I was reading a Los Angeles newspaper the other day and came across an article projecting a Celtics-Lakers Finals, and evaluating potential player match-ups. After struggling through several sentences over a Paul Pierce-Lamar Odom match-up, the paper gave Pierce the slight nod—whew! I was worried there for a minute (come on, Pierce decimated the Fakers in LA, and Odom barely showed up!!!).
In any event, the best part of the piece was the Bynum-Perkins comparison. “Bynum, obviously, is the choice here.” Lord have mercy. The Celtics and Lakers have played twice this year. In the first game, Bynum was 2-7 in 27 minutes. In the second game, Bynum was 2-2 with two rebounds in 22 minutes.
How did Perk do in the two games?
In game one the Beast was 8-10 for 21 points to go with 9 rebounds in 34 minutes. In game 2, he had 7 points and 7 rebounds in 26 minutes.
Obviously Bynum is the choice here?
Give me a break.
2.29.2008
The Beast Unleashed
Did Kendrick Perkins just get a whole lot better?
11 points, three rebounds, and three blocks in fifteen first-half minutes.
I'm confused.
Shouldn't the Beast be worried that PJ Brown's going to take away his PT? That the Perkinator will no longer play enforcer on the blocks now that Mr. Brown is in town?
Nope.
You know why?
Remember when the Celtics acquired Bill Walton?
Naysayers said a jealousy would develop between him and the Chief.
Instead, what happened was the Chief came out of the gates firing from both holsters. When asked what was responsible for his great start to the 1985-86 season, Parish said the answer was a "who" not a "what."
Go on.
It seems with Walton on board, the Chief felt like he could go all out, balls to the walls until he absolutely needed a breather, at which time Number Five would come in, fresh, energetic, and ready to administer further beatings in the paint.
Quite the contrast from when Greg Kite was the backup.
I say it is this type of effort you are now going to see from the Beast, who, no longer concerned that his only viable back-ups are 6-7 or thereabouts, will feel no compunction about exerting his presence down low.
No matter that PJ's not in the line-up. The mere fact that help has arrived is enough.
The first half against the Bobcats was only our first taste.
The Beast has been unleashed.
11 points, three rebounds, and three blocks in fifteen first-half minutes.
I'm confused.
Shouldn't the Beast be worried that PJ Brown's going to take away his PT? That the Perkinator will no longer play enforcer on the blocks now that Mr. Brown is in town?
Nope.
You know why?
Remember when the Celtics acquired Bill Walton?
Naysayers said a jealousy would develop between him and the Chief.
Instead, what happened was the Chief came out of the gates firing from both holsters. When asked what was responsible for his great start to the 1985-86 season, Parish said the answer was a "who" not a "what."
Go on.
It seems with Walton on board, the Chief felt like he could go all out, balls to the walls until he absolutely needed a breather, at which time Number Five would come in, fresh, energetic, and ready to administer further beatings in the paint.
Quite the contrast from when Greg Kite was the backup.
I say it is this type of effort you are now going to see from the Beast, who, no longer concerned that his only viable back-ups are 6-7 or thereabouts, will feel no compunction about exerting his presence down low.
No matter that PJ's not in the line-up. The mere fact that help has arrived is enough.
The first half against the Bobcats was only our first taste.
The Beast has been unleashed.
Remembering The Joe Johnson Trade
About the challenge to establish definitive roles as soon as possible for new acquisitions Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers? For Celtics coach Jim O'Brien, it turns out there was no challenge in the process at all.
"Tony Delk is going to start, so much for that challenge," O'Brien said after practice yesterday at The Sports Authority Center in Waltham. "Rodney has to be able to play the (power forward) spot, where there's not going to be a lot of minutes - about 8-10 minutes a game to free up Antoine (Walker) to play 38-40 minutes.
"But (Rogers) has got to learn the (small forward) spot and the (center) spot, so it's more of a challenge for Rodney. Certainly when he learns to play those spots at a high level, not only offensively but defensively, he'll be able to contribute more."
O'Brien would have liked to have had Delk and Rogers available at yesterday's practice, the Celtics' first since returning from their seven-game western swing early Sunday morning. But the two newest Celtics, acquired last week from the Suns for Joe Johnson, Randy Brown, Milt Palacio and a first-round pick, were tending to some last-minute business in Phoenix.
Aware Delk and Rogers were on a road trip with the Suns when they learned they had been traded - and had no opportunity to prepare at home for their cross-country move - O'Brien gave them permission to skip the morning session and planned to work both players out last night.
"They had some things to clean up in Phoenix," O'Brien said. "Rodney had to pretty much say goodbye to his family, and Tony just renovated a house out there and had some other business he had to tend to.
"They weren't going to get back here (in time for the morning practice) unless they took a red-eye (flight), which is something I didn't want them to do."
Which means Delk and Rogers will be playing a bit more catch-up than originally expected when they rejoin their teammates at practice today. Still, that did not stop O'Brien from declaring Delk his starter at shooting guard, a departure from the coach's initial plans to work both players into the mix slowly.
The move means Eric Williams, the team's designated sixth man and a more effective player coming off the bench, returns to that role after starting four of the team's seven games out West. Rookie Kedrick Brown started two, while Delk, with just one brief practice under his belt, started the trip finale in Houston.
