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Celtics Basketball => Celtics Talk => Topic started by: CelticConcourse on January 27, 2013, 04:16:13 PM

Title: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: CelticConcourse on January 27, 2013, 04:16:13 PM
There are no other options. Can we win it all or not?

I say "Yes". Who's with me?!
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Who on January 27, 2013, 04:19:52 PM
No -- 1st or 2nd round and out.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: TA9 on January 27, 2013, 04:24:16 PM
As it stands right now No.
But i could change my mind if the team actually plays at a high level the rest of the season.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: karimb on January 27, 2013, 04:25:18 PM
If we play as hard as we played today every game then yes!
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 27, 2013, 04:25:30 PM
Not without Rondo, so unfortunately I have to say no, for now.

Dont get me wrong though, I still have hope.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Donoghus on January 27, 2013, 04:25:55 PM
No. 

The Rondo injury killed that notion for good. (and it was already on very loose footing)

I'd love to be proved wrong, though.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: albas89 on January 27, 2013, 04:26:20 PM
If the Celtics win it all this year, NBA should be renamed to CBA (Celtics Basketball Association] and we might as well be sure the end of the world is too darn near...

Not happening my friend, it's heart-breaking but it is what it is...
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: CoachBo on January 27, 2013, 04:27:06 PM
We weren't before the injury, primarily because we were woeful on the defensive end, especially in the backcourt pre-Bradley - and sometimes post.

Now, if we defend like we did today, we're going to be a tough out for anyone. Let Danny decide what to do at the 1, and we'll go from here.

Interesting times ...
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Atzar on January 27, 2013, 04:28:36 PM
No.  There was a slim chance that we would have flipped the switch and rounded into a championship-level team with Rondo at 100%.

Now that he's out, so are we.  I loved the heart and determination they showed tonight, though.  It's the first time I've seen that Celtic team all year.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: syfy9 on January 27, 2013, 04:29:06 PM
I'd like to take out a premier team, go out fighting.

Upsetting Miami would be nice....
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: hwangjini_1 on January 27, 2013, 04:30:45 PM
There are no other options. Can we win it all or not?

I say "Yes". Who's with me?!

i will assume you didnt hear the sad news on rondo's knee before starting this thread.

i wish i could say yes, but i find it doubtful, very doubtful. but then again, i did not think they would beat miami today.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Tr1boy on January 27, 2013, 04:33:10 PM
yes yes yes. With Rondo's injury + beating miami.

I don't wish for anyone to get hurt, but we will be a better team without Rondo. Some games we won't win, bc its all rondo. But we won't be losing 6 games in a row either.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: 2short on January 27, 2013, 04:33:36 PM
No.  There was a slim chance that we would have flipped the switch and rounded into a championship-level team with Rondo at 100%.

Now that he's out, so are we.  I loved the heart and determination they showed tonight, though.  It's the first time I've seen that Celtic team all year.
that sounds about exact to me
rondo is a huge x factor in a series and winning it all without one of the top pgs in league is about impossible
if the team plays like it did today we will however be a tough matchup for anyone
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: CelticSooner on January 27, 2013, 04:33:42 PM
I'd like to take out a premier team, go out fighting.

Upsetting Miami would be nice....

This is all I wanted before the season and it still holds true today. As frustrating as the team can be you can't help but love the grit they play with when they truly care.

Ainge has a lot of food on his plate. Whatever he decides I'm good with.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Snakehead on January 27, 2013, 04:34:27 PM
I think we can be like Chicago without Rose: great defense and a very tough out.

But I don't think we have enough.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on January 27, 2013, 04:36:54 PM
We move the ball better without Rondo. I don't know that we will be any worse than we were.

On the bright side, we will have a nice chunk of time to develop our young'ns this year, now. Run some plays for Green, Sully, Terry, Lee. I don't hate it.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: GreenFaith1819 on January 27, 2013, 04:38:43 PM
I voted Yes, only to be hard-headed.

