Boston Celtics Danny Ainge Needs Missing Pieces For A True Playoff Push
Many holes on the 2010-2011 Boston Celtics were exposed during the five game elimination at the hands of the wretched Miami Heat. Some will foolishly say the simple answer of it was the case of the young lion knocking off the older lion. The Boston Celtics have always been a veteran team for the most part during this new “Big Three” Era. It did not stop them from beating the Cavs and LeBum, D-Wade and the Heat, and Dwight Howard and the Magic despite being the older team. The real excuse was Boston was missing some parts that seriously impacted their defense.
Championships are won with defense in the NBA. When the Boston Celtics went on their title march in 08 and their improbable run in 2010, defense was they were clearly the best defensive team in the playoffs. This past season the Celtics were missing two key components.The first component the Celtics were missing was that physical inside presence at center. Shaq or Perkins had the perfect frame and played great physical defense. The Heat were not really made to pay the price as not only did LeBum James and D-Wade attack the basket, but even guys like Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony had no worries about getting into the paint. This missing piece was even more extenuated as the games wore on and the Heat’s young legs that were free from punishment attacked the rim at will on the tired Celtics. The pounding Perkins and Shaq doled out helped wear the opposition down by the fourth quarter.
However, the biggest missing piece was the fact Boston lacked a Tony Allen/James Posey like defender. The team had no one to come in after Paul Pierce and Ray Allen to both wear down and help shut down the wing scorers. LeBum James and D- Wade were never really forced to work once the bench came in. The team needed a guy that would defend these guys and make them work for every basket. Superstars are going to score, but it is a matter of wearing them down so they are not scoring when it counts. Great defense by guys like TA or Posey would wear these guys down so they had tired legs for the fourth quarter. This made sure these superstars were not ready to take over the key final moments during the fourth quarter.
These are the problems that Danny Ainge needs to solve in order for the Celtics to have a more successful playoff run. Ainge might have the answers on the roster. Gilbert Brown is rumored to be a Tony Allen like player. Avery Bradley may not have the size to guard LeBron James, but he can probably stay with most two guards. Marquis Daniels if he is healthy and ready could be that guy, but that is a major injury gamble. However, at least Ainge has some options.
As far as the middle presence goes, that is more difficult. JaJuan Johnson is a shot blocker, but his size is not there. However, Kendrick Perkins was not the giant that he is now during his rookie year. The Celtics staff got ahold of him and bulked him up. I believe Boston will need to sign a big man that can play physical. The problem is that is inshore supply. Ainge is going to have to get creative here. However, a possibility is one Kwame Brown. The former number one overall pick has the tools and could blossom playing the physical role at center alongside KG.
The Celtics are still a contender. The team has a great core with the “Big Three” still a tough and experienced group. They also have Rajon Rondo developing into the super star point guard. Jeff Green should also provide some punch offensively off the bench. The team just has a couple holes. How AInge fills those holes will determine the Celtics fate next season. The quest for Banner 18 continues. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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