Green with Envy
In one active and expensive summer, the Celtics jumped right out of the black hole that has engulfed the franchise for most of the post-Bird era. The acquisition of Kevin Garnett, coupled with the Ray Allen trade from draft night and added to the hopes of a healthy (and inspired) Paul Pierce have made the C's a serious contender for the East, right there with Miami, Detroit and Cleveland.
But the tremors will be felt the most in the Atlantic Division, no doubt. And the Knicks playoff drive just got that much harder.
Look, say what you want about the ages of Garnett and Allen, but these guys are still star-quality players who can lift a franchise. My questions with Boston revolve around the PG position (I like Rondo, but not as a full-time starter). In fact, I think Doc Rivers could do a better job just by his smarts alone. I'll tell you what, Steve Blake would have looked awesome with that group.
I also wonder how they'll run the offense with Pierce, who is used to getting the ball on just about every trip down the floor and putting up 40 shots a game. Allen isn't a selfish player, but we know his best asset is his perimeter jumper, not his perimeter defense.
Garnett is the best big the Celtics have had since McHale. He demands the ball, but that demand seems to decrease as the game goes on. His defense will be a major improvement for them and, no doubt, the Celtics will be able to do a lot of runnin-and-gunnin.
OK, so what does this mean for the Knicks? Head-to-head it'll be a great matchup, but the Celtics still don't have someone to go with Eddy Curry. KG is long and athletic, but Curry is much stronger. Plus, KG also has to contend with Zach Randolph. The departures of Al Jefferson (who I, like many, see as an up-and-comer) and Ryan Gomes (an under-rated player) will hurt the depth in the front court.
The bigger issue right now if you're a Knicks fan is that the Celtics have become another bona fide team to compete with for a playoff spot. Eight teams get in, so look at the eight that got in this year and try to find the one you believe will drop out in order for the Knicks (and Celtics) to get in. Is it Orlando? Washington? New Jersey?
The Atlantic won't be a joke this year, that's for sure.
Some of you may want to see a response by the Knicks, but I wouldn't get crazy. Ron Artest is still a possibility, but I wouldn't panic and give up David Lee for him just to answer the Celtics.
You could, however, start pining for Kobe Bryant right about now. With KG out of the equation, the Lakers have few options to give Kobe a sidekick. You know that story now comes back to the forefront.
If anything, at least you know the Celtics will be capped out for a while now that they signed KG to a three-year extension. So that's one less team that could get him.
And it could be worse....you could be a Sixers fan. I don't care what their second-half record was (can you chalk it up to teams not taking them seriously?). Philly has a lot to prove and didn't do that much to improve their starting five to be considered a contender.
You want me to toss out a team I think could be on the decline? The Nets. VC got his money. J-Kidd isn't getting any younger and RJ still doesn't have a role. Kristic is coming off major knee surgery and they drafted a drug-troubled kid who was kicked off his college team.
By the way, you think Danny Ainge made sure to move Wally Szczerbiak as a way to make Boston a little more appealing of a destination for KG? Just a thought.
Lemme hear your thoughts on the KG Effect in the East.
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Comments (20)
Cool. The best take yet. You're still the man even if your fatter from your week away.
Excellent assessment! I think that Washington (disarray) & Miami (old) will continue to decline. I can see the Nets plan exploding but I doubt it. Orlando does not convince me yet. The knicks have to play to their strengths & give teams fits from the block, 3 point line & bench. The bench depth & energy will actually be the X factor that will wear teams down. I have a lot of faith that a disciplined Knick squad will get into the middle of the pack.
If...there is any chance for Kobe it is now. The question would be what type of package would make it happen?
Everyone keeps saying the Nets are getting older. Ya'll been saying it for the last 3 years.
It doesn't matter how old they get. JKidd is the most influential floor general in the game today. He doesn't take plays off even when they are not playing up to their potential. SO I'm not buying that NJ assessment. They are solid from 1 to 5 with the addition of Magloire and the retention of VC. If they would have let him go, NJ would be lost.
