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RETRIEVING CONTENT...PLEASE WAIT
Curiouser and Curiouser
Saturday, October 4, 2008
by FLCeltsFan 8:47 PM
When the Celtics signed Sam Cassell, it was obvious that someone on the roster was destined to be cut. With 4 point guards on the roster, it seemed that one of them might be the obvious cut. Eddie House just signed a 2 year contract. Rondo is secure as the starting point guard and with Sam being pretty much assured of a spot, it seemed that Gabe Pruitt might be the odd man out. But, this quote from the Herald suggests that all 4 point guards could make the final cut.
Barring anything unforeseen, the Celtics [team stats] will be keeping four point guards on their final roster. One cut will need to be made from the 16 in camp (or a trade would have to be made where the C’s got one fewer body in return), but the little guys seem safe.
So, if the 4 point guards are safe, who is the 16th man? We can rule out the starting five so Perk, Rondo, Pierce, KG and Ray Allen are safe. And if the Herald is right, then Sam, Gabe and House are safe as well.
Patrick O'Bryant is pretty safe as he has something the Celtics desperately need and that is size. Also, reports are that he has been playing well in camp. But, even if he is lagging behind a bit, his size pretty much guarantees him a spot.
Tony Allen was signed for 2 years and Danny and Doc have both said that they are depending on Tony to be the defensive stopper now that Posey is gone. So, it would seem that Tony is also safe.
Scal has 2 years left on his contract and even though he didn't play in the playoffs, both Danny and Doc talked about how much he brings to the team. Danny was talking about how the team was better with Scal in the starting lineup last season. Now, knowing Danny, he may be hyping him up for a trade.
Next would be Big Baby and Leon Powe. At first it seems as though they are similar players and maybe one or the other would be the one to be cut, but they both bring their own skill set and depending on the matchup, each brings something different. Of the two, I would rather keep Leon. He brings so much toughness and although he is undersized, he has those long arms and plays much bigger than his size.
Then we have the 2 rookies. Bill Walker has gotten rave reviews for his performance in camp and it seems as though he has already picked up the system and looks good. He also brings some toughness to the team as could be seen from his scuffle with KG in a scrimmage. JR Giddens is struggling so far, but Doc and Danny still seem high on him and I don't see the team cutting a first round pick on his rookie contract.
So, then we have Darius Miles. All reports out of camp say that Miles is playing very and the knee doesn't seem to be an issue. When asked about Miles, Danny said that he could see Miles making a team and playing 10 games and then added that he hoped it would be the Celtics. Miles' contract is not guaranteed and so that could make him the most likely to be cut. But, if he plays well enough in camp, then it would be very hard to let him go. I am pulling for Darius to make the team.
So, it seems as though everyone has a role on the team and it will be hard to make that last cut. Of course, Danny could have a 2 for 1 or 3 for 2 trade in mind. In that case, I could see Scal and either Big Baby or Gabe being involved in the trade. I still think that one of the points is going to have to be cut or traded and Gabe Pruitt would seem to be the odd man out, although he has potential and should be the back up point of the future. Another theory I have been thinking about is that Sam will be the one cut and immediately added as a coach. Then, if needed during the season, he can be picked back up. It will be interesting to see who stands out over the next 3 weeks and who doesn't.
The team looked good on the Real Training camp session. It seems as though things are coming together. For those worried about Perk's shoulder, Danny Ainge said that Perk was probably the healthiest guy in camp but that they were just playing it cautious. He did throw down a couple of nice dunks in the drills and looked good. For anyone wanting to see the first pre-season game, it will be televised on NBA-TV on Wednesday, October 8 at 7:00 PM. I am getting very excited! How about you?
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Real Training Camp
by FLCeltsFan 11:53 AM
Just a heads up that NBA-TV will feature the Celtics on their Real Training Camp series today at 4:30 PM ET. Hopefully we will get some insight as to how the young players along with Darius Miles and Patrick O'Bryant are looking.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 10/4
Quote of the Day
Friday, October 3, 2008
by FLCeltsFan 10:40 PM
Here is a great quote from JR Giddens after Friday's practice:
"KG is a monster. He's the heart of the team and brings it every day. Ray is probably the most mild-mannered of them all and is a very sensible guy. Paul is vicious. He's like a video game in person."
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 10/3
by FLCeltsFan 11:30 AM
Herald Doc Rivers hopes youngsters Leon Powe, Glen Davis step up
FL's Take: From reports out of camp, it seems that Leon is ready to step up and is stepping up in practice. When inserted in with the starters at center, it was Leon who supplied most of the hustle and rebounds in those scrimmages.
Hurt Kendrick Perkins pines for action
FL's Take: I know Perk is probably beside himself wanting to get out on the court to play with his teammates. He is ready to go but the doctors and trainers are being cautious, which is probably a good thing considering it is a long season and they need Perk to be 100%.
Official report clears refs
FL's Take: I still say that the other refs may not have bet on games but I truly believe that other refs have influenced games at the direction from David Stern. But, I highly doubt that that will ever come out.
