Kevin Garnett is coming back to the Celtics, and it will be for more than one year. Herald report: bit.ly/N41DXi
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) June 30, 2012
What else can I add to that other than the fact that right now, I'm a very, very happy Celtics fan. I believe that KG still has a lot to offer on the court, but even more to offer the young players that we have drafted in practice and in the locker room. What better mentor could they possibly get?
The first domino has fallen into place for next season. Now tomorrow, with the start of free agency, Danny has more work to do, but with KG back in the fold, it becomes much easier. He's now recruiting for a serious contender rather than a rebuilding team. Next, he needs to have a long talk with Ray.,
According to an NBA source and a source close to Garnett, the sides are working out the details of a deal that will be for at least two years and could possibly include a third.
“The decision came down to whether KG wanted to keep playing,” said one source. “And once he decided that he did, it was going to be Boston. He wasn’t going to leave Doc (River) and those guys and play anywhere else.”
More details from Mark Spears at Yahoo Sports
Celtics to re-sign forward Kevin Garnett to a three-year, $34 million deal, sources tell Yahoo! Sports.
This is an exciting day for Celtics fans! I got goosebumps watching this video when we first signed KG and I go back to it every once in a while. I think it's very appropriate to include it here.
Greg Stiemsma received his qualifying offer today, making him a restricted free agent & starting the process of C's attempt to retain him.
Chris Forsberg @ESPNForsbergJune 29, 2012
#CelticsTalk When it comes to NBA-level defense, Melo not yet the man ... http://ow.ly/bUbnG
A. Sherrod Blakely @SherrodbCSNJune 29, 2012
Basically, Melo played Zone and some are suggesting he is going to be clueless how to translate that into an NBA defense especially the Celtics system.
It remains to be seen if Melo's defensive prowess in a zone defense can translate well in Boston's man-to-man dominated schemes.
"We have to teach him the Celtic way. We have to teach him how to work and understanding playing as a winner; there's a lot of work to be done. But I love his size and potential. He has both of those things. And if he has great character, then he has a chance."
So, we know LeBron and the Heat would like Rays services. There were talks he could go to NYK who would also like to add the all time 3 point king. Chicago is on the map as possible suitors. And now add the Phoenix Suns to that list.
Yahoo.com
The Phoenix Suns have surfaced as serious contenders to sign Boston Celtics free agent Ray Allen, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.Allen, 37, is willing to explore offers beyond Boston. The Suns – regardless of whether they re-sign free-agent point guard Steve Nash – interest Allen, sources said. The Suns have significant salary-cap space, and could pay Allen more than the Miami Heat or New York Knicks. Suns president Lon Babby had been Allen’s agent for a significant part of his career until Babby started running Phoenix’s basketball operations two years ago. Some have suggested that Allen is likely destined for the Heat, but sources indicate that while the Heat remain a possibility, they’re not currently the leaders for him. Allen has expressed some interest in still returning to the Celtics, who will have extension talks with him and free agent Kevin Garnett.
The Sports Museum is proud to announce this year's honorees for 'The Tradition'. Celebrating its 11th year, 'The Tradition' is the annual summer event that honors distinguished New England athletes and will be held on Wednesday, June 27 at the TD Garden.
Red Sox Legend Pedro Martinez leads the honoree lineup for The Sports Museum's 11th Annual 'The Tradition'.
Honorees Alexi Lalas, Jeremy Jacobs, Robert Parish, Chris Ernst and Rodney Harrison also announced for the Signature Summer Celebration of Boston Sports.
From Peter F. Stringer Celtics.com
It’s about time The Chief got his due. Any excuse to talk about the legendary 1986 Celtics team is a good one. Honoring Robert Parish at the Sports Museum of New England’s 11th annual “The Tradition” event Wednesday night at TD Garden was a great one. Parish, a nine-time NBA All-Star, four-time NBA champion, one of the original Big Three, a Hall of Famer and member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team, is arguably Boston’s most underappreciated sports legend. His stoic nature and reluctance to seek the spotlight, coupled with the enormous shadows cast by the gregarious Kevin McHale and incomparable Larry Bird, kept Parish in the background of three great Celtics championship teams. Full Article
“It’s a good feeling to know that we originated the Big Three and it’s good to see that the current Big Three are carrying the torch very well. This is a very proud moment for me to be back in Boston. This is where my career catapulted to another level. I had some great times here. I kind of look at Boston as my second home.”
The Boston Celtics came close to trading for Memphis' O.J. Mayo just before March's trading deadline, and it appears their interest remains just as strong now.A league source said the C's continue to be enamored with the 6-foot-5 shooting guard, and are considering making another run at him.The source said no deal is imminent, but it appears the Celtics are willing to offer up Brandon Bass via a sign and trade.
