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Previews and predictions

E-mail|Link|Comments (0) Posted by Ian Rider October 25, 2009 10:47 PM

Finally, the start of the 2009-10 Celtics regular season is upon us. The Celtics completed their preseason schedule with a 6-2 record, but more important than the wins and losses, the team established a chemistry and a connection with the some of the new players that joined the team in the offseason.

And speaking of the team's additions, the following is my breakdown, good and bad, of the new Celtics based on what I saw in the preseason and how I think they'll fit with the team.

Marquis Daniels

The Goods: Great pickup by the Celtics. He fills a number of roles for the Celtics. Daniels will be the force off the bench offensively that the Celtics have lacked the past few years. He is quick enough to take a big defender off the dribble, and he has the moves to post up smaller, weaker defenders. Just ask Jamario Moon. He's a solid wing defender and likes to set up teammates for open shots. I think Daniels will be a key component this year, especially if he is utilized correctly. He reminds me a little bit of Tony Allen with a little more polish and a lot more hair.

The Bads: He reminds me of Tony Allen. A handful of times this preseason Daniels put his head down and wildly drove to the basket, hoisting up an unmakeable shot. I'm hoping that was a case of garbage-time bravado, but as the saying goes, you practice how you play. Color me concerned. Daniels also doesn't shoot the 3-ball well. Whether they'd admit it or not, the Celtics desperately missed James Posey off the bench last season and Daniels won't spot up in the corner and knock it down like Pose. His game is more of that of a slasher. Finally, the whole Marquis-Daniels-can-run-the-point thing is an issue for me. Daniels cannot, and should not be running the point for this team. Just because the guy doesn't bounce the ball off his foot everytime he takes it to the hoop, doesn't mean he should be the backup point guard. Unforutnately, there is no backup point guard.

Shelden Williams

The Goods:I like his rebounding, which is clearly the sole reason the Celtics went out and got him. I also like his toughness. Mo Williams (no relation), underated in the punk department, gave Shelden a shove in the C's final preseason and the big fella gave it right back to him. I'm hoping he rounds into the big-guy-who-comes-off-the-bench-just-to-knock-people-down role that has been vacant since Perk started getting real minutes.

The Bads:The big guy just doesn't seem all that interested when he's in the game. He's a step slow in defensive rotations, and it doesn't look like he protects the rim well. I recall him at Duke as a decent shot blocker, but I haven't seen much of that in his short time with the C's. Also, his wife has more vertical leap than him. All in all, it's a good pickup. I mean, I don't see a ton of minutes for the guy. He'll probably be the last guy on the bench. He may not even have to wear his uniform under his warm-ups.

Lester Hudson

The Goods:From what I saw this preseason, the rookie can hit the 3-ball and he didn't look hesitatant to shoot. I like his speed and his hands on defense. I like his frohawk. He seems to me like he can get some run at the backup point guard position. I'm hoping he can handle it.

The Bads: Hudson's issues in my opinion will be consistency. Like any first year player, especially a point guard he will have ups and downs learning the offensive and defensive plays. What makes this more of an issue is the lack of a true backup point guard on the squad. Eddie House and Marquis Daniels don't qualify. Don't be shocked if this team looks for a veteran PG during the season again this year.

Rasheed Wallace

The Goods This guy does it all. He's one of the best defensive big men in the league. This is a guy who, like Garnett, can change a team's defensive identity by himself with the way he communicates with the other defenders. Offensively, he can dominate in the low block, or spotting up. He will pull the Shaqs and Howards of the league out of the lane with his shooting. While he can can put up big numbers, he is extremely unselfish on the offensive end. I love everything about this guy. Even that little inexplicable gray spot in his hair. I would rub that thing before every game for luck. You know, if I were on the team. Seriously, though, I believe he will be the difference maker this year.

The Bads: There is always the obvious with guys with Rasheed's reputation. We in the New England area have seen this reputation proved wrong time and time again. See Randy Moss. However, where there is smoke, there's fire, and I have witnessed first hand a Rasheed melt down. I'm not concerned about the technicals in the first quarter, or in a 10-point blow out. But Wallace has cost his team specific games losing his cool. Thankfully, he is a bench player now, and if he was tossed from a big game, the C's should be able to overcome it. I hope.

Kevin Garnett

The Goods:So he was technically on the roster last season, but this was the most important addition the team made in the offeseason. Kevin Garnett's health. Everything else you all know already. The man is a beast.

The Bads: Although KG looked great in the preseason, we know that with knee injuries, it takes a little time for the player to round back into form. See Tom Brady. While Garnett's surgery was not nearly as severe, it is what it is. I can take a rusty KG for the first quarter of the season. It's keeping that knee healthy that worries me the most. And unless the doctors surgically implanted a throttle in this man when he was under the knife, keeping the minutes down for Garnett will be a major priority.

Season predictions:

This is the most complete team the Celtics have had in the "Big 3" era. The additions made in the offseason clearly addressed all of the team's needs, with the exception of a clear backup to Rondo. Althoug the East's major players have added pieces, Shaq to the Cavs, Vince to the Magic, I believe the Celtics obstacles this season are their own. How will Garnett's knee respond? How will the Rondo contract situation play out? How will the new guys fit in? How many concussions will it take before Brian Scalabrine is wearing a helmet on the court?

I can't answer any of those questions, but I truly believe that this will be a special Celtics team. I see this as possibly a record setting season especially on their home floor. While I can't guarantee 73 wins like my man 'Sheed, I will go with a 70-12 record, and the top seed in the East.