Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

  Size matters. So does playoff experience when it comes down to the NBA post-season . Fot the Celtics 2024 Championship playoff run, nine players logged double-digit minutes in the battle for the Larry O'Brien Troph y.  Four of those guys played elsewhere this regular season and one ( Jayson Tatum ) has been out with an injury. Three of the departed players ( Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet ) gave The Green some significant height, which has never gone out of vogue in the League. Length comes in handy for lobs, rebounds, put-backs and rim protection. And the post-season experience of Tatum, Horford, and Jrue Holiday can not be ignored. Granted, Tatum could be back in time to fortify his team, and any trade for a veteran big man still has four days to come to fruition. The present Boston roster has done one hell of a job for the first-half of the regular season, but their readiness to challenge the powers of the Western Conference in the post-season has to b...

 My followers know that I don't write many "What if" articles , particularly ones that speculate about possible additions to the Celtics roster. But this is different . Jimmy Butler's season-ending injury could possibly result in the Warriors tossing the season aside as far as any aspirations of winning another Title. And that could result in a buyout of old friend, Al Horford . Horford may by 39 years old but he is far from taking to the rocking chair. His skills and savvy remain , and the Boston Celtics could use both this post-season. I often refer to Al as the "Dominican Gentleman" , and he is of high character . And he knows the Celtics and their systems. Nemias Queta has done a fine job in the middle for Boston, and Luka Garza has been better than expected. But a veteran inside/outside, 2-way addition - namely Al Horford - could prove invaluable to the Celtics cause this season, particularly with the potential return of Jayson Tatum . Stay tuned!

 Celtics Coach, Joe Mazzulla's, love of the 3-point shot may have been a cceptable during the 2024-25 season . But last season he had Jayson Tatum (.343 from three), Kristaps Porzingis (.412), Al Horford (.363) and Jrue Holiday (.353). Last season's version of The Green shot . 368 from deep ,  Well, how is that long ball affection working out this season? The team as a whole is hitting only .312 on 3-pointers . Yet, despite the poor marksmanship beyond the arc, Boston is s till launching roughly the same number of shots (47.8 attempts) as last season (48.2 attempts) from deep. The two Celtics starters with the most minutes (Payton Pritchard and Derrick White) are shooting .213 and .263, respectively from deep . Last season , those numbers showed .407 and .384, respectively for the back court duo.  It is obvious that the loss of Tatum, Porzingis, Horford and Holiday is sorely felt because of the heavy defensive coverage they demanded beyond the arc. Perhaps Mazzul...

      Let me preface this by saying I've loved Al in Green in White both times. He brought so much to us and even became the first big time free agent to sign here. That first go round he did it with some nice players and a young JT and JB. Getting us all the way to the ECFs only to lose in seven but quite an accomplishment. Then he left for money and a situation that didn't fit him or his game. He made a stop in OKC and we brought him back where he not only help lead us to the Finals but was here when Banner 18 hit the rafters for all this I thank you Al. Yet... I think this move is about the money and a team no closer to a ring than us. Now mind you new ownership is cheap and been cutting costs all summer. So I'm sure it was an amicable split, with that said it's going to be a long season for the Green and White as we navigate no JT for the year. I hope JT takes his time before coming back so come next year we can make a run at another Banner. Thanks for everything Al...

  Who is going to rebound for the Boston Celtics this season? Thay have lost five of their top-7 board men through injury (Tatum), trades and desersions. In the 2024-25 regular season, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Luke Kornet and Jrue Holiday accounted for 31.3 rebounds per contest. The entire team averaged 45.3 RPG . "Boston, we have a problem". Only Derrick White and Jaylen Brown remain in green from the top-7 rebounders for last season. So, where are the boards going to come from? All of this assumes that Al Horford will be on the west coast soon , but Neemias Queta averaged 9.9 RPG (per 36 minutes) last season , and he is expected to be the starter - at least for the beginning of the season. It appears that Joe Mazzulla may go big at the power forward slot to help make up for the projected lack of board men. So, who is that fifth starter at the PF position? It is too early to totally answer that question, but 6'10" Luka Garza has averaged 9...

