10 things- prepreseason

1) A Big Name Free Agent Next Summer?

Whether it's Wade or someone else... On the free agent question there is only one thing to remember: At first glance it might seem like a longshot but the Celtics honchos think it's plausible. They've been targeting this for a long time.


2) The Knee

Bill Simmons tried to throw a gummy bear into the cogs of the coming season with his energetic tweet about OMG STAPLES! in Garnett's knee, but where did that come from? Does anyone have any solid information about either the surgery or how the big guy is looking right now? All I've heard is vague second hand rumors.

Maybe Sportsguy's right. Or maybe not.


3) Rondo

I don't understand the people who rank this guy so low among point guards. Did he not just outplay Derrick Rose (who was stellar himself) head to head? Does he not obliterate Devin Harris and Steve Nash every single time? He also plays Billups and Parker to a standstill.

Going into a game I never worry about the point guard match up. If anything I worry about the opposing point guard. Rondo's top 5 now and threatening to move higher.


4) Less Minutes For 3 People You Know

The Big Three will be playing less and this time Doc means it. Last year they wanted to play Pierce, Allen and Garnett significantly fewer minutes but the injury tsunami drowned the frontcourt (at one point forcing Bill Walker to play power forward). This year's bench is deep. The Big Three should all average in the low 30's or less.


5) Big Baby

I don't know if you heard that recent interview with Paul Pierce, but he raved about how good Big Baby looked. "He looks GOOOOOD." Mr. Baby has dramatically slimmed down and should be much quicker. He's once again in a contract year and is going to be way better this season.


6) Big Bench

Back on the minutes thing- Sportsguy also tweeted that the Celtics signing of Rasheed, Baby, and Shelden Williams was further proof of the dire state of Garnett's health. Well it could also be interpreted as further proof the Celtics really are committed to lessen those minutes.


7) Medium Bench

Marquis is the neoPosey, giving you all this:
*He allows Eddie House to stay on the floor more since he can bring the ball up and cover a variety of guys on defense.
* He rests Pierce.
* He rests Ray.
* He shreds the opposing defense with his drives further opening shots for the green bombardiers.


8) Small Bench

Right now it's Eddie House and no one else. I forsee Lester Hudson making the team but spending his winter in the great state of Maine. By the way just as Pierce lauded Big Baby, Rondo lauded Lester.

Go Red Claws!


9) More on Marquis

Does anyone else feel the Celtics might have lucked out when Grant Hill said "No thanks" and the Celtics ended up with Daniels? This is just like two years ago when Reggie Miller declined, opening the door for Posey.


10) Nine

There might be more but nine guys will get regular and significant minutes: Rondo, Ray Allen, Pierce, Garnett, Perkins, Wallace, Daniels, Baby, and House. That's written in something approaching the hardness of stone.

With the Minute Limitation Edict solidly in place uneven playing time could go to practically anyone else: Scalabrine, Giddens, Walker, Tony Allen... and depending on the condition of The Knee, Shelden Williams.




Finally, a prediction: Delonte West will not play the season opener against his old team due to being very very suspended.

Just a little while longer to camp. I miss hoops so much it hurts.