Yes, I know it's too early in the process, but this kid is going to end up on my All-Time Celtics Top-10. Jayson Tatum, if he maintains his present production and play all season, he can't be left off.
Let me make this clear (I sound like Joe Biden), this is my team that would take on opponents from the past and present in TODAY's GAME. To start, here are the 7th-season stats for Larry Bird, Jayson Tatum (10 games) and Paul Pierce:
BIRD: 25.8 PPG - 9.8 RPG - 6.8 APG - 2.0 SPG - .496 FG - .423 3s
TATUM: 28.4 PPG - 8.9 RPG - 3.9 APG - 1.2 SPG - .526 FG - .398 3s
PIERCE: 21.6 PPG - 6.6 RPG - 4.2 APG - 1.6 SPG - .455 FG - .370 3s
Here's my Top-4 since I remain torn on the 5th starter:
Bill Russell (C)
Larry Bird (SF)
Dennis Johnson (PG)
John Havlicek (SG)
All three of the following are in the Top-7. Pick one as a starter.
Dave Cowens (PF, C))
Kevin Garnett (PF)
Kevin McHale (PF, C)
So I need three more. Here they are:
JoJo White (PG)
Jayson Tatum (SG, SF, PF)
Paul Pierce (SG, SF)
I fully realize that I will be seeing:
"Where's Cousy?"
"How about Tommy Heinsohn?"
"Why isn't Parish in there?"
"Sam Jones needs to be there!" (tough one to leave out)
Any of my TEN can play -and star - against the likes of Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic - as well as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
Argue with me!
Tom I like all your choices except DJ. If I was building a team and needed a defensive minded guard DJ would be great, but on overall skill and league impact I would take Cousy or Sam
ReplyDeleteBoth Cooz and Sam were difficult omissions, bit with DJ, I went with size and his 2-way play. We never got to see the Seattle version of him in Boston - because it wasn't needed. Many forget DJ was Finals MVP in '79, and he was simply dominant. I love the feedback, and thanks.
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