Re: FW: [Celtics' Stuff Re: FW: Hope for the future provided that certain peo...

[Celtic4Hire@AOL.com]

JB,
I don't think Obie changed the defense. I don't think that was the problem. I 
do have to say that I couldn't believe that the C's didn't do a little hard 
fouling during the lights out performances by the Hawks. I think the extra 
trapping we have seen is from old Pitino habits of players trying to create 
some havoc. Perfect example was the unnecessary doubling of Rip Hamilton by 
Walker that allowed Laettner the open jumper to win the game. There was 
absoultely no need to double there and there wasn't enough of a pick for 
Walker to think a switch would be necessary. I think the Cs played great 
defense against the Raptors. But you need difference makers. Kedrick was a 
difference maker on D against the Wizards. Palacio also did his part. It 
isn't enough to challenge the shot. The need the fear of a rejection to be 
placed in these pros minds. I think Strickland,  Kenny and JJ played about as 
good as they could defensively against the Hawks, Raptors etc. It is just 
they don't have the athletic ability to be a difference maker. If you aren't 
a difference maker on the defensive end, you better be above average on the 
offensive end or you shouldn't be out there.

As for the offense, I have already stated my case about the lack of the 
running game and the questionable 3 point shooting. I think Tommy made a 
great point on how some of the Cs (Kedrick, JJ) likely aren't comfortable yet 
shooting at the pro 3 point line and maybe they should be lineing up a couple 
of feet closer or give them the fake and move into a position where their 
they can be more consistent. This would be a great question for Obie with his 
seemingly infatuation with the 3. 

On another note, it was interesting to see Shira Springer get a call out for 
a Larry Joe return to the Cs from MJ for mentoring and leadership. The 
pressure will mount on Obie if this slide continues. With Walker being our 
true leader and his obvious need of daily veteran leadership, you got to 
start and wonder what Larry Joe could do. You also have to wonder what it 
would take to get him back. I am starting to think (along with MJ) that the 
Cs (with Walker as the leader) aren't going to do it without someone to guide 
them. It seems to me that Obie's philosphy is to just let them play. I would 
hate to have to wait until next year to find out. I guess that is going to be 
my Plan B (bring Larry back as coach). Plan A is to get as many minutes as 
possible for the core (Palacio, JJ, Brown, Pierce, Walker, Battie) and to run 
as often as possible...