Jermaine O'Neal: Like I said in the recap, the team has been better with him on the floor. He will defend the rim and rebound, things the C's need with the first unit. His minutes are purposely being kept low as he works his way back… but I'm buying him as legitimately being able to help this team.
Derrick Rose as the MVP: I've been going back and forth on this. I know the disciples of Hollinger will point to a bunch of numbers that paint Dwight Howard as the more valuable player. But Howard has now been suspended TWICE for amassing technical fouls… while Rose puts on exhibitions like last night. Stat heads can cry all they want… but I'm completely comfortable with Rose as the MVP
The rest of the regular season: I'm done guessing at when the C's will turn it on or off. I'm just assuming that they're coasting through the next four games. Maybe the mood will strike them against Miami… but it can come and go so quickly that I'm done guessing.
Everyone not named Jermaine O'Neal: Pierce was sloppy, KG is tired, Ray's in his own head, and Rondo is in Rondo-land. The've got 4 games to figure it all out. Meanwhile, Krstic is clearly a second unit, 15 minute a game guy, Jeff Green needs to get much more aggressive, Delonte's injury seems to make his play unpredictable and Baby keeps throwing these dud games in the middle of good stretches. After that effort last night, I'm not buying this team's desire to do what their mouths say they want to do.
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