Here are comments found around the Bobcats' boards during their game with the Celtics. They aren't a very chatty bunch, but then again, they didn't have much to chat about.
Loss. I'd be pleasantly surprised if this is a win (again ).
The Celtics on the other hand are 24-4 at home, have won 7 of their last 10 games and are leading the Eastern conference by a full 3 games. I don't want to ever say that the possibility of getting a win Friday night is hopeless, but its damned close.
Hey, we are one of those four teams that beat them at home! We can do it again
Anyways, we shouldn't have any chance to win this game, but we've outplayed the Celtics in both games this year and have already beaten them in Boston. I will go out on a limb and say this though: in the likely event we lose, it will be by less than 24.
You know what is really bad? That for several weeks now I have thought how good Kendrick Perkins would be on our team because we could use him. Kendrick Perkins. Man o man, we have some troubles.
Playing with some fire...or fear of being waived...
Rondo is super fast/agile and giving Felton fits just handling the ball.
Good start from us but Carroll is getting destroyed by Ray Allen on defense.
Rondo with 6 assists in the quarter!
Hmmm Nazr hates Garnett as well. Didn't expect to see that. They were jawing pretty good there....
Ha ha, Felton defends the 3 on 1 and they screw it up. How did the Celtics get so lazy?
Tonight, it wasn't the Celtics 3 stars who got the credit for the Celtics' win over the Bobcats. It was Perk and Rondo, both of whom had career best games. Perk finished with 19 points on 8-10 shooting to go with 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 blocks. Rondo had 9 points, 6 rebounds and a career high 16 assists. On one play, Rondo got the steal and got to the hoop with no one around. He stopped and waited for Perk to catch up and tossed him the ball for a dunk. He could have finished himself, but he rewarded the big man for running the floor. Doc pulled Perk out in the 4th quarter as he always does and when Perk went out, the Celtics were up 13. When Doc brought Perk in for the final 2 minutes, the Celtics were up only 5. With Perk back in the lineup, the Celtics built the final lead back to 8.
Another player who stole the spotlight was Leon Powe. He is so tough on the boards and can finish very nicely at the basket. He finished with 9 points and 4 rebounds in just 11 minutes of play. Big Baby and Powe once again combined for some good play when Doc put them in together. Big Baby has 7 points and 4 rebounds in 14 minutes.
Ray Allen's hot shooting continues as he finished with 23 points (7-14), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Paul Pierce scored only 13 points but put out a lot of effort guarding Jason Richardson. Richardson got 30 points but he was only 10-26 to get those points.
The Celtics shot 48% from the field while holding the Bobcats to 40% shooting. Rebounds were even at 44 each. The Celtics did better on their free throws, missing only 4 as they shot 17-21. It was a good game in spite of the comeback staged by the Bobcats at the end to cut a 15 point lead to 5.
On the pregame show, they played a phone conversation with Sam Cassell who said he is planning on joining the Celtics as soon as he clears waivers. He also said he hoped no other team would claim him off waivers. I am sure Celtics Nation joins him in that hope. If all goes well, he should be available for Wednesday's game with the Pistons.
We have all thought about the obvious advantages of having Sam Cassell here for the stretch run. We would have a big veteran PG to deal with Chauncey Billups. We would have a true PG to handle the point guard duties when Rondo isn't on the floor. But, there is another advantage to having Sam here and that is mentoring the Rondo and Pruitt, the point guards of the future. Take a look at what Sam can offer to teach our young point guards.
Think about it. Sam putting on a point guard clinic in practices and Ray Allen continuing his shooting clinics. And PJ Brown working with our young bigs. PJ had just been signed on Wednesday and in one time out, he already pulled Perk aside and was giving him some instruction. The signing of Sam Cassell will officially plug the very last hole in this team. I can't wait until Monday when it will be official. Waivers always make me nervous. Very exiting stuff.
This is too funny. Bill Walton, looking like the Bill Walton of the 70s playing a game of HORSE with Will Farrell, aka Jackie Moon. I don't think Bill was ever in the game. Hat tip to Eja117 for finding this.
The Globe is reporting that the buyout will be signed today and he will clear waivers on Saturday.
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Sam Cassell is expected to sign buyout papers with the franchise soon and will sign with the Boston Celtics once he clears waivers, according to an NBA source.
Cassell and the Clippers have agreed to buyout terms. He is expected to receive some of the money remaining on his $6.1 million salary this season.
Once the 38-year-old's buyout is official, he has to clear waivers (which takes 48 hours) before he can become eligible to sign with another team. The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder is expected to clear waivers by Saturday and would be eligible to play the rest of the season and postseason for the Celtics.
UPDATE: The Globe has reported that Sam Cassell has been officially waived and will be free to join another team as soon as he clears waivers in 48 hours.
UPDATE #2: At halftime of the Spurs/Mavs game on TNT, Ernie Johnson announced the buyout and also said that Cassell will sign with Boston on Monday.
