Anyone see that pre-season game last night against the Cavaliers? I am loving this team. They remind me of the UConn championship team in 2004 - always pushing the ball, getting out on the fast break, converting turnovers. Here's a quick player analysis:
- Gerald Green. Played above the rim last night; seemed pretty good on defense - the experience he gained at the John Lucas Camp in Texas this summer looks like it has paid off. He had a couple of those "Nawwww!" moments but the real encouraging sign was watching him move without the ball. This kid isn't going to be good; he's already good. He's going to be great.
- Rajon Rondo. Wow. I have never been happier to see Marcus Williams go to another team. Rajon Rondo was so quick on defense that at one point it felt as if he had 10 steals (he had 5 - not sure how they were counting). He created havoc for the Cavs - created turnovers, ran the fast break - fantastic looking player, Ainge made a great move to go with him. He doesn't have to shoot 50% to be effective. Got a lot of Cousy comparisons last night - wasn't flashy unless it was necessary.
- Kendrick Perkins. When Perk blocks a shot this year, he does it like Bill Russell. He tips the shot, either to himself or a teammate, rather than go after it, Alonzo Mourning-like, for style points. He played great, and will be a huge factor if he stays healthy.
- Al Jefferson. Al has a baby hook (the best shot in the game), and they can't block it. He's also tenacious on the boards, and his energy is contagious. Looks a lot like the Chief.
- Sebastian Telfair. This guy can score. He's not as quick as Rondo, but can put the ball on the floor and drive to the hole better than anyone on the team. He was a steal, as far as I'm concerned.
This team has much, much more potential than any C's team in years past. I haven't been this excited to watch a team since the Bird era ended. Jump on the bandwagon now, folks, because in 3 years or less, we're talking
Green 17.
2 comments:
Pat:
Rondo may be great in preseason, but we'll see how he does in Jan. and Feb. As you know, the team is still really young and really raw. A lot of scouts say most of the players wouldn't make the starting five for other teams. They look promising, but they always do in preseason.
The scouts are wrong, this team is strong, as long as it stays healthy. Definitely a lot more fun to watch this year.
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