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RETRIEVING CONTENT...PLEASE WAIT
Gerald Sees Himself as an Energy Guy Off the Bench
Saturday, October 14, 2006
by FLCeltsFan 1:21 PM
October 14, 2006
| Hoopshype has a great article on Gerald Green. It describes the disappointment he felt at dropping to number 18 as well as his appreciation for the Celtics. “Still to this day, I am disappointed," Green says. "However, I am truly blessed with the fact that I am with the Boston Celtics. I am not mad that I didn’t get drafted (in the lottery). I am actually happy because this is probably the best team that I could be with.”
They also discuss his time in the DLeague and what he brought out of that and the chemistry on the team.
“At first I didn’t really like the idea, I didn’t want to go at all," Green recalls. "However, after going there for the first couple of days, I started to love it. You’re always working, you’re always playing and you had no choice but to get better unless you wanted to sit there and do nothing... It wasn’t like you were sitting back watching, you were actually learning.”
“At first I didn’t really like the idea, I didn’t want to go at all," Green recalls. "However, after going there for the first couple of days, I started to love it. You’re always working, you’re always playing and you had no choice but to get better unless you wanted to sit there and do nothing... It wasn’t like you were sitting back watching, you were actually learning.”
Gerald is working hard on his game, spending the summer with John Lucas and working on every aspect of his game. The results have been impressive so far as he looks so much more comfortable on both ends of the court this season. He is also excited about the new players on the Celtics this season.
He feels the addition of another former high school phenom in Sebastian Telfair, whom he developed a friendship with during his time in the summer league last season, will add another dimension to the Celtics' offense with his ability to create open shots for teammates.
Gerald is looking forward to an expanded role on the Celtics this season and the fans are as well. The ceiling is unlimited for this talented player. He is looking to be an energy guy coming off the bench this season but is willing to do whatever is asked of him, as is every one of our young players.
“(I can see myself) being that energy guy off the bench… I don’t know what role he has for me this season, but whatever it is, I’ll work towards it. I’ll do whatever he wants me to do,” Green says.
Somewhere Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge are smiling together, knowing that their gamble is about to cash in.
A lot of the fans are smiling as well. This year is shaping up to be very exciting.
[More]
source: Hoopshype
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Odds and Ends on a Saturday
by FLCeltsFan 10:29 AM
October 14, 2006
The Celtics took a step backward last night and we didn't run as much or defend as well as we did in the first 2 games and Doc is still putting some bizarre lineups out there. But there are positives to be seen. Last night there was one sequence where the ball never touched the floor all the way down the court. Telfair fired the ball to Pierce upcourt along the baseline. Pierce sent it to West in the middle who immediately fired it back to Telfair who send the touch pass inside to Gomes for a layup. What a thing of beauty!! It was an incredible sequence and as the team gets to know each other better, we will see much more of that, hopefully. Here is the news from around the web:
The Herald reports that the Jackson/Jones trade is all about money. The Celtics save a chunk of money by doing this trade and they were thinking of cutting Jones anyway. The fact remains that we still need to cut 3 players. I wonder if Allan Ray is on the bubble now that we have another outside shooter in Jackson.
Pierce left last night's game in the third quarter with a left hip contusion. Reports are that he will miss the next couple of practices but should be fine. West reports that he actually did have his passport but couldn't find it in time to make the trip to Canada. Positives from the game are Telfair and Wally's play, and the reduction of turnovers.
The Herald also has a report on the collaboration of Wyc Grousbeck and Derrek Lee to combat an eye disease that afflicts the children of both men.
The Globe also reports on the Jackson trade and Pierce's injury. Powe, Kandi, Akingbala and Jackson didn't play last night. I want to know why Powe hasn't gotten any playing time in the preseason when even Akingbala and Scal got an extended look. Powe has got to be better than Scal, even as a rookie.
The Worcester Telegram reports on Tommy's early comparisons of Rondo and Cousy. Rondo has a ways to go to equal Cousy's feats, but the fact is, there is a similarity. Rondo is also has a great attitude and is a hard worker. Both traits are great to have in a player. More on the Jackson/Jones deal.
The Patriot Ledger gives us more info on Green's work with John Lucas this summer.
‘‘It was extremely tough,’’ Green said. ‘‘He pushed me through a lot of things that I didn’t think a human being could even do, but I got through it: running hills, running when it was 105 out, doing a lot of drills. I was working out like three times a day. It was just a lot of hard stuff that he put me through - handling, shooting, everything.’’ Early looks at the second year player say that the work has paid off very well as Green looks like a completely different player from the wide eyed rookie we say last season. He is much more poised and plays with confidence on both ends of the floor.
The Union Leader gives us the impressions of fans who attended last night's game. Many were disappointed in not seeing LeBron play. Some were there just to get a look at our speedy new guards. Danny is happy with the team in spite of our 1-2 record in the preseason so far.
“We’re still trying to find an identity,” Ainge said, “but I like how the chemistry is on our team. Guys get along well and they play hard.”
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Walker Trade Revisited
by FLCeltsFan 10:21 AM
October 14, 2006
With the trade of Cleveland's pick for Rondo, I believe that ends the loose ends that began with the Antoine Walker trade. When Danny traded Walker, he was having ego problems and was working up to asking for a big contract, and chances are, Danny wouldn't have signed him anyway because of it.
If we look at the trade and follow all the threads out, here is the way it looks.