Globe O'Bryant tries to find his role
FL's Take: I think O'Bryant is going to surprise a lot of people. He may never have played to his potential with the Warriors, but that system didn't fit him and I believe that in a system like the Celtics' that plays to his strengths, he will thrive.
NBA referees are cleared
Report recommends changes to NBA officiating
O'Bryant's learning curve
Pierce says Boston ready to win another title
CelticsBlog Duking it out at the three in Portland
LOY's Place Random thoughts from training camp
NBA.com 2008-09 season preview
Enterprise Celtics looking to fill a hole after James Posey exited
Worcester Telegram Rondo still facing down his skeptics
FL's Take: I expect Rondo to take his place in the elite upper echelon of point guards this season. He won't have any skeptics left after this season.
Patriot Ledger Playing time may increase for Celtics’ Tony Allen
FL's Take: Tony is bringing a lot of scrutiny on himself by comparing himself to Posey but you have to like his confidence.
Connecticut Post Boston Celtics: Number One in so many ways
Celtics.com More video from training camp
Lex Nihil Novi Could Darius Miles have played last season?
FL's Take: Portland has been less than honest and less than scrupulous in several ways. The failed drug test was their way of trying to keep Miles from coming back. They leaked his medical records. They have said things about Miles that weren't true, all with the goal of keeping Miles from playing this season. I have no doubts they may have done some bribing to get the diagnosis from the doctors to end his career. I still get furious when I think that the NBA granted them cap relief because of an injury in the first place after refusing the Celtics any relief when their captain died.
Pitino visits Antoine
HubHoops The class of 03
Deadspin 30 previews in 30 days: Boston Celtics
Sports Tribune Miles out of gas but otherwise looks good in Celtics camp
Hoopsvibe Celtics fans meet the dysfunctional Darius Miles
Sports of Boston Celtics hold practice, focus set to 2008-09
The Sun Garnett's a ring keeper
Fox Sports One burning question for every NBA team
ESPN After a summer of love, Celtics return for more chest bumping heroics
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Random Thoughts from Training Camp
by FLCeltsFan 8:53 AM
It seems as though every day a different player stands out in practice. One day it is Patrick O'Bryant. The next it was Tony Allen. Now, it is Bill Walker. I was pretty excited when Danny got him from Washington in the second round. This is a kid with lottery talent but bad knees dropped him into the second round. Danny was willing to take a chance and it looks as though that gamble is going to pay off.
Bill Walker had surgery right after the draft and stayed in Boston rehabbing his knee. First reports were that Danny was planning to stash him in Europe but he impressed Danny and the coaches so much in his workouts over the summer they felt he can help the Celtics right away. After hearing reports from Camp, I have to agree.
In a scrimmage on day 3, KG and Walker were going for a ball and Walker knocked KG over. KG took exception to being forearmed by Walker and the two went face to face and were separated by the ever peacemaking Sam Cassell. Walker didn't back down from KG and I can see that making their relationship even stronger in the future as KG appreciates toughness in a player and I think that is what made his relationship with Perk so good because Perk never backed down from him when they were playing against each other before Garnett came to the Celtics. I can see Walker being in the rotation this season and really helping the team. So far, it seems that Paul Pierce has taken Walker under his wing, working with him after practice and giving him pointers. Likewise, Ray Allen is helping Giddens and trying to help him get acquainted with the NBA.
After sitting out days 1 and 2, Sam Cassell scrimmaged with the team on day 3. I was puzzled by Sam coming back since it seemed that the roster was in good shape with Pruitt set to take the next step as a back up PG and Eddie House back in place. I am still not sure that Sam is going to be on the team this season. With him back, it seems as though Pruitt is the odd man out, but I don't see Danny giving up on the kid before giving him a chance. Miles is playing well enough that I don't see them cutting him. Giddens is struggling, but I don't see him getting cut either. Unless Danny has a trade in mind, I still don't understand this signing.
The question about whether the team would have the same motivation as they did last season after winning a ring seems to be answered. According to KG, the intensity in scrimmages has been so intense that Doc has to make them shoot free throws from time to time to calm them down. This is exciting because it seems as though the Big 3 are just as intense and motivated as they were last season and the new players are buying into it big time. I can't wait to see them play.
For the second day in a row, Doc canceled the evening session. This time, he made them earn it as he lined up all 16 players and told them if he beat any 3 players they would have to practice. According to Greg Dickerson, he didn't beat even one. Now, it is possible that Doc held back because he didn't want an evening session but if not, that means that Big Baby has been working out because last season, Doc was able to beat him in a race. It also means that Perk and Patrick O'Bryant are pretty quick for big men.
They have been playing Darius Miles at power forward in camp but he will be playing mostly small forward in the regular season. So far, he is playing very well in spite of being winded. Even though his contract is not guaranteed, I see him making the team. He is playing too well so far not to.
