10 things about Baby, Powe, playoffs, and all stars

I have a few thoughts during this, the relentless march to banner 18:


1) Big Baby's Resurgence

Remember all the calls for metaphorical infanticide? You probably do since they were still taking place only a month ago. Then something wonderful happened: Glen Davis got into playing shape. That's all it ever was. He came into camp a little heavier and a lot slower. The advantage Baby has over other players is his incredible quickness to size ratio. Without that he is not very useful. Now that his turbo-tootsies have returned Mr. Baby is back on a positive career path.


2) Big Baby's Expanding Game

He can shoot too and not just from five feet and in. Big Baby is by no means the first Celtic frontcourter to expand his range. Ryan Gomes comes to mind as a recent example. Let me go back further though:

Long ago in the 1970's the Celtics drafted a great young center whose nickname also started with the word Big. Big Red was a marvel. Dave Cowens was undersized for the 5 spot but absolutely ferocious. The Celtic coach was Tommy Heinsohn (For those who didn't see the 70's teams play you really missed something. Think Mike D'Antoni style offense coupled with matching defense.)

Because Cowens was so quick he was routinely open for the long jumper. Tommy told Dave to shoot it. Dave replied I can't shoot it, I'll miss. Tommy said it doesn't matter if you miss; if you shoot it now you'll hit it later. And that's what happened.

Returning to the present, Doc and Baby have gone through the exact same conversation. I wonder if Tommy told Doc the Cowens story.


3) Leon

Have the same people who were Baby bashing seamlessly switched to Powe pummeling? Don't you remember how great Leon was in the Finals? Remember how well he started the season? He hasn't forgotten how to play; he's just going through a rough stretch and has gotten inconsistent minutes because of it. Leon shall return!

Leon can play. Baby can play. Quit waiting until guys go through hard times so you can enthusiastically kick them when they're down.

(Scalabrine can play too.)


4) The Final Play Of The Philly Game...

...after Ray Allen hit that shot. Doc wisely placed long tall Patrick O'Bryant on the inbounds then comically motioned for him to wave his arms. Patrick mimicked Doc, jumping and waving like crazy, setting up a frenzied human barrier. The pass had to go over those wildly flailing arms and it sailed high, never having a chance to find it's intended Sixer target. I only note that because it was Patrick's first chance contributing to a critical moment in a win. It was effective and funny.


5) Ball Kids

You know those memos Mike Gorman reads every game advertising, "You can be a Celtics ball kid. You must be ages 13 to 18."

That's nice and all but I have a recommendation: How 'bout give the kids a rest and try some variety: "You can be a Celtics ball geezer. You must be ages 73 to 78."

On second thought, nevermind.



6) A Good Suggestion

That was a dumb idea. Here's a great one:

Via TrueHoop: "The TrueHoop Network gangs up to deliver a killer set of suggestions to reform All-Star Weekend. D-League All-Stars vs. Rookies, anyone?"

http://www.thetwomangame.com/2009/02/scorers-table-all-star-reform/

"Mike Kurylo, Knickerblogger: I’d like to see the freshmen play the NBDL All Stars. It’s become apparent that the NBDL is a viable source of NBA level talent. I think this would be a competitive game, since each has something valuable to play for. The D-Leaguers will be fighting to show that they belong in the league, and they may have an extra chip on their shoulder playing millionaire rookies."

Wouldn't that be cool?


7) HORSE

In case you missed it, the Celtic representative for horse should be Rajon Rondo.

Garnett speaking about Rondo:
"Paul [Pierce] told me never to play that man in H-O-R-S-E and I had to learn the hard way," admits Garnett. "He's really good at using the basket, he's really good at using the backboard and really good with the English. He makes it look easy."

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/12/16/rondos_mates_quick_with_the_compliments/?page=2


8) Shorthanded

Before we go through another whiny year of "woe is us" excuses from Laker likers over Bynum's injury, I have two things to point out:

The Celtics won the Finals easily last year playing THREE injured starters.

Three times that I can recall off the top of my head the Celtics lost championships because of injuries: Russell vs. the Hawks in the late 50's. Havlicek vs. the Knicks in the mid 70's. McHale and Walton in 1987. It happens. It's unfortunate. It's part of the game.


9) Quick Hits on the Philly Game

I think Ray sealed the all star replacement spot with that shot.

Uncharacteristically Rondo sort of channeled Tony Allen last night, alternating wonderful possessions with turnovers. He shot 9 for 12 from the field and had 8 assists but gave up the ball 7 times.

Two nice passes Paul Pierce; twice in the last minute.

Good pick on that last play Big Baby.


10) The Celtics Have To Do It Themselves

It was actually better for Boston with Jameer Nelson healthy. Before, Orlando had a decent shot at taking out Cleveland in the playoffs had the seedings worked out. Now Cleveland and Boston meet in the Eastern Finals which like last season will be the REAL FINALS.