Danny traded
Antoine Walker
Tony Delk
First Round Pick
for
Raef LaFrentz
Jiri Welsch
Draft Pick
Chris Mills
Mills was traded for Detroit's first round pick that was used to draft Tony Allen
The Dallas pick was used to draft Delonte West.
Jiri Welsch was traded to Cleveland for their 2007 1st round draft pick that was traded to Phoenix for Rajon Rondo.
Raef was traded to Portland for Theo Ratliff. (I know that the #7 pick, Dickau and Telfair were also involved, but we basically swapped Raef and Ratliff in this trade)
So to summarize the trade, Danny traded Walker, Delk and a pick for Delonte West, Tony Allen, Rajon Rondo, and Theo Ratliff. I would say that is a pretty good return on the trade.
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Celtics Fall to Cavs 91-82
Friday, October 13, 2006
by FLCeltsFan 10:41 PM
October 13, 2006
| Delonte West saw his first action tonight in a 91-82 loss to the Cavs. Delonte played hard but seemed a little rusty. Overall, the Celtics didn't run as much as they did in the first two games and weren't as aggressive defensively. The offense also was off and we just couldn't seem to get anything going. Pierce left the game with a left hip contusion and didn't return to the game. He should be fine according to Doc.
On the positive side, Wally had a very good game and seems to have his shooting touch back, scoring 21 points. Ryan Gomes had a great game and did a little of everything. He had 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 2 assists and 3 steals. Pittsnogle hit is first (and maybe only) shot as a Celtic, hitting a 3 from the top of the arc. Rondo had another solid game with 6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. His court and game awareness is excellent. Telfair also seems to be settling in to his game and doesn't seem to be forcing as much. He had 16 points, 7 assists and only 2 turnovers. He also went 10-10 from the line. Perk and Al once again played limited minutes. Perk had 2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block in 17 minutes and Al had 6 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks in 16 minutes.
As with the last game, there were positive and negatives. Doc once again used different lineups that may or may not be used in the season. He seems to be mixing and matching players without any pattern. Gerald played very sparingly. Kandi, Powe, and Akingbala didn't play. Luke Jackson also didn't see any action for the Celts. LeBron and Gooden sat out for the Cavs.
Box Score
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Passing on Rondo Isaiah's Biggest Mistake?
by FLCeltsFan 4:27 PM
October 13, 2006
| The Sports Guy jumps on the Rondo bandwagon in his latest column:
Here it is: Three months from now, Knicks fans will be dealing with the fact that taking Renaldo Balkman at No. 20 over Rajon Rondo, as crazy as this sounds, was the single biggest mistake of Isiah's entire tenure, the one misfire that will end up haunting that franchise for the next decade. And that's saying something. But Balkman/Rondo will trump everything else Isiah inflicted. Just you wait. That's all I'm saying for now. Wow! After all the stupid things that Isaiah has done, and there are a lot, passing on Rondo is the biggest mistake of his tenure? That is saying a lot. But lest we not forget that 21 teams passed on Rondo, including Phoenix, and not just New York.
And on another note, look at the length of Rondo's arms in this photo. Even Calderon is awed by it, watching with his mouth open. I can't wait to read Simmons' further thoughts on Rondo.
[More]
source:Sports Guy
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Celtics Trade Jones to Cleveland for Jackson
by FLCeltsFan 1:30 PM
October 13, 2006
| Steve Bulpett is reporting that the Celtics have worked a deal with the Cavaliers that will send Center Dwayne Jones to the Cavs for guard/forward Luke Jackson and cash considerations.
I am not sure why we need another guard/forward. I really like Jones and think that this will be a mistake down the line. 6'11" centers who can rebound and block shots aren't as easy to come by as are 6'7" guard/forwards. And this still leaves us with 18 players on the roster with 3 having to be cut. I would have expected a two for 1 trade if anything. If anything, this is a lateral move, and a puzzling one at that.
Jackson played in 10 games his rookie season and 36 last season. He has averaged only 7.8 mpg and averaging 2.7 ppg and 1 rpg per game. He played 10 minutes against the Celtics last Tuesday night in Cleveland, going 0-for-3 from the field and 1-of-2 from the line. And to make it even more puzzling, the guy has back problems. If anything, this is a lateral move, and a puzzling one at that. I just don't see giving up a promising center for another swingman that showed promise but has struggled in the NBA and has a history of injuries. And, he will definitely need a new number. The Globe reports that he will be available tonight and will wear number 11. [More]
source:Boston Herald
[Globe Article]
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Making the Cuts
by FLCeltsFan 10:40 AM
October 13, 2006
According to all reports, Doc wants to make some cuts today. At the top of the list seems to be Pittsnogle, who brings outside shooting but not much else and we need more than shooting from our centers.
Beyond that, Jones, Akingbala, and even Powe are discussed as being cut. We have 18 on the roster, including Grant's contract. After Pittsnogle, I would choose Akingbala to go. Doc says that he has defensive skills that no one else has, but I didn't see it. And I also can't believe that he his defense can be so much better than Perk or Ratliff.
As the 3rd cut I would pick Grant. His contract is only just over 1 mil and can't be worth that much for trade purposes. We have trade exceptions worth more than that. Instead of a contract holding space, I would much rather keep Powe and Jones, both of whom carry a lot of promise and I believe will be very good players. Even if we send both to the D League for seasoning, they are worth much more than Grant's contract.