Leon Powe replaced Patrick O'Bryant at center with the starters and picked up where he left off in the finals. According to reports from camp, it was Powe coming through with most of the hustle, as well as most of the rebounds, during his time on the floor. I love Leon and look forward to seeing him take another step up in his career this season.
Doc has told us not to expect to see much of the big 3 in exhibition games. He will use them sparingly in most of the contests and then play them closer to regular minutes in the final contest or two. I want to see more of the new guys anyway to see what they can do and I imagine that Doc does too so this is a good strategy.
Even though the scrimmages are intense, there is still time for fun and games as several Celtics broke into an impromptu game of football. It seems as though the chemistry is intact from last season as well. Wednesday's preseason opening game will be televised on CSN and I can't wait!!
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 10/2
Thursday, October 2, 2008
by FLCeltsFan 10:51 AM
Herald Ray Allen, son deal with juvenile diabetes
A knee-jerk reaction for Tony Allen
FL's Take: If Tony can finally break out, it would be huge for the team. This season, the team's success doesn't rest on the 2 stars but on the role players like Tony, Patrick O'Bryant, Darius Miles and the rookies. Their development is key to whether we celebrate another championship or not.
Ben Gordon ok's one year contract with Bulls
FL's Take: He should have done this a long time ago and spared us all the drama.
Globe Rivers has extended family
FL's Take: Kudos to Doc and Kris Rivers are good people above and beyond everything basketball. At the end of the day, the most satisfying thing you can do in life is make a difference in the life of a child.
Celtics.com Miles Hungry in Comeback Bid with Boston
Post Ups Notebook - Training Camp
Video from camp
CelticsBlog Another breakout coming in pivot in Philly?
LOY's Place Exciting things coming out of camp
ESPN Review of officials finds Donaghy only culprit, calls for change
FL's Take: Donaghy might have been the only ref betting on games, but he wasn't the only ref consciously affecting the outcomes of games. I believe Donaghy when he said that orders came down from the top to affect the outcome of games. It is either that or the referees are extremely incompetent. One thing is right, something needs to change or there will be more scandals to come.
Eric Musselman's Notebook Help, containment key to effective defense
PR Web Celtics legend Bill Russell private/public memorabilia signing
Rocky Mountain News Celtics' Ray Allen spotlights juvenile diabetes
Washington Post Walker never thought he'd be a Wizard
FL's Take: I think when all is said and done, Walker may be the steal of the draft.
EW Check out Stephen King's new ad for Sportscenter
FL's Take: This is funny.
Orlando Sentinel Injury bug bites several NBA stars early in camp
FL's Take: Injuries are the only thing that can derail the Celtics' push for #18. They have to stay healthy.
Heart of Celtics' Rivers draws ire in Orlando
Lex Nihil Novi Were the 2008 Celtics the best defensive team ever?
FL's Take: They may not have been the best, but they were right up there!
Defense doesn't always win championships I
FL's Take: There may be a couple of examples where defense wasn't the difference in the outcome of the championship, but at the end of the day, it is defense that wins championships and I would put my money on the better defensive team every time.
Defense doesn't always win championships II
Defense doesn't always win championships III
Ballerblogger Season preview: Boston Celtics
Bleacher Report Eastern conference up for grabs or still seeing green?
The Suffolk Journal C is for championship, Celtics look to repeat
ProJo Newport awash in Celtic pride
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Exciting Things Coming Out of Camp
by FLCeltsFan 8:15 AM
Going into camp the questions on most people's minds were if Tony Allen could step up his game, if Patrick O'Bryant was really a bust or could he be a sound back up for Perk, what Miles could give the team, and if the team would have the motivation this season since they won the championship.
So far, the answers coming out of camp are very positive. Last season, Tony had trouble coming back from his most recent knee injury and wore a bulky brace the entire year and never did get his explosiveness or his confidence back. In camp this season, Tony Allen is playing without the knee brace and reports are that he has his explosiveness, mobility and most of all, his confidence back. Doc announced yesterday that Tony was the MVP of practice and that he had let the offense come to him. Praise like this from Doc this early in training camp is sure to motivate Tony to do even better. This is exciting stuff because if Tony can get back to where he was before the last knee injury, it will be huge in replacing what the Celtics lost with James Posey. Tony has the capability to be a lock down defender and the team will need him in that role now that Posey is gone. As for the 3 point shooting, James Posey is a career 35% shooter from beyond the arc while Tony has a 32% average for his career. That isn't a huge difference, but before the knee injuries slowed him, he was shooting almost 39% and if he has his legs and confidence back he may even be able to fill that role as well.
Even bigger than the questions surrounding Tony, are the ones that are surrounding the Celtics' back up center. Patrick O'Bryant was a lottery pick but was termed a bust by his former coach and never found his niche in Golden State. He never fit into their system and Don Nelson had these very critical words to say about him.