"Tony and Rodney are quick learners who have been around the game a long time," said guard Erick Strickland, who will back up Delk and continue to get a portion of his minutes spelling Kenny Anderson at point guard. "In my case, it took me about a month to feel fully comfortable with the system here, but they came in (last week) and got a quick understanding of things.
"Tony is familiar with some of what we do (from his days with O'Brien and ex-Celtics coach Rick Pitino at Kentucky). And Rodney should be able to contribute with the time he gets up front. He's a formidible power forward who's going to take some of the load off Antoine."
Said O'Brien, "We didn't bring (Rogers) in, nor did we bring Tony in, to watch the action. We want them to be a big part of the rotation." {sl26CNOT1 {pd02/26{pg079{sespt{ed {ve01
Kenny Anderson believes the acquisitions of Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers will help the Celtics' playoff push immensely this season. But Anderson said the cost of bringing in the two veterans in last week's five-player deal with Phoenix was not cheap.
"You don't have to be a brain surgeon to understand who we let go," the Celtics point guard said after practice yesterday at The Sports Authority Center in Waltham. "Milt (Palacio) is a friend of mine, and so is Joe (Johnson), and I'm not knocking the deal.
"If I were the general manager, I might have made the same move. But I would have been bothered by giving up on Joe Johnson so early."
Johnson was the first of three Celtics first-round picks last June, selected 10th overall. The 6-foot-8 swingman was a starter for much of the first-half schedule, but he lost his job in January and had fallen out of the rotation completely during the last month. His confidence level appeared to diminish with his playing time.
Johnson had given up most of his minutes to fellow rookie Kedrick Brown, who was selected with the 11th overall pick. Though many inside the Celtics organization believe Brown will turn out to be the better player of the two, Anderson had his reservations about the team's decision to bid Johnson farewell midway through his rookie season.
"It was a tough call (to trade Johnson), but there's a BUTthere. You look at Rodney Rogers, a solid veteran player and a former Sixth Man Award winner, and you look at Tony Delk, a proven scorer and solid all-around player. Both great pickups, and that makes (the deal) a give-and-take proposition.
"The way I see it, it's a good situation for us -- for now. But you look down the road and you're losing a great young player in Joe Johnson, who I believe is going to be a great player in this league. I think the (philosophy behind the deal) was that we can't go young anymore. We have to turn it around right now."
Home stretch
Although second-half collapses in their trip-ending losses to Houston and Dallas had the Celtics less than satisfied with a 3-4 record for the two-week sojourn, the schedule is in their favor the rest of the way. Of the Celtics' 26 remaining games, 16 are at home, beginning with tomorrow night's visit by the Milwaukee Bucks.
"I think we're in a solid frame of mind," C's coach Jim O'Brien said. "I know if any of us had said at the beginning of the year, 'You're coming off the West Coast trip, you're fourth in the East, you're healthy and you're looking at 16 more games at home and 10 on the road, plus you've added Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers to your team,' I think we'd all say that's pretty good.
"But that being said, we need to get back to playing tough-minded basketball. We have to play a hardened type of game where we're really scrapping. Where we raise our game a notch back to the level that it took to win 31 games.
"We've got people like Milwaukee coming in, so homecourt or not, you have to play really solid basketball to win those games."
Razor sharp
After going with a full head of hair since training camp, Vitaly Potapenko showed up at practice yesterday with a shaven head.
Potapenko, as had been his custom in previous years, saved himself a trip to the barber by giving himself the haircut.
"I'm good with a razor," he said.
"Tony Delk is going to start, so much for that challenge," O'Brien said after practice yesterday at The Sports Authority Center in Waltham. "Rodney has to be able to play the (power forward) spot, where there's not going to be a lot of minutes - about 8-10 minutes a game to free up Antoine (Walker) to play 38-40 minutes.
"But (Rogers) has got to learn the (small forward) spot and the (center) spot, so it's more of a challenge for Rodney. Certainly when he learns to play those spots at a high level, not only offensively but defensively, he'll be able to contribute more."
O'Brien would have liked to have had Delk and Rogers available at yesterday's practice, the Celtics' first since returning from their seven-game western swing early Sunday morning. But the two newest Celtics, acquired last week from the Suns for Joe Johnson, Randy Brown, Milt Palacio and a first-round pick, were tending to some last-minute business in Phoenix.
Aware Delk and Rogers were on a road trip with the Suns when they learned they had been traded - and had no opportunity to prepare at home for their cross-country move - O'Brien gave them permission to skip the morning session and planned to work both players out last night.
"They had some things to clean up in Phoenix," O'Brien said. "Rodney had to pretty much say goodbye to his family, and Tony just renovated a house out there and had some other business he had to tend to.
"They weren't going to get back here (in time for the morning practice) unless they took a red-eye (flight), which is something I didn't want them to do."
Which means Delk and Rogers will be playing a bit more catch-up than originally expected when they rejoin their teammates at practice today. Still, that did not stop O'Brien from declaring Delk his starter at shooting guard, a departure from the coach's initial plans to work both players into the mix slowly.
The move means Eric Williams, the team's designated sixth man and a more effective player coming off the bench, returns to that role after starting four of the team's seven games out West. Rookie Kedrick Brown started two, while Delk, with just one brief practice under his belt, started the trip finale in Houston.
"Tony and Rodney are quick learners who have been around the game a long time," said guard Erick Strickland, who will back up Delk and continue to get a portion of his minutes spelling Kenny Anderson at point guard. "In my case, it took me about a month to feel fully comfortable with the system here, but they came in (last week) and got a quick understanding of things.
