The struggle of the Boston Celtics bench was well documented
last season. The Celtics struggled to get any production from the bench on the
offensive end. The bench also did not provide much on the defensive end and
squandered many leads that were handed to them. In order to win regular season
games, the Celtics were forced to rely on their starters far too much because
the lack of quality guys coming off the pine. The Celtics burned out their starters and in
the end were easy pickings for a younger Heat team. Danny Ainge knew he needed to upgrade the
bench and give it an identity. When he acquired Brandon Bass and Chris Wilcox
in separate deals, Ainge did just that.
Championships
are won from the inside out. In order to win when it matters most a basketball
team must be able to score, defend, and rebound in the paint. Last season the
Celtics bench provided none of those attributes. There most effective player
off the bench was arguably Glen Davis and he became a guy obsessed with the
fade away and perimeter jump shot. This left Boston without that key inside presence.
This season Brandon Bass and Chris
Wilcox give Boston the guys they need to dictate play in the paint.
Bass
brings a lot to the table. On the defensive end alone he makes Boston better.
The man rebounds well in the paint and rotates very well to help defend. He
plays physical and has zero problems getting his nose dirty in the paint with
an attacking style.
The offense end is a place Bass
will shine as well. He has a great mid range jump shot, but it is the fact that
he has an attacking style in the post that will greatly benefit Boston. Bass
charges hard to the basket and forces the issue. This will lead to foul calls
and free throw opportunities. This will also mean that Boston should not have long
scoring droughts like last season. The team can throw it in to Bass and get
some points.
Wilcox is a great athletic energy
guy. Much like Bass, he rotates very well on the defensive end and is athletic
enough to keep up with most big men. He plays with energy and makes his guy
work for every shot. He rebounds very well using great energy to fight for his spot
and the ball.
Wilcox on the offensive end is very
aggressive. He fights in the paint for the best position and uses his
athleticism to blow by his man for easy chances. He rotates well off the ball
and seems to get open looks in the paint. He is just a very effective offensive
player in the paint in a reserve role.
Boston was lacking an inside game
off their bench. They were the third best team in the East without anything from
their bench. The Celtics now have two guys in both Bass and Wilcox that give
them that muscle in the paint. The defense and offense is now light years
better and that has the Celtics positioned to contend. Remember Go Green or Go
Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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