Quite the contrary in my opinion.
So beating the Sixers (again) is mostly whatever to me.
That’s old news and not even really what I care about.
Every time he steps on the floor, he dominates.
That’s not even really hyperbole either.
It’s awesome, but also expected.
He’s shot 62.5% within 5ft this preseason, a jump from his 55% last year.
Those are leaps that he was really missing in his first few years.
He needed to become more than just an off ball shooter, and that’s what we’re seeing.
What he unlocks on both ends is unlike anything this roster has had in the Tatum/Brown era.
The way he can stretch the floor is obviously a huge advantage.
But what I don’t think you should sleep on is his ability to get to the line.
I cannot stress enough how much of an issue this was for the bigs last season.
They never got to the line.
That’s why preseason reps are important.
Hauser is more the spot up shooter/catch & shoot guy off screens.
Svi brings that additional element that should thrive playing next to the Jays.
What do you do?
If you help off him, he’s going to bury the three.
Oh, and Brad got him for the league minimum.
- Speaking of Hauser, he was also nails last night.
Once he sees one go in Hauser is as automatic as it comes at this level.
People seemed ready to write him off given his start, and I would suggest holding off on that.
That is insane value.
- Daily reminder that ESPN did not consider this a Top 100 player
Morons.
- The 3rd big spot is definitely a question through 3 games.
Luke Kornet has been…..less than good.
- Al Horford looks 27 again.
I don’t know how he does it, but he looks spry as hell.
His threes look good, his defense is as good as ever, and he’s dunking with ease.
- One thing many Celts fans wanted last year was Joe to hold players accountable.
Just ask Blake Griffin.
If you’re a fringe roster guy, that’s even more true.
I just find that impossible.
How can a 7fter play like he’s 5'9?
Just put your arms up!
They are here for hustle, off ball cutting, energy, defense, and OREBs.
Those are things both guys have done great with this preseason.
I’m not saying 40%, but it most certainly can’t be in the teens.
And frankly, you should care too and this is why.
We know what things look like when the defense can ignore a shooter.
Drives are more congested for Jaylen and he turns it over.
Tatum has less room to navigate and attack the rim.
That’s why shooting is so crucial.
He has the tools to get there, but there’s a long way to go.
They are giving up wayyyyy too many points for my liking: 57, 57, 61.
Both of those things have been a bit of a struggle to start these games.
The Ugly
- I still can’t get over Kornet only securing 1 rebound.
3 rebounds in his last 34 minutes of on court play.
So terrible I had to list it twice.
- Another game with the Celts getting crushed in 2nd chance points, this time 19-8.
Here’s where your rebounding issue comes into play and why not finishing defensive possessions strong is an issue.
That has to be figured out.
