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Brad Stevens Uncertain About Defense

By Joshua Bateman

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One thing that was made evident for the Boston Celtics a season ago is that they will not contend until they become stronger on the defensive end, especially in their front court. Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley and Evan Turner give the Celtics a great core of defensive guards but they had no player that put up any resistance in the paint.

While the a Celtics are expecting to be improved this season, Stevens still does not sound too certain about improvement. Celtics.com addresses the subject when he was asked how he believes the defense will do this season, and Stevens responded with “somewhere in the top 30”. Stevens may not have been entirely serious but he also added in “if we work really hard and really focused […] then the sky is the limit.”

The good news is that it will be difficult for the Celtics to regress on the defensive end. The great core of guards not only remains in tact but they have also added another potential stand out defender in Terry Rozier. Throw in the potential Smart has to improve as a second year player and the Celtics should have a top defensive core of guards.

Apr 26, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) dives for the ball ahead of Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics also made significant additions to their front court and that is where the improvement needs to come. Neither Amir Johnson nor David Lee were known for their defense but two high character and high effort players can guide the Celtics in the right direction. The two of them may not have much of an impact rebounding or blocking shots but they can help instill a mindset that defense needs to be a priority.

The best potential for improvement the a Celtics have is Jordan Mickey. The rookie was one of the truly elite shot blockers in college, blocking an incredible 3.1 and 3.6 blocks per game in his two seasons. Mickey was also the most impressive rookie in the summer league thanks to his shot blocking ability. Mickey is bringing some desperately needed athleticism to the front court and he can be the most impactful player on the defensive end.

Mickey’s height can work for and against the Celtics. It works for them in the sense that it allows them to maintain a small ball lineup but it works against them as Mickey will have a more difficult time transitioning to playing against superior athletes.

In College, Mickey’s athleticism was more than enough to make up for being shorter than the players he had to defend. The NBA will be a tremendous challenge for Mickey but he should still be the leading blocker and rebounder. Blocking is Mickey’s most impressive area but he can have just as large of an impact on the boards.

Feb 10, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) and LSU Tigers forward Jordan Mickey (25) battle for a rebound during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

After Tristan Thompson single handedly man handled the Celtics on the boards in the playoffs there became no doubt that the Celtics could not compete without better rebounding. Mickey’s 7.9 and 9.9 rebounds per game in college is nothing spectacular but his athleticism alone will make a significant difference. The biggest reason Mickey is poised for rebounding success is because he has next to no competition on the Celtics.

The Celtics had no dominant rebounder and while Tyler Zeller should be improved the Celtics still cannot depend on him in that area. The Celtics added two other power forwards in Lee and Johnson but neither of them have been known for their ability to rebound the ball. Mickey is in an ideal position to have an immediate impact as a rookie because he is the only player that directly addresses the team’s most pressing need.

Mickey will need to earn his way into the starting lineup but nothing will improve the Celtics more than having Mickey break out into a legitimate presence in the paint.  Stevens’ skepticism regarding defense is certainly warranted. Mickey was impressive but depending too much on a rookie can be a recipe for disaster.

Marcus Smart was a phenomenal defensive player as a rookie but he also had Avery Bradley to look up to. Mickey, on the other hand, is coming into a team with no player in the front court with the kind of defensive ability that Mickey may have.

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