Rondo: More talk needed on defense

Share

BOSTON -- Given that Kevin Garnett's intense screams can be heard around the TD Garden, it's hard to imagine his team would struggle with communication.

But early on in the season, the Celtics (2-3) are trying to improve their talk on the court, something they hope will lead to a better end result.

"Kevin does a great job of talking," said Rajon Rondo. "I think just follow the leader. It's not as hard as it seems, but it's a matter of some guys don't talk. For us to win, I think we need guys to come out of their comfort zone and do something they're not comfortable with."

The Celtics are a tight knit squad and have little problems speaking with one another. Prior to Friday's game, Rondo, Jeff Green, Brandon Bass, and rookies Jared Sullinger, Fab Melo, and Kris Joseph talked with one another at length in the locker room.

Effectively doing so on the court is different, though. With so many new pieces this season, finding cohesion is a work in progress, especially while Doc Rivers is experimenting with various lineups resulting in numerous roles for the players. In order to click, the Celtics have to talk to each other to understand keys such as defensive responsibilities and tasks in each play.

"We're a defensive team that usually can score the basketball. Right now we have indecision," said Garnett. "At points we have lack of communication and all the other things that come with the NBA basketball game. You're going to make some mistakes. We tend to be a little tentative at times."

Both Garnett and Rondo believe the Celtics will improve their communication through practices. Those, of course, are often hard to come by in a demanding schedule. For now they will have to stay patient and focused while making in-game adjustments.

"We've just got to continue to believe," said Rondo. "We won't have as many practices as we would like, so right now we have to do it with our talk. And that's what we're not doing.When we're small, we've got to learn it's not a specific man. It's just to get the guy in the area, and it comes from communication."

Echoed Garnett, "Practice fixes a lot of indecision. I think we've still got some guys that don't really understand nor do they know our system. But through practice time and repetitions, we'll get those things. Right now just grind. Just the grind days right here."

Contact Us