The Celtics Crush The Hornets Behind Another Great Yabu Performance
Before we begin, please allow me a moment to compose myself
OK much better. Coming off what was a pretty disgusting showing in their second Summer League appearance, I went into last night just wanting to see that the Celtics had learned from their mistakes. While normal people never really get caught up in the final score (I am envious of that life), there were things that we saw as Celtics fans that were a little unsettling. Out of nowhere Semi seemed hesitant, the defense was atrocious, and really outside of Jabari Bird it was a gigantic disaster. So with the undefeated Hornets up next (but without Malik Monk) I saw last night as a great opportunity to right the ship and show all of us that players actually were progressing in the right direction. The result? I won’t complain about dropping 100 points and winning by 20 and you shouldn’t either. Any and every potential fear I had after their second game was washed away immediately. That’s the beauty of the Summer League in my opinion, it can take you on a wild ride in every possible direction, one minute you’re a G-League team the next your summer group could be like a 5 seed in the East. If there are still those who feel like Summer League is useless and a waste of time, take some time today and pray for those people.
With so many guys playing well we have a lot to get to, so let’s jump right in
The Good
– Allow me to start with a simple question.
Yabu motherfuckers!!!!!!
One of my favorite parts of the summer so far is how many people are still unwilling to accept this man is not only a monster, but a legit NBA talent. With each and every Celtics game I get people tweeting me how Yabu is a gigantic bust and not even close to NBA ready. Then, just like last night where he goes for 14/8/2/2 on 6-10 shooting in 25 minutes and looks like a goddamn MVP candidate, all I can do is laugh
Just know that I have been keeping track of all of you and you will now be allowed on the bandwagon once the season starts. That is your choice. Anyway back to his domination. This was by far the most comfortable Yabu has looked so far this summer on both ends, and while we were not blessed with a three in this game, there was still a bunch of stuff to love. For example his defense, the one thing that is truly going to determine if he finds himself on the court during the regular season/Finals was more than adequate. Whether it was his ability to recognize his rotation responsibility, or his one on one individual defense, Yabu was a goddamn rock. Add in his team leading 8 rebounds and efficient scoring, and this is a glimpse of what we should expect from Yabu for the rest of this summer/preseason as he remains a focal point.
But go on, continue to doubt his greatness you idiots.
– Look I will not apologize for where my heart takes me, and boy is it taking me on a journey of love in regards to Jabari Bird. At this point it’s becoming a little unhealthy how quickly I am falling in love. I can’t help it, I see him throw up 16/5 on 7-11 like he did last night, and I get all the feels
At this point there is not much any of us need to see to convince us that Bird looks NBA ready and that the Celts should cut Nader immediately. My fear is that other teams are watching too, and considering Bird is a RFA, someone could swoop in and make him an offer the Celtics simply cannot match. This gives me concern mostly because we have no idea what’s going on with Smart, and there is a very real possibility we lose them both. Remember once a team gives a player an offer sheet, the team has 48 hours to match so timing could really end up boning the Celtics here. That is why I am praying that we see a Woj/Shams bomb that announces some sort of extension before we get to that point, because Jabari has been fantastic.
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In this game it was the perfect combination of an inside/outside approach, with Bird slashing and attacking the rim at will, but then also keeping the defense honest by making both of his 3PA. The added bonus was seeing his playmaking ability getting others involved, as that was not something I really expected from him. At a team high +28, this was just more of the same from what has been an awesome summer.
– I was also pleased with the bounce back effort from Semi. He didn’t look right after his opener for whatever reason, but last night he got back to the basics. He finished with 13/7/3 on 5-10 shooting, and everything was much more aggressive which is what I want to see this time of year.
What stood out to me offensively was the work Semi did in the post, something I hadn’t really seen from him. That little one legged fadeaway? Pretty sure that was Paul Pierce. During the game Brad talked about how he wanted to see Semi’s development in his defensive versatility, but to me that was a smoke screen. We all know he’s versatile as fuck, I want to see what type of steps his offensive game is taking and if he can be more than just a spot up shooter. I was impressed with his ability to finish through contact given he’s built from stone, and this was the type of performance that can make you forget all about his previous struggles. Semi played a team high 32 minutes and was a +20, so I’m ready to call his poor performance in their second game a fluke and you cannot change my mind.
– I mean I know it’s Summer League, but the Celts still dropped 100 points on 53/50% splits and went 15-17 from the FT line while winning the rebounding battle 42-34. I’m getting a half chub just rereading those numbers.
– To say nearly everyone on this roster played well may seem a little dramatic, but it’s the truth. The Celtics bench went nuts, combining for 46 points on 15-27 shooting. Guys like Hassan Martin who had 12/6 on 4-8 shooting were solid in their role
continuing to show me what every Rhody stole told me would happen. I don’t know where he fits on the Celts roster, but at the very least we need to keep this dude in Maine. I am ready to overreact about his potential and I do not want to see him go elsewhere.
We also got some legit shooting from both Trey Davis and Jarrod Uthoff who combined for 27 points on 10-15 shooting
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and despite the final score looking like a blowout, it was their shooting that enabled the Celts to withstand any sort of CHA run and keep things at around a 10 point lead for most of the night. I don’t think either of these guys ultimately make the roster or anything, but I’m happy to see them ball out and help lead the Celts to a win.
– After their defense looked so bad against DEN, it was nice of the Celtics to actually show up on this end. Holding CHA to 80 points on 38/29% splits will do the trick for me any day of the week, and while I know it’s difference since the Hornets didn’t have Monk, who am I to be picky. I just want to see that the main guys on this Celts team can actually defend even if the games are fake. You know my formula, everything comes down to defense and rebounding, and it’s no surprise the Celtics were solid in both and came away with the blowout.
The Bad
– It’s nitpicking, but the 16 TOs were a bit annoying. I can’t get too worked up because again, these games are fake, but that’s just something that will always annoy me. Careless basketball will be the death of me I’m sure of it.
– Is it fair to say this has been a pretty disappointing summer so far for Kadeem Allen? I’m trying really hard to not let my ASU bias get in the way here, but through three games nothing I’ve seen from him has stood out other than his struggles. I know when you’re dealing with these extremely late picks that it’s basically a toss up, but comparing him to what we’re seeing from Jabari, I just thought I’d mention it.
– A little too much of an impact from Willy Hernangomez for my liking. Letting him finish with 17/11 on 7-15 shooting with 5 OREB wasn’t the greatest look, but maybe he’s just the random player who always seems to play well in a game against the Celtics.
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The Ugly
– Robert Williams is a real NBA player, I am like 85% sure of this. We may not see him for the rest of the summer which would be a massive bummer, and I don’t really know what to tell you about this whole artery issue in his leg that he’s dealing with. I just know not seeing him play makes me sad, and Summer League is a time for nothing but positivity and outrageous overreactions. The fact that this is being taken from us just isn’t right.
With this win, the pursuit to our first banner is back on track as we are now approaching the seeded tournament which starts tomorrow. I have no idea who the Celtics will play, but if they maintain this level of execution that we saw last night I’m not sure it will matter. I don’t just want this fake banner, I NEED this fake banner.