Here are some comments found around the Cavs boards during their game with the Celtics.
I can't wait to watch this game. The environment is probably going to be off the charts there in Boston.
It should be fun to see what lebron does tonight...I have a feeling he is sick of hearing the cavs suck and Boston ownz...
This is the biggest game of the season (on a back to back of course)
Tough start so far for both teams on offense. They both look ready to go at it.
Delonte and Wally aren't even close to the rim, let alone making it.
Heinsohn is such a tool.
Lebron can get to the rack at will on Pierece
Glen Davis is a BIG BOY
You can't expect Wally to be able to stay with Ray if they're going to set 2 picks off the ball for him.
I hate having to listen to these Boston announcers. I wish Tommy Heinsohn would just shut up.
Boston fans showing class by cheering for LeBron's injury, how unexpected.
But it is sad that they booed Lebron, but really, name one place other than home where they wouldn't cheer? Lebron is just hated on for being the best player in the NBA and not appreciated, but you guys already knew that...
Most places wouldn't cheer.
Celtics might let off the throttle thinking the game is over..might be chance to cut into the lead
Delontes behind the back layup was amazing. He really has tight handles to the left
Ray Allen is just destroying our SG's.
Really tired of Ray Allen constantly getting to the basket on these picks
We should be down by 20+ they are shooting 60% we are at a cooooool 35%
Wally Wally Wally... 5-18 now 2-9 ... The 3-pt line is the same distance as it was in Seattle.
I wonder if something's wrong with Pierce. He's been invisible all game.
Celtics are a damn good team, they've shown why tonight so far. It'll be interesting if we do meet them in the playoffs. When healthy I think we can put up a fight with them.
I don't think we would beat Boston in a 7 game series, but I know we can beat Detroit in one. Not saying we will, just that we have a better chance against Detroit.
Defense of the C's has been tight and aggressive but the Cavs(mostly the new additions) had a rough shooting start even with open looks...
Well playing Boston would be fun in its own right. I think LeBron has a little rivalry with Pierce. Not so much tonight have they had much bad blood, but in the past they've had some heated moments. I can't really say I've seen LeBron with that state of mind against one single player other than him.
Riddle me this though: Why do we actually double Eddie House when they string out to let their front court players roll right to the basket ?? It's literally the same play time after time..
I don't think the Celtics can count on lebron James having the 2nd worst night of the season in the playoffs
A few thoughts on last night's 92-87 win over the Cavs. First of all, the biggest story was the newest Celtic in the building. PJ Brown sat next to Pollard on the Celtics bench after signing on with the team earlier in the day. I really love this signing. He is a high character guy who already fits right in with the team and at one point, pulled Perk over and was giving him some pointers ans instruction. Great signing. It seems that Paul Pierce and Ray Allen get an assist for this one as well. Brown said that they pulled him over during All Star weekend and gave him the sales pitch for coming to Boston and that made the difference in his decision. PJ will wear #93 for his first season in the league and the year he got married.
Last night was a game of milestones. When LeBron threw down a dunk over KG, he became the youngest player to reach 10,000 points. Later in the game, KG pulled down his 11,000th rebound. Both are impressive, but to me, 11,000 rebounds trumps 10,000 points hands down.
With about 4 minutes left in the 2nd, Lebron came down from a dunk and limped to about midcourt and fell down onto the court and held his ankle. It looked like he was seriously injured and the doctors came out and checked him out and he limped back to the locker room. Word was that the it was a sprain and the xrays were negative. His return to the game was questionable. Anyone seeing him rolling on the floor and then limping off the court, didn't expect him back. But there he was back in the lineup to start the third, not even limping. You have to question whether he is a good actor trying to inspire his team or maybe a bit of a prima donna. From what they said on Sports Tonight afterward, LeBron makes a habit of playing up minor injuries. There is no questioning his talent, but things like that get old.
Back to the game. Mike Brown became so furious at an offensive foul call on Varejao in the third quarter that he had to be restrained. It looked like a good call. In fact the refs were pretty decent for a change. The Celtics were called for 25 fouls and the Cavs for 24 so the game was called fairly even. Did they miss things? Yes. Pierce got away with an obvious travel on his way to the hoop on one play. Ilgauskas got away with standing in the lane for about 5 or 6 seconds before a layup on another and there were other things they missed, but the key is they were calling it even and missing things for both teams. From reading the Cavs boards, I guess they had one of those games in Milwaukee where every call went against them and so it may have been frustration boiling over. It may have been an ploy to wake his team up. Whatever it was, I don't think I have ever seen a coach explode like that on a fairly simple call.
Ray Allen seems to have found his shooting touch again. Last night he had 22 points on 7-10 shooting and 3-5 from beyond the arc. He has such a pure shooting stroke that it is a thing of beauty to watch. When someone mentioned it to Ray in the press conference KG knocked on the table. No need to jinx him now. Since the All Star game, minus that game in Phoenix, Ray has been hitting his shots with regularity. This is very good news. Maybe his ankles are finally better. Maybe he is just getting more comfortable with Doc's system. Whatever it is, hopefully it continues as Ray Allen will be key if the Celtics are to win the championship.