You curiously forgot to include Kendrick Perkins in the equation. He may be foul prone but he's also the most physical center KG's played with. You've also got Big Baby who looks good and sturdy and Powe who gave us fits along with Gomes last year.
I wonder if Tony Allen makes it back from the most boneheadedness injury I've ever seen.
Also, I don't see Artest as an answer to the Celtics. I see the KG trade as an answer to Zach. I see Artest as the finishing touch to an extremely balanced team (both young developing talent and contributing veterans). It's not a panic move...its a move that should have already been made and the KG trade just makes it more of a necessity.
Good night and good luck.
Yea, I wouldn't write off the Nets yet either. Even though they lost Mikey Moore the addition of Magloire will make them better. He's more physical inside. Plus I think RJ days are numbered in NJ, don't sleep on a blockbuster coming out of there.
Boston and Toronto are tough as well, but I think were going to be tough too. And I also don't think Isiah is done yet he obviously as too many players so something has to give.
AH,
In addition to "who will play the point?", the glaring question that allows me to be at peace about the C's is, "how deep can their bench be when the first unit needs a blow?" So many assets have been placed on getting the trio leprechauns. To match their three stars, NYK have 4-5 bona fide stars who can light up for 30 points each to match PLUS a deep bench that can provide a change of pace. The games must be played and you said it all: A team's move should not cause you to go into panic mode or do something calous. How do you view their second unit even if they bring in BKnight for the 1?
KFL
I'm new to the blod,but I also think the Knicks have more from 1-10,and even 10-15, then the C's.Their big 3 will have to play 40 minute games. How long can they keep that up.And if one of them is hurt(knicks fans see 2007)then what?
You guys are all on point, the Celtics' bench doesn't impress me. If you're relying on Big Baby to give you big minutes, you're asking a lot. And Kendrick Perkins is easily the weakest center in the division (Sam Dalembert is better). But you can't overlook a team with three star players. Two usually is the formula for success. Three usually means championship. The Celtics will be something to reckon with, though it may take a month to get on the same page. Like I said, getting three players who each were used to being the Man to share the ball will take some work and sacrifice.
One thing about Ainge: I wonder how long he sticks with Doc Rivers? Remember, Ainge was a coach.
As for the Nets, I just think if you want to pick a team that could slide in the division, it's them. Magloire is a good addition, but I still say Vince Carter's apathy (especially now with a new contract) will be a sandbag.
Watching Glavine going for 300. Peace.
Garnett to Celtics is another welcome development for the NBA, but I doubt to Boston. At least it tilted the imbalance of the league's highest paid players from West to East. The East teams showed that they still have the interest and the will to win with the KG, Zach, Lewis, Allen movements from West.
However, its risky for Boston. Celtics present lineup is more design for a shorter league than the NBA. Will its depth can sustain for 82 games sked? Will its sapped and injury proned trio have the stamina to play for over 30mins per game? How can Allen and Pierce be kept away from injuries which are more of regular than exceptional occurence for the two?
In Boston, rebuilding has a new concept.
I think all speculation on the durability of the three C's stars is a little off-base; and all the moreso if you're going off of last season. Ray had surgery for an injury he could have played through if his team wasn't in the tank. Same for Pierce(sitting out that is). Otherwise, they've all been mostly healthy and bonafide All-Stars throughout their careers, and all three have the mindset and makeup that could lead to the chemistry needed to succeed in Boston.
I think the main glimmer of hope for the rest of us in the Atlantic division is their Nicole Richie-thin bench(oh god shoot me for making that analogy). Unless Doc somehow learns to coach better than Ainge with a towel in his face and can juggle both the PT and matchups, we're all going to hear the same concerns leading up to July that we heard about the Suns. Namely, is the starting 5 being put to work too much during the regular season to be effective during the playoffs? Unless their 2nd round picks make Ainge look great, the answer would have to be yes.
I still like our chances as a 3 or 4 seed in the playoffs. Wow, I can't believe I just typed that sentence after the last two years. Go NY, Go NY, GO!
