The Boston Celtics currently hold the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference and have lost their starting point guard, Rajon Rondo to season-ending injury in which he tore his right ACL. It's report card time here at Causeway Street. The Midterms are in for the rest of the Celtics roster:
AVERY BRADLEY
Professor Joel
Grade: B-
Defense still good, but has not been consistent on his jump shot. He disappears at times on offense. Look for him playing more point in the second half of the season.
Professor Josue
Grade: B
The biggest question that was looming over this Celtics team this season was: how will Avery Bradley respond after coming back from double shoulder surgery? Bradley gave the Celtics a big spark in his return because of his ability to defend the perimeter. Rondo, who has struggled with his one-on-one defense this season, got the help he needed in Bradley. Celtics are tougher defensively because the frontcourt no longer has to help the backcourt assignments. Celtics went on a six-game winning streak after Bradley's comeback game. And his tough on-ball defense has led to other players like Courtney Lee and Jeff Green to play tougher on defense as well. Look for Bradley's offense to pick up in the second half of the season as well. His ability to move without the ball and cut to the hoop gives players like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett their wide-open jumpers.
Professor Dutra
Grade: B
His return from shoulder surgery in January seemed to temporarily light the fire under the Celtics on the defensive end. There is no question, he is the heartbeat of the Celtics defense. He is able to use his annoying and unrelenting style of play to get in the heads of opposing ball handlers, and make their lives miserable for 48 minutes. So defensively, he's been on point, but his offensive game has been sub par since his return. He needs to get back to knocking down corner threes and also start slashing and moving without the ball. As of late, his jumper is slowly becoming more and more effective and Bradley is starting to look for his shot more. He will need to step his game up in the second half, especially with Rondo gone for the season.
PAUL PIERCE
Grade: B-
Until the month of January, he was having one of the best starts of his career. He hit the 30-point mark a few times, and even the 40-point mark. Hopefully he gets out of his shoot slump, and maybe becomes the "point forward" from here on out.
Professor Josue
Grade: B-
At the beginning of the season, Pierce was a top ten scorer in the NBA but has struggled when his team needed him the most (during the six-game losing streak). Pierce averaged 22 points in the month of December. But lately, hasn't been able to score as much as he averages (18.9). Pierce is averaging 16 points throughout the month of January. However aside from scoring his rebounding has gone up this season and so has his steals. Pierce is averaging 1.5 steals per game this season, which is his highest average since the 2005-06 campaign. It would just be nice to see some more consistency offensively from Pierce. Celtics rely on his scoring, especially in late-game situations.
Professor Dutra
Grade: B+
If we've learned one thing about Paul Pierce during his career, it's to never count him out. He started off the season looking slow, only to go on a tear in December, putting up 40 points against Cleveland. Then during one of his worst shooting slumps in his career in January, he comes up huge in a make or break game, in double overtime against the Heat this past Sunday. He has shown that he can still be relied on to carry the offensive load for the C's, just not on a nightly basis like "The Truth" of old. Still, he's your best chance of getting anywhere in the playoffs.
KEVIN GARNETT
Grade: A-
If you are looking for KG to score, you're not paying attention. KG does all the little things, especially on the defensive end, which makes all the difference in the world. He is a well deserved All-Star!
Professor Josue
Grade: B+
Garnett continues to be the most consistent player for the Celtics. For a team that hasn't been consistent (besides the six-game winning streak), it's a good feeling not having to worry about how KG is going to play on a game-to-game basis. His defense has kept the Celtics in a lot of games this season. He's been able to get big stops late in game. His rebounding has slightly gone down this season, but that may be because of rookie, Jared Sullinger. Offensively, Garnett shoots 50 percent from the field and averages 12 shots a game. Only reason why Garnett doesn't get an A is because I think he's been too unselfish. I would love to see Garnett bump his field goal percentage to 15 a game. It would be beneficial for the Celtics. While role players like Jason Terry and Jeff Green continue to struggle, Garnett should be shooting the ball as frequently as Pierce (who averages 15 attempts). He's only taken 15 or more field goals in eight games this season. Celtics went 6-2 in those eight games.
Professor Dutra
Grade: B+
For everyone that is knocking Garnett, saying he looks older and slower this year, I sometimes wonder what you expect from someone turning 37 in a few months. In my eyes, Garnett has played well so far this year, not great but good enough. He still is bringing the intensity every night, and is doing what he can defensively with no real help down low. His offensive game has slipped a little this year but still is automatic when he steps in to that 17-foot jumper. What the Celtics need from him is to lead by example, not exactly with his production but with his attitude and intensity. It has to start rubbing off the new guys soon, right?
BRANDON BASS
Grade: D+
Has anyone seen our starting power forward, who had a break out season last year? Neither have I. Meanwhile, Doc has tried everything to motivate this man. Having him come off the bench, hell at one point Jason Collins was starting over him. Now it looks like he has lost his job yet again, this time, to a rookie!
