Scalabrine On Toucher & Rich: Celtics Will Be Inspired Following Rondo Injury
BOSTON (CBS) – With Rajon Rondo out for the rest of the season, what is next for the Boston Celtics?
Former Celtic Brian Scalabrine joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich on Monday morning, and thinks the Celtics should actually have a better regular season without Rondo.
"In the regular season, the Celtics will be inspired by this and you'll see a different type of team. I'm not saying they'll go on to win it all, but they'll play differently. It'll be an aggressive style," said Scal.
But that will all change once the playoffs roll around.
"In the regular season, you can still win games with good preparation and hard-playing guys. I think they'll compile a good regular season record from here on out, then it's just a matter if they get match ups and if they can get over the hump (in the playoffs). That's going to be the hard part," he said.
The Celtics currently sit at 21-23 for the season, the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. But Scalabrine sees Boston going on a little run to improve their playoff picture.
"I think they creep up [in the standings]. I don't think they get Miami in the first round; maybe finish 5th, 6th, or 7th [in the East]," . Watch the team, it will be so different in the way they play that you'll be surprised. I think they'll go on a some-what of a streak, winning seven of 10, from this. How you win in the playoffs when Rajon has the ability to have a triple-double, that's what's going to be different. But for now Doc will put in new plays, he'll trick guys, get guys going. "
How does Scal think they'll handle the point guard duties?
"They'll run a two-guard front. Whoever is getting pressure he'll give it to the other guy. There's always the weaker defender – that guy will bring it up and initiate the offense," said Scal.
"Doc has been designing plays for Rondo because he plays 40 minutes a night. Now watch how creative they'll become with Rondo out," he continued. "They'll take advantage of everyone's skill sets. How about how Courtney Lee played with Rondo out. He has a proven track record of playing good basketball when he gets the opportunity to handle the ball. He makes better plays, makes better decisions, and makes shots."