Paul Pierce tends to struggle against the Cavs for some reason. He just never has a good game against them. LeBron James may have something to do with that or maybe he just psychs himself out when it comes to playing the Cavs. James and Pierce have a history and there is no love lost between the two, but it shouldn't get under his skin that much, should it. Last night continued the pattern of poor play against LeBron's club with 12 points on just 4-14 shooting to go with 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 turnovers. Let's hope he figures it out if we meet them in the playoffs. We can't afford to have Pierce playing terrible in a 5 or 7 game series against this team.
Before the game, they said that KG was suffering from the flu. Right from the start, he was energetic and was out there firing up the crowd before the tip. He looked a bit slow in spots but had a terrific game with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals in 33 minutes, the most since he came back from his injury. In the post game press conference, you could hear him sniffing and coughing and he definitely wasn't feeling well. For those who say the Cavs were weakened because Ilgauskas was just coming back from an upper respiratory infection, I think one balances out the other.
Powe and Baby are showing why they need to get playing time, although with PJ Brown on board, one or the other, or maybe both will lose playing time. Hopefully it will be Scal who will lose the most. He is a great guy and a great teammate and drove Tony to the hospital last year, but he just isn't that good of a player. He doesn't really hurt us when he is out there, but he doesn't help us either. On the other hand, both Davis, and even more Powe, help us every time they play. Last night, Davis had 9 points and 4 rebounds in 23 minutes and Powe had 13 points and 3 rebounds in just 14 minutes. If Doc keeps one or the other in the rotation, I hope it is Leon because he really is playing well and does good things whenever Doc gives him minutes.
Let me preface the next comments by saying I love Perk. He is my favorite player. I love his intensity. I love his work ethic. But last night, he played 25 minutes and only had 1 rebound. I am not sure why because he seemed to be playing hard and was in the mix for the rebound several times and a couple times he tipped the rebound out to a teammate when he was in traffic under the basket, but he only got 1 rebound. I know on several plays he was boxing out Ilgauskas to allow KG to slip in for the rebound and that is one of the things he does best. He got 9 rebounds in the previous game and hopefully this was just an off game on the boards. Perk did have the steal of the game, though. He swiped the ball just past midcourt and took it all the way to the hoop for a layup, beating Delonte West in the process. It was a great play.
The Celtics once again missed 9 free throws. They have been shooting poorly from the line since the All Star break. In the first two games out west, they missed 9 and 14 free throws and lost the games by 6 and 2 respectively. In the playoffs, they can't afford to miss their free throws. Last night, only KG and Leon were perfect from the line as Ray even missed one.
On a positive note, the Pistons lost last night to the Jazz. The Celtics are now 3 games ahead of them for home court in the playoffs. The Pistons have 2 easy games coming up as they face the Clippers (hopefully without Sam Cassell) in LA on Saturday and come home to face the Sonics on Tuesday. Possibly the biggest game of the season so far will be on Wednesday as the Pistons play the Celtics in Boston. The Celtics have Monday and Tuesday off and the Pistons play the night before. It will be a big, big game for both teams. Expect a very physical and emotional game on both sides.
The Celtics face the Bobcats on Friday. Although they have won only 19 games, one of those is over the Celtics in Boston. They give us matchup problems for some reason. The Celtics really need to be up for that game in spite of Charlotte's record.
The Herald is reporting that the deal with PJ Brown is done and he is a Celtic. Very good news. Now, we just need Cassell and we will be a very deep team.
The Celtics, their needs still unaddressed at backup point guard, made a strong move today to add defense and strength to their frontcourt with the signing of veteran power forward P.J. Brown.
The 36-year-old Brown played for Chicago last season before going into semi-retirement. He was also pursued by the Celtics last summer, but expressed a preference to remain near his home in Louisiana, though he ultimately didn’t sign with two of his supposed targets - New Orleans and Dallas.
He is consided a rugged defender and rebounder - especially at the `four’ spot - and should provide the Celtics with yet another accomplished role player.
The Globe is reporting that the Celtics could be close to signing PJ Brown. Brown, who was looking for the MLE before the season and had hinted about retiring has recently changed his mind and would like to finish the season out with a contender.
Brown's agent, Mark Bartelstein, acknowledged it is "possible" that Brown could be a Celtic soon.
The 38-year-old Brown, who has been courted to return to his home state team, the New Orleans Hornets, has been inactive this season.
The Celtics have two roster spots to fill before Friday's playoff eligible deadline. The Celtics hope to land veteran guard Sam Cassell if he is bought out by the Clippers.
Brown, who has 14 years of experience, would bring needed depth in the frontline. The 6-foot-11 forward is known for his rebounding and tough interior defense. He averages 9.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game for his career. He also would brings much-needed playoff experience, with 81 games under his belt with the four franchises he has played for, most recently as a member of the Chicago Bulls.