But we'd need EVERYONE else on the team to step up, Big Time.

I've said on here before that if an injury/trade of ANY of the Big Three happened, that's it for the season.

I've been wrong before, I hope I'm wrong this time.

Today was a GREAT step in the right direction, though.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: gpap on January 27, 2013, 04:39:03 PM
There are no other options. Can we win it all or not?

I say "Yes". Who's with me?!

I am with you. It's not like the team was lighting the world on fire with Rondo this season. Let's see what happens but I agree that this doesn't make the Celtics any less of a team. One player doesn't make a team (except maybe in the NBA ;)
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: vinnie on January 27, 2013, 04:39:04 PM
Never were from the beginning and now they are a first round out or second if they find a serviceable point guard.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: vinnie on January 27, 2013, 04:41:05 PM
It is hysterical to read posters who say the team is better without Rondo. Supposedly the guy is in the top 20 for league MVP, yet the Celtics are better without him.  ::)
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Kuberski33 on January 27, 2013, 04:44:07 PM
No NBA team can survive the loss of one of its top 2 or 3 players and still win a title.  Talent wins in the end.

Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: CelticsFanNC on January 27, 2013, 04:45:42 PM
   They wren;t title contenders before the Rondo injury.   They certainly are not now.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Neurotic Guy on January 27, 2013, 04:45:58 PM
Never were from the beginning and now they are a first round out or second if they find a serviceable point guard.

Other than the 6 game streak and isolated games (like today), the C's have not looked championship caliber this year.  But didn't the last 2 years in the reg season either.

But I totally agree that it is nonsense to think they are better without Rajon.  Maybe they'll get some emotion going and catch a few teams off guard without him in the next couple of weeks, but eventually, they can't win without him.   
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Cman on January 27, 2013, 04:49:17 PM
I love the Cs as much as everyone else here, but let's face reality. No, we are not contenders.

Rondo's injury is a huge blow. Not only will we not contend this year, but we also can't trade Rondo for at least a year. Moreover, he might not be the same player when he recovers.

Again, this is a huge blow (not to mention it sucks for Rondo).
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: EJPLAYA on January 27, 2013, 04:50:22 PM
It is hysterical to read posters who say the team is better without Rondo. Supposedly the guy is in the top 20 for league MVP, yet the Celtics are better without him.  ::)

Not sure that this is true, however I am also not sure that it is "hysterical". I think we will see the rest of the season whether that is accurate or not. No one is saying that Rondo isn't a skilled player and one of the better point guards. It doesn't mean however that with the composition of this team we might be better off with a different point guard. Rondo does many things extremely well, however he exposes us defensively, and has a habit of dribbling out the clock putting us in a bad situation at times. I don't think it is a coincidence that we were better defensively today and that there was a better spread of guys taking shots. I think at worst we didn't take a big dropoff. I wouldn't have minded trading Rondo for a legit center, but that's out the window now...
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: mgent on January 27, 2013, 04:50:45 PM
I'm pretty sure we just beat the defending champs + their ref teammates.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: LarBrd33 on January 27, 2013, 04:51:47 PM
We haven't been championship contenders since Shaq broke.  We were a feisty also-ran. 

At this point, we're completely mediocre.  Rondo's injury probably will not change that much.  We'll lose some passing, but the offense can be just as effective without him.  We'll just need to adjust the system to be more free-flowing and less Rondo-centralized.  We have the shooters and scorers to make it work just as efficiently.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: BudweiserCeltic on January 27, 2013, 04:52:17 PM
Yep, it's more difficult though, but since before the season started I said that if someone from our starting unit... well, from our big 3, goes down I'm more comfortable with Rondo going down.

