After snapping a four-game losing streak on Friday vs. Washington, the Celtics suffered another home loss on Sunday against the Rockets. The game once again left Boston’s players and coaches grasping for answers, with Kyrie Irving and head coach Brad Stevens both suggesting that the C’s simply have to “play better,” as Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com relays.
While there has been an assumption for much of the season that the Celtics will eventually figure things out and hit their stride, there are only 18 games left in their regular season schedule, and time is running out, writes Bontemps. Some league observers believe Boston needs to shake up its starting five, but Stevens isn’t sure it’s that simple.
“You know, obviously, we’ll look at everything,” Stevens said. “We’ve been looking at everything after every game. Every night when you go to bed, every minute when you wake up, you’re always thinking about that. There’s things that — that are helpful in that, and things that are not helpful. And if it’s the root of your issues, then I think the — then a small tweak can help. I’m not sure that that’s our root [problem].”
Here’s more from out of Boston:
- Second-year forward Semi Ojeleye, who isn’t even a regular part of the rotation, made an effort to motivate his teammates on Sunday, yelling at them in a third-quarter huddle to “wake the f–k up,” as Jay King of The Athletic details. The Celtics were down by 28 points at the time. “Making or missing shots isn’t going to determine our wins or losses,” Ojeleye said after the game. “It’s really about effort right now. And I was just trying to tell guys to wake up. The look on everybody’s faces was like we already lost the game, and it was the start of the third quarter.”
- Both King and Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer pointed to Marcus Morris‘ comments from last month about things not being “fun” this season in Boston, suggesting that the team’s demeanor on and off the court continues to line up with that sentiment. King writes that recent opponents have noticed the Celtics’ tension on the court, while O’Connor wonders if the club’s identity this season has become “discontent.”
- Source around the team tell O’Connor that Irving’s persona has changed since around the start of February, and that he has become more “disengaged and detached from those around the team.” Of course, as O’Connor observes, February 1 was the day that Kyrie was asked again about his upcoming free agency and replied that he doesn’t “owe anybody s–t.”
- League sources tell O’Connor that the Suns offered a protected first-round pick for Terry Rozier before the season, but Boston wanted an unprotected first-rounder.
Kyrie definitely leaves after this season to team up with a Vet Star. Sometimes u never know what u have till it’s gone.
I think Irving has been a poison this season for the Celtics. After saying he’s leaving and then saying he is staying doesn’t mesh well with other players. I think you let Irving walk in free agency and sign someone else
Irving to Lakers as a free agent most likely and reunion with LeBron.
Brown needs to start over smart and rozier needs more time then smart too
Sounds like Stevens is a HC without answers, which is something quite worrying, right?
Does anyone have any answers? I still believe that Irving is not a great teammate and is a main reason why things are a mess. Rozier, Brown, Semi, Morris, Tatum all need playing time where they are asked to contribute. The team tends to stand and watch Irving. I watched a game recently where Irving took 5 of the first 6 shots.
Right about Stevens not having a clue
I give Semi a lot of credit. Not much of a contributor on the floor, but definitely trying to contribute off it
Recent reports say that Irving was a moody malcontent in Cleveland too, so it will probably follow him wherever he goes but Hayward’s 6 points per game and tentative play at $31M+ per year is the Celtics’ worst problem.
Welcome to the “Players” league. This …IS… what everyone wanted, right (I’m speaking to players and fans)? Well, here you go. Of course that means that you’ll have to endure star players destroying a franchise here or there (OK, three and a half this year and counting, MIN, NO, BOS, LAL, I give the lakers a half for the “LeBrons gonna to trade you” chants) but it’ll be great, right? This is in no way good for basketball.
Rozier looks out of sorts with no rhythm, and Hayward still looks pale. Sorry.
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“Irving’s persona has changed since around the start of February, and that he has become more “disengaged and detached from those around the team.” Of course, as O’Connor observes, February 1 was the day that Kyrie. . . replied that he doesn’t “owe anybody s–t.””
Porzingus was traded Jan.31st.
IMO: At that point, what was merely being talked about (KI to NY) suddenly became locked in. The realization would be a lot to deal with, new facts such as: He can’t blame anyone else for these events, he will get blasted for treachery, and the future looks like ramped-up pressure.
As they say, Be careful what you wish for!
BOS sends Hayward to Miami to not only fix his paleness (it’s pretty sunny and warm down there), but get out from under that 32mm/yr. Take back Whiteside and Riley will probably even throw in a pick because he wanted Hayward there 2 years ago and that’s the Miami way.
Boston has a team where only two players that play regularly know where they will be at the start of next season, Irving is a poison pill now too. Stevens now has his welcome to the NBA moment. Hopefully someone will talk to Irving but the look I see on his face is not the focus a team needs in a leader. Morris is right there is no fun In Boston it left when Thomas was traded and was nailed the day Heyward was hurt.