 In a recent interview, Brad Stevens stressed that the 2025-26 version of his Celtics will f ocus on the "strengths" of the present crew. Well, 3-point shooting accuracy does not appear to be a strong point for the returning veterans or the new additions to the roster. Starting with Summer League , in two games - both wins - Boston is shooting 10-of-29 (34.4%) from the hinterlands. Not horrible, but probably not a number that indicates anything resembling "strength" . Ironically, Jayson Tatum , now lost for the upcoming season, hit almost that same percentage (34.3%) last season - down from 37.6% in 2023-24 . The big loss in long-ball shooting has to be Kristaps Porzingis (among the missing), who shot  41.2% from deep last season . He constantly bailed out his team with 3-point shots that were released with a quickness that opponents found difficult to handle. Jrue Holiday (also gone) hit an uncharacteristic 35.3% from deep last season , after hitting 42.9% i...

 Celtics fans have been hearing that the The Green appear to be taking a "step back" by cutting costs and acquiring some younger players, some of which may be in Brad Stevens' long-term plans . There is nothing wrong with Boston taking a one-year breather while waiting for Jayson Tatum's return. I personally would like to see Al Horford return for next season, but if his price is too high, I wish him the best elsewhere. Backing up a step and cutting costs allows for flexibility down the road , and I find that exciting. New faces on the parquet always instills interest, and I look forward to seeing what "The Spaniard", Hugo Gonzalez can do . And there is always the possibility of a "Cinderella Story" whereby The Green surprise everyone with their ravaged roste r and go deep into the post-season. The pressure on Brad Stevens has to be tremendous. But he is a master craftsman at constructing a winning roster, and even with restricted finances - ...

     The Celtics have let Luke walk out the door as he signs with the San Antonio Spurs. In return the Celtics have signed Luka Garza. I think we will all remember Luke's time in Boston. Honestly the man fit like a glove on these Celtics teams. Especially the connection he had with Jayson Tatum. Congrats to the Spurs for getting a great team player.       Al Horford is still available and I hear that the Warrior's are hot on his trail. Personally I don't want him to leave but something in my gut says he might. I don't believe that the Celtics will pony up for Al given how much money they cut in the off-season. Honestly I don't see any plan in the Celtics approach other than cutting costs. Shame on new ownership for not giving us another shot at a title led by JB and the fellas.       PS getting to see JT working out shows me how committed the young man is to the Celtics.        

        First half was a showcase of two teams who have played a number of games vs each other. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown carried this group offensively. I have always loved Derrick and he was on his game. JB is putting it together on both ends of the floor, thats what you want from your stars. Very Jordan like challenging the opposition on defense. KP still doesn't have what it takes to be out on the floor. His illness has ruined any chance of him being effective. Personally I despise each and every player on the Knicks roster. They are nothing more than babies and dirty players.       This third quarter has shown JB to be an elite defender. He's been hounding Brunson who seems gassed. What an absolute bum Brunson is. Dude never stops crying to the officials. Derrick White has given it everything he has here in the third. That dive into the bench by Brown shows how much heart and love he has for the Celtics. Luke has been a monster on D bloc...

      Cs must come out tonight and establish their dominance over the Knicks yet again. It all starts on defense which should lead to good offense. I fully expect the Celtics to tie this series up as we head home for Boston on Wednesday night. Cs open up with the first five points. Great ball movement leads to a DWhite three! JT finds DWhite for another three! Cs offense is starting to hum! Timeout by the Knicks and this lead could grow even more for the Cs. Cs need to continue to dig in on defense.       Cs finish the first with a flurry of threes! That's how you finish a quarter! Now let's see that lead double as we enter the second. Overall you have to be pleased with the Celtics offense there. They moved the ball well and hit their shots. I was extremely impressed with their defense at points. I need that for the rest of the game! It's great seeing JT find his stroke and show some emotion. Give me that fire and win this damn game! Cs do need to cle...