"I told him if he goes down to the D-League and isn't a dominant player, there should be red flags all over the place, and he should be the first to notice. He's not only not dominating, he's not playing very well. He's a long-term project. I really liked him the first week of training camp, but I assumed there would be great progress. He hasn't gotten better one bit." No one could blame Celtics fans for being a bit skeptical about the big guy's ability to produce. But, he spent the summer working with Clifford Ray who is the best big man coach in the league. After yesterday's practice, Doc singled out O'Bryant for praise. Rivers said he was impressed with Patrick O'Bryant's effort today, and for the second straight day while Kendrick Perkins is unavailable for contact, O'Bryant got the nod with the first unit.
"Patrick had a hell of a practice. He was great today," Rivers said, noting that if he figures out how to play alongside Garnett, "things could be pretty good for him." It would be huge if he were to have a break out season. Clifford Ray has been known to work wonders with other bigs and it seems that his work with O'Bryant is paying off. It also was evident that O'Bryant never fit in Nellie's system and seems to be taking to Doc's system quite well.
As for Miles, praise has come from Pierce, Garnett, Allen and Doc for his performance so far. Doc praised his instincts and feel for the game, things you can't teach a player but they come naturally to Miles. His attitude is great and Doc has said he thinks that Miles is 100%. He beat out the other big men in wind sprints and although his basketball conditioning is a bit off after not playing for 2 years, he is working hard to get it back. At this point, it seems that he will be a lock to make the team and give the Celtics a big lift off the bench. When the Celtics signed him, I saw some reports questioning his defense, but reports from camp said that he was guarding KG much of the first day of camp and did a very good job. I don't think he will face many assignments much tougher than that. Like the team, he is committing to playing defense and so far is doing a good job of it. From the clips I have seen from practice, he is looking good.
Finally, the team's motivation has been questioned. The Celtics' stars were very motivated last year to finally get that elusive ring that they had been chasing their entire careers. Now that they have a ring, would they be as motivated as they were last season? The answer coming out of camp appears to be a resounding yes. The practices have been intense and Doc has said that this is the best start to camp that he has ever had. Dickerson said that the practice that he watched was every bit as intense as any practice last season. It appears that all of the Celtics from the stars down to the rookies are very serious about repeating as champions.
One thing that is puzzling is that Doc has had Tony and Eddie running the point on the second team and that Sam has not yet taken the floor in scrimmages. Reports are that Rondo has added 7 pounds of muscle and is even quicker than last season so the starting point guard spot is solid. The Celtics have 4 other players who can play the point in camp including Sam, Tony Allen, Eddie House and Gabe Pruitt. I haven't heard anything about Pruitt and he may be the odd man out in the race for that 15th spot, although Danny really seems to like him. With Sam not scrimmaging, it makes me wonder if possibly Sam will be the one cut and slip into the assistant coach spot and be kept around for insurance in case they need him. Barring any trades, this would be my choice for getting the roster to 15. It will be interesting to see what Danny does from this point until the season. With Trader Danny, we can never count out a 2 for 1 or 3 for 2 or 1 trade, either.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 10/1
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Boston Celtics 2008-09 Preview
by FLCeltsFan 9:33 AM
Team Name: The World Champion Boston Celtics (I never get tired of saying that)
Last Years Record: 66-16
Key Losses: James Posey, PJ Brown
Key Additions: JR Giddens, Bill Walker, Patrick O'Bryant, Darius Miles
1. What significant moves were made during the offseason?
The Celtics didn't make any significant moves this offseason, but instead made several smaller moves that could pay dividends. First, they got JR Giddens and Bill Walker in the draft. Both could be ready to contribute this season. Giddens is a great athlete with a 40" vertical leap, long arms and a strong physique. If it wasn't for character Issues that plagued him early in his college career, he would never have slipped to the Celtics at #30. By all indications, his has grown out of the character issues and should be a solid pro.
The Celtics were able to get Bill Walker from the Wizards on draft night with the 47th pick. He slipped in the draft, not because of a lack of ability, but because he has a history of knee injuries and was injured during the workouts leading up to the draft. He had surgery in Boston right after the draft and has been working out at the Celtics practice facility all summer. At first the plan was to stash Walker in Europe for a year but his workouts this summer have impressed Danny enough that they feel he can help the club this season. He brings toughness and aggressiveness and is versatile as he can play either the wing or post. Like Giddens, he has a strong physique and great leaping skills. He is a great slasher and can break down his man off the dribble but also has 3 point range on his shot. Early reports are that he has no problems with his knee and is looking good in camp.
The Celtics also added a big man to back up Perk when they signed Patrick O'Bryant, a 7'0" center who came into the league with a lot of potential and expectations as the 9th pick in the draft but was a disappointment in his two seasons with the Warriors. In all fairness, Nelly's system didn't play to O'Bryant's strengths and when he spent time in the D-League he played fairly well. With a summer to work with Clifford Ray and Robert Parish, he may surprise a lot of people. With Perk having to take it easy in camp, O'Bryant should see extended minutes in camp and the preseason and hopefully will benefit from them.
