Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

 In pro basketball, synergy simply means the whole (read: TEAM) is better than the sum of its parts (individual players). Think of the Champion 1985-86 Celtics team . That Celtics crew may have had the top talent ever assembled at the NBA level, but that g roup also played so damn well together . How many times did Larry Bird send a no-look pass to a cutting Robert Parish or Kevin McHale for an "easy" layup? And at least 1-or-2 times a game, Dennis Johnson would rifle a pass to Bird for a bunny.  Bird may have demanded the ball at times, but he usually came through with a successful score or laser-like pass to a teammate. Boston fans may see flashes of that this season with Jayson Tatum in charge of outcomes. The 2026-27 version of "The Green" may not have the most-talented lineup in the League, but it will be intriguing to see how well this crew plays as a unit. Newly-acquired Paul George is not ready for a rocking chair, and if he sticks with the team, his ...

 Now, all of a sudden, many Boston Celtics fans are up in arms against the reigning executive-of-the-year, Brad Stevens. Give me a break! An NBA fan since 1960 , I also have been disgruntled with the "Celtics ownership and leadership . But for good reason . Former Celtics owner John Y. Brown and "Head Honcho" Rick Pitino immediately come to mind.  Brown trading away three first-round picks for Bob McAdoo almost sent the basketball genius, Red Auerbach , away to New York. Pitino basically put Auerfbach on a shelf and proceeded to make bad decisions that led to a losing stint in Beantown.  Brad Stevens is a class act, and he has done a great job at the helm, both as coach and team president. There is no way he deserves the bitter criticism , mostly based on his trade of Jaylen Brown to the rival 76ers. He is taking the "long view" of a franchise that may be the most-successful sports franchise ever. There is no immediate gratification for Stevens. He is p...

 It is quickly becoming obvious why Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla have high hopes for the Spanish import, Hugo Gonzalez . In the Celtics first Summer League contest, he was team-high in minutes (36.57) and field goals attempted (16). Boston won the game in OT, 83-80, versus the Raptors and "The Spaniard" was everywhere - on offense and defense. He came close to a triple-double, with 17 points, 10 boards and eight assists . The problem was Hugo's shooting efficiency. He was only 3-of-16 from the field and 1-of-9 on 3-pointers. But Stevens knew this kid needed work on his offensive game prior to the draft - so no surprises here. The real pluses with Gonzalez are his length (6'6" in height} - age (20 years old) - versatility (close to a triple-double) - and his hustle and tenacity at both ends. He takes no plays off . Particularly if Hugo improves his offensive game significantly, the Boston fans will love this guy. And with Brasd Stevens, defense gets a player o...

 The Boston Celtics' time for Banner 19 is now , but there is a wider Title window. Assuming both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown remain with "The Green", most of the championship hopes lie with them. Generally, an NBA player's peak occurs between the ages of 27 and 31 . Brown is 29 and Tatum is 28. Derrick White is 31 and Payton Pritchard is 28 . A player's peak theoretically combines top physical performance, max basketball savvy and sufficient on-court experience . The Celtics Title window should remain open for a few more years with the above-mentioned crew members onboard. NBA dynasties are virtually dead , and championships are becoming tougher to achieve. Boston's 60s run of Titles will never be seen again. But the Celtics leadership is top-notch with Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla leading the charge, so Banners 19-and-beyond are within reach. Some roster changes are coming . Stevens has mentioned getting more opportunities at the rim , which may sugg...

  Joe Mazzulla wins the NBA Coach-of-the-Year after Brad Stevens takes Exec-of-the-Year. Despite the Boston Celtics blowing a 3-1 series lead versus the 76ers this post-season, the greatness of "The Green" continues on. Stevens, after being forced to "trim" his roster, put together a tenaceous crew for 2025-26, and Mazzulla took what many viewed as a "rag tag" group and ended up with the second seed in the East. The playoffs were a disappointment for Celtics fans, but the future remains bright. In any endeavor, success begins at the top . In the past, the Celtics have been led by duos such as Red Auerbach and Bill Russell - Auerbach and Tom Heinsohn - Red and K C Jones - Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens - and now, Brad and Joe. Congrats to Stevens and Mazzulla. Very deserving of the awards. We look forward to the upcoming season.