      I've been in a fog lately from a sports perspective and you all know why. Today is the day where we see the Celtics finally play like champions. Today is the day where the series shifts. Today is the day of reckoning! I truly believe the only team who can beat the Celtics is themselves and that's what happened. That is why they are in this hole... Today starts the process of getting back into the series. I guarantee a Celtics win not only today but come Monday.       Cs score first and Al nails his first three! I'm taking those as good signs today. Jrue parts the D like the red sea and scores. Cs must do all the little things and win the hustle plays. JBs three is pure and that's a great sign! I am concerned that JT has missed two shots early on. With that said he nails a three! That's a big shot early on for him,  time to light it up. I love watching JB attack the paint, force the refs to make calls. I despise this Knicks team so much. Cs m...

      I personally can't stand the Knicks or this roster. Yet for at least four games I'll have to deal with seeing them and their blowhard fans. In all reality this Celtics team is better and deeper. Joe is a better coach than Tibs and that's a fact! I'm hoping to see the Celtics throw multiple defenders at the flopper Brunson. They used different guys in the regular season who gave him problems. I expect the Cs to expose him on defense because he's a liability. JT has owned the Knicks all freaking season. He's going to have an incredible series!      Scal just said something where I agree with him. He said the Knicks don't have enough talent to win! The reason why the Celtics will win this series is because they are stacked and ready to roll! Cs must come out and punch these Knicks in the mouth. The Knicks don't defend very well and the Cs will expose them. These New Balance commercials are really played out. Let's get some new and better content f...

      Not sure about anyone else but I'm sick and tired of this unskilled Magic team. They do nothing but hack the crap out of our beloved Celtics. I full guarantee that tonight is the end for this Magic team. I expect everyone to be at their best! Let's Get it Cs! Cs are in black... Time to bury the Magic! Round two here we come!      JB opens us up with a deuce! JT finds Al and we are up early. Cs offense is a bit stagnant after the decent start. KP posts up and scores easily. NBA update the Pacers have beaten the Bucks and was this the last time Giannis wears a Bucks uniform. Here is my prediction the Pacers will beat the Cavs in seven. Cs offense needs to get going and Joe sees that. He gets the timeout and let's see how the Celtics respond. Cs aren't very impressive right now.       Cs need to go on a run here... Cs offense is slowly starting to get it going. Nice close to the first, now we go off in the second. Haven't hit one thre...

      Cs have opened up this first quarter in a very solid place. Yet the lead isn't where it should be. These refs suck! Just throwing that out there today. Cs are getting screwed already. Just like Detriot did earlier... How awesome was it watching the Lakers lose! This Magic team is absolute trash. Cs will prevail tonight and finish this off Tuesday night. Celtics must separate themselves as we enter the second quarter. We can't allow this group of hackers to get any closer.      Did I mention how awful these refs are?! DWhite gets mauled like a bear and still scores plus the And One! JB called out the refs and the refs are giving the Magic all the calls. What a crock of malarkey! I'm disgusted by the NBA refs more so now than I've ever been. I not only watch the Celtics but all games. They are a joke! They screwed the Pistons and tried to screw the Wolves. Have I said how much Cole Anthony is just nothing more than a hacker... Dude has no game whatsoeve...

      Jayson Tatum has reentered the conversation as he looks to bring the Celtics a road win. Unfortunately we have no Jrue Holiday tonight. KP gets inside early to kick off our scoring. I'd love for him to have a big game tonight. JT takes the rock to the whole like a man's man and scores easily. He honestly got hacked. JT pops back from three and goes nothing but net. So far so good and I see no ill effects from the wrist. A clear cut offensive goaltend goes uncalled...      Al nails his first shot from three! The man is ageless! This Orlando team is nothing more than a bunch of dirty punks. Thankfully we have a very mature team that isn't taking any gruff! The harder the Magic hack the better we play. Al earning Tommy points and finding DWhite for the three! JB is running on the fast break and sending home Jams! Cs looks pretty locked in early on. I'm gonna do a dance so we can increase this lead. Orlando calls a timeout and we are in their head... ...

