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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 6/13
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Just My Opinion on the Trade Rumors
Friday, June 12, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 10:49 PM
First there were the rumors that had Ray and Rondo going to Phoenix for Amare. Now come the rumors from Chad Ford that has Ray and possibly Rondo going to Grizzlies, Thunder, Kings or Wizards for Tyreke Evans, who is a projected lottery pick.
Now, this is just my opinion, but when you have one of the best starting lineups in the league that meshes incredibly well and who won a championship together, why in the world would you want to mess with it? Chemistry is often overlooked when it comes to building a team, but it is a very important part of winning. This starting five has incredible chemistry and each part of it has been playing very good basketball.
Ray Allen played very well last season. He struggled in the Orlando series, but who wouldn't with a strained hamstring. The fact that he was playing on it without any complaints speaks volumes about his dedication and his character. Yes, he has an expiring contract, but it isn't like he is Theo Ratliff with an expiring contract. He was a vital part of the Celtics championship team and could very well have been the Finals MVP.
Pierce, Garnett and Ray were inseparable through that championship season. They were all for one and one for all. I think the team's chemistry would take a big hit if Danny was to trade 1/3 of this trio away. Trading a bench player with an expiring contract is one thing, but trading a key part of the starting 5, and an all star still playing at a high level just doesn't make sense to me, even if he has an expiring contract. I just think it will be a big mistake.
Teams that have continuity and build chemistry are almost always successful. The Celtics had an excellent chance of repeating this season if it hadn't been for Garnett's injury. They don't need a major overhaul. They need to tune up the bench but that doesn't have to come at the expense of breaking up the starting five. Yes, the Celtics need to plan for the future, but not at the expense of winning another title with Garnett and Pierce and hopefully Ray.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 6/12
A Big Tommy Award for Tommy
Thursday, June 11, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 8:37 PM
Hall of Fame coach Chuck Daily passed away on May 9 of this year. The coaches in the league all wore pins this season to honor him. Now, the NBA Coaches' Association has created a lifetime achievement award in his honor. They chose the Celtics' own Tommy Heinsohn to receive the very first Chuck Daily Lifetime Achievement Award. And, they couldn't have picked a more deserving recipient.
Tommy Heinsohn loves the Celtics and has given most of his life to them in one facet or another as player, a coach and an analyst. He has been with the organization since he was drafted as a regional pick by the Celtics in the 1956 pick and in his rookie season, he helped lead the Celtics to their very first championship. Tommy and Bill Russell came into the league in the same season and along with Russell, Tommy was a big reason for all those titles that were won in the 50's and early 60's. He has been with the Celtics for 53 years.
Since 1981, Tommy Heinsohn has been the color analyst on the Celtics' television broadcasts and like Johnny Most, Heinsohn bleeds green and sees everything through green colored glasses. He is part of a team with Mike Gorman that has been broadcasting Celtics games for 25 years and they make up TV's longest running telecast duo.
Tom Heinsohn is a true representative of Boston Celtics' pride. Known for his hard-nosed style of play, yet possessing a superb shooting touch and good body control, Tom Heinsohn was vital in the Boston Celtics' dynasty of the 1950s and 1960s. Chosen as NBA Rookie of the Year in 1957, he helped the Celtics win eight NBA titles during his nine-year tenure, was named to the All-NBA Second Team for four years, and was an All-Star for six. His number 15 was retired by the Celtics in 1966.
But that isn't the end of Tommy's time with the Celtics. In 1969, three years after Red Auerbach retired, Tom Heinsohn was offered the post of head coach of the Boston Celtics. In what he called "guerrilla warfare," his teams kept the pressure on opponents at all times, controlling the tempo of the game and playing with great intensity.
During Heinsohn's eight full seasons as coach, Boston won five Eastern Division titles in a row, took two NBA Championships and compiled a 416-240 record. Heinsohn was replaced during the 1977-78 season as his veteran team got off to a slow start.
But Tommy still wasn't done with the Celtics. In 1981, the now-retired Heinsohn joined Mike Gorman as color commentator in the Celtics' TV broadcasts; they have since become one of the longest-tenured tandems in sports broadcasting history. Tommy was enshrined in the Hall of Fame on May 6, 1986.