"There are some issues there. Our medical staff thinks that short-term and long-term there may be some maintenance issues with the back. Doc Rivers played with a herniated disk for 13 years. It may need surgery at some point, it may not."
So basically, Ainge said an MRI after the college season revealed that Sullinger had a herniated disk. And he has options that should allow him to still play NBA level basketball. Thats good news. I think he opts out of surgery and see if he can go without for as long as possible. Only have the back surgery as a last resort like Doc.
The article goes on to say Ainge is worried about the 6'9" Sullingers height.
"Length is an issue. He has good width. There were a lot of these same kinds of issues with Glen Davis when he came into the league. Guys that are smart and have a good touch make the adjustment."
I personally think its a non issue for me. He has really good size actually. I am more worried about his back which now turns out shouldnt be that big a deal.
With the 21st pick in the 2012 draft, the Celtics picked Jared Sullinger out of Ohio State.
PROSPECT: Jared Sullinger
POSITION: Power Forward
SCHOOL: Ohio State
CLASS: Sophomore
HEIGHT: 6'9"
WING SPAN: 7'1.25"
WEIGHT: 268lbs
Strengths: Sullinger has decent size for a post player measuring 6’9” (in shoes) with a 6’11.5” wingspan … He is a bruising throwback post player that uses his 268 pound body to create angles for his shot and to clear space on the boards … Very physical player that uses his body to wear down opposing big men. Comfortable finishing around the rim with either hand … Has excellent hands and footwork and shows very good touch around the basket … Solid rebounder, he attacks the glass at both ends of the floor and creates offensive opportunities off of putbacks…Shows decent form and touch on the 12-18 footer … Passes well out of the post …
Weaknesses: Does not possess elite athleticism…Is prone to having his shot blocked and has some difficulty with longer athletic defenders…Does not run the floor extremely well…Shows ability, but needs to improve consistency of mid-range jumper...Lateral quickness is lacking, creating defensive mismatches versus perimeter oriented PFs…Is not a particularly dominant defensive player due to lack of explosiveness and quickness…Weight could be a long-term issue. Was redflagged at the combine with back issues which may or may not affect his play in the pros.
With the 22nd pick, the Celtics chose Fab Melo out of Syracuse.
PROSPECT: Fab Melo
POSITION: Center
SCHOOL: Syracuse
CLASS: Sophomore
HEIGHT: 7'0"
WEIGHT: 255 lbs
WINGSPAN: 7'2.5"
Strengths: Fab Melo is a true 7 foot center with great length... He has better than average footwork for a young center his size at this part of his career ... He's a capable passer out of the post ... Positions himself well underneath the basket, making himself an easy target for entry passes, and the number 1 candidate on the floor for offensive rebounds and putbacks ... His wingspan, combined with his above average mobility for a 7 footer will make him a shotblocking force in the paint ... Has worked hard in the past year to shed excess lbs and tone his body ...
Weaknesses: Fab has the size and length you look for in a prospect at the center position, however he's raw and will need to work on every offensive aspect of his game ... He has some basic post moves, but the fluidity/explosiveness in his execution is too slow at the moment ...Will need to work on developing more in depth post moves to become more of an offensive threat ... He's not the greatest athlete, and can get lost in an offensive set as he adjusts to playing in a faster and more up-tempo game ...
With the 51st pick in the 2012 draft, the Celtics picked Kris Joseph out of Syracuse.
HEIGHT: 6'7"
POSITION: Small Forward
WEIGHT: 215 lbs
WINGSPAN: 6'11"
Strengths: Kris seems to be a quintessential swingman small forward ... He's a great athlete, with tremendous leaping abilities ... He is always active, always trying to make something happen around the basket whether its getting tips or put backs ... He's an above average rebounder mainly due to his explosiveness, high energy and constant motor- always following shots ... His long wingspan and athleticism give him potential to be good defender ... Offensively he's always looking for the open space ... His short range game is good, not great, although seems to be improving with each game ... Tends to shoot better off one dribble as opposed to catch and shoot ... Has an explosive first step making for one or two strong takes to the rim per game when a lane is available ... Weaknesses: Despite leading Syracuse in scoring, Joseph rarely showed the willingness, or the skill set, to dominate. His shot creation with the ball in his hands is limited. Off the dribble moves are highly predictable. He seems to tighten up rather than be free-flowing with his movements, serving as a detriment to his first step. Deliberate jumpshot mechanics. Does not have wrist strength to convert off balance opportunities. He sat in a zone for nearly four full seasons, albeit, that zone did have man principles. Never quite fulfilled the promise he displayed during an eye catching sophomore campaign. At 23 years of age he’s old for his draft class placing real boundaries on further growth in his skills.