Professor Josue
Grade: D-
Bass hasn't been the same guy he was last season. At all. He cannot knock down the mid range jumper that was almost automatic last season and struggles with his defensive assignments. Bass helped tremendously last season because defenders were forced to leave the paint in order to disrupt his shot. If he can somehow hit that shot with some consistency, it will open up the paint for layups for slashers such as Jeff Green and Avery Bradley.
Professor Dutra
Grade: F
Guy has been basically useless all year. He is a liability on the defensive end this season, and he's probably one of the worst 6'8", 250lbs rebounders in the league... ever. His only useful contribution is his mid-range game, and that hasn't even been working this year. His automatic elbow jumper of last year failed him early in the year and it seems lately he's not even looking for the shot. Overpaid and under performing... need a lot more from this guy. If Bass keeps his lackluster play up in could be the end of his run here in Boston. Look for Ainge or either trade him as a throw-in to match up contracts for Doc to bury him at the end of the bench behind Sullinger and Wilcox.
JEFF GREEN
Grade: C+
When you see him take it to the cup and dunk over the likes of Al Jefferson or Chris Bosh, you say 'oh, damn, he's got!'. Then there are days when he's just M.I.A. and you don't know what "it" is. Whatever "it" may be, we should see something better from here on out.
Professor Josue
Grade: C-
Although Green has been a disappointment, he continues to show signs of improvement. He has stepped up defensively, which is why Danny Ainge resigned him but for the most part, Celtics fans need to see him show more consistency on the offensive end. It's great that he can knock down three's every once in a while but if he could turn into a solid scorer who puts up 12-14 points a game in the second half of the season, he could push the Celtics up a few notches in the Eastern Conference. Maybe even a 5th or 6th seed.
Professor Dutra
Grade: C+
Jeff Green has had a very interesting season. He began the preseason looking like James Worthy, only to start the regular season looking like Gerald Green. That type of inconsistency is not what Danny Ainge was looking for when he signed him through the next four years. He has to start playing with energy and avoid the games and stretches that he has been invisible on the court. It seems like he always has a perfectly timed out-of-this-world dunk that makes you think he can be that James Worthy-esque player, but he needs to shed the inconsistent label.
COURTNEY LEE
Grade: B
He does what ever you ask of him. Whether that means start at the point, play hard nosed defense or simply run the floor in transition. He will be more important now that more minutes will become available.
Professor Josue
Grade: B-
Lee has struggled with his 3-point shot, but found other ways to help his team. His defending has improved since the start of the season, and more importantly, his help defense, has given him a 1 steal per game average. Lee is also shooting a career-best 46 percent.
Professor Dutra
Grade: C+
Lee struggled at the beginning of the season when he was given the starters role, but as the season has moved along he is becoming more and more comfortable with his role. He has shown promise defensively and has flashed his athleticism on both ends of the floor. He has been extremely inconsistent game-to-game though, that's why he slips to a C+. I also think his lofty expectations have hurt him so far this season, as the Celtics probably envisioned more production from Lee. He is averaging the lowest point total of his career at 7.2 ppg.
JARED SULLINGER
Grade: A-
The minus is for when he doesn't have both hands up on D and gets caught by the ref almost every time. But this rookie is too smart and his passion for the game will only lead to good things. Doc knows Sully will be that much more important for this team.
Professor Josue
Grade: A
No one has exceeding their expectations more than Sullinger. As the best offensive rebounder, he gives the Celtics second chance possessions, something that they haven't had in previous seasons. He's second to KG in rebounding and plays great defense in the post. He may have earned himself a permanent starting job.
Professor Dutra
Grade: A-
The rookie has been impressive. Sullinger has given the Celtics the hard nosed rebounder they have been lacking since Eric Williams left. Sullinger is rebounding on both ends of the floor and seems to be making a living in the paint. Offensively his jump shot has been on, and he is in the right place for numerous put backs and second chance points. If only he could stay on the floor and shed those rookie fouls. He has been hampered by foul trouble while adjusting to the pro game, but the refs will start cutting him some slack once he makes his name known on the regular basis.
JASON TERRY
Professor Joel
Grade: D
That spot up shooter the C's desperately need would be great right about now. Too bad they already used their mid-level exception on him and he still has yet to land in Boston. The Jet has made a couple of landings alright, but how about just grounding all flights until you find that jumper you left in Dallas?
Professor Josue
Grade: D
No one has been more disappointing than The Jet. He may be the most disappointing player in the NBA this season. It's harsh, but true. Terry has been one of the best sixth man in NBA history but hasn't found any consistency in his shot. He barely averages double-digits in points and is shooting a mere 35 percent from behind the arc. When Celtics gave him its mid-level exception they thought they were getting the three point shooting juggernaut that he has been throughout his career. Man were they wrong, along with the rest of Celtics faithful. A couple clutch late-game shots is the only reason he didn't receive an F. He has hit a couple big shots this season against teams like Miami (this past Sunday) and Chicago. Even throughout his worst season since his rookie year, Terry is still a player that teams worry about in late-game situations.
