Boston Celtics: Why They Should Press Opposing Teams More Often

In last night's win over the New Jersey Nets, the Boston Celtics showed a full-court press for the first time this season. The press itself was effective, and it led to turnovers and easy baskets for the Celtics, two things the Celtics desperately need.

This raises the question of whether the Celtics should employ the press more often. To that question I answer, why not?

So far this season, the Celtics have yet to show many signs of life, and have fallen to many lesser teams. They need something to jolt their energy and get an edge. Not only that, but they need a way to force turnovers and get easy baskets on the other end. And what better way to do so than by deploying the press?

It seems to be an accepted fact that the NBA is no place for a press and that the players are too athletic and talented to be affected by a press. But if that is the case, then why did it work so well against the Nets last night?

In the first half while it was being used, the Celtics got eight steals, more than their season average of 6.46 steals per game. They also threw off New Jersey and were able to get easy baskets off the steals. 

If the Celtics are to press, they will need to do it right. Pressing should be reserved for the younger players, not any of the Big Three who have tired enough legs as it is. I would like to see a lineup of Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, Mickael Pietrus, Brandon Bass and Chris Wilcox out there running the press.

They can run the opponent out of the building while the Big Three rests.

All of them are great defenders, have great athletic ability and can provide seemingly endless energy. If the Celtics put this unit in to end quarters and rattle the opponent, I'm sure it would have profound and positive impacts on the games, just like it did last night against the Nets.

If the Celtics want to make a legitimate run this year, they will need to be able to create turnovers and easy baskets. I see no better way to do so than by using a press that so far has worked. At the very least, the Celtics should try it on Sunday and see if they can rattle the turnover-prone Jeremy Lin.