We have a lot of talent in our guard rotation with plenty of people who can put the ball on the floor, and can move the ball. Also we have plenty of defense with Bradley and Lee.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: j804 on January 27, 2013, 05:15:42 PM
I'm not counting us out if we can just get to the playoffs which this team can given the east isn't stacked at all....then I'll take us against anybody out east. I am worried about running KG to the ground though bring back Melo sign Kmart somebody to just spot him minutes.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: vinnie on January 27, 2013, 05:23:50 PM
I'm pretty sure we just beat the defending champs + their ref teammates.

But wait. I thought the regular season didn't matter. I guess today's game is different though because the Celtics won.

Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Kane3387 on January 27, 2013, 05:24:50 PM
No way.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: kgainez on January 27, 2013, 05:29:05 PM
The Heatles are a great defensive team. Yes it took us 2 overtimes, but without that late TO, we win in regulation.

With that being said...I don't see a team that's better defensively.
Out West, they like offense...not so much defense.

I think we can contend.

We have SO much talent.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Chief Macho on January 27, 2013, 05:31:46 PM
no way in hell. 
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: OsirusCeltics on January 27, 2013, 05:34:42 PM
A definite yes if the Celtics trade for an above average Center
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: perks-a-beast on January 27, 2013, 05:36:30 PM
The Celtics can beat the Heat in 7 games if fully healthy but it would be incredibly tough.

I feel fully confident going against the Knicks, Pacers, Hawks, Brooklyn or anyone else in the East in a series except a healthy Bulls team with Derrick Rose...yikes.

And if we make it to the Finals and play the Thunder, Clippers or Spurs it will be the toughest task our team has ever faced.

But then again there is a reason you always here people say to never count the Celtics out.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: CelticConcourse on January 27, 2013, 05:39:22 PM
Heat are head-and-heels better than the rest of the conference. We beat Knicks and Heat both without Rondo..
We have a fighter's chance to make it to the Finals still.

Then, the West is a whole 'nother story with Grizz, Nuggs, Clips, Spurs, Thunder...
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: bopna on January 27, 2013, 05:39:57 PM
There is NO TEAM in NBA history that has ever won a championship without its main man or core group intact...all NBA Champs have won because they basically survived a gruelling NBA season unscathed...If Bosh did not come back for the cHeat last year, they don't win squat, infact, they only won because D. Rose, was out for the playoffs, and we didn't have AB and to a lesser exent Green.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: CelticConcourse on January 27, 2013, 05:44:54 PM
Even without Rondo, we are just as talented as any team in the East except the Heat (maybe). Believe that or not?

Pierce: still a top-4 SF in the game
KG: still one of the best defenders and PFs
Lee: rounding into a solid rotation player
Green: can be a solid rotation player
Bradley: one of the best wing-defenders
Sullinger: adequate rotation player
Barbosa: solid JJ-Barea type player

Bass: if he can get back on track, he's a solid rotation player
Wilcox: can run :\
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: vinnie on January 27, 2013, 05:45:08 PM
There is absolutely no logic nor common sense in thinking that any pro team can win a championship without its best or second best player -- especially in the NBA. I applaud all of the green goggles being worn in this thread, however.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: angryguy77 on January 27, 2013, 05:56:49 PM
Still? That would imply we were contenders before his injury. Why do the bb gods hate this team?
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: hpantazo on January 27, 2013, 05:58:14 PM
Still? That would imply we were contenders before his injury. Why do the bb gods hate this team?

exactly! where we even contenders before this injury? We are barely the 8th seed and no, Bradley's return did not magically save the season like some people were expecting.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Stig on January 27, 2013, 05:58:44 PM
yes, we are still CHAMPIONSHIP contender, but we won't win it.

with or without Rando we have the potential to be a very good team,
but we can't beat a healthy miami heat in 7 games, even with Rando 100%,
we can't beat the best team coming out of west either.

So it's over. I'm kind of relieved.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Edgar on January 27, 2013, 06:37:26 PM
were we?
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Onslaught on January 27, 2013, 06:53:35 PM
We've not been all year. So how could we be now that our best player is gone for the year?
The season is half over and we're under .500 and in the 8th seed for the playoffs. And it's not 100% that we'll keep that spot.