       Cs are without Jayson Tatum tonight, that doesn't mean the Cs shouldn't win... If the Cs defend as they should and move the ball on offense they will come out on top. So far JB has been his normal playoff self. I'm not very pleased with how we are shooting early on. Those numbers must go up to get things flowing in the right direction. Cs have been very aggressive at going to the hoop tonight. Cs are leaving plenty of points out here tonight. I'm hoping for a much smoother second as we move forward.       Porzingis is going to need to step up here in the second. His shooting wasn't very efficient. Just like that he gets the first shot of the second. KP still can't hit a three but he is getting to the line. If he can live at the line tonight I'll be alright with that outcome. PP with a corner bomb that gets the Garden going! Congratulations to PP on winning the NBAs sixth man of the year award. He joins some pretty special Celtics royalty wi...

 🍀      Cs are author without Jaylen Brown tonight. I'm cool with it because he needs the rest. That knee needs rest and I'd even let him sit the first round of the playoffs. Cs will be ready for whoever comes their way come playoffs. I am curious how the west matchups shape up. Those teams are fighting for the three through six seeds. I mean even in the East some seeds are up for grabs. Once everything boils down I'd love to know our readers predictions.        Al Horford starts off the game with the BLOCK! Cs have found themselves missing a few too many shots early on. DWhite bags the first shot for the Cs. He liked it enough he scores again. DWhite nails the three with a hand in his face! Cs are a bit sloppy with the rock. I can't wait for DWhite to hit the playoffs and show everyone what he has.        All I want from the Cs is to get out of this game healthy. Looking like Luke and PP will be the first two off the bench. D...

 🍀       DWhite opens us up with a deep three! Followed up by Luke with the deuce off the glass. Jrue for three! The Celtics are rolling early on! JB gets to thr rack and scores off the glass. Cs are looking very elite with their passing early on. Luke Kornet is an absolute beast! Which is why he's a big dawg! I absolutely love Luke Kornet. He's such a solid big that compliments this team so very well.        These Wizards have come to play despite being a dumpster fire of a team. How can a team be so bad?! I guess it has to do with being poorly constructed and coached. I really feel the NBA needs to move some teams from where they are. Wizards could definitely be one of those teams. Send em to Las Vegas or Seattle. A once proud franchise has become a joke in the NBA. Yet the NBA will never contract,they will only expand.       It's finally getting here the end of this regular season. The regular season has dragged on so slowl...

🍀       Cs look to bounce back from that loss on Wednesday night. They welcome the Suns who they rolled by thirty points last week. Let's hope they can duplicate that tonight. It looks like most of the Cs should be playing tonight. Cs are going to be epic come playoff time with their three headed monster in the post. KP, Al, and Luke are all playing elite basketball. I trust all three will make huge plays during the playoffs. Cs have a very deep roster that will shine once the playoffs start.       JBs haircut is smooth folks! JB drives early on and gets fouled. I like the way he consistently attacks the cup when he gets the rock. JB needs one more point to pass Antoine Walker on the Celtics scoring record list. Right there he scores and there it is! Way to go JB! Toine was always a favorite of mine, and had many memorable plays in Celtic green. We all remember his inspiring speech that led to a huge Celtics comeback vs the Nets in the Eastern Coferen...

 I recall the damage Al Horford did to the Boston Celtics years ago as a member of the Atlanta Hawks . Well now he is doing damage to Boston's opponents - much like he did last night in the Celtics win over Memphis. Al came off the bench - played 37 minutes - scored 26 points - added eight boards - and hit 50% from the field - 46% on treys - and 100% on free throws . At 38 years old, he had a good night. Horford will be 39 years of age next season , and whether or not Boston wins Banner 19 this season, he may have had enough. He will be an unrestricted free agent this off-season, and the decision to return (or not) is in his hands. The ageless veteran is past his prime, but he looks good out there on the court. The Celtics will be looking to get below that dreaded "second apron" , and Horford may agree to take less than the $9.5 million he is due this season. And Boston fans truly appreciate how much Al has offered in the way of stability to his comrades. That should ...