One of the low risk, high reward signings of the summer was Danny's signing of Darius Miles to a non guaranteed make good contract. Miles is trying to become the first player ever to come back from an injury that was deemed career ending by the doctors. It appears as though he is well on his way to doing just that as he impressed Danny in workouts enough to sign him. Ray Allen has said that he was impressed with Miles so far and feels that he will be a fan favorite. Paul Pierce also was very positive about Miles' workouts so far. KG also said that he has been impressed with Miles. Doc has praised his instincts and feel for the game and all attitude problems that may have been in his past seem to be just that, in the past. If he can get to anywhere near his pre-injury shape, he will be able to help the Celtics this season and will go a long way toward replacing the departed James Posey.
2. What are the team's biggest strengths?
The biggest strengths this season will be the same as last season: Defense and unselfish play. Tom Thibodeau who crafted the best defense in the league for the Celtics last season will be back to work his defensive magic again this season. The team had incredible chemistry last season and it should be even better this season as the core of the team returns. The starters all know their roles and should easily gel in training camp. The young players who were question marks last season are going to be better this season as they are now playoff tested. We can expect ubuntu to be in full force again this season and with the unselfish play and chemistry that the concept of ubuntu engenders, the team should be even stronger this season. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce will also be motivated to become the first Celtics team to repeat since the 1968-69 season. Players will be even more set in their roles and be able to work Doc's offense and Thibodeau's defense even that much better.
3. What are the team's biggest weaknesses?
This team doesn't have any glaring weaknesses other than the age of its stars and possibly depth at the center position. Last season there were questions about the point guard spot, but Rajon Rondo showed us that he is quite capable of being the starting point guard on a championship team and Eddie House answered the questions at the back up in spite of being put on the shelf for a part of the playoffs in favor of Sam Cassell. This season, Gabe Pruitt is expected to be able to contribute at the point and Sam Cassell is back for insurance. The age of the three stars was questioned last season and we all saw how that came out. Ray Allen says he is 100% healthy, which he admits wasn't the case last season, and both Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett keep themselves in incredible shape so hopefully age won't be a problem again this season. The depth at center position is a concern in that Patrick O'Bryant is unproven and Big Baby Davis and Leon Powe who also spend time at the center position are undersized, although both seem to be able to hold their own in most cases.
4. What are the goals for this team?
The goal is obviously to repeat as champions. Nothing less will be considered a success. They may not be as dominant in the regular season this year because a lot of teams have improved with the goal of beating the Celtics. And everyone will be gunning for the champions and seeking to unseat them. But, I believe it will all come together in the playoffs and that they will meet their goal to repeat as champions.
5. Questions going into Camp?
There are questions going into camp just as there were last season. Will Darius Miles return to form and stick with the team? Will the rookies be as good as many expect them to be? How much better will Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins be this season to solidify the starting lineup? Will Perk's shoulder hold up for the whole season after the offseason surgery? How much better will Big Baby Davis and Leon Powe be this season? Can the team keep up the same defensive intensity they had last season throughout a second season in a row? Will the team be able to fill the gaps left by James Posey's departure? Will Tony Allen finally step up and become a solid contributor? Will they have the same motivation throughout the season as they had going after their first ring? And the biggest question of all, will the team be able to remain healthy throughout the season? Injuries can derail even the best team and so it is important that the Celtics remain healthy.
6. X-Factors:
Positive: Darius Miles at 100%, Tony Allen finally reaching his potential and becoming a solid contributor, Rajon Rondo taking another step up into the upper echelon of point guards.
Negative: Perk's shoulder becoming a problem, all the fragile knees giving out, injury to any of the 3 stars, Patrick O'Bryant not panning out at center.
Predicted Record: 60-22
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Random Thoughts From Training Camp
by FLCeltsFan 7:37 AM
Finally we are getting Celtics news! I know the off season was short, but for some reason, I have been very anxious for this season to start. Maybe it is because for the first time in 22 years, we are going into the season as defending champs.
The notes coming out of training camp are very encouraging. Doc said that team conditioning was off, but that is to be expected because of the short off season and the guys didn't have as long to get ready for the season. But, he also said that the energy was great and that they were better this season than last as far as working together and their energy to get going.
There's been a lot about Darius Miles in the news. First, he said that he doesn't know how he failed the drug test. He said he never took over the counter diet pills that would cause him to test positive. He was going to fight it, but Danny said to let it go when he signed him. If it was Portland doing the testing, I smell conspiracy theory. Maybe it is a poppy seed thing. If you eat a couple of poppy seed muffins before a drug test, it is possible to test possible for drugs. Or, maybe it was another way for the Blazers to try to assure that a team wouldn't touch him. I vote for the second. To me, he seems like a kid who has gotten a bum rap all his career and was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and is ready to prove himself in the right place at the right time.
Drug test aside, reports are very good on his play. Doc praised his feel for the game and his instincts. His attitude seems great. When interviewed by Dickerson, he wouldn't trash Portland in spite of all they have done to trash his reputation. Instead he said that he has no ill will toward them and knows that things happen for a reason. I know a lot of people still consider him a knucklehead, but if he ever was as bad as reports have painted him to be, it seems that is all in the past. KG said that he has been impressed by him and when KG is impressed, that is saying something. After a tough practice, he was still able to beat the rest of the big men in wind sprints. So far, it seems that even though his contract is not guaranteed, Miles seems to be on track to make the team and may go a long way toward making us forget about the loss of James Posey. Reports out of camp say that he guarded KG part of the time and did a solid job of it.