As a broadcaster, Tommy has also made his mark. He has coined the term Tommy Points and every game he gives Tommy Points to players who make hustle plays throughout the game. And, at the end of the game, he gives the player of the game the Tommy Award. Tommy Points have been immortalized in the Urban dictionary with this entry:
An award given to an NBA player, usually a member of the Celtics, by Celtics color commentator Tommy Heinsohn (NBA Rookie of the Year 1956-57 for the Boston Celtics, NBA Hall of Fame Inductee 1986) for a great play that goes up and beyond the call of duty expected of the player. E.g. A steal, a blocked shot or great defensive play, etc.
Tommy's influence on the NBA isn't just with the Celtics. He was also one of the founding members of the NBA Coaches' Association along with Lenny Wilkins, Jack Ramsay and Bill Fitch in 1974. The Association grew from 18 members in 1974 to 225 today.
Only two men in this league have more championship rings than Tommy Heinsohn and that is Red Auerbach who was there for every one of the Celtics 17 championships while he was alive and Bill Russell, who has 11 rings as both a player and a coach. Tommy is right behind him with 10 championship rings as a player and coach. I am reading the book "Heinsohn, Don't You Ever Smile?" by Tommy right now and it gives a very good look behind the scenes into his career as a player and coach. I highly recommend it if you are looking for some good summer reading.
No one represents the game of basketball in all its facets more than Tommy Heinsohn. And no one deserves this award more than Tommy. If only the Redhead in Needham could be here to share it with him!
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 6/11
Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 6/10
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A few thoughts about the latest trade talk
by Unknown 12:39 AM
First it was the talk of a trade with the Suns, which included the 14th pick. Now its a trade with the Grizzlies for their #2 pick. If these trade talks have any legs to it, it seems Ainge has his eyes on certain players high in the draft, and is exploring avenues to secure these certain players.
But who is he targeting?
Well, it would appear that its a PG. Why else would he trade Rajon away? If the Phoenix trade went down, and we received the 14th pick, I think we'd likely see a PG drafted with that pick (my guess would be Brandon Jennings--the hyper talented, but flashy PG who is currently playing overseas). If the Memphis trade goes down and we get the 2nd overall pick, I think we'd likely see Ricky Rubio picked.
It only makes sense to draft a PG to replace Rondo. I'm not promoting the idea of trading Rondo, but we've already heard his name surface in the very first trade rumor of the offseason, and I think there may be something behind it. If Rondo goes, we lose our PG of the future (and a very good one, at that) and we'll need to get one back--and Ainge might be angling to do that by getting Rubio, Jennings, or some other PG (maybe Lawson).
This leads to more questions, like why would Ainge trade Rajon in the first place. But I'll leave that for future blog entries.
Until then, discuss your ideas about this new trade talk on our message board.
-Derren
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Tom Thibodeau Expected to Return to Celtics
by FLCeltsFan 12:10 AM
According to the Globe,Tom Thibodeau has withdrawn from the Kings coaching search and is expected back with the Celtics next season.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers said that assistant Tom Thibodeau withdrew from consideration from the head coaching job with the Sacramento Kings.
Thibodeau, who also interviewed for the Philadelphia 76ers job, is expected to rejoin the Celtics bench next season.
“He wants to come back,” said Ainge, who noted that talks had already begun. “He thinks we have something special here.”
This is good news because I think Thibodeau is one of the best defensive coaches in the league and he will be key to winning banner 18 next year.
This makes me wonder what the Celtics offered him to get him to stay. My thought is that Doc is missing his family and may want to leave coaching after another year or so. It is possible that the Celtics offered Thibs the Celtics head coaching job when Doc leaves. Who wouldn't stick it out and pass up on coaching the worst team in the league for a chance at coaching one of the best?
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 6/9
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Rumor Mill
by FLCeltsFan 12:06 PM
Things are heating up on the rumor mill. There are several rumors surfacing about proposed trades.
First of all, the Commercial Appeal is reporting that Danny has been inquiring about the #2 pick in the draft.
As the rumor mill churns, the Griz have been approached by several teams about acquiring the second overall pick. Boston, Houston and New York are said to be among the most recent suitors.
