The key aspect of the trip was the formation of chemistry. Building chemistry takes time. Chemistry requires stability, sustainability, and trusting one other. Trust not only amongst themselves, but with their coach. In other words, Doc Rivers is considered a lineup change. And for those of who you thought that Doc starting rookie Jared Sullinger and guard Jason Terry was just a way for him to see how different players mesh, you're right, sort of. After practice, Rivers hinted at the very real possibility that the starting lineup could change from game to game. When asked about that possibility, Rivers replied, "I don't know if we will do that, but we may. I've said before if you can take a starter and put him on the second unit, that's good for the second unit."
This is a very interesting tactic by Rivers, if he does indeed follow through and consistently mix up the lineup. Remember, Rivers is the same guy who repeatedly let everyone know that the same starting lineup of Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Kendrick Perkins had never lost a playoff series from 2008-2010 when Perkins tore his ACL in Game Six of the 2010 NBA Finals. For a team that valued that camaraderie and consistency, its certainly a different approach, but with the Celtics in a stage of transition, Doc needs to adjust his methods for the benefit of the team. Furthermore, Rivers is notorious for not giving his rookies any significant playing time (with very few exceptions), so to see him toying with the idea of inserting Sullinger with the first team is a tremendous compliment to the rookie forward.
The idea of mixing up the lineup is one of the reasons Ray Allen departed for South Beach. Allen never really accepted his role off the bench, thus leading to an uncomfortable situation for those involved. (He's probably coming off the bench in Miami too, which to me makes no sense, but whatever) However, the concept of putting a starter into the second unit can only help, and Rivers's thought process with Allen was to have a colossal edge in scoring when the Celtics matched up with their opponents' second team. The same can be said for this year's team, except that many players could go through the revolving door from the starting five to the bench, which can only a positive thing.
Brandon Bass is one who could fill this role. Bass earned the trust of his teammates and coaches as last year progressed by stepping up during big moments -- he covered LeBron James during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals last season -- and that he can play with the first unit and second units. Having someone like Bass who can defend, finish strong at the rim, and can shoot at a high level coming off the bench would be huge for the second unit.
On the flip side, adding another proven and potent scorer in Jason Terry to the starting lineup will just make the Celtics a nightmare for opposing defenses right out of the shoot. Terry's versatility lies in his ability to create his own shot, scoring off the dribble, being able to back up Rondo (another issue for another time), and spotting up in the corner for three-pointers. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his production doesn't change. In 2006-2007, Terry started 80 games and averaged 16.7 points per game. In 2008-2009 when he won the Sixth Man of the Year, Terry played in 74 games and started only 11, and his production improved; he averaged 19.6 points per game. Terry has said all the right things throughout his time here so far. The only thing on his mind is banner 18, just check out his new tattoo. Why wouldn't you believe him knowing that?
Rivers even mentioned throwing Dark Milicic into the lineup as well. Darko has shown a lot in training camp so far, and Rivers is hoping for more of the same from him. “I know what my job is,” Milicic said on Thursday. “I’m not looking to go crazy on offense.” Through the first two preseason games, Milicic has compiled 15 rebounds and blocked 6 shots. “He just needs a chance. He just needs a team that wants him to do his job without asking him to be the No. 2 pick in the draft,” Rivers said. “We’re just asking him to be part of a group and part of a team. We give him roles on the team. I think he likes the roles that we’ve given him and he didn’t feel any extra pressure. So far, so good. We just have to keep him in that frame of mind that he’s in now.” Ever since being that elusive number 2 overall pick in arguably the best draft in NBA history, Milicic has tried too hard to live up to unfair expectations. “You can see that he gets frustrated easy,” Rivers said. “So we’re trying to eliminate those episodes.
Finally the x-factor in all this: Jared Sullinger. According to Rivers, after a playmaker off the bench, the second most important need the Celtics needed to address was size. Not to knock Greg Stiemsma and Ryan Hollins, but after Kevin Garnett, the Celtics had no legitimate backup big men. With the additions of veterans Jason Collins and Milicic, Boston took action to address the issue. They also may have gotten lucky with their selection of Sullinger.
Many have compared him to Glen "Big Baby" Davis. Although both have some similarities in their games, I find this to be condescending. Sullinger has a lot more to offer. He can post up on the low block, run with Rondo on the break, can drive to the hoop, and most importantly, he can rebound. And although they aren't the tallest power forwards in the league -- they are both 6'9'' -- Sullinger has used his height and girth to his advantage, as he averaged 9.7 rebounds per game in his two seasons at Ohio State while Davis has averaged 4.4 rebounds per game in his five seasons in the NBA. He has received high praise from his peers. Said Kevin Garnett, "Sully is very intelligent player. Very, very high IQ basketball." When asked what distinguishes Sullinger from other rookies, Rivers responded, "His IQ. He doesn't think like a rookie, he thinks like a veteran. He plays at great pace, he’s one of our best rebounders, he can pass the ball -- so he does a lot of things that help our team." The one who had the highest praise? Rajon Rondo. Rondo said, "[Sullinger is] probably the smartest rookie we've had since I've been here," said Rondo. "He's very intelligent, high basketball IQ, and he's very unselfish. He doesn't need a play called for him. He's been getting his points just off the little dirty work."
