Monday, September 24, 2012

Who should be the Celtics starting shooting guard?

When Ray Allen decided to part ways with Boston, the Celtics had to find a way to replace and revamp their offense. After a superb job of recruiting Mr. Sixth Man himself in Jason Terry, finding a way to overcome salary cap hurdles to acquire Courtney Lee, and with the continuing emergence of Avery Bradley, Doc now has multiple options at the shooting guard position. Although we've heard the "it's not who starts the game it's who finishes it" phrase numerous times (right, Bill Belichick?), someone needs to start, and we all know that being forced to the bench was one of the main reasons for Jesus Shuttlesworth's departure. Knowing all that, I pose to you this question. And this assumes that Avery Bradley, who almost certainly will not be ready to start the season, fully recovers...Who should be the Celtics starting shooting guard?

In my opinion, the job is Courtney Lee's to lose. What has made Jason Terry so successful is his ability to provide a spark off the bench, so why mess that up? Considering Rivers mentioned that Avery Bradley will be out for a while, why not stick with Lee? Boston made great efforts to get him here and sign him to a four year deal worth $21.5 million. Lee, who turns 27 on October 3, gives the Celtics a legitimate three-point threat, as he has shot better than 40% in three of his first four seasons. Besides being a three-point weapon, Lee can flat out score. After averaging nearly 18 points a game during his college career, Lee has never averaged lower than 8.3 points per game mostly as a reserve. Along with his offense, the one thing that made Lee attractive in the eyes of Rivers was his ability to defend, something that Ray Allen simply could not do anymore. His quickness, youth, and athleticism gives the C's something they have not had at the two spot since before Allen's arrival.

Lee gives the Celtics balance on offense and defense, something that will be beneficial to the success of the team and will help preserve Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

2 comments:

  1. Lee is the starting shooting guard....no doubt!

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  2. I agree, and Doc has already hinted at the possibility. We'll find out more later on today at Media Day!

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