Upside of Rondo and Green Being Out

I think a case can be made that Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green being sidelined in training camp gives Brad Stevens’ “space and pace” and “read and react” offense best chance to be ingrained into the fabric of this year’s team.  As likely the Celtics’ two best players, their absence makes the remaining cast considerably more “even.”  In an offense that aims to spread the ball and the scoring, basing the attack on reaction to the defense’s response to ball and player movement is aided by the quality of options being guided by the best opportunity rather than by the “best” individual player.  With Rondo and Green on the bench, the players on the floor are neither tempted to leave the ball and decisions in Rondo’s hands, nor induced to force the ball into the better player’s possession.  Instead, the ball moves more naturally toward the best option presented by the defense, while leaving it up to the players to put themselves into the best position to make a successful shot.

Certainly as Green and Rondo return, it will be critical for them to individually get with the program; but, by then, the multiple multiple multiple-option will be established and should provide a pull quite independent of the push by the coaching staff.  Although many others have their doubts, I feel quite certain that Rondo has the understanding and smarts to excel within that system, and will only benefit from seeing it already in serviceable action.  I would expect him to be eager to make it work even better, not clog up the works by dominating the ball.

Actually, if I have doubts, it is about Green’s ability to seamlessly fit in with this offense.  In the past I haven’t felt that reading, reacting, or passing has been among Jeff’s strengths.  I do think the unending screens, cuts, and fades play to his strengths.  I’m just less convinced that he will be adept at the need to nearly instantaneously read and react so as to best make use of these opportunities. 

As for the defensive fit, the Rondo-defense of his earlier years is tailor-made for this pressure all over the court.  Jeff Green is capable of playing very solid individual defense and fit’s the current need to defend outside-in since the paint coverage is still not a strength.  Once again, watching it from the bench and seeing it succeed should provide significant impetus to joining the fray and contributing to the system in place.

Would there be obvious advantages to having a full complement to install and hone the offense and defense?  Sure, but in truth these two experienced players will need no instruction to fit into the pro game.  I am much more concerned about James Young and Vitor Faverani missing a large chunk of training camp.  They need both the personal development and system introduction that this concentrated dose of practice provides; and that time will be in short supply once the regular season starts.  Let’s hope that soon the Celtics will have all hands on deck and that the injury bug will have run its course and departed.[Discuss on CG Forums!]