With Perk still out, Patrick O'Bryant has a big chance as he has been playing with the starters in practice sessions. It may be a blessing in disguise that Perk is still rehabbing because this team needs O'Bryant to play well and contribute and this will give him a chance to prove that he can and to get some extra playing time to get jump started with the team. More than any other player, the Celtics need O'Bryant to be solid as they need his length. I think he was in the wrong system out in Golden State and may be better than has been reported from his first two seasons.
Another player to watch is Bill Walker. On Sports Tonight, Marc Spears said that he was impressed by Walker and excited to see him play. He had a solid scrimmage yesterday and may be the steal of the draft. His knee is completely healed from the surgery he had after the draft and he seems raring to go.
Pictures out of training camp show a lot of ice packs on knees. It seems as though the Celtics entire season is going to revolve around creaky knees. Even Perk, who has been cleared for drills but not contact because of his shoulder is seen with ice packs on both knees.
ESPN's training camp Power Rankings are out and the Celtics start the season in first place. They answer the people who cite the loss of Posey and question the hunger of this team by asking the question: "Boston still has KG, right?" I tend to agree. They have the Lakers in 2nd place citing Kobe's failure to get pinky surgery and possible chemistry problems with Bynum, Gasol and Odom having to co-exist. And the Hornets, who have been picked by some to win it all, in third. After the Celtics, you have to go all the way to the Cavs in the 6th spot to find another Eastern Conference team.
This is just the first day of camp and stories to watch will be how Tony plays and if he has his confidence and mobility and hops back. How all the knees hold up including Tony, Walker, and Miles. We will watch how O'Bryant does and if he can be the answer at back up point. Who gets left behind as there has to be a cut or a trade and the player who doesn't keep up will be the likely casualty. It sure is exciting to be seeing basketball again!
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 9/30
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
by FLCeltsFan 11:48 AM
Herald Celtics chomp at bit
Healthy Tony Allen plans to go on the attack
FL's Take: For Tony, it is a make or break season. If he can stay healthy, I think he can go a long way toward making us forget about the loss of James Posey. He has the talent, but he needs to get his confidence back in order to play like he is capable of.
Sam Cassell back for encore
FL's Take: Now we start speculating on who is going to be cut or if Trader Danny will work his magic with a 2 for one or 3 for one or 3 for 2 trade.
Kendrick Perkins’ health gets attention
FL's Take: I think Perk is going to be just fine and it is better to be cautious at this point than to push him to play in meaningless games and risk a step backwards. Besides, we need to see what Patrick O'Bryant can give us and what better time to give him some extra playing time.
Stephon Marbury to Knicks: If I'm not wanted here, let me go
FL's Take: What would a season be without some controversy on the Knicks? And we thought it was all over when they dumped Isiah.
All quiet, happy as Lakers ready to open camp
FL's Take: All happy except Lamar Odom, apparently.
Globe Pierce part of high-level discussions
Repeat performance would suit Cassell
It's all new, fresh for Celtics
Kind words from Stern
FL's Take: I wonder how much it hurt him to say nice things about the Celtics. Are there any pictures of him washing his mouth out afterwards?
Photo gallery from media day
Celtics re-sign Cassell
Media day notes
Miles feels 'blessed'
FL's Take: Miles could be the X-Factor this season, just as Posey was last season. Doc says he is 100% and everyone is saying how good he looks. I can't wait! He can play in the preseason so we will get to see him before the 10 game suspension to start the regular season.
MetroWest Daily Repeat-minded
Courtside View Media Day: The defense begins with pictures
Celtics.com With Championship Celebration Over, the Work Begins Anew
CelticVision videos from media day
CelticsBlog Say cheese(y)!
FL's Take: I kind of like the green clouds. Leon is looking focused as always. I hope Danny doesn't make a mistake and trade him just to get rid of Scal.
Running against athletes on a different plane
JB at media day
LOY's Place I'm excited! Notes from Media Day
Red's Army Brace yourself
No hard feelings
Patriot Ledger Celtics' Big Three ready to go to work again
7 News Celtics being training camp, defense of NBA title
Nashua Telegraph Garnett keeps Celtics hungry
FL's Take: If there is one athlete in the league who I can't picture letting down because he won a championship, it is Kevin Garnett. And I don't see him allowing anyone else to either.