I really like Powe and you have to give a player who averaged a double double in college a chance. After all he has been through, he is a very tough player and he works extremely hard to improve his game. He added 3 inches to his vertical leap between the draft and the Summer League. I believe that if he is given the chance, he can really do well in the NBA.
I also like Jones. When given the chance to play, he has shown that he can rebound. He was leading the D League in rebounds when he was called up. He got extened minutes in 2 games last season and came up with 11 and 13 rebounds in them. He can also block shots with both hands. He is strong, mobile and quick and would make a great center for a running team.
I like what Kandi has shown in the first two preseason games. But what worries me is that he has never shown this kind of effort in his whole career. He says that he has had nagging injuries that have held him back, but I am very afraid that after he is signed, those nagging injuries will return. Besides, signing him at the expense of a Powe or a Jones would give us a player for one year whereas, either of those players will give us an inside presence for years to come.
I very much hope that Danny and Doc make a wise decision on the cuts and look to the future, rather than just this season. As much as I love this team, they aren't going to win it all this year, but as constituted, they will win compete for a championship in the next couple of years. Danny has done a good job so far of looking at the big picture and I hope he continues to do so.
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Happy Birthday to the Captain
Odds and Ends on a Friday the 13th
by FLCeltsFan 9:36 AM
October 13, 2006
Today we may hear the first cuts of the preseason as Doc has said that he wants to pare down the roster before tonight's game against Cleveland.
After featuring the Guards in the first two games, I expect to see more of an emphasis on the bigs tonight. Doc said that he would be experimenting the first 4 games and the first 2 games featured small linups with very little emphasis on our bigs. I expect him to focus more on the play of the bigs in these next two games.
In spite of being 1-1 in the preseason there is a lot of excitement among Celtics fans about this team. The play of Telfair and especially Rondo has everyone excited about what is to come. Here is what is going on in the Celtics Nation today.
In Mark Murphy's Notebook in the Herald we check in on Delonte West, Rondo and Pittsnogle. Doc has gotten used to saying "Backs are tricky." In spite of being cleared for practice, West is still going through treatments on his "strained" back. I hope this isn't another Al Jefferson type coverup. Also with back problems are Dwayne Jones and Theo Ratliff. Rondo's poise and incredible 1 turnover performance in Wednesday's game are revisited. Cuts are expected today and Pittsnogle appears to be at the top of the list.
Also in the Herald is a piece by Mark Murphy discussing the lack of an identity for this team. It is a little early for the team to gel with just 2 games under their collective belts. But there are many promising signs that the identity and the gelling is taking place. We have several players coming back from injury and several getting used to a new system. But the talent is there and I believe that they will gel and get that identity sooner rather than later.
In her notebook in the Globe, Shira makes several points. First is Rondo is for real. This kid is impressing people with his poise and his speed and overall game. Also, the running game that the Celtics are playing is fun to watch and fun for the players as well. The Celtics are ready to win:
Boston newcomers Rondo and Telfair bring unmistakable competitiveness to the floor. By their body language and aggressive play at the end of regulation, it was clear they did not want to lose, even an exhibition game.
Doc has said that he plans to try a Center and Power Forward by committee, whatever that means. Hopefully he will give Al and Perk the minutes they need this season to continue their development. The 12 to 15 minutes he has been giving them isn't enough.
In the Patriot Ledger, the article focuses on Wally and his belief that he can help the team this season. He is still rehabbing from the knee surgery and sat out Wednesday's game because of swelling in his knee. In spite of this, he insists that he is healthy and ready to help.
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Rondo Once Again Impressive in Loss to Raptors
Thursday, October 12, 2006
by FLCeltsFan 12:51 AM
October 11, 2006
| With Wally sitting on the bench with swelling in his knee, the Celtics started Allan Ray, Ryan Gomes, Perk, Pierce and Telfair. Free throw shooting was much better tonight with the team shooting 80% as a group. The problem tonight came in the form of turnovers - 37 of them. You have to wonder if some of those are due to the new ball and the reports that the ball is slippery when wet.
Rondo was again the story of the game with 29 points on 8-13 shooting, 2-3 from beyond the arc and 11-12 from the free throw line. He also had 5 assists and 2 steals and the key stat was only 1 turnover. He hit a clutch 3 pointer at the buzzer to send the game into overtime. This kid needs to start and needs to play.
It was obvious that Doc is still experimenting with lineups and looking at players. He played a lot of small ball and that is ok for awhile, but we lose on the boards when Doc goes small for periods of time. The fact that Scalabrine played for most of the second half and overtime should strike fear in the hearts of Celtics fans everywhere. Dwayne Jones and Leon Powe did not play in either preseason game so far. I am hoping that this doesn't mean that Doc is planning on letting them go. I like both players and feel that they would be better than Pittsnogle and worth more to the team than Brian Grant's contract.
There are a lot of positives to take from this game even though it was a loss. Doc was clearly looking at players since we didn't have a center on the floor for most of the game and the lineup on the floor at the end of the game was a rather eclectic group.
Gerald Green continues to show that he is ready for playing time this year. He looked comfortable and confident out there.
Our defense looks much better than last season, although there were a few lapses tonight where they allowed too many easy baskets.
Rondo is truly impressive. He did everything tonight and did it with poise and confidence. His shot is much better than advertised, yet he looks to pass first when at all possible. He has excellent court and game awareness and in a game littered with turnovers on both sides, he took very good care of the ball.
