Re: [Celtics' Stuff ] Re: quick thoughts on the nets game

[Jim Metz <jimmetz@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Saturday, October 18, 2003, at 09:02  AM, Celtic4Hire@xxxxxxx wrote:

> I thought the team showed continued improvement on offense.

	DJessen
********************

	I agree, DJ.
	James did show me some ability with the ball and someone has 
instructed both point guards to avoid Walker at the three point circle 
and move the ball in other directions. There is hope.
	Besides James; Kedrick Brown and Vin Baker continued to impress me and 
their continued development and the resultant minutes that O'Brien is 
giving them, is beginning to allow me to think this team might have the 
seeds for improvement. So much depends on the point guard, though, but 
even Banks seems more comfortable as the preseason progresses.
	Having Kedrick on the floor (he keeps moving-wish they all would), 
adds  to the offensive versatility and both point guards were looking 
for him as an option. This should help all around.
	So far; Eric Williams and Walter have done very little on the 
offensive end and neither are they rebounding, so the return of Jumaine 
Jones could also have a major, positive impact.
	Pierce took a beating last night and was quoted in the paper, this AM, 
that he wants his minutes reduced to the low to mid thirties. We'll 
need Delk and/or Jumaine Jones healthy to accomplish this, but a 
strong, rested Pierce will be another  upgrade over last season.
	At center, it is amazing to me, that Battie and Blount get so few 
rebounds. Pierce (10), Walker (9), Brown (7) and James (6), all did 
yeoman's work. Battie had one in in 18 minutes and Blount had one in 9 
minutes. Baker picked up 4 in 29 minutes. So,Vinny played 29 minutes to 
a combined 27 for the defensive specialists. Imagine, adding a low post 
option, as well as the up-tempo style, to Pierce and Walker  This would 
mark and amazing upgrade over last season's offensive style; pretty 
much what we've all only fantasized about. Again, it all depends on 
getting quality point guard play; both in running the break and feeding 
the post, as well as trying to get the ball to Walker and Pierce enough 
times, out of pressure, to keep them happy. It won't be easy, but last 
night we saw some very good signs.

	JB

Unchain My Heart!