Wow KG a Celtic. To me it does not look right.
I don't see apathy being a problem with JKidd still on the court, still the leader. He's a general. What he lacks in skills and speed, he makes up in leadership and drive. Until his body breaks down, the Nets will be contenders. I just don't see VC coming back with less energy. They sucked last year without Krstic and Mikki Moore was the only reason they were able to go to the second round of the playoffs. But that's not to say it was the Mikki Moore show. By that point in the season, he had developed a 10-15 foot jumpshot and of course the chemistry between he and JKidd on the pick and roll was a thing of beauty. I see a rejuvenated Magloire by the middle of next season (barring injury of course...which is a big question mark). And if they trade RJ, they should move to California and forget about Brooklyn. RJ makes the thing go even if his numbers have suffered since VC was brought on. He's a glue guy. He'll always have your back...or be on your back...(wink, wink LoL)
Boston definitely has a problem with their bench. They traded everyone away. That's definitely a HUGE issue that needs to be dealt with.
The way I see it though is that its easier to find complementary players who are willing to fill out a roster than it is to find 3 bonafide superstars in this league. Especially when you consider that thee 3 superstars are some of the classiest individuals in the league. 3 unselfish professionals in their prime.
They may have been leaders on their former teams but they are on the kind of players (see:Kobe, MJ) that thrive on being one man gangs. They aren't the type of players who need the ball in their hands to be effective (with the exception being Pierce).
KG's best years was running with Sprewell and Cassell (Szczerbiak and Olowokandi filling out the starting five). A younger Troy Hudson was backing up Cassell.
You can't tell me that THAT Minny team is deeper than Boston will be once they fill the final 4 spots on their roster. You can't tell me that their starting five in Minny had more talent than they have now in Boston. You can't tell me that the Eastern Conference today is a harder conference than the West was then when KG and Minny went as deep into the playoffs as they had ever been.
You can't put a label on them and expect them to fail. I just don't see that as a reasonable expectation. That is the most talented team Pierce, KG and Allen have ever been on even if they don't sign anyone else (which they will).
Nice having you back Alan. You're my first stop of the morning. Top o' the mornin' to ya!
Nets and Rapts will race out to good starts while the C's and Knicks work out their chemistry with Zach, Allen and KG.
I love the star power we'll be seeing in the Atlantic. KG, Allen, Pierce vs. Kidd, RJ, VC, vs. Bosh and company vs. Curry, Zach and Stephon vs. Korver, Iggy, Thornton (just kidding on this last one!).
First, I must say that I really enjoy your blog and I check it everyday. Being as it may this is my first and far from last comment. I truly believe that the KG deal was a power move which will change the Atlantic division. I for one would've love to see KG playing for NY, however to give up so much for one player is a hard pill to swallow. This trade makes Isiah’s deal look brilliant..! For NY to acquire a 20-10 type of player (same as KG) who is younger and only giving up an overpaid guard and a decent forward (I like CF) who will never be a dominant player was genius …? No to mention we still have a few expiring contracts and a lot of young talent. One more move could put this team step above the entire Eastern Conference…! (Kobe or Ron-Ron)
I have nothing against the Knicks being a Net fan, But what would make you think the Nets would be easily be the first team to slide, The Celtics and the Knicks still have to prove even with their new additions that they can beat the Nets as we all saw who was the real Atlantic Divisions Champion in 2007, Everyone keeps hoping for the fall of JKidds Knees as well as the Nets, Keep holding your breath, I give the C's the edge over the Knicks at this point, because they bought in two leader-Type guys who are willing to put egos aside in order to win games, Last I checked Zach was part of that no good team in Portland that they couldn't break up soon enough, Knicks need leadership, not another guy who's gonna come in with the same bad attitude and bring the team down, remember with all those bad records the Knicks have gone through the last years, Talent was never an issue, in most cases the knicks on paper have had more talent than the Nets, actually the whole division, so ask yourself as a true Basketball and Knick fan, DOES ZACH REALLY CHANGE ANYTHING??
