| Trigger Happy GM Does it Again Authored by Ari McKenna - January 28, 2006 - 1:53 pm
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While unloading Mark Blount’s sourpuss self and his unforgivable contract for Olowokandi, who maybe gives the C’s a sliver of a better rebounder (Blount’s ineptitude on the boards was about as confounding as the fact that just this year he decided to correct people as to how to pronounce his one syllable name: “Blunt”) is satisfying, this trade does not appear to have any substantial impact on a team with an 18-25 record.
So why did Danny Ainge pull the trigger on this one? Does he just like pulling the trigger?
One can almost imagine old buddies, McHale and Ainge, as young whippersnappers getting together with their basketball cards spread across the floor and swapping evens for the sake of having some fresh cards. But what could this trade do for the Celtics, who seem to be at this rocky season’s high point with some inspired play and wins in four of their last six? In Szczerbiak, they get a pure (albeit streaky) shooter that likes to sink threes.
Now, hypothetically, and in addition to West, Pierce, and Lefrentz, the Celtics can start to stretch opposing teams’ defenses out.
With Perkins showing improvements by the game, and Jefferson making his case for more playing time felt to Doc Rivers with better D, it certainly seems ideal to have a situation where the big men have room to operate and the shooters are getting their looks.
While Davis had a fully functional midrange game, there seemed to be some confusion with he and Pierce as to who did what when. And although there were only moments of agitation between the two, it may be true—when considering the teams abysmal ability to lose the close ones—that there should have been more tension between them. But maybe Pierce, like many Boston fans, just liked Ricky Davis regardless and was willing to overlook the fact that sometimes in close games when his team was down by four with a minute left he would take and miss the game’s most crucial shot without anybody even seeming to realize (himself included) that he had just sealed the deal.
With the tandem of Szczerbiak and Pierce, it should be clear to Pierce that it is his distinct role to attack the basket hard and to do plenty of dishing to Big Al and Perk. Szczerbiak’s perimeter passing is also one of his bright spots and you can expect Lefrentz’s offensive numbers to climb as he gets passes that appeal to his shooting rhythm.
As for the Celtics defense, it is anchored at this point by Delonte West, who has been willing and able to shut down most of the point guards he faces, and Perkins, who looks to be developing into the type of defensive player who gives other team’s slashers second thoughts. With Tony Allen also providing some gutsy D off the bench, the Celtics season may hinge on the willingness of Pierce, Szczerbiak, and Jefferson to buckle down.
Recent champions have taught us that rings can be won with two primary components: strong team defense and unselfish offense. Looking at what Ainge’s many dealings have brought the Celtics, he at least appears to have these things in mind. Whether Celtics fans continue to grumble is yet to be seen. |