We're having a conversation with Kevin, but we don't have any answers on whether he's coming back or not. I'll know that by July 1. I'll be in communication with him and I'll have some sort of read on that and a better feel.
Ainge also doesnt believe KG is looking at other teams.
On another note...Ainge also believes Ray Allen is open to coming back, but per NBA rules he cannot discuss a new contract with Allen until Sunday. Still, reports are he is leaning towards the Heat.
"Yeah, I think Ray's open to coming back. But, listen, I don't know. I won't even get into details with talking to players other than the exit interviews and Ray was getting rehab here, and we've talked. So I have a feel of where his head is, but I'll know more in July."
Boston is aggressively working to move up into the late lottery, if not higher, league sources tell Y!. Celtics own No. 21 and 22 picks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 28, 2012
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, who is usually accurate with his information, is reporting that Danny is aggressively trying to move into the lottery. I don't see just the 21st and 22nd picks enough to net a lottery pick. Danny has to be offering more. That more has me nervous. What is Danny willing to give up for whatever player he has his eye on? Stay tuned as this is sure to be a busy, and important, draft for the Celtics.
Over the past couple of days, there have been fake twitter reports of trades and retirements and other such nonsense. There have been fake Chris Broussard and fake Stephen A Smith accounts that have causes havoc among Celtics fans and NBA fans alike. There was this tweet from @Stephan A Smifh
Sad day for the NBA, as the great Kevin Garnett has decided to retire. Press conference scheduled for 1 pm EST tomorrow on ESPN.
This got over 3,000 retweets and even had other NBA players responding and retweeting. It was mass bedlam for awhile until someone caught the f in place of the t in Smith and called foul.
Then there was @Chris_Brousard who tweeted this:
Ray Allen will meet with Knicks owner James Dolan in New York next week regarding a possible contract, per league source.
It was the latter tweet that caused an absolute frenzy on the internet before the real Chris Broussard (2 s's) called out the fake Chris Brousard (1 s) for his shenanigans.
So, the lesson to be learned from this is that no matter what you hear or read, verify it first before re-tweeting or going into full out panic over it. I have a feeling that this is only going to get worse before the off-season is over.
[Discuss on CG Forums!] Leave a comment Link backs Tweet
There are so many rumors bouncing around that it's hard to decide what is reality and what is fiction. There are also so many decisions that must be made for the Celtics going forward that we don't really know what the Celtics will look like going forward into the 2012-13 season. But, two events in the near future will do much to answer those questions. First up is tomorrow night's draft. Second is the July 1 free agent deadline.
There have been rumors of Danny trading up, down and out of the draft. Some say he wants to trade up for Harrison Barnes, likely a top 5 pick. There are rumors that he wants to trade into the teens to nab someone or other. There are also rumors that he wants to trade out of the draft to bring in veterans. One thing we know for sure is that Danny isn't afraid to pull the trigger on a big trade and he's also not afraid to stand pat if he thinks that gives the Celtics the best chance of winning.
Most of what the Celtics will do this season depends on one person - Kevin Garnett. If he chooses to retire, we are likely to see a complete rebuilding effort. If he chooses to come back, I expect Danny to try to build around him with veterans to give it one more run at Banner 18 with the same core.
Danny was on WEEI yesterday, discussing his plans going forward. He has discussions with KG and expects a decision from him by July 1 so that the team can move in one direction or another. Doc is fairly certain that KG will be back, as is Flip Saunders, who spent a lot of time with the team in the playoffs. The Celtics can negotiate with KG now since he is eligible for an extension but all other free agent talks need to wait until July 1. Read more » Leave a comment Link backs Tweet
With the fate of Rays return seemingly zilch, Boston has been looking at players to help out Pierce and replace Ray.
Two options that have been getting a lot of blog attention around C's nation are Jamal Crawford from Portland and Josh Smith from Atlanta. My opinion is I don't see how we get Josh Smith. It seems improbable that the Hawks would do a deal so close in their division. Crawford seems like a more logical choice.
Jamal Crawford can opt out of the final year of his contract by June 29, the day after Thursday's draft, and the Blazers are actively trying to trade the veteran guard. According to a report on CSNNW, the Celtics are among the teams trying to acquire Crawford, who would make $5 million if he declines his option.
Portland extended the deadline for Crawford to opt out until after the draft in an effort to deal the 32-year-old guard who averaged 14 points, but shot less than 40 percent from the floor and just 30 percent from 3-point range in his one season in Portland. The well-traveled Crawford was the 2010 Sixth Man of the Year when he scored 18 points a game with the Hawks.
The Sixers and Timberwolves are the other teams named in the report, although Minnesota reportedly traded its first round pick in this year's draft to the Rockets for Chase Budinger. In order to absorb Crawford's contract, the Celtics would have to make the deal work under the cap.
