What has to have been the longest preseason since Red drafted Larry is finally over. Rome-London seems like forever ago. Worcester, Mohegan, MSG, the Izod Center? (What is an Izod center anyway - a shirt factory?) Did those games really happen ? Well, yeah they did and mercifully they're done.
What did we learn ? Lots.
#1 The chemistry that so many pundits around the country are questioning is real. I can understand wondering from afar if this new combination will work, but if you have been around this team you know that KG, PP, and RA are going to get along just fine. That's because KG is going to make sure it happens. He is wise beyond his years. Fans will love his hard-nose play - the Cowens comparisons in terms of intensity are legit. But what will ultimately make this team successful is the maturity that both he and RA bring to the table. There will be no pettinesss. It just will not be tolerated. Leadership is established, acknowledged, and accepted.
#2 Rondo will be just fine. If he makes shots it's a bonus. If he doesn't it will be the only column on the stat sheet he doesn't stuff. Scoring points is not going to be a problem for this team. Depth at the point is still a little sticky. Eddie House and Tony Allen are going to see allot of end to end pressure. It's an area to keep your eye on. Rondo must stay healthy.
#3 Perkins will flourish in this environment if he can stay out of early foul trouble. His attitude and toughness are needed on the starting five. Kendrick just has to find ways to stay on the court. This is another area where depth could be an issue. Scott Pollard needs to get healthy and stay healthy. Big Baby and Leon may end up playing undersized minutes at the five. I don't think the C's want to play KG allot at that spot unless the matchup is perfect. They can't let him get beat up and he will back down from no one. Remember - there is still a vacant roster spot. Another big could ultimately fill it.
#4 What nobody is talking about- DEFENSE> The Celtics will be a much better defensive team than they have been in years, decades maybe. Once again it starts with KG. They will be able to stop people when it matters. They haven't been able to say that in quite some time.
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