Jeff vs. Gemini – AI: Mailbag answers to your questions

As ordinary, you of us got here by means of with some nice questions in response to my open mailbag submit.

This time I assumed I’d do one thing a little bit completely different with the solutions. I made a decision to plug your questions into Gemini (Google’s model of an AI chat/search assistant). Then I might share my very own solutions. You’ll be able to then evaluate and distinction the completely different solutions. Consider it as a sports activities weblog Turing Take a look at.

I’ll share my general ideas on the experiment on the backside. However let’s get to the questions!

IHaveSpoken: What’s the principal issue for extra losses between final yr and this yr? and does this equate to a change in philosophy, luck, focus, or the proverbial goal on the gamers’ again?

Gemini reply:

It’s powerful to pinpoint one principal issue for any improve in losses between seasons, as basketball is a posh sport with many variables. Nevertheless, right here’s a breakdown of some potential contributing components for the Celtics in 2024-25, and the way they relate to your classes:

1. Elevated Competitors:

Proverbial Goal on Their Backs: Completely. After a profitable earlier season, the Celtics had been a marked crew. Opponents got here into video games with additional motivation, having scouted their methods and trying to exploit any weaknesses. This can be a pure consequence of success within the NBA.

2. Modifications in Group Dynamics:

Attainable Shift in Philosophy: Whereas it’s exhausting to say definitively with out being within the locker room, delicate adjustments in crew philosophy can influence outcomes. Did the crew lean too closely on offense? Was there a slight drop in defensive depth? This stuff will be exhausting to detect from the skin however could make a distinction.

Focus: That is associated to the “goal” level. Did the crew preserve the identical degree of focus and starvation after a profitable season? Complacency can creep in, even unconsciously.

3. Luck and Circumstances:

Luck: Accidents, shut sport losses that might have gone both approach, even a number of sizzling taking pictures nights by opponents – these components of luck can play a task in a crew’s win-loss report.

Scheduling: The NBA schedule is grueling, and a few groups have harder stretches than others. A very tough run of video games might result in extra losses.

4. Particular Areas to Examine:

To get a extra concrete reply, one would wish to delve into particular stats:

Defensive Effectivity: Did the Celtics’ defensive score slip in comparison with the earlier yr?

Clutch Efficiency: How did they fare in shut video games?

Opponent 3-Level Taking pictures: Did opponents shoot a better proportion from three-point vary in opposition to them?

In Conclusion:

It’s seemingly a mix of all these components that contributed to any improve in losses. The Celtics had been a proficient crew, however the NBA is a league the place even small dips in efficiency or elevated depth from opponents can have an effect on outcomes.

Jeff’s reply: I believe it boils all the way down to human nature. They put every thing that they had into successful the title final yr. They achieved that purpose and checked that field. The underlying drive to attain one thing once more is simply lower than it will be to attain it for the primary time. Subconsciously they most likely don’t need to hold sprinting as a result of the common season is a marathon. Having to be “on” each night time in an 82 sport season must be exhausting. They’ll say what they are going to about giving it their all for the followers and all that, however once more, human nature is susceptible to letting up after attaining the final word purpose.

In fact a) they don’t seem to be far off their tempo from final yr, b) have appeared nice as of late, and c) they’ve a straightforward energy of schedule within the closing third of the season. So there’s nonetheless loads of time to apply good habits and flip the proverbial swap for the lengthy playoff run.

—

ezwind: If we lower the Cavs lead all the way down to a few video games with per week or so left within the season, can we go all out in an effort to catch them or can we relaxation our regulars for the playoffs?

Gemini reply:

This can be a nice strategic query, and the reply depends upon a number of components! Right here’s a breakdown of the concerns for the Celtics in that scenario:

Arguments for Going All Out:

Momentum: Catching the Cavs and probably securing the highest seed within the convention would supply an enormous momentum enhance heading into the playoffs.

Dwelling-Court docket Benefit: The highest seed normally ensures home-court benefit all through the playoffs, which is a big profit.

