More game thoughts

["Rohan Prashad" <roinitaly@hotmail.com>]

Really enjoyed watching the game last night. I don't think the crowd was 
inflated b/c of a possible MJ sighting...I think the Boston area is 
legitimately enthused with the new Celtics and the prospects of next years 
team. My thoughts on the action:

-Khalid El-Amin looked great. He has great instincts and offensive ability. 
He can break down the defense easily and can finish with a variety of shots. 
I did want him to dish the ball off a couple of times though, particularly 
since he won't be with the team next year and I wanted our players to get 
shots. However, I don't think this guy is as good as he looked last night. 
He was cut from a Bulls team that won all of 15 games last year. One 
position that usually excels at summer league play is point guard. I know 
Chris Herren and Rick Brunson both had amazing games in summer play last 
year.

-Milt Palacio was not nearly as impressive. But I would still take him over 
El-Amin. His size and defense looked great. He missed a lot of wide open 
shots, but they were mainly 3s. I think his range is still 18 feet and in. 
He hit an 18 footer and his free throws looked good. He had a nice open 
court dish to Moiso after commiting himself by jumping in the air. He still 
needs lots of polish.

-Joe Johnson has polish to spare however. This guy could be our starter at 
the 3 on opening night. He has a nice shot, handles and defense. Some really 
impressive steals. He also had a couple of great passes. He will quickly 
become a fan favorite.

-Kedrick Brown is already a fan favorite. He made the crowd ooh and ahh on a 
rebound and a block attempt. My favorite play of the night was the pump fake 
and pop. He could have taken it all the way in for the emphatic dunk, but 
took the 15 footer. No doubt he could dunk on AJ Bramlett but maybe not over 
Dikembe once he gets into the league. That play showed smarts and skills. 
His 3's were really off though.

-Joe Forte did some good things tonight. He was unselfish and always around 
the ball. I'm not worried about this kid at all. I think he is a sure thing 
to provide good solid play off the bench. But not starter material...just 
too small.

-Mark Blount was a beast. He was really hyped and had a bunch of strong 
rejections. I couldn't believe he only got credit for 2 blocks. Watching the 
game I thought he had 5 or 6. Got some good rebounds too, but still commits 
himself to blocked shots and leaves his man for the offensive rebound often. 
Still no offense to speak of. He is improving though.

-Jerome Moiso...don't know what to say that hasn't been said already. 
Tantalizing potential. No results. The guy is so loooooong and agile, but 
dribbles the ball off his foot, drops passes and gets pushed around. I 
thought he had a couple nice blocks that were called fouls. He didn't get in 
the post at all.

I think Mark mentioned something about the rims being tight. I defintely 
agree, a bunch of shots looked good but the rims kicked them out. It had to 
be bottom to go in. I hope Red makes the rims in the FleetCenter nice and 
soft since we are trying to become a run and gun offensive powerhouse.

Rohan
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