What do we need from Sheed?
November 10, 2009 by Nick Gelso
The Boston Celtics have never been a team that has lived and died with the 3-point bomb. This season has started out different. The C’s have attempted far more three-balls then in previous seasons. After a scorching start from downtown, Boston has cooled off.
Doc Rivers told the Globe that he is not worried,
“I’m not that upset by them,’’ Rivers said. “I really am not. It’s not like we’re shooting them poorly. The last few games we haven’t been shooting them great, but I don’t make a big deal of them.’’
Rasheed Wallace has attempted more three point shots then Ray Allen. Ray has, thus far, struggled from downtown. As he gets his legs into top game form, their is no doubt Ray’s stroke will return. What’s stood out for me, has been Ray’s determination to attack the basket this season. A post by, up and coming blogger, Gino’s Jungle, examines Ray’s game change in more detail.
Is Ray attacking the basket more because of his lack of confidence in his long range shooting?
I think not. I think Ray’s ability to attack the basket more this season is a direct reflection of Rasheed Wallace 
standing at the three-point line, pulling his large defender out of the driving lanes.
Rajon Rondo is shooting nearly 60 percent from the field, averaging 10 points and dishing out 9 assists. His play continues to improve. I also feel this has direct relation to Rasheed Wallace spreading the floor.
Sheed has taken 50 three-point attempts. He is shooting them at a 34 percent rate, a percentage that has dropped by his recent struggles from downtown and poor decisions on when to launch the bomb.
Is Sheed taking too many?
Probably. The fact remains, however, that Wallace’s presence on the floor means that opposing Centers must guard him because he is likely to hit the shot sooner or later.
So what do we need from Sheed?
Danny recruited Wallace identifying our lack of length on the front line last season. He also acknowledged Sheed’s ability to spread the court on offense. Rasheed has played excellent defense thus far. He has also succeeded in enlarging the court. The spacing has opened up offensive options for guys like Rondo, Daniels, Williams and Perkins. The Celtics spacing is the best I have seen since Larry-Legend was hoisting them up, 20 years ago.
Rasheed Wallace’s addition in Boston is the mirror image of Shaq teaming up with King James. The King’s court is constantly clogged with the Big Aristotle lurking in the middle. Pick and roll basketball has come to a screeching halt in Cleveland. Over-all, the Cavs look slower and have less continuity.
So, I’ll ask again…
What do WE need from Sheed?
Big fella’, be a little more selective in when you launch them but, for god’s sake, don’t stop launching them. I like seeing parquet between the Celtics players as they continue to space the floor and open up options.
What should we do next?
Well, since you’ve made it to the end of this post, you might be interested in these related articles and resources.
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November 11, 2009 at 10:42 am | Craigga
Nick, great post.
The C’s are definately doing a lot of shooting from outside the arch and I think it really has a good correlation with the fact that they are better rested as well with the disposal of the morning shoot around portion of game day. I just did a big piece about the rest factor on 4SportBoston.com too.
As for the ‘Sheed angle. I think the C’s knew they were getting that coming in and it definitely didn’t help them to deter him from doing it when he was so hot from 3 for the first week. Hopefully he figures it out but like you said, it is still helpful to free up the middle for Allen and Rondo.
November 11, 2009 at 11:15 am | Gino's Jungle (BPAUL)
I agree with your points here. I think Sheed needs to keep throwing up the three’s, that is his game. He is a big man capable of spreading the floor by knocking down three’s. One thing I do have a problem with so far is with him trying to force shots. On multiple occasions I have seen him force a shot with a defender in his face. Usually this results in an airball or total brick. I would also like to see Sheed work in the post a little bit more. He has a great post game and hasn’t really used it so far this year. So Sheed, stop trying to be a hero and focus on filling your role!!!
November 11, 2009 at 10:50 pm | Nick Gelso
That has been a “Sheed-Trait” for a LONG time! I agree w ya.