Jayrod
Footballguy
The Boston Celtics last 4 seasons:it gets pretty quiet in here when the Celtics' don't win, i would love to hear from C's fans on the thoughts on their team. i have been saying it for over a year, and really thought it in the first month of this year, but Danny should have moved Tatum. His value is still real high, but i think they could get a lot back for him and Brown will pick up some of what they lose trading Tatum. Not sure how much more his value will be this high though.
Would love to hear what other ideas are out there to fix the team. i know quite a bit blame Brad, but i don't know who is out there that can work with the team. i also think Brad is a good coach that will benefit another team if he gets kicked out. What willit take for a significant change, miss the playoffs?
2016-17 - 1st in East, Won 2 playoff series
2017-18 - 2nd in East, Won 2 playoff series
2018-19 - 4th in East, Won 1 playoff series
2019-20 - 3rd in East, Won 2 playoff series
All of that said, they are sitting tied for 6th at .500 and have been inconsistent, but also just now have their starting 5 healthy. I expect a minor roster move before the deadline and they are planning to make a push to finish the year strong. My current expectation is 4th/5th in the East and a first round series win, followed by a loss in 5 or 6 to the #1 seed (barring it isn't Philly and Embiid gets hurt...in which case they could luck into another ECF).
They aren't as good as a healthy Milwaukee, Philly or Brooklyn. I don't see why a massive trade or dumping Brad seems like a smart idea right now. Tatum/Brown are great and can be leaders on a championship team in the near future. They aren't the problem, it is the others that are simply too weak. We have 3 good backups in Theis, Williams and Thompson, but none are starting level yet (although Williams can get there). Walker hasn't panned out (yet) and we are too reliant on subpar talent off of the bench.
IF Walker gets his role figured out and is healthy and IF Robert Williams becomes a starting quality center, they are a real threat to the East as constructed and are one piece away from legit contender status. I don't think a panic move is the best idea. The main reason I trust Brad Stevens is his consistent focus on improvement. You are on a 15 game win streak and 1st in the East? Keep working and trying to get better. You are below .500 and in danger of missing the playoffs? Keep working and trying to get better. That's it...that's all he preaches. Stay calm and stay the course, no matter what the wins/losses are. If he can get into Tatum's head with some gentle guiding and develop Robert Williams, this team could make the Finals as early as next season, no matter what roster changes occur. Based on that, they are in a better spot than 3/4 of the league. I think the current state of things is the valley and expect a strong finish to the year (barring a major injury to Tatum or Brown).