Beating someone in a game in the regular season in no way means you can beat them in the playoffs in 7 games. If we face the heat in round one the best we could do is win 1 or perhaps 2 games. You are what your records says you are.

I love the Celtics. But I'm not sure how people can think we're contenders for anything other then the draft. And even then we won't win because I can't think of any good players coming out.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: CelticConcourse on January 27, 2013, 06:55:18 PM
We have a decent chance to win the East...
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: vinnie on January 27, 2013, 07:02:40 PM
We have a decent chance to win the East...

So they have a decent chance to beat Miami and Chicago with D. Rose back? Please explain how.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Roy H. on January 27, 2013, 07:03:45 PM
No, I don't think so.  I still want to see the team go down fighting, though.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: CelticConcourse on January 27, 2013, 07:08:17 PM
Before the season, we talked about how deep we were and that one injury couldn't stop us. Even with Rondo down, we have a strong lineup and can still beat elite teams, including every team in the Eastern Conference except MAYBE the Knicks/Heat... who are also coincidentally teams we beat without Rondo, already this season.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Clench123 on January 27, 2013, 07:10:51 PM
Before the season, we talked about how deep we were and that one injury couldn't stop us. Even with Rondo down, we have a strong lineup and can still beat elite teams, including every team in the Eastern Conference except MAYBE the Knicks/Heat... who are also coincidentally teams we beat without Rondo, already this season.

That was before all the guys we got started underforming
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Lightskinsmurf on January 27, 2013, 07:17:50 PM
Lol, KG could go down tomorrow and some of you would still be screaming we have a shot still.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: kgainez on January 27, 2013, 07:38:35 PM
No, I don't think so.  I still want to see the team go down fighting, though.

this
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: kgainez on January 27, 2013, 07:39:45 PM
Lol, KG could go down tomorrow and some of you would still be screaming we have a shot still.

we are guard heavy and we have guards who are underperforming/underutilized. a guard going down is different than the only 'center' and tall guy we have.

If KG goes down yes...wrap em up. we can AT LEAST compete.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: vinnie on January 27, 2013, 07:41:49 PM
Before the season, we talked about how deep we were and that one injury couldn't stop us. Even with Rondo down, we have a strong lineup and can still beat elite teams, including every team in the Eastern Conference except MAYBE the Knicks/Heat... who are also coincidentally teams we beat without Rondo, already this season.

They have not beaten Chicago this season and Chicago has not had D. Rose.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: RockinRyA on January 27, 2013, 07:47:46 PM
We'll be ok in the regular season without Rondo, but in the playoffs, I dont think so. Playoff Rondo is arguably a top 5 player.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: CelticConcourse on January 27, 2013, 07:49:37 PM
Before the season, we talked about how deep we were and that one injury couldn't stop us. Even with Rondo down, we have a strong lineup and can still beat elite teams, including every team in the Eastern Conference except MAYBE the Knicks/Heat... who are also coincidentally teams we beat without Rondo, already this season.

They have not beaten Chicago this season and Chicago has not had D. Rose.

First one: http://www.nba.com/games/20121112/BOSCHI/gameinfo.html

Second one: big deal, Bradley can slow down Rose... we're very guard-heavy
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: kgainez on January 27, 2013, 07:51:06 PM
Before the season, we talked about how deep we were and that one injury couldn't stop us. Even with Rondo down, we have a strong lineup and can still beat elite teams, including every team in the Eastern Conference except MAYBE the Knicks/Heat... who are also coincidentally teams we beat without Rondo, already this season.

They have not beaten Chicago this season and Chicago has not had D. Rose.

we did win one gam...reg season series is 1-1
and the one we did lose...well...i think if it was replayed, things would be different.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: CelticConcourse on January 27, 2013, 07:53:02 PM
Before the season, we talked about how deep we were and that one injury couldn't stop us. Even with Rondo down, we have a strong lineup and can still beat elite teams, including every team in the Eastern Conference except MAYBE the Knicks/Heat... who are also coincidentally teams we beat without Rondo, already this season.

