An Official Celtics Funk, Plus Todd McShay and Million-Dollar Picks
Jan 24, 2025
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Todd McShay, ESPN’s college football and NFL draft expert, joins the discussion about Jayden Daniels’ standout rookie season and the keys to pivotal playoff matchups. They explore the challenges facing the Patriots as they eye the draft, alongside insights into rookie quarterbacks’ struggles in the NFL. Joe House adds his flair as they dive into betting strategies for the conference championship games, highlighting Washington's surprising playoff momentum and making bold Million-Dollar Picks. A lively blend of analysis, humor, and sports insight awaits!
The Celtics are struggling this season due to Jalen Brown's declining performance and ineffective shooting, raising significant concerns for the team.
Defensive deficiencies have intensified for the Celtics, contrasting sharply with last year's success, leading to frustrated fans and analysts alike.
Coaching strategies have faced criticism as poor decision-making during crucial moments has negatively affected the team's performance in key games.
Challenges in roster flexibility pose obstacles for the Celtics in making impactful trades, as their contract situation limits potential adjustments.
The need for a stronger collective identity is critical for the Celtics, as a drop in camaraderie is impacting their on-court effectiveness and spirit.
Deep dives
Celtics' Current Struggles
The Boston Celtics are experiencing significant challenges this season, raising questions about the team's performance compared to last year. Jalen Brown's subpar shooting and ball handling have been highlighted as major issues, with his game seemingly regressing to earlier performance levels rather than matching last year's peak. The analysis suggests that the Celtics no longer possess the dominant 1A and 1B dynamic between Tatum and Brown, with Tatum clearly emerging as the stronger player this season. Observations from recent games reveal that the team's defensive capabilities have also diminished, with growing concerns about their ability to effectively lock down opponents as they did previously.
Defensive Failures and Lack of Cohesion
Recent performances have revealed alarming weaknesses in the Celtics' defense, showing a stark contrast to last year when they excelled in this area. Key defensive players who were once reliable are now struggling, leading to numerous opposing players penetrating easily. Despite various advanced metrics suggesting that the defense remains statistically decent, onlookers are left frustrated by the apparent lack of intensity and cohesiveness on the court. This discrepancy raises significant doubts about whether the Celtics can regain their competitive edge and highlights underlying issues within the team dynamic.
Concerns About Jalen Brown's Performance
Jalen Brown's decline in performance this season has emerged as a central concern for the Celtics. Not only is he struggling with his shooting percentages but his decision-making on the court has also faltered, resulting in turnovers and missed opportunities. Observing his play closely, there are indications that his physical condition may also be affecting his gameplay, leading to speculation that he's perhaps too muscular and stiff. This regression raises questions about his future contributions to the team, and whether he can return to his previous level of effectiveness, making him a focal point of scrutiny as the season progresses.
Coaching Challenges and Game Management
Coaching decisions have increasingly come under the spotlight as criticisms mount regarding game management strategies. Notably, instances of poor decision-making during critical moments have been highlighted, with the coaching staff appearing outmatched by opponents. This issue was particularly amplified in recent games, where strategic errors led to unfavorable outcomes. The Celtics' coaching staff will need to address these shortcomings and work on creating more effective game plans if they hope to turn their season around.
Struggles Against Competitive Opponents
In recent matchups against other top NBA teams, the Celtics' performance has been less than impressive. Games against the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers showcased a lack of urgency and effectiveness, with the Celtics failing to establish control early on. The drop-off in performance against these competitive opponents raises concerns about the team's readiness for playoff intensity. Such failures to capitalize in critical games only amplify the pressure on the Boston squad to respond positively in the upcoming weeks.
Roster Limitations and Trade Considerations
Currently, the Celtics' roster poses concerns regarding its flexibility for effective trades or adjustments moving forward. The present combination of contracts makes maneuvering during the trade deadline challenging, leading to speculation about how the front office can improve the team. As some players age and others struggle to find their form, the potential for making impactful changes grows increasingly necessary if the Celtics wish to reclaim their position as a contender. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the organization addresses these roster limitations.
The Importance of a Collective Identity
As the Celtics navigate through their current struggles, the need for a strong collective identity becomes ever more crucial. Their earlier success relied heavily on shared connections and on-court chemistry, which now appears to be lacking. Observers have noted a drop in camaraderie during crucial moments, suggesting that the bench and players may not share the same enthusiasm seen in previous seasons. Reviving this vibrant team spirit is key to revitalizing the Celtics and returning them to competitive form in the coming games.
Predicting Future Trajectories for Players
The trajectory of several key players on the Celtics roster creates concerns about their potential moving forward. As Jalen Brown's consistency wanes, alongside Derek White's notable decrease in effectiveness, questions about their reliability also surface. Conversely, Tatum seems to have taken a step forward, proving he can help his team win consistently despite the struggles of his teammates. As the season progresses, the team must look for contributions from its core players to ensure they can reclaim success in a competitive NBA landscape.
Outlook and Potential Adjustments Ahead
In light of these ongoing challenges, the outlook for the Celtics hinges on their ability to regroup and make sensible adjustments. With the potential for a win streak necessary to build momentum, they must address glaring issues both on the offensive and defensive ends. As they evaluate their performance, the spotlight will be on coaching tactics, individual player development, and roster flexibility in the lead-up to critical matchups. The season can still be salvaged if the Celtics find a way to reconnect and harness their collective talent effectively.
The Ringer's Bill Simmons asks, "What's wrong with the Celtics?" after being in-house for Celtics-Clippers and Celtics-Lakers (2:07). Next, Bill talks with Todd McShay about Jayden Daniels's historic rookie season, Washington's momentum heading into the NFC championship game against the Eagles, whether this is Josh Allen's year, and the keys to this weekend's Bills-Chiefs matchup (23:53). They also talk about Drake Maye's second season in New England, the upcoming NFL draft, and more (51:39). Finally, Bill is joined by Joe House to preview the NFL conference championship games, and make some Million-Dollar Picks (1:14:14).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Todd McShay and Joe House
Producer: Kyle Crichton
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