"Tony is familiar with some of what we do (from his days with O'Brien and ex-Celtics coach Rick Pitino at Kentucky). And Rodney should be able to contribute with the time he gets up front. He's a formidible power forward who's going to take some of the load off Antoine."
Said O'Brien, "We didn't bring (Rogers) in, nor did we bring Tony in, to watch the action. We want them to be a big part of the rotation." {sl26CNOT1 {pd02/26{pg079{sespt{ed {ve01
Kenny Anderson believes the acquisitions of Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers will help the Celtics' playoff push immensely this season. But Anderson said the cost of bringing in the two veterans in last week's five-player deal with Phoenix was not cheap.
"You don't have to be a brain surgeon to understand who we let go," the Celtics point guard said after practice yesterday at The Sports Authority Center in Waltham. "Milt (Palacio) is a friend of mine, and so is Joe (Johnson), and I'm not knocking the deal.
"If I were the general manager, I might have made the same move. But I would have been bothered by giving up on Joe Johnson so early."
Johnson was the first of three Celtics first-round picks last June, selected 10th overall. The 6-foot-8 swingman was a starter for much of the first-half schedule, but he lost his job in January and had fallen out of the rotation completely during the last month. His confidence level appeared to diminish with his playing time.
Johnson had given up most of his minutes to fellow rookie Kedrick Brown, who was selected with the 11th overall pick. Though many inside the Celtics organization believe Brown will turn out to be the better player of the two, Anderson had his reservations about the team's decision to bid Johnson farewell midway through his rookie season.
"It was a tough call (to trade Johnson), but there's a BUTthere. You look at Rodney Rogers, a solid veteran player and a former Sixth Man Award winner, and you look at Tony Delk, a proven scorer and solid all-around player. Both great pickups, and that makes (the deal) a give-and-take proposition.
"The way I see it, it's a good situation for us -- for now. But you look down the road and you're losing a great young player in Joe Johnson, who I believe is going to be a great player in this league. I think the (philosophy behind the deal) was that we can't go young anymore. We have to turn it around right now."
Home stretch
Although second-half collapses in their trip-ending losses to Houston and Dallas had the Celtics less than satisfied with a 3-4 record for the two-week sojourn, the schedule is in their favor the rest of the way. Of the Celtics' 26 remaining games, 16 are at home, beginning with tomorrow night's visit by the Milwaukee Bucks.
"I think we're in a solid frame of mind," C's coach Jim O'Brien said. "I know if any of us had said at the beginning of the year, 'You're coming off the West Coast trip, you're fourth in the East, you're healthy and you're looking at 16 more games at home and 10 on the road, plus you've added Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers to your team,' I think we'd all say that's pretty good.
"But that being said, we need to get back to playing tough-minded basketball. We have to play a hardened type of game where we're really scrapping. Where we raise our game a notch back to the level that it took to win 31 games.
"We've got people like Milwaukee coming in, so homecourt or not, you have to play really solid basketball to win those games."
Razor sharp
After going with a full head of hair since training camp, Vitaly Potapenko showed up at practice yesterday with a shaven head.
Potapenko, as had been his custom in previous years, saved himself a trip to the barber by giving himself the haircut.
"I'm good with a razor," he said.
Falk Plays the Brand Card
As everyone familiar with the situation knew, the Los Angeles Clippers' negotiations with Cassell had hit a snag. Donald Sterling was willing to let Cassell out of his contract, but only if he forfeited the remaining $1.7m left on his contract.
Trying to get Sterling over the hump, Elgion Baylor and others expressed concern about how much effort Cassell, who had missed four games because of a sprained right wrist, would put forth if the Clippers forced him to play out the season in LA.
More importantly, Cassell’s agent David Falk made clear that by taking a hard stance on the Cassell negotiations the Clippers might hurt negotiations with forward Elton Brand, who can opt out of his contract after this season and is also represented by Falk, the LA Times is reporting today.
Miraculously, Mr. Sterling came to his senses, though he didn’t have the cajones to announce the settlement himself. He left that task to Baylor.
"After weighing all of the options and after conversations with Sam we believe this is the best solution for this team," said Baylor, vice president of basketball operations. "We know and appreciate the many contributions Sam made during the last three years, and we wish him nothing but the best."
People laughed when Falk set a deadline for Sterling to pony up Cassell’s walking papers. What leverage, they asked, did Falk have for making demands on Sterling, given that his client was under a binding legal contract?
Well, we now know the answer.
Falk played the Brand card.
Trying to get Sterling over the hump, Elgion Baylor and others expressed concern about how much effort Cassell, who had missed four games because of a sprained right wrist, would put forth if the Clippers forced him to play out the season in LA.
More importantly, Cassell’s agent David Falk made clear that by taking a hard stance on the Cassell negotiations the Clippers might hurt negotiations with forward Elton Brand, who can opt out of his contract after this season and is also represented by Falk, the LA Times is reporting today.
Miraculously, Mr. Sterling came to his senses, though he didn’t have the cajones to announce the settlement himself. He left that task to Baylor.
"After weighing all of the options and after conversations with Sam we believe this is the best solution for this team," said Baylor, vice president of basketball operations. "We know and appreciate the many contributions Sam made during the last three years, and we wish him nothing but the best."
People laughed when Falk set a deadline for Sterling to pony up Cassell’s walking papers. What leverage, they asked, did Falk have for making demands on Sterling, given that his client was under a binding legal contract?