This is a very exciting team and will be a lot of fun to watch. It is a bit concerning that we are already seeing injuries, but hopefully they will be minor and few this season. It is once again fun to be a Celtics fan!
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Raptors Tonight 7 pm Eastern Time
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
by FLCeltsFan 1:17 PM
October 11, 2006
| I almost don't want to play another game on one hand because right now we are undefeated and still excited about how they played last night. On the other hand, I can't wait to see another game because this team is so exciting. I am expecting more of the same tonight.
Hopefully the running, rebounding, and defense will continue tonight as the Celtics face the Raptors at 7 pm eastern time tonight.
Mo Pete has had some of his best games against the Celtics in the past. I am anxious to see us play some defense on him tonight. Alas, no more Matt Bonner in Toronto to match up with Scalabrine in the battle of the red heads.
Who could forget the the last two times we played the Raptors last season? They were both finished with emphatic dunks by Gerald Green that almost started an international incident. It will be interesting to see what the much improved Gerald will do tonight.
This is the second of back to back games on the road, but this is when our youth needs to work for us rather than against us. They should all be young enough to play without a let down two nights in a row.
Please join us over at Celtics Green for the play by play coverage at game time. I am hoping for more excitement tonight. This is the second of back to back games on the road, but this is when our youth needs to work for us rather than against us. They should all be young enough to play without a let down two nights in a row.
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Odds and Ends on a Wednesday
by FLCeltsFan 9:04 AM
October 11, 2006
Today I am just really excited!! I know it was just the first game. I know Lebron only played minimal minutes. But what I saw last night from the Celtics has me very happy. They played defense. They played together. They ran. They rebounded. I liked what I saw very much. Rondo is the real deal. I was very impressed with his play. He was poised, made very good decisions, and looked like a true floor general out there, causing Tommy to draw comparisons to Cousy several times.
If I were to pick a starting lineup from what I saw last night, it would be Perk, Al, Green, Pierce, and Rondo. As a unit, they played very well together and seemed to mesh. Aside from my view of the team through green colored glasses, there are a few articles around today worth reading.
Mark Murphy in the Herald focuses on Gerald Green's improvement from last season. He definitely didn't look anything like the lost Gerald of the year before. Much of Green's improvement can be credited to his work with John Lucas over the summer. Coincidently, Perk worked with Lucas as well when he was supposed to be rehabbing.
In Murphy's Notebook, he lets us know that it was only one preseason game but that there were a few revelations we can take from it.
The two revelations - at least for a night - were rookie Rajon Rondo, who almost single-handedly changed the pace of the game with 11 points, eight assists and five rebounds, and an empowered Michael Olowokandi, who grabbed 10 rebounds (five offensive) and blocked a shot in eight third-quarter minutes. I am just hoping that Kandi isn't playing for a contract just to ease back into his comfortable zone once he makes the team. Rondo definitely will play and I still believe that he will be our starting PG. West stayed home for precautionary reasons along with the fact that he didn't renew his passport.
In the Globe, Shira once again tells us that Perk knows his role and is ready to fill it. I really love this kid. He looked very good last night and it wasn't just his defense. His baby hook in the lane was looking very good as well. He is one of the better passing centers in the league right now in my opinion as well.
Jesse in the Green Room gives us his first impressions. Those who impressed him include Rondo, Green, Kandi and Perk. His list of disappointments include Telfair, Ratliff, Wally and Pitts. I think Wally may be having problems with the new ball because a lot of his shots went in and then rattled back out but something was definitely off for him last night. The biggest disappointment for me was our free throw shooting. We can't expect to win close games shooting 58.8% from the line. From watching him last night, Pittsnogle needs to go. Ratliff picked up 2 quick fouls and looked a step slow. Kandi played like a man possessed and fought for every rebound and every loose ball.
The Patriot Ledger has another article about Perk and the fact that he is willing and able to fill whatever role is asked of him. It is pretty much a repeat of the Herald article but does give me a chance to say how much I love this kid again! Although after watching Rondo last night, I am fully and firmly on his band wagon as well.
It was a great way to start the season. I just hope we can keep up all those positive things I saw last night.
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Celtics Win First Pre-season Game 109-93
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
by FLCeltsFan 10:14 PM
October 10, 2006
| Tonight was a great start to our pre-season. Our defense was much improved over last season. We had several players that were impressive.
Rondo was great. He ran the fast break and had a great line with 11 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals. Rondo won the Tommy Award and also impressed the Cleveland announcers.
Green had a great game with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals with a couple of impressive dunks.
Ratliff started at center but played only 6 minutes. Perk played 16 minutes and had 10 points and 7 rebounds.
Al played only 12 minutes but looked good with 9 points and 4 rebounds. He looked good out there and more importantly he looked good on defense.
Kandi was very surprising. In only 8 minutes of play he had 5 points and 10 rebounds. He played with energy and fought for rebounds and loose balls. If he would play that way all year, he should get a spot on the team. My only fear is that if he wins a spot he would get complacent as he has been most of his career. But he looked good tonight.
One thing that was disappointing was our free throw shooting. We shot 58.8% as a team (30 of 51). We can not shoot that poorly from the line and expect to win close games.
Box Score
Recap
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Game Night Update
by FLCeltsFan 6:58 PM
October 10, 2006
According to Celtics.com,
Delonte West did not travel with the team to Cleveland and stayed in Waltham to receive treatment on his back. While Sebastian Telfair will probably get the starting nod, he'll likely split the point guard duties with Rajon Rondo. Meanwhile, Allan Ray might also get a long look tonight at shooting guard.