This is good news. A much better addition than Magloire. I like it. Hopefully he has kept himself in shape while waiting to sign with a team.
According to a league source, P.J. Brown will sign with the Celtics soon. It is uncertain when the forward will begin practice with the team or play in his first game
Mike and Tommy After a 5 game road trip, I really miss hearing Mike and Tommy call the game. Having to listen to the other teams' feeds over the road trip makes me really appreciate the Celtics' announcers. Tonight's game is on NBA TV and they better have Mike and Tommy calling the game. I am really glad that Mike took "Got it" for his catch phrase. "Bingo" was getting to me after the Clippers game. Fans on other boards complain about Tommy being a homer, but he has nothing on some of the other announcers out there. At least Mike and Tommy call the game and don't sit there chatting about everything else under the sun and ignore the action going on in the game. The Blazers' announcers were even hoping for an injury to Pierce. Having to listen to the other announcers over the trip just makes me appreciate Mike and Tommy that much more. As far as play by play, Mike is one of the best in the business.
Clippers Game Both Perk and Leon had very good games against the Clippers. Perk had 6 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in only 21 minutes. Powe had 12 points and 3 rebounds in 21 minutes. I am still puzzled when Doc doesn't play Powe since he has proved that he does good things when given the playing time. Gabe Pruitt had a nice game. He can shoot the ball and made a couple of nice plays during his 9:40 on the court.
Waiver Wire The Mavs are reporting that they will sign Jamaal Magloire to a 1 year contract at the veteran minimum. There were rumors that the Celtics were interested in him. Danny has said that if the Celtics could sign Barry, he would still want to sign Cassell and that would mean that he would roll the dice with the bigs that we have now. If Pollard could get healthy and with Powe and Baby playing well, we could get by if we don't get any injuries. Reports are coming fast and furious about a Cassell buyout. TrueHoop has also reported that while Cassell is leaning toward signing with the Celtics, it is possible that Golden State or Phoenix could swoop in and grab him off waivers. It's a long shot, but could happen. Barry hasn't made a decision as yet but rumors are that he is going to resign with San Antonio. It may have been a "wink-wink" deal where the Spurs trade him to make the deal work if Sonics agree to cut him so he can return to the Spurs well rested in time for the playoffs. Barry at least is playing it up like he has a real decision to make unlike Jerry Stackhouse. But then again, there is still the possibility that the Celtics can lure him away. PJ Brown is talking about coming back now and could be a possibility for the Celtics now that Magloire is out of the running.
Power Rankings are so subjective. The Celtics can be ranked anywhere from 2nd to 6th depending on which rankings you look at. This in spite of still having the best record in the league. How can the team with the best record in the league drop to 6th in the rankings? In Stein's rankings he had this little blurb as he ranked the Celtics at #4:
This will be moot if the Celts wind up with Cassell or Barry via buyout, but for now they're the only team in the league -- of the 15 sporting winning records -- not to have made a notable in-season signing or trade.
Yes, the Celtics didn't make a move at the trade deadline. But, they made the big moves before the season and have been busy building chemistry with those players. As the old saying goes, "If it isn't broke, don't fix it." The Celtics can still make a move, but their record should speak for itself as far as the team they already have. Why Home Court is Important I have been reading Celtics Pride by Bob Ryan which is about the 1973-74 Celtics championship team. There was one passage that caught my attention as we are in the race for the home court advantage throughout the playoffs. In this passage, the Celtics are in a tough playoff series with the Knicks.
It was a game that will always be remembered, for the officiating if nothing else. The men who were overtaken by a situation they couldn't control were Jack Madden and Jake O'Donnell, and what happened to them was sad, but understanable. They began to be subconsiously controlled by the partisan crowd. Despite the denials of officials who refuse to acknowledge the existence of the "makeup" call (you know: If I blow one against Team A, I'll make it up by calling one against Team B as soon as I can), which everyone knows takes place all the time, certain referees get swept up by the crowd at certain times. The result is the momentum call. Every basketball fan has seen it hundreds of times. The home team is making a comeback, as the crowd whoops it up. The next thing you know an official is calling an offensive foul on a visiting player, which is just what the home team needed to keep the rally going. There can also be a phenomenon know as a momentum "noncall," such as what happened in this particular game. The Knicks, the play by play sheet said, caused seven consecutive turnovers in a stretch where they scored 13 striaght points to cut Boston's lead to 76-74. At least half of those alleged turnovers were caused when the Knick players, having realized that nothing was going to happen to them, simply held Celtic cutters to prevent them from getting to passes. Such officiating acquiescence constitutes a momentum noncall. The ultimate momentum call, however, came when Frazier stole the ball and went downcourt with Nelson running alongside of him. Nelson had but one objective, and that was to make sure he did nothing that would create the appearance of a foul, so that Frazier couldn't get a 3 point play. To accomplish this, he pulled his arms into his body.