Well, we now know the answer.
Falk played the Brand card.
1986 Cs Beat Spurs, Move to 45-11
Attention, Mr. and Mrs. America and all the ships at sea: The Celtics slapped the San Antonio Spurs around by a 120-100 score at the Garden last night, and Larry Bird did not get a triple double. That's news.
Robert Parish, meanwhile, did play a sensational game, and while that isn't necessarily news, it's not often enough noted. Other centers can win games in their own manner, but nobody wins games the way Robert Parish does. Robert Parish is the starting center on the All-Sprinters Team.
"The first thing we said in the locker room before the game," said Spurs coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, "was that we know Robert is going to try to beat Artis (Gilmore) down the floor. It's not like we didn't think it was a serious matter."
It took exactly 25 seconds for the Spurs to realize how serious a matter it would be. San Antonio got the tap, and the ball went in to Artis, the Human Erector Set. He went right to what Bill Fitch would call his "basic," his pet move, his comfort-zone move. It is an involved dip-in move in which he uses about 713 fakes. Parish yawned his way through all of them, and when Artis finally launched the shot, Robert smashed the ball into his face. That was Part 1.
Part 2 followed immediately. Having rejected the Gilmore shot, Parish didn't stand around posing. He took off downcourt, receiving a nice feed from Dennis Johnson as soon as he hit the left lower box. He turned and laid the ball in, just as Artis was Dagwood Bumsteading his way into the play. You know what? It was 2-0, and the game was over.
If Parish weren't outrunning Gilmore vertically, he was out-quicking him horizontally. Parish looked like the All-Stater and Artis looked like the kid dragged off the high school corridor by the coach simply because he was the tallest man in school.
Anyway, the Celtics were making their first Garden appearance in three weeks, and they weren't about to disappoint the home crowd. It was 8-6, San Antonio, when Bird took a Danny Ainge feed for a cutting layup and Parish came rambling in from the right corner for a thunderous stuff. Kevin McHale (remember him?) threw in a runner, and DJ picked up a loose ball and laid it in to conclude an eight-point run, and you knew the Celtics were in control.
It was 32-23 after one quarter and 61-48 at the half. The second quarter was a kaleidoscope of downtown jumpers, mostly by the visitors, and drives, stuffs, outlets, behind-the-back passes, mostly by the Celtics. The big run in every way, both on the scoreboard and on the excitement meter, was a spurt of 17-6 which carried the Celtics from a 44-37 lead to a comfortable 61-43 advantage with 54 seconds remaining in the half.
During this burst, Parish (27 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks) outran the Spurs for three baskets, the best of which was the culmination of a sequence begun by a spectacular back-tap of an outlet by Bill Walton over to Bird, who hit a speeding Parish for a three-point drive. At moments such as this, the phrase "Greatest Show On Earth" springs to mind.
If the Spurs were harboring the remotest thought of an upset, said thought was blown away in the first 3:13 of the second half. With only an Alvin Robertson leaner and a Gilmore free throw intervening, the Celtics hit San Antonio with the following: a Bird layup, an Ainge 20-foot swish, a Johnson mortar, a Parish turnaround and a Johnson fast-break stop-and-popper. Now it was 71-51, and Fitzsimmons was beginning to think about playing time for some new arrivals.
"You hate to think this way," said the ever forthright Fitzsimmons, "but I tried to use this game as something to build on for the future."
As for Bird's failure to record another triple double, be assured that if either he or K.C. Jones was truly interested in stats, it would have been done. Bird had a 22-9-9 line and he only played 34 minutes.
Anyway, this was Chief's night. "When you play with the league MVP, a lot of people's contributions get overlooked," said Walton. "Robert Parish doesn't get the credit he deserves for the total player he is."
Robert Parish, meanwhile, did play a sensational game, and while that isn't necessarily news, it's not often enough noted. Other centers can win games in their own manner, but nobody wins games the way Robert Parish does. Robert Parish is the starting center on the All-Sprinters Team.
"The first thing we said in the locker room before the game," said Spurs coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, "was that we know Robert is going to try to beat Artis (Gilmore) down the floor. It's not like we didn't think it was a serious matter."
It took exactly 25 seconds for the Spurs to realize how serious a matter it would be. San Antonio got the tap, and the ball went in to Artis, the Human Erector Set. He went right to what Bill Fitch would call his "basic," his pet move, his comfort-zone move. It is an involved dip-in move in which he uses about 713 fakes. Parish yawned his way through all of them, and when Artis finally launched the shot, Robert smashed the ball into his face. That was Part 1.
Part 2 followed immediately. Having rejected the Gilmore shot, Parish didn't stand around posing. He took off downcourt, receiving a nice feed from Dennis Johnson as soon as he hit the left lower box. He turned and laid the ball in, just as Artis was Dagwood Bumsteading his way into the play. You know what? It was 2-0, and the game was over.
If Parish weren't outrunning Gilmore vertically, he was out-quicking him horizontally. Parish looked like the All-Stater and Artis looked like the kid dragged off the high school corridor by the coach simply because he was the tallest man in school.
Anyway, the Celtics were making their first Garden appearance in three weeks, and they weren't about to disappoint the home crowd. It was 8-6, San Antonio, when Bird took a Danny Ainge feed for a cutting layup and Parish came rambling in from the right corner for a thunderous stuff. Kevin McHale (remember him?) threw in a runner, and DJ picked up a loose ball and laid it in to conclude an eight-point run, and you knew the Celtics were in control.
