New Year's Resolutions for Each Member of the Boston Celtics

New Year's Resolutions for Each Member of the Boston Celtics

With the beginning of the new year, I thought it would make sense to share my new year’s resolutions for each member of the Boston Celtics organization for 2018. Enjoy.

With the beginning of the new year, I thought it would make sense to share my new year’s resolutions for each member of the Boston Celtics organization for 2018. Enjoy.

With the beginning of the new year, I thought it would make sense to share my new year’s resolutions for each member of the Boston Celtics organization for 2018.

Let’s start with the big guy at the top in Danny Ainge.

Danny Ainge

As I discussed in an earlier piece on Ainge, Danny has done a great job creating this team. However, the Celtics have been inconsistent offensively all season long, and they need another player who can score. This is not necessarily Danny’s fault because he did not know that Gordon Hayward would get hurt in the first game of the year. But the job of a general manager is to improve the team when key injuries occur, and the loss of Hayward shrunk the depth considerably for this team. Therefore, Ainge’s new year’s resolution is to obtain a scoring guard who can come off the bench, preferably create his own shot, and shoot consistently from 3-point range. I am thinking of a Jamal Crawford/Nate Robinson/Gerald Green type of player.

Brad Stevens

Stevens has done an excellent job with his team this year. The fact that the Celtics bounced back immediately after Hayward’s injury and went on a 16-game winning streak is remarkable. However, with the team’s recent struggles, Stevens has been experimenting with many different lineups with his second unit, including leaving in different starters with the bench at certain times in the game. Stevens resolution for the new year is to find a lineup of players in the second unit that can score regularly and stick to it. Players need to know their roles and at some point, he needs to stop experimenting.

Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward was clearly missed in 2017. The Celtics desperately need someone like Hayward who can shoot from the outside, and he will be sure to receive a standing ovation when he eventually returns. Although there have been talks about Hayward potentially returning this season, Hayward’s resolution is to rehab well and be ready to go for next season.

Kyrie Irving

Kyrie has been sensational this year. He is having an MVP-type season and he has been a phenomenal leader, defender, and a consistent closer for this team. In addition, just watching his ball handling is truly spectacular.

However, at times, especially in the fourth quarter, Kyrie can play “hero ball” and take some questionable looks from 3-point range. He can get trigger happy from beyond the arc, and in those instances, he needs to focus on attacking the hoop because no player in the NBA can stop him going to the basket, and his finishing ability is unmatched. As Tommy Heinsohn says, Attack. Attack. Attack.

Al Horford

I have mentioned it many, many, many times. Horford’s resolution is to shoot more and be more aggressive when he gets the ball in the post. Continue to use that post game Al. Stop fading away. Go up strong. Horford’s mentality to score should be the same aggressive mentality as Kyrie’s every single game.

Jaylen Brown

We have seen Brown have excellent games where he is dunking on people, blocking shots, attacking the hoop at will, and draining 3’s. We have also seen him have quieter games where he does not shoot as much or attack the hoop. Brown’s resolution is to be aggressive and attack the hoop every single time he steps on the floor. He cannot be stopped going to the basket and he needs to continue to attack the hoop in transition opportunities. In addition, in the beginning of the season, he was posting up more frequently. Continue to post up and use your quickness Jaylen.

Jason Tatum

Just like Brown, Tatum needs to focus on being aggressive and attacking the hoop at all times. When Tatum plays with the second unit, he needs to start acting like the best player on the court, not a complimentary piece. We have started to see this shift in his style of play in the last few games. Tatum is no longer just spotting up for jump shots. He is also looking to attack the hoop and get to the free-throw line, which is a great sign in his offensive development.

Aaron Baynes

There is not a lot of negative things to say about Baynes. Not only has he been a solid role player for this team, but he has been an important interior presence on both sides of the court. In addition, the man-bun is only a positive. However, one new year’s resolution for Baynes is to continue to develop chemistry with Kyrie. Horford and Irving have a special chemistry on the court, and it would be great if Baynes could develop that chemistry with Irving as well. When Baynes sets on ball screens for Irving, he should look for that 15-footer on the pick and pop because he has shown he can knock it down consistently.

Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart’s defense, hustle, passing, and acting have been fantastic this season. Did you see the two charges he took against James Harden? Way to sell it, Marcus.

However, as I have complained about before, he needs to shoot at a more efficient rate and less frequently. Recently, Smart’s shot selection and his percentage have actually been much better. It appears he changed his shooting form, and his release looks quicker and smoother. In addition, he is shooting less often and he looks more confident. Smart needs to continue to play in the post, however, because that seems to be his strength.

Terry Rozier

Whether it’s getting the game-winning steal against the Pacers or knocking down crucial 3-pointers against the Rockets, it seems like when Rozier is playing well, the Celtics win.

However, the Celtics need more consistency from Rozier offensively. He has been a solid slasher for this team in the first half of the season but he has been inconsistent shooting the ball from the outside. Sometimes he looks great, other times, like Smart, his shot is not falling. This team is at their best when Rozier is making shots off the bench and the second unit desperately needs his production every game.

Marcus Morris

If you read my earlier article on the current state of the Celtics, I am not a big Marcus Morris guy. He shoots too much and he is a black hole on the court. If the ball goes to Morris, it never comes out. However, despite an absolutely terrible first half against the Rockets, Morris’ hot shooting in the second half was crucial in the Celtics comeback. If he continues to shoot as much as he does, his new year’s resolution is to make more shots consistently. Like Smart and Rozier, Morris needs to score off the bench for this team to have success. If he is not going to take fewer shots, then he has to make them more often. It’s that simple.

Semi Ojeleye

Ojeleye has been a fantastic defensive player for the Celtics, showing glimpses of Jae Crowder or Marquis Daniels. In addition, his poise and toughness as a rookie have been great to watch. However, he is shooting just 30.9 percent from 3-point range, and he has struggled to hit that corner 3. If Ojeleye could knock down the corner 3-pointer like he did in college at SMU, then you could see him playing even more minutes in the second half of the season.

Daniel Theis

There is not a lot to complain about with Theis. Like Baynes, he has been a key big man who can rebound and defend, and he has been an important energy big off the bench. He has even knocked down some jumpers from the outside. However, if he can stretch out beyond the arc and hit the 3-pointer at a normal rate, like a Kelly Olynyk or a Jared Jerebko, that would provide another element to his game.

Shane Larkin

Some games I am on the Shane Larkin bandwagon, other days I am not. His ability to be a gnat on the defensive end of the court and make the point guard work to bring the ball up makes me think that I am watching a college basketball game instead of an NBA game. In addition, next to Kyrie, Larkin is probably the best player on the team who can shoot from the outside, use the screen and roll, and attack the hoop. However, Larkin needs to keep looking for his shots when he enters the game and he needs to shoot with more consistency, just like he did when he was at the University of Miami. Look for big scoring games from Larkin in the second half of the season.

Guerschon Yabusele

Yabusele has surprisingly played in a few games recently, and he has shown he has some range. A fan-favorite of fellow hashtag writer Christopher Tyler and a future fan-favorite of many Celtics fans, Yabusele has proven that he can knock down the 3-pointer on the pick and pop. Although he has shown that he can shoot and that his “dab” and “bow-and-arrow” celebrations are on point, Yabusele can clearly work on his overall quickness and ability to finish in the paint. He is a work in progress but looks to have some promise as a stretch power forward.

Abdel Nader

Like Yabusele, Nader has also received some minutes lately. In addition to hitting some timely 3’s and grabbing some key rebounds, Nader has also provided some much-needed energy with the second unit, particularly in the game against the Rockets. However, Nader also has the ability to attack the hoop, and he should be more aggressive if he continues to come into the game. He is more athletic than he appears and he could receive more playing time if he can score with the second unit.

