We happen to have a team full of excellent mid range shooters, so thats perfect. And if the midrange jump shot is the worst percentage shot in the game (its not, the 3 and long two are), then why are we shooting a better percentage that 20 other teams in the league.
Midrange jumpshot, long two -- tomato, tomahto.
The Celtics hit a good percentage of the long twos that they're taking, but they are still long twos, which limits the offense because it makes it harder to get second chance opportunities, to get to the line, or to get extra points from behind the arc.
And no, the 3 is not the worst percentage shot in the game, when you adjust for effective field goal percentage.
Yes, I suppose if the two teams aren't identical we should act like they have nothing in common.
For the record, you're claiming that you don't expect to see any improvement by the Celts over the course of the season?
My point is that the key problems with the Lakers are not really similar to the issues that the Celtics have, so there's not much point in drawing a comparison.
As for improvement, I don't doubt that there will be some, but to this point in the season I haven't seen much to make me think that there's a lot of room for improvement. Last season, a drastic change to the starting lineup and a return to health brought more consistency and a great record over most of the second half. In 2010, it was clear a team full of talented vets was just coasting in the regular season, stepping up occasionally for big games. I just haven't seen that "extra gear" this season, really at all.
I think they will be better by the end of the season, and they'll step it up in the playoffs for sure. But are they suddenly going to turn into a horse drawn carriage after being a pumpkin all season? I don't see it.
By a number of metrics, Rondo is having his best season yet.
I don't agree with this at all. His production this season is similar to his other seasons. His assists are up, but so are his turnovers. His steals are down. Granted, he is shooting MUCH better than he did last year, but his overall FG% is slightly better than some of his other seasons.
If he gets his PER over 20, I will give him the nod.
Well I guess the point is, do you think this season more or less represents the best we can expect from Rondo during the regular season?
Rondo is definitely a different player in the post-season, but as far as leading the team to wins in the regular season, I think we pretty much know what to expect at this point.