Hey Celtics fans, it’s John Karalis here, and I’ve been harping on about the C’s needing better effort lately. But what does that really mean? What does it look like when they’re not giving it their all? Let’s break it down.
First off, it’s not that they’re not trying at all. If that were the case, we’d be seeing 40-point blowouts on the regular. The issue is more nuanced. It’s about the level of engagement and the little things that make a big difference.
Last year, the team’s mindset was “What can we do to win these games?” This year, it feels more like “What can we get away with and still win?” That shift in attitude is subtle but crucial.
So, where are we seeing this lack of effort? It’s in the details, folks. When players are in help defense, are they in a proper defensive stance with bent knees, or are they standing straight up? It’s about making those little moves that can trick an opponent, like a jab step or a quick hop, even if you’re not actually going to help.
Closeouts are another big indicator. Running at full speed and flying by a shooter might look like effort, but it’s actually lazy defense. Real effort is sprinting to a spot, chopping your feet, getting a hand up, and sliding with the guy.
Communication is key too. If you’re not seeing players pointing and talking on defense, passing off assignments, that’s a red flag. It’s easy to look at a guy sweating and breathing hard and think he’s giving it his all, but if he’s not communicating, he’s not fully engaged.
Now, I’m not saying the sky is falling. The Celtics are still a top-10 defensive team. But they’re supposed to be the standard, not just in the mix. They’re being held to a high standard because we know what they’re capable of.
Sure, there are some continuity issues with the starting lineup not getting much time together. But that’s no excuse for the lack of effort we’re seeing at times.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Celtics’ defensive woes, tune into the Locked On Celtics podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Celtics Podcast:
• Is the top seed in jeopardy for the Celtics?
• The importance of building good habits during the regular season
• Upcoming Western Conference swing and its potential impact
