OT: Brad Stevens

[auror]

The series currently is tied from a point differential perspective. The Celtics have led for more than half the game time.

From a talent perspective, if we were doing a roster draft, I think it would go something like this:

Butler (H)
Tatum (C)
Adebayo (H)
Brown (C)
Kemba (C)
Dragic (H)
Smart (C)
Herro (H)
Robinson (H)
Hayward (C)
Crowder (H)
Theis (C)
Iguodala (H)
Wanamaker (C)

It's a really even series and both of these teams are good. You get down to 10th on the list and you're still going "Yup, this guy is good" and there are 5 guys from both teams. If Hayward were totally healthy and up in that Dragic range, Celts would have an advantage, but so far he's not. Celtics also can't really play their 5 best guys together as then they can't guard Adebayo with that lineup, which is a roster construction issue.

They also have a distinct lack of strength which Miami has taken advantage of at times late in games. When Crowder or Iguodala are in with Butler and Adebayo, the Heat have 3 of the 4 strongest players on the court. Jaylen and Tatum are still growing into their bodies.

The Celtics also have the 2 shortest players on the court at all times, which is a problem against the zone considering Miami's length at most positions..

 

[husky429]

He's also great at developing talent in general. And ATOs. And scheming defense. And getting guys to gel as a team. And making adjustments.

Re: maximizing talent... he made Isaiah Thomas All-NBA 2nd team! is Brad Stevens a good coach. What are we even doing here??

Oh brad is obviously one of the top coaches in the league. Spo is just maybe THE best.

 

[Mr. French]

Robert Williams was +10 yesterday, is leading the league in playoff eFG% , and second on the team in rebounding rate. He is the better option against the Miami athletic line ups. Can’t turn the ball over 19 times, that was the difference in the game.

I couldn’t understand why they weren’t playing Williams all 2nd half when he gave them energy and rebounding and Theis gave very little of that.

 

[UconnFanDC]

brad is an elite coach.

but he’s not infallible.

everyone knew Boston sucked huge donkey balls against zone since before the Philly series (the athletic had some nice numbers about it in the preview). That was with GH. Without his shooting and play making it should be expected to be worse.

also. Having no bench means the core 4 are being played too Much. They’re the top 4 players minute wise in the entire playoffs.

this offseason Danny needs to build a bench. Needs a James posey and starbury or Cassell.
plus more talent at c who can play against smaller faster centers like bam and AD.

Absolutely agree

 

[UCDaveD]

Low key, only made this thread to try and get in next week’s Boneyard Update. It’s gone to my head. Have to come with the hot takes. Don’t tell @Kenny11