, including champions, go through losing streaks at some time of the season. Last year's Spurs had two 3 game losing streaks and several back to back losses. It isn't the end of the world. They will get back on track and hopefully soon because the Pistons are breathing down their necks just 2 games back in the Eastern conference.
The rumors are flying hot and heavy. The Celtics are interested in Brent Barry and he would be a great addition. He is 6'7" and can handle the ball and would solve the problem we have with Rondo not matching up with the bigger PGs and Barry can also spread the floor with his shooting. The problem is that Barry has 5 teams he is considering: Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Boston and San Antonio. All are possible playoff contenders and the teams in the West may have an advantage. I would love to have him come to Boston, but it is a long shot. I would prefer him to Cassell though.
Sam Cassell is close to being bought out. In one report the team said that it is obvious that Sam's heart isn't in LA any more and it doesn't make sense to make him stay since they probably won't make the playoffs. After the article in the Globe quoted him as being anxious to come to Boston and then he back peddled and said he didn't say it, there are rumors about the Cavs wanting him and offering him the starting spot. Starting for Cleveland may just trump coming off the bench in Boston. It is possible that in spite of irons in all these fires, the Celtics may come up empty in their search for a veteran to back up Rondo.
Other rumors involve Chris Anderson, Flip Murray and Jamaal Magloire. We could use another big as insurance. We recently saw how much we need back up insurance when KG and Perk were out along with the oft injured Pollard. We were vastly undersized. I am not sure what kind of shape the Birdman would be in after 2 years and it is rumored that the Hornets will re-sign him when he is reinstated anyway. In order to be included on the playoff roster, any player has to be waived by March 1 so we don't have long to wait to find out if Sam I Am will really be bought out or not. I do expect Danny to do something, just not sure what. Also, we may see more players bought out by March 1 that would open up other possibilities. There is a whole lot of smoke so there has to be fire somewhere.
BostonSportZ has a great video of Rondo's cradle move. I love it. Great move that fakes them out every time. This time, it makes Anytony Carter look pretty silly.
How far the mighty has fallen. After Miami won the title, Antoine Walker was giving Pierce advice to leave the Celtics because he would never win in Boston. Now, Antoine is buried on the bench in Minnesota. He has said that he won't accept a buyout and there weren't any teams wanting to take on the 17 million left on his contract so I guess he will be warming Minny's bench for at least the rest of this season. I wonder if he is calling Pierce very much to gloat these days. Very sad that Employee #8 has fallen so far. I leave you with a look at better days for the former Celtics' Captain when he and Pierce made a pretty good tandem for the Celtics. You even get a look at the Walker Wiggle.
Post a Comment
This blog does not allow anonymous comments.