      Cs look to grab a three to one lead here in Philly. Cs must come out ready to fight on every possession. The Jays will need to lead by example but need everyone else to do their job. Calling Derrick White please answer the call and give us one of those games. These refs are already giving Embid all the calls. Watching him.play basketball makes me sick. The NBA coddles this giant baby. This first quarter was dominanted by the Celtics bench. PP was en feugo from deep! Walsh was a defensive menace and nailed a sweet three. Baylor our here giving everything he's got even nailing a three. Very impressed with that first quarter.       The Jays have yet to get going and the Cs have a solid lead. If they can get going it could be a long night for the Sixers. I really need to see Derrick White get going. PP is killing it tonight and I freaking love it! I hope he goes for forty! Overall I'm pleased with the defense from the Cs but they can't relent. Need t...

 Prior to the 2023-24 NBA season, in an article, I asked the question , "Is Joe Mazzulla an acceptable replacement for for Ime Udoka" (as Celtics coach)? My answer at the time was an emphatic "NO". That has changed. As a college student , Mazzulla was arrested and charged with domestic battery for grabbing a woman by the neck in a bar room. With Udoka being banished from the Celtics due to allegations of misconduct, my feeling at the time was that "The Green" did not need a repeat with Joe at the helm . What did counter my negative thoughts on Mazzulla was the fact that Brad Stevens , well known for hiring - and promoting - guys with character - fully backed Joe for the position of head coach. The positive result is history - with Mazzulla listed as one of the three finalists for NBA Coach of the Year . Frankly, I love this guy. He turned his life around from his wayward college days and is not only a superior pro basketball coach - he is a fine ...

 Prior to this season, I wrote that - despite the ravaged Celtics roster - the brain trust of Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla would adapt to the changes and firgure out a way to win. And they certainly did, ending the regular season with the second seed in the East. Losing Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum caused many Boston fans to fear the 2025-26 season would be a waste . But Stevens brought in a number of guys that played beyond expectations, and Mazzulla juggled lineups to find what works and what doesn't. This regular season saw Jaylen Brown excel in his role of on-court leader  - to the point where his name is deeply involved in any MVP discussions. Payton Pritchard went back to a bench role but delivered in starter-type minutes. Derrick White had an off-season shooting the ball, but he was a vital cog in the Celtics fabric. Neemias Queta failed to develop any type of outside shot, but he was spectacular on the defensive end...

 It appears that Celtics Coach, Joe Mazzulla , is mentally constructing the post-season, 8-man rotation that he feels may deliver Banner 19 to Boston. In the last 10 contests , the seven players averaging more than 25 minutes per game are Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, Baylor Sheierman and Payton Pritchard . And it is expected that Nikola Vucevic , upon his return from injury, will round out the 8-man playoff crew. Sheierman is the wild card here . In the 10-game span, he is producing 6.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG and 2.3 APG in 27 minutes per contest. He only played very-limited minutes in four playoff games last year, so it is uncertain how he will handle the pressure of more floor time in the up-tempo post season. But the second-year man at 25 years of age has handled himself well on the court during the regular season, and Mazzulla is hoping that holds true come playoff time. The same can be said for Queta. In the past two post-seasons, he never ...

 The Boston Celtics currently hold a somewhat shaky hold on the second seed in the Eastern Conference. "The Green" have a record of 44-23 but are trailed by the New York Knicks with a 43-25 record. Should Boston meet the Knicks in the post-season, home court advantage may be critica l, even though the Celtics' road record is almost as good as its home numbers. But the Celtcs are 1-2 against New York this season, and as many as four playoff contests in Madison Square Garden would not be what Joe Mazzulla is looking forward to. Let me be blunt. At very least, the refs do not seem to favor Boston when it comes to calling - or not calling - fouls. But as Jaylen Brown has possibly inferred, the refs - and the League - may just feel that "The Green" have accumulated enough awards over the years to satisfy Boston fans. And New York has more residents than Boston - while the Knicks are a bigger market with a higher monetary value than the Celtics.  The Celtics...