Boston lodged a complaint with the NBA in the aftermath of Green's heart condition, and were granted a 2013 second-rounder, sources tell Y!
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 26, 2012
And the trade that keeps on giving rears it's head again. It would seem that the Celtics felt that OKC withheld dome info on Green's heart condition and the NBA agreed with them. The NBA has granted the Celtics an additional draft pick in the trade that originally netted them Green, Krstic, and the 22nd pick in this draft (from the Clippers).
The Celtics will now get the Bobcats' 2013 second round pick as a result of the NBA's ruling. Unless the Bobcats experience a serious turn around of fortunes, this will be one of the top picks in the second round. This could be a valuable pick for the Celtics. I still hate this trade, and probably always will, but it's good to get additional an additional asset from it, considering they lost so much in the first place.
We all know that drafting is an inexact science because some #1 picks end up a bust (see Michael Olowokandi) and some second round picks end up stars (see Manu Ginobili). But even more inexact is the science of predicting the draft via mock drafts. A trip around the internet shows that beyond Anthony Davis being picked first, no one really knows what is going to happen in this draft.
I checked out 18 different mock drafts and found 16 different names penciled in for the Celtics with the 21st and 22nd picks. Add this to the fact that Chad Ford has said that the Celtics gave a promise to one player while other writers have said that they haven't made any promises. I tend to agree with those who say that no promises have been given. And it appears that, given the number of different names attributed to the Celtics in the different mock drafts, not many others believe that the Celtics have made a promise either.
There are 9 different power forwards or centers, 5 different shooting guards or small forwards and 2 point guards slotted in the various drafts for the Celtics. The most common pick was center Fab Melo, who appeared on 5 different mocks. Three players, Royce White, Andrew Nicholson, Jeff Taylor, and Quincy Miller, appeared on 4 different mocks. Moe Harkless, Marquis Teague, Arnett Moultrie, and Jared Sullinger all appeared on 3 different mock drafts. Terrence Ross appeared on 2 mocks. And Terrence Jones, Perry Jones, Evan Fournier, Festus Ezeli, and Kendall Marshall all appeared once.
It's obvious by the above statistics that no one really has a clue what Danny will do on draft day. We know that the biggest need for the Celtics will be at the center position, but Danny is also known to take the best available player. Then again, there are a lot of trade rumors out there that have Danny trading the two picks to move up in the draft for a player he doesn't feel will be there at 21. One of those players is Harrison Barnes, who was reported by Bob Ryan as the apple of Danny's eye. Barnes is slotted to go anywhere from 3rd to 5th and so Danny would have to give up quite a bit to get a pick that high. Another player rumored to be a Celtics target is Austin Rivers who is slotted anywhere from 8th to 18th on the mocks.
We have just 3 more days until the wait and the suspense will be over. It promises to be an active, and possibly a surprising draft for the Celtics. Hopefully, it will also be a rewarding one.
The Celtics ushered in the Pierce, Garnett, Allen era with a trip to Europe and participation in the NBA Europe Live games in 2007. Doc and all of the players loved the trip and the bonding opportunities that it afforded to the team. Now, in what may be the first post Pierce, Garnett and Allen season, the Celtics will be returning to Europe for another bonding experience.
Joining the 17 time champs will be the 1 time champion Mavericks along with Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul, Alba Berlin, and EA7 Emporio Armani. Games will be played in Istanbul, Berlin, Milan. and Spain.
The four-game tour tips off on Oct. 5 when the Celtics will play five-time Turkish Champions Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul at the Ulker Sports Arena in Istanbul, Turkey. Dirk Nowitski will have a homecoming at the O2 World in Berlin, Germany as his 2011 NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks will take on eight-time German Champions Alba Berlin on Oct. 6. Next they travel to Milan, Italy, where 25-time Italian Champions EA7 Emporio Armani will play the Celtics at the Mediolanum Forum on Oct.7. The Mavericks will play an additional game in Spain with details still to be announced. Leave a comment Link backs Tweet
The Phoenix Suns have surfaced as serious contenders to sign Boston Celtics free agent Ray Allen, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.Allen, 37, is willing to explore offers beyond Boston. The Suns – regardless of whether they re-sign free-agent point guard Steve Nash – interest Allen, sources said. The Suns have significant salary-cap space, and could pay Allen more than the Miami Heat or New York Knicks. Suns president Lon Babby had been Allen’s agent for a significant part of his career until Babby started running Phoenix’s basketball operations two years ago. Some have suggested that Allen is likely destined for the Heat, but sources indicate that while the Heat remain a possibility, they’re not currently the leaders for him. Allen has expressed some interest in still returning to the Celtics, who will have extension talks with him and free agent Kevin Garnett. 
