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Season in Review
With the Celtics season now over Celtics.com thought it would be a good time to take a look back at the 2003-04 season. We're breaking down each player's season as well as taking a look at what they can bring to the table in 2004-05. It should be an exciting summer and an even more exciting season next year as the young Celtics look to improve.
Chucky Atkins - G/5-11/160
03-04 Season: The arrival of Chucky Atkins in a Celtics uniform changed the course of the season. The Celtics had lost 12-of-13 and were dropping from the playoff radar, but Atkins stabilized the team from the point guard position, averaging 12.0 points and 5.3 assists per game as a Celtic. The team went on to go 13-11 with Atkins, making the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: What Chucky Atkins needs to bring to the table next season is even more leadership. After coming over from Detroit Atkins took some of the leadership burden off Paul Pierce, and added toughness to the team. Another plus for Boston next season would be if Atkins comes off the bench, not for any deficiencies in his game, but that would mean Marcus Banks is developing into the point guard the team is hoping he becomes.
Season And Career Stats
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Marcus Banks - G/6-2/200
03-04 Season: Overall Banks had an up and down season, averaging 5.9 points in 17.1 minutes per game. Those numbers aren't staggering, but Banks did show why the C's are so high on him, leading the league in steals per 48 minutes (3.05) and averaging 11.7 points, on 56.0 percent shooting from the field, and 2.7 steals per game over the Celtics final seven games. The season may have been disappointing overall, but signs for the future were there.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: Banks should take the next two months and watch plenty of San Antonio Spurs games…Banks has Tony Parker like speed, maybe better, but needs to figure out how to effectively use his speed amongst the trees of the NBA…If he can come back next season with a more reliable mid-range jumper and a better understanding of the game, then the sky is the limit for Marcus Banks.
Season And Career Stats
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Mark Blount - C/7-0/250
03-04 Season: Blount had a career year, averaging career-high's with 10.2 points and 7.2 boards per game. He finished second in the NBA in field goal percentage (56.6%) and recorded 19 double-doubles. Blount gave the Celtics an inside presence down the stretch, dominating the boards and showing off an improved post game on the offensive end.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: Blount has an opt out in his contract, so there are questions as to whether he'll be a Celtic next season…If he returns the Celtics just need him to continue to improve, something that should not be difficult for Blount, who is known as a tireless worker in the offseason.
Season And Career Stats
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Ricky Davis - G/6-7/195
03-04 Season: Ricky played well in spurts after coming over from Cleveland in December, and continued to get better as the season wore on. He proved he has the ability to be a dominant scorer and a shutdown defender, but lacked consistency at times. One thing Davis definitely did was prove that the labels of being selfish and not playing hard in Cleveland were not true. Since joining the Celtics Ricky averaged 14.1 points and 4.2 boards in just 29.4 minutes per game, but over the teams final 21 games Davis proved to be a very efficient scorer, averaging 16.7 points on an amazing 52.5 percent shooting from the field.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: A big key for the Celtics next season will be Davis arriving at training camp ready to go and on board with what new coach Doc Rivers is trying to do. If Rivers can get Davis to play defense on a more consistent basis then we could be looking at big season for Davis and the Celtics. He has the ability to be one of the top defenders in the NBA. Look for a larger role to be played by Davis in 2004-05.
