The Celtics have improved bigtime. But I think the Kyrie deal gets way too much credit. Whatever Kyrie has done this year was done even better last year by Isaih. There was no fourth quarter closer in the league better than Thomas last year. Stats bear that out. I will give Kyrie credit for upping his defensive game since joining the Cs, something Thomas was just too small to be effective at.
The Celtics have improved, not primarily because of Kyrie, but because of Danny Ainge's OTHER moves. Jalen Brown was a head scratcher early draft pick two years ago. He has blossomed this year. Ainge traded down this year from #1 to #3, passing on Fultz and Ball to get Tatum. He has been an immediate contributor. Those two guys are long and athletic. Ainge also added more athletic size in Morris, Baynes, and Theis. Rozier is improved. Smart is the team scrapper. And Horford is playing a more inside game than he did last year and has been unconscious with his shot making.
Kyrie has fit in well here. Much to my surprise he has been a solid team player after I thought that we were getting a me first guy. But the guys Danny Ainge put around him are the real difference makers.
And don't forget Brad Stevens. The Celtics play and play hard for him. On BOTH sides of the court. They run up and down and stay in their roles as they move the ball around to the open shot.
When Thomas gets healthy (if?) watch out for Cleveland. You will see his value to that team. They will pose a formidable road block for the Celtics. Can the C's overcome? I think so. Will be fun to watch unfold. But make no mistake about it, Kyrie is just one of several pieces Fanny Ainge put together over the summer.
Gonna be fun here in Boston.
The Celtics have improved, not primarily because of Kyrie, but because of Danny Ainge's OTHER moves. Jalen Brown was a head scratcher early draft pick two years ago. He has blossomed this year. Ainge traded down this year from #1 to #3, passing on Fultz and Ball to get Tatum. He has been an immediate contributor. Those two guys are long and athletic. Ainge also added more athletic size in Morris, Baynes, and Theis. Rozier is improved. Smart is the team scrapper. And Horford is playing a more inside game than he did last year and has been unconscious with his shot making.
Kyrie has fit in well here. Much to my surprise he has been a solid team player after I thought that we were getting a me first guy. But the guys Danny Ainge put around him are the real difference makers.
And don't forget Brad Stevens. The Celtics play and play hard for him. On BOTH sides of the court. They run up and down and stay in their roles as they move the ball around to the open shot.
When Thomas gets healthy (if?) watch out for Cleveland. You will see his value to that team. They will pose a formidable road block for the Celtics. Can the C's overcome? I think so. Will be fun to watch unfold. But make no mistake about it, Kyrie is just one of several pieces Fanny Ainge put together over the summer.
Gonna be fun here in Boston.
Streak on the line....Kyrie with 30
16 in a row...Kyrie with 47