Boston and Houston would likely have to offer an established NBA player or two, given that neither team owns a first-round pick. New York owns the eighth pick and likely would want to move up for the opportunity to take Rubio.
This has started the rumors and speculation as to who Danny would be targeting. Is he interested in Thabeet? Rubio? someone else? Who would he trade? Ray? a combination of young guys? Is he targeting someone else on the Grizz to go with the pick? Lots of speculation out there.
Another rumor with several sources behind it is that Danny has offered Tony Allen and JR Giddens to Philly for Willie Green. It hasn't been a secret that Tony is wearing out his welcome in Boston. He was expected to fill a big portion of the role that James Posey left behind. But instead, he spent much of the season injured (again) and saw very little playing time once he came back because his play was so erratic. JR Giddens is very athletic and played very well in the D League last season, but there have been questions about his attitude and willingness to be coached. On the other hand, Sixer fans seem all to willing to get rid of Green. Green plays the same position as Eddie House and Ray Allen. It isn't a position we really needed to upgrade. Wouldn't it be better to try to use Tony's expiring contract and Giddens' potential to go after a small forward where we really need help? But then again, maybe Ray really is on the block and Danny is trying to shore up that position with a veteran who can score and defend. Here are a few comments from the Sixers boards in response to the idea of trading Green.
Green is WORTHLES. If Boston gives us a 6'6 guy that can defend in Allen, it's a steal! Sometimes I wish I could talk to Stefanski.
wow id do that Tony Allen/Giddens deal for Green in a heart beat.
I see NO viable reason as to why this deal shouldn't be done, unless it is due to Green being involved in another package landing us a better return.
I'd take Tony Allen's defense and Giddens' potential over Willie's anything.
Willie to Boston? I can see why Boston would do this. Green gives them a more reliable player for their rotation. Allen is very athletic, but injury prone. BUT, if he could put it together, we'd have a steal.
Several posters have mentioned that Danny is very interested in Garrett Temple, a 6'5" SG/SF out of LSU and may look to take him with the 58th pick if he is still on the board. Here are a few quotes I found about Temple:
Draft Express There is very little not to like about Temple in terms of natural physical gifts. He has outstanding size for a guard coupled with an enormous wingspan. He also has fairly smooth (although not freakish) athleticism, although his frame and overall bulk leave a lot to be desired.
NBA Draft.net G Temple from LSU has all the makings of a lock down defender. Some team will get a steal either late in the 2nd round or in free agency. Should be able to guard three positions in the league and handle the ball for a few minutes a game.
Lots of rumors and speculation going around. It will be very interesting to see how this all comes out.
On another note, I was asked whether the Orlando Summer League would be open to the public and I wrote to the Magic and this is their reply:The Summer League is closed to the public but we offer a live broadcast
for the games on www.orlandomagic.com.
Nice to know that we will be able to watch the games online. Sometimes NBA.com and CSN broadcast some SL games but we can watch them all live on the Magic website.
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Undersized... Does it Matter?
Monday, June 8, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 7:39 PM
On the Celtics Green boards we are discussing Big Baby and how much he might be worth. In the discussion it was mentioned that because of his undersized label, he may end up being a bargain. Manchvegasbob made this statement:
One should never underestimate the heart of a "Big Baby", and there's so much more to being able to play in the paint than just being tall. Tall is under-rated. Ask Charles Barkley, Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld. It got me thinking about how size really doen't matter and sometimes an "undersized" player can really excel at his position.
I have been hearing that Leon Powe is undersized since we drafted him. I have read that Big Baby is undersized. I have read that Perk is undersized as a center. But what consitutes undersized? Can they play the 4 and 5 and get the job done? Does a player have to be 7' to be a good center or power forward and a good rebounder? The answer is no. There is a rich history in the league of players who were considered undersized and who dominated. It is heart and desire that makes the difference.
Charles Barkley was listed at 6-6, but probably actually closer to 6-4 and he played power forward as well as anyone, often dominating players half a foot taller. There are four players in NBA history who have compiled at least 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley. He averaged 11.7 rebounds for his career. Barkley made up for his lack of size with heart and determinaton. Maybe I should say his lack of length, because like Big Baby, he definitely had size.
