Despite Monday night’s impressive fourth quarter performance against the Wizards, the Celtics have clearly been struggling lately, particularly in closing out games down the stretch. The C’s are 7-11 over their last 18 games, with many of the losses due to epic 4th quarter collapses. With the All-Star break and trade deadline looming, many experts have suggested that the Celtics need to make a move to bolster their roster for the stretch run. ESPN.com’s Chris Sheridan, among others, has recommended trading Ray Allen. This is an overreaction in my opinion. Ray Allen is a perfect fit for this team, as he doesn’t constantly need the ball in his hands to be effective, and he helps space the floor as the greatest three-point threat of all time. (Suck it, Reggie.) Now, I’m all for picking up a backup point guard or a hard-nosed rebounder at the deadline if Danny Ainge can do it without giving up any essential pieces, but trading Ray Allen is much too drastic of a move.
My solution is a much simpler one. The biggest acquisition the Celtics can make will be of a player already on their roster: Marquis Daniels. Daniels is due back from a torn ligament in his thumb after the All-Star break, although recent reports suggest that he might return a game or two before. I don’t think people – especially people who don’t follow the Celtics on a regular basis – realize how much his absence has hurt the team. The stats don’t lie:
I realize that this isn’t the perfect barometer to gauge Daniel’s impact on the team, as Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce both missed some time while Daniels was out. However, these numbers clearly show that the Celtics are much more effective with Daniels coming off the bench. Here’s why:
While Daniels is not the greatest passer, he can effectively handle the ball and act as the back up point guard. This takes the ball out of Eddie House and Tony Allen’s hands, which instantly makes them more effective. Eddie will be able to come off screens and focus on just shooting the ball, rather than having to deal with his shortcomings as a ball handler. TA can focus on being a cutter and a slasher, which makes him more of a legitimate threat. Anytime Tony has to take more than two dribbles, it’s a crapshoot; he has the potential to wow you, or more likely, dribble the ball of his foot and make you say “Why?” In addition, Daniels is an excellent perimeter defender who can guard the other team’s best player if need be. He is the only one who can consistently create his own shot on the second unit. And perhaps most importantly, he can help limit Ray Allen and Paul Pierce’s minutes, keeping them fresh for the playoffs.
To sum it all up, Marquis Daniels will stabilize the second unit. He will be able to get Sheed the ball in the post, hit Tony Allen cutting to the basket, dish to Eddie House coming off screens, and create his own shot if necessary. The Celtics showed some good signs in the 4th quarter against the Wizards, playing the stifling defense that brought them Banner 17 two seasons ago. With Daniels coming back in the near future, I don’t think it’s time to hit the panic button just yet.
-AFG
I've gotten in a few arguments on the Ray Allen matter myself. It would definitely be way too drastic trading him for anyone his value is worth. Everyone needs to settle down. If you want to trade Ray because of his performance lately, you're argument is void. You know damn well he's going to be back down the stretch jayin threes and red hot when it really matters. Not to mention he could play forever as a 6th man off the bench knocking them down at age 40. Perfect type of guy to keep for a "hometown" discount when we are in a rebuilding process in a couple years (assuming KG and/or pierce will start to decline for good).
ReplyDeleteOh and also, even if Ray were to leave after this year...why not keep his expiring contract to make it possible to contend in a free agent pool including the likes of lebron james (obv not coming here), dwayne wade, chris bosh, and joe johnson...while still having a better chance to win it all this year than if we did trade ray (were not getting someone in return as good as ray and with an expiring contract, bottom line).
ReplyDeleteNO BRAINER in my opinion. COME ON CELTS PLEASE STAND PAT.
Definitely agree... Ray already knows he's gonna have to take a pay cut next year, no matter where he plays. I think he wants to stay here. He likes his role, he doesn't have to carry the whole team so he can play longer. Plus, a big factor is his diabetic son, who can get the best treatment in the world here in Boston. I think he would definitely take the hometown discount to stay here because of that.
ReplyDeleteI agree. First point- Ray has already said that he wants to be here and that if a pay reduction is necessary, he is willing to do so. It would be wicked drastic to trade Ray when he has been in a slump compare to pass years. The problem with comparing this year to the past is that he has been phenomenal. He has been consistent his whole career. His stats have declined a bit. He just needs to shoot more.
ReplyDeleteSecond point- If there was anything I learned from college in my financial classes, it is buy low and sell high. So if Ray has been declining why sell? He will come around.
Last point- Celtics just need to get into the playoffs. It doesn't matter all that much where they play. Look at their record. They are four wins better when they are away then when they are home. This could definitely change. All I am saying is they just need to be healthy. With Daniels coming back and perhaps Davis will return to form like last year, it will allow our starter to sit 8 minutes in the third with double digit leads going into the 4th quarter.