KG injury update & thoughts on Doc’s in-game coaching

Posted by Brian Robb on Apr 10, 2009 12971 commenthttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2009%2F04%2F10%2Fkg-could-return-against-philly%2FKG+injury+update+%26+thoughts+on+Doc%27s+in-game+coaching2009-04-10+16%3A37%3A09Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D1297

The Globe is reporting on Doc Rivers discussing with reporters the potential for Kevin Garnett to return Tuesday Night in Philadelphia

“If we can run him 10-15 minutes, we will, if we think that will give him better rhythm,” coach Doc Rivers said of Garnett’s status for a Tuesday visit to Philadelphia. “For us, we’ll use it as practice. Same for Leon (Powe)”

The article also notes that Leon Powe’s recovery is progressing well, as he is scheduled to travel with the team to Cleveland, go through a full practice Monday in hopes of playing Tuesday with KG. I am all for these developments to have these guys get their feet wet and shake off the rust in limited minutes before the playoffs start, as long as their recoveries are not being rushed for it, which does not appear to be the case.

The likelihood of Leon, KG, and even Scal’s return next week makes a thin Celtics frontcourt turn into  a crowded spot, with four big men likely competiting for time off the bench.

Zach Lowe of Celticshub broke down this possibility earlier today, but it should be a challenging spot for Doc and his coaching staff to handle come May. Luckily for us though, Doc having almost too many options off the bench is one of the better problems one could hope for.

Red’s Army argues that this predicament could be tough, since handing out minutes amongst a variety of bench options has been one of Doc’s weaknesses in the past. I understand the point, but I do not necessarily agree with as far as this year is concerned.

Doc, in my estimation has been terrific this year as coach. The Celtics players have spoken on how easily he communicates and relate to them, which has been one of Doc’s strongest traits as a coach his entire career.

This season however I feel like Doc has moved into the coaching elite category with his in-game management. I can not remember more than one or two times this entire season where I have openly questioned Doc’s personnel moves. Granted, he has had limited options all year long due to the massive rash of injuries, but Doc has improved his decision making with regards to his personnel as he has gained more expierence with them.

Doc now knows when the ride the hot hand  off the bench, he knows when he can afford to sit out one of the Big Three in a close game with an inferior opponent, he knows who to insert off the bench to create a match up problem for an opponent on any given night. 

Doc has aged like a fine wine in this sense and has left me completely confident in his ability to pull the correct strings with these guys come Playoff time. He had a few hiccups last year, but made the right moves when it counted that led the Celtics to an NBA Championship. Doc’s coaching this year will be the last thing that stands in the Celtics way of getting back to the promise land.