Only 10 Things

10 things- prepreseason

2009-09-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

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.

10 quick things

2009-05-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

1. Baby and the Kid

The kid in the white shirt did establish position, but had both feet out of bounds so it wasn't a charge. It's a no-call.

2. Baby and the Rising Level of Play

Remember all the people who wanted to trade, cut, or otherwise harm Big Baby when he played poorly the first part of the season? I'll say this again: Never judge a player when he's injured or out of shape (unless he's like Eddie Curry and never gets into shape).

3. Baby and the Shot

We've watched as his jumper has gone from unreliable, to spotty, to decent, to good, and now to STONE COLD CLUTCH. Good things happen when you practice a lot. That was a bolt of lightning straight from the cradle to Orlando's grave!

4. Pierce and the Pass

Remember it was only a few years ago when every end of game shot was Pierce against the world? No more. Paul drew the double, expertly hit the open infant, and crushed the spirit of the southern sorcerers.

5. Sam Jones

I always wondered why Sam was hardly ever around at any Celtic events all these decades. From Dan Shaughnessy's column in today's Globe: "According to Jones, he only has been to Boston twice since hanging 'em up after the 1969 championship season. "I came back for Red," said Jones, 75, who lives less than two hours from the Orlando arena. "I never go any place unless I'm invited and I haven't been invited."

Also: "Celtics coach Doc Rivers requested an audience with Jones outside the locker room before the game. "He's one of the few Celtics that I hadn't met," said Rivers. "It was pretty cool."

Huh. Somebody send Sam some invitations.

6. How Unlikely

The Celtics just beat the Magic after getting a total of 2 points from their bench, on the road, with no Garnett, no Powe, Perkins hurting, Ray Allen not shooting well, and Paul Pierce out for a critical period in the second half with foul trouble. Now that's magic!

7. Grape Fermenters

I am finding the incessant whining about referee bias in favor of Boston very irritating. (I'm talking to you, you Florida vintners!) Yes the Celtics got a break on the non-goaltend against Rondo. But a red hot Pierce was unfairly put on the bench with phantom fouls. If that doesn't happen one or two calls mean nothing- Boston wins easily and doesn't need Big Baby's heroics.

Here the undeniable nugget: If the refs favor Boston, they don't keep putting Paul Pierce on the bench. Also the foul calls and free throws would be lopsided in Boston's favor, which they are not.

8. Unlikely Wins

I would have bet everything (not that I ever bet anything) that Boston/Houston twin victories would not happen yesterday. The two most injury decimated teams in the playoffs came up huge and gave hope to all that believe in liberty, humanity, justice, and a morally sound universe.

9. Speaking of Magic

About twenty years ago I was in the inland mountain region of the island of Bali where the people are strong believers in magic. On parting, a Balinese friend gave me a special ring with a big dark stone which he said contained powerful magic. (He additionally said I should never wear it while using the bathroom or the magic would disappear.)

Yesterday I was going through some drawers and found the ring. I put it on for the first time since the 80's and wore it while watching the game.... I just wanted you to know why the Celtics really won: The magic ring beat the Magic.

10. On We Go

Back to Boston. Two out of three. The Celtics limp but they live!

10 things about the playoffs so far

2009-05-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

1) That Toddlin Town

Before commenting on anything else I have a few choice words on the Chicago series and to the wonderful basketball fans of that great metropolitan area: QUIT WHINING! (You bunch of babies.)

It was a fantastic series of historic splendor marred only by your constant sniffling about referee bias and rough play by those terribly mean Celtics. Boo-freakin'-hoo. The Bulls played great. They lost. The refs didn't beat your team; the Celtics did.

I can see why they call Chicago "the whiny city."

2) Now Orlando

Not to be outdone, the good residents of the Magic Kingdom seem to wish to repeat this unseemly whimpering.

Last night Orlando outshot Boston from the free throw line 37 to 25; the refs called early fouls on Paul Pierce effectively taking him out of the game; and many Magic followers complain about bias FOR the Celtics?

Stop right now before you stoop all the way down to Chicago level.

3) Crazy Old Rafer

Admit it, you were surprised Rafer Alston made it through six quarters without doing something completely insane. Then WHAP! he smacks Eddie House on the noggin after a basket, filmed from five different angles, for no reason, accomplishing nothing, and possibly getting himself suspended.

What took him so long?

5) Scal

Nothing makes the loss of Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe easy to swallow but Scal is doing all he can. With Scalabrine in the rotation, the holes in the defense are sealed. Plus he's knocking down some shots.

You know I was a critic of signing Scal way back when but now I see what Danny was doing. I'm sorry Scal. You're the man. I apologize. What was I thinking?

6) Rondo

All season long you've read comments from the national legion of dumbness saying: "Rondo only gets his stats because of Garnett." "Rondo's a scrub." "Calderon's better that Rondo." "Duhon's as good as Rondo." "Rondo wouldn't be anything on another team." ...and so on.

I do not believe I have ever seen a player open a larger can of Shut Up. All that talk of Rondo not being able to play has been replaced by pure hatred of him...

...and in the world of basketball fandom isn't seething hatred the biggest compliment of all?

7) An Announcing Oddity

I've noticed in these playoffs that many members of the media, particularly announcers on ESPN and TNT have taken to using the phrase, "Scoring The Basketball," as in "Ray Allen's really scoring the basketball tonight."

Even in an increasingly confusing world, I find this phrase a real stumper. It's kinda redundant isnt' it? Scoring the basketball? Is there something else you could put through the net to get points in this sport?

8) Midseason Acquisitions

Last year it was Sam and PJ. This year it's Mikki and Steph. Both years it's been a mixed bag.

Marbury's starting to contribute, but Moore hasn't done well enough and has lost his spot in a decimated rotation already down two big men. There's still time for him to turn it around but he's not looking good so far.

9) Garnett

The big fella still hasn't had his operation and yesterday on WEEI Danny Ainge once again stated there's a small chance Garnett could return if the Celtics make it to the Conference Finals or maybe the final Finals.

From Bill Doyle in the Worcester Telegram: "Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge told WEEI yesterday Garnett might be able to play if the team reaches the Eastern Conference finals or the NBA Finals, but he wasn't counting on it because Garnett still is limping. Ainge said Garnett's return would be based on how much pain he could withstand. The decision would be up to him and the team doctor."

Hmm. I don't know what to think...

Wait, yes I do: GO SCAL!

10) Seeds Of Hope

It's kind of a shame the Celtics couldn't have somehow gotten the number one seed, because the Magic might have been able to take out Cleveland giving the Celtics a downward slope to the final Finals. Still the Cavs earned their favorable road.

I do know this though: The Celtics are not done yet. There are eight teams left and Boston is one of them. As long as they're alive there's hope.

10 things while waiting for guys to heal

2009-03-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

1) Orlando Game

If I'm Orlando (though I rarely find myself morphing into metro areas) I'm not feeling too good about that win. Up a gazillion to a team down two starters and three more rotation players who is also blending in two new guys, the Magic barely escaped. Do you believe in magic? I do not. A healthy Celtics team will buzzsaw Orlando.

2) Health

Let's take an inventory:

Tony Allen: Out for the entire regular season.

Scalabrine: Out until April.

Big Baby: He was on crutches yesterday and is listed day to day.

Garnett: Good news from Marc Spears in the Globe: Kevin Garnett could return as soon as Sunday in Milwaukee.

Rondo: More good news from Marc Spears: Rondo could return as soon as Wednesday at Miami.

3) Rondo

You know how so many people have been saying Rajon Rondo is the most important player on the Celtics? And you know how the heathen worshippers of false franchises snickered at that statement? Well, yesterday showed just how critical he is.

Without Rondo the Celtics were lost on both ends. Only when they shifted to "Ray in Seattle" mode did the Celtics mount their comeback. But "Ray in Seattle" mode, and for that matter "Paul alone" mode will only get you so far. For the Celtics to optimize their mojo on both ends they absolutely NEED Rondo. He pushes the tempo and stymies his opposite number. Without him the Celtics depend on individual play and are much less effective.

4) Marbury

If you're hard on Marbury purely for bad play you're making a mistake. He's struggling on the floor; that's not a worry. He'll get his legs and game back.

The worry about Stephon Marbury was his attitude not his talent, remember? Also recall how long it took PJ Brown to contribute last season? Stephon Marbury is on the right path.

5) Minutes

Due to the fickle nature of chance the Celtics have been forced to play Ray n' Paul extended minutes. This can't go on for too much longer. The team has got to think Health First. If it costs a spot in the standings so be it.

The fact that Ray n' Paul have played long minutes in early March does not matter. It's what they do over the next five weeks that will impact the playoffs. They have to get a little more rest. The return of tall guy and fast guy will help, but in the meantime I haven't seen anything from Bill Walker that says he shouldn't play.

6) Schedule

Remember how brutal the early schedule was with so many games packed into such a short period of time? Unfortunately the Celtics have a week like that coming up just when they need it least. They play 5 games in 7 days starting Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks and ending the following Saturday versus the Memphis Gasol-Donaters.

After that it's calm seas for the rest of the regular season.

7) When They Have Everybody

You know the line, "Can't anybody here play this game?" With luck the Celtics will have to answer the opposite question: When everyone returns who sits? You have 5 big men, 3 little guys, 3 wings, and Scal whatever he is; all who have earned minutes. That's 12. No team plays 12 in the playoffs.

8) Leon

One guy who will play is Leon Powe. Man has he been effective.

9) Pierce Now Third

As you know Paul Pierce has moved into third position on the all time Celtics scoring list behind only John Havlicek and Larry Bird. This is an extraordinary accomplishment. Generally stars who play on as many bad teams as Pierce did, don't stick around. They move on. That's a shame because playing with one team your entire career has a special lustre. (Nothing was sadder than seeing Robert Parish (Warriors don't count) as a Bull or Walt Frazier as a Cavalier.)

Congrats to Paul Pierce! May he someday retire a Celtic!

10) Dirty Celtics?

There were vile allegations of "dirty play" by the Celtics after Big Baby's gentle handling of Varejao in the Cleveland game. This is SO terribly untrue. Varejao went right at Baby's forearm, viciously attacking with his head. There is nothing uglier than an aggressive headbutt. Glen Davis to his credit remained calm. He took the hit and did not retaliate even though his forearm could have been severely injured.

10 things during a transition

2009-03-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

1) Above All Else...

Don't panic.

Lemme take you back to last March. The Celtics were playing great. They'd just become the first team since 2002 to sweep the Texas triangle. The sun was shining and all was pleasant on the green planet. Then the Celtics brought in PJ Brown and Sam Cassell. In New Orleans on the last game of that otherwise glorious road trip, Sam and PJ took the floor. The Celtics led by 13 points after the first quarter but when the green-neophytes came in, everything fell apart. The new guys both played poorly. The Celitcs lost, and they lost the following game too.

One year later the very same thing is happening. Two new players (one who'd been sitting out) are tossed into the race only to falter. This time the Celtics have the further liabilty of Kevin Garnett being absent as well.

Let's pause for a subtotal:
Add 2 new players
minus Garnett
minus his back up Scalabrine
minus Tony Allen
= a rough patch.

This is inevitable. It will get better.

2) Not For a While Though

Kevin Garnett is out. He will remain off the floor a while longer. The Celtics have done a miraculous job of winning without him but that balloon seems to have popped. They absolutely definitely unquestionably need the big guy back. Without him they lost to the Clippers and until he comes back they will lose more games.

What does this mean?: it is very possible that the Celtics will not have homecourt advantage in the final two rounds this spring.

Do not panic...

3) 1969

1969 was Bill Russell's last season. (Sam Jones too.) The Celtics limped into the playoffs 4th in the East. They had to win on the road in every series. That is exactly what they did, culminating in what was arguably the greatest game in franchise history when the celebratory balloons remained in the rafters of the LA Forum while the Russell and his friends celebrated their 11th title below.

This team is like that team: veteran, poised, cool under pressure, capable of winning anywhere. The 2008-2009 Boston Celtics can win the championship no matter where the games are played.

4) More Than the Minimum

Stephon Marbury signed for more than the minimum. This is huge. HUGE!!!

What is means is the Celtics ownership is not among those that are dumping salary at all costs. It means the Celtics will STILL spend to win. Way to go Wyc!

5) Rondo's "Bad Game"

People tell me Rondo had a bad game against Indiana. It must be true since I've heard it from so many different places.

All I can say is Rondo had 17 assists. I mean Chauncey Billups had a bad game against Boston last week and his stats read: 5 assists, 4 turnovers, and three points. So if Rondo has a bad game and gets 17 assists that should tell you something. It was probably the best "bad game" in the history of the sport.

(A sidenote: Jim O'Brien's entire defense was set up to prevent penetration. In other words he was scheming to shut off Rondo and Pierce from driving. You couple that with the Celtics getting creamed on the boards which effectively cut off the Boston fastbreak and it's not surprising that Rondo has such a "bad game.")

6) Ray Allen

Ray had a bad game too, against Detroit. I'm sure everybody's noticed but Mr. Jesus has been keeping this team flying all season. He's been the Celtics most consistent player. Last year his play was spotty. It's amazing what two sound ankles will do for you.

7) Marbury

In his entire 13 year career Stephon Marbury has played 18 playoff games. He will likely surpass 18 games in the coming playoffs alone.

8) Yaks

I said this before: the new Portland NBDL franchise should be called The Maine Yaks (maineyaks). It's the only way to keep from having a moose as a mascot.

Having a local minor league affiliation is fabulous idea. We overly exuberant sorts who pay an unhealthy amount of attention to the team will benefit from regular eyeball reports from Portland. Former Celtics assistant coach Jon Jennings who's fronting the Yaks always seemed like a very good guy.

The NBDL has got to get some other eastern teams going as well, otherwise the travel will be obscene.

9) Cancer

I always hated the word "cancer" being used to label a player. It's part of the landscape though.

Stephon Marbury's been described with that term. All I can say is, so was Robert Parish and Dennis Johnson. The Celtics have a strong history of successful oncology.

10) Playoffs

Now that injuries have put the Celtics own seeding in doubt and seeing that the rest of the East is in constant movement, trying to figure who they will draw in the postseason is impossible.

It doesn't matter. The Celtics are battling themselves, not anyone else. Above all they need to be healthy. If that happens they can take anyone they face anywhere they play them. Detroit in the first round? Fine. Then Orlando? No problem. Cleveland and LA on the road? Too bad for them... as long as the Celtics are healthy.

10 things, some fascinating, some not

2009-02-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

1) No Garnett?

Four days ago in Utah Kevin Garnett limped off the court with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. That was a very unpleasant moment. Forty eight hours later we heard the injury was not critical. What a relief to finally take in some air after two straight days of breath holding. I never realized how important oxygen was!

So what have the Celtics done without their best player? Win. Boston is 5-0 this season without Mr. Garnett and 14-2 without him since he moved over from the land o' lakes. That's incredible!

They can't win a title without Garnett but they can win some games for a while.

2) Doc

This nonKevin winning percentage alone is adequate proof of just how great a coach Doc Rivers is. This is not like filling Robert Parish's spot with Bill Walton for a short time. Doc subs Brian Scalabrine for Garnett and wins. Then Scalabrine goes down and he plugs in Big Baby and still wins... against good teams on the road. The team never loses faith in one another. The team just keeps going forward. Great great job Doc.

3) Scalabrine

Speaking of Brian Scalabrine-- No one has risen in the eyes of Celtic observers more. In just a few months he's gone from a novelty equivalent of the departed mascot Lucky to indispensible understudy and calming veteran presence. Admit it: When Scal went out you said to yourself, "Oh no! We NEED him!"

4) Scalabrine and Rondo

And speaking more of Scalabrine-- Rajon Rondo made a fascinating statement that he loves playing with Scal on the floor because the big redhead regularly moves to the corner on offense taking a tall defender with him. This opens up the middle for Rondo's drives. With Jersey Red on the floor opportunities are created for Rondo that are not available when Garnett, Perkins, Baby, and Powe play in some tandem combination.

Last night is a perfect example. Scal plays most of the first quarter and Rondo scores 11. Scal goes out and Rondo only scores 3 the rest of the way.

5) Rondo

The incredible Rondo has run another point guard gauntlet on this extended road trip: So far he's faced Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Deron Williams, and Chauncey Billups. That's five straight guys who will some day get hall of fame consideration.

Question: How did he do? Answer: On average a lot better than they did.

Here's Rondo vs. 5 all stars over that period:
Points: Rondo 86, All Stars 66.
Assists: Rondo 50, All Stars 41.
Rebs: Rondo 38, All Stars 11.

If it wasn't for early foul trouble in Utah it would have been even more lopsided.

6) 666666

Phew, compiling data is hard! I'm never doing that again.

Hey while I was laboring I noticed an oddity in the box score from the Phoenix game: 6 guys were tied for the game high in rebounds at 6 each: Rondo, Perkins, Pierce, House, Powe, and Shaq. Is that an all time record of lowest top rebounder in a game? Anybody know?

7) Mikki Moore to the Rescue

The Moore I think about it, the Moore I believe this will work. Yes he's not strong, doesn't rebound much, or block shots, but what he does well will be magnified and multiplied on this wonderful Celtic team. He brings energy, plays good team defense (as opposed to bodying down low), can shoot the midranger, can run, and is tall. In Boston he'll inject that energy into the team. He'll be faster, taller, and will shoot better...

...well that last statement is a fabrication, but you get the idea.

8) More Rondoness

It's been argued over and over by the addled antiRondo faction on the internet that Rondo's stats are bogus; that they are inflated because he plays with Garnett. So when Garnett goes out what happens to Rondo's stats? Minutes- up. Shots- up. Points- up. Rebounds- up. Assists- up. Rondo critics, shut- up.

9) Saer Sene and the Renounced Senegalese

The man with the longest arms in the history of the NBA is available. Mouhamed Saer Sene has been waived by OKC. Want him? No? Didn't think so.

Cheikh Samb also of Senegal, has likewise been waived. Is it an international conspiracy against this African nation?

10) Baby and Powe

It would be wrong to not save the last "thing" to briefly discuss the contributions of Glen Big Baby Davis and Leon Powe. As previously mentioned they are both playing well at the same time, something that has not happened before. They are playing together and gaining poise. It cannot be overstated how important this is. If they continue on their current path, it is the difference between a championship and no championship.

10 things at the break

2009-02-13T10:51:00.001-08:00

1) A Call For Charity

Rondo is so good with so much room to grow it's scary.

I do not (DO NOT) understand the vocal legion of basketball viewers who STILL insist he is sub par. This is wanton dumbness that can only be hurting these fine people in other aspects of their lives.

Can't anyone help them?

2) Coach Thibs

Doc got booted and Mr.T (I pity the poor fool who doesn't play defense) took over. He did what I would do if I ran the zoo: Keep Rondo In The Game. I mean I understand Rondo's a slightly built fellow who takes a pounding but when he's pacing the offense everything becomes simple and beautiful.

Mr. T just kept Rondo in there, something he could afford to do with a week of rest approaching; with Rondo playing Robin to Pierce's caped crusader the Celtics took the game over in the fourth and swept by the hapless unbranded cows.

3) Trade Deadline Nears

Will they or won't they? After much thought my best guess is... I dunno. Trades often come together at the last possible minute so to coin a phrase "anything is possible." Around the league some owners are desperately trying to win while others are just as desperately trying to keep their business empires afloat. Between those factors there are plenty of teams looking to Monty Hall it this week.

In all the chaos there is a possibility for the Celtics to get involved, perhaps as a third team facilitating a deal.

4) Perkins...

...has not been the same since his shoulder injury. At least he's not out though. With so many big name guys going down for the season there's something to be thankful for, and isn't Valentine's Day all about giving thanks? (Oh wait that's the November one isn't it?)

5) Nowitzki and Pierce

The two have been linked since they went back to back in the draft years ago. For a long time everybody felt sorry for Pierce while saying how lucky Dirk was to play with a talented franchise and for a deep-pocketed free-spending owner.

As the old song goes, who's sorry now? Dallas is ok but no contender. Dirk doesn't have much talent around him. Mr. Cuban is still wealthy but somehow eerily disturbing (don't you think?) While Paul Pierce is the happy thriving defending champ and Finals MVP.

6) A Lack Of Tallness?

Perhaps.

Do you toss and turn wondering what will become of you in May and June with only Baby and Powe anchoring the interior of the second unit? Think of this: They've never both played well at the same time until now. Yes it's true. For the first time ever Leon and Glen are starting to play well as a pair.

Shhh... don't tell anyone but this could be huge.

7) Marion Traded To Toronto

First off Jermaine's not really helping Miami. He's not really helping anybody. He's only a place holder now.

The other thought: Is there a clause in Marcus Banks and Shawn Marion's contracts that says they must never ever be parted til the end of time? Antoine Walker and Tony Delk did the same dance a few years back, remember?

No Raptor fans, this doesn't help you much either. Since his contract is short, you do get to rid yourself of Marion soon though. Just know that Marcus Banks has to leave at the same time.

Also your future's very bright with Joey, Kris and Jason.

8) One-handed Rebound

Did anyone else see Rondo rebound the ball one handed in the middle of the lane to start a break (I think in the first half)? The ball caromed out and Rondo just caught it one handed like it was a softball and he had a glove on.

Connie Hawkins used to do that, but I've never seen a point guard do it.

9) Record

The Celtics are one game ahead of last year's pace. True.

10) Title

It's coming. Again. Have faith.

If you're complaining instead of enjoying this team please change before you ruin your life. It's for your own good.

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

2009-02-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

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.

10 things about possibly signing Marbury

2009-01-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

First a couple of jokes:

1) He's gotta have a leprechaun tattoo on there somewhere.

2) His cousin left a handgun in a locker and needs to get it back.

(cymbal crash) Ok on with the post:

I've never had a good thing to say about this guy. Here's some highlights:

3) Every team he's left has gotten better. Every team he's joined has gotten worse.

4) He's selfish on the court, and...

5) ...he seems just a tiny bit totally out of his freakin' mind.

Having said all that here's why signing Marbury might still be a good idea:

6) Marbury has always been The Man. That's never worked out too well. In Boston though he won't be The Man; he'll only be the sixth man which is a lot easier.

7) Coming off the bench he'll be going against second line players instead of starters most of the time. He still has talent enough to do very well against such guys.

8) The Celtics badly need a scorer to help their second string. Marbury can do that. He also allows Eddie House to play more of his natural off guard spot. So it helps at two positions. It also will help Powe and Baby inside as their men will be shifting away defensively more often.

9) Being a selfish player is really bad when you're starting, but you want your sixth man to have a little of that. He needs to take charge of what has at least temporarily become a moribund second string. Marbury taking some shots a la Andrew Toney could be good.

Finally:

10) Here's the bottom line- Danny and Doc will know BEFORE they sign him if this will work. So if they are for bringing in Marbury that's all you need to know. If he comes here IT WILL WORK. End of story. The skies will clear, Stephon will burst onto the scene as a curiously positive on-court presence and all the problems of his past will vanish like vapor.

BUT if Danny does NOT sign him then you can rest assured that Mr. Marbury is just too non compos mentis, and is too self-centered and toxic to ever help a team win a title.

10 new board suggestions for RealGM

2008-12-25T10:17:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone. Blessings on the day. Especially you Tiny Tim.

RealGM has about 50 basketball discussion boards, but judging by the amount of times the following subjects come up, they could use a few more. Here's some suggestions:

1) The Tommy Board

Yes we know. You hate Tommy. You say he's a homer and that he's the worst announcer in the game. Yet you keep tuning in. Do you turn the sound down and play Vivaldi? No, you just keep listening then get on the internet and gripe about it.

Tough tinsel, Tommy whiners. He was a great player, a brilliant coach, and still knows way more about this game than anyone in your struggling franchise. We love him and he's not going anywhere.

(This would be the most frequented board on that entire website.)

2) The Paul Pierce Fakes Injuries Board

All I have to say is: What pray tell did he gain from this Machiaveliian ploy ?

3) The Paul Pierce Was Nothing Before KG and Ray Allen Arrived Board

This is the first of many discussion groups dedicated to saying each of the Celtics are really not very good because they never won a championship before last year. So if you bring up Paul Pierce, he isn't very good...

4) The Garnett Was Nothing Before Joining Pierce and Ray Allen Board

...they also say Garnett is really not that great because he also never won a title with bad teammates. (Who in the name of James Naismath ever has?)

So every time a Celtics player is discussed, each according to these self proclaimed experts is really not good. Their past proves it.

How come then, basketball-back-of-the-classers, are the Celtics playing like one of the all time great teams if each of their players is so untalented?

5) The Doc Rivers Was A Terrible Coach Before He Got Great Players Board

This is always from the very same people who say Pierce, Allen, and Garnett are all no good when the topic is solely about them.

Doc is coaching the same way he always has. Of course he couldn't win with Allan Ray and Gerald Green starting!

Earth to whiners, name me a a Phil Jackson team filled with bad players? How would he do if he didn't parachute in to a stacked roster?

6) The I Really Used To Like Kevin Garnett But Now I Hate Him Board

Garnett hasn't changed one bit. You used to like him because he used to lose. You hate him because now he's burying your favorite team (and loving every minute of it).

7) The I Hate Every Player On The Celtics Aside From Ray Allen (Except in LA where they hate Ray Allen too) Board

You hate the Celtics? Like we care.

8) The Perkins Is A Scrub Board

A "scrub" to these nice folks is apparently someone who has not made the all star game.

A guy who plays to his strengths, makes few mistakes, shoots a high percentage, controls the middle, is a great teammate and a furiously hard worker is no scrub!

9) The Rondo Is A Scrub Board

Heh heh. Heh heh heh. Ha. Ha ha ha. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAHA HA!!!! ...sniffle.

Seriously stop. Of all the dumb dumbness out there, I think this is the absolute dumbest.

10) The Celtics Are Not Going To Win The Title Again Board.

Yes they are.

(Merry Christmas to all you visiting Celtic loathers too. May all your nonbasketball wishes come true.)

10 Sunday things

2008-12-14T12:16:00.000-08:00

1) First Round Opponent

In the first round of the playoffs it's very clear that the Celtics will face either: Detroit, Miami, New Jersey, Chicago, New York, Toronto, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, or Indiana.

2) Mutombo

He's coming here. it makes too much sense for him not to. He will win a title here. His renowned charity work would burgeon in Boston. (The only other destination that makes any sense at all is San Antonio.)

3) When Dikembe Arrives

Probably Cassell will just move to offical assistant coach status from his current unoffical assistant coach position.

4) When Dikembe Arrives #2

It won't bury Big Baby. Somehow, some way, Baby will still play. He's got a great attitude. He's young. Cripes, he's just a kid. Wait until he fills out.

5) Utah

Next stop Jazz. (Utah ...Jazz... that still gets me. What an oxymoron.) Is Deron Williams still hobbled? He gave Rondo fits last year, but if he's not healthy and thriving the Wasatch StanGetz's will be going down!

6) Utah #2

Remember last year the Jazz walloped the Celtics in Boston? I think they were the only West team to win in ye olde TD Bankitybank Center last season. The Celtics surely recall this and will parcel out some vengeance tomorrow night.

7) Cavs

They're good. They're very good. But they're not as magnificent as your Hollingery types are leading you to believe. They are 3-3 vs. top teams. That's .500 and not so impressive.

8) Atlanta

Speaking of the Cavs, they just lost to the Hawks. The Atlanta game on Wednesday scares me a little bit. If the Celtics can win down in GA they have an excellent chance of setting both an all-time franchise winning streak and a new mark for best start to a season by anyone ever.

9) Comcast

How come Cousy isn't welcome any more but nonCeltic Donny Marshall is? Donny's decent. There's nothing wrong with him. He works hard at the job.

The only thing that bothers me is this: Donny if you're listening I don't care about any of the following things: shoes, neckties, shirts, suits, golf and UCONN. I care about the Celtics.

10) Posey

That sneaky SOB! Man was he great to watch. He was grabbing, tugging, slapping and hounding on every play and getting away with it. What a smart devious veteran... and I say that with the utmost love and respect.

Bonus thing)

Antoine? Noooooohhhhhhhh!!!! Bill Walker fills the Walker quota for this franchise.

10 quick things

2008-12-07T06:11:00.000-08:00

1) Ubuntu

How do you say, "The bench sucks," in Swahili? I mean they don't (at all) but after the KG/Baby incident I'm just asking.

2) Rondo

I confess. On RealGM, I've been Rondobaiting. Is that immoral? It sort of sounds like it is.

I've been going to other boards and politely telling them Rondo's better than their guy. I know it's wrong, but Lord help me, I can't stop.

3) To the people who made fun of Mr. Davis:

I wrote this elsewhere (I'm trying to get up to 10 things quickly because I've got to go to work.):

"Yeah, real men don't show emotion! Real men go on RealGM and whine incessantly about the refs and Kevin Garnett's personality...

(That's why they call it "Real"GM.)"

4) Vecsey

Great line from Peter Vecsey in today's NY Post:

"AFTER visiting the Jose Conseco Fieldhouse tomorrow, the 19-2 Celtics invade our nation's capital Thursday. Given the way they're playing, David Stern has canceled the remainder of the season, called off the playoffs and ordered them to go straight to the White House."

5) Giddens and Walker:

Are playing better in the D-league than Gabe Pruitt ever did. Bill Walker could be contributing to the big squad now if there were adequate minutes for him.

6) Techs

I just read in the papers today that the Celtics lead the league by far in technical fouls. So let me ask you this whiny fans of other teams: If the refs are favoring the Celtics how come they keep T-ing the green guys up?

If anything the refs are mad at the Celtics.

7) Evening Out

Ray's improved because of health and Rondo. Rondo's improved dramatically. Perkins has improved. Garnett and Pierce have gotten some of the load taken off their shoulders. This is a five pronged trouble machine for other teams. The Celtics are really formidable now- even moreso than last year.

8) Big 4

Who's been not only the best point guard in the East but the best player on the Celtics the past few weeks? It's Rondo! Rondo has actually been more important to this team recently than Garnett, Pierce or Allen!!

If he maintains or improves on this level of play, it's the Quality Quartet, the Terrifying Tetrad, yes... The BIG FOUR.

9) O'Bryant

I'm very very patient in making judgements about young big men, but Patrick's not giving me anything to be positive about yet. I'm not giving up hope, but I'm looking for a reason here.

10) Streak

11 in a row. It must be frustrating for Cleveland and LA to win 9 out of 10 and lose ground.

10 things after 9 straight

2008-12-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

1) Pause to Reflect

Are you a little worried about the back up center spot, or back up point, or allocation of minutes to some young guy who you just know would help the team? You think Garnett should be shooting more? You wonder about Rondo's free throw shooting?

Stop. Give it up. Quit worrying. This, right now, is as good as it gets. This as good as you will ever have it.

The Boston Celtics are on a 9 game winning streak. They are defending champions. They are 17-2 and visibly gaining momentum.

You'll never have a more comfortable hoops moment than now. Please pause to enjoy it.

2) Rondo

He of the gargantuan hands has taken a LEAP. He has become an elite passing point guard. You can combine that with his lofty FG%, position leading blocks, numerous steals, shutdown D, mesmerizing speed, and defense shredding driving ability.

For the legion of nonCeltic affiliated Rondo-doubters out there all I have to say is this: If Rajon Rondo was on a mediocre team where he had to shoot a lot instead of on a GREAT team where he wisely makes his teammates better, he'd be scoring 20 a game.

3) Tommy Bashers

Fans of other teams: You don't like Tommy? We don't care. He's our guy. We love the Celtics and Tommy IS the Celtics. I've said this before: If you're hearing Tommy somewhere else in the country you're eavesdropping. The broadcast isn't meant for you!

You criticize him because he's a homer? Well, being a homer is okay with me. Tommy Heinsohn is a homer in the splendid tradition of the great Johnny Most. He's a regional treasure...

4) Refs

...and he gets to complain about the refs. Why? Because of legal precendent from his ref-warring days when he was the best coach in the game. The rest of you- I'm talking to you fans of other teams: When the Celtics kick your favorite franchise's posterior back to the D-league, it's because the Green is BETTER than your squad...

That's it. David Stern didn't do it. The refs certainly didn't do it. Garnett, Pierce, Allen, Rondo, Perkins and the Celtics bench did it.

5) Other Coaches.

And another thing for you opposing fans: Get off your coach's back. What's Sam Mitchell supposed to do with the talent he has and Jermaine O'Neal hobbled? How about Mo Cheeks getting a lumbering Elton Brand to squeeze in with his non-shooting racehorses? Or Don Nelson with his best players injured, young, or gone?

I'll tell you: They're gonna lose some games, maybe a lot of games. These guys are good coaches but just like Doc Rivers when he didn't have the players, they are not going to win big.

6) Summary To This Point For Fans Of Other Teams

Quit complaining about the following: Tommy, refs, David Stern, your own coach, losing to a team with three hall of famers, and quit underestimating Rondo. Please retain some dignity.

7) Great Starts

The Celtics, Cavs and Lakers are off to really impressive starts. But do not discount the emergence of other teams by playoff time. If anyone thinks the Spurs (when healthy) can't play with the best in the game they have short memories and have forgotten San Antonio's every-other-year thing.

8) Devin Harris

Whoa! It's very impressive what the young man is doing. Dallas must be sick over this. Fortunately for Boston, Rondo matches up very well with Harris.

9) Spring Roster

Is the current roster the playoff roster? Last year at this time therre was no PJ Brown. There are rumors the Celtics might pick a player up by midseason: Horry (huh?) Marbury (double huh?) Joe Smith, or maybe even PJ Brown himself.

10) Sam

As far as that goes, Sam Cassell seems very comfortable with his quasi-assistant coach role. He doesn't appear to care about minutes, or even giving up his uniform to bring in someone else. But he got two techs and an ejection last night! I wonder what he said from the bench.

