So far, a lot of the threads on this blog have followed a pattern of my delivering some thoughts and your commenting on them. Frankly, that makes me uncomfortable. I realize a blog, unlike a message board, tends to be centered around the original blogger. And it's true that I appreciate having control of the "civility factor."
The fact is that the structure of the blog makes me the only member allowed to initiate threads. But that doesn't mean I have to initiate the topics on those threads. So, every day, I'm going to post a new "Omnibus Thread," which will remain completely blank unless you fill it up with whatever CELTICS-RELATED (for the most part) topics you wish to talk about. I'll moderate it. I'll still feel free to chime in. And, from time to time, I'll initiate threads of my own.
But my goal is to make this as close to a message board as it can be without actually being a message board. That means democracy in action. So please accept this as the first Omnibus Blog of Sam's Boston Celtics Fan Site (which will cover Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 6 and 7). Please go to it and talk. Change the subject; there's no such thing as "off topic," as long as you debate civilly and remember that this is, first and foremost, a CELTICS blog.
Have a good time.
Sam
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23 comments:
Okay Sam, I'll bite first!! Since tomorrow is the first preseason game for the newly reconditioned Celtic team, I have wondered to myself who, other than KG will be the most important figure on this team? I have been extremely impressed with the conditioning of Paul Pierce. He seems to be following his own advice, and has watched his diet carefully this summer and trimmed down a bit. However, is it the blending of the second team? Rasheed? Daniels?Rondo? Davis? Who will become the important cog in the wheel of this team. It is so easy to just say that KG's return will turn everything around, but I think more will have to happen to fight off Cleveland and Orlando. So, what do others think?
Rosalie,
The Celtics have all the pieces in place and are a loaded gun (KG's health progressing as planned, of course!). I'm with Doc, however, in thinking that the team needs to once again embrace "Unbuntu" and the "do whatever is necessary" attitude that ultimately made the 2008 squad the World Champions!
It'll be an interesting ride for sure with "heros" emerging as needed for any particular night (that's the beauty of the talent level on this team--it could be ANYBODY at ANYTIME that makes the difference).
I'll also bet that there will be at least one or two (and hopefully more!) stretches in the regular season where they really hit on all cylinders as a team and play unbeatable basketball. I love those times.... ;)
Looking forward to it all!!
Rosalie,
That's quite a question because, as you indicated, it could involve not only A person but a GROUP of people such as the bench.
From what I read in today's Herald, I expect to be really impressed by the versatility of Daniels. On one hand, they're noting his excellent offense at three positions (being forced to learn the PG position to compete with his 5' 8" brother, etc.). On the other hand, I'm reading that he might possibly be more impressive on defense than James Posey. I'm out of hands already.
So my return question to you is, "Could the 'most important non-KG' guy could wind up being a sixth man?" And, even then, we'll probably have two very viable candidates: Quis and Sheed.
Whew! Talk about loaded!
Sam
I know very little about Daniels so I did little digging around to try to find out what to expect, particuarly on defense.
This YouTube "Getting To Know M Daniels" is very critical of his "horrible defense."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNUVaPP-vQU
Can anyone comment on the accuracy/fairness of this author?
RAJ,
Although I haven't seen the youtube video, I'm not comfortable formulating my whole opinion on just that. I'm sure I could find a video clip of KG that would make him look bad as well. No player is going to play a perfect game 100% of the time. I'm more inclined to listen to Doc's opinion of 'Quis when he says: “High basketball IQ, multidimensional,” Rivers said. “I mean, he can do so many different things. He can play the 2 and 3 for us. And he may be our best defender at the 1, 2 and 3. Rondo is the best (guarding point guards), but he’s right behind him."
I guess we'll find out soon enough!
Raj,
Good question. I saw that Youtube segment when they first got Daniels, and it had me wondering. Since then, all I've heard about his defense has been positive—including the glowing article in yesterday's Boston Herald.
However, for the most part, I believe the press has been allowed to see only the last 10 minutes of Celtics practices during preseason, so perhaps some of that is wishful thinking.
Two things that have to be in Daniels' favor on the defensive end have to be (1) his keen desire to do whatever's necessary to win a championship and (2) Thibodeau.