The starting lineup according to the site includes Pierce, Wally, Telfair, Al and Ratliff.
It was a surprise to see a whole new look to Celtics.com as well.
Celtics.com re-launches today with a whole new look and feel, but more importantly, a major overhaul under the hood. And it should be a lot easier to navigate behind the mouse as well.
Most notably, we've added a site search engine. So if you're dying to dig up Nate Driggers' scoring average or find old articles about Tony Battie, be our guest. Go ahead, dip into the archives. Fire up the Way Back machine. It's all here at your fingertips.
If you can't watch the game tonight, NBA.com is offering a free preview of Audio League Pass for you to listen to the game.
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source:Celtics.com
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Odds and Ends on Game Day!
by FLCeltsFan 9:09 AM
October 10, 2006
It is finally here. First game of the pre-season is tonight. Doc is still tinkering with lineups and his ADD is kicking in full force I imagine with 18 players to choose from. In spite of his talking about players separating themselves, he is saying that he will be putting out a lot of different lineups in the first four games especially. Nothing can damper my spirits today. The pre-season is here and the Celtics are undefeated. Here's what's going on around the Celtics' Nation this morning:
In the Herald article I alluded to in my article today, Doc is calling for the team to start off with a strong game.
“Tomorrow’s an exhibition game,” he said. “But it’s the (expletive) Cavs. That’s all I’m going to say.” Yes, it is the Cavs and we have had a history with them and more than a few bad feelings. Ricky isn't here any longer to continue that feud, but there have been instances between the two teams over the years. Those would be the same Cleveland Cavaliers who’ve won five straight against the Celts and engaged them in some rather chippy affairs. It was during a 2004 preseason game in Columbus, Ohio, the clubs nearly got into something physical in the hallway after Paul Pierce and LeBron James had exchanged unpleasantries on the court. Yes, I would love to beat the Cavs, but then, I want to beat every team we play this season. I agree with Doc that if this team plays unselfishly and plays together and plays defense, they can beat anybody. A lot of ifs that will be answered starting tonight.
The Globe piece gives us a glimpse into Doc's game plan: Play everyone and see who does what. Not a lot different than what he did last season. Hopefully after the initial few games a rotation will start to shake itself out this season. "I'm just looking at everybody," said Rivers. ``Obviously, some guys are trying to make the team and some guys are trying to make the team better. Paul and Wally will start. Other than that, we're going to mix it up. "
Expect to see Delonte West and Rajon Rondo at both guard positions while Sebastian Telfair sticks to point guard. Brian Scalabrine, Pierce, and Szczerbiak could see time at both forward positions while Rivers will try to keep Ryan Gomes at power forward. I do expect Doc to make some cuts after our game tomorrow night. He will have a look at every player within the first two games and be able to decide who fits and who doesn't. 18 players for Doc are just too many. He is like a kid in a candy shop when he has too many options.
Jeff over on Celtics Blog is ahead of things as usual and has a summary of the media coverage that he has found for tonight's game. I hope to watch it on FSN because in previous years, they didn't black it out for preseason games. If not, I am on my cable company to get my League Pass hooked up today and hopefully will get it there.
Red's Army is doing player previews this week and starts with Telfair.
The Worcester Telegram also features an article on Telfair. “The pressure is on,” he said from the Celtics’ practice facility at HealthPoint. “No more excuses. I have to go out and perform now. The NBA is the league with the best players in the world. Now I feel I’m in position to be the basketball player everybody is waiting for me to be, and I’m excited about it.” I am hoping that Telfair takes off and does really well running the team. I still can't help but feel that Rondo is our PG of the future, though. His defense will set him apart as the starter. But we could have worse things than to have 2 lightning quick pass first point guards runnning both our first and second teams.
The Bennington Banner has a rather negative article. I very much disagree that Ratliff will be the only player blocking shots and rebounding. Perk is going to break out this season and I truly believe that his defense around the basket will be every bit as good as Ratliff's. With the addition of Clifford Ray to our coaching ranks, I expect the Celtics to vault to the top in rebounding this season. One thing I do agree with in this article, though is this: The guy generating the most hype early from the one spot is rookie Rajon Rondo, who Celtics' announcer Tom Heinsohn calls "the guy you want to play alongside." Rondo is no doubt the quickest of this group, and uses his speed to define his play on both ends of the floor. Look at it this way: If things click for Rondo and he shows an understanding of the NBA game early on, expect him to emerge as the hands-down starter up top. I expect Rondo to rise to the top and be our starting PG by the end of the season. I can't wait for the time when all the negative reporters will have to eat their words.
Don't forget to check out the 30 Teams in 30 Days Previews for this week. The Midwest division wraps up today with the Spurs preview. Also previewed this week were the Hornets, the Grizzlies, the Rockets, and the Mavericks. You can check out all previews so far here.
Be sure to join us on Celtics Green tonight for the game as hopefully we will have the play by play going and will be discussing the game as it unfolds.
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The Good Old Days
by FLCeltsFan 8:05 AM
October 10, 2006
| Ever find yourself wishing for the good old days? I remember watching the Celtics when defense was important and when the Celtics didn't back down from anyone. They had a certain swagger back then. Of course, I know that part of that swagger came from winning, but anther part came from just being the Celtics. A few incidents come to mind when I think of the good old days.
