RE: Pierce And Mihm Refute Rick D's Rebounding Assertion

["Berry, Mark S" <berrym@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

OK... So, Obie's system creates good field-goal percentage defense, terrible rebounding and atrocious offense. Does that cover it? And Dick Harter is the architect of the defense, right? So... what exactly is Obie bringing to the table, other than Harter? The players like him? Didn't they like M.L. also?

The sad thing is, Ainge has given Obie some players to play a different style of offense. But we've regressed to the same thing. Same style. This IS Obie's style. There's no other way to look at it. This is what he wants. Does anyone think he's coaching to the strength of his personnel? 

The scary thing is to look ahead. Obie has stated clearly, over and over, that lateral mobility is the most important skill for a big man to possess in his system. Forget this year - Kendrick is young and probably isn't ready this year - but does anyone see Kendrick as Obie's kind of player next year? The year after? Ever??? Here's a huge kid with great hands, good footwork, a low-post game and great rebounding instincts. But one thing I don't see out of him is tremendous lateral quickness. Does he look like someone who would flourish in blitzing a point guard on the pick and roll? Does he look like someone who should be fronting the guy he's defending in the post? Does anyone think Obie will alter his style for Kendrick? Has he altered it for anyone?

Gaston, Wallace, Antoine, Walter, Obie... This is my hope.

Mark

--- --- ---

Ravi wrote:

Actually, if you compare Mihm's rebounding numbers to when he was with
Cleveland, they are down significantly in roughly the same number of
minutes. And Tony Battie's rebounding numbers are up as are Antoine
Walker's. 

The Celtics weak rebounding is more systemic than anything else, in my
opinion.