Season And Career Stats
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Brandon Hunter - F/6-7/260
03-04 Season: For a player drafted 56th overall, Hunter had a pretty good season, and for about three weeks he helped turnaround the Celtics fortunes. From Feb. 25 through March 19, Hunter started 12 games, with the Celtics going 8-4 and repositioning themselves back in the playoff picture. Hunter recorded his 1st career double-double with 11 points and 16 boards vs. Toronto (2/27), and showed that he has the ability to be an excellent rebounder at the NBA level.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: After Hunter started a few games and played well, teams began to adjust to him and game plan for him, something Hunter had trouble dealing with. He'll need to use the offseason to work on his offensive skills, and learn how he can get shots off against bigger forwards in the NBA. If Hunter can improve offensively and bring back his rebounding mentality next season, then he could be an important player off the Celtics bench.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Jumaine Jones - F/6-8/218
03-04 Season: Jumaine Jones had one of the more disappointing seasons on the team. Jones, who was expected to be the starting small forward, got hurt early in training camp and never really recovered. In limited playing time he did show he has the ability to be a good rebounder against other small forwards.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: Jones needs to arrive at training camp in mid-season shape. If he comes back next season ready to go hard in the preseason then he could be a missing link to Danny Ainge's goal of making the Celtics a deep talented team. There's no question that Jones has the ability to be a contributing player in the NBA.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Raef LaFrentz - F-C/6-11/240
03-04 Season: Raef played in just 17 games this season, almost all of them on a bad knee, but he showed if h is healthy that he can have a large impact. LaFrentz averaged just 4.6 boards per game, but in the games he played the Celtics rebounding differential was +0.1, compare that to the -7.1 rebounding differential without LaFrentz and it makes a huge difference.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: The Celtics absolutely need LaFrentz to be 100% in 2004-05 if they want to compete at a high level in the Eastern Conference. When healthy, this a guy who can give you 14 points and 8 boards, while finishing in the top 5 in blocks per game, and that was in the Western Conference. At 6-11 and close to a 40.0% three-point shooter, LaFrentz is someone who can open the floor for Paul Pierce, Ricky Davis and Marcus Banks to penetrate.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Walter McCarty - F/6-10/230
03-04 Season: Walter had a typical Walter season. He spent the first 20 games on the bench, playing sparingly and recording four DNP-CD's without complaint, but after the December 15 trade with Cleveland Walter became a main cog in the Celtics season. He averaged 7.9 points, the most since his second year in the NBA, and brought a veteran mentality to the young Celtics. Walter started 23 games and shot 37.4 percent from beyond the arc.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: The Celtics can't ask much more of Walter McCarty. He brings a veterans presence and is a player coaches can can't on, something Doc Rivers is about to learn. The Celtics could use McCarty to be a little more vocal in the lockeroom and take some of the leadership pressure off Paul Pierce. There isn't a more respected athlete in the city than Walter McCarty.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Chris Mihm - C/7-0/256
03-04 Season: Mihm is another young player that showed flashes but was plagued by inconsistency. After coming to Boston from Cleveland he averaged 6.1 points and 5.1 boards in 17.4 minutes per game, but struggled to stay on the floor because of foul trouble. Mihm proved to be a skilled post player and a tough offensive rebounder, something the Celtics have been lacking for years.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: Mihm is a restricted free agent, so it will be up to the Celtics if he returns next season. If Mihm is back in green the C's will need him to stay out of foul trouble and stay on the court. Mihm needs to spend the summer working on a 15-foot jumper and continue to improve his already polished post game. If Mihm can develop into the player many thought he would be when he was drafted 7th overall in 2000, then matched with LaFrentz the Celtics could have one of the best front lines in the Eastern Conference.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Kendrick Perkins - C/6-10/280
03-04 Season: Perkins didn't get much court time in 2003-04, but he did exactly what he needed to do in practice, as a high schooler in his first season. Perkins dropped weight, increased his vertical and added muscle to an already large frame. In his short stints on the court in just 10 games Perkins showed he can score on the post and rebound at a high level. He averaged 2.2 points in just 3.5 minutes per game.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: With a year under his belt Perkins should come into camp much more prepared to handle an NBA season. He needs to spend the summer continuing to work on his body, and should be looking at the July summer leagues as a chance to show his improvement. It's up in the air whether or not he'll be able to contribute in just his second season out of high school, but the Celtics aren't counting on it, so any contribution would be a boost.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Paul Pierce - G/6-6/230
03-04 Season: This was a difficult season for Pierce, being the captain on a team with numerous changes. He averaged 23.0 points, 6.5 boards and a career-high 5.1 assists per game. It was troubling that he shot career-lows from the field and from beyond the arc, but that may have more to do with taking more difficult shots than anything else. In the end Pierce had another All-Star season and carried the Celtics on his back.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: It's not so much what Pierce needs to bring, he just needs some support around him. His shooting is down because he has been carrying more of the load over the past three seasons, and as a result his shot selection has gotten worse. If the Celtics can count on their core group as well as add help in free agency and the draft, then you should see all of Pierce's numbers increase.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Michael "Yogi" Stewart - C/6-10/230
