We often wonder what opposing teams, their beat reporters and bloggers are saying about the Celtics. Here’s a look at some enemy chatter from Houston.
The Celtics have played so reliably hard that they have been able to scrape together more wins than the other teams going nowhere. But after moving Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green largely for picks, the Celtics have a roster filled with players with the potential to be good, solid rotation guys. They do not have a young, future star to make the pain of losing seem likely to pay off. While the Sixers and Timberwolves hope that there are game-changers on the roster with the potential to grow into the role, the Celtics cannot expect that from Jared Sullinger, Tyler Zeller or even Marcus Smart. All seem likely to have good, long careers. Smart especially could be a key piece of a top team. But the team playing under all those banners has to hope that some of the great many draft picks the Celtics have collected pay off big time. Until then, the Celtics have the start of a foundation, but no star to build around.
Ultimate Rockets – Houston Chronicle
Half of me thinks this guy is right, the other half wants to tell him to f-off.
I think it’s a bit premature to define Marcus Smart’s career 40-something games into his rookie season. The kid has defensive player of the year potential, a better than we thought 3 point shot, and cajones.
James Harden couldn’t get anything going and ended with just 14 points on 4-21 shooting. The Celtics are a team built to stop players like Harden because they have a handful of athletic wings who are exceptional defenders. Rookie Marcus Smart specifically frustrated Harden down the stretch. The Beard also recorded 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 turnovers in a disappointing performance.
For Boston, Marcus Thornton (out of all people) had the hot hand. He just chucked up tough shots and they were falling — it was just that kind of night for Thornton. He gunned his way to the tune of 17 points in 23 minutes. For a good majority of that time, James Harden was guarding him. Just saying.
I’m not quite sure why he’s doubting Marcus Thornton’s scoring ability. If there’s one guy on this team who can score 17 points in 23 minutes, it’s Thornton.
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