It was 32-23 after one quarter and 61-48 at the half. The second quarter was a kaleidoscope of downtown jumpers, mostly by the visitors, and drives, stuffs, outlets, behind-the-back passes, mostly by the Celtics. The big run in every way, both on the scoreboard and on the excitement meter, was a spurt of 17-6 which carried the Celtics from a 44-37 lead to a comfortable 61-43 advantage with 54 seconds remaining in the half.
During this burst, Parish (27 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks) outran the Spurs for three baskets, the best of which was the culmination of a sequence begun by a spectacular back-tap of an outlet by Bill Walton over to Bird, who hit a speeding Parish for a three-point drive. At moments such as this, the phrase "Greatest Show On Earth" springs to mind.
If the Spurs were harboring the remotest thought of an upset, said thought was blown away in the first 3:13 of the second half. With only an Alvin Robertson leaner and a Gilmore free throw intervening, the Celtics hit San Antonio with the following: a Bird layup, an Ainge 20-foot swish, a Johnson mortar, a Parish turnaround and a Johnson fast-break stop-and-popper. Now it was 71-51, and Fitzsimmons was beginning to think about playing time for some new arrivals.
"You hate to think this way," said the ever forthright Fitzsimmons, "but I tried to use this game as something to build on for the future."
As for Bird's failure to record another triple double, be assured that if either he or K.C. Jones was truly interested in stats, it would have been done. Bird had a 22-9-9 line and he only played 34 minutes.
Anyway, this was Chief's night. "When you play with the league MVP, a lot of people's contributions get overlooked," said Walton. "Robert Parish doesn't get the credit he deserves for the total player he is."
The Joe Johnson Trade Paid Short-Term Dividends
Chances are you never saw Antoine Walker smile after the Nets eliminated the Celtics from the playoffs Friday night. But he did. Honest. As he prepared for his final press conference of the postseason, there was a moment when Walker shook his head and grinned. It was a look of bemusement more than anything.
What Walker could not completely process at that moment was all the Celtics had accomplished since October. It seemed that 98 games passed in a whirlwind of ups and downs, surprises and milestones.
The wild, unexpected ride to the Eastern Conference finals for a team that had not made the playoffs since 1995. The biggest fourth-quarter comeback in playoff history in Game 3 against New Jersey. The elimination of the always troublesome 76ers in Round 1 with an offensive performance in Game 5 that set a standard never again equaled by the Celtics. The dismissal of Detroit in Game 5 of the conference semifinals on the road, with Paul Pierce and Walker forced to the bench for much of the fourth quarter with foul trouble.
The commitment that made Boston the third-ranked defensive team in the NBA during the regular season. The game-winning, bank-shot 3-pointer by Walker that defeated the Lakers at Staples Center in February. The buzzer-beating layup by Pierce that beat Miami and snapped an early-season four-game losing streak. The win at Philadelphia March 4 that ended the Celtics' only other four-game skid. The 22-19 record on the road, the first time the team was above .500 away from Boston in more than a decade.
The emergence of Pierce as one of the league's top scorers and go-to guys. The awe-inspiring 48-point performance by Pierce Dec. 1 against the Nets, when he scored all but 2 points in the second half and overtime. The continuing maturation of Walker, who with one stirring postseason speech showed what type of leader he is. The steady-handed, egoless guidance of Jim O'Brien, who did one of the best (probably the best) coaching jobs in the NBA this season, regardless of what a group of voters thought.
But the 2001-02 season was just the beginning, a little more than a hint at what's to come. Or so the Celtics believe.
"We have nothing to hang our heads for," said Pierce. "We had a great year. This is nothing that is going to linger, not with me.
"I think this is just the beginning of a young team just taking steps for something that is going to be special for us down the line.
"We've got a lot, me and Antoine are going to be here for the next four to five years, so the foundation is there for us. This is something special we have to build on. We really got the experience with getting to the Eastern Conference championship. Nobody really expected us to get here. With time we are going to get better. We have the potential to be a championship team one day."
Not only did O'Brien realize his vision of a team built on strong halfcourt defense and bring out the best in All-Stars Walker and Pierce, he also understood the psyche of the team he inherited. He helped foster a special chemistry by recognizing how members of the supporting cast could make meaningful contributions, convincing anyone who wasn't a star how important his role was.
Kenny Anderson made passing a priority and accepted his place as a third offensive option. Eric Williams prided himself on defense, earning the unwavering loyalty of O'Brien and respect of his teammates. On many occasions, a healthy Tony Battie quieted the criticism that Boston does not have a true center, using his long arms and athleticism to block shots. He also proved a dependable midrange jump shooter.
Then, there were the bench players. Former Sixth Man of the Year Rodney Rogers became a valuable addition after being acquired from Phoenix in February. Rogers played some center and gave O'Brien the option of fielding five 3-point shooters at one time. Tony Delk - acquired with Rogers from the Suns - never became the consistent third scorer many expected and the Celtics needed, though he filled in at both backcourt positions and gave O'Brien an extra body to place on tough-to-guard Allen Iverson and Jason Kidd.
Erick Strickland, a master at taking charges and an unexpected offensive spark in the conference finals, and Walter McCarty, a dangerous 3-point shooter and effective, lanky defender, became fan favorites. Centers Vitaly Potapenko and Mark Blount had their moments, too. Rookie Kedrick Brown, well, we will just have to wait and see.