03-04 Season: We didn't get to see much of Yogi Stewart this season, he appeared in just 15 games with the Celtics. Overall he averaged 0.5 points and 1.2 boards in 5.9 minutes per game.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: Yogi needs to continue to add depth, defense and rebounding to the frontcourt. Don't expect him to get too much playing time next season, but expect him to be ready when his number is called. Yogi is a professional and knows his role with the team.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Jiri Welsch - G-F/6-7/208
03-04 Season: Welsch was one of the surprises of the Celtics season. Many considered him an afterthought in the Antoine Walker deal, but not Danny Ainge. Ainge made sure Welsch was part of the deal. Jiri went on to average 9.2 points, a 7.6 per game increase from his rookie season, and prove to be one of the Celtics top defenders. Welsch shot 42.9 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from beyond the arc with an injured thumb all season.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: Although Welsch had a great season, we should expect even more next season. With a healthy thumb and a full season under his belt expect his shooting percentages to rise even further. Welsch should be a great role player with the potential to improve into even more for the Celtics. He's a smart player who brings a toughness that every championship team needs.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
03-04 Season: The arrival of Chucky Atkins in a Celtics uniform changed the course of the season. The Celtics had lost 12-of-13 and were dropping from the playoff radar, but Atkins stabilized the team from the point guard position, averaging 12.0 points and 5.3 assists per game as a Celtic. The team went on to go 13-11 with Atkins, making the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: What Chucky Atkins needs to bring to the table next season is even more leadership. After coming over from Detroit Atkins took some of the leadership burden off Paul Pierce, and added toughness to the team. Another plus for Boston next season would be if Atkins comes off the bench, not for any deficiencies in his game, but that would mean Marcus Banks is developing into the point guard the team is hoping he becomes.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Marcus Banks - G/6-2/200
03-04 Season: Overall Banks had an up and down season, averaging 5.9 points in 17.1 minutes per game. Those numbers aren't staggering, but Banks did show why the C's are so high on him, leading the league in steals per 48 minutes (3.05) and averaging 11.7 points, on 56.0 percent shooting from the field, and 2.7 steals per game over the Celtics final seven games. The season may have been disappointing overall, but signs for the future were there.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: Banks should take the next two months and watch plenty of San Antonio Spurs games…Banks has Tony Parker like speed, maybe better, but needs to figure out how to effectively use his speed amongst the trees of the NBA…If he can come back next season with a more reliable mid-range jumper and a better understanding of the game, then the sky is the limit for Marcus Banks.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Mark Blount - C/7-0/250
03-04 Season: Blount had a career year, averaging career-high's with 10.2 points and 7.2 boards per game. He finished second in the NBA in field goal percentage (56.6%) and recorded 19 double-doubles. Blount gave the Celtics an inside presence down the stretch, dominating the boards and showing off an improved post game on the offensive end.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: Blount has an opt out in his contract, so there are questions as to whether he'll be a Celtic next season…If he returns the Celtics just need him to continue to improve, something that should not be difficult for Blount, who is known as a tireless worker in the offseason.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Ricky Davis - G/6-7/195
03-04 Season: Ricky played well in spurts after coming over from Cleveland in December, and continued to get better as the season wore on. He proved he has the ability to be a dominant scorer and a shutdown defender, but lacked consistency at times. One thing Davis definitely did was prove that the labels of being selfish and not playing hard in Cleveland were not true. Since joining the Celtics Ricky averaged 14.1 points and 4.2 boards in just 29.4 minutes per game, but over the teams final 21 games Davis proved to be a very efficient scorer, averaging 16.7 points on an amazing 52.5 percent shooting from the field.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: A big key for the Celtics next season will be Davis arriving at training camp ready to go and on board with what new coach Doc Rivers is trying to do. If Rivers can get Davis to play defense on a more consistent basis then we could be looking at big season for Davis and the Celtics. He has the ability to be one of the top defenders in the NBA. Look for a larger role to be played by Davis in 2004-05.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Brandon Hunter - F/6-7/260
03-04 Season: For a player drafted 56th overall, Hunter had a pretty good season, and for about three weeks he helped turnaround the Celtics fortunes. From Feb. 25 through March 19, Hunter started 12 games, with the Celtics going 8-4 and repositioning themselves back in the playoff picture. Hunter recorded his 1st career double-double with 11 points and 16 boards vs. Toronto (2/27), and showed that he has the ability to be an excellent rebounder at the NBA level.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: After Hunter started a few games and played well, teams began to adjust to him and game plan for him, something Hunter had trouble dealing with. He'll need to use the offseason to work on his offensive skills, and learn how he can get shots off against bigger forwards in the NBA. If Hunter can improve offensively and bring back his rebounding mentality next season, then he could be an important player off the Celtics bench.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Jumaine Jones - F/6-8/218