      These Wizards are an absolute joke, they should be banished to the GLeague. Cs are handling their business in this 6 o clock start. Queta is having himself quite a damn good game. His teammates are finding him in the flow and he's making em proud. I have enjoyed watching Queta grow as a player. He's been such a hard worker for the Cs and I guarantee he only gets better. This Wizards team plays absolutely no defense what so ever. It's disgusting and disrespectful to the game of basketball.       Anyone watching the NCAA conference tournaments? I've seen some really good games and teams today. Michigan hit a 3 to win their game today and they are my favorite to win it all. Arkansas looks solid as former UMass Coach John Calipari leads them to an SEC Final. I remember so many epic games from the past. My first true memory of a title game was watching Michigan beat Seton Hall. I remember all the runs UMass had with Calipari. Those UMass teams were ju...

      Slow start at first but the Cs have found water, I need to say James Harden is horrific. The way he throws himself into players is disgusting. With that said JT looks good today and this Cs team has something special brewing. It's a bummer we lose Vuc for about a month. Especially when he was finding a flow with us. Another overrated player is Donovan Mitchell. He and Harden are a perfect combo of two guys who can't win. Forever will they be bridesmaids of the NBA. Man PP is such a dawg on D. I love his tenacity and ability to cut guys off at the dribble.       Cs ball movement has been flowing like the mighty Mississippi! Defensively they are forcing non shooters to shoot and I'm all for it. The way this defense gets down to dance is legit. Very rarely do they make it easy on the other team. Cleveland is all outta sorts tonight and that doesn't surprise me. This Cavs team is decent but they don't move the needle. I see them winning a round in th...

      Cs welcome Jayson Tatum back to the Garden. After suffering that horrific injury in the playoffs he's rehabbed and is ready to help chase Banner 19. It's going to be extremely special getting to see him play tonight. This team has now become a dangerous team. No team will want to face us come playoffs. JT looks fresh so far. He's looked to get his teammates involved early on. He is not on a minutes restriction which should allow for him to get back into game shape. In the sense of getting back into the feel of playing in an NBA game. This crowd has been electric and made sure he heard them.       Personally I love this picture up top. Joe and JT with the cross especially knowing both are men of faith. Last nights game was insight into what this team can be for the playoffs. The Cs continued on their path while adding JT back into the mix. JT finished with a nice stat line and this team looks ready for a title run. If you are anyone in the East I'...

 In the history of the Boston Celtics, Red Auerbach's acquisition of Bill Russell and Larry Bird have to rank at the very-top of "The Green's" major moves. Add in maneuvering to get Robert Parish and Kevin McHale and Danny Ainge's dealing to get The Jay Team. But I still can't believe how Brad Stevens quickly rebuilt his team when forced to shed the roster of Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet - while working to lessen the damage of losing his beast player, Jayson Tatum , to injury. If Stevens is not in serious conversation as Exec of The Year , I will continue to feel the Celtics tend to be ignored at award time. And frankly, his belief in Joe Mazzulla to orchestrate the regular season with a ravaged roster enters into this discussion.  The Russell, Bird, Parish, McHale and Jay Team acquisitions were successful, long-term moves . Ditto on Stevens' masterful maneuvering to cutting costs drastically, while maintaining a trul...

 Celtics sophomore, Baylor Scheierman , seems to be getting a lot of attention from his coach, Joe Mazzulla . In last night's win over the Chicago Bulls , Scheierman started his 8th contest of the season and contributed 10 points, five boards, one assist and one steal. The 6'6" shooting guard hit 2-of-7 from the fieeld and 2-of-5 from deep . Baylor is averaging 45% on field goals for the season and 39% on threes . He has started 4-of-the-last five games - four of them wins. His floor time contunes to rise. Scheierman's 4-year contract at an average of $3.2 million per year is fully guaranteed through the 2028 season - with team options for 2026-27 (already exercised by Celtics) and 2027-28. He looks to be a  "keeper" for Brad Stevens.