He's obviously here because he wants very much to win; it certainly isn't for the money. And I strongly suspect that both the Celtics' team defensive philosophy and Thibs' insistence on correcting defensive flaws will maximize Daniels' defensive abilities.
When one looks at a series of highlight (or "lowlight") clips, there's no indication of the context for any given sequence. Was his entire team mailing it in, or was it garbage time when some of those sequences were filmed? Were they the rules or the exceptions? Why did he look so bad in some of the defensive sequences yet so good in the "nose for the ball" sequences?
As usual, the games will tell the story, and it's just another of numerous areas of interests we have to look forward to.
Sam
Raj,
Just for the record, here's the URL for the Boston Herald article headlining Quis' defense:
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/20091006celtics_flex_new_muscle_versatile_marquis_daniels_adds_defense/srvc=sports&position=also
As I said above, we'll just have to watch and see. I don't make predictions, but HOPING has worked out very well for me over the years; and I definitely HOPE Quis fits beautifully into a strong bench defense.
Sam
Sam
Just shot off the email to you we discussed. Your blog is doing well but still a few regulars need to join in. Numbers are looking good.
I am not to worried about the Celtic's D as long as our back line is healthy we can make up for the mistakes that might happen out front. Hard to believe that Perk is "down" to 270 lbs. BB has dropped some weight and so has Pierce. Shows a commitment that will pay off no doubt.
beat
Well first impressions certainly tend to stick with me. That YouTube was my first and only impression (suggesting a one dimensional player for sure) of Daniels so far. Hard to know what to think when the coaches are praising players to the hilt... but the video shows otherwise. The video author liked his mid range and slashing to the hoop offense but poopoo'd his "D" in general and his 3 pt range completely.
The very last thing we need is a scorer who cannot play defense. Red would roll over in his grave.
Tonight's the night! Daniels is my pick for the man to watch... unless of course he can't play a lick of "D". ;-)
Raj,
You mentioned Red. I believe Red was of the opinion that almost anyone with the right attitude can play defense, which is much more a matter of desire whereas is more a matter of touch and skill.
I doubt that the Celtics based their acquisition of him on a Youtube video. If they hadn't felt he could fit into Thibodeau's defensive schemes (as opposed to whatever defensive "system" we may have seen in the video), they wouldn't have gone after him.
Highlights video is, by its very nature, selective. I don't have any idea of the basketball credentials of the videographer, as opposed to his ability to take interesting highlight video.
I didn't see any video that would offer a clue about Marquis' ability to switch on defense or to jump out and recover, as Thibs likes them to do. I did see Quis get beaten badly by a pick. That used to happen A LOT to Rondo, and he's improved greatly under Thibs' tutelage.
All I'm saying is that Quis' past (which was spend in a FAR less defensively oriented situation) doesn't at all predict his future with the Celtics.
That doesn't mean he shouldn't be scrutinzed in preseason, because he should (for his jumper as well as his defense). But, it's all about the team with the Celtics; and the indications that have been offered so far suggest Quis is fitting beautifully into a team concept that thrives on defense.
If your tv access allows you to watch tonight's game, I hope to see you on Boston.com's "Game-on Thread," which will offer us a better opportunity to discuss this based on more solid evidence.
Should be fun.
Sam
Beat,
I'll watch for your email.
It's beginning to sound as though the Celtics have collectively lost enough weight to equal an entire player. Does that count as an open roster slot? LOL.
Sam
Hi,
First, thanks to Sam for setting this blog.
Question: are you gonna cover preseason games, too?
AK
Sinus,
Yes, we'll cover preseason games starting after tonight's Houston game.
I've head that thread composed for two days, and I'm so excited about it that I accidentally posted it and had to delete it because I want to wait until after the game.
I hope you'll contribute early and often. Those who are fortunate enough to view the game can provide pearls of wisdom about the game; and those who can't view it will be able to submit questions and insights. It's all about information exchange.
I'm signing off, because I'm in serious danger of pushing the wrong button and prematurely posting the darned thing again.
Welcome to the site.