03-04 Season: Jumaine Jones had one of the more disappointing seasons on the team. Jones, who was expected to be the starting small forward, got hurt early in training camp and never really recovered. In limited playing time he did show he has the ability to be a good rebounder against other small forwards.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: Jones needs to arrive at training camp in mid-season shape. If he comes back next season ready to go hard in the preseason then he could be a missing link to Danny Ainge's goal of making the Celtics a deep talented team. There's no question that Jones has the ability to be a contributing player in the NBA.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Raef LaFrentz - F-C/6-11/240
03-04 Season: Raef played in just 17 games this season, almost all of them on a bad knee, but he showed if h is healthy that he can have a large impact. LaFrentz averaged just 4.6 boards per game, but in the games he played the Celtics rebounding differential was +0.1, compare that to the -7.1 rebounding differential without LaFrentz and it makes a huge difference.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: The Celtics absolutely need LaFrentz to be 100% in 2004-05 if they want to compete at a high level in the Eastern Conference. When healthy, this a guy who can give you 14 points and 8 boards, while finishing in the top 5 in blocks per game, and that was in the Western Conference. At 6-11 and close to a 40.0% three-point shooter, LaFrentz is someone who can open the floor for Paul Pierce, Ricky Davis and Marcus Banks to penetrate.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Walter McCarty - F/6-10/230
03-04 Season: Walter had a typical Walter season. He spent the first 20 games on the bench, playing sparingly and recording four DNP-CD's without complaint, but after the December 15 trade with Cleveland Walter became a main cog in the Celtics season. He averaged 7.9 points, the most since his second year in the NBA, and brought a veteran mentality to the young Celtics. Walter started 23 games and shot 37.4 percent from beyond the arc.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: The Celtics can't ask much more of Walter McCarty. He brings a veterans presence and is a player coaches can can't on, something Doc Rivers is about to learn. The Celtics could use McCarty to be a little more vocal in the lockeroom and take some of the leadership pressure off Paul Pierce. There isn't a more respected athlete in the city than Walter McCarty.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Chris Mihm - C/7-0/256
03-04 Season: Mihm is another young player that showed flashes but was plagued by inconsistency. After coming to Boston from Cleveland he averaged 6.1 points and 5.1 boards in 17.4 minutes per game, but struggled to stay on the floor because of foul trouble. Mihm proved to be a skilled post player and a tough offensive rebounder, something the Celtics have been lacking for years.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: Mihm is a restricted free agent, so it will be up to the Celtics if he returns next season. If Mihm is back in green the C's will need him to stay out of foul trouble and stay on the court. Mihm needs to spend the summer working on a 15-foot jumper and continue to improve his already polished post game. If Mihm can develop into the player many thought he would be when he was drafted 7th overall in 2000, then matched with LaFrentz the Celtics could have one of the best front lines in the Eastern Conference.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Kendrick Perkins - C/6-10/280
03-04 Season: Perkins didn't get much court time in 2003-04, but he did exactly what he needed to do in practice, as a high schooler in his first season. Perkins dropped weight, increased his vertical and added muscle to an already large frame. In his short stints on the court in just 10 games Perkins showed he can score on the post and rebound at a high level. He averaged 2.2 points in just 3.5 minutes per game.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: With a year under his belt Perkins should come into camp much more prepared to handle an NBA season. He needs to spend the summer continuing to work on his body, and should be looking at the July summer leagues as a chance to show his improvement. It's up in the air whether or not he'll be able to contribute in just his second season out of high school, but the Celtics aren't counting on it, so any contribution would be a boost.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Paul Pierce - G/6-6/230
03-04 Season: This was a difficult season for Pierce, being the captain on a team with numerous changes. He averaged 23.0 points, 6.5 boards and a career-high 5.1 assists per game. It was troubling that he shot career-lows from the field and from beyond the arc, but that may have more to do with taking more difficult shots than anything else. In the end Pierce had another All-Star season and carried the Celtics on his back.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: It's not so much what Pierce needs to bring, he just needs some support around him. His shooting is down because he has been carrying more of the load over the past three seasons, and as a result his shot selection has gotten worse. If the Celtics can count on their core group as well as add help in free agency and the draft, then you should see all of Pierce's numbers increase.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Michael "Yogi" Stewart - C/6-10/230
03-04 Season: We didn't get to see much of Yogi Stewart this season, he appeared in just 15 games with the Celtics. Overall he averaged 0.5 points and 1.2 boards in 5.9 minutes per game.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: Yogi needs to continue to add depth, defense and rebounding to the frontcourt. Don't expect him to get too much playing time next season, but expect him to be ready when his number is called. Yogi is a professional and knows his role with the team.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
Jiri Welsch - G-F/6-7/208
03-04 Season: Welsch was one of the surprises of the Celtics season. Many considered him an afterthought in the Antoine Walker deal, but not Danny Ainge. Ainge made sure Welsch was part of the deal. Jiri went on to average 9.2 points, a 7.6 per game increase from his rookie season, and prove to be one of the Celtics top defenders. Welsch shot 42.9 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from beyond the arc with an injured thumb all season.
What He Needs To Bring In 04-05: Although Welsch had a great season, we should expect even more next season. With a healthy thumb and a full season under his belt expect his shooting percentages to rise even further. Welsch should be a great role player with the potential to improve into even more for the Celtics. He's a smart player who brings a toughness that every championship team needs.
Season And Career Stats
Back to Top