Over the course of the regular season, this collection of players became a tightly knit group, gathering momentum and confidence as the playoffs approached. They developed an identity as a team that never gave up, making the phrase "fight like wolves" a rallying cry. The Celtics thrilled with late-game heroics and 20 fourth-quarter comebacks. Quarter to quarter, game to game, Boston continually showed its resiliency.
"It was a great season, but we're not satisfied with what we ended with this year," said Battie. "We've got a lot more work to do now that we have a taste of what's going on. We've got a real season behind us and under our belts and something to look forward to next year."
Still, during March, April, and May, the Celtics checked off one milestone after another, accomplishing some feats for the first time since the early 1990s. By winning the final game of the regular season, they posted a 49-33 rec ord, their best since 1992. By defeating Memphis with a thrilling comeback win, Boston claimed a seven-game winning streak, its longest since 1994. The Celtics swept the Lakers for the first time in a decade, the Knicks for the first time in 11 years. Two Celtics (Pierce and Walker) played in the All-Star Game for the first time since 1991. That was after the cocaptains were named Eastern Conference co-Players of the Month for December.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Celtics' season was the way they earned the respect of a city starved for a team that would resurrect the Green Glory Days. They turned a franchise that only a year and a half ago seemed fatally flawed into something special, winning over fans in the process. They played with a pride, toughness, and heart that brought back the best kind of memories.
"We've just got to try again next year," said Walker. "We've got some pieces of the puzzle to fill. We got a great start to, hopefully, having (title) No. 17.
"It's nothing to hang our heads about. Obviously, we are upset, we expect the best for each other and our team. But you've got to take the good and the bad. And this was a good run."
What Walker could not completely process at that moment was all the Celtics had accomplished since October. It seemed that 98 games passed in a whirlwind of ups and downs, surprises and milestones.
The wild, unexpected ride to the Eastern Conference finals for a team that had not made the playoffs since 1995. The biggest fourth-quarter comeback in playoff history in Game 3 against New Jersey. The elimination of the always troublesome 76ers in Round 1 with an offensive performance in Game 5 that set a standard never again equaled by the Celtics. The dismissal of Detroit in Game 5 of the conference semifinals on the road, with Paul Pierce and Walker forced to the bench for much of the fourth quarter with foul trouble.
The commitment that made Boston the third-ranked defensive team in the NBA during the regular season. The game-winning, bank-shot 3-pointer by Walker that defeated the Lakers at Staples Center in February. The buzzer-beating layup by Pierce that beat Miami and snapped an early-season four-game losing streak. The win at Philadelphia March 4 that ended the Celtics' only other four-game skid. The 22-19 record on the road, the first time the team was above .500 away from Boston in more than a decade.
The emergence of Pierce as one of the league's top scorers and go-to guys. The awe-inspiring 48-point performance by Pierce Dec. 1 against the Nets, when he scored all but 2 points in the second half and overtime. The continuing maturation of Walker, who with one stirring postseason speech showed what type of leader he is. The steady-handed, egoless guidance of Jim O'Brien, who did one of the best (probably the best) coaching jobs in the NBA this season, regardless of what a group of voters thought.
But the 2001-02 season was just the beginning, a little more than a hint at what's to come. Or so the Celtics believe.
"We have nothing to hang our heads for," said Pierce. "We had a great year. This is nothing that is going to linger, not with me.
"I think this is just the beginning of a young team just taking steps for something that is going to be special for us down the line.
"We've got a lot, me and Antoine are going to be here for the next four to five years, so the foundation is there for us. This is something special we have to build on. We really got the experience with getting to the Eastern Conference championship. Nobody really expected us to get here. With time we are going to get better. We have the potential to be a championship team one day."
Not only did O'Brien realize his vision of a team built on strong halfcourt defense and bring out the best in All-Stars Walker and Pierce, he also understood the psyche of the team he inherited. He helped foster a special chemistry by recognizing how members of the supporting cast could make meaningful contributions, convincing anyone who wasn't a star how important his role was.
Kenny Anderson made passing a priority and accepted his place as a third offensive option. Eric Williams prided himself on defense, earning the unwavering loyalty of O'Brien and respect of his teammates. On many occasions, a healthy Tony Battie quieted the criticism that Boston does not have a true center, using his long arms and athleticism to block shots. He also proved a dependable midrange jump shooter.
Then, there were the bench players. Former Sixth Man of the Year Rodney Rogers became a valuable addition after being acquired from Phoenix in February. Rogers played some center and gave O'Brien the option of fielding five 3-point shooters at one time. Tony Delk - acquired with Rogers from the Suns - never became the consistent third scorer many expected and the Celtics needed, though he filled in at both backcourt positions and gave O'Brien an extra body to place on tough-to-guard Allen Iverson and Jason Kidd.
Erick Strickland, a master at taking charges and an unexpected offensive spark in the conference finals, and Walter McCarty, a dangerous 3-point shooter and effective, lanky defender, became fan favorites. Centers Vitaly Potapenko and Mark Blount had their moments, too. Rookie Kedrick Brown, well, we will just have to wait and see.
Over the course of the regular season, this collection of players became a tightly knit group, gathering momentum and confidence as the playoffs approached. They developed an identity as a team that never gave up, making the phrase "fight like wolves" a rallying cry. The Celtics thrilled with late-game heroics and 20 fourth-quarter comebacks. Quarter to quarter, game to game, Boston continually showed its resiliency.
