The Celtics, The Raptors
I watched these two battle it out Saturday in Rome and let me tell ya, this is gonna be nice. Two teams on the rise that will not back down from one another are gonna wrestle four times this coming season, not to mention atop the standings of the Atlantic Division. This was the most intense exhibition game I’ve ever witnessed. Benches were jumpin’, chests were bumpin’ and players were a-yellin’. Just thought I’d share some observations from the game. Not sure if I’m jacked ball is back or that the Raps finally head in to a training camp with minimal problems, but I’m feeling good right now; like a boy tearing the plastic off a brand new video game.
Pre-game, when Kevin Garnett was head butting the stanchion and pounding his fist in to his chest, I felt like, easy fella, it’s kinda early for that, no? But, it’s always the playoffs for KG. He played well, and he gelled nicely with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. The 3 looked like they had played together before. Maybe meeting up in Beantown weeks prior to camp really did pay off. There were times when the C’s were playing too much 1-on-1, but there were also instances when they shared the ball like the Suns, or, if you will, their Raptor counterparts. Ray Allen took what was given too him, Paul Pierce has had his usual, “I’m taking over” attitude at times, and KG, well, he was the dominant, versatile, 7 footer that he is.
The trio is gonna be great. As we’ve heard before, it’s the supporting cast that is the ? mark. Although, Eddie House’s yap was in mid-season form. A couple made 3’s and he’s chatting like a participant on “Yo Momma” (for you MTV fans). Speaking of House, Boston still needs some help at PG. Rajon Rondo was doing his job well for strecthes, but House, Allen or Gabe Pruitt won’t cut it. Now, I’m not sure if Tony Allen may be the answer, but he seems to lack the skills of a distributor. I had to wince when he grimaced after his dismount on that 4th quarter, high flying jam. He looked fine afterwards; guess he just needed to shake the cobwebs off his first game action dunk after that ridiculous injury. Kendrick Perkins has such an easy job and he appears to be grasping it. Be physical, establish positioning, rebound, work your butt off on D, and dunk the opportunities the big 3 serve you. When a role player simply has to play his role, things are rosy.
It was good to see the best mascot in pro sports, The Raptor, in Rome for this one. As for the Raptors new talent, I’m skeptical. Just what kind of auditions were held? I know it’s early, but I’m not sold on the new Dance Pak.
The duo of Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani showed flashes of what a terror these two will be to play against in the years to come. Bargnani is learning to compliment his pristine stroke with some hard drives and post moves, although, his finishing ability still needs a lot of work. Even on the defensive end, these two were showing glimpses by challenging shots with those long arms and stepping up to Garnett. It was also nice to see Bargs has packed on some bacon so he can bang a little more. With some dedication, I think these two have the b-ball intelligence and quickness to get it done in their own paint.
Bargnani is going to go some thorugh seriously tough stretches at the defensive end if he starts at center. With Il Mago on the first unit, Toronto’s second unit is deadly. Jose Calderon, Carlos Delfino, Joey Graham/Juan Dixon, Jorge Garbajosa and Rasho Nesterovic. Toronto’s third team could pound Boston’s second squad. The depth will make for some nice competition at practice.
What I didn’t like about the Raps’ first unit is their lack of a slasher. Anthony Parker and Jason Kapono on the wings didn’t seem to generate any cutting in to the lane. I’m not sure if Parker will step up his game to an even higher level this season, but Kapono doesn’t appear to be capable of scoring this way. That’s why I think Delfino should replace Kapono in the starting 5. The group that started Saturday seems to look too much like the stagnant bunch who got beat by the Nets in the ‘07 playoffs. Toronto can obviously move the ball and the team has 2 point guards that can penetrate, but Delfino will provide scoring in a facet the team lacks. Delfino is the Eric Byrnes of the NBA (for you baseball fans). He has all the tools of a natural athlete. Sam Mitchell seems to be tinkering with the idea as he started Delfino over Kapono in Sunday’s game versus Italian club team, Lottomatica Roma.
In conclusion, it’s baaaaaaaaaacccccckkkk.