Referee Madden, meanwhile, ran downcourt, trailing the play with his arm already up in the air. Frazier laid the ball in without being touched (pictures substantiated this), and Madden called a foul on Nelson, signaled the basket good and put Frazier on the line. Was Madden dishonest? No. Was O'Donnell? No. Undoubtedly they didn't even know what had happened to themselves. But they had succumbed to crowd orchestration, and without that aid, the Knicks never could have won the game.
In a game 7, crowds can get pretty worked up and this can work against the road team in the officiating as this passage from Celtics Pride shows. The Celtics need to stay ahead of the Pistons for the homecourt advantage through the playoffs because it really is an advantage.
Cav's Come to Town Celtics are back from their Western swing to face the Cavs at home tonight. The Cavs played last night while the Celtics had the night off, but the Celtics will be playing their 4th game in 5 nights all over the country and that has to take a toll. Zydrunas Ilgauskas sat out their loss in Milwaukee last night with an upper respiratory infection and is questionable for tonight, but you can't sleep on any team with LeBron James. They do have 3 former Celtics on their team now and that formula has been a disaster for the Wolves, Heat and Seattle this season. Last night Michael Redd hit the first game winner of his career and he was able to do it with Wally guarding him last night. The Cavs are going to come in fired up to beat the Celtics and hopefully the Celtics will match their intensity and will for the win.
Finally, while everyone is talking about Sam Cassell, let's not forget about what we already have. Rajon Rondo has been terrific for the team this season. He has been getting better with every game. He has been a leader on the court and has done what it takes to get the job done. Here is a great look behind the scenes of his maturation from last season to this.
Here are comments found around the Clippers boards during and after their game with the Celtics. The Clippers fans are a disheartened bunch and I can't say as I blame them. Injuries have derailed their season and now one of their better players is ready to bolt the team. As impressive as the Celtics win was, we caught them at a weak time without their starting PG and center.
We need all the help we can get. Boston will be tough to beat.
Sam says he's gonna play because he "can't pass up a chance to play against Garnett." Kaman is doubtful-- sore lower back. With no one to legitimately guard KG, it could get ugly
Well it looks like it's going to be a rough nite, man I Hate the Celtics
Sam probably wants to show his new club one last time what he can do, before he joins the C's.
Ha Ha, Danny Ainge, we have Sam Cassell, and you don't, even if he's not dressed! Frankly, folks, this is just stupid. We're likely down four of our first six players, and Boston is at full strength, I believe. They are playing back-to-back on the road, so there is small hope there. Oddsmakers figure Clips will lose by nine or less!
We're competetive most nights. I think that's the best way to go, be competetive but still lose. I really want to see us finish bad enough to get a good enough draft pick to get on of the elite gaurds in this draft; Rose, Gordan or Bayless.
The Celtics actually look beatable- they lost two games ago to the Suns and had to struggle vs. Portland to win. So the Clippers have a solid chance if they share the ball and shoot well from the outside.
Games about to start, these Celtics have shown a bit of weakness and less domination.
Win #20 coming up!!
Looks like Bostons D is really limiting our offense. Not having Cassell and Kaman don't help either.
Paul Pierce schooling Maggete, who can't make a shot, so far.
The C's look bored...take advantage Clippers!
They've applied pressure and our offense has not been able to form any sort of rhythm so far.
Glaring stat of the night: Boston: 7-15 from 3; Clippers: 2-11 from 3. Same ****, Different Day.
Unless we shoot well, theres no way in hell we're gonna win without Kaman. Unless Josh Powell and Kevin Garnett switch bodies.
This game doesn't seem to be going our way
The only positive thing I can say about this game is that we didn't lose by 30.
104-76 Boston wins. It wasn't the easiest game to watch. Obviously playing the best team in the league without your starting center is going to be difficult, but we needed somebody to step up and sadly nobody really did.
That was pretty ugly, but the swarming Boston D had something to do with it. They had a ton of deflections and cut off the passing angles available.
Well, the whole game the announcers were saying that Cassell is probably on his way out, and we would find out if he stays or goes in the next couple of days...
Yeah, if the Clippers decide to buy him out and waive him before midnight on Friday. I think Cassell's agent and the Clippers are "talking" right now. It would suck to see him go. I don't like how cassell is not playing
I can't believe we didn't even get a freaking 2nd rounder for him. And now we're buying him out. For what? Signing a superstar? Amazing. Another player leaving without compensation.
You know Cassell wants to split, have known it for weeks as a matter of fact, and you couldn't get a freakin' trade going for this guy?! What do we have a front office for.............?
Guess trading Sam Cassell to Denver (who wanted him) for Eduardo Najera's expiring contract and J.R. Smith's qualifying contract weren't enough to entice the Clippers to pull the trigger. To sweeten the pot, the Clippers could've also had an option to swap their Minny pick for Denver's #21 in case a player they liked fell through the cracks and was available. Oh, well, better to get rid of Cassell for nothing and keep the rich tradition going. Who needs J.R. Smith and his 43 points from the other night?