They have not beaten Chicago this season and Chicago has not had D. Rose.

we did win one gam...reg season series is 1-1
and the one we did lose...well...i think if it was replayed, things would be different.

We certainly have the talent to beat every team in the East.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: vinnie on January 27, 2013, 08:11:54 PM
Before the season, we talked about how deep we were and that one injury couldn't stop us. Even with Rondo down, we have a strong lineup and can still beat elite teams, including every team in the Eastern Conference except MAYBE the Knicks/Heat... who are also coincidentally teams we beat without Rondo, already this season.

They have not beaten Chicago this season and Chicago has not had D. Rose.

we did win one gam...reg season series is 1-1
and the one we did lose...well...i think if it was replayed, things would be different.

We certainly have the talent to beat every team in the East.

TP for you on catching the win over the Bulls.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: blink on January 27, 2013, 08:18:34 PM
No, I don't think so.  I still want to see the team go down fighting, though.

I feel exactly the same way.  I don't give us much of a shot at all...but I want to see them even in the underdog role.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: mgent on January 27, 2013, 08:20:50 PM
I'm pretty sure we just beat the defending champs + their ref teammates.

But wait. I thought the regular season didn't matter. I guess today's game is different though because the Celtics won.
Huh?  What the heck are you talking about?
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: CelticConcourse on January 27, 2013, 08:21:19 PM
No, I don't think so.  I still want to see the team go down fighting, though.

I feel exactly the same way.  I don't give us much of a shot at all...but I want to see them even in the underdog role.

(see Boston Celtics season, 2008-09)

No KG, no problem.
No Rondo, no problem.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: krook on January 30, 2013, 01:26:37 AM
trust your players
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Lightskinsmurf on January 30, 2013, 01:52:51 AM
No, I don't think so.  I still want to see the team go down fighting, though.

I feel exactly the same way.  I don't give us much of a shot at all...but I want to see them even in the underdog role.

(see Boston Celtics season, 2008-09)

No KG, no problem.
No Rondo, no problem.

Excuse me? No KG no problem? We lost to a team we were better than because KG was out. Id say no kg, WE HAVE A PROBLEM. Same with rondo. If you mean winning a few regular season games then sure, no problem.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: JSD on January 30, 2013, 01:57:02 AM
The east is wide open and the heat are an injury themselves away from beatable. Plus there are no "expiring contract, young player and picks" trades out there because of the amnesty clause and all those bad contracts eliminated. So any trade we make with peirce and kg would involve taking on a bad long term contract or two more than likely.

Our best shot for now and the future is standing pat, grabbing a solid PG and letting Doc work his magic. Then, in the offseason, if it is a fail, blow it up. Only then there will be be a million options that don't involve taking back any contracts. This is exactly what Ainge will do.

I like Calderon. He is a good distributor, shooter and expires after the season (giving us $10 million to jump start the rebuild). Thing is, it would likely cost us bass, lee and a 1st or sully/Bradley or any combo. I'm not sure parting with our mid/high end prospects is worth it here. But in a weak draft, the pick would be worth clearing that $10 million in my opinion. I really like this idea, but I wouldn't be surprised if Ainge just let's it ride and does very little.

Long story short, yes we are still contending!
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: krook on January 30, 2013, 03:16:52 AM
The east is wide open and the heat are an injury themselves away from beatable. Plus there are no "expiring contract, young player and picks" trades out there because of the amnesty clause and all those bad contracts eliminated. So any trade we make with peirce and kg would involve taking on a bad long term contract or two more than likely.

Our best shot for now and the future is standing pat, grabbing a solid PG and letting Doc work his magic. Then, in the offseason, if it is a fail, blow it up. Only then there will be be a million options that don't involve taking back any contracts. This is exactly what Ainge will do.

