Is Celtics’ Team Chemistry the Most Worrisome Part of Their Early-Season Struggles?

by

Jan 14, 2012

Is Celtics' Team Chemistry the Most Worrisome Part of Their Early-Season Struggles?The biggest challenge in analyzing the Celtics might be finding something encouraging amid their struggles.

The Celtics are fifth from the bottom in average scoring at less than 90 points per game. They have a relatively acceptable .463 field-goal percentage but are coming off three straight games with slow starts. They are tied for the league's worst rebounding rate at 37 boards per game.

Statistics have never defined the Celtics under head coach Doc Rivers, however. Boston's calling card in this era has been the team's ability to play as one, both offensively and defensively, and to regroup when things go badly.

Those qualities have been missing so far this season. While newcomers like Brandon Bass, Keyon Dooling and Mickael Pietrus have made immediate impacts, the team as a whole does not always work as one entity on defense, leading to open baskets for the opponent. Rebounding has been an ongoing problem despite the presence of two traditionally strong rebounding big men, Kevin Garnett and Jermaine O'Neal, in the starting lineup.

The elephant in the room for the last couple of seasons, of course, is age. The Celtics are the fourth-oldest team in the NBA, and in all three losses, their fatigue has been apparent. If they look this tired and this old heading into game No. 11, it's worrisome to think how much they will be hobbling when they get their turn with a back-to-back-to-back in April.

What part of the Celtics' early-season struggles worries you the most?

Previous Article

Kenny Dalglish: Liverpool FC Isn’t Really Chasing Any January Transfer Targets

Next Article

Playboy Playmates Join Tim Tebow Revolution by Taking Part in ‘Tebowing’ Craze (Photos)

Picked For You