I remember game 4 of the classic 7 game Detroit/Boston playoff series in 1987. Laimbeer the Evil jerked Larry Bird to the floor by the head. Bird reacted and a bench clearing brawl ensued. After the tangle of bodies was straightened out, Bird and Laimbeer were both ejected. It was at this point that Larry fired the ball point blank at Laimbeer's face so hard that it had to have left an imprint of the logo on his face. Later, hearing that Laimbeer claimed he was just trying to go for the ball, Larry replied that he was just giving it to him.
In game 5 of that same series, Robert Parish, who was generally even tempered and very hard to rattle, sucker punched Laimbeer. He wasn't thrown out of the game for it but was later suspended one game. Since he was nursing a mildly sprained ankle at the time and probably would have sat out anyway, it wasn't all that bad.
In the 1984 finals, Larry Bird wasn't happy with his teammates. He called them out saying that they had played like a bunch of women. The game after this pronouncement from Bird, the teams locked in a classic battle. It was literally 48 minutes plus overtime of a basketbrawl. Kareem attempted to take Larry's head off his shoulder with an elbow. James Worthy hammered Cedric Maxwell into the basket support and Rambis and Carr were at each others throats over and over. The most memorable of these run ins was McHale's clothesline of Rambis. Laker fans still hate McHale and talk about it to this day. http://www.kurtrambis.com/anti-mchale.html This play and this game changed the whole complexion of that playoff series. A little intimidation goes a long way.
And finally, there are no two players who are as professional and as classy as Bird and Doctor J. But in 1984, frustration set in and with his team losing, Doctor J punched Larry Bird. Larry then went for Dr J's throat giving us a photo that will live in NBA infamy.
We all remember the "Bad Boys" from Detroit who were famous for their intimidation and tough play. I can still hear Johnny Most complaining about McFilthy and McNasty and who can forget the call when Boston played in Detroit, Oh, the yellow gutless way they do things here!”
Ok, enough of the reminiscing. I am not pushing for more fights or for the current Celtics to become thugs, but it would be nice to see that swagger again. That tough defense that says "Not in my house." Today's Herald has a headline that says that Doc wants the Celtics to show a little fight. This refers to the same thing that I am talking about. Not a fist fight, but the heart and the swagger that shows people that the Celtics won't back down and that we are a force to reckon with.
I think that is why I love Perk so much. He brings some of that swagger and toughness back to the Celtics and he does it with defense. His "No layups!" motto takes me back to the days when the Celtics took defense seriously. Back to when Parish guarded the basket with the intense visage that won him the nickname "Chief." Back to the days when it meant something to be a Celtic and they didn't back down from a challenge. Perk is a throwback to those days. He is our enforcer. Now if we could get the rest of the team on board with that attitude. "No Layups!" They need to lay that tough form of defense that says "You won't score on me!"
No, we don't need to get in fist fights or to clothesline players to get that swagger or that Celtics Pride back. We need to go with Perk's "No Layups!" We need to play tough strangling defense on teams and let them know "Not in my house!" It's time to go back to the good old days. Every player must commit to playing defense and bring back that swagger to Boston. "No layups!" The Celtics are back!
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Some Pictures Out of Training Camp
Monday, October 9, 2006
by FLCeltsFan 3:42 PM
October 9, 2006
Boston Celtics Paul Pierce works out during training camp October 7, 2006 at the training facilities in Waltham, Massachusetts NBAE/Getty Images
Boston Celtics Al Jefferson (C) #7 guard Sebastian Telfair #30 and center Dwayne Jones #27 work out during training camp October 7, 2006 at the training facilities in Waltham, Massachusetts. NBAE/Getty Images
Boston Celtics Paul Pierce (C), Al Jefferson #7 and Sebastian Telfair (R) work out during training camp October 7, 2006 at the training facilities in Waltham, Massachusetts. NBAE/Getty Images
Boston Celtics Paul Pierce (L) and Wally Szczerbiak prepare for training camp October 7, 2006 at their training facilities in Waltham, Massachusetts. NBAE/Getty Images
Boston Celtics Akin Akingbala (R) and Gerald Green prepare for Boston Celtics traning camp October 7, 2006 at their training facilities in Waltham, Massachusetts. NBAE/Getty Images
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source:Yahoo.com
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Gomes' Role Being Defined
by FLCeltsFan 3:30 PM
October 9, 2006
| Last season, Gomes was asked to learn and play both of the forward positions. Often he felt out of place playing the small forward and it wasn't until Doc inserted him into the lineup as the starting power forward after Al's injury that he finally started to open eyes with his play. In the Globe Blog, Shira tells us that Doc plans to use Gomes strictly as a power forward this season:
"I just want him to stay comfortable," Rivers said. "He’s comfortable at that position. There’s going to be a time when we’re going to need him to act like a [small forward], but I don’t want to screw him up. He’s so comfortable right now in where he’s at. Honestly, he could do either [position] because he’s so comfortable and he has confidence. But I don’t want to take the chance." [More]
source:Globe
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Defense Wins Championships
by FLCeltsFan 9:20 AM
October 9, 2006
I was going to post an article on defense but Jeff over at CelticsBlog beat me to it and he says everything I planned to say but probably better.
This is the best part of his article and so very true.
To me defense has always been about two things. First of all, it is about heart. The players have to want it, need it, and live it. They have to take pride in it. You don’t have to be the most skilled guy on the court, just the hardest working one.
