Are we improving?

[keltsfan]

Not having looked at any statistics, the biggest improvement seems to be on
defense. The intensity has picked up as a result of Perkins improved play
combined with quickness and tenacity at both the guard positions. Rondo and
West have generally forced opposing guards out of their comfort zones
whether it be pace, shooting range, whatever.  This bodes extremely well for
next season, especially if Tony Allen comes back healthy.  Rondo, West and
Allen provide outstanding perimeter defense potential and if Oden falls into
the Celtics laps, look out. 

The key is to make sure a quicker and focused defender is on the floor with
Pierce or Sczcerbiak. Having both Pierce and Sczcerbiak on the floor at the
same time is a frightening prospect when it comes to stopping the other team
from scoring. 

Defense will once again become an issue if Durant is in a Boston uni next
season.  Pierce and Durant both play the small forward position.  Pierce is
incapable of guarding shooting guards and neither is Durant capable of
handling either guards or power forwards.  While it may be justified to
bring Durant off the bench for a time, at some point he will need to start
given his enormous talent.  

Ravi  

> -----Original Message-----
> From: celtics-bounces at igtc.com 
> [mailto:celtics-bounces at igtc.com] On Behalf Of Dr. Ben Fuller
> Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 9:13 AM
> To: The Boston Celtics Mailing List
> Subject: Are we improving?
> 
> Did some back of the envelope calculations to see if we have 
> improved since the beginning of the year.  The time when 
> Pierce was down put a lot of L's in the bank, but there was 
> at least some optimism that the young guys were learning.  
> So, I looked at the games played before Pierce's  injury and 
> those after. (Someone who can actually watch games, etc, 
> ought to check my dates and figures because I may not have 
> the best info.)
> 
> Before 22 Dec., the Celts were 10 and 14, or .410.  After 10 
> Feb., the Celts have been 10 and 12 or .450, but as Ryan says 
> the team is 9 and 7 in the last 16 games or .560.  Depending 
> on the glass is half full/empty perspective, one could say 
> that there has been a slight improvement post injury with a 
> more positive trend after they played a few games with Paul 
> back.  I suppose the rest of the season (10 games or so? and 
> if they don't shut Pierce down) will give us an indication of 
> whether this is a poor to mediocre team, or one with some 
> potential to be competitive most nights.
> 
> Ben
> 
> 
> **********************************************
> Dr. Ben Fuller
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