Psychological Edge: Overcoming a deficit and overtaking the Cavs might give the Celtics a psychological edge over their rivals.

Arguments for Resting Regulars:

Harm Prevention: The playoffs are an important a part of the season. Resting key gamers reduces the danger of harm, making certain they’re wholesome for the postseason.

Fatigue Administration: The NBA season is lengthy and grueling. Resting gamers permits them to get better and be recent for the playoffs.

Strategic Positioning: Typically, a barely decrease seed would possibly truly be preferable if it means avoiding a very powerful matchup within the first spherical.

Resolution-Making Components:

Celtics’ Well being: If key gamers are coping with nagging accidents or fatigue, resting them is the precedence.

Cavs’ State of affairs: If the Cavs are additionally resting gamers or seem like slumping, the Celtics would possibly see a possibility to overhaul them with out overexerting themselves.

Playoff Matchups: The Celtics’ teaching employees will analyze potential playoff matchups and take into account whether or not securing the highest seed is price the additional effort.

Group Confidence: If the Celtics are assured of their potential to carry out effectively no matter their seeding, they could prioritize relaxation.

Attainable Method:

Gradual Discount: The Celtics might progressively scale back the minutes of their key gamers over the ultimate week, balancing the necessity for relaxation with the will to keep up momentum.

Focused Relaxation: They could select particular video games to relaxation sure gamers, relying on the opponent and the significance of the sport.

Situational Consciousness: The teaching employees will carefully monitor the Cavs’ outcomes and modify their technique accordingly.

Finally, the choice will probably be a cautious balancing act between maximizing their possibilities of catching the Cavs and making certain the crew is in peak situation for the playoffs.

Jeff’s reply: I’m an enormous believer in growing successful habits in the course of the common season. The season is an opportunity to place in these reps that develop muscle reminiscence and enhance read-and-react choice making. For that purpose, I might largely ignore the standings till the final half month of the yr. Give veterans situational relaxation all year long, however go all out to win the video games with the gamers you will have obtainable. In the previous few weeks if the race is shut sufficient, hold pushing for that high seed. If not, get artistic with giving some deep rotation guys some spot minutes (simply in case they’re wanted within the playoffs) and experiment with completely different rotations, defenses, and eventualities.

—

TOFTT and ezwind: What’s the prognosis for Jrue’s shoulder? / How fearful ought to we be about Jrue’s shoulder situation?

Gemini reply:

Sadly, I can not provide you with a particular prognosis for Jrue Vacation’s shoulder.

Right here’s what I can let you know primarily based on current info:

He has been coping with a proper shoulder impingement. That is an harm that impacts the rotator cuff and may trigger ache and restrict motion.

He has missed some video games just lately. This means that the harm is critical sufficient to maintain him off the court docket.

The Celtics are being cautious. They’re seemingly prioritizing his long-term well being and never dashing him again.

How fearful do you have to be?

It’s pure to be involved when a key participant like Jrue Vacation is coping with an harm. Nevertheless, listed below are some issues to remember:

Shoulder impingements can usually be managed with relaxation and remedy. Many gamers are capable of return to play and proceed to carry out at a excessive degree.

The Celtics have a deep roster. They produce other proficient gamers who can step up in Vacation’s absence.

An important factor is for Vacation to be wholesome for the playoffs. The Celtics will seemingly take a long-term view together with his harm and ensure he’s prepared for the postseason.

What to look at for:

Updates from the crew: Control the Celtics’ official web site and social media channels for updates on Vacation’s situation.

His return to play: When Vacation is ready to return to the court docket, it is going to be a optimistic signal.

His efficiency: As soon as he’s again, monitor his efficiency to see if the harm is affecting him.

Total, it’s cheap to be considerably involved about Vacation’s shoulder situation, but it surely’s not time to panic. The Celtics are seemingly taking the required precautions to make sure he’s wholesome for an important a part of the season.

Jeff’s reply: Like the pc, I don’t have any inside information on Jrue’s shoulder. Usually, nevertheless, it appears like it’s simply one thing they’re being cautious about, giving him an prolonged interval of relaxation. The crew will seemingly want him to be wholesome and on his A sport for the playoffs, so giving him a while off appears sensible.

