NBA Playoffs 2012: Searching for Boston Celtics' Brandon Bass

When Brandon Bass joined the Boston Celtics from the Orlando Magic after a preseason trade for Glen "Big Baby" Davis, everyone thought of him as a nice bench player, a welcome change from the bombastic Davis. 

Fast-forward a few regular-season games, and after the annual Jermaine O'Neal ambulance brigade, Bass became the starter.  It was a significant difference from the enigmatic Davis in that he quickly endeared himself to the team. 

Bass averaged double figures in scoring during the regular season, which enabled Rondo to do his thing.  The Celtics were able to spread the court with pick-and-pop options designed for him and Kevin Garnett.

Two rounds into the 2012 playoffs, and we are still searching for Bass and his game.  His penchant for fouling during critical situations has increased and is magnified on the big stage.  

In Game 2—with Kevin Garnett running on fumes after a yeoman's job in the first round and Game 1 of Round 2—Doc Rivers designed at least the first five offensive sets for Bass.  He hit his first five attempts then promptly clanged every opportunity thereafter. 

His indecisiveness when he had wide-open shots caused the offense to bog down and offer up some horrendous turnovers.  The frustrated looks of Paul Pierce and Rondo as he bricked what would normally be KG's shot told the whole story. 

As a result, he has eroded the last shred of trust they had in him to make a bucket when it counts. 

It is no sure-fire bet that the Celtics will want to extend Bass' contract if he doesn't rediscover that mid-range touch he had when he first put on the green. 

Game 2 made Celtics fans wax nostalgic about the audacious Davis, because even if he wasn't making shots, he would impact the game on the defensive end.  A lesson Bass needs to learn quickly. 

It is mind-boggling how a tree trunk of a man that stands 6'8" tall disappears among his peers.  Let's face it: The only Philadelphia player that towers over Bass is Spencer Hawes, and KG is covering him.  Hawes does not play in the paint, as he is a jump-shooter, not a shot-blocker.

There is an all-points bulletin out for BB's missing game.  The Boston Police Department has sent its top criminal minds to investigate the heist of Bass' game in crunch time. 

It is a dire situation on Causeway Street, and Lucky the Leprechaun has sent his shillelagh to Philly in hopes that Bass can rediscover his shooting touch.

If he doesn't, the Celtics will be hard-pressed to get out of Philly with a win, or out of the second round.