For those of you who don't recognize the title of this post, it is something that the legendary Johnny Most would say when a player was just dribbling around. He would get frustrated when players would just be fiddlin' and diddlin' around instead of passing the ball and setting up the open man. I thought it would be a good title for a post that touches on all the articles around the web today.

Paul Pierce is front and center in the articles out today as one would expect with his return to practice and his hopeful return to action some time this week. But the Herald has a bit of a different article on him. In Bulpett's article, Pierce offers his opinion on our pick in the upcoming draft. Pierce would rather trade it for some veteran help now than to keep it and takes a chance on getting a top pick in the draft. He may have a point, but Oden or Durant, or even Noah, would look good in a Celtics uniform.

In the Herald Notebook and also in the Globe Notebook, they discuss Pierce's return. Both articles talk about Pierce's return to practice, as well as his probable return on Friday against the Nets. He isn't expected to accompany the team to Detroit and since he hasn't practiced full court yet, his return against the Heat on Wednesday isn't probable. Wally was back at practice after missing a day with the stomach flu and Al showed no ill effects from a thumb sprain. Green still isn't commenting on the dunk contest but sources say he will be chosen. The official announcement comes today. Also reported to be in the contest is Dwight Howard.

The Globe Blog discusses Gomes' snub for the Sophomore team. While Doc insists he doesn't vote for players on bad teams, it seems unfair that Gomes didn't get a chance to play in this game as he clearly belongs. Also mentioned is Green's probable invite to the Dunk contest and the fact that Lucky and Courtney (Celtics' Dancer) will be representing the team there.

Red's Army has a great article today that I heartily agree with. He mentions the fact that in all the years since the draft lottery was instituted, only 3 teams with the worst record have won the lottery. We have already lost enough and this team needs to win now to build their confidence before irreparable harm comes from having a losing attitude. We will not make the playoffs even if Pierce comes back and we start winning so we will still get a lottery pick. But winning will go a long way toward making this team more confident and a better team in the future.


In an article that goes right along with my article below, the Portsmouth Herald has a good article on JoJo White and the fact that he puts this season in perspective. JoJo was on that team that Powers discusses in his book. He feels that there are many reasons to be encouraged by this team and I agree.

The Cheap Seats on Celtics Blog reports that Big Al is one of the league's best kept secrets. Al is growing into a player before our eyes this season. He is now averaging a double double (14.1 PPG and 10.50 RPG) . This is significant. And, he still has room for improvement and is improving game by game. When Pierce comes back, he will be even better because he won't face as many triple teams as he has in the Captain's absence. There really are reasons to be excited about this team but the losing has overshadowed them all. I am hoping that will change soon.