—

AlohaCeltic: How would you rank the present set of rotation gamers by way of ouch issue in the event that they had been to all of a sudden change into unavailable for the playoffs.

Gemini reply:

This can be a powerful query, as each participant brings one thing distinctive to the Celtics. ”Ouch issue” considers not simply expertise, but in addition positional shortage and the way their absence would influence the crew’s general technique. Right here’s my rating from highest “ouch issue” (most detrimental loss) to lowest (least detrimental, although nonetheless impactful):

Tier 1: Large Ouch – Potential Title Contender Crippling

Jayson Tatum: Shedding Tatum is an absolute worst-case situation. He’s the engine of the offense, a constant scorer, and attracts double groups, creating alternatives for others. The Celtics’ championship hopes diminish drastically with out him.

Jaylen Brown: Brown is a near-All-Star degree participant and a significant second scoring choice. His athleticism, scoring potential, and two-way play are irreplaceable. Shedding him considerably reduces the Celtics’ offensive firepower and defensive versatility.

Tier 2: Main Ouch – Vital Affect, Changes Required

Jrue Vacation: Vacation’s influence goes past scoring. His protection, playmaking, and expertise are essential. Whereas the Celtics produce other guards, none replicate his two-way influence. His absence would power important changes to each the offensive and defensive schemes.

Kristaps Porzingis: Porzingis brings a novel talent set together with his measurement, taking pictures, and rim safety. Whereas Al Horford can fill a few of that function, Porzingis’s offensive versatility and talent to stretch the ground are tough to interchange.

Tier 3: Vital Ouch – Noticeable Loss, However Group Can Adapt

Al Horford: Horford’s veteran presence, basketball IQ, and talent to house the ground are invaluable. He’s a key cog within the Celtics’ system. Nevertheless, the crew has proven they’ll play smaller or rely extra on Robert Williams III.

Robert Williams III: “Time Lord” brings elite athleticism and rim safety. His rebounding and defensive presence are an enormous plus. Nevertheless, his availability has been inconsistent, and the Celtics have discovered to play with out him at instances.

Tier 4: Average Ouch – Depth Examined, Alternative for Others

Grant Williams: Williams is a strong function participant who brings toughness, protection, and three-point taking pictures. Whereas his absence can be felt, the Celtics produce other wings who can step up.

Payton Pritchard: Pritchard offers vitality, taking pictures, and playmaking off the bench. He’s a invaluable backup guard, however his function is considerably replaceable.

Tier 5: Minor Ouch – Depth Items, Subsequent Man Up Mentality

Sam Hauser: Hauser is a sharpshooter who offers invaluable ground spacing. Whereas his taking pictures is an asset, the Celtics produce other offensive choices.

Oshae Brissett: Brissett offers vitality and rebounding off the bench. His function is necessary for depth, however he’s not a core rotation participant.

Vital Be aware: This rating is subjective and may change primarily based on accidents, matchups, and crew efficiency. The particular function every participant fills and the general well being of the crew additionally play a big function. For instance, if each Tatum and Brown had been out, even the lack of a task participant can be a much bigger “ouch.”

See, now I really feel higher about conserving my job. Be aware that I used to be particular in my unique immediate about asking questions in regards to the 2024-25 season.

Jeff’s reply:

Right here’s my listing:

Tier 1: Tatum, Brown – I don’t assume we win the title if both one misses important playoff time

Tier 2: Derrick White, Jrue Vacation, Kristaps Porzingis – every of those guys may very well be the distinction between successful and shedding a collection, however we managed to win a title with very restricted Porzingis minutes final yr and the identical might occur this yr with any of those three (although I might put them on this order)

Tier 3: Payton Pritchard, Al Horford, Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet – nice function gamers, very invaluable, not in the end irreplaceable

Everybody else is there for harm insurance coverage and rubbish time in the course of the playoffs.