SouthCoast Today Focused Celtics ready to start repeat quest
Worcester Telegram Celtics hungry for an 18th title
Hoopshype League not immune to crisis
Yahoo Sports Starbury causes friction for new Knicks regime
Lex Nihil Novi KG talkin' mini-dynasty
The Scalabrine sweepstakes begin
The Mark Acres chronicles
Sportingo Philly's X-factor Brand threatens Celtics in battle of the Atlantic
Fox Sports Thoughts from training camps around the NBA
Sports Business Daily Rebok looking to extend deal with Rondo
NBA Celtics Blog Feb 18 1956 Warriors defeat Celtics 115-101
AP Cassell back to help Celtics defend NBA title
Perkisabeast Live from Media Day
Guess who's back
New faces
Journal Constitution Not buying the Hawks quite yet
LA Times Lakers' Odom unhappy with idea of being sixth man
FL's Take: Question: What is the opposite of Ubuntu? Answer: the Lakers
Das Gamer KG talks about NBA 2K9 and snagging his first game cover
WEEI Putting differences aside at media day
Basketball Updates Lakers keep an eye on the beasts in the East
Connecticut Post 2008-09 preview: Atlantic division
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I'm Excited! Notes from Media Day!
by FLCeltsFan 7:20 AM
Some random thoughts from Media day.
Get ready for the new and improved Rajon Rondo. He has put on 7 lbs of muscle and is confident and ready to go. As you can see from the photo, he has gained muscle and is going to be exciting to watch this season. There is no question about Rondo's motivation.
"I want to be the best point guard in the league one day," said Rondo. "My coaching staff believes in me. The Big Three believes in me, and the rest of the team believes in me. I'm going to keep working hard regardless of how much I've accomplished so far."
He's definitely been working. Veteran Celtics players had to tell Rondo to stop coming in for two-a-days. So he shortened his daily workout to one, 5-hour session.
The much talked about signing of Sam Cassell has been finalized as he signed a one year contract with the Celtics today. This means that someone definitely has to be cut or traded. If Sam doesn't play better than last season, I'm all for cutting him now and making him a coach. But, it will probably be one of the young guys that goes. With Sam in place to play back up point, the obvious choice would be Pruitt, but Danny seemed rather excited about Pruitt earlier this summer, so who knows. If it's a trade, we can only hope Scal is included. They may have to give up Pruitt or Big Baby to get someone to take him. Under no circumstances should we trade Leon!
The news about Darius Miles is all positive. Doc says that he is 100% and KG and Pierce are very positive in their comments about him. He is excited about the opportunity and seems to have a great attitude. If he is 100% and as he says, he is better than he was, he should make for some exciting basketball this season. The 10 game suspension isn't a problem because he and Danny discussed it before he was signed and Danny didn't seem worried about it.
Pierce sounded like he was doing a Johnny Most impression as he was pretty hoarse. He said that he has been icing his right knee during the offseason and that the injury he sustained during the 2008 NBA Finals isn't anything lingering. That is good news. He KG and Ray all sound like they are motivated to repeat as champions. The young guys sound very motivated. I can't wait for the season to start.
Perk said he is targeting the third preseason game which would be the Oct. 11 game in Manchester, N.H. for his return to playing. Perk, as always is working hard and focused and will get back on the floor as soon as he can, but the doctors are being more cautious and taking it slow so that when he comes back he will be 100%. Rushing it could cause another injury to the shoulder, and that would be disastrous for the team. Scott Souza has some words from the big guy:
“I don’t want to rush it,” Perkins said, “and make it worse. I want to take my time and make it 100 percent when I come back on the court. … I am doing all the drill work in training camp. It’s probably the week after training camp when I will start doing the contact stuff. I’m expected to play in the third preseason game, so I am pretty excited about that.
“I was expecting the worst (with recovery time). I am just following doctor’s orders with the recovery time. But as long as Doc (Rivers), the coaches, everybody’s OK with it, I shouldn’t have a problem with it either.”
JB had this to say about Bill Walker:
Bill Walker impressed me with his intelligence, reminding me what a scout had told me, that he expected him to pick up the system earlier than most rookies and thus have a "leg up" to challenge T. Allen, Giddens and Miles for Posey's minutes. Walker reported that he is playing without pain in the knee that he had surgery on just after the draft and so is ready to earn a spot on the roster. I have been excited about Bill Walker since we got him in the draft. I really think he is going to be a surprise and will be hard to keep off the court this season.
Tony Allen is healthy and confident and has ditched the knee brace. That is good news because the Celtics are depending on Tony to be the defensive stopper that they lost when James Posey left the team. If he has turned the corner and is ready to play, he is very capable of it.
Pierce, Allen and Garnett have already started to pitch the idea to PJ Brown of coming back for the stretch run once again. Pierce maintains that the fact that he says he is retired doesn't mean anything because he was retired last year too. I imagine PJ will have to get used to the occasional call from the Boston 3 Party asking him to keep his options open about coming back. Doc said he wouldn't mind having PJ even if he just was there for the locker room because he had such a positive influence on the Celtics' young big guys. (assistant coach anyone?). But aside from his influence, Doc said that what he gave them was length and although Leon and Big Baby give toughness and can hold their own, they don't have the length. But, Patrick O'Bryant does and if he can blossom under Doc's system and Clifford Ray's tutelege, The Celtics will have that length. But again, that is a big if.
