The last thing you want when a team is struggling is to completely re-tool things. But I think this could address one of Doc Rivers' concerns .
"Not having [James Posey], we've lost our captain for our bench. Our bench has no leadership right now. That's a concern."
This sounds like a job for idiot blogger guy! How about this for a whacky idea: Start Eddie House, and move Ray Allen to the bench.
It's really not as nuts as it sounds. In fact, it's not an original idea. San Antonio has an obvious "starter" on the bench in Manu Ginobili and that has worked out very well. And in the end, it's not about having Eddie House on the floor in 4th quarter crunch time. Ray would be the guy. But this could be the right move for the Celtics as they try to figure out how to break this malaise.
Eddie House as a starter would allow him to really set up as a shooter, which we know is really his forte'. Ray Allen off the bench can give the second unit their "captain." Let's face it, he runs with the second unitalot anyway. Who the hell cares where he spends the first 5 minutes of each half. After that, it's all basketball. And it will still be meaningful basketball. And maybe he won't have to play 40 minutes a night, which could make him an even more effective player.
Just because "this is how it's done" doesn't mean that's how it should be done. And I hope Ray doesn't see this is as a slight. I know "starter" and "bench" seem tosignify certain things about a player. That's not the case. This isn't about "benching" Ray at all. It's about moving pieces around so we can get the most out of everyone. If he plays 35 minutes in a game, what does it matter when those minutes are played?
Comments
There is no shame in coming off the bench! As Red would say, it is not who starts the game that counts it's who finishes! This might be a good point. The bench could use a pick me up that Ray could definitely give. My only problem is how Allen would respond to this move. If they are all the team players that they say they are, I would love to hear him say "WHY NOT"! It could be a good move for him and a kick start for Eddie. What do others feel about this?
John: It was good enough for Havlicek and see how far he got, right?
As much as I like your idea of copying the Spurs, Ray Allen can't create opportunity like Manu can. No one can, if you ask me. The guy has ball handling skills that are uncanny, and he is mr. 4th quarter, and mr. clutch.
What you need is a disgruntled, highly paid point guard that doesn't even play this season. Help a brother out!
I think it's a valid suggestion, and why wouldn't it be worth a try? Ray Allen is a proven leader, and the point that he would still be the 4th quarter guy makes sense. Looking at guys like Manu, Jason Terry, Leandro Barbosa, etc., just because they don't start doesn't mean they won't get the bulk of minutes.
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