Second, defense has to be a team effort. The best defenses don’t depend on one or two lock-down guys. If the parts all work in unison, cover for each other, and stay disciplined then average defenders become great defenders.
These are my thoughts exactly. I don't buy that Doc tried last season and the players didn't work at it. Doc's quote that he worked on offense in practice because that was the hardest part to get and that they would pick up the defense by playing it while they were working on offense. He said "After all, while the team is practicing offense, half the team has to play defense." This statement has really, really bothered me. I know that you can tell because I quote it about once a week. To me, it shows that he doesn't take defense seriously enough. If indeed, he is working hard on defense in practice, I believe it is because either Danny or one of the new coaches (Clifford Ray, maybe?) got on him and stressed the need to play tough defense.
Last year, we heard from Doc all the time about how he loved having Raef to "stretch the defenses playing out on the 3 point line." In the meantime, we didn't have a center to defend the basket, to block shots, or to rebound. This year, Doc made the statement that he likes his centers playing under the basket where they belong. That is quite a turnaround. Whatever caused it, I am glad and I hope he sticks to it because we need our big men defending the basket and rebounding, not out on the 3 point line "stretching the defenses."
I believe that the players we have in camp have heart. They are very hard workers. I can see every one of them working hard to play defense, but it is up to the coach to teach it in practice and to work on a team defense. We didn't have that last year, hopefully we do this season or it will be more of the same. We score enough to almost win games but can't get the stops it takes to win them.
| [Jeff's Article]
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Odds and Ends on a Monday
by FLCeltsFan 8:13 AM
October 9, 2006
Just one more day until the first preseason game. Excitement and high expectations abound among Celtics fandom. Here's what is going on today:
The Herald addresses several subjects in a piece by Steve Bulpett. First is that Doc may make a cut sooner than later. It will probably be one of our extraneous big men. We have 4 that are vying for that final roster spot: Pittsnogle, Akingbala, Olowokandi, and Jones. Of the 4, I am hoping that they keep Jones. He has one year experience over Pitts and Akingbala. Olowokandi has proven over an entire career that he doesn't work and doesn't produce. Signing him would be a gap filler for this year. Jones can produce for years to come. I love his athleticism, his rebounding and the fact that he can block shots with both hands. He is a mobile big man who can defend in the paint.
Also in this article is a little bit on Scal. While last year he showed up out of shape and never did get in good shape, word is that he is in much better shape this season. Hopefully he will be able to fit into a role at the end of the bench. I see Scal as the 11th or 12th man. He is a good guy and is great at encouraging the kids and maybe can fit into a role where for this team. A tidbit at the end of the article tells us that Delonte went through a full practice and did very well.
In the Globe Notebook, Allan Ray and Gomes spend a lot of time working out together after practices and talk some trash about their alma maters. The success of Gomes, who was drafted 50th, can be an inspiration for Ray, who is hoping to stick with the team for the season. He is quick and plays defense and could help with his shooting off the bench. I can see him sticking around.
If you missed last night's Blogger's Night on CelticsStuff Live, you missed a great show. You can still download it from their site and enjoy the thoughts of Celtics Bloggers around the net. You missed a great time in the chat room that has now been dubbed the pit. Next week's guest is Sean Grande so make plans to listen if you can.
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Tom "Satch" Sanders Addresses the Team
Sunday, October 8, 2006
by FLCeltsFan 10:25 PM
October 8, 2006
| Tom "Satch" Sanders, a defensive specialist who won eight World Championships with the Celtics, addressed the team after Sunday's practice in Waltham. Satch Sanders spent all of his 13 years in the NBA with the Boston Celtics, being part of eight championship teams in 1961-66, 1968 and 1969. In NBA history, only teammates Bill Russell and Sam Jones have won more championship rings during their playing careers. He ended his career in 1973. He coached the team for a brief period in 1978. Today, Satch is the NBA's Vice-President and Director of Player Programs. Satch designs programs to help both veteran and rookie players take advantage of their unique status as professional athletes and to assist them in coping with the special pressures they face. Player Programs is responsible for facilitating post-career counseling; educational and employment opportunities; the NBA/PA (Players Association) Anti-Drug and Alcohol Programs; advice on dealing with celebrity status and media attention and a nonprofit foundation that benefits former players.
No team has more hall of famers and no team has more history than the Celtics and I am glad to see some of them sharing their wisdom with the team. source: Celtics.com
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Reverting to Old Leather Ball a Possibility
by FLCeltsFan 5:10 PM
October 8, 2006
After reading all of the complaints from around the league about the new ball, I was wondering if the league would admit they made a mistake and go back to the old leather balls.
An article on ESPN.com answers that question for us.
Speaking to reporters in Paris before Sunday's exhibition game between the San Antonio Spurs and Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Stern conceded for the first time that reverting to the old leather ball is a possibility if the rigorous testing he has just ordered validates the widespread complaints about the ball -- particularly its tendency to become slippery when wet.
"Right now our plans are to stay the course, but we will monitor it and if we find there is something to it and it is a serious issue, we will take the appropriate steps because the most important thing to us is the game."
So, if the players continue to complain and if the ball does cause problems during games, we may see a change back to the old ball.