In the end, its only the preseason, and experimenting with different rotations is part of getting to know your players. Considering there's eleven new guys on the roster, Rivers needs to see who works well with who.
Who do you guys think should start? Is Rivers doing the right thing? Does it even matter? Let your voice be heard!
This is a very interesting tactic by Rivers, if he does indeed follow through and consistently mix up the lineup. Remember, Rivers is the same guy who repeatedly let everyone know that the same starting lineup of Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Kendrick Perkins had never lost a playoff series from 2008-2010 when Perkins tore his ACL in Game Six of the 2010 NBA Finals. For a team that valued that camaraderie and consistency, its certainly a different approach, but with the Celtics in a stage of transition, Doc needs to adjust his methods for the benefit of the team. Furthermore, Rivers is notorious for not giving his rookies any significant playing time (with very few exceptions), so to see him toying with the idea of inserting Sullinger with the first team is a tremendous compliment to the rookie forward.
The idea of mixing up the lineup is one of the reasons Ray Allen departed for South Beach. Allen never really accepted his role off the bench, thus leading to an uncomfortable situation for those involved. (He's probably coming off the bench in Miami too, which to me makes no sense, but whatever) However, the concept of putting a starter into the second unit can only help, and Rivers's thought process with Allen was to have a colossal edge in scoring when the Celtics matched up with their opponents' second team. The same can be said for this year's team, except that many players could go through the revolving door from the starting five to the bench, which can only a positive thing.
Brandon Bass is one who could fill this role. Bass earned the trust of his teammates and coaches as last year progressed by stepping up during big moments -- he covered LeBron James during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals last season -- and that he can play with the first unit and second units. Having someone like Bass who can defend, finish strong at the rim, and can shoot at a high level coming off the bench would be huge for the second unit.
On the flip side, adding another proven and potent scorer in Jason Terry to the starting lineup will just make the Celtics a nightmare for opposing defenses right out of the shoot. Terry's versatility lies in his ability to create his own shot, scoring off the dribble, being able to back up Rondo (another issue for another time), and spotting up in the corner for three-pointers. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his production doesn't change. In 2006-2007, Terry started 80 games and averaged 16.7 points per game. In 2008-2009 when he won the Sixth Man of the Year, Terry played in 74 games and started only 11, and his production improved; he averaged 19.6 points per game. Terry has said all the right things throughout his time here so far. The only thing on his mind is banner 18, just check out his new tattoo. Why wouldn't you believe him knowing that?
Rivers even mentioned throwing Dark Milicic into the lineup as well. Darko has shown a lot in training camp so far, and Rivers is hoping for more of the same from him. “I know what my job is,” Milicic said on Thursday. “I’m not looking to go crazy on offense.” Through the first two preseason games, Milicic has compiled 15 rebounds and blocked 6 shots. “He just needs a chance. He just needs a team that wants him to do his job without asking him to be the No. 2 pick in the draft,” Rivers said. “We’re just asking him to be part of a group and part of a team. We give him roles on the team. I think he likes the roles that we’ve given him and he didn’t feel any extra pressure. So far, so good. We just have to keep him in that frame of mind that he’s in now.” Ever since being that elusive number 2 overall pick in arguably the best draft in NBA history, Milicic has tried too hard to live up to unfair expectations. “You can see that he gets frustrated easy,” Rivers said. “So we’re trying to eliminate those episodes.
Finally the x-factor in all this: Jared Sullinger. According to Rivers, after a playmaker off the bench, the second most important need the Celtics needed to address was size. Not to knock Greg Stiemsma and Ryan Hollins, but after Kevin Garnett, the Celtics had no legitimate backup big men. With the additions of veterans Jason Collins and Milicic, Boston took action to address the issue. They also may have gotten lucky with their selection of Sullinger.
Many have compared him to Glen "Big Baby" Davis. Although both have some similarities in their games, I find this to be condescending. Sullinger has a lot more to offer. He can post up on the low block, run with Rondo on the break, can drive to the hoop, and most importantly, he can rebound. And although they aren't the tallest power forwards in the league -- they are both 6'9'' -- Sullinger has used his height and girth to his advantage, as he averaged 9.7 rebounds per game in his two seasons at Ohio State while Davis has averaged 4.4 rebounds per game in his five seasons in the NBA. He has received high praise from his peers. Said Kevin Garnett, "Sully is very intelligent player. Very, very high IQ basketball." When asked what distinguishes Sullinger from other rookies, Rivers responded, "His IQ. He doesn't think like a rookie, he thinks like a veteran. He plays at great pace, he’s one of our best rebounders, he can pass the ball -- so he does a lot of things that help our team." The one who had the highest praise? Rajon Rondo. Rondo said, "[Sullinger is] probably the smartest rookie we've had since I've been here," said Rondo. "He's very intelligent, high basketball IQ, and he's very unselfish. He doesn't need a play called for him. He's been getting his points just off the little dirty work."
Who do you guys think should start? Is Rivers doing the right thing? Does it even matter? Let your voice be heard!
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