That’s the rule when you lose a fake game.
I don’t make them, I just follow them.
The preseason has three main goals for me.
The new stars build as much chemistry as possible ahead of the regular season
2.
The bench sorts itself out in terms of hierarchy and hits the ground running
3.
Everyone stays healthy
That’s really it.
While I prefer to see the Celts win these games, those things are what truly matter to me.
When you enter a title or bust season, things are elevated a little bit, even preseason games.
Through 2 games, I’d say we’re on a good path with all three of those goals.
But until then, we first must talk about what we saw last night.
Let’s dive in.
The Good
It all started with this tweet
When I first saw it I kind of laughed.
I loved the mentality, but like, can you be out for blood playing 15-20 minutes a game?
Has there been a player who made his new extension look like an immediate steal like Pritchard has?
This is like Pro Am Payton Pritchard only against real NBA players.
That alone makes you root for Pritchard.
In terms of the actual basketball, we all knew he could shoot.
Watch Payton get into the paint now compared to previous years.
He’s finishing at the rim, he’s creating for others.
We already knew his value as an off ball player.
His range and C&S ability are as elite as they come.
- Last night was also the debut of new play by play guy Drew Carter.
Not a bad debut from Drew.
In fact, I’d even say it was pretty good.
It’s sort of a big game voice if that makes any sense?
I also didn’t think he overtalked which is really the most important thing.
or “GOT IT!
“, but it’s a start.
I would advise everyone to treat this new move with patience.
It’s a lot like the roster.
Let’s see how it sounds/feels in like a month.
That’s no different from the Celts roster with their new guys.
Pritchard is more of a shooter/scorer than a creator, which is where Banton slides in.
- When we saw Brad never misses, it’s because he goes out and finds insane value.
Maybe that’s Sam Hauser on under $2M a year.
Maybe that’s Payton Pritchard at under $8M a year.
And based on last night, maybe it’s also Svi on a league minimum deal
Uhhhhhhhh hello.
I don’t think so.
He’s a beast.
The outside shooting is just not there.
Given his role that shouldn’t be too much of an issue, but it is an issue.
- I’d say the exact same thing when it comes to Oshae Brissett.
One of the reasons Grant was impactful was because he was automatic from the corners.
To not be even slightly concerned with that is just lying to yourself.
For a team that desperately needs OREB, he did have 4 in his 13 minutes.
He’s like a Rob-Lite on the offensive glass.
The Bad
- For all this talk about defense, I’m still waiting to see it.
The Celts couldn’t stop fouling to the point of a 29-17 difference.
Those guys are going to foul.
Pretty brutal showing from Wenyen Gabriel in his 9 minutes.
Can’t win on the road against NBA starters when you turn it over 17 times.
Figure that shit out.
This is what I was trying to do when I said keep your expectations on earth.
He’s a 2nd round pick with a ton of potential who also happens to be very raw.
The Ugly
- Sam Hauser needs to start making some shots here soon.
Just 2-15 from deep to start the preseason, that’s not anywhere close to good enough.
The defense has been fine and all that, but he’s on the floor to make threes.
0-6 in the opener and 2-9 last night, he’s not even close right now.
- I am legit concerned about the rebounding.
It stunk with the top 6 and was equally as horrific last night.
Kornet just doesn’t rebound.
He’s a 7fter who plays like he’s 4'11.