P.S.S Kidd will not let the Nets Slip, so forget about that.
Eastern Conference Seeded:
1)Chicago- Another year that these guys have been able to grow together and personally improve, plus some minor additions will allow this team to just edge into first.
2)Detroit- The core impact players get a year older but Stuckey being the first guard off the bench will be lightning in a bottle. Could use some help in the paint but their overall D overshadows anything the East has for us next season.
3)Toronto- Bosh only gets better and better and the rest of the crew is headed in the same direction. Most of the international imports are simple more fundamentally sound opposed to most of homegrown kids that want the MJ fanfare w/o half the talent. Team play wins games, just ask Detroit.
4)Orlando- Despite the loses and gains to this team balancing out, everyone seems to forget the quick start this team got off to last year. Another year of development for Howard and Nelson should allow this team to hold its ground this time around. More play from Reddick and SVG manning the wheel should help stabilize this squad down the stretch.
5)New York- Despite questionable chemistry and D there is NOT one starter that is not capable of raining 30pts down on the opposition on any given night. NY takes the biggest beating in most articles due to its enormous payroll w/ next to no results. However, aside from offensive power in the starting 5, most writers seem to sleep on their deep, athletic, young, and improving bench. You can not judge one teams upcoming season on the summer league but the baby Knicks abused all other teams. This leaves reason to believe that NY has weathered the worst of the storm and should be coming out of their corner swinging.
6)Boston- The big 3 alone is strong enough to probably rank them higher despite their paper thin bench. Lets face reality for all those still drunk from the spiked Kool-Aid. There will be injuries w/ not a quality role player in sight to pick up the slack. The prudent thing for Doc to do is rest those guys upon first sign of wincing, take a lower seed into the playoffs as to not burn these guys out, and neutral drop it off the line in the playoffs. Thats their best shot to bring it all home.
7)Cleveland- Has not done a thing to improve this squad and was a joke in the finals. Despite James being one of the top players in the league, he has just as much of a chance to bring it home as Kobe does in LA. Their entrance into the finals was a fluke similar to The St. Louis Cardinals which is the least deserving team to ever pull off a World Series win. Similar to the Cards, we will watch the bottom fall out for the Cavs as they will be luck to get out of the first round.
8)Miami/DC/New Jersey- Take your pick.
No matter what Kidd is capable of injuries to RJ (has happened both of the last 2 seasons), VC with fists full of cash (he only showed up 65% of the time when he was playing for a contract!), and a resurrected Magliore (does anyone even know if this guy can still play after sitting most of the year in Portland) is not enough toget it done every day. Their only saving grace would be a near all-star year from Kristic.
Miami is another team that should burn down the house and run with the insurance money. Wade is w/o question one of todays best and Shaq is Shaq, or is he? Once the big guys start losing there legs it never gets anything but worse (see Patrick Ewing). Can they still compete? Health, maybe. I dont believe anyone in South Beach could be blind enough to think Smush will make a difference. If you think he found his way out of Laker Land quick after being overly vocal, see if that flies in any shape, form, or fashion w/ Pat Reily (see Anthony Mason '95). All told, the Heat are older, more injury prone, and lost two great role players on the wing (Kapono and Posey). Shaq is indeed an icon but dont feel bad big guy, even Rome fell.
Lastly is the Wiz and their so called big 3. They house a bench w/ moderately more talent than the stable in Beantown w/ a percentage of the talent of Bostons big 3. Late season injuries would have cost them the playoffs last year if NY or Indiana had a pulse the last two months of the season. Resigning Stevens solely is not whats going to keep them in competition in the east w/ Lewis, Allen, Garnett, and Randolph coming aboard. These are players that were allstars in the "wild wild west" and should smell blood in the water now that they are in the once feeble east. If are smart enough to hold onto Navarro then you may be able to push them up a slot.
All said, no matter what the outcome, Im sure basketball in the east just became a bit more fun to watch.
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