I can see why they kept him around. He's smart and a great team guy.

10 Things: Champions

2008-06-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

1) At Last

What an amazing turnaround. What a season. What a story.

After 22 years the skies have cleared and the sun shines through. In the heavens above the stars are once again in proper alignment. It's been rags to riches and worst to first. It's the type of tale that Hollywood could make into an all-time epic film... that is if Hollywood wasn't so busy licking their wounds from getting steamrolled by the incredible resurgence of the Boston Celtics.

Without reason the Lakers came into the Finals as presumptive favorites. That did not hold. The Western Conference representatives were drowned in a great green tidal wave. In the end it was the Celtics easiest series of the playoffs. This was a thunder clap announcing the return of the Boston Celtics to the place where they once regularly resided- once again on top of the world. Once again champions.

2) The Finals

The Finals themselves were thrilling. Every Celtic win brought with it a very special storyline:

Win #1: The image of Paul Pierce in a wheelchair. The series seemed like it was over before it really even began. The sound bite of Doc in the huddle rallying his players, saying we're the better team, we don't stop playing. Then unexpectedly Pierce bounded out of the tunnel. The crowd erupted like a volcano. You could see Banner 17 in the distance.

Win #2: Leon Powe rebounding, scoring, and just bullying the weaker Laker frontline. LA only added to the drama with a furious 4th quarter comeback. But it fell short. Banner 17 moved closer.

Win #3: After a grinding loss in Los Angeles, the Celtics came out flat while the Lakers blazed. Boston fell 24 points back. It seemed sure that the series would be tied. But Doc Rivers and his players stayed positive and mounted the greatest comeback in Finals history. Essentially the title was decided right there.

Win #4: Adding to their record setting season, Boston just shattered their opponents in the greatest blowout ever in a deciding game.

One or two of those tales would have made for a normal finals. Four makes it an instant legend that will be remembered forever.

3) Doc

In the last few days some stories have come out about Doc Rivers and the little things he's done to motivate his team through the season: You might have watched the Duck Boat parade Thursday. Well apparently early on, Doc rented a Duck boat and took Pierce, Allen and Garnett for a ride, telling them this is what they do for you after you win a title in Boston.

The championship banners you see in the Boston Garden are duplicates. The real ones hang in the Celtics practice facility. Apparently there was an empty space among those banners. Doc Rivers had a spotlight mounted to highlight that void. Then he had the light taped so no one could turn it off and said the light would remain on until a new banner hung there. Day after day, month after month, the light shone on the empty space. Now the banner has been won. The light can be turned off.

Early in preseason Doc introduced the word "ubuntu" to his players. In short: All for one and one for all. They took it to heart. Every man blended into the team.

Doc wouldn't touch the trophy until the Celtics won it.

All these little things added up and ultimately paid off.

(By the way, how much do you think Doc could get for the Gatorade shirt on Ebay?)

4) Regular Season

I've heard more than a few people say regular season games don't mean anything (most of that was from fans of the opposing team trying to convince themselves they could beat the Celtics in the postseason). As it turned out regular season games meant everything, especially in the early rounds of the playoffs.

Here are a few of my favorite regular season moments. They needed every one to earn what turned out to be a precious home court advantage:

Ray Allen's buzzer beater in Toronto, and his even more incredible buzzer beater after a steal in Charlotte.

Rondo dunking over Maxiell in the third regular season Detroit game.

Sweeping the first west coast trip.

Taking the Texas triangle.

Beating San Antonio and Dallas without Kevin Garnett.

But my favorite regular season moment of all was the second Detroit game when Big Baby on the court with seven all stars, took over the game. That knocked the Pistons back. Never again was Boston threatened for best overall record.

5) Never Been Done (or almost never)

24 wins to 66.

Adding players like PJ Brown and Sam Cassell so late in the season and blending them in.

Not having a fixed rotation. This one I love. Everyone has always said you need a fixed rotation, but it was a myth. The Celtics never had one. They really only had six guys -the starters and Posey- who had fixed roles. The rest of the roster was utterly fluid. Doc always said all 12 of his guys could play and all 12 of his guys were always ready, and -hey- he meant it. Guys sat for a week or two, even in the playoffs, then would bounce up rust-free and make a huge shot or grab a crucial rebound.
This alone was an eye opener.

Small ball. Criticized at every turn, a small ball lineup prevailed in the 24 point comeback.

6) Danny

Danny Ainge- unfairly maligned as one of the worst execs in the game for so long, orchestrated this turnaround and this championship. The funny thing is, much of the national media and basketball viewing public still can't see how he did it. They still say he was no good until this past year, not understanding he was slowly and methodically accumulating assets, positioning himself to take advantage of any opportunity that would arise.

And whoa, how he took advantage. In moves that were first bewildering and then quickly breathtaking, Ainge acquired two perfect-fit all stars, followed by just the right role players. The Celtics were transformed from lottery losers to contenders in a matter of weeks.

7) Ownership

Wyc Grousbeck, Steve Pagliuca and the rest of the ownership group were smart, patient, and above all committed. They did what owners have to do: let the basketball guys run the show and fork over the dough. All I can say is thank you. Or actually, THANK YOU! Terrific job.

(You can go out there and proudly tell fans of other franchises: Our rich guys are better than your rich guys.)

8) 22 Years

So long in the wilderness. So much bad luck. So many bad decisions. So much tragedy. We lived in a darkened world as Darren Daye turned to Travis Knight. Larry, Kevin, and Robert retired. Reggie died. Gaston, Pitino and Wallace tried to devour the last of our pride. The team could gain no traction. Tanking proved fruitless as ping pong balls bounced the wrong way. There were small teams, slow teams, young teams, but never great teams.

Until now. Now that's all behind us. The Green is back on top.

9) Legends

In the Finals in Boston when we scanned the sidelines there were virtually no entertainment stars. Real stars were shown: Bill Russell returned and picked up Red Auerbach's mantle as patriarch of the franchise. Of course Tommy was there, and Jo Jo and Hondo and Walton and Max and more. Out there somewhere Cousy was watching, and I'm sure Bird, McHale, Parish, Cowens, Silas, Sam, KC and so many others were too. The living history of the Boston Celtics saw the rebirth; they saw the great and glorious green flame rekindled.

10) Banner 17

I write this last segment with moist eyes. We have all waited so long. The young ones among us have never felt this before. The Boston Celtics are back. They are champions once again.

Next year hungry teams like Los Angeles, Portland, New Orleans, Orlando and Utah will want the title. So will San Antonio, Cleveland, and Detroit. I say to them, you want the title? You know where it is. If you think you can take it, come and try.

The NBA Championship is in Boston, where it belongs.

10 Things After Game 2

2008-06-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

1) Trick or Treat?

Sunday June 8th, 2008: the scariest Halloween ever. The Lakers made a frightening attempt at egging the TD Banknorth Garden before falling just short of an incredible fourth quarter comeback.

This is what LA does. Remember game 1 of the Western Conference finals? It was similar with the Spurs holding a 20 point lead when Los Angeles took advantage of a suddenly lackadaisical defense and steamed to an enormous triumph.

This time the lead was bigger and later. The Lakers ran out of time. Unlike the Spurs the Celtics held on.

...and the answer is: Treat! (phew)

2) Kareem

Former Milwaukee Buck great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was interviewed on the postgame by Mike Gorman. His take on the LA comeback- It was all about the Celtics. It was not what the Lakers did; it was the Celtics letting up and getting complacent.

Kareem is really smart and right on the mark: The Celtics determined what took place. (LA's offense is too potent to relax. See San Antonio above.)

This is good though. It means the Celtics are in control. If they play their defense it's their series...

3) Lessons

...That is lesson number one.

Lesson number two, learned in the first two rounds: Don't let up on the road.

4) The Best Two Teams

I mentioned this last time- The best two teams in the NBA played in the Eastern Conference finals when Boston faced Detroit. In that series the Celtics regained their awesome road prowess. They went into Motown and took two out of three. So now everybody moves to the west coast.

5) Comfort

It's not Atlanta. It's not Cleveland. It's not Detroit. It's LA, our comfy home away from home! Paul Pierce grew up there. Scalabrine and Pruitt played nearby. Leon Powe is from California. Sam Cassell is a liberated Clipper. Kevin Garnett owns a house in Malibu. The Celtics play very well in the land of tinsel. They're relaxed. It's not foreign territory; the Celtics have familiar couches in that town. They eat home cooked meals. They have old friends and favorite spots. For the purposes of home-versus-road Los Angeles is practically a Boston suburb, the last stop on the green line.

6) Leon

One Golden State Celtic looked particularly fantastic last night. My oh my. What a show by Mr. Powe. His efficiency per minute in Game 2 was probably enough to send John Hollinger into spasms. Absolutely magnificent.

7) 2006 Draft

Were you mad when Danny Ainge traded the 7th pick in the 2006 draft for Sebastian Telfair and Theo Ratliff? I was. As it turns out, I know nothing. Not only did the trade ultimately end up netting Kevin Garnett, look what Danny got in that draft: Rajon Rondo and Leon Powe: 16 assists and the Game 2 hero. That's the 21st and 49th picks.

We all expect Brandon Roy to have a fine career, and thanks to the young man's ping pong acumen the Blazers may stop this budding Lakers-dynasty-on-paper before it starts; but I believe we can safely say this turned out to be a good trade for both teams...

...and 2006 was a very good draft for both teams too.

8) Marcus versus Delonte

Speaking of 16 assists, do you recall the long and intense Marcus Banks vs. Delonte West debate? Well that debate is over. The winner is Rajon Rondo.

9) The Opposite of Ubuntu

Did you see Mr. Bryant scowling at his teammates when they didn't get him the ball in the final critical possession? He should have been mad, but his chronic undercutting of the other Lakers is unhealthy. The same guy who demanded a trade in the off-season just does not seem to support his teammates well when the going gets rocky. He's the antiubuntu.

All for one, as long as the one is him.

10) Game 3

The Celtics did what they had to do.

Game 1 was the epic phoenix flight of Paul Pierce. Celtics win.

Game 2 was the comeback from hell that fell just short. Celtics win.

Now Game 3: Celtics win again.

10 Things, Finals Preview

2008-06-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

1) LA's Run

Chances are you've heard of the Lakers 12-3 record in the playoffs. No doubt you've also heard that the Celtics went 12-8. Trouble for Boston? Nope.

Atlanta was not the worst team in the playoffs. Denver was, and by far. Whereas the Hawks play furiously on both ends, the Nuggets are the most obscenely indifferent defensive team the NBA has seen since Paul Westhead's one-way-only Nuggets of 90-91. Yes the current Nugs had that fine regular season record, but faced with intense playoff basketball they were pure lottery.

Utah was great this year but any Jazz fan will tell you the Lakers were the one match up they simply could not handle. The Jazz needed to be in the opposite bracket from LA. They could have taken anyone else in the West. Not Los Angeles. The first two rounds were gifts for the SoCal team.

The five game victory over the defending champs was more impressive. Yes the Lakers caught a late game break from the refs. Still, they came back from some huge deficits to arrive at the Finals. It was a very strong showing for them.

2) West

Everyone knows as a whole the West is better than the East. In some corners people are taking the depth of the Western Conference as proof the Lakers just ran off some sort of historical feat. Not true. Do not confuse overall depth with the strength of the top teams. There were seven good teams in the Western playoffs; not one is a top two team on this side of the big river.

For the purposes of degree-of-difficulty, reaching the finals from the East is a greater accomplishment. Why? Because the two best teams in basketball just played and Boston beat Detroit 4-2. The Pistons are better than San Antonio.

3) Level Of Play

Look, the Celtics ran away with the conference. They coasted in, giving lots of play to their bench. By the time the playoffs arrived they had lost a bit of their edge. They beat the Hawks despite playing poorly. They beat the Cavs despite playing only decently. They got their groove back a few games into the Detroit series, and that was that.

4) New Guys

There's another thing: It took some time for PJ Brown to reclaim his legs and game again. PJ seems to be fine now.

On the downside, Sam Cassell still hasn't made the adjustment. We'll see if that costs Boston.

5) Bench

I keep hearing about how great the LA bench is. Really? When did Luke become his Dad and Turiaf become Rodman? I mean they're good but not nearly great. The bench vs bench battle is up for grabs.

6) What Will Win It

Chances are this series comes down to one factor: Can the Lakers shred the best defense in the league the way they did the best defenses in the West? If they can, hats off, they win. But if the Celtics do to Los Angeles what they did to Detroit in the fourth quarter of game 6, what they did to LeBron for much of the Cleveland series, and frankly what they've done to everybody since Estaban Batista was yelling out "ubuntu" in Rome -which is SHUT PEOPLE DOWN- then Boston raises the banner.

7) Heard It Before

Since that game in Rome, through the preseason, before the first game against Washington, and through the whole season, all we've heard is how the Celtics can't win the next one.

They won't be able to play together.
They can't play defense (sheesh).
They haven't won on the road, against this team or that team, faced pressure; advanced in the past, with this coach, with these players; and on and on and on. It's a numbing buzz of nonsense that has not once let up.

Well let me tell you world, and let me tell you LA: THE CELTICS ARE HERE. They're here because they keep winning. They've overcome every obstacle. They've beaten every team. They have the best defense in the game. The Celtics are alive. They're dangerous. They're ready.

8) Frontcourt

Wherever you look, there's an interesting match up in this series. Perkins is playing fantastic ball recently. He's a wildcard.

I imagine defensive assignments will change but if Gasol and KG cover one another, that means Perkins and Odom face off. That prospect is very intriguing. Power vs. finesse. It's a mini contest between two players who've been prone to mistakes in the past. Who imposes their will in this one?

9) Points

In looking at the point guards you only get more questions. Experience against havoc. If Rondo pushes the jets all series long, this will be trouble for Los Angeles.

10) Stars

No need for me to comment much on the marquis guys. There's some great players for both sides in this series. No doubt you've already thought and read more than enough about them.

It's time. Good luck to one side. May the Celtics win.

10 ECF Things

2008-05-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

1) Good Start

It was a fine win in game one. But only Celtics fans with serious short term memory loss will find the victory excessively gloat-worthy.

We've been here before against the Hawks and Cavs and the Pistons are better than either of those teams. Though there was a lot to love about Game 1, it was only 1 Game.

2) Chauncey

There are some encouraging signs though. The first and biggest is, whether due to rust or the leg strain Chauncey was off. Shockingly Detroit looked great against Orlando without Mr. Billups. Stuckey filled in admirably and the Pistons rolled.

The Celtics are not Orlando. They are much better defensively and Stuckey (though he is very talented) is a bit inexperienced to handle lead guard under that sort of pressure.

At the beginning of the game when Flip put Rip on Rondo you knew something was not right. If Chauncey remains hampered, Detroit is in for some pain. Rondo's speed becomes devastating if you're limping.

3) Comcast

Hats off to the TV guys at Comcast New England. Their coverage has been nothing short of magnificent. Only a few years ago they used to spend Celtic halftimes talking about the Red Sox and Patriots. Now their pre and postgame shows are wall to wall interviews, press conferences, and insight. Excellent job. I can't compliment them enough.

(By the way I always get a kick out of hearing Celticblog's Justin Poulin ask a postgame question to Doc, Pierce or Garnett. That's so cool.)

4) No Freakin' Freaks

The Cavs are not as good as Detroit but Cleveland does have something the Pistons lack: impossible individual match ups. No matter who you have on your squad, LeBron is an enormous problem and Zydrunas Ilgauskas is just too tall. Detroit clobbers their opponents with poise, precision and a starting five with stingers at every position. They lack impossible people though.

5) Click Your Heels Judy Garland

"There's no place like home." 9-0 now. 0-6 on the road. This oddity ends soon (I think). In Game 1 Boston played like the regular season Celtics for the first time in weeks. With Eddie House in the rotation instead of Sam Cassell the team that had the best road record during the first 82 might just be back.

Let's hope so. No doubt many of us can't keep doing these locked-up Game 5's and 7's without health risks.

6) Sometimes teams win

The internet can be a disturbingly negative place can't it? In many darkened sectors of the virtual world no one ever actually WINS a game. Every loss happens because someone did something wrong. I mean, if everyone plays well and both coaches are brilliant, someone is still going to lose.

7) Along Those Lines

Doc is not alternately brilliant and dumb. He's coaching the same way every game. Sometimes he finds a guy isn't producing and switches to another option. That's the nature of a club with such a deep bench.

8) SA/LA

The West finals are something too. The Duncan swipers vs. the pernicious forces of the netherworld. I know many want a Boston/LA finals. Not me. I want a Boston/Anybody final, but would prefer San Antonio. I just feel unclean watching the Lakers. Plus capturing the holy grail of the 17th banner against Duncan just seems like it was meant to be.

9) How 'Bout Them Bulls?

Wasn't it great not caring about the lottery? After recent years many of us never want to see another ping pong ball as long as we live.

Funny how the conspiracy devotees had every scenario mapped out except Chicago.

10) Game 2

The Pistons are dangerous. They bounced back twice against Philly, but the Sixers won their game with overwhelming intensity, which Detroit then matched.

It might be different this time. The Celtics won the first contest on talent. Detroit can raise their fervor but not their talent level. The Garnett and Pierce match ups will continue to give them serious trouble (and maybe Rondo too). If Ray Allen finds his stroke this series might just be over quickly.

We can only hope.

10 Things About Road Losses

2008-05-13T08:39:00.001-07:00

Frustrating isn't it? The Celtics are 0-5 away from Boston in the playoffs. I have ten theories about why they cannot win a single game on the road.

From least plausible to most plausible:

1) Malevolent Force

Since the 80's there is a great body of evidence supporting the malevolent force theory. The Celtics have been derailed by incompetence, hideous luck, ping pong pox, and tragedy. It's happened so frequently that one can only assume a huge unseen force really has it in for the team.

2) You Did It

You didn't sit in your lucky chair, or wear your sure-win hat, or cross your legs the right way, or your Celtics victory-dog was sleeping the wrong room. You yelled too loud, or not loudly enough. Your friend or co-worker or brother-in-law jinxed them.

Whatever you did, stop doing it. Whatever you didn't do, do it Wednesday night.

3) Karmic Retribution

I wrote a lot about Karma the last few years. (Admittedly I was grasping at straws during some dreadful seasons.)
Anyway the cumulative karma of Celtic-nation must have ebbed below minimally acceptable standards thereby by bringing on terrible vengeance from an unseen yet resplendent host...

4) Hoop Gods

...of hoop gods. Everyone knows the basketball universe is ruled by many gods. Ours is not a monotheistic cosmos.

The hoops gods are notoriously fickle. They greatly appreciate such offerings as making one last lay-up before you leave the court, no-peek free throws, and lofting one through the rim from behind the back-board. Yet even these regular rituals cannot always placate a warring host of hoop lords.

Sometimes they just like smiting things and right now they're smiting the Celtics.

5) Overwhelmed By Dark Forces

Staying on the metaphysical path... Everyone besides us hates the Celtics. They hate us because of the 16 banners. They hate us because of the 66 wins. They hate us because we're so astonishingly dazzingly beautiful. No one hates the Jazz or the Hornets. I think maybe the cosmic ether has been poisoned by all this negative thought.

6) Tony Allen Isn't Playing

He plays hard- often out of control but always hard. The Celtics have been too passive without him.

7) Eddie House Isn't Playing

Eddie has his weaknesses, but the second unit offense did flow a little better when he was in there. Plus he spreads the floor. That might allow a lane for Pierce to drive more.

8) Brian Scalabrine Isn't Playing

If he was, the team would be buoyed by a rising sea of intangibles.

9) The Playoffs Really Are Different

It is not good when all these veteran players are affected by hooting Georgians and Buckeyes. I mean, they had the best road record in the league during the regular season. Now- nothing. Ugh. This is a bad sign for future rounds (should they get past the Cavs).

10) Tight Tight Tight

They're not playing their game. The body language is bad. Garnett isn't acting crazy enough; he's too subdued now. They're all thinking too much as if they're playing together for the first time. No one has taken the climb-on-my-back Cedric Maxwell role. Instead of pushing the ball for easy opportunities, they keep walking it up and letting the defense get set. They keep settling for jumpers instead of slashing and burning inside. Loosen up and play free guys.

In closing let me remind everyone that though the Celtics are 0-5 on the road during these playoffs, they are 6-0 at home. They have homecourt advantage throughout. No one's beaten them yet in Boston, and that's where game 5 will be played.

10 Second Round Things

2008-05-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

1) Cassell

Sam did good last night. In fact Sam did good in the first Cleveland game as well.

Still, on the subject of the point guard rotation that did not stop panic and wild accusations from many corners of the great green nation: "Why isn't Eddie House playing!?" "Rondo should play 43 minutes!" "I tell you there's no reason for Sam Cassell to be playing extended minutes!"

From a little nugget of truth --The-offense-is-sometimes-slower-when-Sam-runs-the-show-- came a tsunami of silliness.

Down 10, Mr. Sam with his close personal associates Leon Powe and James Posey, flat out won that game last night. Rondo uncharacteristically struggled early with two turnovers, two shots blocked, and a few missteps on defense.

Cassell entered and saved the day. No Sam, maybe no win.

2) House

Yes it would be pleasant if somehow Eddie House got some time too. The team does maintain the pace more consistently when House is in there. But there are 12 guys who could play and cold numbers determine that some remain seated. Right now those three are House, Big Baby and Tony Allen. Meanwhile Sam Cassell seems to have passed some critical point of cumulative court time where now he's playing on instinct with his new club instead of thinking. Whatever it is the Celtics are up 2-0 and Sam's a big part of it.

Still, Eddie House may yet play a key role in this championship run.

3) 2-0

As far as being up 2-0, haven't we been here before (like last week)? And didn't Detroit lead Cleveland 2-0 last year in the East finals? In other words, game 3 is obviously BIG. I do like the overall match up though. With only one athletic slasher as opposed to the Hawks' 3 or 4, Cleveland could well remain stymied for two more contests.

4) Bulpett

I love Steve Bulpett. He's my favorite Celtics scribe. He writes very well, is funny and has an easy-going personality. When he was interviewed on the postgame last night, I also noticed he slightly resembles Will Farrell. I think Steve could adequately fill in for Will should the comedian ever need an emergency understudy. Hollywood beckons Steve!

5) Ingrained

Every time West and Wally scored last night, I had a weird sensation. I automatically felt like two points should have gone on the board for Boston. Then reality snapped in. Oh yeah they got traded. Last year's team despite the horrific record was very likable.

But I'm sure everyone agrees: this year's team is just slightly preferable.

6) Posey

Whoa. What defense by this man. Key threes. Infectious energy. Posey's been great. I got a nickname for him: How about King James? It hasn't been used anywhere before has it?

7) Chauncey?

Billups tender hammy will spell doom for Detroit if he can't come back. The Pistons win that series with Billups healthy because he just destroys Jameer Nelson. But no Chauncey- no chancy. Nelson comes alive with Billups out. So...

8) Looking Ahead Before I Should

As much as I love the team-wide match up vs. the Cavs, I do not like the same thing (potentially) against Orlando. The Magic have two very tall mobile forwards who are dead-eye from long range. They also have Big Scary Dwight down low. Turkoglu and Lewis take the Celtics forwards way outside. This allows Howard to work alone against Perkins. The whole thing stretches the Celtics too far apart- kind of like tearing fabric. If the Celtics can put away Cleveland and Billups doesn't recover, a Boston/Orlando series will be difficult.

Imagine the new wave of silly-talk that will be generated if Orlando's hitting from outside. it will make the Sam Cassell thing look like nothing.

Regardless, should the Celtics prevail against the Cavs, either Orlando or Detroit will be very tough.

9) Mike and Tommy

Only one more Mike and Tommy game? And only if this series goes to 6 games? Noooooooooo!

10) Road

Lest we forget the Celtics had the best road record in the NBA this season. They faltered in Atlanta. I'm sure they're more aware of that than any of us.

Take game three fellas. Take game three.

10 Playoff Things

2008-05-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Have you gotten mad at your television set recently? Have you raised your voice to it? Swore at it? Shut it off and left the room only to return moments later to turn it back on and yell at it again?

Did you momentarily (or even permanently) lose your faith in this team's ability to win?

Are you hoarse? Furious? Relieved? Confused? Do you love/hate/love/hate/love what's going on? Did the coach do a great job, then a horrible job, then a great job?

Are you having fun?

Welcome to playoff basketball. It's only the first round.

2) Alphabet Plan

Theoretically this is the optimal way things should go:

A) Atlanta loses to

B) Boston. Who then beats

C) Cleveland and

D) Detroit. Making the Celtics

E) East champions, and taking them to the

F) Finals, which of course they also win.

G) Good, huh?

3) V Is For

Taking a momentary detour: did you know the Hawks Salim Stoudamire is a vegetarian? True.

As it turns out, it's not only for slender bench riding guards. All time NBA first team badass Maurice Lucas was also a vegetarian. (His teammate big Bill Walton was another.) For those too young to remember the champion Blazers of the late 70's, Mr. Lucas was a very scary man.

The following is from Henry Abbot's Truehoop blog on ESPN.com:

"Red Hot and Rollin', that book about the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers, has gotten a lot of play on ESPN.com -- and deservedly so. But there's one great little detail that I just have to add to the mix. It comes from a conversation the book's editor, Matt Love, had with Maurice Lucas: Lucas: I was a vegetarian for my whole career in professional basketball. ... I read a couple really nice books on proper nutrition, eating the proper things, meditation. I was doing a lot of transcendental meditation, and so with that and the food, it all came together and worked. Of course, my mom thought I was crazy, that I had lost my mind.

Love: What did the other guys in the league think about your vegetarianism? That is unheard of today.

Lucas: Well, when I beat them all up they wouldn't say jack."

4) Playoff Realignment?

Nuh-uh.

Remember the good old days when the western part of the United States was filled with rugged self-reliant types like mountain men and range riders? No more. Now whining is the favorite past-time of the formerly great West.

Golden State had a better record than Atlanta. Boo freakin' hoo. In the words of the great Julie London, "Cry me a river."

There cannot be a playoff realignment that breaks up the regional conference apparatus and replaces it with a national 1-16 system.

Why? WHY? You want to know why? I'll tell you why: Let's say hypothetically that New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and Portland are all in the playoffs. In the first round Portland plays New Jersey, and New York plays Philly. Both series go seven games. New Jersey and New York both win and meet in the second round...

You want unfair? That's unfair. The Knicks are rested because their travel time between cities was meaningless, while the Nets had to fly cross-country at least four times and are completely exhausted.

My solution: Keep the current system and deport all whiners west of the Mississippi to Los Angeles. They weren't exactly bringing this issue up in the 80's when it worked in their favor, were they?

5) Who Shot the Clock?

Back to the Hawks: Did you become despondent after game three when Atlanta gutted out a win? It's ok. The end result of the series will be the same. Now the Hawks can go home and have a happy restful summer.

You know who else could use some rest? The Atlanta technical staff.

6) Here's What Caused The Problems

The Hawks played with surprising poise and fury, but the cause of the two road losses was that the Celtics lapsed on D. What got them 66 wins and the best record in basketball was their smothering defense. In games 3 and 4 they forgot it. Yes the offense sputtered, but offense always comes and goes. The defense was shockingly bad for the two road games. That in turn was the cause of the spotty offense.

7) Is it Over?

I mean the road maladies and shoddy D. Yes. Of course. At least I believe so. I think they'll come out and win game 6.

...but you never know.

8) How To React If Game 6 Unfolds Like Games 3 and 4

Start by gesturing at your television set. You may sputter something incoherent at first. Next form those indecipherable sounds into real words. Finally, yell very loudly at your television set just like in the other two road games. It will help. You'll feel better and your TV won't care.

Also if recordings of all of us yelling at our TVs could be put together I think it would make a great DVD. Think of it: Hundreds of people one after another, yelling at the refs, the coach, the players, the other players, the scorekeeper, David Stern, the TNT announcers, etc. We could call it Green Rage. It would gross dozens of dollars.

9) Or Else

The Celtics could just go back to winning. Then we could just make believe none of this ever happened. If the Celtics win game 6, I think we should all agree never to speak of this series again.

10) In Closing

My fellow greenhearts, I hope Friday night is a serene and celebratory evening for all of us. I hope you sleep restfully and wake up happy Saturday morning thinking of round 2 match ups.

10 things after game 2 (Atlanta series)

2008-04-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

1) Flagrant Foul

Throwing a fist in an NBA game is a surefire automatic suspension, or so we thought. In game 1 of the Atlanta series Leon Powe threw down that Godzilla dunk and was then repeatedly and enthusiastically pummeled by Kevin Garnett. As it turns out the ban on fisticuffs only applies to members of the OTHER team. Fortunately for the Celtics you are allowed punch out your own teammate all you want. It's just never come up before.

When Leon finally did manage to get up, he walked back to the bench with KG ferociously yelling into his ear the entire time. The look on the young man's face was a strange mix of joy and fear. The whole thing was pretty funny.

Most people would have been hospitalized by that degree of affection.

2) Serenity

Historically I get pretty worked up about the playoffs, so these first two Atlanta games have been a calming way to start things off. It's been a perfect introduction to the playoffs for this Celtic team- facing a club that is young, athletic and physical, but completely overmatched. Boston gets to ease into top playoff form for the second round. Very calming.

3) Minutes

Remember last fall when there was so much fretting about the excessive minutes of They That Could Not Yet Be Called The Big Three? It's all worked out very well hasn't it? Here it is springtime. Flowers are blooming. The Marathon's been run. The playoffs are underway. And hey, the Big Three's minutes were doled out to perfection!

4) Sponsorship

I have a few gripes about the overcommercialization of our beloved Celtic broadcasts. I realize that money needs to be accumulated in mountainous piles in order to maintain a winning team, but...

...the chronic in-game sales pitches have reached a point of obscenity. All we want is basketball. We already get TV timeouts. We already get that center court rotating advertisement table-thingy. I draw the line of acceptable behavior with the chronic commercial pollution of the broadcast itself.

Here's a very abbreviated list- just a fraction of what you put up with every game (though you may have become so numbed to it you no longer notice). Just off the top of my head:

The Southwest Airlines starting lineup.
The DCU sideline reporter.
The Honey Dew list.
The Subaru key match up.
The Legal Seafoods fish swimming across the bottom of the screen.
The Identity Truth bonus code.
The McDonald's halftime.
The Foxwoods Take a Shot,
The Gatorade heard around the cooler.
The Toyota player of the game.
The Supercuts super cut of the game.
The Identity Truth steal of the game.
The SpeeDee Oil change of the game.

That's probably only half of it. There's sooo many more...

I'm all for capitalism. I mean who out there doesn't enjoy watching giant corporations get bigger and bigger? I love 'em! But please stop during the games. Give it a rest. We just want to watch basketball.

(We'll make an exception for the Legal Seafoods trivia question. That's cool.)

5) Why I stopped writing for a while

I'm sure no one cares but here's why: I started writing these pieces because I could not stand the way the Celtics were being covered. No one in the regular media seemed to recognize that Danny Ainge was accumulating assets and was on the right track even though it was not reflected in the teams' record. Everything was so negative (and I thought, so wrong). I began writing because I couldn't help myself. I'm sure a lot of other green people started blogging for the same reason.

Now though, everybody's writing articles that accurately reflect what's going on. 66 wins does make the positive direction of the franchise very clear.

6) One other reason

This one REALLY no one cares: I live on a dirt driveway about 4/10ths of a mile long. After a rough winter it had hundreds of deep potholes. Over the last month I brought in about 9 tons of stone and filled every single pothole by hand. Just broken-down me with a shovel, three buckets and my Subaru (I couldn't have done it without the inspiration from the Subaru key match up.)

That took all my free time. The good news: I'm done. The road is smooth and beautiful. I am now momentarily strong enough to withstand being briefly pummeled by Kevin Garnett should I ever find myself lying on the floor after throwing down a power dunk on the Atlanta Hawks (though I have not worked out how that might ever happen).

7) Rondo

Where are we? Oh yeah, basketball. Rondo... Whoa. Mr. Rondo is a bit ahead of schedule. The Bibby/Rondo match up was the only thing the Hawks could point to as to why they had the barest chance of getting a win or two. It was a mismatch alright, but the other way. Rajon Rondo has been brilliant. Remember those weinerly national media naysayers who pointed to Rondo as the weak link? Ha! Well how do you like Rondo now, you bunch of specious reasoners you?

8) Depth

Here's another look back: Remember the No Depth talk? Are you kidding? Last night Tony Allen and Eddie House barely played. This Celtics team is so deep, Jacques Cousteau couldn't get a view all the way down to the bottom of the bench. Perk gets into foul trouble? No problem, put in Leon. Leon gets into foul trouble too? No problem, put in PJ and Mr. Baby.

9) Sam

Sam Cassell is back to being his old pain-in-the-butt-if-he-doesn't-play-for-you self. Sam's one of those guys like Jerry West (I forgive Jerry West for being a Laker) who can just get a good shot off at any time no matter what. He comes in, there's no spacing on the floor, his man looks like he's all over him -floop- Sam does that little step back move, giving himself just enough space to rainbow the ball through the net. Just like he did in about ten other uniforms over the last half century, Sam just scores with ease.

Before the playoffs are over that will be the difference between a title or no title.

10) It's Not Going To Stay This Easy

Right? I mean I hope it does, but it will probably be Lebron in round 2, the Pistons or Orlando in round 3, and the lone survivor of the Western free-for-all in the Finals. There will be many formidable challenges coming.

My, my, my, this Celtics team is good though. Maybe just maybe this Celtics team is great, even historically great. This is our time. Many of us have waited 22 years. Some have waited their whole lives. Enjoy it my fellow greeniacs. Cherish these moments. As we have learned, times like these are precious.