Jabari Bird & Kadeem Allen

If either of these players receives a significant portion of playing time this year, their resolutions are to make the most of it. If you can score at all, you may continue to play.

Happy New Year everybody!

With the beginning of the new year, I thought it would make sense to share my new year’s resolutions for each member of the Boston Celtics organization for 2018.

Let’s start with the big guy at the top in Danny Ainge.

Danny Ainge

As I discussed in an earlier piece on Ainge, Danny has done a great job creating this team. However, the Celtics have been inconsistent offensively all season long, and they need another player who can score. This is not necessarily Danny’s fault because he did not know that Gordon Hayward would get hurt in the first game of the year. But the job of a general manager is to improve the team when key injuries occur, and the loss of Hayward shrunk the depth considerably for this team. Therefore, Ainge’s new year’s resolution is to obtain a scoring guard who can come off the bench, preferably create his own shot, and shoot consistently from 3-point range. I am thinking of a Jamal Crawford/Nate Robinson/Gerald Green type of player.

Brad Stevens

Stevens has done an excellent job with his team this year. The fact that the Celtics bounced back immediately after Hayward’s injury and went on a 16-game winning streak is remarkable. However, with the team’s recent struggles, Stevens has been experimenting with many different lineups with his second unit, including leaving in different starters with the bench at certain times in the game. Stevens resolution for the new year is to find a lineup of players in the second unit that can score regularly and stick to it. Players need to know their roles and at some point, he needs to stop experimenting.

Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward was clearly missed in 2017. The Celtics desperately need someone like Hayward who can shoot from the outside, and he will be sure to receive a standing ovation when he eventually returns. Although there have been talks about Hayward potentially returning this season, Hayward’s resolution is to rehab well and be ready to go for next season.

Kyrie Irving

Kyrie has been sensational this year. He is having an MVP-type season and he has been a phenomenal leader, defender, and a consistent closer for this team. In addition, just watching his ball handling is truly spectacular.

However, at times, especially in the fourth quarter, Kyrie can play “hero ball” and take some questionable looks from 3-point range. He can get trigger happy from beyond the arc, and in those instances, he needs to focus on attacking the hoop because no player in the NBA can stop him going to the basket, and his finishing ability is unmatched. As Tommy Heinsohn says, Attack. Attack. Attack.

Al Horford

I have mentioned it many, many, many times. Horford’s resolution is to shoot more and be more aggressive when he gets the ball in the post. Continue to use that post game Al. Stop fading away. Go up strong. Horford’s mentality to score should be the same aggressive mentality as Kyrie’s every single game.

Jaylen Brown

We have seen Brown have excellent games where he is dunking on people, blocking shots, attacking the hoop at will, and draining 3’s. We have also seen him have quieter games where he does not shoot as much or attack the hoop. Brown’s resolution is to be aggressive and attack the hoop every single time he steps on the floor. He cannot be stopped going to the basket and he needs to continue to attack the hoop in transition opportunities. In addition, in the beginning of the season, he was posting up more frequently. Continue to post up and use your quickness Jaylen.

Jason Tatum

Just like Brown, Tatum needs to focus on being aggressive and attacking the hoop at all times. When Tatum plays with the second unit, he needs to start acting like the best player on the court, not a complimentary piece. We have started to see this shift in his style of play in the last few games. Tatum is no longer just spotting up for jump shots. He is also looking to attack the hoop and get to the free-throw line, which is a great sign in his offensive development.

Aaron Baynes

There is not a lot of negative things to say about Baynes. Not only has he been a solid role player for this team, but he has been an important interior presence on both sides of the court. In addition, the man-bun is only a positive. However, one new year’s resolution for Baynes is to continue to develop chemistry with Kyrie. Horford and Irving have a special chemistry on the court, and it would be great if Baynes could develop that chemistry with Irving as well. When Baynes sets on ball screens for Irving, he should look for that 15-footer on the pick and pop because he has shown he can knock it down consistently.

Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart’s defense, hustle, passing, and acting have been fantastic this season. Did you see the two charges he took against James Harden? Way to sell it, Marcus.

However, as I have complained about before, he needs to shoot at a more efficient rate and less frequently. Recently, Smart’s shot selection and his percentage have actually been much better. It appears he changed his shooting form, and his release looks quicker and smoother. In addition, he is shooting less often and he looks more confident. Smart needs to continue to play in the post, however, because that seems to be his strength.

Terry Rozier

Whether it’s getting the game-winning steal against the Pacers or knocking down crucial 3-pointers against the Rockets, it seems like when Rozier is playing well, the Celtics win.

However, the Celtics need more consistency from Rozier offensively. He has been a solid slasher for this team in the first half of the season but he has been inconsistent shooting the ball from the outside. Sometimes he looks great, other times, like Smart, his shot is not falling. This team is at their best when Rozier is making shots off the bench and the second unit desperately needs his production every game.

Marcus Morris

If you read my earlier article on the current state of the Celtics, I am not a big Marcus Morris guy. He shoots too much and he is a black hole on the court. If the ball goes to Morris, it never comes out. However, despite an absolutely terrible first half against the Rockets, Morris’ hot shooting in the second half was crucial in the Celtics comeback. If he continues to shoot as much as he does, his new year’s resolution is to make more shots consistently. Like Smart and Rozier, Morris needs to score off the bench for this team to have success. If he is not going to take fewer shots, then he has to make them more often. It’s that simple.

Semi Ojeleye

Ojeleye has been a fantastic defensive player for the Celtics, showing glimpses of Jae Crowder or Marquis Daniels. In addition, his poise and toughness as a rookie have been great to watch. However, he is shooting just 30.9 percent from 3-point range, and he has struggled to hit that corner 3. If Ojeleye could knock down the corner 3-pointer like he did in college at SMU, then you could see him playing even more minutes in the second half of the season.

Daniel Theis

There is not a lot to complain about with Theis. Like Baynes, he has been a key big man who can rebound and defend, and he has been an important energy big off the bench. He has even knocked down some jumpers from the outside. However, if he can stretch out beyond the arc and hit the 3-pointer at a normal rate, like a Kelly Olynyk or a Jared Jerebko, that would provide another element to his game.

Shane Larkin

Some games I am on the Shane Larkin bandwagon, other days I am not. His ability to be a gnat on the defensive end of the court and make the point guard work to bring the ball up makes me think that I am watching a college basketball game instead of an NBA game. In addition, next to Kyrie, Larkin is probably the best player on the team who can shoot from the outside, use the screen and roll, and attack the hoop. However, Larkin needs to keep looking for his shots when he enters the game and he needs to shoot with more consistency, just like he did when he was at the University of Miami. Look for big scoring games from Larkin in the second half of the season.

Guerschon Yabusele

Yabusele has surprisingly played in a few games recently, and he has shown he has some range. A fan-favorite of fellow hashtag writer Christopher Tyler and a future fan-favorite of many Celtics fans, Yabusele has proven that he can knock down the 3-pointer on the pick and pop. Although he has shown that he can shoot and that his “dab” and “bow-and-arrow” celebrations are on point, Yabusele can clearly work on his overall quickness and ability to finish in the paint. He is a work in progress but looks to have some promise as a stretch power forward.

Abdel Nader

Like Yabusele, Nader has also received some minutes lately. In addition to hitting some timely 3’s and grabbing some key rebounds, Nader has also provided some much-needed energy with the second unit, particularly in the game against the Rockets. However, Nader also has the ability to attack the hoop, and he should be more aggressive if he continues to come into the game. He is more athletic than he appears and he could receive more playing time if he can score with the second unit.

Jabari Bird & Kadeem Allen

If either of these players receives a significant portion of playing time this year, their resolutions are to make the most of it. If you can score at all, you may continue to play.

Happy New Year everybody!

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