—

Charlie-two-protons: Which fringe rotation man do you belief with 6-10 minutes/sport in a playoff collection?

Gemini reply:

This can be a good query, as playoff rotations are inclined to tighten up, and trusting a “fringe” participant turns into essential. Given the Celtics’ present roster, the participant I’d belief most with 6-10 minutes in a playoff collection is Payton Pritchard.

Right here’s why:

Playoff Expertise: Pritchard has seen playoff minutes and hasn’t been overwhelmed by the depth. This can be a huge issue. You need somebody who’s been there, finished that, and gained’t shrink below the strain.

Taking pictures: Pritchard’s potential to knock down three-pointers is a invaluable asset, particularly when the sport slows down within the playoffs. He can house the ground and supply on the spot offense.

Ball-Dealing with: He can deal with the ball and run the offense for brief stretches, giving the starters a breather. He’s not only a spot-up shooter.

Confidence: Pritchard performs with confidence, which is important within the playoffs. He’s not afraid to take huge pictures.

Situational Use: His minutes can be very matchup-dependent. He’s finest suited in opposition to groups the place his taking pictures and ball-handling are extra invaluable than his defensive limitations could be exploited.

Whereas different gamers like Grant Williams or Sam Hauser would possibly get some run, Pritchard’s mixture of playoff expertise, taking pictures, and talent to run the offense makes him essentially the most reliable choice in that 6-10 minute vary, if the matchup is correct. The teaching employees will certainly take into account matchups when making these choices.

Jeff’s reply: I’ll outline “fringe” gamers as guys that didn’t match into the highest 3 tiers within the query above. So for that I might most likely flip to Neemias Queta for spot minutes at heart. He offers a special skillset look from the opposite bigs and has had some success filling in for rotation bigs. I additionally wouldn’t rule out Torrey Craig getting spot minutes when the crew wants one other 3-and-D choice on the wing.

—

allston1985: What’s the actual, deep, and true purpose that Luke doesn’t shoot threes anymore?

Gemini reply:

Whereas there are numerous theories circulating, essentially the most possible purpose Luke Kornet doesn’t shoot threes anymore boils all the way down to a strategic shift in his function and a concentrate on maximizing his strengths in different areas.

Right here’s a breakdown of the components at play:

Function Optimization: Kornet’s function with the Celtics has advanced. He’s now valued extra for his inside presence, pick-and-roll potential, screening, and offensive rebounding. These abilities are extra invaluable to the crew’s general technique than him often taking pictures threes.

Group Wants: The Celtics have already got quite a few proficient three-point shooters. Kornet’s skillset is healthier utilized within the paint, the place he can create alternatives for others and contribute in ways in which different gamers can’t replicate as successfully.

Effectivity and Affect: Whereas Kornet has proven he can knock down threes, his general influence on the sport is probably going increased when he focuses on his strengths inside. Offensive rebounds, setting screens, and facilitating the offense from the quick roll are all invaluable contributions that could be diminished if he was primarily centered on perimeter taking pictures.

Strategic Resolution: It’s seemingly a aware choice by the teaching employees to make the most of Kornet in a approach that most closely fits the crew’s wants and his particular person skillset. This would possibly contain limiting his three-point makes an attempt to particular conditions or eliminating them altogether to maximise his effectiveness in different areas.

In essence, it’s not that Kornet can’t shoot threes, however quite that his function and the crew’s wants dictate a special strategy. He’s change into a invaluable function participant by specializing in what he does finest, and that presently includes working primarily within the paint.

Jeff’s reply: The actual, deep, and true purpose he doesn’t shoot 3’s anymore is cash. He was out of the league, centered on what made him essentially the most invaluable to an NBA crew, and located his approach again to the NBA. He very effectively might get a pleasant, long-term contract this offseason and he’s not going to mess that up by improvising.

Let me make this analogy. Somewhat over 20 years in the past I began a sports activities web site the place we talked about all varieties of sports activities matters. We quickly found that we had been competing with ESPN and would by no means win that struggle. So I centered on what I do know the perfect and carved out a humble house to thrive inside my function. I could have some ideas and emotions in regards to the Pink Sox, NFL mock drafts, and the Swimming 100m freestyle relay, however I’m going to maintain these to myself for the second.