10 things: The Crepes of Wrath

2008-03-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

1) The Crepes of Wrath

The Celtics are performing like they did at the beginning of the year. Efficient. Angry. Flattening opponents to pancakes. Philly came into the Monday night game playing extremely well and intent on using the Celtics as a "measuring stick." It didn't matter. For Boston their high level of play has returned at the best possible time; just as the Texas road trip of doom approacheth. (Huh. I seem to have developed a temporary keyboard lisp.)

2) Speaking of That

The coming five game junket was supposed to have San Antonio, Dallas and New Orleans on top of the marquee. A funny thing happened along the way: Now the road trip brochure reads, "Five Fabulous Games in Eight Nights, Featuring the Awesome Houston Rockets!" The Rockets have shockingly strung together 19 straight victories. One more and they tie the 70-71 Bucks with the second longest winning streak in NBA history. I don't care what their schedule's been, that's really impressive. Plus they've recently been doing it without Yao Ming (and without Gerald Green).

3) Showdown

Meanwhile the Celtics have completely extinguished their only three game losing streak by running off 9 straight wins themselves. So here's where we are: Houston plays three more times before the teams meet up; at Atlanta, then hosting Charlotte and the evil Lakers. The Celtics have Seattle and Utah at home, followed by Milwaukee and San Antonio on the road. In the event that both clubs win out, the two teams will meet in Houston on March 18th with the Rockets on an incredible 22 game streak and the Celtics on their own 13 game run.

4) Arrogant

Now that every excuse from opposing fans about the Celtics success has been utterly debunked, they've retreated to the last barricade: They call us arrogant. Such as, "I would really like the Celtics except their fans are so arrogant."
Us? Arrogant? Please. They could not be more mistaken. It's simply that they do not recognize the obvious truth that of all the people on Earth we have been chosen by the Almighty Hoop Gods for a noble destiny that they can't possibly share. There's nothing arrogant about that is there?

5) Rondo's three

It wasn't exactly Danny Ainge dribbling through the entire Notre Dame team, or even Ray Allen's game winner against Charlotte, but it was pretty cool: Rajon Rondo's three at the end of the half in Memphis was my favorite early-in-the-game play of the season. With about 5 seconds on the clock and Rondo on the bench in foul trouble, Doc Rivers inserted the young point guard into the game. Rondo responded by dribbling the length of the court through traffic, squaring up, and draining the three. No one else on the roster was both fast and nifty enough to make that play. It was a great substitution by the coach and even better execution by Mr. Rondo.

6) 50

50 wins that is. It's great that Doc Rivers and the team don't care and don't even seem to know the number of wins they have. But for the rest of us those numbers are a fine indicator of how far the club has travelled in one year.
Let's flashback. One year ago on March 11, 2007 the Celtics lost to the Chicago Bulls 94-78. Boston's leading scorer was Gerald Green with 15 points. That game made their record 18-44.

(By the way I want to point that out that my own preseason prediction of 50 total wins has already been met and I'm ecstatic to be so ridiculously far off.)

7) 61

I wrote about this in the fall. The Celtics have to get to 61 wins to surpass the 97-98 Duncan Swipers for the greatest season to season gain-in-wins total in league history. The way they're going the team might get comfortably above that mark. It could be a record that stands for many decades.

8) Irony

Sam Cassell was once Rondo. In 1994 and 1995 it was Cassell who was the young point responsible for leading a team of veterans to the NBA crown. Yes he had Kenny Smith by his side, but his situation fourteen years ago was very similar to what Rondo faces today: a highly talented team laced with all stars such as Olajuwon and Drexler, aching for a title, dependent on the poise of an inexperienced but talented guard running the club's offense. This is obviously history repeating itself.

9) Ray and Eddie

Funny thing. Ray Allen's got his stroke back and Eddie House has lost his. Before Eddie was taking his time shooting, which was good. Now he's rushing, which is bad. Conversely, before Ray was taking his time shooting, which was bad. Now he's rushing, which is good. Does that make sense?
Unlike most guys including Eddie House, Ray just does better when he quick releases.

10) Purity

It's been many many awful, miserable, unsufferable bad-drafting bad-trading years. That's all behind us now. The first 3/4 of the season have been a beautiful experience. A lot of us had to shake the losing, lottery-bound thoughts from our heads. We've undergone a healthy catharsis, ridding ourselves of ping-pong poisoning and spiritually purifying ourselves for the coming post-season. Now we're ready to head down the stretch. Bring on Texas. Bring on April. Bring on the playoffs.

10 things

2008-03-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

1) Seeds Of Springtime

Beyond the sweet sensation of Piston pummeling, the result of last night's contest put the teams on new paths. Had Detroit won, the rest of the season would have been a steel cage Hillary/Obama fight to the end; but that didn't happen. With only 23 Celtic games left the Pistons are now 5 back in the loss column and also lose the head to head tiebreaker.

The race is not over but the big lead will surely change philosophies for both clubs the rest of the way: Detroit won't kill themselves on the now longshot cause of gaining the top seed. They will prepare their squad for the playoffs, continue to play their bench and make certain their starters are healthy even if it costs them a few games. This allows Boston to do the same.

2) Furthermore

Other than that homecourt advantage in the conference finals, there's no reason for Detroit to attempt a late season sprint. Looking ahead to potential playoff matchups, I don't think the Celtics have all that much preference about who they play in the second round, whereas the Pistons probably do: They want to avoid Cleveland. The Cavs beat them last year and wore them down the year before. Detroit can out-poise Toronto or Orlando, but they have no magic wand to use on the Cavaliers. So they're probably just as happy to sit in the #2 spot and deal with the Magic, rather than fight like hell when the reward is a rematch with LeBron James.

3) As For Boston

I mentioned before on RealGm that the Cavs recent trade helps Boston in a potential showdown. Specifically Drew Gooden could go outside defensively against KG and take him outside on the other end. Ben Wallace is still too short and now too slow to deal with Garnett.

You can't discount LeBron. He can beat anyone himself, but Cleveland is a little less scary to Boston now.

There's a long way to go before the playoffs but odds are in the second round Detroit will take on Orlando and the Celtics will face the survivor of Toronto/Cleveland.

4) Bob

Bob came over and watched the game last night. This is not new. For decades Bob's come over and watched Celtic games. You know what was really nice? Bob and I haven't seen a game in March that had any sort of remote championship implications for two decades. Of course we're not alone. None of the great green nation has. But last night me and old Bob sat there and thoroughly enjoyed the Celtics putting a headlock on the league's best record. We talked about bygone days and watched Rondo slam it through. We remembered Bird and Hondo as Perkins grabbed his 20th board. While KG racked up his Celtic high in points we gleefully speculated about May and June.

May and June. They play basketball in May and June— REAL PLAYOFF BASKETBALL. Championship ramifications. The long sought holy grail of the 17th banner is there in the distance. Me and Bob? We were happy. I bet the rest of you are feeling a lot of joy now too.

5) That March Schedule

Back in November and December Celtic critics claimed the 29-3 record was an illusion. "Wait until March," they said. "The Celtics will get theirs in March." These ill-informed miscreants were referring to the stretch of games from March 14th to 22nd. Six games in nine days featuring Utah at home and a brutal road swing against San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and New Orleans...

6) Health and Depth

...A funny thing has happened since November though. The Celtics have gotten deeper and better. Powe and Baby have emerged as a dangerous energetic tandem off the bench. Rondo can now cancel out a player the caliber of Chauncey Billups. Perkins can outplay McDyess. The Celtics will soon incorporate Sam Cassell and PJ Brown. Ray Allen has found his stroke. Garnett is healthy. Pierce is passing. The team is deep and it's hungry.

I look at the upcoming schedule and all I can think is, "Wow, it's gonna be tough for those other teams."

7) Doc

I keep bringing up Doc. He's coaching. I mean REALLY coaching. He's managing all these powerful personalities, adding another in Cassell, and the team just keeps getting stronger. The young guys are all markedly better players than they were four months ago. Everyone's on the same page. This team is beautiful to watch, and Doc deserves as much credit now as he got blame the last few seasons.

8) Cous and Pete

Which brings me to this: Earlier in the year the formerly and justifiably cantakerous Bob Cousy was rhapsodic in discussing the merits of these Celtics. Recently even Peter May has joined the ranks of the converted. He wrote a KG for MVP column and just seems giddy about this team. It's almost surreal.

9) Sing a Song For Those Owners

Wyc, Steve, and the rest of the ownership really deserve some congratulations. They always said they'd fork over the dough when it mattered, and they have. They paid for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, for House and Posey, and now they've brought in Cassell and Brown. It turns out they're anti-Paul Gastons. The team has come first. None of this could have happened if they heisleyed around at this critical moment. After all those cheap years in the 90's all I can say is, "Thanks guys."

10) Eye Of The Needle

Only one western team can fit through that tiny opening that leads to the NBA finals. I have no idea which one it will be. San Antonio and the Chris Wallace fortified Lakers look the most formidable right now, but I wouldn't fully discount Phoenix, Utah, Dallas and New Orleans. There's a lot of time between March and June. The beautiful thing is, the Celtics will be favored in the second round. Then if they take care of business only Detroit and the one team from the west will remain. It will not be easy but the Celtics are very capable of winning those two series, and if they do banner number 17 will finally rise.

10 things

2008-02-11T10:32:00.000-08:00

1) Chris Wallace

What's the worst transaction of Chris Wallace's career? There's no quick answer to that one is there? You have to think about it.

Here's some of his more colorful Rolaids moments (via Hoopshype.com):

"Traded guards Kenny Anderson and Joseph Forte and center Vitaly Potapenko to the Seattle SuperSonics for forward Vin Baker and guard Shammond Williams.

Traded guards Randy Brown, Joe Johnson, Milt Palacio and a first-round draft pick to the Phoenix Suns for guard Tony Delk and forward Rodney Rogers.

Selected guard Joe Johnson (10th overall pick), forward Kedrick Brown (11th overall pick) and guard Joseph Forte (21st overall pick).

Traded center Andrew DeClercq and a 1999 first-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for center Vitaly Potapenko." (The pick would have been used on Shawn Marion.)

"Traded guards Chauncey Billups and Dee Brown and forwards John Thomas and Roy Rogers to the Toronto Raptors for guard Kenny Anderson, forward Popeye Jones and center Zan Tabak."

...and then there's my personal favorite: "Announced they will exercise the option on the Denver Nuggets' first-round pick, 11th overall, in the 2001 draft."
ARRRGH! All he had to do was be patient that year! Denver stunk. The Celtics were already bringing in two first rounders. If they just rolled that pick over a few seasons Boston could have ended up with Amare Stoudemire. Ugh.

Mr. Wallace has on moved to Memphis and look: "Traded forward Pau Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers for guards Aaron McKie and Javaris Crittenton, forward Kwame Brown, the draft rights to center Marc Gasol and first-round picks in 2008 and 2010 to the Memphis Grizzlies for forward Pau Gasol." Wow.

Ok, so mean old Rick Pitino made him do some of those bad things, and miserly Paul Gaston made him do others, and now Michael Heisley the 380th richest American, is taking some credit for the latest debacle. I have ask though, if you know anything about this game wouldn't you make at least an occasional good trade? Wouldn't you draft well once in a while? And most recently wouldn't you call around the league to force higher offers after talking to the Lakers? Wouldn't you? I need to know. I'm asking here. I'm desperate. This really bothers me.

All I can say is, thank each and every angel in heaven that Chris Wallace runs a different franchise now.

2) Underestimated

I have three favorite games so far this season: The game in Detroit, the Dallas game, and now the Spurs game. Oddly it's been just as exciting winning without Garnett than it was winning with him. I didn't think the Celtics could play nearly this well without their best player.

3) Big Game? Big Baby!

...Two of those three games were Glen Davis' finest performances of the year. In Detroit he outscored all seven all stars in the fourth quarter while virtually shutting down Rasheed Wallace. Then yesterday he played Tim Duncan better than anyone could have guessed. You couple his performance with the outstanding contributions of Leon Powe and you just shake your head.

I mean, I made some crazy preseason predictions, some that actually came true, but Glen Davis stymieing Tim Duncan and leading the team to victory was not among them.

4) The Streak

...which leads to this: It's been building day after day, week after week, month after month. For some reason San Antonio simply cannot beat the Boston Celtics. It's the St. Patrick's Day curse. For those counting, the long losing streak is now up to two games. When will it end? No one knows. The pressure continues to build on the Spurs.

5) 16-0

Among all the amazing things that have happened so far this season, none is more amazing than the fact that the Celtics are 16-0 against the mighty Western Conference. What the hey? Boston has beaten the Spurs and Mavs without Kevin Garnett, handily dispatched the Lakers, humiliated Denver and Golden State, beat Houston and Utah, and toyed with most of the rest. The western team that gave them the most trouble was Minnesota, twice.

6) Doc

Can't coach? CAN'T COACH? Are you kidding me? What you have witnessed in the past few weeks is the best Celtics coaching performance since Tommy Heinsohn patrolled the bench with long sideburns and a plaid jacket. The Celtics are 5-2 without Kevin Garnett. They outfought the defending champions. They lost every tall person on the roster. Doc Rivers is not doing a good job this season; he is doing a GREAT job!

7) No Doubt

The doubters have been silenced. The Spurs game muted the last of them. I read some of the recent comments on some large Western Conference fan forums like dallas-mavs.com and spurstalk and no one's questioning the Celtics anymore. They are bickering among themselves a lot which is always entertaining, but no one is saying the Celtics cannot win the title.

8) East

Unlike the 80's it's nice to be in the East. Back then scary teams like Philly, Milwaukee, and Doc Rivers' Hawks roamed the Earth. Now though it's the West that's brutally competitive. As of this writing, Houston and Golden State are both 30-20, and one of them wouldn't even make the playoffs. In the East they'd be seeded fourth.

Still, it will not be an easy road for the Celtics to reach the Finals. 16-0 against the West means all nine losses have come in the East. Boston will need to be healthy to get past Cleveland and Detroit. That's why it's critical to rest Garnett and Perkins now. Get them healthy, even if they miss the entire west coast trip after the all star game, and even if it costs the team some wins. It's the playoffs that matter.

9) Rondo

I love Rondo. I think he's my favorite player since Havlicek. I would not be surprised if Rondo makes the whole silly "big three" controversy completely obsolete, because soon there will not be a big three; there will be a big four.

10) Davis on Duncan

I don't know if you saw it on the postgame show, but Greg Dickerson interviewed Baby right after the game and asked him if all that jabbering he and Duncan were doing was trashtalk. Big Baby said (paraphrasing), "Oh no. That was Tim Duncan! He's like Kevin Garnett! I was just soaking up the immortality."

10 things

2008-01-31T16:18:00.000-08:00

1) Miami Game

First off, Who kidnapped Bob Cousy and replaced him with Barney? "I love you. You love me. We're a happ-ee fam-a-lee." What happened to the acid spitting Cous whose disposition resembled the monster from Alien? Winning changes everything.

2) Miami Game Again

It was nice to see Mark Blount giving his all for another team in a 30 point loss. Let's face it: You can't stop Mark Blount. You can only hope to trade him.

Speaking of Mr. Blount, my brilliant and beautiful wife made the following observation: She pointed out that after scoring Blount goes completely rigid when he runs to the other end, whereas Tony Allen does just the opposite; after he scores he goes totally loose and floppy as he moves the other way. I don't think it means anything, but it's funny.

3) Rondo

Give me a break you Rondo critics. Repeat after me: "Rajon Rondo is the man." Did you say it? Good.

He's young and extremely talented. The team suffers more when he's sidelined than anyone besides Garnett and Pierce. He's the single most important key to maintaining the tempo. He's a vital contributor to the team's early season awesomeness. Recently he missed a few games and is currently playing HURT. Keep developing him. Tough games now will be paid back later with playoff wins.

The kid's a future all star. The man I tell you! The man!

4) Damon and Sam

I'm not a big Damon Stoudamire guy. He's less selfish on the floor than he used to be, but is still a Damon-first point guard . He's also got Telfair disease on defense- too small and does not have Rondo arms to make up for it. I warned you about Telfair after the Portland trade. Well I'm warning you again. Overall, Damon probably won't give you more than Eddie House as a point.

5) Tony Allen

Also, floppy Tony Allen is just starting to come into his own, right on schedule. Recovery from knee surgery actually does take some time. Really. I don't know why anyone expected Tony to come out of training camp in top form. I also don't know why anyone thought he wouldn't improve (and will continue to improve) as the season goes on.

In other words Danny Ainge is doing the right thing by holding out for Sam Cassell or some other agreeable point guard. Sam's big, so he doesn't give away the farm against Billups. Sam's poised, so he'll keep his head in big games. Sam's a good guy too; he won't screw up the boulliabase.

5) Midseason blues

Are you feeling down because the Celtics are 6-4 in their last 10? Chin up there fella. Everything's fine. The Celtics are in a dip for temporary health reasons. Ray Allen is worn down. Keving Garnett is out. Posey missed some games. And Rondo who supercharges the whole team— we've already covered him. They'll all get better.

When they do, the Celtics will go back to obliterating people again and everyone will be as jovial as Bob Cousy.

6) Dallas

I've been looking forward to this next game since about Halloween. Nowitzki has been the bane of my brain since the Celtics barely missed out on him in the 1998 draft. Don't get me wrong— Paul Pierce is not exactly what you'd call a consolation prize, but big bad Dirk is someone the Celtics have never come close to matching up with...

...until now. Garnett easily cancels Dirk out, and maybe is a bit better. KG is a rare player that can challenge Dirk defensively. So here's hoping for some serious abdominal healing, because without Mr. Garnett the Celtics are in for a rough night, and with him it's probably the other way around.

7) Leon Powe and Glen Davis

If my calculations are correct, that makes three contributing undersized second-round widebody frontcourters for Danny Ainge in the past three years. It's great to see Davis and Powe tenderize the opposition at the same time. One grown man. One big baby. That's a lot of results no matter what age they might appear to be.

Throw in the fact that Perkins is starting to break himself of the bad habit of bringing the ball down before he shoots, and the Celtics are getting a lot of unexpected production from the three toros.

8) The Gerald Henderson Effect

The Gerald Henderson Effect is a simple thing. It goes like this: When you have a great team the trade value of marginal players skyrockets.

Back in the 80s Henderson was a pretty decent guard. But since he played with Bird, McHale, Parish, etc., he was perceived to be far better than he actually was. Red Auerbach took advantage of this and traded Gerald to Seattle for the second pick in the entire draft.

The same thing happened to Rick Robey. Robey wasn't very good, not to mention he kept Bird out in the bars all night; but because he played on such a great team his trade value was very high. He landed Dennis Johnson for the Celtics.

Keep this in mind over the next year or two, because guys who are currently 7 to 13 on the depth chart might eventually land amazing returns in a lopsided trade a la Mr. Henderson and Mr. Robey.

(Winning the title would greatly magnify the effect.)

9) Havlicek

Seeing John Havlicek in the stands of the Miami game gave me goosebumps. I wonder, did the people sitting around him even know who he was? That man was utterly unique in the history of this sport, and Hollinger-type robotic number crunching does not tell the tale of this terrific player. Havlicek was a great scorer and he was a great defender, but the best thing he did— the thing he did as well as anyone who has ever played, is control tempo and wear the opposition down. He sprinted non-stop. His whole game was aimed at making the other guy too tired to be effective in the 4th quarter, and WOW was he good at it. Ask former Senator Bradley.

10) Playoffs

Are you starting to peek at the standings with an eye toward playoff seeds yet? It's my firm belief that the Celtics will maintain their top position in the East. I also think Detroit will be second and Cleveland third, putting those two dangerous teams in the opposite bracket. The big question then is, who will be the 4-5 seeds? Right now it looks like some combination of Orlando, Washington and Toronto. However it goes, that will make for a high energy second round series between the Celtics and the survivor of that group.

Grenvy

2008-01-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

1) Big Baby

An NBA record was set Saturday night: Never before have so many people simultaneously pointed at their TVs and screamed the word "Baby!"

Taking a page from the Kendrick Perkins We-Shall-Not-Be-Moved school of defense, Glen Davis stymied Rasheed Wallace on one end of the floor while decimating the Pistons on the offensive side. With seven all stars sharing the court it was rookie Davis who stole the evening. His fast feet (also known as baby steps), superb hands and great use of bulk stunned the Pistons.

Time and again Paul Pierce drove the lane and dished to the rookie. Detroit, not believing what they were seeing, made no adjustments, continuing to over-cover the big three while leaving Glen Davis free to position himself under the basket.

The beautiful thing is: let the Pistons adjust. Next time the teams play they'll pay full attention to Big Baby, and when they do Garnett or Pierce or Allen will be left in single coverage.

Now it's Detroit that's uncertain.

2) Best Western

Which leads to this: I'm getting weary of hearing about how the Celtics haven't played the Suns, Mavs or Spurs. The Celtics are playing basketball on a level seen once every hoops epoch. The Spurs are a four time champion. They've earned the respect of being considered the ultimate test— but the Mavs and Suns? Those two franchises have as many rings as the Bobcats.

IMSO (In my swaggerly opinion) the Celtics are the best team in basketball. It's Dallas and Phoenix that have to prove themselves against Boston, NOT the other way around.

3) Grenvy

Around the nation and the world, followers of other teams have become increasingly bitter. They jealously claim Ainge was "handed" this team, or that the Celtics have had an easy schedule (see above), or blindly say that it won't last.

I have a word for this: Grenvy. It's what you get when you blend "Green" and "Envy." So next time you read someone sourly discounting the jaw-dropping resurgence of basketball's preeminent franchise, you don't have to respond. They're just grenvious.

4) Consider this:

I don't think there have been more than two games all year where all three of the trio grande have had great shooting nights on the same evening. Part of the reason is that Ray Allen still hasn't gotten his shot locked down yet, which is not to say Ray hasn't contributed to every win he's played in. (The Celtics beat Toronto and Milwaukee with one Allen tied behind their back.) Ray's defense has been FAR better than advertised. His savvy positioning on the court has played havoc with the opposition. They cannot lay off him.

I think his out of sync shooting is largely caused by the off-season surgery. When your ankles feel different it takes some time to adjust. That will happen— probably sooner rather than later. You can see how near he is to getting the stroke back. He's very close. It's just a matter of time.

Regardless, Ray Allen was a great throw-in in the Glen Davis trade.

5) Allen part deux

Tony Allen is coming around too. He's really been contributing recently.

The funny thing about Tony is he scares the hell out of fans of BOTH teams every time he has the ball. He's constantly swaying and jerking back and forth. You just can't predict whose heart he's going to break with his next movement. He's like that even in postgame interviews— swaying back and forth while answering questions. I keep reflexively reaching out toward the television to catch him.

Anyway, Tony Allen is the big wild card. If he keeps growing like this, he makes life a grenvious hell for other teams.

6) Why this will continue

The reason the record is no illusion is because it's based on defense. Offense comes and goes, but the D has been rock solid every game not played in Salt Lake City.

I'm not saying I expect the Celtics to maintain this other-worldly pace of winning. That would be close to impossible. But I expect their high level of energy and defense to continue. That should be enough to raise a tall crop of Ws by harvest time in April.

7) Open roster spots

We know the following:
*There are two open roster spots
*Brandon Wallace was let go because he couldn't help now.
*Though he's showed promise, Gabe Pruitt doesn't seem to be in the plans for this year.
*The Celtics could use a nifty back up point guard.
*Most importantly, there are plenty of disgruntled vets and cheap owners out there. The best combo that comes to mind is Donald Sterling and Sam Cassell. Sam is a buddy of Garnett, a good guy to have on any team, and wants out of the not-evil LA franchise.

Wouldn't it be nice if Reggie Lewis' old Baltimore protege ended up here?

7) Danny

Talk about doing no wrong... Every guy Danny Ainge brought in this off-season has contributed on a level ranging from pleasant surprise to league MVP. Pruitt, Davis, Pollard, House, Posey, Allen, Garnett. Not a dud in the bunch.

8) Tommy

Notice how the fomenting grenvy across America is so often vented at the greatest basketball broadcaster in the land? Thanks to League Pass, I never read comments on a Celtic game from opposing fans that don't include some anti-Tommy raving.

Don't these nice folks realize that the broadcasts are meant for us, and that they're just eavesdropping?

9) Speaking of which

It's great for all the Celtics broadcasters and long-time beat writers to get to cover this team after so many down years. Their lives must be more pleasant now. Of course in wishing the local press well I do not necessarily include every columnist from the Boston Globe, the last of whom finally acknowledged the true prominence of this team only after the recent west coast sweep.

Their opinions on Danny Ainge the last few years speak for themselves. Sometimes smart people can be so dumb.

10) Changing times

All this winning has led to steady Celtics talk during the heart of the Patriots run for undefeated immortality. You'd think there would be a green blackout until after the Uberbowl. But no. The Celtics are back, the buzz keeps building, and the new era has only just begun.

The Answer Is Yes

2008-01-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

1) The Answer

Up until now there have been lingering doubts. Around the country people were skeptical. They kept questioning different aspects of the new Celtics: The defense, the bench, Perkins and Rondo, chemistry, willingness to share the ball, the coaching, and lastly the schedule. One by one those questions have been dispensed with as resoundingly as the hapless Lakers.

Even within the great green nation people doubted, and why not? No one had seen this team before. No one was prepared for what would happen. No one, not even the most optimistic voices could have foreseen just how quickly and powerfully this team would come together.

This west coast sweep has done it. For the first time since the legendary squad of 1986, the Celtics returned from a west coast swing undefeated. Four games in five nights. They were pounded on, scratched, worn down, even tackled; but they passed every test.

The question is: "Is this a bonafide championship contender?"

The answer is yes.

2) Speaking of Coaching

Doc Rivers deserves enormous credit for these four wins. Going into the trip he decided not to uptempo, knowing that it would sap the team's energy and they wouldn't have enough juice to win the latter games. Instead they played deliberately on the offensive end, suffocated everyone but Utah and Delonte West with their defense, and just looked awesome. Kudos to Doc. (How come kudos always come in bunches? You never hear of someone getting only one kudo.)

Furthermore, in the final game the Los Angeles coach made what I thought was an obvious error. When Rondo went down I guessed Boston would lose (the first time I've thought that all year). It seemed so obvious that the Lakers would press the hell out of Tony Allen and Eddie House to keep the Celtics from maintaining any offensive flow. The Lakers never did it. They never used the press.

3) Detroit

With San Antonio banged up, right now the two best teams in basketball play in the East. That's correct.

The Pistons are very impressive. They are #1 in the league in scoring and #2 in limiting opponent's scoring— an amazing combination. (The Celtics are #6 and #1.) As of this moment, the Pistons point differential is 10.6, second only to the Celtics incredible 13.8. 12.3 is the all time record!

I can't help but look past Houston and Memphis to Saturday's rematch in Detroit. Regardless of the outcome of that game, these two teams will be angling for position all season. They appear to be relentlessly heading toward a collision in late May and only one thing can stop that from happening...

4) Cleveland

There is a third team that could challenge in the East. The Cavaliers have finally gotten their roster together and are just starting to search under the couch cushions for their mojo. After what they did last season Cleveland cannot be overlooked. A hot streak from LeBron can sink anyone.

Here's the important thing: The Celtics have a lead on Detroit right now but it's by no means insurmountable. Boston must maintain their #1 seeding. That could force the Cavs and Pistons to wear each other down in the Eastern semis. It's a huge advantage for any of these three teams to face only one of the other contenders instead of both. (I do expect the Cavs will finish with the third best record.)

A side note: I respect Orlando but think they're not ready yet.

5) Ray Allen

A beautiful thing has happened since Ray Allen rested. He's getting his stroke back. Oh my. Do people around the league realize that the Celtics are starting to play BETTER? With Ray Allen shooting like Ray Allen it's not even fair.

6) Paul Pierce

The contest in LA was one of the better two way games Pierce has ever played. He hit a bunch of big shots and channeled Walt Frazier on defense at the end of the third quarter. He's been amazing on defense all season. The great thing is that even after numerous all star appearances, you can see how much he's learning playing on this team. Kevin Garnett has been a gift from heaven (or Minnesota, I forget which) but Paul Pierce is the guy who has made big strides in his game.

7) Improvement

Between now and the playoffs I expect to see further improvement. Since the team's chemistry was so great out of the box, you might figure that was it. Nuh uh. The Celtics are continually improving. Roles are becoming more defined, Rondo is on a rapid learning curve (via Mark Murphy in the Herald: ZERO turnovers on the west coast for Rajon!) and the team is just maintaining a remarkable level of dedication. They NEVER take a game off.

I'm biased, but feel that in springtime if both the Celtics and Pistons are playing their best, the Celtics take them.

8) But...

Tommy Heinsohn also said on the postgame after the win in LA, that this Celtic team is still learning: They still have not seen all the critical situations that must be mastered to win a title. (Yes I love this team so much I stayed up to 1:30 AM to hear every word of the postgame show.) Tommy's right. There are obstacles along the way. But every time you hear any member of the Celtics speak, whether it be KG, Pierce, or Doc, they always have exactly the right attitude: "We haven't done anything yet." "We're taking one game at a time." "We're just working on getting better."

It's so beautiful, I think I've passed on to some other-worldly realm...

9) New Era

...I mean here it is New Year's Day— Happy New Year everyone! —and the Celtics have two more wins than they had all of last season. I still cannot completely figure out how this was pulled off. Do you notice Danny Ainge is hardly ever seen or heard from this year? No one's talking much about him. I guess GMs are like refs: you know they're doing a great job when they're not the topic of conversation.

10) That Record

According to my calculations, 35-18 the rest of the way breaks that all time year to year win improvement mark.

Power rankings

2007-12-17T18:24:00.000-08:00

I didn't want to title this post "Power Rankings By Gant." That sounds too disturbingly Wade Boggsish, talking about myself in the third person...

Traditional Power rankings need a jump start. Let's face it, the
parameters are old and tired: An esteemed journalist ranks the teams from 1-30, fans argue, repeat. Snooze. So I'm going to experiment and rank teams according to strength on the one hand as everyone else does; but unlike everyone else, I'll actually admit I'm completely biased and put teams where I want them.

Here we go:

1) Boston Celtics. 20-2. Last week (first): The Celtics are the
best defensive team in the league. They have the best record in the
league. They are morally and ethically superior. Their basketball
prowess is unmatched. Everyone in the organization is witty,
handsome, and warm-hearted. Every decent human being loves them. They have great broadcasters. They have the best GM and coach in the league. Their trainer walks through the snow for pizza. Like the team, their fans are uniformly attractive, intelligent, and innately good.

2) Nobody. I just wanted to put some distance between Boston and
the next team.

3) San Antonio. 18-5. Last week (unranked): The Duncan swipers
parlayed one little bit of luck into four titles. Despite having
some talented likable players and a great recent history, there's
very little chance of them rising above the #3 position in these
rankings regardless of the outcome of any future games.

4) Detroit. 17-7. Last week (unranked): They rank extra high
because these guys dismantled the Laker title run a few years back.
They're skilled, poised and professional. They can beat any team on
a given night, but are henceforth doomed to fall short of any pending
finals appearances due to the awesome irresistible might of the
reborn Boston Celtics.

5) Phoenix. 17-7. Last week (unranked): They play like the old
Tommy Heinsohn coached Celtics— flying up the floor, fastbreaking off free throws and made baskets. But unlike Tommy's teams they don't play great defense. They get an A for reminding me of the old Celtics, and a D for not being the old Celtics.

6) Orlando. 17-8 and dropping. Last week (unranked): They've got
Dwight Howard. Man he's good. But the Magic have been falling recently. They're the only team in the league to beat the Celtics and not lose to them (a situation to be remedied this coming Sunday).

7) Dallas. 16-9. Last week (unranked): The thought of Texas makes
me so unhappy these last seven years... I should really rank them
lower for all that extracurricular stuff going on in our nation's
capitol, but it's probably not the Mavericks' fault. This has been
an extremely well-coached team for many seasons. No rings though.
This year? Uh uh, no ring again.

8) New Orleans: 15-9. Last week (unranked): You gotta love Chris
Paul. Plus you gotta feel for the great city of Louis Armstrong and
Sidney Bechet. In fact, they probably should be ranked like 4th just
because of the music, but their frontcourt isn't nearly as good as
their point guard or horn section.

9) Minnesota. Record- undisclosed. Last week (unranked): They've
got Big Al! They've got Gerald and Gomes! They beat Phoenix! I
love the Timberwolves! I have not seen their season record, but
whatever it is, it will not affect Minnesota's power rank. Please no
one email it to me; I don't want to know. I'm shutting my eyes and
covering my ears. "La la la la la."

10) Good Milwaukee. 10-0. Last week (unranked): This team is
undefeated. When they win they beat everybody. I miss Earl Boykins
though.

11) Denver. 14-10. Last week (unranked): Wow, this is one strange
conglomeration of fine basketball talent running wild. They're
great; they're good; they're fair; they suck. They're
inconsistent. ...not a tremendous formula for playoff success.

12) Utah. 14-11. Last week (unranked): They get a slight boost for
sharing a D-league team with the Celtics. Utah is a beautiful
place. Their lake is salty.

13) Washington. 13-10. Last week (unranked): No Arenas. Too bad
because I loved Gilbert when he talked a lot and backed it up. But
guess what? I love Gilbert when he talks a lot and doesn't back it
up too! Get well soon Gil. In the meantime the team's doing pretty
well.

14) Golden State. 13-11. Last week (unranked): Remember when Don Nelson used Manute Bol as a 3 point specialist? He does a lot of things that go beyond "creative." I think maybe Don takes the old
Celtic style, draws up a bunch of plans on the blackboard, and then
drops some acid before each game. His 1969 finals game seven shot
that bounced straight up and dropped down through the rim crushing
the Laker's hopes is just about the greatest moment in the history of
the sport.