      While he may have doubts which is understandable getting JT back will put us into a great spot. Adding an MVP type player to a team with an MVP player plus this roster could be a recipe for success. JB and JT will be stronger together than apart. The rest of the NBA is shaking in their kicks. If JT is ready and hitting on all cylinders I can't see why we won't make a nice long run in the playoffs. Tonight we welcome the Bulls right before we head into All Star Break. With a win the Cs will be the second seed in the East. Amazing for a team who most said would be in the lottery.       A first quarter that showed us how damn good JB is! He was en feugo and yet cool as the other side of the pillow! He was hitting from deep and his patented midrange. Nice to see Sam get a few shots in. Vuc has some shifty post moves and they could be very valuable. Queta was solid per usual grabbing boards and scoring inside. He has learned the game and puts it into ...

      Cs could not have played worse in this first half. So many missed shots and way too many turnovers. You wait all day to see them ball and they come out flat. The only upside is it can't get any worse. Cs will need a huge third quarter to get back into this game. It's going to start on the defensive end. Let's see if they have it in them especially since Superbowl Sunday they will welcome the Knicks.       JB starts the third getting to the cup for the And One opportunity. JB from the midrange and he's heating up. He's been the only guy who looks like he's ready to play. Cs made a little headway only to get punched in the mouth. JB gets no love from the refs at all. Garza and Queta have been busy with this two big lineup. Huge shot from Sam and that's his first bucket of the game. Crazy especially since we are into the third. Cs need a run here or the fourth is not gonna be fun.       PP with the three, followed by DWhite for t...

      Cs go into Dallas as JB has an MVP caliber game! He has been a man on a mission this season and we should enjoy this! Not too often do seasons like this occur where thru injuries and trades most of your team is taken away. Yet JB is having the season of his life! He has given Celtics fans hope that a title might just happen this season given the up in the air eastern conference. There is no favorite in my opinion despite how well the Pistons are playing. At the end of the day it's about how you play in the playoffs. Cs are battle tested and will have JT back this season.       Cooper Flagg was a beast last night, and he's still in his teens?! It's unreal how gifted he is and his ability to play at such a high level. I love the fact he had a Larry Bird poster and used to watch the 86 Cs on DVD! Larry's game is one to model and Cooper has flashes of it. That Mavs team lucked out of getting rid of Luka and ending up with Flagg. That kid is going to ...

      Cs welcome the Atlanta Hawks to the Garden and look to cook em like they did in Atlanta. Cs should be ready to go as they are enjoying some home cooking yet again. These are the games you need to build on especially being at home. No Queta tonight but Garza and Williams should be able to fit the bill. I'm hoping PP shows out on his big day. You need to embrace every birthday and everyday for that matter. Let's Go Cs! Time to build a nice win streak, and show why you are a top team in the NBA.       What a crap start for the Cs tonight... The offense stinks right now and I don't have a good feeling. Seven points and the quarter is almost over. Cs need an effective finish to this quarter, because this game is unwatchable. I feel like I'm wasting my time watching this damn game. Anfernee Simons is the only one playing with any juice. Cs are getting smoked and I don't know if they can pull this comeback off. I was looking forward to tonight and now I...

      Cs are back home after that loss in Chicago to face the Blazers. We welcome back Jrue Holiday and Rob Williams. Jrue holds a very special place in my heart and all Celtics fans. He was a huge part in us winning Banner 18. One heck of a defender and overall great player. No matter where he's been, the way he plays is elite. He has been on two NBA championship teams, the Bucks and Celtics. One of my all time favorite players. Rob also holds a special spot for me given how well he played for us and was almost part of a title team.       Cs are looking solid on both ends of the floor. As they should given they are back home. No excuses for them not to win! Too many missed threes up to this point. Cs with a solid lead but Joe wants a timeout and it is needed. Time to get the guys refocused and ready to finish this quarter the right way. I'd really like to see the Cs push their lead as the second seed. I know it's not a big lead now but it could matter...