ode to joe

[Eric Albert]

>I think Doc has explained that.  Scal is doing better in practice than Powe. 
> 
>Harry 

Um, this is *always* Doc's "explanation."  It's a convenient one because fans
can't see how players do in practice; we can only see what they do on the
floor.

But there's a history of Celtics who seem to play well on the floor (which is,
after all, where it counts), and who fans think should get more of a chance,
but who don't until someone gets injured.  Then those ignored players actually
do play well, just like we felt they would.  Last year, it was Gomes and Perk.

Gomes looked like he could play the moment he stepped on an NBA court.  He
also looked like one of the smartest players on the floor.  Doc didn't play him
much.  Months later, Gomes got to play because someone got hurt.  He's been
in the starting line-up ever since.

What's up?  Gomes wasn't showing his skills in practice?  Gomes wasn't smart
enough to learn "the stuff"?

I just don't believe it.  Doc has not shown that he gives out minutes based on
what they players do, on the floor *or* in practice.  Frankly, I don't understand
*how* Doc allocates minutes, and I think it's one of this worst qualities as a
coach.  I'm hardly alone is criticizing him for this.

Speaking of which: what's happened to Rondo?  He was a really bright spot in
the early games.  Lots of outside commentators were talking about him as the
steal of the draft.  I even heard comments about "dark horse for rookie of the
year."

Yes, his offense has some problems.  But they didn't seem crippling.  And he
brought other skills in abundance, skills we could use.  I'm not saying he should
be our starting point guard.  I just don't understand how such a promising young
player can not merit *any* minutes, especially on a losing team.

But again, people have made these complaints a thousand times about Doc: No
set rotations.  (Not even the hint of a rotation.)  Completely unpredictable
minutes.   Minutes not based on anything anyone can see.  And so on.

Pretty important areas for a (game) coach.  Which is why I feel Doc shouldn't
be coaching this team.

-- Eric