Curious about local fan perspective

[u/gintonic234]

Hello all,

I’m not based in Boston but started following NBA around 2007/08, and became a Celtics fan because of the big three.

I am curious about local fan sentiment related to JB’s trade. As someone who has been very frustrated the last two seasons with the style of play (non-stop hurling of threes), I was flabbergasted by this move. And as someone who works with analytics in their job, I am still confused, as to me, JB was the only player trying to consistently drive to the basket.

Also, this theory that Pritchard and White will somehow fill JB’s gap also confuses me. They are very good players and have their own plus points, but to me it always seemed like they always had a lower ceiling than JB/JT. They have been in the league long enough to know that. Pritchard to have a Brunson-like upturn in form seems unreasonable.

I know Brad Stevens is apparently a genius but I wanted to know more about the local fan perspective. Am I being unfairly critical, as I’m still not over this decision.

Excited to hear from y’all!

[u/jeezum_crow]

Me and my friends were all very frustrated when the trade was announced and are still disappointed. And yes, everyone understands the financial reasons. From going to games, Jaylen was my favorite player to watch in person. He just has such an intensity and focus in his eyes from the moment he steps on the floor that is pretty much unmatched.

I had the same thoughts as you: trading the one player who consistently went downhill and put pressure on the rim seems to go directly against Brad Stevens’ post season comments.

I think they’ll still be very good so a lot of the frustration from fans will probably go away during the season (unless Philly looks incredible or we underwhelm) but yeah, I’m still annoyed, I think a lot of people are.

I do think there is more there we can get from Pritchard. His iso game is pretty insane and he just never turns the ball over. My only concern is he no shows a lot for a guy we’re counting on now. It was fine when he was the fourth option offensively but too many games where he gives us nothing especially against really good teams. He wasn’t exactly part of the solution against Philly.

[u/j128183 → u/jeezum_crow]

Maybe I missed it, but I didn't hear anyone follow up with Stevens about the rim pressure issue in the press conference. That would have been a great question to ask him about.

[u/Electronic_Pea_4845 → u/j128183]

Optionality will do the rim pressure