Steve Pagliuca has come up with the catch phrase for this year's team: "Two-buntu". Last season ubuntu was the motto and hopefully the meaning of that word will once again be the guiding principle for the team but this season, it will be two-buntu or maybe ubuntu².
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 9/29
Monday, September 29, 2008
It's Media Day!!!!
by FLCeltsFan 8:17 AM
I know it was a short off season but it seems like I have been waiting forever for the season to start. Maybe it's because we didn't have summer league to break up the summer. But, the season is finally here bringing lots of questions with it.
We can expect the players to all voice their readiness to repeat when they speak to the media today. We will hear how they have been preparing for their title defense by working out on their own and in Boston, at least for the last few weeks. Hopefully we will hear that they are ready to commit to team and defense again this season and that they feel that they are just as good this year as they were last and just as hungry.
But, the questions surrounding this team won't be answered on media day. They won't be answered until the season is in full swing. Here are some things we will be keeping an eye on as training camp and then the season progresses:
Will Sam Cassell be signed? All indications are that Sam will be signed to a non guaranteed contract. If he doesn't play better than he did at the end of last season, he shouldn't be kept on the roster. If they do indeed sign Sam, who will be cut? Or will Danny make a 2 for 1 or 3 for 1 or 2 deal to make roster space? If Danny does make a trade, who is likely to go? It seems as though Scal, and either Big Baby or Leon, along with Pruitt if Sam sticks might be possibilities. From early reports, Darius Miles looks good but if he can't cut it, he would be the most likely because of his non-guaranteed contract. Or, maybe Sam will come in for training camp as a player and then move to the coaching staff for the season. Lots of questions that we should find the answers to by the start of the season.
Another question is can Patrick O'Bryant cut it as the back up center. He had plenty of potential when he came into the league as the 9th pick in the draft, but was stifled by Nellie's system with the Warriors. Can Clifford Ray work his wonders with the young center or will be he a bust in Boston as well. I do know that the last center who was considered a bust with Golden State and who had been mentored by Clifford Ray worked out just fine for the Celtics. But that was many years and another championship ago.
There are lots of questions about knees coming into this season as well. Bill Walker has impressed the coaching staff and has the potential to make an impact but his knees are a question mark after 2 major surgeries and another minor one before this season. Darius Miles is trying to become the first player ever to come back from what has been determined to be a career ending injury. I have seen estimates of his readiness anywhere from 75-95%. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett both mentioned that they were impressed with him so far. If his knee can hold out and he is able to get to even 95% of his previous shape, he should make the team and go a long way toward filling the Posey void. Leon Powe also had 3 major surgeries after ACL tears and seems to have come back very strong from them. His knees haven't been a concern and we saw him take a jump in his play in the Finals. I expect him to have a bigger role this season and to improve even more.
The biggest question mark will be Tony Allen's knee. Last season he played with a bulky knee brace on and never seemed to get his confidence back 100%. Reports are that the brace is gone and that Tony is ready to take a bigger role. He is capable of replacing the defense that the Celtics lost when Posey left. When Pierce was out, Tony stepped up and we saw what he is capable of on both offense and defense but then he re-injured his knee and last season he couldn't seem to get his confidence back. Tony will be crucial to this team and we will be watching his play and development very closely. If their knees can hold up, between Tony, Darius Miles and Bill Walker, the Celtics might not miss James Posey quite as much. But, that is a big "if" considering their histories.
Another question coming into camp is whether Gabe Pruitt can contribute this season. He has shown flashes of being a very good point guard and he played well in the D-League last season. But, is he ready to step in and back up Rondo in his second year in the league? If he is, why are they bringing back Sam? And where will Eddie House fit in?
Finally, since the announcement that Perk wouldn't be ready for the start of camp, the biggest question on everyone's mind is will Perk's shoulder hold up? As last year's finals proved, Perk is crucial to this team's success. Today's Herald reports that Perk should be ready to play by the third week of camp.
Kendrick Perkins [stats], recovering from the third shoulder surgery of his young career, is not ready for full contact, though Danny Ainge indicated yesterday the Celtics center should be ready once the exhibition games start.
“Perk will do everything in camp except live contact for the first week,” the team’s director of basketball operations said. “Then we will progressively add things on as the second week goes on, to the point where we’re hopeful that by the third week we’re hopeful he’ll do everything, including playing in exhibition games.”
He has had 3 surgeries on the troublesome shoulder so far in his 5 years in the league. Reports are that this time they put a screw in it. They have tried everything else so maybe this will hold it. I sure hope so. It may be a good thing that Patrick O'Bryant will be forced to show what he can do early.
After today's media day, the Celtics will go full force into training camp tomorrow and the first game will be on October 8 against the revamped Philadelphia 76ers who have some questions of their own to answer. The Celtics had questions entering last season and they answered them all emphatically. I am looking forward to seeing them do the same this season as they seek to become the first Celtics team since 1968-69 to repeat.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 9/28
Sunday, September 28, 2008
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