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source:ESPN.com
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Odds and Ends on a Sunny Sunday
by FLCeltsFan 10:23 AM
October 9, 2006
Things are sunny in Celticland... not just the weather either. The Celtics are having a great training camp. The players are healthy and the chemistry is great. The point guards are running and the veterans are keeping up with them. The team is actually practicing defense and yes, things are very sunny! Here is a look at what is going on around the Celtics Nation today...
Steve Bulpett tells us that the Celtics are working on defense in practice. This is very, very good news because we won't win a championship without being a tough defensive team. I am still disgusted with Doc's statement last season that he was working on offense in practice and that the players would get the defense because while they were working on offense half the team had to play defense. Someone must have stuck a bee in Doc's ear over that because now he has a totally different take on defense and is working hard on defense in practice. This quote from Pierce says it best:
“That’s something we got to do every day. Everybody understands that in order to win in this league, you’ve got to be one of the better defensive teams. I am glad Doc finally thinks this as well.
In Mark Murphy's notebook Pierce indicates that he still wants to play on the National team and feels he can help them in the Olympics. I hope he gets the chance because it is something he really wants. Murphy also reports more complaints about the new ball. So far the Celtics haven't complained, but that may change once the games start and the ball gets slick and our turnovers go up due to the slippery ball. The only benefit is that every team will be facing the same problems. I am wondering if and when the league will admit they made a mistake and go back to the old leather balls.
In Bulpett's Notebook we learn that Delonte went through his first practice with flying colors. He should resume full practice today and that is good news. Also good news is that Tony and Ryan are separating themselves as going to the next level of play and also that Al is playing the best of his career right now.
Scott Souza has a great piece on Perk and Al going to the next level this season. We saw a hint of the potential that these two have playing together before they were injured last season, but I believe that they will take a huge leap in their play this season and we will see this on a regular basis. Both are determined and working hard to get to the next level and I believe they will get there. "We got to," said Perkins last week. "I play well off of Al. He plays well off of me. That’s how it goes. We’ve got to stay healthy and come with it every night. Al’s got three years in the league," he added. "I am going on my fourth year. I don’t think there are any more excuses." It is no surprise that Blount was moody and pretty much shut out the younger players. I love the fact that Perk and Ratliff are pushing each other in practice as that will make both of them better. We haven't had 2 quality physical centers in a long, long time. Maybe not since Parish and Walton roamed the parquet.
Have I mentioned lately that I love Perk?
From the Globe Shira tells us that the chemistry on this team is second to none. I believe that the fact that most of these players have been together for most of the summer and the fact that they have both on and off court chemistry is going to pay off big time this season.
Peter May has an uncharacteristly positive piece on Al and his vindication from the criticism over his failure to pop back from his ankle sprain. It seems that Danny never did give up on Al and now that the surgery proved that he had a real problem and fixed it, Al is ready to prove everyone else was wrong. I truly believe he will.
Shira's Notebook in the Globe shows us how the trade for Ratliff is paying off a lot of dividends. At first we saw it as salary cap relief from Raef's contract. Now we see that he is going to be a force in the center and will give us a tough defensive presence in the paint. He is also paying big dividends by mentoring our frontcourt of the future and that, as the commercials say, is priceless.
In the Sportspagemagazine, we get a very positive report out of training camp. Every player, veteran and rookie alike, are excited about this season. I would have to say that the majority of fans are excited about the season as well.
CelticsStuff Live is having their first Bloggers Night tonight. The Celtics have more quality blogs than any other team and tonight the bloggers get a chance to sound off on this great live show. Be sure to tune in and listen as Jeff from CelticsBlog, TJ from Celtics Pride, tenaciousT from Celtics17, Red from Red's Army, Snoopy from The Celtics Beagle, Ryan McNeil from HoopsAddict, and maybe even our own Loyalist. Listen to the live show on the website or join us in the Chatroom that has been affectionatly dubbed "The Pit." It is sure to be a lot of fun! See you there.
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Youth vs Inexperience
by FLCeltsFan 10:10 AM
October 8, 2006
We read articles and previews every day about how young the Celtics are and that because of it, we won't win many games. It seems that everyone equates youth with inexperience. The truth is that we may be young but many of those young players now have experience. The team has 12 players that have three years or less of professional experience. Out of those 12, seven are returning players all of which averaged at least 15 minutes a game for the Celtics.
Perk has 3 years of experience. Al, Delonte, Telfair and Tony all have 2 years experience. Green and Gomes both have 1 year of experience, although with his college experience, it seems as though Gomes has more.
Every one of them has worked hard on their games in the off season, improving the areas that they were weak in. They have built confidence in themselves and their abilities. The core of these young players have grown together as they gained their experience in the league. The chemistry that they have built is important to the success of the team. They played together all of the off season, building further chemistry and familiarity with each other's games.
We can no longer equate our youth with inexperience. This season I expect several of our players to take their games to the next level. Tommy Heinsohn agrees with me that Perk and Al will have a break out season. They are determined and have worked very hard to put the injuries that plagued them last season behind them. Both have worked with Clifford Ray through the off season and now both are learning from Theo Ratliff who is gladly mentoring them in the nuances of playing under the basket.
People can talk about how young our team is, but it can no longer be used as an excuse for poor performance. Quite the contrary, our youth can be a benefit. We should have more stamina and be able to run longer because of our youth. We have a lot of young and athletic players who can keep the running game going throughout the game. Being so young, we should be able to run other "older" teams out of the gym and make our youth into a benefit rather than an obstacle.
Yes, we are young, but we are no longer inexperienced and that is a good thing.
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