Azad Rosay joins CelticsBlog all the way in which from France. Regardless of protecting the group six hours away in a unique language, Azad is an avid fan and an analytics and Xs and Os skilled. Try his first piece on the Jays’ driving within the Finals.
What obtained you into basketball and the Celtics?
My relationship with basketball and the Celtics has been natural since I used to be 13 years outdated and has continued to develop since then. I performed each Wednesday again in center faculty within the French Alps. It was a straightforward solution to get away from my small village and revel in a enjoyable sport with my closest associates. I performed frequently till the tip of highschool, after which my focus shifted, and I didn’t play once more till I moved to Amsterdam at 23 years outdated. Now that I’m again residing within the Alps, I nonetheless attempt to play frequently. One factor I’ve understood about basketball: it has created and strengthened friendships all through my life, and I’m grateful for that.
As for who obtained me into the Celtics, I believe it was my father, in a means. He loves video video games and often comes dwelling every now and then with random video games he finds for reasonable. Sooner or later, he got here again with NBA Stay 2008. I nonetheless don’t know why he selected that recreation, however it modified every part. In 2008, the very best group was… the Celtics. So, to discover ways to play the sport, I picked the Celtics… and a decade later, right here I’m, introducing myself as a author for CelticsBlog. I’m grateful for that, too.
So to reply the query, “What obtained me into basketball and the Celtics?” I’d say it was love, luck, household, and associates.
What are your strengths and/or favourite subjects as a author?
That’s a troublesome query. I’d say that one in every of my strengths is my means to grasp and use statistics and information to raised grasp what the human eye can’t see. Alternatively, I watch lots of basketball, so my eyes can even seize what may not be mirrored in monitoring information. As soon as I discover this stability between what I see and the numbers, I need to share it with individuals who could be .
I genuinely get excited after I share an evaluation as a result of I need it to be challenged by the actual world. As soon as an article I write is on the market, being challenged and commented on, I get to discover ways to enhance for the subsequent one. Since I began creating content material on the NBA in France, I’ve been lucky sufficient to speak with NBA gamers, coaches, and writers. This has additionally helped me turn out to be a greater author and analyst.
As for my favourite subjects, I like specializing in statistical and tactical evaluation. I get pleasure from making an attempt to grasp what a group is making an attempt to realize and the way they’re making an attempt to create a bonus. I’m additionally studying about participant scouting — making an attempt to seize the core values, talents, and limitations of a participant by watching movies and analyzing information.
To sum up, I get pleasure from writing about what’s taking place on the courtroom and do my greatest to make it fascinating for the individuals who learn my work.
What’s your daring prediction for the approaching season?
“Luke Kornet will shoot 3-pointers once more” seems like each an correct and daring prediction for 2024. The reasoning behind this prediction is easy: it’s wanted, and it’s doable.
Why is it wanted? As a result of the Celtics will probably be taking part in with out Kristaps Porziņģis firstly of the season. We don’t know precisely when he will probably be again, so Joe Mazzulla and his workers might want to modify accordingly. When Porziņģis is on the courtroom, the Celtics have higher shot high quality because of the spacing he supplies. The Celtics’ means to get to the rim was considerably higher with the Latvian on the ground (Rim Frequency elevated by 4.7% when KP was on the courtroom).
Final yr, Kornet was requested to carry lots of power to the offensive glass (+7.5% OREB% when he was on the ground). Throughout a post-game interview with Celtics Recordsdata, he talked about that specializing in offensive rebounds was one of many causes he stopped taking pictures 3-pointers. Maybe there’s a stability to be discovered right here, the place Luke Kornet can house the ground whereas nonetheless being aggressive on the offensive glass.
As for his taking pictures capabilities, I’m assured he may nonetheless hit threes with league-average effectivity. An awesome indicator of taking pictures means is FT% — and Luke hits 81% of his free throws. On high of that, his first two seasons confirmed that in the correct atmosphere, he may shoot and make threes.
So, stroll with me down this highway, and let’s hope we witness Luke Kornet hit a few 3-pointers per recreation, adopted by one in every of his iconic celebrations.
