Random Thoughts on Rankings as I Anxiously Await Training Camp

 Training Camp is just 10 days away now.   Players report on September 27.  It seems like forever since I watched the Celtics play.   Celtics fans have much to look forward to this season.  They tied for 3rd in the East last season and they have added the 18th best player in the league according to SI top 100 list and most are ranking the Celtics as 2nd in the East.



The Celtics projected starting lineuup all made SI's top 100.  The lowest ranked is Amir Johnson at #86.

+ Allowed a similar % at the rim to blocks leader Hassan Whiteside (per Nylon Calculus)
+ Critical defender on one of the NBA’s top defenses
– Little in the way of ball skills; reliant on cuts, rolls, and put-backs to score
– Logged just 22.8 MPG last season, with some time ceded to small-ball alternatives

 Avery Bradley is next at #72.

+ Made and attempted more threes last season (147 for 407) than he did his first four seasons combined.
+ One of four players among the top 20 in steals to register more steals than turnovers
– Injury issues have been a recurring theme throughout his career
– His limitations make him reliant on his teammates to generate much of his offense

 Jae Crowder is ranked at #53 and has been described as a borderline star.  While everyone is looking for a star to trade for,  the Celtics may be growing one already on the team.

+ Registered 43 more steals than turnovers last year, ranking No. 2 in the NBA (+47)
+ Ranked in the top 30 in both Win Shares and Real Plus Minus.
– He hasn’t yet shown he should be taking threes in heavy doses (33.6%)
– His five-year, $35 million contract drastically undersells his value on the open market

Isaiah Thomas is ranked at 45 this year and as he did last year when he was ranked at 88,  he complained about his ranking being too low.   The perceived rank from year's low ranking helped to motivate Isaiah to the All Star game and a move of 43 spots in this year's ranking.  Hopefully this year's perceived slight will similarly motivate him this season.

+ His 22.2 PPG last season ranked third all-time among players listed under 6 feet, trailing 1991 Michael Adams (26.5 PPG) and 1978 Calvin Murphy (25.6 PPG)
+ He led the NBA with 949 drives last season, ranking No. 2 with 619 points on drives
– He had his shot blocked 109 times last year, second most in the NBA
– Struggled in the postseason, as his overall efficiency, three-point shooting and finishing numbers all drop

The highest ranked Celtic is this year's free agent prize, Al Horford who is ranked at #18.  

 + Exceptional passer who could run an offense from the high post
+ Quality positional defender who understands how to track opponents in space
– Experiences some rebounding troubles against bigger centers
– Dabbled with a three-point shot last season but hasn’t yet hit a league-average %

On ESPN Insider's player profiles,  they describe Jae Crowder like this:

Scouting report
+ Energetic role player with near-star value
+ Adequate outside shooter who excels around the basket
+ Terrific one-on-one defender who can guard bigger opponents

I agree that his play is very close to star level.  One important thing to remember about Jae is that he is an incredibly hard worker.  He is motivated by his doubters and he works incredibly hard on his game.  Just like teammate Avery Bradley, he comes back better every year.  He posted this on Instagram.

MY OLD MAN SAID IF THEY DONT BELIEVE IN YOU... MAKE EM BELIEVE.!! #ITALLSTARTEDINTHEDRIVEWAY #BELIEVEINYOURSELF #UNCAGED @thepatientchase

A video posted by 99 PROBLEMS (@bossmann99) on Sep 16, 2016 at 7:33pm PDT

If they don't believe in you... make them believe!   If they say you need a superstar - make your team one superstar!   10 more days until they report to training camp.  I can't wait!!! 

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