"It was a great season, but we're not satisfied with what we ended with this year," said Battie. "We've got a lot more work to do now that we have a taste of what's going on. We've got a real season behind us and under our belts and something to look forward to next year."
Still, during March, April, and May, the Celtics checked off one milestone after another, accomplishing some feats for the first time since the early 1990s. By winning the final game of the regular season, they posted a 49-33 rec ord, their best since 1992. By defeating Memphis with a thrilling comeback win, Boston claimed a seven-game winning streak, its longest since 1994. The Celtics swept the Lakers for the first time in a decade, the Knicks for the first time in 11 years. Two Celtics (Pierce and Walker) played in the All-Star Game for the first time since 1991. That was after the cocaptains were named Eastern Conference co-Players of the Month for December.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Celtics' season was the way they earned the respect of a city starved for a team that would resurrect the Green Glory Days. They turned a franchise that only a year and a half ago seemed fatally flawed into something special, winning over fans in the process. They played with a pride, toughness, and heart that brought back the best kind of memories.
"We've just got to try again next year," said Walker. "We've got some pieces of the puzzle to fill. We got a great start to, hopefully, having (title) No. 17.
"It's nothing to hang our heads about. Obviously, we are upset, we expect the best for each other and our team. But you've got to take the good and the bad. And this was a good run."
Scalabrine's Crowning Achievement
Game 5 of the 2004 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New Jersey Nets and the Detroit Pistons went into three overtimes, during which Brian Scalabrine drained four three pointers, leading the Nets to a shocking 3-2 series lead, before losing the series.
The Stretch Run is Upon Us
Strap on your seat-belt. February is finally over.
With PJ Brown on board and Sam Cassell on his way, Danny Ainge and the owners have done everything in their power to make the Boston Celtics a championship team.
The opposite is true for Doc and the troops.
Next Wednesday they play Detroit. Three days later the Celtics begin a stretch where they play seven of nine games on the road, including four games in six days against the Spurs, Rockets, Mavericks, and Hornets. They return home for a game on March 24, and two nights later Phoenix comes to town.
So get your gas on, and hope the Celtics do, too.
Cuz there are no more excuses. It's all about building momentum to the final crescendo in June.
We've got the pieces, now we've got to do the work.
Wed, Mar 5 Detroit 7:30 PM
Fri, Mar 7 Chicago 8:00 PM
Sat, Mar 8 @ Memphis 8:00 PM
Mon, Mar 10 @ Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Wed, Mar 12 Seattle 7:30 PM NBA TV
Fri, Mar 14 Utah 7:30 PM
Sat, Mar 15 @ Milwaukee 8:30 PM
Mon, Mar 17 @ San Antonio 8:30 PM
Tue, Mar 18 @ Houston 9:30 PM TNT
Thu, Mar 20 @ Dallas 8:00 PM TNT
Sat, Mar 22 @ New Orleans 8:00 PM
Mon, Mar 24 Philadelphia 7:30 PM
Wed, Mar 26 Phoenix 7:00 PM
Fri, Mar 28 New Orleans 7:30 PM
With PJ Brown on board and Sam Cassell on his way, Danny Ainge and the owners have done everything in their power to make the Boston Celtics a championship team.
The opposite is true for Doc and the troops.
Next Wednesday they play Detroit. Three days later the Celtics begin a stretch where they play seven of nine games on the road, including four games in six days against the Spurs, Rockets, Mavericks, and Hornets. They return home for a game on March 24, and two nights later Phoenix comes to town.
So get your gas on, and hope the Celtics do, too.
Cuz there are no more excuses. It's all about building momentum to the final crescendo in June.
We've got the pieces, now we've got to do the work.
Wed, Mar 5 Detroit 7:30 PM
Fri, Mar 7 Chicago 8:00 PM
Sat, Mar 8 @ Memphis 8:00 PM
Mon, Mar 10 @ Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Wed, Mar 12 Seattle 7:30 PM NBA TV
Fri, Mar 14 Utah 7:30 PM
Sat, Mar 15 @ Milwaukee 8:30 PM
Mon, Mar 17 @ San Antonio 8:30 PM
Tue, Mar 18 @ Houston 9:30 PM TNT
Thu, Mar 20 @ Dallas 8:00 PM TNT
Sat, Mar 22 @ New Orleans 8:00 PM
Mon, Mar 24 Philadelphia 7:30 PM
Wed, Mar 26 Phoenix 7:00 PM
Fri, Mar 28 New Orleans 7:30 PM
2.28.2008
The Celtics Summer of Love Resumes...
Start Planning Your Banner-Hoisting Parties, PJ and the Alien are on Board
McHale Malodorous in Return from Injury for 86 C's
About the only way to summarize Kevin McHale's heralded return to action would be to say that he was as bad as Larry Bird was good, and all Bird did was record his fifth triple-double in eight games.
In seven minutes, McHale managed to turn the ball over five times. He dropped it the first time he touched it, had a running hook blocked from behind the second time he touched it and threw up a very serious boulder just before the half. His timing was nonexistent, and if K.C. Jones had stayed with him any longer in the second half, there is at least a fair chance the Celtics would have lost the game.
All of which was predictable, of course. The man had missed 14 of the previous 15 games.
"It just felt good to be out there," he said. "But I had no timing. I was trying not to do too much. I was stepping lightly out there. Of course I was terrible, but I didn't expect to play great."