Photo: via Ruth L
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The Basketball Jones is a NBA blog and podcast, written and recorded five times a week by J.E. Skeets, Tas Melas and Jason Doyle. Comments, questions and cold hard cash are always welcome and much appreciated. Contact us.
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Just got tickets to the Celtics @ Raps, and I couldn’t be more pumped.
Does this years Celtics remind you of a poor man’s version of the 2004 Lakers with Shaq, Kobe, Malone and Patyon and various spare parts?
Numerous big stars and a crap bench
If I was Boston, I would be calling Seattle, Portland, or Memphis about the PGs they have piled up. At least one, from one of those teams, ought to be traded.
Gets to see his team play and in Rome…life could be worse Melas
HAHA. My television resides in the beautful country of Canader, and it can transmit feeds from all over the world. Rome was in my living room. And even still, life could be worse.
As for the Lakers comparison, all 3 of the big 3 have never tasted a title… that makes it oh so different.
I’ve got Celts/Raps tix too… expect some serious intensity. The ACC is gonna have to bring it.
The comparison I was trying to make with this years Celts and the Lakers of old is that they both had a strong starting lineup and a weak bench. In the end the Lakers where beaten by a better Pistons team(top to bottom). Mind you I don’t think the this years Celtics are going to be as good as the 2004 Lakers, but they will have similarities with their struggling second units. The Raps, as you said, are better top to bottom that the Celts, I don’t see the Raps giving up the Atlantic crown anytime soon. But then again I could just be a homer hoping for the best.
Also, podcasts soon? My bus rides to school have been hellaboring without TBJ in the AM.
One thing I noticed from watching the game is that Kendrick Perkins was getting a few touches in the low post - you got Jesus, The Truth, and the Big Ticket on the court and KENDRICK PERKINS is getting the ball?? I don’t know if Perkins has some game nobody’s ever seen, Doc’s being nice in the preseason, or Rajon is being incredibly clueless, but that’s the kind of stuff that’ll kill them in the playoffs.
Bargnani looks primed for a big season; I see tons of dagger 3s and a few game winners coming up.
Here i didnt think Canada had that kind of technology yet. And by that I mean i’m a fucking idiot. Oh well, basketball draws ever closer. Any chance James White makes a comeback or is he definitely playing in Europe this year? I really wanted to see that kid fly (especially in a Spurs uni)
[…] The Basketball Jones » The Celtics, The Raptors - NBA Podcast The duo of Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani showed flashes of what a terror these two will be to play against in the years to come. Bargnani is learning to compliment his pristine stroke with some hard drives and post moves, although, his finishing ability still needs a lot of work. Even on the defensive end, these two were showing glimpses by challenging shots with those long arms and stepping up to Garnett. It was also nice to see Bargs has packed on some bacon so he can bang a little more. With some dedication, I think these two have the b-ball intelligence and quickness to get it done in their own paint. […]
[…] was at home for Thanksgiving all weekend, so I just managed to catch the Celts-Raps game yesterday. Melas already broke it down, but here’s a few quick thoughts: Garnett might lead the league in triple-doubles this season […]
House is good for backup point (tony allen in no way could cut it, and Ray Allen COULD, but do you really WANT him to?), House is a good backup pointguard though. He is a good fit alongside their TripleThreat (pierce allen garnett) to play the Damon Jones heat/Derek Fisher lakers role, which is of course: Bring the ball up, get the ball to star/playmakers, make a few plays, try on d, dont turn the ball over, and HIT YOUR OPEN SHOTS. He is very VERY good for that, the Boston bench actually looks much better than advertised. Tony Allen and Posey are very good backing up at the 2 and 3 and House is a good backup PG. Scalabrine/Powe at the backup 4 and Pollard at backup center is average as well. Theyre deeper than expected, and their 3 superstars are a perfect fit.
I hate boston but I think anyone who doubts them winning at LEAST 55 games and at LEAST the east final (i think they would be top 3 out west and could win the title) is either in denial and lying to themself or just COMPLETELY out of their mind.
I actually think Bostons 2nd squad could hold their own against ours. (House, T Allen, Posey, Scalabrine, Pollard vs. Calderon, Dixon, Delfino, Garbajosa, Rasho)