Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
As to how he might pair with the other bigs on the Boston roster, Horford’s diverse game should complement Johnson, Olynyk and Jerebko nicely. When paired with Johnson, Horford will likely be used in the pick and roll and pick and pop game. The Celtics also won’t hesitate to put him in the mid-post area and let him iso occasionally, especially if he’s defended by a traditional center. If opposing teams match him with a power forward, he’ll set up shop inside. Horford and Johnson are also good enough passers that both can move the ball to teammates for solid looks. […]
On the defensive end of the floor, Boston now has a legitimate shot blocking threat, which they’ve lacked for years. Amir Johnson led the Celtics in blocks last year with just over one per game. While Horford had the identical block rate as Johnson last season at 3.6 percent, the extra length and challenges at the basket is a welcome addition to a team that struggles with rim protection. While Boston’s interior defense isn’t necessarily bad, it is greatly aided by some of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA in Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart and Jae Crowder. With a solid rim protector behind them, the Celtics’ perimeter defense could be even better this season, as they’ll be allowed to pressure ball handlers even more than previous years, resulting in more turnovers and bad shots.
RealGM – Al Horford’s Two-Way Impact On The Celtics
Al Horford is literally a game-changer for the Celtics, both on and off the court. As we well know, his signing ends the annoying criticism that top free agents won’t come to Boston. Adding Horford to the roster boosts the Cs while harming the Hawks. And we’ll get to see how Brad Stevens utilizes a multiple-time All-Star – the most talented player Brad has had so far.
Horford essentially replaces Jared Sullinger, which is a major upgrade on both ends of the court. We had high hopes for Sully, but after four seasons we’ve probably seen as much as he’s capable of giving. Good, but not very good. Not enough to say, “Let’s wait a bit longer and see if he continues to improve.”
In the RealGM article, the word that pops up repeatedly is “versatile.” That’s the main element that Horford brings to the Cs. He’s well-rounded on offense and can play center or power forward on defense. The line-up combinations Brad can call upon will be amazing.
Two seasons ago, Horford was the leader of a balanced Hawks squad that won 60 games and reached the conference finals. Last season, Boston’s “no star” roster drew comparisons to that Atlanta team. Now that the Celtics have acquired the Hawks’ center, it’s all getting real.
Related: Basketball Insiders – NBA PM: Free Agency Winners and Losers (Celtics = winners)
On Page 2: Nice problem to have
This should come as no surprise to anyone who has seen his body type, but R.J. Hunter wants to put on some weight this summer. According to an Instagram post from Boston Celtics strength coach Bryan Doo, the new target weight is 205 pounds.
After measuring in at 185 pounds at the NBA combine last year, Hunter said he gained seven pounds prior to his rookie season. It’s not clear exactly what he weighs right now, but based on how he looked in summer league he’ll probably need some real work to reach his objective.
MassLive – Boston Celtics’ RJ Hunter putting on weight, trying to reach 205 pounds
Until we get a Woj bomb about a trade, there won’t be much news coming out of Celtics headquarters right now. So, sure, let’s consider R.J.’s weight. Definitely, he needs to get stronger, so adding some pounds of muscle would be helpful. Maybe when Kelly Olynyk’s shoulder heals, he can join R.J. in the weight room.
And, finally: Hoops and politics don’t mix
Roll-call votes to nominate presidential candidates give delegates the opportunity to puff out their chests and brag about their home states/territories. During Tuesday’s roll call at the 2016 Republican National Convention, though, one delegate used his platform not only to big up his home turf, but also to offer a bit of sports-themed knife-twisting to hoop fans in the host city of Cleveland. […]
“We are the state that gave LeBron James his first two championships,” Ingoglia said.”
Yahoo – Fla. delegate brags about LeBron’s Heat titles at RNC in Cleveland
What could be more unlikeable than a politician who is also a Heat fan? Against all logic, this guy went out of his way to throw shade on the Cavs in their very own building, Quicken Loans Arena, site of the convention. To quote one of this year’s presidential nominees: Sad.
The Rest of the Links:
CBS Sports – Why the rumors about Jahlil Okafor going to the Celtics won’t go away
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