The Boston Celtics
are surprisingly one of the worst defensive teams so far in the NBA this
season. They are typically among the best, but this year it is taking longer
than usual for them to mesh. I think there are a couple reasons for this slow
and frustrating process for the Celtics.
First, only four
Celtics have returned from the 2012 postseason roster: Rajon Rondo, Paul
Pierce, Brandon Bass and Kevin Garnett. As Jeff Green and Chris Wilcox return
from heart surgeries, they are still searching for their niche on the team. In
addition, Jason Terry, Courtney Lee and Leandro Barbosa are trying to find a
rhythm alongside each other and Rondo in the backcourt. With regards to the
frontcourt, Jared Sullinger has provided solid minutes replacing Bass at power
forward, but the Celtics still are having trouble at the center position since
trading Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City in 2011. Head Coach Doc Rivers has
yet to play Jason Collins consistently, so it seems that the coaches are hoping
to give the current rotation more time to improve its defense.
The second
explanation for Boston’s lack of defensive success thus far in the 2012-13
season is the absence of arguably their best defense player, Avery Bradley. He
has been sidelined with multiple offseason shoulder surgeries. Last season, the
2010 first round draft pick showed amazing potential with his shutdown defense
as well as his three-point shot. At times, he was able to take star shooting
guards, such as Dwyane Wade, out of the opponent’s offense. Bradley is expected
to return in mid-December, so the Celtics could begin their turnaround then if
they have not done so beforehand.
It seems that Celtics
fans have a somewhat positive outlook because it is still early in the season.
However, after Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge was
praised for having a fantastic offseason in acquiring new talent, the coaching
staff has a lot of work left to do.
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