15) Indiana. 12-12. Last week (unranked): Once again Jim O'Brien
wrings every last win out of his talent, but this time it's not
completely insane looking. Good for him and Larry. Oh and God bless
Jamaal Tinsley and Jermaine O'Neal. There's something very likable
about both those guys, isn't there?

16) Houston. 12-12. Last week (unranked): You look at Yao Ming
and you just shake your head in awe— and I'm not even talking about
basketball. I mean I saw a little of the Houston-Dallas game this
week and Yao makes 7 foot wide-body Dampier look like a little kid.
You throw in McGrady and you'd think this team would be like 24-0.
Nope.

17) Cleveland. 10-14. Last week (unranked): They've just gotten
their guys back. They've got you-know-who. As everybody in the East
found out last year, this is a really scary team to have to face in
the playoffs. Still, 10-14? You guys suck so far.

18) Chicago. 8-13. Last week (unranked): They've got depth. Oh
my yes. Such depth. The preseason champs-on-paper have fallen short record-wise to this point. They could make the playoffs though. Really, I mean it.

19) Portland. 12-12. Last week (unranked): They're on a hot
streak. They're young. They're good. They're doing without
Aldridge and Oden right now. Since I don't know how this is
happening, I'm dropping them 4 positions. (I love being in charge of
the rankings.)

20) Atlanta. 11-12. Last week (unranked): I'm really glad the
Hawks are doing so much better. I always felt like Sally Struthers
should do a charitable infomercial for them in past seasons. Is the
ownership thing straightened out yet? Does anyone know? Or care?

21) Philly. 10-14. Last week (unranked): They rise 4 positons for
being feisty. Cripes, if they weren't so morally upright and would
just tank a few seasons, they could turn this thing around.

22) Jersey. 10-14. Last week (unranked): What a weird vibe this club
has. They've got winners and they've got whiners. No their big 3 is
not nearly nearly nearly as good as our big 3. Their successful era
has just ended and they haven't made the next move yet.

23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) Clippers, Sacramento, Charlotte, Seattle,
Memphis, and Miami. 9-14, 9-14, 8-14, 7-18, 7-16, 6-17. Last week
(unranked) : All of you are such a bitter disappointment to me. The
old Chris Wallace magic is working in Memphis.

29) Bad Milwaukee. 0-13. Last week (unranked): This team has yet
to win. When they lose they can't beat anybody. I like Yi long term.

30) New York. 7-16. Last week (unranked): I fear Isiah is going to
lose his job and hope this does not happen because I love him in New York. I got your back Zeke.

31) Toronto. 14-11. Last week (unranked): I actually like the
Raptors a lot, but their online fans are so out-of-control I thought
I'd needle them a bit by putting Toronto here.

32) Lakers. 14-9. Last week (last): The Lakers are an organization
dedicated to pure evil. They will not rest until they have
obliterated everything good and decent from the face of the Earth.
For now their nefarious plans have been derailed.
How come no one else was swift enough to draft Bynum before the 10th pick in 2005?

Date of next rankings: never.

Quiet Joy

2007-12-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

Less Griping, Less Typing

There's a strange counterintuitive phenomenon taking place. Before the season started I expected activity on Celtic boards to grow with the team's winning percentage. If anything the opposite seems to be happening.

Take a look at Celtic forums around the web. With the team great again, you'd anticipate a fury of activity; thousands of new voices being heard; an avalanche of green-tinted posts and opinions. Unexpectedly just the opposite appears to be taking place. So far the busiest Celtic discussion groups seem slower. The team's phenomenal early season success has had a deadening effect on online banter.

This is all very unscientific and is based only on my own foggy perception, but it sure seems real...
You may well ask- How come?

I have 10 theories:

1) The Inertia of Bliss

Happy fans are just sitting back and enjoying this.
People are just not moved to type, "The team sure looks good."
Or to respond, "Yup. They sure do."

2) Nattering Nabobs Are Hushed

Do you hear those squeaky wheels? Not too much anymore. Most of the formerly negative voices have come over to the light side of the force. Welcome!

3) So Are The Pathological

As for the rest- well even crazy people generally don't want to appear crazy. (As a side note, you can tell who these nice folks are because they generally start off saying "I was right all along, BUT..." or they're still just going along same as ever— steadfastly criticizing the rotations, management, or searching for imaginary character flaws instead of enjoying success.)

4) Serial Traders Are On Vacation

Why propose moving a guy out when he's helping the team win? ...and everybody seems to be helping the team win.

5) What College Game?

No one's talking about the 2008 draft. Last year at this time I was watching every Ohio State game I could. This year, I know there's some guy named Beasley and some guy named Rose out there, but I've never seen them play and probably won't until midwinter.

6) Pink Hatters Aren't Joining Up

Would you? You come into a place where people are saying things like: "Have you seen Rondo's rising mid-range hot zones?" "Glen Davis has an incredible PER." You've got fanatics discussing every arcane statistical and historical detail of the sport— it's probably intimidating to hesitant pink toppers at the entryway.

7) Basketball Viewing of the Diehards Has Changed

A lot of folks who previously posted in game threads have bought season tickets and are now cheering in person. Others are watching Ray Allen with bandwagon jumping friends instead of brooding alone with Allan Ray. When you watch with flesh and blood others, you probably post less.

8) Green Discussion Has Spread To New Places

Though the Celtic talk has subsided a bit on our own boards, it's exploded everywhere else. Celtic fanatics who have huddled together in the darkness for years are now boldly going forth and interacting with fans of other teams.

9) Nobody Disagrees

There's no controversy. We all like... well, we all like everything. Who wants to talk about that?!?

10) It's All New

Unlike previous great teams, this one is so unknown. This is a group that no one had seen before. They didn't just add one or two key guys. Instead it was pretty much a full roster makeover. So final conclusions are slow to arrive since we're seeing each situation for the first time.

I do not expect the mass silence to continue. When the playoffs loom there will be an explosion of activity. There will be a cacophony of joyful online noise— the first great green eruption of the internet era. The Celtics had one of the worst records in the league last season. Now they're a leading title contender.

We're all adjusting.

10 things about Orlando, Sherpas, and the rotation

2007-11-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

1) Orlando

Have you been reading the Orlando box scores? The faint of heart should probably move to the next paragraph because what I'm about to tell you is something so disturbing that it may cause irreversible trauma: Stan Van Gundy has recently been playing his main guys close to 40 minutes per game! Shocking but true.

This is the most outrageously reckless act I have ever heard of. Is he insane? Doesn't the Magic coach realize that playing key players long minutes in consecutive games is incredibly dangerous? Doesn't Coach Van Gundy realize that playing starters for (gasp!) 39 minutes can cause an explosive chain reaction that could obliterate virtually all life from the face of the Earth?

It's happened before. Remember Vincent Price? Remember Charlton Heston?

Please Stan Van Gundy. Keep us safe. Rest your starters. Play Pat Garrity. (Oh yeah, the Magic DID win those two games against top teams.)

2) Rivalry

Orlando and Boston had a nice little contest the other night. It almost made me remember how furious a REAL rivalry can feel- because this is no such thing. It was just a contested game. At various times in history the Celtics have had authentic rivalries with opponents like the Knicks, Sixers and the evil Lakers. Those games were so intense it made you have a physical reaction for days before and days after. If the Celtics won everyone felt euphoric. If they lost, all you felt was a focused desire for revenge. The vile bitterness built and built and lasted for years. What lighthearted fun.

I bring this up because I realize that younger Greeniacs have never experienced the powerful emotions of a true rivalry. That's because they've never seen great Celtic basketball. Oh maybe people thought they felt some mild emotion aimed at New Jersey a few years ago or with Indiana a while before that; but those weren't rivalries— that was just a couple of clubs accidentally bumping into each other.

When the real thing comes along, you'll know it.

3) Stan n' Pat

Orlando does look very good . They've got the monster in the middle and stingers on the wings. They're well coached too. Don't get too attached to Stan Van Gundy though. If the Magic ever do look like they're serious title contenders, won't Pat Riley somehow try to chloroform Stan and steal his job again? What's that you say, Bodyfat Pat can't do it this time? Perhaps not, but if I were Mr. Van Gundy I'd hire some husky ex-mercenary bodyguards from the Happiest Place On Earth just in case.

4) The History of Film

Bear with me on this one.
In the 19th century two rich guys who were also horse racing aficionados had a disagreement. One of them claimed that while racing there were times when all four of a thoroughbred's hooves left the ground at the same time. The other rich guy said this was impossible. Basically they argued over whether horses ever flew. So they made a sizable wager.

How to prove it? They found an enterprising photographer who set up a series of still cameras at ground level along the sidelines of a racetrack. He attached fragile invisible wires across the track from each camera. When the horses galloped by they tripped the wires and created a series of photos. When these photos were viewed in sequence they revealed that horses did at times completely leave the ground. Horses did fly.

I was reminded of all his while watching Ray Allen move around the court. He seems to glide just like those horses- wisely expending energy. At times his feet seem like they're barely touching the floor.

5) Sixth Man

Speaking of Ray Allen— my inner rotation manager (do you have one of those?) keeps suggesting that Ray ought to be this team's 6th man.

The reasons:
It would cut down the potentially catastrophic planet-killing minutes problem.
It would bring enormous firepower off the bench while still leaving the starters with plenty of ammo.
It works really well in San Antonio with Ginobili.
If Havlicek and McHale could do it, why not Ray?
You would still end the game with the big 3 on the floor.

Who would start? House, Tony Allen or Posey? Probably Posey. Eh, I go back and forth on this. Maybe it's crazy.

...actually since this idea is coming from a voice in my head, it likely is crazy and therefore should be treated with powerful prescription drugs made by giant pharmaceutical companies. It's our new national tradition- just say "No" to drugs and "Yes" to medication. God bless America.

Wait, did I get off topic? I'll fix that with a little thought about Sherpas:

6) Sherpas

Celtic TV Ratings are up. There's lots more local and national coverage, more ticket sales, more buzz. But when times were dark (like say the last few years) who was watching the team? Who was keeping the flame burning? You were! Yes I do mean you- anyone reading this now -the hardcore greenhearts.

You're like Sherpas; those dedicated guys that walk up Mt. Everest lugging someone else's gear. Anyone who stuck by this franchise when times were hard should be congratulated. If anything great happens this season, you deserve it. How the hell did you ever walk up that enormous mountain? No matter what else happens, be sure to fully enjoy this season. You deserve it, you hearty bunch of Tenzing Norgays.

7) Kevin n' Paul

I really like the postgame dual press conferences hosted by Garnett and Pierce. Talking to reporters is obligatory so they take on the task together. It makes for a fun dynamic as the two pass questions back and forth. I've heard Garnett isn't crazy about talking to the esteemed fourth estate after games and this twin presser is the result. Good entertainment.

Funny though— for someone who supposedly doesn't like such things, Kevin Garnett is great at it. His way of thinking and speaking is fascinating.

8) 36

Many pointed out after I asked last week that it was the 1997-98 San Antonio Spurs who had the greatest increase in wins from one season to the next. 36. They were led by David Robinson who had returned from missing the most of the previous year with injury and rookie (ugh) Tim Duncan.

There's an enchanted symmetry going on here. Wouldn't it be fitting if this Celtics team went 61-21 and broke the record?

Wait, don't answer yet. There's more: Doc Rivers' career coaching record going into this season was 273-312, or 39 games under .500. A 61-21 record would make him 334-333.

It just seems so meant-to-be.

9) Rondo crunching revisited

This summer I wrote a thing about Rondo's rising shooting ability. Though he was barely over 40% last season in fg%, once he got regular minutes and started, he shot 47.3%. A steep upward trend. This year he's in the high 50's.

I'm glad the Celtics have not yet gotten a vet point. It gives Rondo a chance to grow more quickly. He's more than the future at point. He's the point right now. If they want to get Cassell or someone like that at the trade deadline, great. In the meantime let Rondo continue to grow.

Unexpected: Rondo's defense which was his trademark has been uneven so far though. He tries to angle his man off too much and go for the steal instead of staying in front of the guy. It's easily correctible, and Doc pointed it out this week so the mistake is being fixed as we speak.

Soon everyone will pay for doubting Rondo. Oh how they will pay.

10) Golden State

Another 20 point win. Another night of great defense. Another night of great offense. Another night of great rebounding. Everything is right with the world.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody.

10 things for those who have seen no losses

2007-11-15T09:18:00.000-08:00

1) Garnett

I'm no Phi Beta Cappuccino.

I thought I knew something about this game. I was wrong. I did not even come close to realizing how great Kevin Garnett is.

All through the summer Sean Grande TOLD us how great Garnett was. He TOLD us we didn't understand, that we had to watch him play day in and day out. He TOLD us about the metahuman intensity. But did we listen? No we did not. We were too busy watching the Red Sox, drinking delicious icy beverages, going on picnics, and partaking of other carefree warm weather frivolities. I shake my head.

Back to the point— I've watched plenty of Garnett over his career, but apparently not enough to realize just how furiously he plays, how well he passes, or even how dominant a rebounder he is.

I'm dumb. I'm no Magna Cum Latte.

2) Larry and Max

Garnett is great, however let's not take it too far. I didn't hear it but apparently Cedric Maxwell said Garnett was better than Larry Bird. Huh? What the hey? I remember a couple of years ago Max said Nowitzki was better than Bird.

I don't know if Maxwell was kidding, needling Larry, or serious. All I do know is this: If the statement was serious, it was SO incorrect. And if the statement was a joke, it was a bad one. You DO NOT poke Larry Bird. You just don't. It's a bad move on so many levels.

3) Tinsley

I don't know who despises Jamaal Tinsley more, Celtic fans or (judging by their half-empty arena) Pacer fans. That wallop on the Pierce's head by the pathological point guard was ill-advised as it sent Mr. Truth on a rampage of vengeance which ended any Indiana hopes for a victory.

What I found fascinating about that sequence were Paul's push ups. Instead of emotionally reacting to Tinsley's cheap shot, Paul threw himself on to the free throw line and did a couple of push ups to calm himself down.

Later he said this unusual tactic came out of a preseason conversation with Kevin Garnett. Apparently Paul was upset about an incident in the Knicks game, and Garnett told him to do whatever it took to gain control of himself— do some push ups, blow off some steam, and move on. So Pierce literally did. As Doc Rivers said postgame (from Steve Bulpett's article in the Herald), "“This is such an emotional game,” he said. “I know you remember the whole playoff thing, so he was doing everything he could to control his emotions. That to me is what he was doing. He wasn’t trying to put on a show, (but) it’s the strangest damn thing I’ve ever seen.”

I was impressed. It takes a lot to turn a dirty play like that into positive energy. It shows incredible self control and maturity, and more importantly it bodes very well for this team come playoff time.

4) Minutes

I don't want to diminish the legitimate concerns many Celtic onlookers have about the big three's big minutes. In fact I don't really want to talk about it at all since I think that's premature. Instead I just want to say that this reminds me of the 1980's when Celtic fans saw so few losses that they used to get down when the team simply did not win the way they expected.

This is great! Undefeated. Best team in the league (yes). And the issue is style points. I love it.

5) Danny the Drafter

The Celtics would have taken Yi. Danny avoided admitting as much but Doc said it. Yi looks great. The alternate universe resulting from keeping the 5th pick would have been rewarding too. Jefferson/Yi /Pierce (or whoever they might have traded Paul for) would have been fun to watch for many years. Maybe not as great as what Pierce/Allen/Garnett have shown, but that would be good path to travel too.
The moral of the story is, when you have a gifted GM you have confidence and a real future.

6) The Building Fear of the Unbelievers

Remember this?:
The Celtics won't win because the big 3 are too old.
The Celtics won't win because they need time to gel.
The Celtics won't win because they won't share the ball.
The Celtics won't win because their defense is terrible (Ha, my favorite— best in the league terrible.)
The Celtics won't win because of their coach.
The Celtics won't win because of Rondo and Perkins.
The Celtics won't win because they have no bench.
The Celtics won't win because Pierce, Allen, and Garnett came from losing teams.

Now frustrated pagans who fear of the Green are running to deeper fallback positions: "The Celtics won't CONTINUE to win. They've had an easy schedule."

Please. The combined record of the Celtics' opponents has been seriously damaged because Boston has beaten every one of them. Obviously this pace can't continue indefinitely but the team hasn't even hit its stride yet in terms of how well they can play. This is exciting. Perhaps even darned exciting.

7) OBieball

Watching the Pacers brought on a few unpleasant flashbacks. To put it mildly I never liked the three point offense, though I did notice the Pacers shooting was much less reliant on the three pointer than expected.

Still it brought back a memory: When the OB Celtics were shooting endlessly from downtown, Tommy Heinsohn, high priest of the running game, hated it. He never said so but early on when he broadcast those games, he often sighed and remarked, "Live by the three, die by the three."
That only lasted a very brief period and was soon amended to, "Live by the three. (Shrug) Live by the three."

I think Tommy likes Jim OBrien personally and didn't want to criticize his philosophy too much. Anyway, sorry to bring it up at all.

8) Swagger Update

I notice some folks haven't got this swagger thing completely mastered yet. In pregame threads on various Celtic forums, many people are expressing a bit of dismay at certain match ups. Ease your troubled mind. Yes the Celtics will lose now and then but personally I go into every game KNOWING they're going to win. There's no place for doubts this season. Thinking championship is the first step to getting one.

9) A Suggestion

On the home game broadcasts when they do tight crowd shots I often ask myself, "I wonder if that guy posts online. Maybe I know him from RealGM or Celticsblog."

Here's what I think should happen (Please don't tell me it's not realistic.) During fan close-ups Comcast should put a graphic onscreen revealing the person's online screen name. Great idea huh?

You could look at the television and say, "Hey there's johnnybanner17! There's piercedanny! There's maineceltsguy! I know him. I know that guy!! Hmm, I didn't think he'd look like that."

Wouldn't that be entertaining?

10) Undefeated

Earlier I spoke about an alternate universe. Often I think THIS is actually the alternate universe. I read the standings and see the Celtics on top of the league. I mean how did this happen? They were 24-58 last season.

Somebody must know- what's the all time record for greatest increase in wins from one season to the next? Because whatever it is that record is in serious jeopardy.

Bonus thing) Since the beginning of preseason, with all 5 starters playing the Celtics are 11-0.

10 things with the season underway

2007-11-08T21:44:00.000-08:00

Whoa what a performance that was. 3-0 baby. You don't usually see a game decided that early, but the Nuggets just got skewered. When the normally skeptical Bob Cousy is all sunshine and flower petals you know it was a great night.

This is just going to be a fantastic year. Anyway, here's 10 things to ponder:

1) The Nutmeg Jinx

Now that the team is good again, do you ever wonder why they were so bad for so long? It could have been due to more than just mismanagement— likely all that losing was directly caused by the greatly underpublicized Nutmeg Jinx. Well, here and now I'm lifting the information blackout on this pernicious curse.

In the 1989-90 season the Boston Celtics played their final regular season game in Hartford, Connecticut. For many years the Celtics had used Hartford as a satellite home site, hosting a few games there each year. After that season the team pulled out, never to return again. Little did they realize that in doing so they awakened powerful and angry spirits from their neighboring state, because from that time forward the Celtics played consistently bad basketball. That is until now.

So what happened to diffuse the hex? Actually it was very simple: this June the Celtics traded for UCONN luminary Ray Allen, and in a single moment the great jinx of Connecticut vanished. The Seattle deal served as an instant exorcism. Since the draft day trade nothing has gone wrong for the team. It opened the door for Kevin Garnett...

2) Value Added

...and it added guys like Eddie House, Scot Pollard, and James (3 point dagger) Posey for "free" (free- meaning no picks or players were given up to get these guys). With the vindictive spirits of Hartford placated, the CT Jinx turned upside down. Once Allen and KG arrived lots of players suddenly wanted to follow. In essence the Celtics traded Jefferson, Gomes, West, Szczerbiak, Green, a bunch of empty shells, and a few picks for Garnett, Posey, Pollard, House, Glen Davis, and the jinx-busting talisman himself, Ray Allen.

In case you're wondering— No, Travis Knight doesn't count and Vin Baker doesn't count either. They only made the Nutmeg spirits even more irate. Only the pure Huskie goodness of Ray Allen could break the wicked spell.

3) Double Teams and Title Dreams

Quality is great. You obviously need it to win a title, but if you get quality AND quantity something magical happens. (Hey this is another "value added" subject. I think there's a theme going.)

The Celtics have three uberstars. That opens up a world of possibilities over having only one or two top players. For example, if you're Houston the opposition can double team McGrady or Yao whenever they want. There's always a lesser player to sag off. With Boston it's not possible. It's just a matter of numbers. You need six defenders to double team three guys at once, and according to close interpretation of the NBA rulebook, having six players on the floor at one time is illegal.

Wait there's more: When one of your three is Kevin Garnett, you don't HAVE to double team on the defensive end yourself. Think about Dallas or San Antonio. They love having you double team Nowitzki or Duncan, because it tears huge holes in your defense. But Garnett can play either of those formidable Texans straight up. With Garnett doing his thing, the team defense remains intact, and because of that Boston could beat those guys. Yes I said it.

4) The Fork In The Road

What if the Celtics kept the 5th pick? I mean aside from still having the Nutmeg Jinx in full raging operation, this would have remained a young, developing team.
Personally, I can't quite let go of the old-young guys. I find myself checking the box scores from every Supersonics and Timberwolves games to see how Al, Ryan, Delonte and Gerald are doing. I saw Minnesota fall just short against the Knicks and thought, "That very easily could have been us." I bet there are plenty of other Celtics fans with a compulsive thing for Seattle and Minnesota.

5) That Old Time Feeling

It's SOOOooo great to be hated again. Everywhere you go on the internet, people hate the Celtics. Ancient animosities have been reawakened and new ones have been born. It's just like the good old days! In this league you can tell you have a team when everyone despises you. I'm so happy.

6) Bad Breaks, Who Cares?

For many years if anything went wrong in a game, the Celtics lost. This year even if a lot of bad things happen, the Celtics can still win. In Toronto they faced a good team, on the road, who had been playing fabulously. Pierce had an off night. Three starters got into severe foul trouble. Rondo had his worst game ever. Guess what? They won anyway! They overcame everything and made their own breaks. That's what winning teams do.

7) Paul Pierce's Hidden Value

(More value added.) One reason Shaq's teams historically have won big was that despite his own atrocious free throw shooting, he always drew so many fouls. As a result his club regularly got into the free throw bonus early in most quarters. This allowed his teammates to get many extra foul shots.

The same is true of Paul Pierce. He draws so many fouls driving to the basket that this Celtics team will benefit in the same way. It's a huge advantage. Don't forget, free throwing should be an enormous strength now with sharpshooters like Ray Allen, Eddie House and others aboard.

8) Doc's Altered Role

Since Doc River's arrived he's mostly had a very young team and has spent much of his energy during every game, teaching. During timeouts you'd always see him pulling a young player aside and explaining what he did right or wrong. This year with the tadpoles mostly bench-bound, Doc has been coaching, not just educating.

9) Your Reward Is Fluff

Another sign that the team has arrived: Comcast has added a fluffy magazine show on the Celtics. Um- woohoo? I would file this under the category of: Harmless.
By the way, I thought Laura Behnke did very well filling in for Gary Tanguay last Sunday. (I mean its not like Gary is a great student of the game, being distracted all the time by the baseball and football guys.) All any host has to do on that pregame show is toss scripted questions to Donny Marshall and "send it back to Mike and Tommy." Still, good for her.

10) People I Wish Were Alive To See This Season:

Red Auerbach, Johnny Most (no disrespect to Sean Grande, but I'd LOVE to hear Johnny calling this team's games), Dennis Johnson, and Doc River's dad. It's a shame Grady Rivers couldn't have stuck around one more year to watch his son really succeed as a coach.

A Trade Too Far

2007-11-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

A Trade Too Far

There's virtually no chance of Boston trading for Kobe, but recent rumors have vaguely connected the Celtics to the temperamental one. That's one wacky notion. I mean who came up with this idea, Salvador Dali? Even though it's far-fetched, the mind has been sent spinning so here we go:

Trading Shaq to Miami hasn't worked out too well, has it? The entire backdrop of Laker championships is based on flagrant larceny of other cities' giant centers. They weaseled Wilt from Philadelphia, kleptoed Kareem from Milwaukee, and shuttled Shaq out of Orlando. (Plus they moved Mikan's banners from Minneapolis.) Only after having their pilfered behemoth in tow did the the diabolical purple and gold ever succeed. So when they traded away Mr. O'Neal instead of Mr. Bryant they went against their entire sordid history.
...and now they're paying the price.

Kobe wants out. The Lakers want something substantial back. Many teams have been linked to these stories including Boston. Oh I'm sure Danny Ainge has spoken to Mitch Kupchak. In fact I'm sure everybody has talked to everybody about everybody at one time or another, but I highly doubt any Celtic/Laker discussions regarding Kobe Bryant have ever gotten serious.

First off the Lakers would want too much. It would start with Paul Pierce and then you'd have to add at least Rajon Rondo, if not Rondo AND Ray Allen. That's too high a cost for someone with so much potential for instability. I could see LA going for it because they're not going to get anything better, but Boston has no urgent need to make that swap.

Let's just be patient here and see what the Celtics have. A trade like this could easily be one too many. Let the Lakers do whatever they will. While Boston is testing the parameters of their new might, the disintegration in Los Angeles will be an entertaining sideshow.

There's another lesson in all this: If any of you are thinking of betting your franchise on a volatile, unpredictable, high-strung fellow, please remember to NOT give him a trade veto.

...I almost forgot to add: Heh heh heh.

No Second Unit

From Mark Spear's article in the 10/31 Globe: "Rivers hopes Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce will play fewer than 40 minutes per game, but would like at least two on the floor at all times, and one 'is almost mandatory.'"

Very good. There will very rarely be five subs playing together at the same time, not until the game is determined. That means the worst team the Celtics will ever have on the floor this season will be equal to the best team they ever had on the floor in 06-07. If things get hairy for the back-ups, you just reinsert another all star. Isn't life grand?

If you're the coach and you need to turn to someone resting on the bench and say, "Get in there and change the momentum," who would you rather it be: Ray Allen or Allan Ray? That's last year versus this year in a nutshell.

Scheduled In Advance

Before the lottery, I think the league might have had "San Antonio and Duncan versus Whoever Gets Oden" pencilled in as the season's introductory game. Fate wrecked that tantalizing debut and so the first game of the season was the powerful Spurs against the talented but not-yet-ready Oregonians. I'm sure if they had it to do over again it would have been SA/Boston.
LaMarcus Aldridge sure looked good offensively though.

Eastern Teams Worth Eyeballing...

...as far as how they match up with the Celtics. I'm not too worried about Orlando no matter how good Dwight Howard looks, because Perkins routinely seems to be able to slow him down. Cleveland has big problems. Miami might be good enough, but they have those health issues. I don't worry about Jersey or Washington because our big three are bigger than their big three. (So there.)

Until Miami stops limping, here are the teams I think match up well against the Celtics and could give them problems on any given night: Detroit, Chicago, and Toronto.

Detroit is polished, about as good as ever, and when they click they can beat anyone.
Chicago is one of the very few teams that has hope of covering Pierce and Ray Allen straight up, one on one. Deng has always bothered Pierce, and the same for Hinrich on Allen. Still Kevin Garnett has historically shredded the Bulls, so unless Tyrus Thomas and Noah develop quickly, Boston should still have a big advantage inside. Boston against Chicago is my co-most-anticipated contest, along with San Antonio.
Toronto, with their outside shooting is just one of those quirky teams that can clobber you when they're hitting from long range. Bargnani is really hard to cover out there, and Bosh takes Garnett's attention leaving the sharpshooting Italian free to hoist them at will. Like Chicago they're young and deep. They're not finalist level yet, but the Raptors are worth watching.

Add a vigorous Miami and there are four or five teams that could come out of the East. The only guarantee for the Celtics this season is the one they forge themselves. This will be fun— maybe 1950's, 60's, 70's and 80's caliber fun.

A Modest Man

Danny Ainge has spent a lot of time answering big 3 questions, contrasting the new trio to the legendary 80s troika. Again and again he's stated that Larry, Kevin and Robert had great help, citing DJ, Sichting, Maxwell, Walton and Wedman, while never mentioning a certain #44.

The modesty is admirable but c'mon Danny, knock it off. You were hell on wheels yourself. We can only wish the current team had circa 1986 Danny Ainge playing on it.

Oh Yeah, There Was A Game Friday Night

Ooooh, very nice. With numerous Celtic greats looking on, the new Green Machine smoked Washington. The Celtics were poised and powerful.

Doc River's rotation patterns were flawless, resting Pierce early, then inserting him back in with the subs to lead the second quarter charge. Scot Pollard didn't have his wind but he did still have his height, sparing Garnett from going it alone down low while Perkins sat. Rondo was brought back in at just the right moment to control the pace. The few times the Wizards did manage to capture the some momentum, Doc squashed it with a timeout. Pierce sliced, Ray Allen glided, Garnett thundered, and the raucous Garden crowd went home satisfied.

The scary thing is, I thought the Celtics only scraped the surface of how good they can be.

Preseason wrap up

2007-10-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

With all the exhibition games done, the Celtics final preseason record is 4 wins, 3 losses, and 1 Worcester. The general sense of euphoria that recently saturated the great nation of Greenistan was moderated briefly after the visit to Gotham and Jersey. Many Greenistanis became restless. They questioned themselves: “How is my depth? What happens if the other team presses my vulnerable back up point guard? My chest is pounding. I’m having trouble breathing. Where is my back up big man? Will help be coming soon?”

All good topics for thought, especially difficulty breathing.

Hey, It’s preseason. The team was 4-0 playing their starters. Let the real games begin. Two quick wins and everybody will be flying high. Two quick losses and there will be widespread despair. That’s just human nature.
My unsolicited advice: Gently down the stream. It’s many months to springtime.

The Celtics do need another big person. Danny Ainge saw what you and I saw. As we speak he’s working on acquiring another exceedingly large individual.

In the meantime Kendrick Perkins’ hamstring remains #1 on the most watched muscles list. If Perkins is healthy, then Garnett can stay at power forward; no one can use brawnyball on Boston; the interior defense and rebounding is fortified; and the Celtics will win as they should. But if Perkins is out teams can take advantage of Boston inside as the Knicks did in Madison Square Garden.

* Here’s another important factor to keep in mind at season’s start— Do you recall how exceptionally good Phoenix was last year? Well remember this- they started really REALLY slow. They got Euroed, suffering a debilitating case of communal jet lag and began last year 1-5. It took them a month to feel normal.

For this reason only, I don’t like the overseas exhibitions. I would not be shocked to see Boston start out fairly slowly as well.

* I’m highly optimistic about this season, but as long as I’m complaining, here’s everything else I don’t like right now:

1) I have mixed feelings about the new Comcast Gary Tanguay/Donny Marshall studio. It should be green. Blue? What is this the Knicks pregame set?

2) I don't like this unoffical "Big Three" ban. Tommy Heinsohn was saying "Big Three” before sinister forces seemingly got to him. GPA, PGA, New Three, Trio Grande, Triumphant Triumvirate— give me a break! Do you think Larry, Kevin, and Robert care? This isn't like the King Arthur saga where Pierce, Allen, and Garnett have to jointly pull the sword from the stone to claim their rightful place on the throne of England. It's a simple descriptive phrase. "Big Three." Tommy said it. I just said it and there were no lightning bolts. Everybody can say it. Anyone who doesn't want to, doesn't have to.
If the phrase was sacred, they wouldn’t be able to use it in New Jersey to describe Vince Carter and his cronies.

3) Scot Pollard's ankle. I don't like it unhealthy. Somebody fix it.

...That's all I got. That's how magnificent a summer this has been. I love this team. I'm ecstatic. Look- there’s a few more holes to be corked, but this is all very exciting and I can't wait for the real games to begin.

* Defense. Mike Gorman made a wise comment on CSL last Sunday about how much he liked the Celtics on defense. If it's anywhere that the Celtics are being underestimated by followers of other franchises (those poor lost souls) it's on D. This is going to be a fine defensive team. Pierce is way better than given credit for. We all know what Perkins and Rondo can do. But mostly it's Kevin Garnett (at power forward please). The big tickety fella just ties the whole thing together. You can't go inside on Boston anymore. Most teams will have to resort to outside shooting to compete with the Celtics. Most will fall short. ...as long as Perk’s hamstring is ok. Everything depends on having a big strong guy in the middle.

By the way Thank You Justin Poulin for adjusting the Celticsstufflive podcast so it doesn't break up on me anymore. (The CSLers are very good and well worth a listen for anyone who hasn't heard their show.)

* Big Baby looked great against Cleveland and in the Izod center (Cripes I hate arenas and stadiums being named after corporations. It’s like selling your soul.) Glen Davis has a chance to be fabulous. I really hope he’s able to work his way into the rotation at a not too distant date. In limited minutes, he seems to push the WOW! button at least a few times a game. Danny Ainge is uncanny in the second round.

* Oh yeah on that Minnesota/Miami trade: Yipes! Are you freakin’ kidding me?!? Hang on. I gotta edit myself here. (After some sober thought I deleted the two scathingly over the top paragraphs I wrote right after hearing about this.)

ahem... Instead I just hope everyone involved becomes a contributing member of society, that no one is too flabby to meet Miami’s scrupulous body fat standards, and that all future three point attempts resulting from this deal are sane shots with a reasonable chance of going in. Let’s just leave it there.

* That’s it. The 2007-2008 festivities commence in a few days. For what it’s worth (very little, believe me) here’s my prediction: One more roster move early. An uneven start, picking up steam after a few weeks. Season record: 50-32, though it could be better if they have excellent health.

