Getting it outta the way, Im Trig.
I got this log-in to post about the childrens book we put out a couple years ago.
I passionately root for the Boston Celtics and Georgia Bulldogs.
Thats probably all it’s crucial that you know about me.
Secondly, I genuinely like Greenie.
I read all his Celtics blogs.
But I had to try and voice the other side of the Green Team fandom.
I couldnt let Greenie continue to speak as the sole voice of the Celtics fan on this blog.
His blind love for the team has obscured how many fans ACTUALLY feel about this team.
You will not get a single NetRating or TS% or VORP from me, thats the Trig PromiseTM.
Without further ado, heres a diehard Celtics Fans Hater Guide for his own team.
(Full disclosure, I wrote this very angry last night in my notes app.
Didnt know if Id submit it.
Looked at it today and said fuck it.)
This team is REALLY tough to embrace and it starts with their demeanor.
They think they are better than their opponents, and they can just roll the ball out and win.
And because they ARE so damn talented, a lot of times they are right.
But it makes it no less infuriating to watch.
That sense of self-regard emanates from the team and is becoming toxic to many in the fan base.
Compared to that 08-12 KG run, there is nowhere near the same love for the team.
Some of that is definitely cemented in the fact the 08 team actually did win a title.
But regardless of rings, you knew those teams gave a shit.
And it started from the top.
KG was the ultimate psychopath competitor, and that personality set the tone for the team.
You never had to question effort.
Far too often with this years team, you do.
Just like in the KG era, it starts at the top…Jayson Tatum.
But unlike a Larry, a KG, even a Pierce, the mental toughness and consistency is maddening.
Dont settle for size-up, above-the-break threes.
Dont throw your arms up towards the refs every time you miss at the rim.
Dont let Marcus Smart be the Alpha down the stretch.
He has had great playoff games.
He has hit big shots.
Thats not the issue.
The issue is that he no-shows far too often for a superstar.
Also, he is in way too many commercials and Deuce should go to bed earlier.
In all fairness, his 2H in Game 4 was brilliant.
Usually, when he sucks in the first half, you just write him off for the game.
So maybe hes making strides.
Or maybe hell disappear late in Game 5 or 6. Who the fuck knows.
Marcus Smartis the most polarizing Boston athlete Ive ever watched.
Its like a fucking Rorschach Test for what you see.
Do you see the incredible competitor who has the balls this team sorely lacks?
Where is the DPOY that perimeter players couldnt score on this year?
Also, pick the fucking ball up off the ground after inbounds and stop worrying about shaving seconds.
I wont nitpickAl, I would die for him.
But if I were to nitpick him, Id say when the threes arent falling he feels useless offensively.
But I wont do that because at 36 years old he still puts the league MVP in clamps.
Im scared every timeRobjumps.
Grantbitches like hes a superstar but he a fringe rotation player.
Malcolmhas become a flashing green light for Harden to switch into.
Derrick Whitehas really bad hair but should probably close games.
Then you have the much malignedJoe Mazzulla.
Joe is in the fine category.
Hes not Erik Spoelstra out there, but he also isnt Mark Jackson.
That said, there is PLENTY to dislike about his game management if you so c’mon.
The no-timeout thing is really tough to defend when the team has little proof-of-concept of it working.
Still didnt love it, but they got a good shot, so whatever.
The OT situation was brutal, though.
The Harden 3 was a gut-punch, the building was going nuts, and you were now trailing.
Orrrrrrr let Tatum start the attack at 3 seconds left and not get a shot off in time.
Personally, I think its unfair to blame a head coach for effort in the NBA.
They are grown men getting paid handsomely, get yourself motivated.
But the lack of defensive intensity compared to last years run is shocking.
Where the fuck did it go?
We shouldnt need our backs to be against the wall to dig in and play defense.
Then add on top of that the late-game offense.
This doesnt even get into the late-game closing lineups and the Marcus vs. White vs. Brogdon dilemma.
So here we are.
In the Eastern Semis tied 2-2 in a series weve dominated.
And that in and of itself is infuriating.
Which Tatum will show up?
Which player will make the crippling brainfart in the last 2 minutes as they choke away a lead?
These arent the thoughts that endear you to the fan base.
But they are omnipresent.
Ive spent 1500 words bashing a team I love, clearly Im in a weird headspace.
But Im not in minority feeling this way.
This teams ceiling is the best team in the league.
They have the talent to put together 10 more wins and earn all the adulation a champion gets.
But I have a pit in my stomach that tells me they wont.
Lets hope Im wrong.
Now buy some fuckingmerch.
