Boston Celtics Danny Ainge Has Bench Issues: The Answer To These Issues Will Determine Bostons Fate
Boston still needs a exposive player coming off the bench I will just be a nervous wreck if we dont get our 18th ring this year.
Lachristopher Ford Boston Celtics Fan Via Facebook Boston Celtics Report
Mr. Ford brings up a very important point about this off season. A lot of people are talking about the center position as being the top need of importance, but the bench in my opinion is going to be the make or break for Boston’s quest for Banner 18 next season. Both Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge have made it clear that Boston needs to bring in help for the Big Three and Rondo next season. Too many times last season the bench lacked scoring and ended up handing the lead the starters gave them back to the other team. This means this is a top issue.
However, Boston has cap issues. Ainge has his work cut out for him because he does not want to lose his flexibility next season by signing guys to long term contracts. The Celtics are sitting pretty right now to sign two max contract guys next off season to keep this wave of winning rolling. I want to win in 2012, but not at the expense of the plan that has been put in place since 08.
The fact is Boston does need an impact player off the bench. The great news is that man is probably on the roster already with Paul Pierce or Jeff Green in place for the most part (Ainge is not letting Green go anywhere). Both men are more than capable of being the featured scorer for the second unit. It might do Pierce good to be coming in off the bench and lighting it up to reduce the toll on his body. Green with a full training camp and off season to learn Boston’s system should have him more of the guy that showed flashes of brilliance than the man that looked lost at times. I think Green’s doubters are going to be pleasantly surprised with his work next season.
The real issue is filling out the rest of the roster. Doc Rivers has made it clear that they need more scoring off the bench. He watched the Dallas shooters light up Miami on their way to an NBA title. They also need to make sure Rondo has a quality backup (Delonte West?) and a center to eat minutes. This will not be easy. However, Ainge in theory could have the mid level exception and the bi annual exception. He also has Glen Davis and a possible sign and trade.
The bench does have some solid young pieces. JaJuan Johnson could be a sleeper should Glen Davis be traded. The man is a natural shot blocker and has length. Johnson can also hit the elbow jump shot. Avery Bradley could be the Tony Allen like defender that the team lacked last season for shooting guards and point guards. Bradley has also been working on his offensive game. He is studying the playbook and working on his jump shot. These men could play big time roles next season.
The bottom line is the bench is going to make or break Boston. Ainge has limitations, but he also has some chips good new CBA deal be willing. My money is on Ainge putting together another team capable of Banner 18 in 2012 without sacrificing the future. Remember Go green Or Go Home!!!!!!!!