Maybe we were just waiting for tonight's Celtic game to pass so that we don't have to face Sam on the court, while the crowd sides with him.
Well, that's what Sam Cassell's about. Forget about his teammates. Abandon ship. Go somewhere else where the grass is greener.
I attended the game, but to see KG in green. We are charged too much for the tickets now. The goods are damaged. Clippers should give us the partial refund.
The next big deadline is coming up on Saturday, March 1. Players waived after that day will not be available to play in the playoffs for any team who might sign them. This may affect several players, but the biggest name being tossed around is Sam Cassell. The Celtics have 2 open roster spots and are interested in several of the players whose names are being tossed around. Let's take a look at the possibilities for the Celtics.
The most intriguing name out there is Brent Barry who was released by the Sonics after being traded there by the Spurs. Barry is a 36 year old 13 year veteran of the NBA. He is 6'7" and can handle the ball as well as shoot 43% from beyond the arc. He also shoots 95% from the free throw line. He has 2 championship rings and has played in 68 playoff games. That kind of experience would be invaluable for the Celtics. The can use his ball handling as well as his shooting to spread the floor. There are 5 teams vying for his services including the Spurs, Suns, Rockets, Mavs and Celtics. The Suns are reported to have made signing him their priority as have the Mavs and Rockets. He has spent the past 4 years in San Antonio and his family lives there so it would seem that they have the inside track, but he would have to wait 30 days before signing with them since he was just traded from there. The Spurs can also offer him the most since they still have their MLE left. The Rockets have an advantage in that they are close to home for him and the Suns are still in the West. The Celtics could be at a disadvantage in that they are the only Eastern team making an offer. And the Globe is reporting that the Spurs, Suns and Rockets are the front runners for his services with the Celtics a long shot in spite of a call from Ray Allen urging him to come to Boston.
Second in line would be Sam Cassell who has not yet been bought out. The Clippers would have to buy him out by March 1 in order for him to be eligible to play in the playoffs. Sam is 38 years old and is 6'3". He is averaging 12.8 points, 4.7 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 25.7 minutes this season for the Clippers. He has been asking for a buyout and has said that he would be a good fit in Boston, but since then the Cavaliers have also expressed interest in signing him and have said that they would give him the starting PG spot. It will come down to which team Sam thinks gives him the best chance of winning a ring. The Cavs have LeBron James and have added Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Joe Smith and Delonte West. They were Eastern Conference champs last season and are considered to be a contender. But the Celtics have KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce and currently have the best record in the league. KG and Cassell have a history together and that may be the factor that tips the scales in the Celtics direction in spite of having to come off the bench there. But, this is all a moot point if he isn't bought out by Saturday.
Third in line is Flip Murray. He is my least favorite option at the point. He is 28 years old and also 6'3". He was put on waivers from Detroit where he was averaging 7.5 points, 3.4 assists and .7 steals in 18.2 minutes per game. He has played in Milwaukee, Seattle, Cleveland and Detroit. His shooting could be an issue as he is shooting only 41% from the field, 22% from beyond the arc and 60% from the free throw line. If Barry signs with one of the Western teams and Cassell chooses to go to the Cavs or is not bought out of his contract, then Murray would be a possibility but only if the other two are out of reach.
The Celtics have also been looking at big men. Chris "The Birdman" Anderson would be the preferred target, but is a big longshot. He has been out of the league for 2 years after testing positive for drugs. He has been working out in Las Vegas under Joe Abunassar who could get him in shape if anyone can. He has applied for reinstatement, but there is no guarantee that he will be allowed to come back. He is the first player since Roy Tarpley in 1995 to apply for reinstatement after being banned from the league. Tarply's request was denied and so it isn't positive that he will be allowed to come back. If they do reinstate him, the Hornets would have an exclusive 30 day window to sign him and since they are short on front court depth, they have already said that they intend to sign him once he is eligible.
Another name being thrown out there is Jamaal Magloire. He is 6'11" and was cut by New Jersey after averaging 1.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 10.8 minutes per game over 24 games. His best season was in 2004-2005 when he averaged 9.2 points and 9.5 rebounds, starting all 82 games for the Bucks. He is 29 years old and is in his 8th season having played for Charlotte, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Portland and New Jersey. The knock on Magloire is that he doesn't always give his best effort and in spite of his size doesn't play defense inside. Reports are that the Pistons have been going after Magloire also.
Justin Williams was waived by Sacramento and the Mavs have expressed interest in him. He has had some legal problems recently when he was charged with sexual assault. The charges were dropped because there was not enough evidence to make them stick, but the Celtics might shy away from a player who has that kind of cloud hanging over him. He is 6'10" and 23 years old and in his second season. He averaged 1.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 5.4 minutes per game this season.
