Celtic overreaction 3 games into the season:

[Xiao Yao You]

Pretty sad. Tanking team taking it to them

[Xiao Yao You]

Jazz tried to give it away all nite long. Too much nurk

[Real Men Wear Green]

Minor update: Minot and Gonzalez are definite positives. Minot even levels the playing field when it comes to the rebounding. Unfortunately someone will be getting moved whenever Tatum returns because they're aren't enough minutes but those two are the kinds of roleplayers you want.

[warriorfan]

Thanks

[Manny98]

Isn't JB supposed to be a superstar according to Celtics fans?

Why can't he lead a team to at least playoff contention

[Real Men Wear Green]

Isn't JB supposed to be a superstar according to Celtics fans?

Why can't he lead a team to at least playoff contention

JB is averaging 26 4 and 4 on 52% shooting. He should grab a few more rebounds with his athleticism but overall blaming him would be stupid.

[Manny98]

JB is averaging 26 4 and 4 on 52% shooting. He should grab a few more rebounds with his athleticism but overall blaming him would be stupid.

He's just who I said he was all along, a Norman Powell tier of player, great scorer but doesn't have the complete package to make him a true star player that can lead a team

[Real Men Wear Green]

He's just who I said he was all along, a Norman Powell tier of player, great scorer but doesn't have the complete package to make him a true star player that can lead a team

Sorry but I'm just not going to join you in your Nets fan misery. You can say what you want, he's a four-time allstar, has made AllNBA and has a Finals MVP award.

Also, Norman Powell is solid. He would be the best player on the Nets.

[FultzNationRISE]

Simons came to the team with a reputation as a bad defender. He himself said he was never taught to play defense, so that rep lilkely is not unfounded (and is it possible for Chauncey Billups to look even worse). He has the athleticism to defend opposing point guards and he's not stupid so it's up to him to improve that perception. So far he certainly hasn't replaced Holiday in that regard but we've seen a few hustle plays. I don't think his defense is a game-breaking flaw, especially if we're talking about a sixth man. But the defense has unquestionably taken a step back from what it was last year. It would look a lot better though if the defensive rebounding was decent. Payton Pritchard is currently 0.3 boards away from leading the team in that category, and while that speaks highly of his hustle, overall that is symptomatic of suck.

Not sure how much there is to be taught about it. Kinda sounds like an excuse.

Pretty sure hes also in a contract year. Id be wary of paying anyone who only plays hard in a contract year, but Im sure some shmuck GM out there will do it.

Edit: Also Im just using your comment to make a general point within the larger conversation. You neednt become defensive and reply caustically because you think I'm challenging you personally in some way.

Just wanna get that in preemptively.

[Real Men Wear Green]

You didn't know that defense has fundamentals? Ok, good talk.

[FultzNationRISE]

You didn't know that defense has fundamentals? Ok, good talk.

Like what?

What are the secrets of defense he was never taught in a year or two of college and four years as a pro?

Share some defensive lessons that arent obvious.

[Real Men Wear Green]

You could have just asked Google
Here you go:

AI Overview



+16
Man-to-Man Defense - Complete Coaching Guide | Basketball For ...
Key basketball defensive principles include maintaining a proper low stance, using active hands to disrupt passes and dribbles, and focusing on "ball-you-basket" positioning. Effective defense also requires strong communication, helping teammates, and pressuring the ball to force the offense into difficult situations like baseline drives or turnovers.
On-ball defense
Stance: Maintain a low, wide stance with knees bent, feet staggered, and weight on the balls of your feet to be balanced and ready to move.
Positioning: Stay between the opponent and the basket, and use your body to force them toward the baseline instead of the middle of the court.
Hands: Use your hands to pressure the dribbler and disrupt passing lanes. One hand can be low to cut off the crossover, while the other is up to contest shots or passes.
Pressure: Constantly pressure the ball handler to force them into tough decisions, whether that means driving into traffic or making a difficult pass.
Off-ball defense
Positioning: Stay between your assigned player and the basket, also known as "denying" the pass.
Communication: Talk to your teammates constantly to call out screens, cuts, and other defensive actions.
Help defense: Be in a position to help a teammate who gets beaten, and be ready to rotate to an open player when the ball is in the air.
Rebounding: After a shot is taken, stop the opponent from getting a second chance by being aggressive on the boards.
General principles
Move as the ball moves: A good defense shifts as a unit. When the ball moves, the defense must rotate and adjust its position accordingly.
Deny penetration: Prevent the offense from driving to the basket or making easy passes into the lane by staying between your man and the ball, and communicating to stop cutters.
Force turnovers: Create opportunities for steals and deflections by being active with your hands and anticipating passes.
Limit easy shots: Always contest the shot, and when closing out, make sure your opponent has to dribble to get an advantage.
No fouls: Avoid unnecessary fouls, especially on jump shooters. Play strong, physical defense without reaching or committing illegal contact.

[FultzNationRISE]

You could have just asked Google
Here you go:

And Simons couldnt....?


Actually, you dont even have to get back to me on that. Youre Real Men Wear Green. Thats fine. I'm gonna leave it there. Not lookin for a back and forth.

[Xiao Yao You]

And Simons couldnt....?


Actually, you dont even have to get back to me on that. Youre Real Men Wear Green. Thats fine. I'm gonna leave it there. Not lookin for a back and forth.

Dont get paid enough for that

[Real Men Wear Green]

Dont get paid enough for that

He would have to explain that answer for us to truly know but it's very common for talented players at lower levels to be told not to defend by a coach that just wants to ride his star/keep his star happy.