I like Calderon. He is a good distributor, shooter and expires after the season (giving us $10 million to jump start the rebuild). Thing is, it would likely cost us bass, lee and a 1st or sully/Bradley or any combo. I'm not sure parting with our mid/high end prospects is worth it here. But in a weak draft, the pick would be worth clearing that $10 million in my opinion. I really like this idea, but I wouldn't be surprised if Ainge just let's it ride and does very little.

Long story short, yes we are still contending!

yes keep the faith
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: alajet on January 30, 2013, 06:33:11 AM
We weren't contenders to begin with, so, without Rondo, easily no.

Note: I'm not a pessimist. But realistically speaking, a team that sits under .500 isn't a contender. A team that is below 4th in its respective conference isn't a contender, either.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: slamtheking on January 30, 2013, 08:48:07 AM
we're contenders right up until the day they're eliminated. 

I don't think their odds are very good of winning it all though.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: CelticConcourse on January 30, 2013, 08:59:09 AM
we're contenders right up until the day they're eliminated. 

I don't think their odds are very good of winning it all though.

Contenders forever!
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: 4THQTR on January 30, 2013, 09:00:01 AM
No, I don't think so.  I still want to see the team go down fighting, though.

I feel exactly the same way.  I don't give us much of a shot at all...but I want to see them even in the underdog role.

(see Boston Celtics season, 2008-09)

No KG, no problem.
No Rondo, no problem.



Wow... What was the outcome of the 2009 playoffs in your alternate universe...?

Cause in the one I live in, "no KG" meant a second round exit...

This may be even more absurd than the claims that a season-ending injury to the team's most talented player will increase its chances to compete for a championship this year, because at least we KNOW in 2009 that was not the case...
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: wdleehi on January 30, 2013, 09:05:16 AM
No.


The Celtics will still be the team no one want to see in the first round.  As long as they don't face a healthy Miami, I think the can win rounds. 



But the East really has only one true contender unless Rose comes back as strong as he was before by the time the playoff start.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: scaryjerry on January 30, 2013, 09:17:59 AM
No.



I'm convinced it's just the rondo detractors saying yes to try and prove some point now....we were hardly contenders before his injury, now we're not whatsoever
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: BballTim on January 30, 2013, 09:34:03 AM
No, I don't think so.  I still want to see the team go down fighting, though.

  Might as well, it's probably too late to tank.

  I'd also like to see some serious development from Bradley and Sully. We'll need them next year.

Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Fan from VT on January 30, 2013, 09:59:27 AM
Trick question. The "still" is misleading. We never were, as constructed.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: krook on January 30, 2013, 10:20:51 AM
trust me we can win this
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: LooseCannon on January 30, 2013, 11:13:04 AM
If you don't blow it up, this team can be legitimate championship contenders...next season.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: PhoSita on January 30, 2013, 11:16:19 AM
Why is this still a thread.

No.

(http://images.sodahead.com/polls/000268653/polls_No_Brainer_2155_603432_poll_xlarge.gif)
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: wdleehi on January 30, 2013, 11:42:15 AM
Why is this still a thread.

No.

(http://images.sodahead.com/polls/000268653/polls_No_Brainer_2155_603432_poll_xlarge.gif)


Because they do not magically disappear when we do not like the topic. 
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: PhoSita on January 30, 2013, 11:45:50 AM
Why is this still a thread.

No.

(http://images.sodahead.com/polls/000268653/polls_No_Brainer_2155_603432_poll_xlarge.gif)


Because they do not magically disappear when we do not like the topic.

I guess I'm just shocked that this is even a question that fairly reasonable people would debate. 

I suppose I'm with vinnie on this one.  People surprise you at times with their capacity for irrational thinking.  Especially when it comes to being a fan.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Boston Garden Leprechaun on January 30, 2013, 11:48:30 AM
There are no other options. Can we win it all or not?