Bill Russell dominated the center position at 6'9". He led the Celtics to 11 championships over his career as player and coach. He averaged 15.1 points per game and an amazing 22.5 rebounds per game over his career. He played with great intensity and his desire to succeed drove him forward.
Dave Cowens was another 6'9" center who dominated at his position because of his work ethic and heart. He led the Celtics to championships in 1974 and 1976. Playing in the era of Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Wilt "the Stilt" Chamberlain, and "Pistol Pete" Maravich, Cowens didn't possess the flash and glitz of those high-profile superstars. Instead, it was Cowens' consistency, work ethic, unselfishness, versatility and energy that established him as one of the most solid and respected centers in recent NBA history. An unlikely hero in a sport dominated by men of greater size and natural ability, Cowens relied on hustle and heart to achieve NBA greatness. His determination helped to resurrect a Celtics dynasty presumed dead after the departure of legend Bill Russell. He averaged 17.6 ppg and 13.6 rpg over his career.
Celtics big man coach, Clifford Ray is yet another 6'9" center who dominated at his position. He played 10 years in the league and is credited by Robert Parish for having influenced his game more than anyone else. Ray led the Warriors to a championship in 1975. Over his career, he averaged 7.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. He has become one of the best big men coaches in the league and is credited with developing many of the big men in the game today including Dwight Howard and has played a big role in the development of Al Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe and Big Baby Davis.
Ben Wallace is also a 6'9" center who dominates on the defensive end. He isn't known for his scoring but can change a game with his defensive play and rebounding. Although he is slowing down somewhat in recent years, he has averaged 6.2 points, 103 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game over his 12 year career.
Elvin Hayes was another 6'9" center who dominated at his position. He averaged 21 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game over his 16 year career. Hayes was one of the most talented forward/centers every to play the game in spite of his 6'9" stature. It was his aggressiveness especially on the defensive end and his work ethic that helped to make him great. He is another 6'9" center to lead his team to a title, which he did in 1978 with the Bullets.
Wes Unseld was 6'7" but made it into the Hall of Fame as one of the NBA's best forward/centers in spite of his size. Like Big Baby, Leon, and Perk, he was a very strong player and built his reputation on his relentless rebounding and bone-jarring picks. Over his career he averaged 10.8 points and 14.0 rebounds per game. Along with Elvin Hayes, he led the Bullets to the 1978 championship and was named the Finals MVP.
Finally, Dennis Rodman is listed at 6'8" but in reality, was closer to 6'6". He is arguably one of the best rebounders in NBA history. He led the league in rebounding a record 7 consecutive years. He was a dominant defender and rebounder snd did it with desire and hard work. Despite often being matched at a height disadvantage, he became one of the most dominant rebounders in NBA history, and was also a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 7.3 points and 13.1 rebounds per game for his career.
All of this brings me to the conclusion that rebounding and defense are mostly desire, heart and hard work. Each of the players mentioned above is an example of just that. Leon Powe is listed at 6'8" but has a 7'2" wingspan. His long arms and leaping ability allow him to play a lot bigger than his 6'8". It would be hard to find a player who works harder than Powe (unless it would be Perk). His desire and intensity allow him to out rebound players who are taller.
Kendrick Perkins is 6'10" and has been called undersized for a center. He has a 7'4" wingspan that allows him to play bigger than his listed height. Perk works very, very hard and has the desire to get every rebound and block every shot. He came into the league directly from high school and it takes awhile for centers to develop but despite a lack of playing time and various injuries, Perk has improved from year to year. Perk's desire and work ethic has helped to make him a dominant man in the middle as is evidenced by his ability to play Dwight Howard pretty much evenly in the playoffs this year.
Now we come to Big Baby who is also undersized at 6'8". But after stepping into the starting lineup for KG, he proved that he can play in this league. He has a good work ethic and is very motivated to be the best he can be. He worked hard on his jumper this past off season and that became a big weapon for him in the playoffs especially. He has a chip on his shoulder and is ready to work hard on his body and his game to make an impact in the league.
