LOY's PLACE a celtics green blog: Fiddlin' and Diddlin'

Herald C's have lots in reserve
FL's Take: The Celtics' bench has been much maligned this season and many articles have some reference to the Celtics' weak bench. These last few games where the stars have been out or missing in action, the bench has come through big time. With the emergence of Leon Powe to fill in at center and PF and Big Baby coming along and with Tony Allen finally getting back to pre-injury form and the strong play of James Posey, the Celtics' bench has been proving itself. The only weakness is at the point guard position and if Danny can bring in a veteran back up point guard, the bench will match up with any in the league.
Baby time: fans of Davis should step off the ledge
FL's Take: Doc seems to play Baby and Powe in turns. It is one or the other depending on matchups. Leon has been earning his minutes lately and so he has been getting more minutes.
Globe Harris: take abdominal strains seriously
FL's Take: It isn't worth bringing him back too quickly and risking further injury. the extra playing time for Leon is only going to make the Celtics stronger in the end when they will need KG much more than they do now.
Lakers get Gasol to shore up offense
FL's Take: This trade was an absolute steal. Wallace got completely fleeced. What can they expect from a guy who engineered the Vin Baker trade for the Celtics?
LOY's Place The Leon Powe Bandwagon
FL's Take: I have been on the Leon Powe bandwagon since day One. I wrote this last night and then saw 3 more articles on Powe in this morning's links. It is so good to see him getting good press. I have seen posts on the boards that say that the Celtics are showcasing Leon but I disagree. He is playing more now because they need his toughness, defense and rebounding with KG out. If they do trade him, they are making a big mistake. Leon can play and with the opportunity, is going to prove it.
Hoopsworld Celtics more than three
Can't Run Can't Jump Tis the season for getting fleeced
FL's Take: I don't think that McHale was fleeced. He got one of the top young bigs in the league in Al Jefferson. Al is going to be a perennial All Star for many years to come and is playing some incredible ball right now. Ryan Gomes is also proving that he can play and doing good things. Sebastian Telfair may finally be getting it. Plus they got cap room with the expiring contract of Ratliff. Green is still an unknown but they still got plenty from that trade with just Big Al and Gomes, two very good young players.
SF Gate House, Powe helping Celtics
Seattle PI West must play well or no payday
FL's Take: I really like Delonte and hope he does well. I wouldn't mind having him as a back up PG/SG. I hope that wherever he ends up, though, that he does well.
Parquet Pride Celtics vs Patriots: a battle of characters
Chicago Tribune Joke of a deal - to the Bulls
Sporting News NBA Poll: Celtics regain the top spot
Wolves Watch Is Al Jefferson an All Star snub?
FL's Take: Yes, Al belongs on the All Star team. But then again, so does Marion and Ginobili. The Wolves' record is going to go against Al's making the team in spite of his numbers. Every deserving player can't make it. I think Ray Allen was one of the biggest snubs because of the success of the Celtics and his contributions to get them there.
Basketbawful Worst of the night 1/31
Slam Online Game notes Dallas at Boston
Sports Beat Leon Powe: The Show any critic would love
Looks like Celtics/Lakers is back
FL's Take: A Celtics/Lakers finals would get some incredible media hype. The Lakers still need to prove that they can mesh just as the Celtics had to. Kobe will have to be willing to sacrifice some and change his game to make this work just as KG, Pierce and Ray had to. Plus, Gasol has to prove he can play in the triangle offense of Phil Jackson's. But there is no denying that chants of Beat LA in the Garden would bring back fond memories and muster up a few chills while they do so.
Patriot Ledger Celtics play best against the best
FL's Take: It does seem that the Celtics get up more for the better teams. But then again, so did our last championship team. The 86 Celtics lost a majority of their games to sub-.500 teams.
CBS Sports Misguided All Stars need tutorial on attendance
Milford Daily News International influx in the NBA
Shamrock Headband Western fore
Lex Nihil Novi How long is Leon Powe?
Powe always had game
FL's Take: More good stuff on Leon Powe. His 7'2" wingspan allows him to defend and rebound against taller players. Clifford Ray was only 6'9" but was the center on a championship team because of his huge wingspan.
Can Danny Everybody hates Chris
RallyTown A photo contest, Rondo KY highlights, RA vs AI,
Connecticut Post Celtics growing weaker or stronger?

[Discuss this topic on the Celtics Green Forums!]