—

ezwind: How a lot of an influence will it have if Sam Cassell leaves earlier than the tip of the season to take the FSU job?

Gemini reply:

It’s undoubtedly one thing the Celtics would wish to regulate to, however I wouldn’t say it will be a crippling blow to their championship hopes. Right here’s a breakdown of the potential influence:

Constructive Impacts:

Alternative for Others: Cassell’s departure would open up alternatives for different assistant coaches on the employees to tackle extra duty and acquire invaluable expertise. This may very well be an opportunity for somebody to step up and show themselves.

Contemporary Perspective: Typically, a change in teaching personnel can convey a recent perspective and new concepts to the crew. This may very well be helpful in the long term.

Unfavourable Impacts:

Lack of Expertise: Cassell is a extremely skilled coach with a deep understanding of the sport.1 His data and insights can be missed.

Participant Improvement: Cassell has performed a key function within the improvement of a number of Celtics gamers, notably the youthful guards like Payton Pritchard. His departure might decelerate their progress.

Chemistry: Any change in teaching employees can disrupt crew chemistry, at the very least within the quick time period. It could take time for the crew to regulate to a brand new dynamic.

Playoff Changes: Cassell is effective in the course of the playoffs for in-game changes, scouting reviews, and common strategic enter. That is the place his absence could be most felt.

Total:

Manageable Loss: Whereas Cassell’s departure can be a loss, the Celtics have a robust teaching employees and a proficient roster. They need to be capable to adapt and overcome his absence.

Timing Issues: The timing of Cassell’s departure can be necessary. If he leaves in the course of the season, it will give the Celtics time to regulate. If it occurs proper earlier than the playoffs, it may very well be extra disruptive.

In Conclusion:

It’s by no means splendid to lose a invaluable coach, however the Celtics have proven resilience and adaptableness up to now. Whereas there could be some short-term challenges, they’ve the muse in place to proceed their pursuit of a championship.

Jeff’s reply: The Celtics clearly benefitted from including Sam Cassell and Charles Lee final season. They gave Coach Mazzulla skilled opinions and supplied him with extra revered voices for the gamers to take heed to. Lee is already gone and shedding Sam would damage, particularly mid-season (chemistry is a bizarre factor and also you hate to mess with it in-flight). That stated, this crew is aware of what it’s doing and Joe has established himself with championship credibility and I wouldn’t see the crew lacking too many beats going ahead.

—

This was getting very lengthy so I needed to lower it quick there. Maybe we will get to the offseason questions later within the yr or nearer to the summer season.

Ideas on this experiment: Gemini does a greater job of optimistic reinforcement than I do. Maybe I ought to lead extra solutions with “Hey, nice query!” The bot additionally does a reasonably first rate job giving thorough, Wikipedia kind info scraped from the web.

In fact Gemini did a poor job of maintaining with who remains to be on the Celtics roster. It didn’t actually have a superb really feel for what the time period “fringe participant” means on this context. Additionally, as a lot because it tried to sound like a useful human assistant, it nonetheless comes throughout considerably robotic and static.

I gained’t fake that my solutions are in any approach good or supply way more knowledge than the typical reader of this website, however I attempt to give my very own views together with my very own writing fashion. Outcomes could differ, however that’s a part of the enjoyable with being a human.

Tons will be stated about AI and I don’t have the time or experience to cowl all of it. Within the near-term I believe it is going to be nice for dealing with repeatable duties. So long as you present some degree of oversight and human steerage. For instance, I might be open to AI doing analysis on the inventory market, maybe figuring out tendencies and alerts. I simply wouldn’t give it the inexperienced gentle to purchase and commerce shares for me.

Particularly in the case of artistic jobs like journalism (insert your individual jokes about running a blog), I don’t see the computer systems taking my place any time quickly.

However these are simply my ideas. I might welcome your ideas within the feedback beneath.