I say "Yes". Who's with me?!

NO, not without a legit BIG MAN. we may also need a PG. not sure if JET and Lee and the blur can tackle that the rest of the year.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: Lightskinsmurf on January 30, 2013, 11:49:50 AM
Why is this still a thread.

No.

(http://images.sodahead.com/polls/000268653/polls_No_Brainer_2155_603432_poll_xlarge.gif)


Because they do not magically disappear when we do not like the topic.

I guess I'm just shocked that this is even a question that fairly reasonable people would debate. 

I suppose I'm with vinnie on this one.  People surprise you at times with their capacity for irrational thinking.  Especially when it comes to being a fan.

True, some guys just can't help themselves.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: wdleehi on January 30, 2013, 11:51:52 AM
Why is this still a thread.

No.

(http://images.sodahead.com/polls/000268653/polls_No_Brainer_2155_603432_poll_xlarge.gif)


Because they do not magically disappear when we do not like the topic.

I guess I'm just shocked that this is even a question that fairly reasonable people would debate. 

I suppose I'm with vinnie on this one.  People surprise you at times with their capacity for irrational thinking.  Especially when it comes to being a fan.

True, some guys just can't help themselves.


2/3 of all voters said "no"


1/3 of Celtics fans on here still keep hope.  I find nothing wrong with that.  I would be more disappointed if no one had hope left.


(vote is at 40 no to 20 yes at the time of this post)
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: drza44 on January 30, 2013, 12:43:25 PM
Yes.  Still.  Celtics were a contender before...how many times do we have to see them "shockingly" awaken in the playoffs right around the time our best player goes from 30 mpg in reg season to 37 mpg in playoffs before we realize that there is some causation there?  Also, the team was always going to finish stronger once the old-heads got the finish line in sight/the young-heads were fully integrated to their roles on the team.

Barring a KG injury or team-shaking trade, Celts finish at worst 26 - 12 over last 38 games.

How?

Bradley/Lee/Pierce/Sully/KG dominates defensively

Offensively, dirty secret...lots of individual offensive talent on this team. One problem before is that Terry/Lee/Pierce all better with ball in their hands than spotting up. Terry and Barbosa needed more consistent minutes. Sully better offense creator than Bass, didnt need to be spoonfed the jumpers like Bass did. Pierce/KG/Sully one of best passing frontcourts in NBA, takes playmaking burden off of Bradley and Lee.

Offensive summary: Rondo is one of the best spoon-feeding passers in the league, on a team where the talent doesn't fit the spot-up rolls he needs.  The downgrade of Ray as a lightening quick spot-up shooter (even over contest) from deep and the absence of Brandon Bass's jumper combined to severely limit the offensive ceiling of the style of play that we were playing.  It'd be a lot to ask KG and Pierce to do it on their own offensively at this stage, but if the supporting pieces work better in the new paradigm they should have the support they need.

Bottom line prediction: offense improves marginally, defense improves significantly, Celtics no worse than 26 - 12 down stretch.  Still a contender.
Title: Re: Are we still CHAMPIONSHIP contenders?
Post by: celtsfan84 on January 30, 2013, 12:44:42 PM
Why is this still a thread.

No.

(http://images.sodahead.com/polls/000268653/polls_No_Brainer_2155_603432_poll_xlarge.gif)


Because they do not magically disappear when we do not like the topic.

I guess I'm just shocked that this is even a question that fairly reasonable people would debate. 

I suppose I'm with vinnie on this one.  People surprise you at times with their capacity for irrational thinking.  Especially when it comes to being a fan.

True, some guys just can't help themselves.


2/3 of all voters said "no"


1/3 of Celtics fans on here still keep hope.  I find nothing wrong with that.  I would be more disappointed if no one had hope left.


(vote is at 40 no to 20 yes at the time of this post)

I'd imagine that a Wizards poll on a Wizards blog would have similar voting results.