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A case for Carsen Edwards and pushing the ABCs of a running game

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 Here I go again! I truly miss the run-the-opposition-into-the-ground, fast-paced basketball we saw from the Celtics in the 60's and 70's. Coaches Red Auerbach and (later) Tommy Heinsohn demanded it.


Few centers could match Bill Russell and Dave Cowens at ripping the ball off the boards and starting the fast break. Bob Cousy preferred the long outlet pass, while his replacement, K C Jones, would drive the ball down court before passing off to the open man. Cowens, JoJo White and John Havlicek were just born to run.

That tradition carried on in the early 90's with former-Celtic, Don Nelson, and his RUN TMC Warriors trio of  Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin.. Nellie was an integral part of that 70's Celtics crew as a player under Tommy Heinsohn. 

Now, back to today. We might expect a little more running game from the projected starters for Boston, but more-likely we may see it from the bench, possibly from Aaron Nesmith, Bruno Fernando and Carsen Edwards. Yes, I am including Bruno and Carsen, two players that many analysts project as waiver fodder or trade chips.

So, why this ABC trio? I see Aaron sticking in Boston. His constant-motion offense has been lacking in Beantown for some time. I can see him running the break and finishing with a mid-range shot or one from deep. There is still a significant question mark attached to Bruno, but he would be a terrific rebounder and running mate for Edwards, finishing the fast break with a jam or layup. As for Carsen, no one forces the ball down the throats of the opposition like Edwards.

 The knock on Edwards include his reputation as a gunner that won't pass the ball. That may be true, but his size, strength and fast-paced attack remind me a bit of the late K C Jones. K C was often tasked with defending 6'3" Jerry West and 6'5" Oscar Robertson, and he did a magnificent job on the two superstars. Carsen can take lessons from that. And admittedly, I never want to see the end of the "little guy" in Boston or the NBA generally. K C Jones, Tiny Archibald and Isaiah Thomas gave Beantown fans a lot of excitement with their fast-paced style. I want more of it.

 


 

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