Celtics-Lakers: Game 1 Thoughts

Nothing much to take away from game one except the following: the Lakers played better than the Celtics. It does not mean the Lakers will win the series (though it makes it easier). It does not mean the Celtics are in trouble (though it makes it harder). The Lakers played a really good game, and the Celtics played poorly.

Some other thoughts.

Kobe is the best (right now)
It pains me to write that. But if I to go back in time and did a school-yard pick 'em at the beginning of the playoffs and picked the best player, it would be Kobe. For years I've been saying LeBron is actually Kobe's superior because of the rebounding and physical presence, but not in the 2010 playoffs.

But let's not anoint him Jordan from a career prospective. During a portion of his prime, Kobe was an awful team player and led three teams (04-05, 05-06, 06-07) that weren't very good. Yes, his supporting cast was putrid, but LeBron has had a similar problem in Cleveland, and has had better seasons. So yes, Kobe is one of the best 20 players ever, but cool it on 'the' best ever talk. Not even close. Tim Duncan was even his superior as a contemporary.

Rondo's team
Most commentators think Rondo is now the best player on the Celtics. I completely agree, even though he has two major flaws in his game: he's a career 63% FT shooter (not good for a PG) and he's a below average outside shooter (likely related difficulties). I think both are solvable. He's only 23.

But the biggest problem for Rondo is his current team. He needs a bunch of runners, a Suns-style team, to best utilize his talents and also to minimize his weaknesses. The problem is only one current player really fits: Ray Allen. Kevin Garnett in his prime would have been a great fit, but he's not that player anymore. Paul Pierce slows the game down. Glen Davis isn't too bad, Tony Allen can't make a layup to save his mother, and Perkins is too slow. Rasheed Wallace is an idiot.

Win or lose in 2010, Danny Ainge needs to start looking for players to compliment Rondo. The current roster limits what he can do.