Another player who hasn't been mentioned much that could come into play is PJ Brown. He was asking for at least the MLE before the season and wasn't picked up by any teams. He hasn't retired and hasn't ruled out coming back to play down the stretch for a team. He is 38 years old and has played 14 seasons in the NBA averaging 6.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and .72 blocks last season for the Bulls. The Celtics may be a good situation where he wouldn't need to play big minutes but would be very good insurance should Perk or KG get into foul trouble.
There may be others bought out or waived by this weekend, but for now, those are the names that are out there. Brent Barry is the first choice of the Celtics but also the first choice of 4 other teams and the Celtics seem to be a long shot to land him. Cassell hasn't been bought out and in spite of saying he wanted to play for the Celtics, he could change his mind given the offer to start for the Cavs. Flip Murray would be the third choice if no others present themselves. There have been rumors that Tyronn Lue would be bought out in Sacramento but nothing definite. He would be a good choice if Plan A and B are foiled and if he is bought out. This should be an interesting week as we wait to see who is bought out and who isn't and which teams these players decide on. Hopefully Danny can be persuasive enough to bring a couple of these pieces to Boston for insurance in the playoffs. Time will tell.
HeraldTrip can't keep C's down Pierce, Allen line up their shots FL's Take: That may have been the first game when both Pierce and Ray had good shooting games at the same time. Usually it is one or the other. It was KG's turn to have an off night. If all three ever get it going in the same game, things could get ugly for the opposition. Pistons take away Suns' shine FL's Take: It was pretty depressing to see the Suns get dismantled by the Pistons right after the Suns beat the Celtics. Must be they put out so much effort against the Celtics that they didn't have anything left for the Pistons. The Celtics are just 2 games ahead of the Pistons in the East but the Pistons are starting a 4 game Western trip where they will face the Nuggets, Jazz, and Clippers and the Celtics will be headed home. Hopefully the Celtics are back on track and can open up a little space between them again. The Pistons come to Boston on March 5 and that will be a very big game. You know the Pistons will be up for it, hopefully the Celtics will be too. Globe Celtics' defense puts out the Blazers' fire FL's Take: It sure is good to see the defense back and dominating again. That is what is going to lift the Celtics to their next title. Defense is the reason the Pistons and Spurs have been so dominant and the Celtics need to continue to make that their priority. Names bouncing around FL's Take: Of all the names mentioned, I like Barry the best. I like that Ray is trying to put a good word in for the Celtics. It may make a difference if Ray can let him know how good things are in Boston it may sway his decision. Detroit is trying to sign Magloire and Davis, probably mostly to keep one or both away from Boston. LOY's Place Celtics get back on track with win over Portland Comments from the other side - Blazers FL's Take: It always amazes me how venomous other fans are toward the Celtics. Last night, it was the Blazers announcers as well. When the game was getting particularly physical and the refs weren't calling anything, one of the announcers said that if they continued to let the contact go, someone would get hurt. And the other one said that he hoped it would be Pierce. That is just plain wrong. As much as I don't like some players or some teams, I would never wish harm on any of them. KG's trash talking and intensity is sure getting under a lot of peoples' skins. Celtics 24/7Battle of the slumpers SouthCoast Today Losses reason for concern, not worry Sports of BostonWith their backs against the wall, Celtics rebound With MaliceNBA Finals - history repeats? LeonPowe.com Celtics get lucky, pull out win in Portland FL's Take: I have been puzzled by Powe's lack of playing time. He proved that he can play and help the team during KG's absence and now he is back to 4 or 5 minutes per game. He can help this team and needs to be given more playing time. He has earned it. Portland TribuneNew stars and pressure on Celtics, but Boston stresses teamwork FL's Take: The biggest advantage that the Pistons and Spurs have over the Celtics is the fact that the both teams have been together for years and they have great chemistry going. The Celtics have had to build that from scratch in just 54 games. They have surprised a lot of people who expected it to take much longer for them to click. They will have to continue to stress team if they want to win it all. If one player steps out of the team concept, it will negate all they have built. The Oregonian A turn for the worse Washington Post Celtics still ahead of the curve in the East Lex Nihil Novi 1986 C's lose to Denver, Fall to 42-11 Feeling is that Cassell will be bought out Playa Hater Are the Suns regretting the Shaq deal? Bleacher Report Struggling Celtics looking for answers out West Oregon LiveBlazers blog Daily NewsCassell might be bought out Sox and Dawgs Celtics blaze a trail in Portland McKeon and Mongoose Celtics right the ship Metro C's thump Blazers Connecticut Post Celtics shoot the lights out in Portland Statesman Journal Celtcs rally dooms Blazers Bostonist Celtics complete Oregon Trail
Here are some comments found around the Blazers' board during their game with the Celtics. I was amazed as how much hatred there is there for KG. If he is stirring up the fans this much, I can only imagine what his trash talking is doing to the teams he is playing.
I think only losing by 10 would be good, I think that is around what we lost to in Boston. I'm thinkin' its possible to lose by 30-40, so havin' a competitive game would be nice, Imo.