Phases of the game

2007-10-22T14:57:00.001-07:00

One of the best ways to size up a team is to look at the different phases of the game and see where the strengths and weaknesses are. Since this is pretty much a whole new roster, stats from last season don't mean anything. Still I'll throw some of last year's differentials in to give this some foundation and to indicate just how far the Celtics have come during the enchanted summer of 2007.

Rebounding:
The boards have been a recent team weakness for the Celtics (which tends to happen when you play Mark Blount at center and Walter McCarty at power forward) so I was a bit surprised to see that last season's inexperienced and injured group actually held their own on the glass. They were 14th in the league at -.01, virtually getting the same number of rebounds as the opponent.
Oddly, rebounding differential is not a great indicator of success. The best at it from last year were Utah at +5.5 and the Knicks at +4.4. San Antonio was down the list a ways at +1.6 and Phoenix was near the bottom at -2.3.

This year's team is going to play the main men a lot. The have big plus rebounders in Garnett, Pierce, and Rondo at three positions, and the new healthier leaner Perkins should also come out ahead. As long as Garnett and Perkins can stay on the floor the team should do very well here. Leon Powe and Hisbabyness will also chip in.

Passing:
Last year's Celts were near the bottom at -2.2 in assist differential. By far the best three teams were Phoenix, Utah, and San Antonio. No surprise there.

The current Greenies have dramatically improved their passing. Perkins and especially Garnett can both really toss it from the big positions. Ray Allen and Pierce have often been the best passers on their respective teams. Rondo should just have an eye popping year in this category. He's going to have his choice of wide open all-stars on a regular basis. Assists do come a lot more easily if you have some real shooters.

Turnovers:
Unfortunately this is one of the categories last year's squad did really well in. They were adept at giving the ball away, coming in fifth in TO differential at +1.1. The Knicks ran away with the crown here with a whopping +3.0, giving back most of what they gained on the boards. This stat can sometimes be misleading as running teams tend to throw it away (what they call good turnovers) and deliberate teams tend to keep turnovers down. (Last year's young Celtics just didn't cherish the ball. This year's vet team will.)

Which leads to a note on Tempo. Doc Rivers has stated that this year's squad will be an uptempo team though not a running team in the Phoenix Suns mode. They don't have the roster to be out and out sprinters, but they are mobile and skilled, and will benefit from a quick motion offense. They have the talent to impose their tempo on just about any team in the league.

Scoring Efficiency:
Boston was 7th from last in point differential at -3.4. That's actually not bad for the second worst team. San Antonio, Phoenix and Dallas dominated this stat. In straight up FG% the Celtics were second worst overall at 44.3% despite shooting well from three point range. In FG% differential, the Celtics were dead last in the NBA at -2.5%.
Needless to say, this year's star laden roster should be near the top of the league in both scoring differential stats. They could even go all the way from worst to first.

Defense:
The other side of the FG% deficiency was the lack of defense last season. The Celtics gained a truly gifted, agile frontcourt defender in Garnett, fortifying their #1 weakness from the previous year. Perkins is more mobile than he's ever been. Posey, Tony Allen and Rondo are all very good to great defenders. Paul Pierce is poised to have his best defensive season ever now that he doesn't have to spend every possession on that end replenishing his oxygen.

Chemistry:
I have no doubt at all that the starting unit will play very well and also play a lot of minutes. You just can't take these type of quality players, put them on the court together, and not see success.

Are they tough enough? Do they have intangibles going their way? Are they hungry? Yes, yes, and where's the buffet table?

Depth:
If there is a concern it's still with depth, at least to some degree. There's no surefire Antonio McDyess coming in to spell the big men, and some say the back up point situation needs to be watched.

A healthy ankle for Scot Pollard would help a bit. Other than that someone needs to emerge as a reliable back-up large guy whether it be Scalabrine, Powe, or the esteemed Mr. Baby.

There are still possibilities for another acquisition at back up point. Rumor has it that Memphis has the potential to be involved here and one look at their roster tells you why: They have Conley, Lowry, Stoudamire, and Navarro all at the position; and it's hard to see them carrying four point guards very far into the season. They may wait to see how their young guys look before dealing Stoudamire, but they'll make a move at some not-too-distant date. Maybe they did bring Navarro in mainly to pal around with Pau, but few clubs carry four points. (Juan Carlos is too short to play much shooting guard, right?)

Likewise Portland has four at the position, not to mention another stashed overseas. Blake and Jack seem like they'll stick with the Blazers. Taurean Green has looked good so far. That leaves flashy Sergio Rodriguez as the possible odd man out. The Celtics might be looking for someone a little more experienced and poised than Rodriguez (they already have their own young developing point in Pruitt).

Personally I think Eddie House will be the back up point and will do just fine. Whatever remaining assets the front office has would be much better spent acquiring an unusually tall person.

Finishing this thing off where it began- Evaluating the new Boston Celtics obviously can't be done based on any team statistics from last season or before. You look at what it takes to win on the basketball floor in every phase of the game (and I mean REALLY win) and all you see are strengths on top of strengths. There remain a few questions of depth, and a lot of unknowns in chemistry and tempo, but overall this is one formidable looking group. No matter what the game situation calls for —defense, rebounding, or an end of game play— the Celtics have the personnel to match it.

I actually was not setting out to statistically prove that last year's team was bad. Everybody's already painfully aware of that. Instead the point is this: The 07-08 Celtics look really good in every aspect of the game. When you do that, you win big.

10 things after Europe

2007-10-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

1) Just a few months ago we were mourning our crummy ping pong karma. We thought we had done everything right: We'd ardently prayed to the Hoop Gods. Many Celtic fans had meticulously faked morally sound behavior in hopes of gaining divine favor. Covering all bases, we even went coldly rational and sacrificed games in order to increase lottery percentages. By season's end plenty of greenophiles cheered hard for tactical losses and mourned unnecessary wins.
When those fickle little white balls were finally counted, it seemed to have all been for nothing. The Celtics ended up with the worst possible 5th pick. Ugh. Man did that ever hurt.

As the draft approached I was wishing for skinny raw Yi. Here it is only four months later and I'm sizing up San Antonio for exploitable matchups. This is beyond amazing. Not to take away from Danny Ainge's skill, but I think that phony morally-upright scheme we had going really helped a lot. The Hoop Gods appreciate all heartfelt efforts, even karmic fakery.

It's beseeching time. Please bow your heads and pray with me now: "Thank you almighty Hoop Gods. Every one of us will be unusually good this season. We will eat our vegetables and turn out the lights when we leave the room. We promise. One more thing: omnipotent Ones, if you must use your terrible swift swords, please continue to smite others and not us. You Guys are the best. Amen."

2) On the subject of luck— winners earn their status but every one of them is also fortunate. Look around the league. This has been THE summer for bad luck and bad news: The ref scandal. The Knicks scandal. Major injuries in LA, Charlotte, and especially Portland. The Blazers were soaring on draft day, supercharged by two years of bold moves and even better good fortune. Now there's nothing but question marks in the great northwest.

The point is, something fundamental seems to have changed. The Celtics have brought in formidable talent but just as importantly they've gotten their enchanted mojo working again for the first time in many years. The bad luck is everywhere but here. Welcome back to the leprechaun! Where the heck have you been for the past two decades, you feisty little emerald slacker?

3) The games in Europe have created an unusual preseason schedule: Two games overseas, then a long break to recuperate. There's a week in between London and the next contest. That's followed by five games in seven nights. (Hah! Nights! In your face Aristotle!)
I believe Sean Grande pointed this out on the last CSL podcast: 5 games in 7 nights means this is when the final roster spots will be won. Pierce, Garnett, and Allen will need rest and the bubble players will get their chance. Everyone knows there are four bubblers battling for two jobs. Big Batista will have to look really bad to not make it. Manuel has practically no shot at staying, so the last spot comes down to Wallace or Jones. I'm a card carrying Wallace guy but may the best man win.

4) The Celtics played really well in Rome. The team turned over 3/5 of their roster, so it was a group of guys playing together for the first time. As the players get more accustomed to one another, they will dramatically improve, and that shouldn't take long. We're not waiting for skill development to see positive change anymore; all that has to happen is veterans getting used to each other.

5) Media coverage of this preseason has been fantastic. Newspaper beat reporters are doing a good job while travelling with the team in Europe. There's extended broadcasts on Comcast on the TV side. On radio WEEI is on board now that they're airing the games. On top of all that, there's been groundbreaking blog coverage with great behind the scenes reports from both Fabio Anderle on Celticsblog and Peter Stringer on his own Euroblog.
This buzz is taking place at the same time the local baseball club is favored to win it all, and the local football team appears invincible.

6) Do you think this season will see the largest cumulative rise ever in wins for the previous year's three worst teams? Milwaukee, Memphis, and Boston look good, good, and damn good respectively.

7) Conversely in the upper left corner, Sacramento, Seattle and Portland look bad, bad, and damn unlucky (all of a sudden). Minnesota's going to struggle too, but I don't feel right saying anything negative about the Wolves.

8) After two preseason games the Udonis Haslem Effect is squarely showing itself in the newly lean and leaping Kendrick Perkins. (The U.H.E.: when a decent player is effective beyond all expectations because the opposition is too busy covering his superstar teammates.) Perk was wide open time and again. He shot perfectly against Toronto and had his own mini dunkathon in London as the Wolves interior defense kept leaving him to double Garnett.

9) As for Mr. Rondo, he led the team in assists for the first two games. That modest accomplishment wouldn't normally be worth mentioning, but a real passing point has not been seen in Boston for many years. Get this: The point guard has been leading the team in passing. The big guys have been leading in rebounding. And the wings have been leading in scoring. Why that's just the way it's supposed to be!
Paul Pierce must be in heaven. He can concentrate his considerable skills towards what is required for each contest. He no longer has to lead the team in everything all the time.

10) Mike Gorman mentioned at the end of the London telecast that he thought Celtics fans could get excited about this club. I think we're already way there. We've all done more than enough waiting. The leprechaun is back. The Hoop Gods are wearing green again. All eyes are focused on the Celtics.

Our time is now.

Pitchforks and Point Guards

2007-10-07T10:01:00.001-07:00

Pitchforks

As you know, there exists a highly motivated subculture of Celtic diehards who live for one purpose only. They regularly meet in the basements of eerie castles during thunderstorms and practice dark rituals, hoping to bring about Doc Rivers' demise. I've never attended. Have you?

I like Doc. He's a good coach (that statement just made a hundred werewolves howl in unison). Down. Slowly place your pitchfork down on to the floor. Gently, gently; that's it. Please hear me out.

Remember the AntiDanny Battalion and the Wyc Is Cheap Squadron? They've virtually disbanded. Is it possible the Doc Must Go Society is also endangered? At first glance that seems unlikely: Membership is at an all-time high. Torches are lit. Feathers are stored right next to the tar for easy access. The cauldron oil is bubbling.
Everyone has practiced their angry mob expressions until they've gotten them just right: "There he is! Get him! He won't escape us this time! Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité! To the Bastille!"

I would NOT characterize members of the Doc Must Go Society as "seething." Not at all. It's simply that after much calm discussion and thoughtful reflection, they feel replacing the coach would be a beneficial move for the Celtics. Hey, the DMGSers are my fellow greenhearts. We just happen to disagree on this one little detail...

I've been wrong before. In fact if I were to recount all my past wrong assumptions it would use up way too much bandwidth and cause techno-mayhem, so I'll just leave it at that, but I think there's an excellent possibilty that Doc Rivers is going to be this team's biggest positive surprise.

Here's a list of things I like about Doc:
1) He's a truly decent person and is great with the press, which is crucial in sports-crazy Boston.
2) He knows Celtic history, reveres it, uses it, and doesn't run away from the team's illustrious past like a certain former coach Who Shall Not Be Named.
3) He teaches young guys constantly during games, pulling them aside during timeouts, instructing them as to what they did right and wrong.
4) A lot of young players individually have come a long way in a short time under his tutelage, raising their trade value exponentially.
5) He's a plus when it comes to attracting free agents (the team had to become good for this to be evident).
6) Last year he held the most injury riddled team in the league together spiritually. That group stayed uniformly positive, which is remarkable.
7) He risked his own career last season, creatively increasing ping pong probabilities even though it publicly opened him up to ridicule.
8) He's confident, does not cave in to pressure, and never embarrasses the franchise.
9) He keeps all negative stories in house, never making them public.
10) He *bluntly* plays guys he otherwise would not want to in order to showcase them for a trade.

In other words he has sacrificed his own reputation and even his short term win-loss record for the long term good of the team.

I know... Some say he can't manage games, he can't draw up a play, his teams can't defend the pick and roll, he doesn't set a fixed rotation, and he didn't give (insert name here) a chance. I don't believe any of that is true or without reason:
* His teams have often been near the top of the league in scoring out of timeouts.
* He does draw up plays, but young players can't always execute properly.
* Likewise the pick and roll can only be defended by proper personnel. That personnel is here now; it wasn't before. The pick and roll is impossible to defend anyway when it's run perfectly like Stockton and Malone used to. To stop it consistently you need a long agile big man who can cover space quickly, and it helps to have veterans who've seen it countless times.
* Doc could have set a fixed rotation before, but it wouldn't have helped with wins and would have hurt player development and morale. His recent rosters had too many guys of similar skill and not enough surefire top talent. This has been discussed elsewhere: on good teams the starting lineup is mostly obvious. The Celtics of the past few seasons had multiple guys at nearly every position who were dead even in ability.
* As for not giving (insert name here) a chance— every single player under Rivers has gotten a fair chance. If Insert Name Here wanted to stay in the rotation, Insert Name Here should have played better basketball.

Now everything's changed. Now there ARE right answers. The starters are obvious. So are most of the rotation players. As for Insert Name Here—this season he's been to the all star game numerous times.

Maybe I'm mistaken and Doc will flop this season. If he does he'll be gone; the Celtics don't have the luxury to be patient with this group. On the other hand don't be surprised if they look really good and Doc all of a sudden seems to have added dozens of IQ points. Doc will make the same decisions in the same way he always has; only now with better players, those decisions will work.
This year is not last year. Last year's roster found ways to lose. This year's roster will find ways to win.

If I'm right by January hundreds of pitchforks will have been responsibly recycled into pom poms.

Point Guards

I love Rondo and think he's going to have a tremendous year, but a look at the past reveals that a pure point is not necessary to win championships. Peeking back at Celtic champions, only the Cousy teams had a great pure point guard. After Cousy left it was Sam and KC at guard (there used to be two Joneses, now there are two Allens). The 70s champs had Jo Jo White and Don Chaney; the 80's team had Danny Ainge and DJ. They were all formidable players but none was anything close to a pure point guard. EXCEPT FOR TINY ARCHIBALD. NO ONE COULD POSSIBLY FORGET TINY. The same goes for Jordan's Bulls and the successful but decidedly evil recent Laker titleists.
In other words there are lots of ways to win. You can go out there with two plain old talented guards, some really good passers in the frontcourt, and still kick everybody's butts.

One last word: It's OK if the team goes 3-5 in the preseason. The games don't count. (The league office has confirmed this.)

The Fourth Window

2007-10-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

1) Since the Garnett trade, you've heard statements like:
"The Celtics traded away their future."
"The Celtics will be right back where they were in a few years."
"They threw away everything for stars on the downside."

Mmmm. Questionable words, don't you think?

Last week's article was partly about a door; this week's is mostly about windows. I'm here to talk about the ghosts of championship windows past, present and future:

2) The Ghost Of Windows Past:
What we are about to witness is the 4th window of potential Celtic championships.

Window #3 was the Bird era. Perceived window (the number of seasons people thought the Celtics could contend for the title): around 8 years. Actual window (the time between their first and last titles): 1981 through 1986; 6 years.

Window #2 was the Havlicek/Cowens era. Perceived window: around 5 years. Actual window: 1974 through 1976; 3 years.

Window #1— the Crystal Cathedral of NBA championship windows: 13 years. Actual window: 1957 through 1969; also 13. Russell and company won coming in and won going out; none of this "waiting to gel" stuff, and no long painful decline on the back end. Just wall to wall winning. Amazing.
Listen... angels are singing. Can you hear them?

3) The Ghost of Windows Future:
What am I the danged Oracle of freakin' Delphi? How should I know what will happen next? It doesn't matter right now. Que double-sera.
There's a lot more to say on that subject but for the moment let's concentrate on...

4) The Ghost of Windows Present:
The actual window of the first three green empires was 13, 3, and 6 years respectively. I'm talking about real championships with those numbers, not maybe-could've championships. So here we are after being locked in a dark dungeon for two decades with no windows and a busted door. Suddenly we're looking at a team with a chance to win everything again.

5) How Long Will This 4th Window Last?:
No one knows its duration. When this window closes it might turn out to be surprisingly big or might not ever have been there at all, just an illusion of that deranged prisoner in the dungeon. Right now though it looks very real and very wonderful.

To guess its extent let's realize that the 4th window is not being opened by a rookie like Russell's and Bird's were. Instead look at what Bill Walton calls "The MIddle Dynasty," the Tommy Heinsohn coached blazingly-fast champions of the 1970's. They did have great young players but John Havlicek -the cornerstone of that team's success- was of similar vintage to the current Big Three. The 70s team won two titles in three years. Only a Havlicek shoulder injury in the playoffs kept them from hanging a third banner. As windows go it was fairly short.
But TWO titles... What would TWO titles make you feel like right now?

It's very possible the 4th window could become comparable to the 2nd— easily enough time to win long-sought banner #17 and maybe more.

6) Back To The Future:
"The Celtics Traded Away Their Future." You've heard that statement. It came from the same people who repeatedly said the Celtics youth was overrated, not worth anything, and that the team HAD no future. ...Until they were traded; then suddenly the same players somehow become indispensible.
These gloomy analysts were wrong then and they're wrong now. As it turned out the Celtics young guys were worth a lot, and the future is yet to be written. Over time great teams make their own destiny.

7) Look West:
What are the championship prospects of the Dallas Mavericks and of the Phoenix Suns? (Does it even matter?) Those teams have won as many titles as the Celtics in the last two decades: zero. They're touted as great and successful franchises. Everyone said they had huge windows. Well, maybe they'll win something yet...
The reality of their situation is this: To this point their perceived windows have amounted to nothing.
The only thing that matters is actually winning, and this Celtics team has a chance to do just that right now, this very season. They have the every bit the same chance as the Suns or Mavs.

8) In closing the discussion I have one last thought that sums everything up: *It's not the size of your window. It's how you use it.*

--Final notes--
9) Tommy Heinsohn is loved. He's slowing down a little bit physically, and reports have implied that he's been dealing with medical problems within his family. While respecting his privacy, I want to wish Tommy and those close to him all the best through whatever it is that's going on. Tommy Heinsohn has meant so much to so many for so long. He's the one man who deserves to be in all three branches of the hall of fame as a player, a coach, AND a broadcaster. Best wishes Tommy, to you and to yours.

10) Swagger Update (realgmers- sorry for the repost):
A few weeks back I wrote an article about swagger. Mike Gorman brought up the same subject again a few days ago. Here he is quoted in Mike Fine's article in the Patriot Ledger on September 22nd:

‘‘It’s much easier to broadcast a good team than a bad team,’’ Gorman said. ‘‘I’m to the point of my career now where I’m not an objective journalist. I’m the Celtics play-by-play guy. Now to be able to walk into a building and inwardly having a little bit of a swagger, and to go on the air with a little bit of a swagger - I can’t wait.’’

...That goes for all of us.

Together We Can

2007-09-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

1) Architecture:
You might recall a certain former Celtic coach/GM/president/emperor. Then again acute traumatic stress might have mercifully stricken all memories of this individual from your mind. Anyway this person who shall be referred to here as He Who Shall Not Be Named, once spoke about a door.

On March 1, 2000, He Who Shall Not Be Named told us all about a problem we were having with our collective door, saying, "Larry Bird is not walking through that door, fans. Kevin McHale is not walking through that door, and Robert Parish is not walking through that door..."

"Oh no!" we thought. "Our precious door is busted!"

It certainly seemed that way as the only players who used the damaged portal during He-Who's time were guys like Chris Mills, Travis Knight, and Vitaly Potapenko. We said, "What a lousy door! How did we get stuck with an entryway that spews out only crappy players?"

Actually the story ends well. Here it is seven years later and as it turns out the problem wasn't with the door at all. Look: James Posey walked through it. Ray Allen walked through it. So did Kevin Garnett.

2) Together We Can:
I'm going off topic. I can't help myself.
When Deval Patrick ran for Governor of Massachusetts, his campaign slogan Together We Can seemed like the first half of a promise yet to be written. It seemed so bright and hopeful. It left everyone wondering— What was the second half of the phrase?

Was it:
"Together We Can build a great state?"
"Together We Can construct a society that is fair, honest and principled?"

Those certainly would have been really good answers, but unfortunately neither is correct.
Mr. Patrick revealed this week that the full sentence actually reads: "Together We Can shoot craps."

3) Another thing about the casino gambling proposal:
How can people be so culturally insensitive? I believe we need to stop and reflect on how this affects the Mashantucket Pequots. This could have negative consequences that will impact their simple time-honored tribal custom of emptying peoples pockets with traditional native American devices such as roulette wheels and slot machines.

4) Confusion:
Remember the bewildering March 13th game in Chicago where the Bulls wore kelly green uniforms and the entire contest seemed completely screwy because of it? Every time the Bulls ran on the break I got excited and then had to immediately reverse my emotions. It got so confusing I think I blacked out twice before halftime.
I expect the game in London against Minnesota will be greatly disorienting too, but for a different reason. One contest in Rome will not be enough to make me forget that Al Jefferson, Gerald Green and Ryan Gomes aren't Celtics anymore. Hold on, I getting misty here... Feeeelings, Wo Wo Wo... ...sniff sniff... ...you too Delonte out there in Seattle... ...You are the winnnnd beneath my wiiiinnngs... ...sniff.
I'm alright. I'm alright. I'll be ok by opening day.

5) Not Everybody Plays:
There are 15 roster guys. Only 12 at a time are active. Only 9 can get significant, regular minutes. The easiest way to figure who those 9 are is by guessing the bottom 6. Here's a stab at it (I don't expect to be right):

Barring the unexpected, the least experienced players are also least likely to play. That probably eliminates Manuel, Wallace, Pruitt, and Davis. Now we're at 11. (The Celtics first priority this season is something other than developing youth.)

Despite tentatively encouraging news from tonyallenland, I would think he'd be brought along very cautiously. This will change as the year progresses and Tony gains confidence. That makes 10, at least to start the season.

The last rotation spot seems to come down to Powe or Pollard (yes Scalabrine IS in the rotation, more on that next). So here's the projected 9 on opening day: Garnett, Pierce, Ray Allen, Perkins and Rondo start. Then Posey plays a lot, followed in no particular order by House, Scalabrine, and either Pollard or Powe.

Of course all this is based on no more trades or signings, Tony Allen coming along slowly, and no injuries. In other words it won't happen this way.

6) Scalabrine:
He's playing. He is. He did well with a veteran team in New Jersey. He'll do well with a veteran team in Boston.

7) Pick and Roll:
You want to know why the Celtics couldn't defend it before? Because they had the wrong personnel. That's all it was. Nothing more. You need an agile, long big man who can instantly cover a wide amount of space. It also helps to have veterans. Done, double done.

8) Speaking of defense:
I believe this Celtics team will be really good defensively. Every weakness they've had in the past just got fortified. Garnett, Rondo, Posey, Perkins, Tony Allen later- those guys can play guard dog D. Also many will be pleasantly surprised at Pierce's effectiveness on the other end now that he doesn't have to expend all his energy on offense.

9) Rebounding too:
Throw away any Perkins rebounding stats from last season. The foot did him in. With Perkins and Garnett up front, Pierce at the 3 and Rondo at point all garnering above average rebounds for their positions, this will be the best rebounding Celtics team since the guys who-aren't-walking-through-that-door were here.

10) The Udonis Haslem Effect:
Players who do just what they're good at when surrounded by superstars look great and often win titles.
Haslem is ok, but when he's playing with healthy Shaq and Wade he gets left alone, does his thing, and just kills you. Starting in November the Celtics are going to benefit from this same situation.

The list of players looking fabulous next to megastars goes on forever, such as: Happy Hairston and Jim McMillian; Horace Grant and Craig Hodges; Bruce Bowen and Robert Horry; and now just maybe Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo.

All Perkins and Rondo have to do is concentrate on their strengths and people across the nation will say, "Wow how about that? Perkins and Rondo are really good. I was mistaken. I plainly didn't know. Celtic fans said this would happen, and as always those dashing handsome devils were right."

ka thump, Ka Thump, KA THUMP. Two weeks to Rome. The drumbeat of the approaching season is steadily building. Can you hear it?

10 things about why I hate the shape of the Earth

2007-09-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

1) In mid September a lot of people say there's not much to talk about. Not true! I have a huge Celtic-related issue to bring up; something that really makes me mad and has not been discussed one bit– It's the physical shape of planet Earth. I REALLY don't like it being spherical.
Here's why: The Boston Celtics open the exhibition season in Rome against Toronto. Everybody reading this is looking forward to that game to get an idea of what the team looks like, how they move together, to see Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in green. This will be as highly anticipated as any regular season contest in recent years. Don't you just want to watch as the starting five walks on the court for the first time? That will be thrilling.

2) Anyway before we get to the big issue, I have a few other items to go over: First, are they sending Mike and Tommy to Europe? Will they be ok? Will big enough air holes be cut in their crate? Will there be soft enough packing material to protect them? Is there a special customs form for shipping broadcasters?
I worry about this stuff. Someone has to.

3) Does anyone know if this game will even be televised? I assume it will but does anyone know?

4) Another side note (nonItalians DO NOT READ): Italian Celtic fans, I'm glad for you. You get to host the first exhibition. Please don't take anything I say as a criticism of the wonderful city of Rome or of your beautiful country.

5) OK let's get down to it: The shape of the Earth has made me mad before, but now I'm furious. This whole spherical-planet-circling-the-sun idea seemed fine when they introduced it centuries ago, but I don't think they had much foresight— because now it's causing a grave problem for all of us, one that cannot be ignored.

6) I know no one else has brought the subject up, not the Boston Herald, not the Globe; not one local newspaper, radio reporter or television broadcaster. I think they've been scared off. Gagged. Muffled. Told in no uncertain terms what talking about this issue will cost them. Well let me say right here and now, I will speak! I will not be silenced!!

7) As everyone knows, a few thousand years ago the Earth was flat. It was perfect. Sun in the sky. Land below. Nobody falling off. Everybody happy. Then Artistotle and his gang of thugs got together and changed everything. When no one was looking, those slimy philosophers made the planet round. The cutthroats! This has created nothing but problems ever since, the greatest of which we face on October 6th 2007, the day of the first exhibition game of the rest of our lives.
In the words of the great Charlton Heston, "You maniacs! Damn you! God...damn you all to hell!"

8) I know what you're thinking: That's not true. Aristotle's a giant. He's one of our finest philosophers.
Is he? Is he really? When you finish the next few paragraphs I'm sure you'll agree with me that he's history's second greatest monster, right behind Kenny G.

9) Why couldn't they have left well enough alone? A flat world would have been ideal in this situation. Instead here's what we Celtic fans face: Due to the nefarious subterfuge of the diabolical Aristotle and his legion of doom, Earth is now a sphere. Because of this fiendish restructuring, there now exist time zones. Are you starting to understand where this is going? Is the hideous truth now dawning on you?

10) Because the Earth is round and the game is being played in Rome, there's a time zone difference. Rome is six hours away! This game -this most precious game- will be played in the mid-afternoon our time! Even if the contest is broadcast, even if Mike Tommy survive their perilous trip in the broadcaster shipping crate, the game will either be done on tape delay or shown in the afternoon. NOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Aristotle, you demon-spawn, what have you done? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE???

Swagger

2007-09-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

You know what's the best thing about this offseason? The swagger's back baby! The swagger: that tangible feeling that the Celtics are not like other teams, that the schedule is a list of probable wins, and that the sole purpose of the rest of the league is to provide a blank canvas for Boston Celtic titles. As November draws near, everybody feels some of the electric spark that used to be commonplace in the old days.

Long ago there were only two types of Celtic seasons. There were championship years, and then there were the seasons between championships; the in-between years. This is the way everyone who followed the team in the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s always used to think: If the Celtics weren't celebrating, they were preparing. If they didn't win, the next championship squad was being assembled. Everyone had swagger, from Red Auerbach through the whole organization to every last fan. The swagger was infectious. The swagger was everywhere. It was a thundering communal power.

There were in-between years after Bill Russell and Sam Jones retired. They didn't last long; Havlicek, Cowens and company took care of that. When the 70s contenders fell apart, there came a few more in-between years. Then Bird arrived. The point being that even when the team was down everyone knew the next title was always coming. It wasn't just maybe going to come. Sure as sunrise, the next championship was inevitable...

...Everyone is aware of what's happened since then. 21 years have passed since 1986. But you know what these 21 years have been? As it turns out, maybe they've been nothing more than in-between years, just a longer run than usual.

Let me take a short detour:
I have a confession to make: I taped the Kevin Garnett press conference. (I know what you're thinking: Uh oh. That's completely demented. Don't make eye contact.) It's alright. Yes I do realize taping offseason press conferences is a classic danger sign. I fully acknowledge that I might need professional help. They say admitting you have a problem is the first step toward recovery...

Anyway I'm not in therapy, but recent years of television viewing lead me to imagine that a typical session would go like this:

Me: "Doctor, I saw some ducks and then fainted next to the swimming pool."

Therapist: "That doesn't mean anything."

Me: I'm also given to fits of homicidal rage which are largely work related."

Therapist: "Mmm. Everyone has their quirks. Don't worry about it."

Me: "Well I taped the entire Kevin Garnett press conference including the follow up segment with Gary Tanguay and Donny Marshall."

Therapist : "What? Really!?! God, oh dear God! That's completely freakin' nuts!"

Me: "Thank you Dr. Melfi. Wow, what a breakthrough. That's explains everything! You've helped me immensely. I feel so much better now."

So yeah, I taped the press conference. Hey it was THE transcendent moment when the swagger returned to greenhearts everywhere.

Halfway through the broadcast Ray Allen looked at Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce and said, "When I'm on the perimeter and I know I got these guys behind me, my confidence level goes up sky high. My SWAGGER is through the roof."

There was plenty of cheering at that press conference, from hard-bitten press types too. Why were they cheering? They weren't just cheering Garnett, Pierce and Allen. They weren't just cheering because their jobs got easier. They were cheering the return of the swagger.

The swagger is something everybody shares. It's back, it's magical, and we all get a piece of it.

Under previous management, the Celtic organization lost touch with its flame. After Danny Ainge took over, few noticed a rekindling. Suddenly there's a bonfire blazing. This summer has been a revelation. What started as a buzz on draft night has turned to a roar. These are good years coming up. Enjoy them. A lot of people have waited a long time to get this feeling again.

Announcement

2007-09-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

In case anyone is curious, I'm changing the way this site is used. My articles will be posted first on both Celticsblog's main page and on the Realgm Celtics forum. A few days later, after they've run their course, I'll put them here as sort of an archive. Having them posted on Celticsblog makes Only10things fairly redundant.

But if anyone comments here, I'll be happy to respond.

Thanks!

A theory on why the Globe hates the Celtics

2007-09-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

It's common knowledge that the ownership and management of most New York newspapers are hideous brain-craving zombies. It's not spoken of very often, but pretty much everyone acknowledges that this is true.

Let me take you back several years ...

Long ago the best basketball newspaper anywhere was the Boston Globe. All the writers there loved the Celtics. This angered the zombie-overlords of the New York Times, who, so the story goes, consistently attempted to spread the false notion that Gotham was the basketball capitol of the world. Decent common people across the land would not hear any such thing. They knew perfectly well that Boston with its 16 titles and glowing intrinsic goodness was hoops central.

The enraged news-zombies of New York howled with frustration. What could they do? It was impractical to march stiff-leggedly through Connecticut all the away to Boston and eat the brains of the entire staff of the Globe. Instead they devised an ingenious alternate plan. The zombie moguls assembled their zombie accountants, zombie bankers and zombie lawyers, and while the world slept they silently exercised a corporate takeover of one of Boston's most cherished institutions.

Just like that the New York Times gobbled down the Boston Globe and turned it into a ghoulish subsidiary. Living Dead 1, Human Race 0.

On the following December 13th, the New York Times threw a seemingly innocent Christmas party for their Globe underlings. It was supposed to be like any other newspaper Christmas party (drunken debauchery, pagan worship, ritualistic sacrifice, etc.) but this time there was an unexpected surprise waiting for our heroic Boston Globe basketball staff.

The intrepid Globe writers arrived at the soiree filled with hometown gusto, ready to sing the praises of Boston's basketball superiority, and regale the New Yorkers with tales of championship Celtic lore. What they got was something else entirely.

No one knows what exactly happened that evening, but it was something chilling, something terrible; yes, something EVIL. The basketball writers that emerged from that party seemed completely different from those that arrived. Oh sure outwardly they looked the same, but they had fundamentally changed. Their souls had been taken! Everyone who emerged from that cursed gala despised the Boston Celtics forevermore!

So the next time someone from the Globe makes you mad when they talk about the Celtics, please be understanding. They can't help but feel as they do. The writing undead of the Boston Globe are not in control of themselves. Be kind to them. Remember, those columnists used to be regular folk just like you and me. They didn't ask to be this way.

Perhaps the raising of championship banner #17 will lift their curse and return them to their former Celtic-loving, sunny selves.
...Either that or some deep-pocketed local ownership buying back the newspaper would do it too.

