Giving thanks for a special Celtics team

Completely happy Thanksgiving to all of you from CelticsBlog!

Looks as if an excellent likelihood for us to step again and be pleased about the numerous blessings we’re having fun with as followers of the Boston Celtics. Listed here are a couple of of mine. Be happy so as to add any that I’ve forgotten or share your individual within the feedback beneath.

Dropping within the Finals

I do know this looks as if an odd one to start out with, however hear me out. Whereas I’d at all times want successful a championship as a result of that banner hangs endlessly, there’s a silver lining to arising quick as nicely. Name it “development mentality” or Kaizen or simply old skool studying by ache. Getting all the way in which to The Finals and arising quick has clearly fueled and targeted this group. They’ve the boldness that they’ve the expertise to win all of it they usually have the drive to do what it takes to get again there. These are classes that ought to keep on with this core group for years to come back.

Brad Stevens shopping for the groceries

What extra are you able to say concerning the job Stevens has achieved as President of Basketball Operations? I am going again to that previous Invoice Parcells quote about having to cook dinner however not getting to purchase the groceries. Properly, historical past means that doing each jobs on the similar time is an excessive amount of for most individuals to deal with. However there’s one thing to be stated for a man that cooked with this core group shifting right into a place the place he’s shopping for the groceries to spherical out the menu. (Who’s hungry for turkey?)

Brad has proven that he’s decisive, unsentimental (in a great way), and prepared to maneuver on from errors. Certain, he’s traded away draft picks within the final 3 years, however no person is lacking these picks as they watch Al Horford, Derrick White, and Malcolm Brogdon offering the proper complimentary expertise round our stars.

He’s even unearthed some true gems. Whereas biking by a number of 2nd and third likelihood gamers (Jabari Parker, Nik Stauskas, and so on), he’s hit on the undrafted Sam Hauser and the cast-off Luke Kornet. On a roster with a number of max or near-max contracts, it’s crucial to spherical out the rotation with low priced contributors.

Joe Mazzulla’s unflappable confidence

Nothing good got here out of the Udoka scenario. Interval, finish of story.

Nevertheless, given how issues performed out, I’m grateful for Joe Mazzulla stepping up and being such a steadying pressure within the locker room. His unflappable confidence is infectious and the group has picked up on it.

Whereas he’s nonetheless studying the job on the fly, it appears fairly clear that he’s bought the chops for this job and can proceed to be taught and develop into an excellent higher head coach over time.

Jayson Tatum’s maturity

For all of the jokes about Tatum being “solely 19” it has been lots of enjoyable seeing him mature into his prime. His sport has advanced and grown. His focus has developed. The sport has slowed down for him and he’s seeing issues 2 steps forward. He’s making his teammates higher and choosing his spots. He’s a legit MVP candidate and having a particular season to this point.

“Progress will not be linear”

Jayson isn’t the one one who’s sport has grown. Jaylen Brown and Marcus Good proceed to tweak and refine their video games. Grant Williams has taken a leap that’s going to repay nicely within the offseason. Derrick White’s jumpshot is vastly improved and he appears to really feel extra comfy within the offense. Typically we get caught pondering of a participant as completed merchandise, however there’s at all times room for development and typically that development is a nice shock.

Al Horford holding again Father Time

Talking of nice surprises, I’m regularly amazed by Al Horford. LeBron has these commercials with “Father Time” however it looks as if Horford might make a cameo or two in them as nicely. He’s only a regular rock of competence and having one in every of his greatest capturing seasons.

The eventual return of Robert Williams III

Cue the infomercial voice: “However wait, there’s extra!” The Celtics beginning off the season in addition to they’ve is a blessing in itself. However having the chance so as to add Rob Williams to that blend is ridiculous. The group will, after all, stay cautious and ease him again into the rotation solely after taking each precaution. However including his verticality and rim working to this offense goes to be particular. To not point out his rim defending, shot obliterating presence on protection. I miss watching Williams play and I can’t wait to see him on the court docket once more.

Your flip

What did I miss? What else do it’s important to add? Tell us within the feedback beneath.

And to you and yours, have a really Completely happy Thanksgiving!!!