Sam
Thank you for inviting me. I'm proud to be among the "heavy hitters" of Celtics fans from the forum. Can't wait for the season and I believe we are the deepest team in the league. I see Daniels playing a very key role, as he can play and defend multiple positions. Again thanks, and I feel honored to just have been invited.
Welcome Opk. One thing I can promise. This site will not strain our personal "civility codes." There have been a couple of half-baked attempts at disruption, and my personal fly swatter zapped them like KG beneath the rim. I don't require that much of a reason. So I hope you and everyone else will find posting here very relaxing and (within the limits of healthy debate) congenial.
I hope people will be on the Boston.com "Game-on Thread" tonight; that's where I'll be. And I hope to see everyone on this site for the first "Post-game Thread" after the game and tomorrow.
Best to all,
Sam
Sam
Sam,
Whereabouts on the Cape do you live? Before I moved here, I lived in Brewster and taught at Barnstable High School for 7 years. Before Brewster, it was Marstons Mills and So. Yarmouth. Small world, huh?
Opk,
Small world indeed. I live in Wellfleet, which we happen to think is (perhaps along with Truro) the town on the Cape least changed by urban sprawl and (with one notable exceptions) "McMansions."
It remains a nice little village with about 2,000 year-round inhabitants, a functioning fishing fleet, a plethora of nice art galleries, tremendous beauty thanks to the National Seashore, and a community spirit whereby people truly care about one another. I guess it goes without saying that we really appreciate living here. Oops, I said it. LOL.
Sam
OPK3, welcome to Sam's site. Your contributions are welcomed.
David
Sam, hope you don't mind me inviting myself, I picked up the link from the BDC post you left.
I hope I'm not alone in saying I can't wait to see Glen Davis in action. What i've read about his off season has made me pretty anxious to witness his gains (and loss!)
He appears to have lost a lot of fat, but not necessarily as much weight as one might think. From what I gathered, his MMA training this summer helped him convert much of his belly into muscle, improving his core strength and overall fitness. He's also improved his handspeed and footwork and put in considerable time working on his jumper.
I, for one, am keeping my fingers crossed that this transformation from Big Baby to Big Man will give him an opportunity to put in some time at the 3, both offensively and defensively, in situations where Daniels is handling the ball and guarding the opposing 2 and House is spotting up and taking point on offense. IMHO, this would be a much more viable option than leaving the not-quite-as-graceful Scal to try to D up quicker 3s.
Sam,
I freqented The Beachcomber every Sunday for about 20 years. The Incredible Casuals were my band of choice, and rumor has it I even sung with them a few times!! (Get Off My Cloud")
David - thank you and I can't wait for the season. It's tough out here in LA - too many laker fans :)
Well, it appears that many of us have similar likes! I love the Cape, go down there quite often, as a matter of fact, we are going down there for the long holiday. See, as I have said before, great minds think alike!
Sam, my response to you is quite simple. I am a team person, so I will really be looking forward to watching the second team develop this year. It is fun to watch guys that really want to play together, they have their heart in the game. Brings back fond memories. Looks like you have picked up a few new people here. That is great. Different people, new thoughts. I appreciate having a site like this where I won't have to be ridiculed by a Laker fan who just wants to start trouble.
Again, thanks, and I am just waiting for the game to start. My Mom is 89 and she just can't wait for the season to start. She loves the Celtics. (Her all time favorite was Satch Sanders!) It's in the blood, see!!!
Opk,
We've also followed the Casuals since the early 80s. And they're still going strong on Sunday afternoons. The Spampanato brothers (hope I spelled their names correctly) have always been among our favorites. Johnny also plays (more occasionally) with a band called Link Montana and the Roamin' Catholics, which is one of our current favorites. We LOVE the music scene on the Cape.
Sam
Rosalie,
It would be fun to connect down here if you ever have time. Please tell your mom I got very friendly with Satch's mom in the late 60s-early 70s. Used to sit in her row with the players' wives. What a wonderful lady! She had a great set of values. Of all the people in that row, she was the toughest on the refs (and not all that easy on her son either).
And I hope you've also told her my Satch story from L.A., which you already know.
And you know I'm completely on board about the importance of team. Really looking forward to the game tonight.
Best,
Sam
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