(That must have been a heckuva party though.)

Now all this is just a theory mind you. Some say none of it ever happened; that the ownership of the New York Times loves puppies, looking at shapes in clouds, and picking wildflowers. Then again, how else do you explain the change in the Globe from the 80s to now? Soul snatching by New York zombies seems the simplest, most logical explanation.

A Primer For Celtic Fans

2007-08-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

Due to sweeping changes to the Celtic landscape, there are a few things (10 in fact) that Boston fans need to become acquainted with. (Shhh. They've been kept secret for a very very long time.):

1) After the season ends in April. There is actually a second season. It's a sort of tournament. They call it "The Playoffs." Sound it out with me, "Play-Offs. Playoffs." Got it? Were you able to say the word clearly? Good!

2) Yes it's true, the basketball season does NOT really end in April. They continue to have more games in these so called Play-Offs, where various teams compete for something called the NBA title. (Sound it out.)

3) Older fans may vaguely recall the word "Championship" (Champ-Ion-Ship). Younger ones may have noticed the 16 numbered blankets hanging overhead at the Boston Garden. These blankets or Ban-Ners are really fruits of winning the Champ-Ion-Ship in the Play-Offs.

4) I should also stop to explain the word Winning (Win-Ning). It's been so long... Winning means when your team has a higher score than the other team. If this happens on a regular basis, you are known as a Win-Ner.

Now I know this is a lot to take in all at once, but please stay with me, because here comes the hard part:

5) This is a really difficult concept to grasp for those unfamiliar with Winning, Banners, and Playoffs-- The lottery is actually NOT the most important day in the NBA season. (Gasp!) It's true. As it turns out, these Playoffs are MORE IMPORTANT!

6) When you are a Win-Ner, you receive a draft pick that isn't very good, and you don't get to be in the lottery at all. It's sort of a penalty. How about that!?!?

7) Because your draft pick isn't very good the NBA draft becomes much less important. Your mainstays of the past few decades: Youth, Upside, and Potential, no longer come into play very much. Really. When you are a Winner, you don't care about potential so much as this strange second season after April.
Confusing isn't it? Well don't worry, you'll get it soon enough.

8) Beyond that, the All Star game will have Celtics playing on the main evening, not just performing in the slam dunk contest.

9) During the regular season opposing teams will not laugh when they see you on the schedule. Instead they will display an expression you are not familiar with. This expression will resemble pain. It is known as fear. This means you win so frequently, the opposing team realizes they probably cannot beat you.
(Yes, think about that. You actually have a higher score than the other team so often that they expect you to win regularly. Amazing.)

10) Sometimes, someone besides Mike and Tommy may call the games. They make these particular games available to the entire country at once. They are known as "National Broadcasts," and are usually of very poor quality. It's OK; it's actually sort of a compliment.

Let's review:
Play-Offs.
Win-Ner.
Champ-Ion-Ship.
The lottery and draft are not important.
National Broadcasts.

Strange huh?

Roster turned over by 3/5ths in two months

2007-08-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

For those playing along at home, here's a roster update after the Posey signing:

6 returning players (only SIX!):

Pierce
Perkins
Scalabrine
Tony Allen
Rondo
Powe

9 brand new players (NINE!):

Garnett
Ray Allen
Posey
Pollard
House
Brandon Wallace
Jackie Manuel
Pruitt
Mr. Glen Big Baby Davis

That's not just "blowing it up," that's a mushroom cloud.

...and I think there's one more move to come.

This is the most fun you can have in an offseason, isn't it?

What an Amazing Four Months This Has Been

2007-08-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

>>>> Spring to Summer:

1) March and April: With a superb draft in sight, the Celtics along with numerous other teams did everything they could to maximize their chances of ping pong nirvana.
They sidelined everyone who either were injured, felt bad, or could play really well-- Mission sort of accomplished as the team "won" the injured-games-lost title.
They used the youngest, least experienced lineups in every fourth quarter.
And they lost. Oh how they lost. Only the Grizzlies were more skilled at the fine art of ping pong acquisition.

2) May 18th, the Lottery: All hope and most life essence was swiftly expelled from every greenblood when the team ended up with a worst possible 5th pick. Suddenly the Celtics were not getting Oden or Durant, but instead Yi or Jeff Green. Panic turned to an extended period of depression.
Slowly the pain faded a bit, as the other young prospects began to seem mildly tantalizing.

3) Late June: Draft night came and the Ray Allen deal was leaked, then verified. There was full blown confusion. The deal made little sense- seemingly pulling the team away from the youth movement without getting enough back to contend.

4) Weeks later: The Kevin Garnett rumors went from background noise to ground shaking reality. Everything changed. Everything was suddenly clear.

What I'm writing here is really about Danny Ainge and the Celtics front office, and what an amazing, practically unprecedented thing they're pulling off:
Ainge has been nearly universally maligned by the national press since his arrival.
His standing with the local press has been only slightly better.
It seemed the majority of fans were pretty negative on #44 too.

>>>> A Few Historical Points on All This:

1) Ainge didn't like the Celtic team he took over. They had peaked, had fading- not particularly talented players, and had few assets to trade.

2) From the first moment he said he was going to acquire trading chips and eventually use them.

3) He didn't use them right away but instead kept accruing more and more youth. When questioned about this, his answer was always the same: Despite trying constantly, he did not expect to be unable to make any major trades for veteran stars. He did not expect to keep all the young guys for so long. He was always working on changing that. He was not going to trade away his top young guys just for the sake of doing it. He was waiting for the right deal.

Most people didn't believe him for some reason.

4) The trade with Minnesota did include two draft picks, but one of them was Minnesota's own first rounder back. That one had protections on it that made it very likely it was going to turn into a second rounder in a few years. The other first rounder is going to be in the mid twenties or worse.

5) As has been pointed out, virtually EVERY SINGLE DEAL Ainge has ever done: the Antoine trade, the LaFrentz/Telfair (Roy) trade, both Szczerbiak trades, the Cleveland deal, the Detroit deal- resulted in assets that were later turned into Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

6) He apparently targeted Ratliff's expiring contract as it was the biggest in the league heading into a year when many major names were coming on the market. That may have been a coincidence, but probably not.

7) Over the years he drafted very well with mid to late picks and second rounders, selecting: Jefferson, Green, Gomes, and West among others. Those young players plus a few large movable contracts were enough to make what is a franchise transformation of historical proportions.

So... whether this all will end up in a championship or not remains to be seen, but:

Every other contender in the league depends on players the age of Garnett, Pierce and Allen.

The Celtics have given up four fine young players, a few with star potential. They added two bonafide stars and kept Rondo (which was a dealbreaker in both the Minnesota and Seattle trades). Both McHale and Presti pushed hard for Rondo.

Their bench is going to look a lot better on the floor than it does on paper as most of the reserves will spend half their time left alone while the opposition scrambles to double team Pierce, Allen, and Garnett at once. (For example, you think Eddie House can knock down an open 3? Because that's what he's going to be seeing.)

Yes it's risky. But keeping all the young guys would be risky too, and the payoff from doing that would come years down the road, if ever.

>>>> Some Words on The Trade To Set Up The Next Trade:

1) Danny Ainge made the Ray Allen trade to set up the Kevin Garnett deal. That's amazing enough...

2) ...but as RealGM poster CalderCup wrote: "They only signed Pollard in order to woo Miller out of retirement, they're great friends from back in the day. It's all part of Danny's master plan."

I thought about that for a while, and it's probably true. Pollard and Miller are close from their time at Indiana. Danny Ainge used the set up technique twice this offseason. Plus, if you factor in the recent and future free agents that will sign with Boston to join the fun, that's a lot of added value coming out of the lottery malaise and the initial Ray Allen deal.

Whether everyone stays healthy and it all blends into a championship team remains to be seen, but one thing has been established: This is an incredibly creative sequence of moves by the Celtics front office.

ESPN was wrong. The Boston Globe was wrong. This is in fact a very clever front office.

...Now they just need a little luck and health.

In defense of pink hats

2007-08-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in every man's life where he faces an issue that transcends personal interest, an issue of such magnitude and sweeping importance that it cannot be ignored. Even if he is in the minority, a man must stand tall and speak out for what is right, regardless of the consequences.

That day has come. Pink Celtic hats are such an issue. The time for silence has ended. Let us begin...

Now just so you know where I'm coming from- I'm speaking as someone who is against cheerleaders, against jumbotrons, against T-shirt cannons, against mascots, against any in game music not played live on an organ. and against leisurely summer days. In other words I'm not usually open to change; but pink Celtic hats are fine by me. Yes they are.

Sure, it is likely that wearers of such oddly colored headgear might not know quite as much history of the franchise as you would hope. They might not be able tell Sam from KC, carry on a lengthy conversation about Hambone Williams, or enthusiastically discuss obscure nuances of the salary cap...

...but let me point something out. They're coming on board to a team that's going to be a lot of fun to watch, a team that will win, that will play the game right, and has a shot at a title. In other words, the PHer's are smart. Give them credit for that.

Look in the mirror. You know who's not smart? Well I'll tell you: Me for one. And you for another. We who have closely followed this franchise through the years of Stojko Vrankovic, Brett Szabo, Thomas Hamilton and Sebastian Telfair are dangerously insane. New fans should not be measured by those harsh standards.

If more people and new people love the team, that's good. They are not becoming Knicks fans, or God help them Lakers fans. Their hats are not orange and blue, or purple and gold. Their instincts are good and pure and true- they want to be Celtic fans. They are following a noble call.

Remember that pink hat wearer is a human being. That could be someone's sister, someone's mother, someone's pink headed significant other.

Think of pink as a transition color on the road to pure beautiful green. This is the era of an entire new race of embryonic Celtic fans. Welcome these creatures from another world. Show them our simple ways and traditions. Soon they will take us hand in hand as banner 17 is raised. Together we will build a new society- finer, better, and more tolerant to all.

I thank you.

Rondo crunching

2007-08-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

You've heard it. You've read it. Maybe you've even said it: "The Celtics can't win because Rondo can't shoot."

Grrrrr! Now I'm mad! It's debunking time!

I'm not a huge stat guy. Oh sure those moneyball sorts get all the GM jobs nowadays, get to eat a wide variety of delicious Hostess snacks, and the girls just love them; but I like the beauty of basketball on the floor, played right. I usually don't worship at the altar of numbers.

I'm making an exception here. (Warning, as always numbers may be chosen carefully to suit a nefarious agenda. Please kindly insert diabolical laughter now.)

I looked up some numbers on Rajon Rondo. Here's where I start cheating things a little, because I'm throwing out the first part of the season where Rajon got limited, inconsistent minutes. I'm only using numbers from the games he started.

* Rondo started 25 games last season. Let's measure how he did as a starter only vs. the other point guards around the league who played significant minutes- in other words, basically against other starters.

There were 21 point guards who "qualified" for the field goal % stat by making 3.7 field goals per team game (not my cut-off threshold, I got it off Yahoo).

Where do you think Rondo ranks as a starter in fg% against the top 21 point guards of the NBA?
The answer is 4th! That's right FOURTH, virtually tied for third. As a starter Rondo shot 47.4% from the field. Only Steve Nash and Tony Parker were significantly ahead of him. He beat out every other point in the league. Most by a wide margin.

The biggest reason? Rondo is smart. He only shoots good shots.

Yes he is a liability is certain circumstances when he absolutely must take an outside shot. Yes he must improve that skill, but he's no liability as a percentage shooter. Just the opposite; he's an asset.

A few other Rondo stats found at the same time- measured only as a starter against "qualified" point guards ("qualified" in these other stats usually means a much longer list than 21 guys):

He's a bad free thrower: dead last at his position at 66.7%.
but...
**He's by far the #1 point in the league in steals at 2.4 per game**
His assists rank in the top third. Do you think that will go up- tossing to Ray Allen instead of Allan Ray?
Turnovers were about average.
**In rebounds he ranks second only to Jason Kidd**

This is a small statistical sample (I earned myself a twinkie with that statement) and Rondo is a young player, at point, going into his second season, so there's plenty of uncertainty around him.

He's playing with Pierce, Garnett and Allen now. His job just got a lot easier in many ways. He's fast as two cats, has hands the size of Michigan, and is smart and eager. He has the ability to become one of the best point defenders around.

Rajon Rondo is not the weak link. He's a weapon.

*Disclaimer: Due to the small sample size of 25 games, all conclusions mentioned above may be completely false in which case the management disavows any knowledge of this post. (If that happens do I still get my moneyball twinkie?)

Don't worry about Reggie (a reggietorial)

2007-08-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

Reggie Miller could become a Celtic.

Huh...

I could probably end right there, but won't-- Here's the single factor to keep in mind when considering the whole greenreggie phenomenon that could be unfolding. It's the only thing any of us needs to remember: Reggie will not embarrass himself. WILL NOT.

The only way Reggie will suit up and give it a try in training camp is if he has a strong notion that he'll be able to play and play well; that he'll hurt other teams and not himself; that he'll drive Spike Lee crazy and not Celtic fans. (By the way Spike, fabulous A+ job on your Denzel Washington tour de force The Inside Man. That movie was so terrific, I can't believe a Knicks fan made it.)

Back to Reggie:

* He's working out hard over the coming days, seeing if his body can give it a try. If the answer is yes...

* ...he'll go to training camp. If he's effective there that would be great...

* ...then he'll commit to the team and don the best looking uniform he's ever worn, and he'll play.

Let me stress this again, and I cannot emphasize it enough: *He will only play this season If He Can Play.* In other words, if he's on the Celtics this season, he's there to sting people with his jumpers and earn a ring, not to wave a towel on the sidelines and get one by default. It's a no lose proposition for both Mr. Miller and the Celtics. Either Reggie will be effective or he won't even try. There won't be any in between.

No one's done it before? That doesn't mean it can't be done. If anyone can play well at age 42, he can.

Here's hoping Reggie Miller has still got it. Here's hoping he joins the three current stars and makes this a hall of fame quartet.

Above all, let the good times roll. Every single person reading this does not need to be reminded how long and difficult of a wait it has been. The Celtics are back baby! November can't come soon enough!

10 things on a dog day in August

2007-08-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

1) Steals Of The Draft: Every year about this time, the internet is abuzz with "steals of the draft" talk. There are somewhere between 25 and 35 steals of the draft right now. Quite a few teams have two or more. This will quickly be whittled down when many of these stealy types either sit on the bench and don't play, or play and look like they ought to be sitting on the bench.

Do the Celtics have a Steal Of The Draft? Probably not. I dunno.

2) There won't be much chance of any steals of the draft in Phoenix in this or in coming years, because the Suns owner keeps giving draft picks away for canvas bags with cartoon dollar signs on them. This is what happens when you're a measly multi-hundred millionaire and all your pals are billionaires. You know what it's like to be in that position? Well I'll tell you- It sucks. You feel bad. You just don't have enough money.

Life is filled with ironies like that.

3) The August 5th Shira Springer article in the Globe breaking down the timeline of THE TRADE was a great one. Tyronn Lue (who I just recently spoke of here as having a great relationship with Doc Rivers) was instrumental in influencing Mr. Garnett to consent to the move. Lue is entering the last year of his contract. Here's a prediction: If Doc is here the season after this one, Lue will be too.

This is the type of thing I hoped would happen when Rivers was hired. He really is well liked everywhere, and that's a plus in drawing players provided the team is winning.

4) Also mentioned in that article: "The Timberwolves expressed strong interest in point guard of the future Rajon Rondo throughout the process, but they could not pry him from the Celtics' grasp..."

This is exactly the same circumstance as happened in Seattle. Presti pushed hard for Rondo, but the Celtics wouldn't budge.

Let me state this another way... It appears that giving up Rondo was a potential dealbreaker in BOTH the Ray Allen trade and Kevin Garnett trade... something to think about for those fretting about point guard performance.

I'm not worried about point. Other teams need to worry about Rondo.

5) Scalabrine and Doc Rivers are two overly maligned figures who, in my humble opinion, are about to show why they were hired in the first place. I'm looking for big years from both, and I'm also looking forward to reading "We CAN'T trade Scal!" comments by mid year. That would be funny.

6) Someone recently brought up the subject of that hideous winter night when Garden patrons chanted "MVP" to Kobe Bryant. It appears the real fans had stayed away allowing cretinous celebrity groupies to buy tickets and howl their morbid chant...

...although I do have an alternate theory: I believe that it was actually loyal Celtic fans calling out "MVP" that evening, but that they were referring to Most Virulent Personality.

At any rate, those repellent days are behind us and the new Celtic juggernaut will steamroll the Lakers for a while, leaving little purple and gold puddles behind after each contest.

7) A difference between the Szczerbiak trade and the Garnett trade: After the first trade Minnesota and Boston fans hated each other's teams. After this trade they love each other's teams.

8) An entire generation of Boston fans only has word-of-mouth knowledge of great Celtic basketball. They've never seen it- never felt it. That fool's gold Obieball Eastern finals run a few years back was their peak experience. This coming year is huge for the younger fans. The older fans will have their flame rekindled; the younger ones will finally have something to hold on to aside from stories.

9) The quote by Ainge that Garnett will play some center this season makes sense. It means that center will sometimes be a sure strong spot, and opens up the possibilty of minutes for Big Baby and Powe, should they earn them.

10) Chicago and Toronto fans as well as some of the dark sorcerers of the Boston Globe seem to be hanging their hats on the theory that depth will overcome a trio of great stars. I'm here to tell you nice folks, that hardly ever happens.

As eloquently written by Realgm's Elrod Enchilada many times: Teams with depth but without great players usually fall short; while teams with the best players usually win.

10 consequences of the trade

2007-08-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

1) On realgm, I spent most of last spring reading the Memphis and Milwaukee boards, culminating in the surreal highlight of the season- that tanktastic contest against the Bucks with two weeks left that "clinched" more ping pong combos.

Now I'm happily looking at the Suns, Spurs, Pistons, and Mavs boards.

2) On a related note, I couldn't stand to peek at the Portland board after the lottery. Now I look over there and read again and again just how great things will be for them in a few years when their talented young guys get some experience. Man, that's vaguely and unsettlingly familiar....

3) I no longer care about Yi. He has no place on the current Celtics. They need guys who can help win now.

4) Steven A Smith picks the Celtic to do great. I don't know what to say about this odd turn of events. The only thing more surprising is if he would choose to speak softly and thoughtfully.

5) The Red Sox made a big trade the same day, and though FSNE covered Garnett and the Celtics for two hours that evening, I don't think they mentioned the Red Sox (or Patriots) once. NOT ONCE! Cripes, it wasn't that long ago that Celtic halftimes were hot stove reports.

6) There will be no more "second five" playing on the court at the same time- except of course when the Celtics are up 20 with four minutes left- which with any luck will be fairly frequent. Instead, two or three of the BIG 3.2 will be on the floor at all times. The rotation should be tighter and shorter with anyone not ready to produce wins right now, sitting.

7) EDDIE HOUSE: He's the team's Steve Kerr or Craig Hodges (two of the luckiest guys this sport has ever seen). He's a quick release dead eye downtowner. All he's gotta do is dribble the ball upcourt, stand on the perimeter for 5 to 10 seconds and wait for the inevitable kickout after the opposition defense scrambles to double team all three of the main guys at once. House will get open looks galore.

8) Due to his creative shot selection, I grew to despise Antoine Walker at one point. However he's always been reputed to be a great guy off court, and after selling Garnett on the city of Boston, I will never ever again get on Antoine's case. That was a generous and decent thing he did.

9) I've said this before- Tony Allen is coming off *major* knee surgery. The chances of him being a full fledged contributor should be tempered for a while. Maybe he can really play with confidence by mid season if we're lucky. That's why they've signed Wallace and Manuel.

10) THE RICK ROBEY/GERALD HENDERSON PHENOMENON: For the same reason that House will get so many open shots, the "other guys" are going to look great (and if needed, their trade value will rise). So much defensive attention will have to be paid to Pierce, Garnett, and Allen, everyone else will contribute at unexpectedly high levels. Rondo and Perkins especially should benefit.

...by the way, speaking of Perk, has anyone else noticed that if you arrange the letters from Pierce, Allen, and Garnett's first names, it spells PRK? Coincidence? Perhaps. Or perhaps it's a sign from the hoop gods of a vast repositioning of stars, one that signifies the universe coming back into realignment: A good universe. A kind universe. A green universe. A universe where banners get hung from welcoming rafters.

Back on the Map

2007-07-31T09:25:00.000-07:00

If you read internet basketball forums, you've read trade proposals like these a million times:

Someone with a catchy screen name with post something like-
"Danny Ainge is so stupid! Here's what I'd do: I'd trade Wally Szczerbiak, the fifth pick in the draft, and Delonte West to Seattle for Ray Allen. Then I'd turn around and do a bigger trade of Gomes, Jefferson, Telfair, Gerald Green, and Ratliff's expiring contract for Kevin Garnett. Throw in some draft picks too if you need to. Voila! Instant contender!"

You read those types of ridiculous posts, you shake your head, you wonder how in the world anyone could think something like that could really take place. You imagine the poster to have even less of a life than you have yourself...

...but then look what happened- Danny Ainge actually honestly just became the first GM to morph into a wide eyed, trade-checking fiend right before our eyes. This is the craziest, most outlandish pair of far-fetched deals ever to become a reality.

How do you react to this complete transformation of the roster? We can again look to hoop forums for the answer with a group of three letter exclamations: WOW! OMG! LOL! WHA?

Here's a few observations on the deal:

* The other shoe has dropped and it's about a size 50 EEE. This is a mammoth trade. Maybe the 3rd biggest in franchise history after Russell for Hagen and McCauley, and McHale and Parish for Joe Barry Carroll. Ainge has been collecting assets and trying to cash them in since he arrived, but nothing significant ever happened- until now. The damn dam has suddenly burst and ALL the assets just got cashed at once...

* Danny's turned two recent mid lottery picks and a bunch of mid to late rounders into two veteran hall of famers. He took the bad luck of landing the 5th pick in the lottery and didn't just accept his fate. He took it as motivation to make this enormous change.

* The owners have ponied up the cash. They did what they said they would- spend to put the team over the top.

* If people were wrong about Danny... and if people were wrong about Wyc... could it perhaps be that those same people have been wrong about Doc?

* This is a pretty decent defensive team, with Rondo, Perkins, and Garnett. It's a danged good offensive team with Pierce, Allen, and Garnett.

* Are they too old? I don't know, let's look at the other contenders (yes I sure did say "other" contenders!!): Are San Antonio, Phoenix, Detroit, and Miami too old to win a title? Most of them depend on players of similar vintage.

* The trade is good for both the Celtics and Wolves. Before both were caught in the middle between going young or putting together a contender. Now Boston's got the vets and Minnesota's got the youth, and both teams are on clear paths. It's a bold move for both Ainge and McHale.

* Special appreciation and good wishes to Al Jefferson, who has been just a fabulous guy to watch in green. I hope when he's 31 (or sooner) the Celtics can trade a bunch of kids for him and win some more titles. Thank you Al. Best of luck to you.

* The Ray Allen trade made this one both possible and necessary. Garnett refused to come here before Allen arrived, and once the Allen trade was made another had to happen. Once the first trade was done the second one had to come. It was either that or enter the season with pretty much the same team and perhaps be forced to trade Pierce by mid-year.

* As Bill Simmons pointed out, you're really only giving up two sure rotation players- Jefferson and Gomes (probably), for one big rotation player. Gerald was a maybe rotation guy.

* The darksiders who've lambasted Ainge for years- Jackie MacMullan, Peter May, Bill Simmons himself, love this deal.

* I'm on board too. I almost forgot what it felt like to go into a season with a swagger, ready to blow some teams out of their own gyms, ready to take some playoff series, ready to contend.

...It feels really good.

Quick Draft Question #3: Driving Schools and Ice Capades

2007-07-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

This is not technically a draft related question but it leads to draft day discussion:

What goes into making a perennial champion?

If you said, "guts, pride and determination," or something like that, I'm sorry but you get a Frowny Face and an Incomplete for your unimaginitive answer. The historical facts prove that a combination of driving schools and the Ice Capades make the most successful path to a dynasty.

Yesterday's QDQ about Yi and draftee holdouts got me doing a little research (it's the only kind of research I do!). It turns out there are other guys who really didn't want to go to the team that drafted them besides Yi, Steve Francis, Danny Ferry, and Keith Van Horn. Kiki Vandeweghe did it.

So did Bob Cousy! Yes it's true.

Cousy was drafted by the Tri-cities Blackhawks of Moline, Illinois, Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa in 1950.

From Wikipedia: "It was the Tri-Cities Blackhawks which drafted Cousy, but the point guard was unenthusiastic about his new employer. Trying to establish a driving school in Worcester, Massachusetts, he did not want to move into a left field consisting of three small towns of Moline, Rock Island and Davenport. As compensation of having to give up his driving school, Cousy demanded a salary of $10,000 from Blackhawks owner Bob Kerner. When Kerner only offered him $6,000, Cousy refused to report."

Here's what happened next- Wikipedia: "(Cousy) was then picked up by the Chicago Stags, but when they folded, league Commissioner Maurice Podoloff declared three Stags available for a dispersal draft, namely Stags scoring champion Max Zaslofsky, Andy Phillips and Cousy. Walter A. Brown, owner of the Boston Celtics, was one of the three club bosses invited, and later made clear that he was hoping for Zaslofsky, would have tolerated Phillips, and LOATHED Cousy. When the Celtics drew Cousy, Brown confessed: "When I drew Cousy, I could have fallen to the floor."

Brown supposedly did almost fall out of his chair- he was so disgusted at drawing Cousy, a guy Red had passed on in that previous draft saying, "I'm supposed to win, not go after local yokels."

Then there was the 1956 draft: Auerbach and Walter Brown wanted Bill Russell, but Boston was picking too late to get him. Red traded up to the second spot by sending Ed McCauley and Cliff Hagen to the Hawks (the former Blackhawks!). Rochester had the first pick and didn't like the amount of money ($25,000) that Russell was asking for. The Ice Capades were a big deal back then and were owned by none other than Walter Brown. Brown called up Rochester and offered them a few weeks of the Ice Capades if they passed on Russell. The deal was done.

(As a side note 1956 was the single greatest draft by any team in NBA history which netted the Celtics Bill Russell, Tommy Heinsohn and KC Jones- three hall of famers and also three guys who went on to coach NBA champions.)

So there you have it. I don't remember what the original QDQ was, but I do know that a driving school and the Ice Capades are responsible for most of the Boston Celtic championships.

Quick Draft Question #2: Yi

2007-07-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Today's QDQ is about Yi, and it's simple:

Aren't you really happy this year's most agonizing and disturbing draft related event is happening to someone else?

The Yi situation is ugly. It's awful. It's like watching a car crash. I can't take my eyes off it.

Things like this have happened before: Danny Ferry, Keith Van Horn, and Steve Francis all come to mind. Each time someone involved gets hurt- the player, the drafting team, the sensitive humanitarian agent. Sometimes all of them get hurt. Once this type of thing starts going badly, it just does not ever seem to work out.
Maybe this time will be different.

In the meantime, here's a handy hint for all you clever General Managers out there: When a draft prospect tells you he's not working out for you, that he hates your team, he hates your city, he wishes he never met you, and that he'd rather play in another country than wear your uniform— THEN JUST DON"T DRAFT HIM... just don't. It's so much easier. Besides what are you losing out on? ... the next Danny Ferry, Keith Van Horn, or Steve Francis? That's a good thing isn't it?

Anyway, back to Yi: I think Yi's going to be a player, but way down the road. Not this year, maybe not next year. He moves great for a tall guy, he's got the goods, but realistically he's a few years off.

Who knows, Milwaukee may yet work everything out with him. In the meantime the building international crisis between the superpowers of China and Wisconsin is extremely tense. Emotions are strained. The entire international community- Japan, Korea, The United States, and both Dakotas are riveted by the building conflict. Other nations may be drawn in. What's next- Russia versus Montana?

It grinds on week after week. Bucks fans everywhere are in misery.

...Aren't you just absolutely delighted it's not us? (Hee hee hee.)

Quick Draft Question

2007-07-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Today's QDQ is a multiple choice.

IF Mike Conley Jr. somehow turns out to be a total bust for the Memphis Grizzlies, Chris Wallace will later say:

1) It was Jerry's pick.

2) It was Red's pick.

3) It was my pick. I made a mistake.

4) I cannot comment at this time as I am busy trying to sell my Austin Croshere Celtics jersey on ebay.

5) I traded the 8th pick in the draft which would have been used to select Shawn Marion for Vitaly Potapenko. Later I turned around and traded Vitaly Potapenko for Vin Baker. Despite this, I got a huge raise in Boston and then landed the GM job in Memphis. Isn't that amazing? Wait, what was the question?

The opposite of chemistry

2007-07-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

I'm not talking about bad chemistry vs. good chemistry; I'm just not talking about chemistry at all for a moment. Instead this is about components- the parts that in theory anyway will add up to a tidy sum:

Kevin McHale once said in reference to the great Celtic teams of the 80s (paraphrasing): "We knew that going into each game we we're going to win most of the matchups." ...McHale was almost always going to outplay his opposite number, Parish his most nights, DJ and Ainge theirs more often than not, and Bird was going to destroy whatever poor soul stood in front of him every time. Game in game out, all those individual advantages added up to something special.

Along those lines, here's a few thoughts about the current roster and why this probably is not the roster you'll see in early November:

THE EAST is a barren landscape without any giant mountains blocking anyone's path. It's an open plain with almost every team having a shot at the playoffs, and many of those having a legitimate chance at being a league finalist. Here's a brief look at the Celtics' key players and how they might fare against their eastern rivals:

Perkins and Ratliff: It almost seems crazy to say the phrase "key players" and then list Theo Ratliff in the next sentence. But that's what the roster reads like right now and if both are healthy and here these two will eat up a lot of the minutes at center. Perkins is determined. Ratliff is in a contract year. But once again quoting the convivial McHale: "It takes more than wanting it. You can put five plumbers out there and I don't care how much they want it, they're not going to win."
The result: Most nights the two pure centers will lose their individual match up. Neither scores. Whatever else they give won't fully make up for that deficit. It's a big net minus.

Jefferson and Gomes: There are so many keys to the coming season, none bigger than Big Al himself. Will he make another leap? Based just on last season, more nights than not he's going to outperform his eastern counterpart. If we can make that MOST nights, that would go a long way to insuring a comfortable playoff spot. Gomes should be much more effective now that he doesn't have to carry a big load anymore, but rather just fills in where needed with his many skills.
The result: net plus, with a possibility of a big plus.

Ray Allen and Paul Pierce: LeBron James, Carter and Richard Jefferson, Dwyane Wade, Arenas and Butler, Hamilton and Prince, Luol Deng and other talented sorts make the wing positions a very competitive place in the east. But most nights the Celtics win here. They better.
The result: a sizable plus.

Rondo and (gulp) who else?: This is a cloudy forecast- not cloudy in the negative sense, but cloudy in the I CAN'T SEE sense. I love Rondo, but who can tell how he'll perform this season? Talented second year points often become really special like Deron Williams. They also often don't. And what happens when Rondo's out of the game?
The result: you tell me.

Everyone else: I expect Tony Allen to come along slowly, Leon Powe to play with great desire but still be short, Scalabrine to run around a lot, Gerald Green to jump very high, Big Baby to be a lot of fun, Brandon Wallace with his height and defense might actually contribute, Gabe Pruitt and Telfair right now are inadequate back up points.
The result: If you're absolutely depending on any of these guys for wins you may be pleasantly surprised or unpleasantly disappointed. It's wait and see here.

The conclusion is in no way groundbreaking. It was obvious before and it's obvious now: The Celtics are going to win big at the wings. Jefferson will very likely more than hold his own and perhaps become scary at one of the big spots. But the Celtics are going to lose the pure center battles many nights, and their point situation appears to be unstable.

They still must have a long agile big man and a veteran point. If they can shore up those two weak spots the playoffs are assured. If not, you can lump them in with a whole lot of other incomplete eastern teams vying for the same playoff positions:

Detroit, Miami, Chicago, and Cleveland are in. That's it.

Toronto had an impressive year last season and could go up or down from there. Washington and New Jersey (just like Boston) have three guys to build around. Orlando has Howard, and Rashard minus Darko is still a net plus. If Milwaukee is healthy they're a playoff possibility. New York is vulnerable but plays hard and can't be dismissed out of hand with Randolph on board.

The rest- Philly, Indiana, Charlotte, and Atlanta will likely fall short; but that still leaves seven teams to fit into four positions.

Now we will talk about chemistry, because if no other moves are made that's what it comes down to. Depending on how it goes, the Celtics as currently constructed are anywhere from having homecourt advantage in the first round to being about 10th in the conference. That's why the OTHER TRADE must happen. Too much was spent on Ray Allen in Delonte West and the 5th pick for the Celtics not to take the next critical step. They must make that second deal to insure their rise to prominence right now.

They cannot go into the season as they are presently constructed. It's not good enough.

Big names are available. The Celtics have assets to use. Make it happen. Don't just go half way.

Danger: minutes at the wing

2007-07-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

The roster isn't set so I'm not presuming to know who will play how many minutes this coming season, but I do have a concern:

The Ray Allen trade CAN work. It's risky. Many things have to break just right: chemistry, the OTHER TRADE, Jeff Green or Yi not becoming immediate hall of famers, etc. But the most important thing that needs to be addressed is health and career longevity, and THAT MEANS limiting minutes for Ray Allen and Paul Pierce ...this has not been a strong suit for Doc Rivers.

I'm not a Doc basher (Lord knows the world does not need another one) but I was perplexed by his allocation of minutes to both Paul Pierce and Wally Szczerbiak over the past two seasons.