Professor Dutra
Grade: D
Terry was brought in to do a few things for the Celtics. He was brought in to give the Celtics what Ray Allen used to bring to the table. He needed to be a knock down three-point shooter, be a viable option to close out games, and not shy away from the big moments. He has done none of that this season. Terry has been okay in stretches this season, but as a whole he has been an extreme disappointment. He has not shown any reason for Doc to trust him in the big moments, and has been pretty awful shooting the ball this season. Terry's production is way down, as he is averaging only 9.9ppg, his lowest average since his rookie year. Something to note here though, Terry's last real dip in production was his first year in Dallas in 2004. He struggled at the beginning of the year and did turn it around, let's keep our fingers crossed its just an adjustment period for The Jet.
LEANDRO BARBOSA
Professor Joel
Grade: B
Given the circumstances he came into, minutes are sometimes hard to find. Considering he's been effective whenever he's been call upon, Leandro will be more useful than ever in the upcoming months.
Professor Josue
Grade: B-
Barbosa hasn't played a consistent amount of minutes but provides instant offense when his name is called upon. He isn't much of a passer so his teammates know that when he gets the ball he's going to the hoop or taking a shot. Barbosa can be a liability on defense but can also move the ball well and keep defenders on their toes because of his quickness. Without Rondo, Barbosa is now permanently in the rotation and will hopefully continue to give the Celtics that offensive spark in bunches.
Professor Dutra
Grade: B+
In limited minutes, Barbosa has impressed with his speed and ability to create his own offense. With his minutes inevitably increasing, we should get a good look at what Barbosa can still do on a nightly basis. The knock on him was his defense in the past, and that's probably why he hasn't seen a bunch of minutes so far, but he hasn't looked like a liability at all. Bottom line, guy can score and get out in front in transition, two things the Celtics desperately need.
CHRIS WILCOX
Professor Joel
Grade: Incomplete
Him and Sully are clearly the best offensive rebounders on this team. Being an underrated low post presence will only make Doc's life easier once healthy.
Professor Josue
Grade: Incomplete
Due to his injuries, Wilcox hasn't been available enough to earn a mid-season grade. When he is back on the floor, he will grab offensive rebounds with Sullinger and fill the lanes on the fast break. Wilcox is valuable because of his ability to finish near the hoop and rebound the ball.
Professor Dutra
Grade: Incomplete
Guy brings energy when he's out there, I hope we see more of him down the stretch, he is definitely going to need to make an impact for Celtics to get the production they need from their bigs off the bench. My only question would be his chemistry with Rondo was huge, will he be able to score with no Rondo?
JASON COLLINS
Professor Joel
Grade: C-
Most of this grade is based on effort. But unfortunately refs don't see it that way. Foul calls follow Jason more than flies to... well you know the rest...
Professor Josue
Grade: C
The Celtics: C+
He's a big body in the paint and defends to the best of his ability. He wasn't terrible as a starter. He helped KG defend the post but couldn't provide any offense whatsoever. When the rest of the bigs are in foul trouble, look for Collins to make fouls and clog a lane or two.
Professor Dutra
Grade: C
Nothing to see here guys. But he gets an A++++ in fouling.
THE CELTICS
Professor Joel
Grade: C+Never mind their current record (21-23) this roster is just slightly above average in a very, very average conference at best. A six game winning streak followed by a six game losing streak, pretty much sums up the C's season up to this point. But what people don't realize is that only a few games separate the third seed from the eighth seed. The bad news that was heard around the basketball world yesterday is almost a "Catch-22" in its own right. What if Rondo had ignored the pain and discomfort and actually goes out and plays versus the Heat this past Sunday, would the rest of the team have responded the way they did? Better question: Would they have won the game after going into double overtime yet again? Do the role players play better when he's not playing? So with all things considered, this can either make this team see what they are really made of, or break this team and continue hanging out in the basement of the East. Either way, I say stay tuned, because it just got a hell of a lot more interesting. Don't you think?
Professor Dutra
Grade: C-
As a whole, I think we all expected a lot more from the C's. We've given them the benefit of the doubt a bunch of times this season, and it's now time to put up or shut up. It's the inconsistency that has absolutely killed this team. I can't remember a team this frustrating. They lose 4 in a row out west, win the next six, lose six in a row capped off by the worst loss in recent franchise history, then beat the defending champs in a Sunday nationally televised game with out their star point guard. FRUSTRATING! The fact is they have enough talent to keep it together for a half year with or without Rondo. It is absolutely necessary for the C's to finish the regular season strong if they have any aspirations to do anything in the post season.
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