If Dennis Rodman could lead the league in rebounding at 6'6" - 6'8" and Charles Barkley could dominate the league at 6'4" - 6'6", and Wes Unseld be a dominant force in the middle at 6'7", and if Russell, Cowens, Elvin Hayes, and Clifford Ray could be dominant centers at 6'9", all because of their work ethic and desire and hustle on the court, then, size truly doesn't matter. A center or power forward doesn't have to be 7 foot or more to be a dominant player. Players like Leon Powe,Glen Davis and Kendrick Perkins can be dominant big men because they all possess a very strong work ethic and all play very hard on the court and that's what defense and rebounding are all about. Players like Leon and Perk have long arms which allow them to play bigger than their height. Players like Big Baby or Wes Unseld can use their size, strength, and footwork to beat opponents. Perk, Leon and Big Baby may not be the tallest players on the court but they certainly make up for it with heart and determination like Barkley, Unseld, Rusell, Hayes, Cowens, Rodman and others have done before them.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 6/8
Tim and Toine and Other Thoughts
Sunday, June 7, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 9:03 PM
Marc Spears had this little tidbit tucked away in his article in the Globe on Sunday.
An NBA source said ex-Celtics forward Antoine Walker is in his best shape in years, as he hopes to return to the NBA after being cut by the Grizzlies last season without playing a game. The source also said veteran forward Tim Thomas, who will be paid $6.4 million next season, has told people close to him that he'd like to be moved to the Celtics. The 6-foot-10-inch, 240-pounder averaged 8.5 points and 3.1 rebounds and shot 41.3 percent from 3-point range with the Clippers, Knicks, and Bulls in 64 games last season. Thomas played with Allen in Milwaukee.
So, now on top of the trade rumors, we also have a couple of rumors about who wants to come to Boston. Antoine Walker is a well known commodity to the Celtics. He has been a Celtic twice already and I am sure he would love to be one again. Walker is 6'9" tall and is 32 years old. After being instrumental in helping Miami win a championship in 2006, Antoine's career went down hill. The following year in Miami, there were suspensions for too much body fat and being out of shape. He was traded Minnesota following that second season in Miami and played in just 46 games, averaging just 19 minutes per game. From there he went to Memphis and was waived by the Grizzlies without ever playing for them. He didn't play at all last season. Now, reports are that he is in the best shape in years, which isn't saying much. As was true his entire Celtics career, the reaction is mixed about a possible third Antoine Walker era. Many feel that if he is indeed in good shape that we could risk a minimum contract for him and bring him off the bench. Others want no part of him. I tend to lean toward the "been there, done that" crowd and just don't think he brings what we need. He never was known for his defense and I just don't see the need for a volume shooter with questionable shot selection.
The second rumor concerns Tim Thomas who is 6'10" and is 32 years old. Last season he played for the Clippers, Knicks and finally the Bulls. Between the 3 teams, he played in 64 games and averaged 8.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 19.2 mpg. In the playoffs with Chicago he averaged 7 points and 3 rebounds in 15 minutes per game. Thomas is owed 6,466,600 by the Bulls for next season. There would have to be a trade or the Bulls would need to buy him out in order for him to play for the Celtics since he isn't a free agent. Thomas is not known for a strong work ethic and has underachieved most of his career. Of course, there is nothing like playing with Kevin Garnett to motivate a player. If he gets bought out, I wouldn't mind bringing him in on a minimum contract but wouldn't want to touch the MLE for him.
This same article also mentioned that the Knicks are trying to work out a sign and trade for David Lee. I really like this kid. He gives maximum effort and is a nice player. He is scheduled to make 2,682,049 in the final year of his contract. He will be looking for a raise in his next contract and would deserve it. I wouldn't mind trading Scal and Tony's expiring contracts in a sign and trade for Lee. He'd be a nice player off the bench.
Other rumors have Danny interested in both Antonio McDyess and Grant Hill. I don't know if Hill can stay healthy two years in a row, but if he could, he would be a nice fit. I like McDyess and if we sign him at least we wouldn't have to hear that annoying Detroit announcer calling out his name again.
The Magic came so close to winning game 2. If only Lee had converted that alley oop. It was a great look. They need to concentrate on taking all 3 at home now. They come back to LA up 3-2 and then steal game 6 and put it away. Go Magic!!!
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 6/7
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