I understand why Doc did it. He was trying to win, needed good vets on the court, and Wally and Paul were the ONLY ones available. But it was SO painful watching Szczerbiak out there playing minutes in the mid to high 30s range, when you just knew he wouldn't hold up. Then Pierce finally got worn down and injured too.

So now we're here. Pierce and Ray Allen are right at the crest of their careers. They are not young. If anyone intends for them to play productively into a blissful Reggie Miler twilight, their minutes must be limited and managed.

Let's look at the potential back up wings:

*You can't count on Tony Allen being available. Frankly you can't depend on him being any good at all this season— maybe he can contribute a bit after mid-year if everything goes right.
*Maybe Gerald will put it together and earn time. But you saw summer league— maybe he won't. (Hey really he's number 3 on the most likely to be traded list after Theo and Telfair.)
*Allan Ray?... if he's even on the team. I don't know about him playing anyway.
*Brandon Wallace? Maybe, I guess. That's being pretty optimistic.

So who's going to fill that extra wing time? Gomes for sure. He can play some 3 and the team certainly has other guys to fill the little-big-man role. (I think Ainge loves Ryan and will only trade him very reluctantly.)

For the first time in many years you can tell what position Paul Pierce is going to be playing: Ray Allen is a guard. That definitively makes Pierce a small forward—there's no more fudging the wing spots together.

So as things stand now provided Gerald Green doesn't improve, Ray Allen will play the 2, Paul Pierce the 3, and when Ryan Gomes subs at the 3 and Ray rests, Pierce will slide to guard.

Now IF Gerald is still here and can play, everything's easy. Green just fills those extra minutes and R. Allen and Pierce get their essential rest. But if Gerald's ineffective LOOK OUT, there is a dangerous chance that Paul and Ray will play too many minutes too early, too often, shortening their end of game effectiveness and even their careers.

Doc MUST WIN NOW. Danny must win now. The easiest way to do that is to overplay the two stars. BUT the easiest way to insure that this risky trade fails is to do just that. The situation is kind of perilous.

Everyone knows there is very likely another trade coming. I hope when it does come, it brings in a solid wing who can spell Pierce and Allen, otherwise this whole thing could easily end badly. Or else I hope for the sudden blossoming of Gerald Green— that would do it too.

Waiting, waiting, waiting

2007-07-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

Nothing happened at last year's trading deadline.

Aside from the Ray Allen and Zach Randolph trades and the Lewis signing, nothing much has happened this offseason yet. There's so much pent up pressure for major player movement, that it just feels like the whole thing is about to burst.

Eric Weiss has a comprehensive article over at Celticsblog which reminds everyone that there's still a lot of huge names poised to be moved: Jermaine ONeal, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Kirilenko, Camby and others.

The Chinese and Milwaukee are locked in a standoff that absolutely looks like Yi is going Steve Francis and forcing a trade.

In other words, there are still lots of teams that are committed or nearly commited to making major deals in the offseason. The Celtics are one of them. With the Ray Allen deal, Boston is no longer in a position to be patient; they HAVE to make another move now- or by the next trading deadline at the latest.

So this should be fun.

One other thing- it's highly likely that when the first monster trade comes down, that will open the gates for a few more megadeals to happen immediately afterwards. Everyone's waiting, seeing what they can get.

Someone will blink, and then there will be mayhem.

10 things entering the Hoopless Season

2007-07-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

1) Here's an important question: If Glen Davis is Big Baby... ...does that make Kendrick Perkins, Titanic Toddler? ...Leon Powe, Powerful Papoose? ...Brian Scalabrine, Jumbo Juvenile? ...and Theo Ratliff, Injured Infant?

2) The Amir Johnson signing in Detroit should remind us all of one of life's cardinal rules: Never make a draft promise to Orien Greene when you could maybe land Amir Johnson in the second round.

It's something I've always lived by, and I hope you have too.

3) Wallaces: Is anyone else suspicious about the fact that RIGHT AFTER Chris Wallace left for Memphis, suddenly Brandon Wallace shows up out of nowhere and is signed? Seems a little TOO convenient...

4) I'm in the skeptical camp on THE TRADE, but one good thing that will come out of it: The trade value of EVERYONE rises on winning teams. For example, until now Ryan Gomes has been a guy who GMs look at and halfheartedly say, "Well, he does do a lot of things."

But if the Celtics start winning, those same GMs will look at Gomes and say, "Hey, he really does a lot of things! We ought to see if we can get him!"

This rising-value-phenomenon worked well with Bird's drinking buddy Rick Robey once upon a time.

5) With summer league going on we got to watch those Foxwoods commercials again. (We're lucky!)

If the commercials are any indication, I have to ask: What is it about that casino that makes people talk about themselves in the 3rd person? (Dave refers to himself as Dave, Melvin as Melvin, etc.) Did Wade Boggs go there in the 80s and infect the place with his own unique airborne contagion?

6) The Celtics haven't been a real running team since Tommy Heinsohn lost his coaching spot. Yes the 80s teams ran opportunistically, but the halfcourt was their forte. Since then we've heard so much lip service about running we could clean out the entire Chapstick Company warehouse.

Since the 70s the Celtics have not ever consistently run again.

They won't this year either, but at least the annual offseason ruse is over— no one is saying they'll look to run first anymore. The team now possesses a highly efficient offense (no problems on THAT end), but it's a halfcourt or motion offense. It's not a RUN RUN RUN roster with four of five starters having only average or slower than average footspeed.

7) Days ago Steve Bulpett reported Theo Papaloukas signed with CSKA Moscow rather than the Celtics because despite wanting to come to Boston, the Celtics offer wasn't high enough. (I believe Papaloukas signed with the Russian team for something in the neighborhood of 4 million per.)

This brought about complaints from some corners of Celtic nation who are prone to such interpretations, saying that (once again) this proved Boston ownership was chronically, infernally and criminally cheap.

Maybe not.

I offer an alternate interpretation: The Celtics probably learned from their mistake of a few years ago when they split the mid-level and got two players who haven't done much- Scalabrine and Dickau, and didn't want to commit the same error again. Instead they wanted to leave the whole mid-level exception intact in case they could land bigger game.

So they probably offered Papaloukas the low level, since that was all they had as an alternative. Remember they were still in the Darko hunt at the time (and who knows who else they're still wooing).

...or maybe they are cheap. How the hell should I know?

8) I'm not talking draft picks here, and I'm taking the Ray Allen deal out of the equation completely because it still makes my head hurt: There has NOT been one great move made by an NBA team yet this offseason.

Every signed free agent has been either one dimensional, unproven, obscenely overpaid, or just plain bad. You know when acquiring Zach Randolph is the best thing anyone has done for their franchise, that there hasn't been much surefire headway made by anyone.

9) How come China doesn't get their own NBA team? (Aside from the fact that they're not that good yet.) They get a summer league squad. I mean I love seeing in print: CHINA VERSUS CLEVELAND. It's intrinsically funny.

...and they ought to get their own realgm forum too.

10) The "OTHER DEAL" hasn't happened yet. Did you notice? Is the whole process making you tense?

You may be suffering from Temporal Displacement Syndrome: SCIENCE has determined that while time moves at normal speed for NBA General Managers, it moves very quickly for NBA fans. So when a day goes by for a GM it actually feels like 14 days have elapsed for you and me. Yes, TDS is TWICE as powerful as Dog Year Syndrome. If no trade or free agent acquisition has taken place on any given day, it can be extremely disorienting for those affected.

This condition often results it widespread feelings of despair, frustration, and listlessness, and if untreated by a licensed TDS therapist can result in permanent insanity. One way to know if you are in the high risk group for TDS: IF YOU ARE READING THIS RIGHT NOW, YOU'RE AT HIGH RISK!

A TDS therapy session generally goes like this:

You: "Was there a trade yet?"
Therapist: "No."
You: "Was there a trade yet?"
Therapist: "No."
You: "Was there a trade yet?"
Therapist: "No."
You: "Was there a trade yet?"
Therapist: "No."
You: "How about now?"
Therapist: "No."
You: Have there been any free agent signings?
Therapist: "No."
You: Well, do you have any inside information?"
Therapist: "No."

That is followed by a series of robust electroshock treatments, after which you feel much better and no longer check for basketball news updates on the web every three minutes.

Thank you Science. Thank you.

...Bonus thing) Al Thornton is good.

On judging rookies and other young players

2007-07-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

It's planting season, when seedlings are placed in the fertile soil of agrarian Las Vegas in hopes that they quickly grow into contributing basketball players.

Personally, I'm purposefully slow to come to final conclusions on rookies. In fact I have sort of a system -well, more like a hodepodge of factors to take into account in judging young guys as they begin their careers:

Sometimes you can tell a guy's got it right away. When Al Jefferson played in his first summer league game a few years back, I was blown away. I'd never seen him play and was worried about his unbelivably dreadful athleticism results from the combine. (Hey that's another thing!: Don't put too much faith into those speed and agility stats.)

Anyway, Big Al on day one had the magic footwork and touch. You just knew he was going to be something special.

On the other side of things, sometimes a guy looks so lost or lethargic, you know immediately he's LaRue Martin reincarnated and you can pretty much give up all hope for him. Jerome Moiso would be a good example.

THEN there's everybody else— the vast majority of players. Jeff Green had a bad first game. So what? Marco Belinelli scored 37 in his debut. Great. That may or may not translate to the league. Most guys take time to evaluate. SOME guys take years before you can pass judgement one way or the other.

When Chris Wallace turned three choices in a strong draft into Joe Johnson, Kedrick Brown, and Joe Forte; no one knew how any would turn out (least of all apparently, Chris himself). Kedrick could electrically jump to the clouds. Joe looked a little young and shy. Forte seemed fairly sharp in summer league. ...You know what happened... The point is, it takes a lot of time before verdicts can be reached on young guys, and what you see at first is not necessarily what you will end up getting.

This is not like olden times when Cedric Maxwell played four years of college and could step right in his rookie season and look like a wizened vet— followed only one year later by a 5th year senior from the midwest arriving and being -ahem- even more impressive (I forget his name). But even back then, when virtually all rookies came in with four years of college, you normally expected a sizable adjustment period.

NOW most of the top talent are relatively young down to incubator status. So here are the factors I use that earn guys a longer time before deciding on whether I like them or not as players:

*IF they've got a TEMPORARY injury like a chronically pulled muscle, a slow healing twisted ankle, or Al's misdiagnosed bone chips, you can't judge them quickly. I CANNOT believe the number of Celtics fans who condemned Al Jefferson while he was obviously hurt in his second year. (Have YOU done your penance yet, you Al-misjudgers you?)

If a guy's injured like Luke Jackson and has permanently lost his athleticism (which is what made him good in the first place) well that's a different story. Feel free to judge away!

So FACTOR A: -TEMPORARY INJURIES- extra time.

*IF a guy is REALLY young, you can't judge him. This probably applies to the Celtics more than any other team, with their all time record for stockpiled high schoolers. Young guys regularly enter the league too early because the money's there or sometimes because college isn't right, and they're often not ready physically, fundamentally, and emotionally. Jermaine O'Neal took years before he put up impressive stats (or even got minutes). You have to judge young guys slowly.

FACTOR B: -YOUNG- extra time.

*This is even further stressed if a young guy is physically immature— by that I mean frail and not yet grown into his own body. The poster child for this is our own Gerald Green. I've said many times- Gerald's biggest drawback (more than the lack of a particular skill) is how easily he's knocked off balance on both ends. He looked more "grown up" against Portland the other night. ONLY AFTER he fills out will you be able to fully judge him.

Let's face it, NO ONE knows what Gerald's future is. As Steve Bulpett said in an FSN interview a few weeks back (paraphrasing): "In three years he could be a star. In three years he could be out of the league. No one knows."

Gabe Pruitt has not filled out yet physically. He needs time too.

FACTOR C: -PHYSICALLY YOUNG- extra time.

*The opposite of this is the guy who arrives out of shape. Sometimes it's a guard like UCONN's Marcus Williams, but 90% of the time it's a big guy. Kendrick Perkins and Big Baby are good examples. Out of shape players go either way- they change or eat themselves into career oblivion. Perk remade himself! It takes a long while. The player HAS to show signs of working in the right direction on this early on, lest he fade into a bloated downward spiral of tomhamiltonness.

FACTOR D: -OUT OF SHAPE WITH A TENDENCY TOWARD WEIGHT GAIN- extra time IF he begins to work on the problem immediately.

*The most obvious: points and centers tend to take longer to develop. They just do.

FACTOR E: -POSITIONS 1 OR 5- extra time.

To add some historical perspective: Under old time standards, this would have been Perkins' rookie year, Jefferson's senior year, Green's junior year, Rondo's senior year, and so on.

The Celtics have three rookies with serious chances of making the team: Pruitt, Davis, and Wallace. One has not filled out. One is not in top shape. One played out of position in college and was undrafted. It will probably take time to judge all of them.

10 things about summer game number 1

2007-07-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

1) Mike Gorman graciously gave us the heads up on Brandon Wallace hours before the game. He reported on FSN that Wallace has looked great in practice and the Celtics are taking a REAL look at him. Big Baby and Pruitt both looked promising but just not quite there yet- Baby being maybe a little out of NBA shape and Pruitt a little light. But the third rookie, Goldilocks-like, looked JUST RIGHT.

Brandon Wallace seems exactly like a prototype tall small forward minus the dead-eye shot. He has great athleticism, great length, great motor and great defense. Hey, great! This is no prophecy of future accomplishments or knocks on the Celtics' second rounders, but at first glance Wallace projected as the best looking Celtic rookie on the floor.

(I don't want to get too crazy here. But so far so good.)

2) In case you missed it, the seating arrangement among Celtics management in the front row was from right to left: Ainge, Wohl, Rivers, and Telfair.

3) I thought Rondo was terrific without filling up the stat sheet at all. He controlled tempo and stymied the Blazer offense before it began. That and the pounding that Mr. Powe and Mr. Baby laid on Greg Oden -keeping him off balance- were huge factors in the easy victory. (Yes it's meaningless, but it sure feels good.)

4) On the other side of the ball defensively, I was impressed with Taurean Green. He managed to stay in front of Rondo on a regular basis, and though Rondo still managed to be effective, he had to work extra hard to get into position.

5) Sergio Watch: Their Sergio had a horrible game. Our Sergio didn't play. —Advantage: nobody.

6) Back to Brandon Wallace: Bulpett reported in today's Herald that Wallace (a highly touted recruit entering college) played center for his entire career at South Carolina, yet was a small forward in high school. That makes you think... He's OBVIOUSLY a small forward. So I want to know why SC couldn't recruit better to get him into proper position? And even more, I want to know who the heck did that high school team have at power forward and center??

The Celtics have a real need for a defensive ace at the wing position. With Tony Allen possibly not being ready in November, could Wallace fill that role?

7) On Oden's poor debut: It means NOTHING.

That Portland team had probably 4 regular season starters in their lineup, but thanks to the injury plagued season that just ended, the Celtics guys came in with an abundance of recent experience and took advantage for one summer league game.

On Yi's impressive outing against Memphis: It means SOMETHING. I've warmed up to having Ray Allen around, but I still REALLY want Yi.

8) I thought Gerald Green had bulked up some and looked confident getting his shot off. With his height and jumping ability, it's just so simple for him to get a look. He just has to figure out what gives him the best percentage.

9) How many regular people would now be dead or hospitalized if they had been pounded by Big Baby and Powe for 40 minutes? Let's see some hands. (I personally would have been morgue bound after 3 minutes.)

10) The most tantalizing thing from Doc Rivers when he had the mike on during the fourth quarter: He spoke about Boston having the mid-level and bi-annual exception, and made it clear the Celtics are eager to use them... stay tuned. Something is going to happen. Something, something.

...How come they don't play 48 minutes in summer league? This is the pros now...

10 things about Cuban, Yi, Baby, Wallace and more

2007-07-04T11:56:00.000-07:00

1) Mark Cuban is suing Don Nelson for utilizing "inside information" which Nelly used to defend Dirk Nowitzki in the playoffs. Sheesh, this cracks me up. I fear we have irreversibly become from top to bottom, a society of weiners. Seeing that lawsuits like this are not laughed out of existence before they even reach the courts, we might as well take the red, white and blue off the flag and replace it with a hot dog.

Will the Mavericks' owner next seek compensation from Fidel Castro for turning the name "Cuban" into an adjective?

2) Remember when Steve Francis and Keith Van Horn both forced themselves away from the teams that drafted them— only to become disappointments as pros? Now there's Yi. What a strange situation. You'd expect tensions between China and Russia or China and North Korea on occasion, but I never thought we'd witness an international incident between China and Milwaukee. I hope the two nations resolve their hostilities one way or the other without conflict. I'd hate for us to have to choose between our Chinese friends and our Milwaukee friends.

3) Big Baby was on with Gary Tanguay and Greg Dickerson, and looks almost thin! Really. He doesn't even look power forward sized anymore. I love his footwork though. If the lost weight translates to greater explosiveness, he might find a comfortable place in the rotation. (I'm now even wondering if he's too small...)

4) I have the following questions which I'd love A REAL answer to. How is Perk's foot, Tony's knee, and Ray Allen's ankles? I know Ray's ankles are "perfect," but seeing that he's on a "slow track" to getting back to playing, how does anyone ACTUALLY KNOW that? I ask this seriously. And on Perkins— right now the way the roster is, he HAS to be healthy, bouncing around and able to play more than 30 minutes a game. There's just so little dependable height on this team.

...I know: another deal is coming, another deal is coming. Any day now it will happen. I'll wait for it. I'm patient. Any time now. It's coming.

5) And while I'm asking questions— Mr. Danny, what is it with you and Robert Swift? Is this a healthy relationship? I mean is Swift gonna need a restraining order?

6) Half the proposed trades I read suggest that the Celtics should add "their 2008 draft pick." Let me interrupt. The 2008 draft is very good. DON'T under any circumstances trade out of it. If anything try to get another 08 pick.

7) Kudos to FSN for showing all the Celtics summer league games live. Why didn't this happen before? They have NO OTHER programming. Does anyone actually watch poker on television? ANYONE? I don't understand why stations like FSN don't also show D league games when a prospect is sent down, and Euroleague games too. I'd watch those things. ...and I'm not watching Best Damn Anything either. Ever.

8) I kind of like Taurean Green who was taken by Portland along with about half the other players in the draft. I wonder if he'll even make their team. Does Paul Allen get to buy extra roster spots as well as extra draft picks?

9) Chris Wallace is in Memphis for ten days and now he's moving Gasol? Really? Does Chris actually seek out skinflint NBA owners (like Mr. Gaston) or are they just drawn to him?

10) I see the Celtics have decided not to hire anyone as of now to replace Wallace, Tony Brown, and Paul Pressey. That makes sense— you know the organization is a bit top heavy when cutting a percentage of the coaching staff actually increases seating capacity in the arena. Maybe Clifford Ray can finally get a deserved courtside seat.

10 things about THE TRADE

2007-06-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

1) My immediate reaction after hearing about the trade was one of paralyzing despair. After a few hours I moved into a shuddering fetal position, gradually working my way to sitting upright, and finally 24 hours later became fully functional. In other words when I heard about it, I HATED this trade.

2) 10 days before the draft I wrote this:

In summary. I think the Celtics are likely to do things in this order:
--1 Keep the pick and draft a tall Chinese guy.
--2 Keep the pick and draft a tall other guy.
--3 Keep the pick and draft a fleet wingy guy.
--4 Trade the pick and receive an all star who is not insane.
--5 Trade the pick and receive an all star who is insane.
--6 Get a second lottery pick and acquire all the ALs they can.

http://only10things.blogspot.com/2007/06/10-things-10-days-before-draft.html

I think Danny Ainge came very close to choosing option #1 by going with Yi. Instead he chose option #4 and traded for a sane all star.

3) Only hours before the draft Danny said in a WEEI interview that he would not trade a young guy for a vet if he thought the young guy would be nearly as good in two years. Atlanta was leaning to Horford. Memphis to Conley. It sure looked like the Celtics were taking Yi...

4) Next the trade happened. It seemed like Ainge was trading the future for winning more (but not enough) games now. It seemed like Danny had done just the opposite of what he said he would- by acquiring a veteran at the expense of a talented young prospect. It seemed like this made absolutely no sense...

5) THEN THINGS STARTED TO HAPPEN TO CHANGE MY MIND:

*First off, Seattle fans hated the trade too. Huh? How could that be? Oh yeah. I forgot. Ray Allen is pretty danged good— he's just about Paul Pierce good. (Would you trade Paul Pierce for Szczerbiak, West, and the 5th pick?)

*Then people started talking about where the Celtics stood in the East playoff rankings. Not IF, but WHERE.

*Danny Ainge said he thought Ray Allen would be better in the coming years than anyone he could draft.

*I realized you couldn't just make the team great with ONE deal. You had to do an interim deal first to put you in a position where you're one deal away. Was this the right deal to do that?

*Then Ray Allen spoke: Thankfully he talked about how aware he has always been of extending his career longevity- of the special attention he pays to diet and exercise.

Hang on now, I thought, if everything goes right it's just slightly possible this deal might work out.

6) But how??

Ok, the first thing that has to happen is Ray Allen MUST stay healthy and productive. must Must MUST!

THEN, the Celtics HAVE to make another deal or two before the season begins. The Celtics cannot go into November with just Perkins and Jefferson as their only height. (Yes Ratliff is on a contact year, and contract years do have a way of healing a variety of ailments— but we'll hold off on Theo-talk, since Mr. Ratliff will be included in any other trade that might come along.)

Anyway, the Celtics biggest need going into the draft was for a long mobile agile defensively-skilled big man with a Kirilenko-Garnett-Dalembert body type. They STILL desperately need that guy, plus now they need a back up veteran point too.

If these three things happen: long guy, vet point, healthy Ray— everything will be super. Oh man, this is a huge risk.

7) In looking at the trade from a Seattle perspective I don't know why they did it. Why not have Ray Allen there to take the heat off Durant? Instead they're throwing all possible pressure on Mr. young wunderkind. That's hard. They could have made it easier on their young star.

8) Back to the Celtics: MORE DEALS MUST COME. Otherwise this will NOT be good.

But if everything works out here are the benefits: Boston will be a destination for free agents. Ray Allen's the guy to do what Szczerbiak could not— take the pressure off Pierce, spread the floor and balance the offense, pull the double teams off Paul and Al, and guide the young fellas.

Here's the question that turned it all around for me: How many assists a game do you think Rondo is going to get with Pierce on one side, Ray Allen on the other and Jefferson down low??? The answer is plen-freakin-ty.

AS LONG AS RAY IS HEALTHY
AS LONG AS RAY IS HEALTHY
AS LONG AS RAY IS HEALTHY

Please stay well Ray Allen. Please. Stay young- functionally young anyway. Stay strong. Keep playing at the same level you did last year for 4 or 5 more years. Everything depends on it. IF that happens, this was a good trade. What a gamble...

9) The second rounders: All winter I was dreaming of a Summer League team with Greg Oden. ...then after May 22nd with Yi. ...now the top 2007 Celtics pick playing is Gabe Pruitt. What a change.

I LOVE Big Baby! He's got super quick and nimble feet for a guy with such bulk. If he gets into top shape he'll be very good. (Had the Seattle trade not happened, I'm sure he would have been picked at 32 instead of Pruitt.)

10) ...Now we watch and wait and see what happens next. Danny and Doc both know it: another trade is needed. There's lots of great players on the market now. Ratliff has the biggest expiring contract available. Make that next trade... it's the only way to make this one make sense.

...Hey, the Seattle deal is done. The choice of path has been made. The Celtics will win next season. They will be a playoff team. Now that the direction has been decided: Win all you can! Knock em down one after the other, and remember what it's like to be dangerous again.

Lazy mock draft

2007-06-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

You've read tons of mock drafts written by diligent, hard-working people who have put tremendous time and effort into analyzing tonight's event.

Well let me tell you— I'm not falling into that "time and effort" trap. No way...

Here it is, my lazy Celtic-centric mock draft written BY someone who has read far too many mocks FOR people who have read far too many mocks:

1) Portland: Big great center guy

2) Seattle: Long breathtaking wing guy

3) Atlanta: Horford

4) Memphis: Conley

5) Boston: Yi

6-31): A bunch of other guys

32) Boston: I don't know

33-60): I don't care

(Written in just a few minutes utilizing very little thought, while sitting around wearing shorts and drinking a smoothie. A new all time lack-of-effort mock draft record!)

In fact, I put so little effort in, I believe I'm now qualified to work for ESPN!

Boston's Minnesota first rounder is in peril

2007-06-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

The Timberwolves seem intent on trading Kevin Garnett for youth and picks.

(From the Szczerbiak deal) The Celtics are slated to get a Minnesota first rounder two years after the Wolves finish outside the bottom ten. This is because a top 10 protected Minny pick must first go to the Clippers, followed by a two year waiting period.

There is a league mandated expiration date on that pick to the Celtics. The Wolves must finish outside the bottom ten by 2010— that's three more seasons. Otherwise the first rounder turns Cinderella-like, into an measly second rounder. (insert ominous organ music)

If the Wolves swap Garnett for youth, there's a really good chance they will stay really bad for a really long time in the deep tough West.

This is something to keep in mind when (and if) Minnesota makes their big trade.

10 things Sunday before the draft

2007-06-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

This is getting exciting...

1) On the Garnett-Is-Angered-About-Coming-To-Boston issue— The whole thing reminds me of the Incredible Hulk:

It's like hearing Bruce Banner, "What's that you say? But I don't want to be traded to Boston. This agitates me. I'm losing control! Must stay calm. OH NO, too late! Turning into...Big Ticket... RAAAR! I GARNETT! KG ANGRY!! ARRRRGH!!!!"

2) Kobe's angry too for some reason. So is Jermaine O'Neal. How come all these pampered overpaid rich guys are angry? I mean, what do they have to be so angry about? Not enough Lamborghinis, mansions and pate´?

3) I will reveal this about myself: I actually make less than 10 million dollars a year. Yes. It's very unfortunate, but it's true. It's hard to believe but I make substantially less than a maximum salary NBA player, AND I'M NOT ANGRY!

4) Wait a sec maybe I am angry. That sounded a little surly right there. Oh yeah— I know what I'm angry about: I'm angry that the Celtics haven't had a whiff of any savory championship fragrance in 21 years!

NOW that I think more about it‚— Oh goodness... I'm losing control. Must stay calm. OH NO, too late! ARRRRRGH!! CHANGING! CAN'T STOP!

...GANT MAD!!!

5) MMRRRRRRRGGGHHHH:

HAWKS KEY TO LOTTERY! DETERMINE EVERYONE ELSE CHOICE! GOOD ARTICLE AT AJC.COM! MUST POST LINK!!!

HAWKS CHOOSE BETWEEN HORFORD, CONLEY, YI, —WRIGHT TOO! HORFORD AND CONLEY WORK OUT MONDAY! RRRRRRRR!

6) RRRGHRrrghh- mmmm. I'm calm again.

We've all heard for years that the Celtics should choose between going for vets and going completely for youth. The whole Garnett rumor certainly is about giving up on promising youth for winning now. But what if they go the other way?

If Paul Pierce does "request" a trade how about this: IF and only if they HAVE to trade Pierce, how about sending him to the Lakers for a package that includes Bynum (and Odom)?

You'd end up with an awesome young lineup to grow with:

Bynum, Perkins
Jefferson, Gomes
Odom, Yi
West, Green, Allen
Rondo

7) You could put a monster big frontline on the court of Bynum, Jefferson and Yi. That's a tough match up. It would mean more years of pain, but the return down the line would almost certainly be good.

8) Would the Lakers even do that? They've been holding on to Bynum for dear life; and Pierce and Kobe are pretty redundant players. But it would make for good publicity and sell tickets in LA. ...Nah. Never happen. Forget I said it.

9) And forget I ever said anything about Law having a promise by Atlanta for the 11th spot. I realized this a little slowly: If you were a young point guard in the 2007 draft, you'd refuse a workout with the Hornets too. Sitting on the bench forever behind Chris Paul is the last thing you'd want to do for your career. That's why Law didn't work out for New Orleans. Atlanta had nothing to do with it. Brain lock for me.

10) I love the draft. This is like Christmas. I hope we get something good. Most of the gifts are made in China now. I hope ours is.

Feelings

2007-06-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

1) Did you get your feelings hurt?

Kevin Garnett doesn't want to play for the Celtics. Shawn Marion doesn't want to play for the Celtics. Do you feel like no one loves you? Buck up there buddy— you have many fine qualities and somewhere out in this great wide world, there's a special all-star waiting just for you. C'mon don't be shy, admit it: You're magnetically attractive given the right circumstances— and just because Garnett and Marion love someone else doesn't mean that there isn't a quick shifty guard, or a fleet multi-talented wing player, or a hulking yet skilled center who wants to be with your franchise and only your franchise.

Sometimes these things take time.

2) Maybe if you think about the undisputed worst song ever written, you'll feel better: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feelings_(song)

C'mon. Sing along with me. Here's some horrible lyrics from that criminally horrible song to cheer you up:

Feelings, nothing more than feelings,
trying to forget my feelings of love.
Teardrops rolling down on my face,
trying to forget my feelings of love...

Feelings, wo-wo-wo feelings, wo-wo-wo, feelings again in my arms.
Feelings...

3) Oh screw all that! Listen, you just avoided getting run over by a train. The deal falling apart is the best thing that never happened to you! You almost lost Al Jefferson, the 5th pick, AND who knows what else for a guy who has like 18% of his productive career left. To quote the great departed Red Auerbach, "Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don't make."

4) Speaking of that, here's a related though UNVERIFIED rumor from way back when: In the early 80's right after the huge deal in which Auerbach sent the rights to the first pick in the draft (Joe Barry Carrol) in exchange for Robert Parish and the 3rd pick (Kevin McHale), SUPPOSEDLY Red called up the Nets and asked for a trade. He was worried about Parish who had come over from Golden State with some baggage, so he asked the Nets if they'd take Parish and Tiny Archibald for Mike Newlin and Footsie Walker.

The Nets, fearful of being fleeced by Auerbach, turned him down.

5) Fortunately that rumored trade never happened. Well in my opinion the Celtics just similarly lucked out again. Because where were they going next with a depleted roster, TWO 20 million dollar guys, Brian Scalabrine and Allan Ray? To put it simply, the price was too high. Do you think Al Jefferson's value has peaked? It hasn't. He's going to get better, more productive, and MORE valuable in the next few years.

While Kevin Garnett will not.

6) Another thing was revealed by this near-deal experience. The way I read it— this is verification that Wyc, Steve and other rich guy -whatever his name is- YES INDEED WILL spend money if they feel it elevates the team into contenders. If you're willing to have two 20 million dollar players on the roster, you're paying the luxury tax at some point. So good for you Wyc, Steve and other guy. Way to go! Way to NOT be Paul Gaston Jr.!

7) Speaking of Gaston the lesser... Where do you think he is now? Do you think he's seen the error of his ways, has given up all worldly possessions, is living in a monestary in Lowell, has taken 2 vows- one of poverty and the other of silence -and is content in spending his remaining days in silent contemplation of his numerous sins against the glorious green franchise?

My guess: probably not. But you never know...

8) So maybe we're back to drafting instead of trading. Good! Heres' a tidbit from NewsOK.com:

"One day after working out for the Atlanta Hawks, Texas A&M's All-American point guard Acie Law on Thursday pulled out of his scheduled workout with the Hornets, which was to be held today at an Edmond fitness center.'

If true, that means Law will be chosen by Atlanta at spot 11, which in turn means the Hawks will go big with Horford, Wright, or maybe Yi at #3. Hmmm.

Possibly Law is the third name you can write in ink in your mock draft (along with you know who, and you know who else).

9) The last thing I want to discuss about the deal that didn't happen is the friendship between Kevin McHale and Danny Ainge. Obviously I have no idea of what the real conversation was, but I do know this: If I was out carousing with a buddy, having a great night, sharing some beer and laughs— AND then later when I was driving home and looked in the back seat of my car and saw a huge package— well the first thing I'd think was, "Isn't that nice. Kevin got me a gift." BUT THEN, when I stopped the car and unwrapped the package and found crappy old Marco Jaric inside, I'd be pretty pissed. Wouldn't you? I mean fun is fun, but sticking a buddy with Marco Jaric crosses the line!

Forget it Kevin. Al Jefferson is already too much to give up. And you keep your lousy overpaid Jaricy, Hudsony guards.

10) That was sure a fun 36 hour ride. Wasn't it? Now we're back where we were before: Probably drafting 5th. Maybe a trade will happen. I think the Celtics will end up with Yi.

...I hope you feel better.

Workouts have done nothing to change Ainge's mind

2007-06-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes an answer is put right in front of us and we don't even notice. For example, Scott Souza had a very good article in yesterday's paper: http://www.dailynewstribune.com/sports/x237163644

Particularly interesting was this short paragraph:

"Furthermore, Wallace indicated that he couldn't "steal'' Ainge's pick even if he wanted to because he doesn't know who it might be. While Ainge repeated following a draft workout yesterday that he has a list in his mind and could have done the draft the day after the Final Four ended, Wallace said he has no preconceived notions on the No. 4 selection."

And out of that, please READ THIS PHRASE CAREFULLY: "...Ainge repeated following a draft workout yesterday that he has a list in his mind and could have done the draft the day after the Final Four ended..."

There it is... Danny Ainge has just told you that NOTHING he has seen in any workout has changed his mind about the draft since very early April. Not one iota. He would have done the draft then EXACTLY the same as now.

I find this very interesting. So I went back to see what I thought BEFORE my mind got polluted by all these workout reports, BEFORE the Lottery-Of-Doom.2, BEFORE the Celtics fell to the 5th pick; when we were all young and naive and carefree (oh what simple happy days those were!):

Me on April 2nd, 2007: "OK, so if it's 1 or 2, you definitely keep the pick and get Oden or Durant. Either way is sensational. You drop to 3 or 4, you might keep the pick, but you do explore the market.