Personally, when the game comes on I plan to unplug the TV and hide in the basement. Watching a Grizzly Bear with a tooth-ache maul a cocker spaniel puppy isn't my idea of entertainment.
I predict the upset win over Boston by 6.
Game time. Even if we lose this game today (which is probable), I really want to see this team have some fight in it.
I don't care if the Blazers win or lose this game. All I care about is KG walking away in this game With a blackeye. To the Celtics fans that think This is harsh, all I have to say is KG needs to Get whats coming to him. He throws elbows So someone needs to pop him a good one..
I'm LOVING the attitude of this game today! The team looks like they want to kill these Celtics.
I am starting to really hate Kevin garnett. Even ray Allen despises his body language and the constant yapping.
I cant stand Kevin Garnett Wat a scrub But he cant play vs the real big men of the game, like Sheed. Sheed can shut down Kg anyday. I hope LaMarcus shuts him down tonight. Or josh mcroberts punches him. Lol
All kg does is talk and rant. He hasnt proven anything yet.
He has talent but he hasnt done anything with it.. .
A 32 point quarter! It seems like recently we'd be lucky to muster 32 points at halftime. This is a fun game to watch so far, let's keep beating these guys while they're down.
Boston hasn't shown up yet, which is helping.
Allen about cracked the backboard on that three point attempt. Unfortunately, we allowed him to drive the lane and score a few possessions later. Gotta keep their starters from getting in rhythm. I'm OK with House throwing up prayer three's, even if he hits a few.
I really hate kg
I really hope KG loses his cool and takes a swing at someone, nothing would warm my heart more than to see that monumental sh1t-talking d-bag run out of the gym.
So, I wonder what Aldridge was saying to KG when they were on the floor there. To me it looked like he was talking right into his ear so the refs wouldn't hear.
I'm glad Aldridge is talking back and giving Garnett some of his own medicine. Nice to see Aldridge not being so passive out there.
Lol, KG got outplayed. I'm so happy he is starting to leave his prime! No championship in his career! Woohoo!
I hope we win this, I like Allen, Pierce is ok but he complains way too much. KG is eww... He isn't really that good of a player to talk. He isn't a top tier, who Imo are allowed to talk like Kobe and LeBron. He is 2nd tier star, who should keep their mouth shut, specially when they are 12-8 in their last 20. He makes me laugh though, he is desperate for attention.
KG is a 2nd tier star? Really? After taking a horrible Boston team to the best record in the NBA? Exactly who is desperate for attention here?
And wtf are you talkin' about, taking a horrible Boston team to the best record in the NBA. Are you crazy? They were a completely different team last year. Peirce Allen and KG are there. They now have Posey, Glenn Davis, and many more. It is a completely different team. And no, I don't think he is a first tier star. Lets see, he is on Minnesota and never gets out of the first round. Then he goes to a loaded Boston team, talks trash, yet they are 13-8 in their last 21 games, and he is averaging 18.8 and 9.9 rebounds a game. So yea, I don't consider him a top tier star. LeBron and Kobe blow him out of the water. Same with Howard, who if he was playing with Allen and Pierce, would be doin' even better.
Ray Allen is a sick sick shooter
I hate the way Mike and Mike complain about the officiating, but this is starting to look like suspiciously bad.
Well the officiating in this game has me convinced we don't have enough star power .. After all the Celtics are pre-ordained to make the finals, right?
The refs are bad but it isn't the reason we're behind. They're bad both ways. We left Boston wide open for threes. That and losing Brandon will be the reason we lost, not the refs.
Ts clear that the refs want the Celtics to win. U guys don't know how angry I am right now. I just threw my remote and made a huge dent in my wall.
Hey. Hey. Come on now. Maybe they're just trying to give us Derrick Rose. Remember that Kobe non-call last year? If the refs would have called it. No Greg Oden. Thank you David Stern.
I'm kinda glad Boston is playing dirty and tough; it's a good learning experience for our boys. I want to see them get fired up and take no crap. I'm pretty happy with the way we are responding, but I'd like to see someone give Garnett some of his own medicine. The only problem is these refs are letting Boston get away with murder. The officiating is ridiculous. If this gets out of hand, it will be all on them. But I kinda hope it does. I want our guys to grow some.
Portland 20 FTs, Boston has 11 FT. On the surface that seems tilted toward the Blazers.
Trust me it isn't. The crap Boston is getting away with is so blatant it just leaves you speechless.
I appreciate the grit that we've shown today, but we're not even in the same galaxy as the Celtics.
I am starting to HATE these Celtics. KG barking in the face of the ref after an untouched layup?
That's different from his days in Minnesota....how?
True. I think the Celtics becoming instant NBA royalty has something to do with my disdain for them.
I cant wait till the pistons play the Celtics in the east finals. They will show the Celtics that they aint nothin. And sheed will show Garnett who is the real big man in the game.