I got a feeling Danny Ainge likes someone else out there besides the big two. Not as much, but like Rondo last year there's a player he wouldn't mind at all having on the roster. Yi and B. Wright are the best bets..."

Wow, I didn't even acknowledge the 5th position as a viable possibility.

What I did think was, if the Celtics kept the pick they'd end up with Brandan Wright or Yi. I still do.

Danny Ainge is definitely more of a long term thinker than the majority of fans, and virtually all Boston sportswriters. Otherwise he would not have set the now unbreakable all time record for acquiring high school players. If he keeps the pick and feels the best guy in the draft lacks experience (like maybe Yi) he'll still take him.

He won't take what he feels is a lesser guy just to help right now. At least he never has before.

---6/21/07 (one day later): A lot has happened in 24 hours! Rumors are flying everywhere from Steve Bulpett in the Herald, to WEEI, and many other places that this Minnesota deal for Garnett might be for real. Wow! This is going to be a wild week.

10 things 10 days before the draft

2007-06-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Back for another shift in the draft mines. It sure is dark in here. Confusing too, what with all these different corridors. Look— my canary just died! Darn. He was the only who knew the right tunnel to take to get out. Oh well. Here's more draft ruminations:

1) Yes the Celtics could take a wing.... But my money's on a tall guy. At spot 5 at least one of Horford, Yi, or Brandan Wright will be available. The answer is simple: just pick the one that's left. If Conley goes beforehand, you get your choice of two of them. Just like it has been for months it looks like Yi or B., and I think that means Yi. Simple simple simple: The team needs a tall guy; get a tall guy.

2) Why I think the Celtics WON'T trade out of this draft unless somebody knocks their hosiery off: Because they got burned doing so last year. You could toast marshmallows on that Telfair deal.

No matter what you think of last year's draft day swap with Portland (I like Ainge but I think it was one of his worst moments) the Celtics are going to be doubly wary about pulling out again. (If a vet all-star is there they might have to do it, but any Rashard Lewis deal couldn't include the 5th pick. In that case you might be able to have your draft pick and your vet too.)

3) I also believe they not-so-secretly LOVE a few guys in this draft. One of them is Al Thornton. So among all the Trade Up—Trade Down—Trade Out scenarios, let me add one more possibility: How about trading for a SECOND lottery pick? When they went into the draft last year they had no picks. By the end of the day they had a first and second rounder. (As disappointed as I was in the Telfair deal that day, I really liked the Rondo trade.)

4) How about this for a longshot?: Atlanta and Memphis end up leaving Horford on the board. The Celtics then pick Al Horford at 5. Moments later a trade is announced and they acquire a 2nd pick in the late lottery and use that one to pick Al Thornton. Opening next season you have a frontline of Jefferson, Horford, and Thornton. That's an AL-star frontline— an ALL-AL frontline— when they're all on the court together and Delonte yells "AL!" everybody but Pierce is going to freeze and look over.

Can you bet on the 3-AL possibility in Las Vegas? Probably.

(Does Allan Ray count as an AL? Because then we'd be one AL short of immortality. The first team to put five ALs on the court at once! ALs everywhere would rejoice.)

5) Even though the Telfair deal was pretty miserable, the one good thing that could still come out of it is that the Celtics have the big expiring contract of Ratliff to use in a trade. In fact they have Szczerbiak's contract expiring the year after. One of those two big bundles of money is going to have to be used to re-sign young players. But one might bring something good back. As Sean Grande pointed out on the Celticsstufflive interview the other night, the Celtics are one of the few teams to have both expiring money and young talent to trade with. This is very enviable and a sign that the team has in fact made some honestly tangible progress in the last few years since the Battie-old-days when they had very little that anyone wanted.

6) Think about it. You hear the rumored swaps including names like Garnett, Gasol, Lewis, Marion, the wacky southern California guy, and other all-stars— and every single time the Celtics are rumored to be part of it. Not only is it realistic that the Celtics could acquire one of those players, but you find yourself saying, "No. Not me. I'm not trading Jefferson AND the 5th pick" or some variation of that. I mean can you imagine a few years ago saying, " No way I'm giving up Eric Williams, Jiri Welsch, AND Bruno Sundov for an all star. Uh uh. No freakin' way. We're keeping Bruno. He's untouchable!"

7) In other words, The Celtics already HAVE made a big jump. Not in their record- not yet. But in putting together an impressive group of assets including picks, players, and expiring contracts they COULD possibly make a big leap forward this year— especially if they stay healthy (That alone is worth about 15 more wins. Isn't it?).

8) Speaking of mines: Chris Wallace and Jerry West, the two West Virginians have joined forces sort of. Anyone know what the etiquette is as far as Wallace working for the Griz but knowing EVERYTHING about who the Celtics want in the draft? There must be some sort of protocol for this, otherwise the Celtics would just tie him up and duct tape his mouth until June 29th.

Leo Papile seems like he'd be really good at duct taping peoples' mouths, doesn't he?

9) And speaking of Papile: Ronco, the company started by Ron Popeil just went into chapter 11. I guess no one needs a Veg-O-matic or a Pocket Fisherman anymore. What a shame. ...Wait a minute. How did we get here? Oh I know: my seeing-eye canary died in the first paragraph and I lost my way. Focus. Focus...

10) In summary. I think the Celtics are likely to do things in this order:
--1 Keep the pick and draft a tall Chinese guy.
--2 Keep the pick and draft a tall other guy.
--3 Keep the pick and draft a fleet wingy guy.
--4 Trade the pick and receive an all star who is not insane.
--5 Trade the pick and receive an all star who is insane.
--6 Get a second lottery pick and acquire all the ALs they can.

However you look at it, they'll be better next year.

Trouble with team names

2007-06-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a short breather from draft stuff. Frankly I'm all Yied out for the moment.

Instead I want to talk about something completely irrelevant, which is NBA team names.

Once upon a time all the team names made sense. They either had tradition or the names related to the history of their region, or both. Everything was blissful and all was right with the universe.

Then four screwy things happened:
--1 Teams shortened their names.
--2 Styles got stupid.
--3 Teams moved.
--4 The Bobcats.

Let's take these in order:

TEAMS SHORTENED THEIR NAMES: Bad move. I liked the old names. But somehow the Knickerbockers became the Knicks; the Supersonics the Sonics; the 76ers the Sixers; and the Trailblazers the Blazers. I don't know why they did this. Maybe it was because some marketing consultants told the league they'd make 1.6% more money if they shortened the names. Maybe it was just the era's zeitgeist what with J-Lo and T-Mac and other ridiculous nicknames being the order of the day. Who knows? At any rate I miss the Super, the Seventy, the Trail and mostly the delightful Erbockers.

STYLES GOT STUPID: In particular I point to the SINGULAR names, Heat and Magic. Before, almost all team names were plural. I mean Phoenix could have called themselves the Sun (after all there is only one; those other far away lights are called stars); but they called themselves Suns. That's perfect. It's plural, it's regional for an area that's sunny like 364 days a year. It just fits. Good job Phoenix. But Miami and Orlando—I shake my head at your lack of s's— after all this time I still can't get used to it.

Even worse is the Raptors. Let me tell you a story: Long ago when the great city of Toronto got their franchise, there was a movie trilogy that was really popular. It was off the charts popular. They were called the Jurassic Park films. They were Big BIG box office! So what happens? ...Toronto apparently decides to ride the wave and go with a trendy dinosaur theme. Well that might have been cool at the time, for like two months. But now? It makes no sense. I mean if Toronto was starting their franchise in 2007 would they call their team The Carribean Pirates? Or maybe go with the Harry Potter mania and call themselves the Wizards? ...Nevermind, that one's taken.

Speaking of the Wizards- I loved their old name: The Baltimore Bullets. That just rolls off the tongue. It was great. But then look what happened: People stopped killing people while at the same time guns started killing a real lot of people and the word Bullets took on a negative meaning. Too bad.

(By the way I like when the first letter of the city and of the team nickname is the same, like: Baltimore Bullets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers. A franchise gets an extra gold star on their collective forehead for that.)

TEAMS MOVED: Have you ever been to Los Angeles? They have lots and lots of swimming pools, but honest-to-goodness LAKES are not exactly prevalent. This is (as you know) because the franchise moved from the splooshy north country and took their cool name with them. That's a long standing NBA trend- taking great regionally devised nicknames and transplanting them where they seem almost embarrassingly out of place...

...for example the Utah Jazz. Miles Davis and Mingus are just not the first things that come to mind when thinking of the Great Salt Lake! Wait a minute— Let's test it: OK. I'll say a word and you quickly say the first thing that pops into your head. Here it is: UTAH ...pause for your answer... (insert Jeopardy music) ...Time's up! You didn't say, "Charlie Parker" did you? I didn't think so.

Here's another franchise who is a sad victim of name displacement: The New Orleans Hornets. The name Hornets was originally given to Charlotte because it comes from a comment by the British General Cornwallis in the revolutionary war, who when he was frustrated by the unexpected fierceness of Carolina Colonial fighters compared them to hornets.

THE BOBCATS: It's an ok name, but come on. As far as I know there's a rule against an owner nicknaming the team after himself. Still, Charlotte owner Robert Johnson managed to do just that with the name BOBcats. That's cheesy.

(By the way, I hope there really IS such a rule, because otherwise the Celtics could easily become the Wiccans. (Which is not too bad actually) ...think about it. On second thought- don't bother.

Anyway, the point of all this is that I have devised solutions to all these problems with dumb team names. First, the Magic become Magicians. That's easy.

Then we do a three team name rotation thing where the name Jazz goes back to New Orleans where it belongs. New Orleans Jazz- perfect except for the singularity thing- but I don't think you can call them The Jazzes can you? Then the Hornets name goes back to Charlotte making everyone there happy. That's followed by allowing Utah owner Larry Miller a one time only waiver on the not-naming-the-team-after-yourself rule and the Utah franchise becomes the Larrycats! Who could possibly object to that? That's right, no one. Absolutely no one.

Finally the Heat can have that terrific suffix that was discarded by New York, and they become the Heaterbockers!

Perfect. All problems solved! You see what can happen when you put your mind to it?

(One last thing: Thank God no one combined the trends of name shortening and singularization, and applied it to team names. Otherwise we'd be following B-CELT.)

Now back to your regularly scheduled draft talk...

10 things about Splitter, draft sites, and Brazilian music

2007-06-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

1) Tiago Splitter: Doesn't it feel like you've seen Splitter's name on draft sites just about forever? It seems like he's been on there year after year since about 1984. I believe I can vaguely remember trying to figure out who to choose between Tiago Splitter and Sam Perkins should it ever come down to it.

2) Here's an excerpt from www.prehistoricdraftsite.com circa mid 80's:

"Sam Perkins. Power Forward, North Carolina. Strengths: long skilled power forward who can score both inside and outside. Weaknesses: Can lose concentration and disappear for periods of the game.

"Tiago Splitter. Center, Brazil. Strengths: Large defensive oriented big man with great court presence. Weaknesses: Not born yet. Despite not yet existing, Tiago is still expected to go in the late first round."

That was the first of like 23 drafts that Splitter pulled out of. Here it is decades later and Splitter finally HAS to be in the draft. No more eligibilty for you Tiago, Mr. All-Time Undisputed King of Name Withdrawers...

3) ...Which leads to a this: For the past 23 years Draftexpress and NBAdraft.net have strongly disagreed on Splitter's draft placement, with DX regularly placing him very high and NBAdraft.net pretty low. Now look though: In this, the year Splitter will finally really be drafted, the two sites aren't far off at all with DX dropping him DOWN to 18 (from solid top 10 in previous years) and NBAdraft.net moving him UP to 22 (from occasional second round status)...

4) ...This in turn leads to a discussion of the two preeminent draft websites. I say the following with all possible admiration, because in my opinion both sites do just a miraculous job: Aran Smith at NBAdraft.net; and Jonathan Givony, Eric Weiss and others over at DX seem like bright people, are dedicated, and extremely good at what they do. But let's face it, these guys have to be OUT OF THEIR MINDS! (To put it in context, they're EVEN MORE FAR GONE than you and me who spend way too much of our time on the internet reading about this sport.)

As far as I can tell, these draftniks travel the nation and even the world for no better reason than to give us the latest buzz on Stanko Barac's upper body concerns. Seemingly all they live for is finding out how well Herbert Hill boxes out and to gauge Taurean Green's ball handling skills. And unlike you and me they don't just think about it- they actually GET ON PLANES to verify such questions! If that's not dedication to the point of complete scary, no-sharp-objects-please insanity, I don't know what is.

5) I want to pause right here thank them for it. I do not want to go back to a world without such wonderful websites. Thank you draft guru sites. Thank you. Keep up the great work and please call a helpline if you're ever feeling down.

6) I often read comparisons between these two good-to-the-point-of-being-insane draft sites, complimenting one at the expense of the other. I just want to say I don't see the point of choosing between them and like them both. I would even go as far as saying I like them both very very much.

7) Since Tiago Splitter is from Brazil, I interrupt to list my three favorite Brazilian musicians:

--1 Antonio Carlos Jobim
--2 Laurindo Almeida (His soft ballad-filled album with Sammy Davis Jr. is just about the best thing Sammy ever recorded! It's called: Sammy Davis, Jr. sings, Laurindo Almeida plays.)
--3 Astrud Gilberto

8) How will Yi fit the Celtics after they draft him IF they draft him?: The Celtics desperately need help in the long/agile department on both ends of the floor. Reportedly Yi is not yet much of a defender, though with his size and athleticism I don't see why he can't theoretically become one.

It's on offense where he'll help right away. Here's how: The Celtics always get open mid-range shots. With Jefferson in the low post and Pierce driving, the outside guys get tons of good looks. The problem until now was they had no one to draw away the opposition's interior defender to cover the perimeter. Gomes draws out a smaller guy. But IF YI CAN PLAY he will automatically bring a big guy with him, and in doing so screw up the other team's whole defense. They can't just send a small forward out on him, because Yi will pop over the top all night.

Big man out of the post, everybody rotates. Lots of good looks inside and out. That's my fantasy anyway.

9) This Marion trade rumor does make one thing clear: Even though the lottery went really badly, all that losing still has a huge pay off potential. I mean Shawn Marion's pretty darned good and the Celtics turned the deal down. That ought to be an indicator that the team is adding someone formidable to the roster on June 28th, either by draft or trade.

That Suns team is one to watch since they dumped draft picks the last few years to avoid the dreaded lux tax, and are even in more danger this year. I wonder if Amare will become available.

(Isn't it comforting to know that gazillionaires have budget problems too?)

10) In honor of the Sopranos finale I can only say this: They made the flagrant foul a way of life.

10 things about the Da Vinci Code and Whack a Mole

2007-06-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

1) Word is that Danny Ainge has once again called Seattle to explore the possibility of acquiring Robert Swift. This is where I make a confession: I READ THE DA VINCI CODE! Yes it's true. (Boy is that a relief to get off my chest.)

I do realize that I, along with 40 million other people, am going to hell for all eternity for reading that book. But hey— even though the thermostat is kept up way too high down there, they have a terrific library. All the best books are available!

2) What does this have to do with the Celtics? Everything. Because author Dan Brown got his translation of the phrase "Sangreal" completely wrong.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Grail

Mr. Brown, along with many other scholars mistakenly thought Sangreal meant "Royal Blood." While that interpretation does have some merit, the actual meaning is: "Tall skinny gawky guy who was on the injured list for Seattle most of last season."

Robert Swift, the Holy Grail.

3) Let's face it, Danny Ainge just has a THING for Robert Swift. He LOVES the guy! Personally one of my greatest challenges in recent years has been willing myself to stay up late enough to watch the Celtics when they play on the west coast— so I've hardly ever seen Robert Swift play.

But there's no doubt he's the Holy Grail. None of us can rest until he wears green. None of us. So it is written... apparently.

4) The other reason I have not seen much of Swift, was until May 22nd the Seattle Sonics just have not been worth watching.

I now pause to weep. They got Durant. Ugh.

5) The Celtics have had little luck for two decades now. But I swear that will not last. Some day, some way, it will all change and the franchise will be restored.

6) The Celtics ended up with the worst possible scenario on lottery night- the 5th pick. For 21 years things have been going pretty much steadily horribly wrong. What makes us keep the faith??? WHAT IS IT?

7) Let me digress for a moment. I have a buddy who was a long long long time Knicks fan. I called him up a couple of years back to talk hoops and he shocks me! What does he tell me?: He announces he's no longer a Knicks fan. HE'S BECOME A SPURS FAN! My friend switched to the Spurs! That's like changing religions. I think, "This can't be right."

So after he told me, I paused. "WHAT?!?!?" I thought to myself. Can you really do that? Can you just switch your hoop allegiances like that?

I looked into my heart and came up with the answer. Which is: Yes, you can change your religion, provided you're a Knicks fan or some other fan. But you CAN'T if you follow the Boston Celtics. No. No way.

8) Put it this way. When Michael Jordan won six titles and the entire rest of the world was going ga ga, you know what old time Celtics fans said? They said, "Six titles. That's pretty good."

That's why the Celtics are special. SOME DAY the universe will come back into correct alignment and the green teams will be the greatest of all again.

That day will be glorious.

9) WHACK A MOLE: Admit it. You've hammered moles. You didn't like it much, but you did it anyway. Good for you. Keep at it.

There's a lesson to be learned from that dumb game. Which is, starting right now draft prospects rise and fall quickly. It's early in the process. My feeling is that guys who have been whacked down recently like Brandan Wright and Conley, have plenty of time to jump up again before June 28th. And some guys who are currently flying high will get scrutinized closely and may get hammered down before the draft.

10) That's why this month is so much fun- because you get to try and weed all the false information from the real stuff. June has become one of my favorite months for this reason.

I only want one thing for future Junes: That it becomes my favorite month because the Celtics are STILL PLAYING.

10 things that lead to a conclusion about pick 5

2007-06-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

1) Here are the players the Boston Celtics are probably looking at in the upcoming draft:

Corey Brewer
Mike Conley, Jr.
Jeff Green
Spencer Hawes
Al Horford
Yi Jianlian
Joakim Noah
Al Thornton
Brandan Wright
Julian Wright

2) Right away I want to eliminate these guys from consideration no matter where the Celtics choose: Hawes, Conley, and Julian Wright.

3) If the Celtics trade down they could choose either Thornton or Noah. But at 5, you can eliminate those two as well.

4) If the Celtics keep the 5th pick there are four real possiblities, maybe five. Three bigs, and I guess two wings:

Brandan Wright
Horford
Yi
Green
and possibly Brewer

5) Having said that, I don't really see Brewer (especially after measurements) as so outstanding that he can overcome the team's whopping positional needs. You go with best player available, but if it's really close, position is the determining factor. Plus if you draft Brewer aren't you saying slamming the door on Gerald Green? (I'm not ready to do that and I don't think the Celtics are either.)

6) So let's eliminate Brewer. Here's who's left:

Brandan Wright
Horford
Yi
Green

7) By the time the 5th pick comes around, one or two of those guys will be gone; and two or three of those guys will still be on the board. Jeff Green will almost surely be available. (Barring trades, Green will definitely be there for Boston if they want him. He duplicates half the players on Atlanta's roster and he duplicates Gay in Memphis.)

Here's some factors to consider:

--Conley. Atlanta needs a point. Memphis needs a point. Portland or someone else might want Conley enough to trade above Milwaukee for him. (Though trading that high will be tough.)
If Conley is taken at 3 or 4, the Celtics are helped.

--Horford. Realistically, he's the least likely guy to be available at 5. He's strong; his measurements eliminated size doubts; he's skilled. He's probably not great but he's surely good, and he fills Memphis' other need aside from point. in other words there's a high probability he'll be gone before 5.

8) That leaves three players: Brandan Wright, Yi, or Green.

Every draftee gets heavily scrutinized and gets a buzz going, negative or positive before the draft. Wright's negative buzz has come pretty early so he has plenty of time to turn that around. Workouts will be key for him.

9) Unless Green just ABSOLUTELY makes the Celtics picture themselves on a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and marmalade skies- THAT LEAVES YI. For some time I have thought Yi is being targeted by Boston. There have been many bits of information saying the Celtics have a huge interest in this guy. There is little reason to doubt that it's all true.

Then came the surprising news that Yi skipped not only the physical workouts, but the measurements too! That means Yi will refuse to work out for teams he doesn't want to go to, and you can safely bet Atlanta and Memphis are among them.

I doubt he will avoid Boston. (Remember Yi's close personal encounter with Celtic's Esquire, and his positive words about the our beloved franchise?) Boston is a big market team where (if Yi's a player) he could easily step right in as the Celtics have an enormous need for a long agile guy.

Why else skip measurements?: BECAUSE his measurements are off the charts! Why else hide them? He's not short and slow!!

Yi does not want a team like Atlanta to have those statistics in front of them and choose him ANYWAY. (Reports are he's incredibly long and very nifty for a big man.) So he avoided giving ANY reason he could for what he considers undesirable franchises to choose him.

10) This leads to trade scenarios: (We have renentered the Dirk Zone.) No one is complaining about landing Pierce with the 10th pick way back when, but Nowitzki turned out even better. Nelson traded to get him (giving up a shot at Tractor Traylor! How could he?).

Here it is years later and behold, Yi's name has been linked to Nelson's Warriors plus the Chicago Bulls.

Why I don't think either will be able to trade ahead of Boston: This is not exactly the same situation as 1998 where all you had to do was move up to the 9th position. Moving up to the 3rd or 4th spot is much more difficult. Chicago will try, but they won't mess with their core and without doing so, it won't be enough. I don't see Golden State tempting either Memphis or Atlanta with spare parts either.

So once again I see it going something like this:

Atlanta: Wright or Conley or Horford (in that order)
Memphis: Horford or Conley
Boston: Yi

A deduction, mistakes corrected, a beverage, and a song list

2007-06-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

(originally posted on realgm)

Let's put together some recent tidbits and see what happens:

*Yi is skipping physicals in order to "control the process."

What does this mean?: It means Yi definitely wants to influence where he ends up. That in turn means he's going to refuse workouts with certain teams.

*Horford measured plenty big. Surprise surprise, for me anyway. That's great news, because it either means he'll be taken before the Celtics or be worthy of their 5th pick.

*Atlanta is rumored to love Brandan Wright.

***What it all might add up to is this:
Atlanta: B. Wright
Memphis: Horford (or maybe Brewer)
Boston: Yi.

Other items of interest, or perhaps of no interest:

*Not only was I mistaken about Horford's size, but also Cleveland's chances. LeBron is still younger than Bird was during his rookie year. It's pretty scary to think what Cleveland will be when he gets some talent around him.
The situation reminds me of very young Michael Jordan who played with these other starters when he scored 63 against Boston in the playoffs:
Dave Corzine
Orlando Woolridge
rookie Charles Oakley
Kyle Macy

*Bourbon update: I finally finished my bottle of Knob Creek, and tried Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Sour Mash Bourbon Whiskey- and let me testify I like it even better. Funny thing is, it costs way less. But it is a finely distilled, 7 year aged bourbon, that is delightful to both the discerning palate and inner spirit. Four stars!

*Donovan signs with Orlando for a boatload of simoleons.

Donovan is to be lauded. Not only did he win two consecutive national championships, but he's also the greatest Scottish folk singer ever.

Here are my five favorite Donovan songs:
1) Sunshine Superman
2) Atlantis
3) To Susan On The West Coast Waiting
4) Please Don't Bend
5) The Trip

I don't know how anyone has time to recruit, coach, and write so many great songs too. Amazing.

*Watch and see where Yi works out and where he refuses to go, that will tell a lot.

10 things post-lottery

2007-06-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

(Originally posted on realgm)

1) After the lottery I locked myself in a room and didn't bathe, eat, or shave for 9 days. It was a great thing to do. I feel terrific now. Really. The fetid smell and paranoid feel of living as a decaying hermit is very revitalizing. (Try it. You'll love being putrid while wallowing in lottery sorrow.) Now showered, groomed, and spiritually purified, I'm ready for the draft.

2) Tony Brown: How did that guy do 41 halftime television interviews and never once come close to saying anything either funny or interesting?

3) Yi: I notice there's a 10 page anti-Yi thread going on (great post Celtics Esquire).
I've never seen Yi play, but without rational basis hope the Celtics pick him:
--Why #1: Ainge is a good drafter. If Danny picks him that's a strong indicator he'll turn out fine.
--Why#2: Yi is legit tall and can legit shoot. And he can legit jump.
--Why #3: It makes the Celtics relevant. If Yi can play he'll bring more buzz to the franchise than any nonoden/nondurant draftee.

4) Horford: The measurements should be out soon. His stats will be the ones I'll look at first. I think he might measure small. He's skilled, but I wonder about his height.

5) Jim O'Brien is employed again. What? Why? Wow. Walker-Walter-Waytoomanythrees-Where'stherebounding?... I'm having debilitating flashbacks.

6) I'm thrilled with the vote of confidence Ainge gave Rondo when he said he wouldn't consider Conley. Rondo's the man. Soon everyone everywhere will know this...

7) ...Which means if this year's draftee is a real contributor, (and he SHOULD be- he HAS TO BE- this is a strong draft) then the Celtics will soon have four legitimate players in Jefferson, Pierce, draft pick, and Rondo. Four real players in the East— that means they have to be a threat to rise lickety quickly. Doesn't it?

8) Or else there will be a trade, and then it will be even more certain that the Celtics dramatically improve. All it takes is health, and one more really good player being added somehow.

9) Atlanta and Memphis: I bet one takes Horford just for his safe bet label (though that didn't work out too good with Shelden Williams last year did it?).
If Atlanta reaches for Conley and Memphis grabs Horford, then Boston ends up with, in my opinion, the same two guys they would have been choosing between if they had the third pick. I think the Celtics want and need height. Brandan Wright and Yi are the long guys.

10) Can the Hawes talk die? He's not in the mix. Yes he has nice moves and nice footwork. But he's slooow. If he could get Scotty to beam him from one end of the court to the other he'd be perfect. But Scotty has sadly passed on now and this will not happen. Let someone else have the slow guy. This Celtics team will run or lose.

If the pick is kept, take a fast tall athletic guy. Please.

10 things leading up to Tuesday night

2007-05-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

(originally posted on realgm)

Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.

1) Duncan and San Antonio are right there again. For the purposes of the following point, Horry's hip check and the resulting suspensions are irrelevant. That point is: When you have the best big man in the game, you're a threat for a title every year.

That's why you draft Oden with the first pick. Durant's so good, you consider him, but when late June rolls by, you go with the big guy.

2) As mentioned in a recent post, it's down to four guys for the Celtics. A fifth won't even come into play. It's Oden at 1, Durant at 2, Yi or B. Wright at 3 or 4; and if it comes down to 5 someone else will very likely leave Yi or B on the table.

That's all the names you need to consider.

3) There's lots of ping pong articles today. Heres' a quote from David Stern via the Shira Springer column in the Globe:

"There have been some suggestions that we've weighted it too much to the teams with the worst records," said Stern. "I scratch my head and say, 'I thought that was the purpose of the draft.'
We're going to have an interesting series of internal meetings this summer about the lottery to see if it's as good as it should be. We're open to any improvements that would seem to make sense, but we think we're pretty close to what is the best system under the circumstances, if not the best."

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2007/05/20/another_journey_to_the_land_of_odds?mode=PF

4) Stern is right. Every other system has already been tried, and they're all worse (MUCH worse). If it wasn't for the weighted lottery, this winter would have been unwatchable. With it, the season was actually entertaining. So the Celtics played Leon Powe in the 4th quarter and Milwaukee's best guy was 4 and a half feet tall. So what? It created a second point of drama in the standings.

It was good wholesome fun.

5) Cleveland's the fourth best team in the East. After changing the seeding sytem, circumstances still led to the three best teams (Detroit, Chicago, Miami) on the same side of the bracket. The Cavs played a decimated Washington team and an over the hill Jersey bunch relying on Mikki Moore in the frontcourt. This is a fool's gold run for them, not completely unlike the Celtics' East finals feint a few years back. (Although with LeBron, the Cavs can still grow from here.)

Cleveland's luck has run out for now though. They are no match for the Pistons.

6) There's another thread on this but... The Yi buzz seems to be growing. Chad Ford just wrote a boffo review of Yi. Ainge has been reportedly high on him for some time. You see, if the Celtics drop to 3, I think it will be Yi (not B.).

Ford on Yi, well worth reading:
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=sports&id=5317418

7) Back to harsh reality: It's misery if the Celtics end up at 3... and the misery deepens if the pick is number 4 or 5. Durant and Oden are just that spectacular. Everyone knows it, and there's no avoiding it. Maybe someone like Yi will turn out to be so good that things will end up ok. But If the Celtics end up lower than spot 2 Tuesday night, an army of trauma counselors will be needed.

Unfortunately as we know, that is more likely to happen than not.

If it's 3 or below, by draft day we'll have adjusted our brains and built up whoever the choice is into someone acceptable. In other words, we'll live. BUT TUESDAY NIGHT IS IT!

8) As has been repeated, last year everyone would be thrilled to get Yi or Wright or Brewer. Noah would have been #1 last year. But this is not crappy old last year. This is THIS year— this is likely AN ALL-TIME GREAT DRAFT. I doubt Brandon Roy or Paul Millsap or Andrea Bargnani would even make all-rookie first team among this group.

Deep as this class may be, the 3, 4 and 5 guys won't put a lampshade on your head Tuesday evening. That type of fashionable celebratory headwear is reserved only for Oden and Durant.

9) Here's another quote from the Shira article:

"Rarely does the worst team get the first pick," said Orlando senior vice president Pat Williams, a four-time lottery winner. "I've sat up at that table many, many years. The emotion in there is indescribable. When you think that your future employment hinges on some Ping-Pong balls rattling around in a machine, oh, what an insane way to make a living."

What an insane thing to depend on as a fan too.

10) THIS IS IT. This could be the turnaround. ONE MOMENT late Tuesday could just about assure a dozen years or more of championship contention, of weekly nationally televised games, of the return to preeminence of the greatest franchise in the history of sports.

That's all there is to say. Destiny is out of our hands.

Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.

10 things about deciding whether or not to watch the lottery

2007-05-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

(originally posted on realgm)

Alright I admit it. I'm having a small crisis here. The lottery looms and I have mixed feelings about even watching it. Here are ten reasons why:

1) The lottery is excrutiating. They'll start off with a brief overview of how they have 14 team representatives who you won't ever see, locked in a secure room with a rented ping pong ball lottery machine and a representitive of a multi billion dollar accounting firm who will make sure all those grubby-handed little millionaires don't try anything funny and visa versa. Then they'll show the league VP in charge of envelopes whoever that is, waving a bunch of stationery that will determine whether the next ten years of your life will be happy or miserable. Then they'll go to commercial.

2) When they come back they'll introduce the 14 team representatives who will range from former greats to current players to team execs. When they introduce Tommy Heinsohn, you'll say, "There's Tommy. I know him!" Then they'll go to a commercial.

3) When they come back they'll open the first envelope.
Now let me point out that nothing good can happen here, only something bad can happen. Either they call the LA Clippers followed by a shot of Elgin Baylor smiling just as if he's done this before, or they call New Orleans and the reps of Milwaukee and Memphis both faint while Tommy clenches his fist, becomes very red, and menacingly glares at whoever happens to be sitting next to him.

4) It turns out it is the Clippers. Elgin smiles, waves and picks up his well worn lottery seat cushion which he's pretty sure he'll be using again next year. Phew. You sigh in relief. Then they go to a third commercial.

5) Now it dawns on you: They have to do this 11 MORE TIMES BEFORE ANYTHING GOOD CAN HAPPEN. That's right, nothing good can happen for the next 9 or 10 minutes until they get to the critical final picks. ONLY SOMETHING VERY TERRIBLE CAN HAPPEN. (I'm not completely sure I want to put myself through that.)

6) When they come back the next few envelopes will be opened. Each time a little piece of you will die. Your artery walls will thicken and your lungs will contract. In the next few minutes your life will be shortened by a time period equal to 19.9% of your previously expected lifespan (coincidentally the exact same percentage as the Celtics chances for Greg Oden). Then they'll pause for a commercial.

7) When they come back they'll have prepared a little montage of the 1997 Tim Duncan draft lottery, and you'll see poor old M.L. Carr sitting up there taking a bullet for the team, his smile barely covering a bottomless horrible feeling of abject pain that suddenly inhabits his entire soul. (Later a careful medical examination will determine that he also has Rick Pitino's switchblade in his back). Then they'll pause for another commercial and let you think about things.

8) More envelopes will open. Still, nothing good can happen. What you want is for the bad teams to go in order: Clips, New Orleans, Philly, Indy for Atlanta, Sacramento. Then, God willing, they'll call Chicago. This will be your one break from the tension as you get a good hearty laugh at Isiah's expense. One more commercial.

9) Finally they'll work their way to the 5th position. This is where the pressure really mounts. You'll hoist your beer but realize that you can't swallow, which doesn't matter anyway since you've unknowingly crushed the can from gripping it too tightly. Then will come the determining envelopes. If the Celtics card hasn't been shown by the 4th pick, you'll be ready for the the last and worst of it, the third envelope... but not before another commercial.

10) By now you'll know if Milwaukee, Boston, or Memphis has gotten screwed out of their hard fought position. You'll think back to all those carefree winter evenings joyfully riding your tank to happy doom and soon you'll know whether it was all for nothing, or whether it will make you deleriously happy for the entire summer and perhaps the decade or more that follows.

...or you can just skip the telecast and peek at the internet 15 minutes later and avoid the whole thing.