Agreed Jones, "Kevin was totally out of synch."
In seven minutes, McHale managed to turn the ball over five times. He dropped it the first time he touched it, had a running hook blocked from behind the second time he touched it and threw up a very serious boulder just before the half. His timing was nonexistent, and if K.C. Jones had stayed with him any longer in the second half, there is at least a fair chance the Celtics would have lost the game.
All of which was predictable, of course. The man had missed 14 of the previous 15 games.
"It just felt good to be out there," he said. "But I had no timing. I was trying not to do too much. I was stepping lightly out there. Of course I was terrible, but I didn't expect to play great."
Agreed Jones, "Kevin was totally out of synch."
Celtics Burn Byron...again
New Orleans Times Picayune
February 28, 2008
Section: SPORTS
Brown spurns Hornets for Celtics
The Hornets' attempt to acquire post player P.J . Brown for the remainder of the season ended Wednesday, when he signed with the Boston Celtics.
Brown, 38, played for the Hornets from 2000 to 2006, and team officials had been open for much of the season about their desire for him to return for the rest of the season and a playoff run.
"I've talked to his agent repeatedly throughout most of this season and made it well known that we'd like him to join us, and we had a spot for him," Hornets Coach Byron Scott said.
"It's a personal decision that he has to make," Scott said, "and obviously he feels going there that he has a little bit better chance of winning a championship, and I totally understand that."
Brown could have provided the Hornets with another frontcourt player, something Scott said his team desperately needs.
++
I have long since overcome my dislike for Pat Riley.
Not so much for Byron.
February 28, 2008
Section: SPORTS
Brown spurns Hornets for Celtics
The Hornets' attempt to acquire post player P.J . Brown for the remainder of the season ended Wednesday, when he signed with the Boston Celtics.
Brown, 38, played for the Hornets from 2000 to 2006, and team officials had been open for much of the season about their desire for him to return for the rest of the season and a playoff run.
"I've talked to his agent repeatedly throughout most of this season and made it well known that we'd like him to join us, and we had a spot for him," Hornets Coach Byron Scott said.
"It's a personal decision that he has to make," Scott said, "and obviously he feels going there that he has a little bit better chance of winning a championship, and I totally understand that."
Brown could have provided the Hornets with another frontcourt player, something Scott said his team desperately needs.
++
I have long since overcome my dislike for Pat Riley.
Not so much for Byron.
Kirk Hinrich Endorses PJ
"He will definitely will help them. He's a good jump shooter, smart and defensively really solid. He's especially valuable come playoff time. He has that experience you need. He's tough and willing to get dirty. He's a great teammate who came up big for us last year in the playoffs."
Will Sam Clear Waivers?
I’m still of the opinion that the Clippers and Cassell will come to terms before the looming deadline.
But that’s not the end of the drama.
As some observers have pointed out, there are several teams with room to offer the Alien more money than the Celtics. The problem is that all of those teams are in the West and none of them—Dallas and Phoenix, to name two-- appear to be leading candidates to get to the Finals.
So the question, then, becomes not whether Dallas or Phoenix might claim Cassell off waivers, but whether Cassell would agree to play for those teams after being claimed.
I imagine it going something like this:
Mark Cuban: Good morning, David. I see that your client, Sam Cassell, has been bought out and released by the Clippers. We’d like to sign him.
David Falk: Good morning, Mark. Sam doesn’t want to play for Dallas. He wants to play for Boston.
Mark Cuban: Ok. But I think we’re going to claim him anyway.
David Falk: You’re going to force a player to play for you, even though he’s told you he doesn’t want to?
Mark Cuban: He’s a professional. He’ll step up to the plate.
David Falk: No he won’t. He won’t report. Not only that, you will have violated the trust of all the other owners by not letting him clear waivers. I would expect retribution at some point in the future. And don't forget that you forcing Cassell to play for you will be advertised to every other player in the league. Not such a good advertisement.
Hopefully that would end it.
But that’s not the end of the drama.
As some observers have pointed out, there are several teams with room to offer the Alien more money than the Celtics. The problem is that all of those teams are in the West and none of them—Dallas and Phoenix, to name two-- appear to be leading candidates to get to the Finals.
So the question, then, becomes not whether Dallas or Phoenix might claim Cassell off waivers, but whether Cassell would agree to play for those teams after being claimed.
I imagine it going something like this:
Mark Cuban: Good morning, David. I see that your client, Sam Cassell, has been bought out and released by the Clippers. We’d like to sign him.
David Falk: Good morning, Mark. Sam doesn’t want to play for Dallas. He wants to play for Boston.
Mark Cuban: Ok. But I think we’re going to claim him anyway.
David Falk: You’re going to force a player to play for you, even though he’s told you he doesn’t want to?
Mark Cuban: He’s a professional. He’ll step up to the plate.
David Falk: No he won’t. He won’t report. Not only that, you will have violated the trust of all the other owners by not letting him clear waivers. I would expect retribution at some point in the future. And don't forget that you forcing Cassell to play for you will be advertised to every other player in the league. Not such a good advertisement.
Hopefully that would end it.
Subsidizing Sam
The Sam Cassell deadline is drawing near. If Sam and Sterling haven’t come to terms by 9 p.m. tomorrow night, my understanding is that Cassell would not be eligible for the Celtics playoff roster.
Question:
If Sterling continues to be an ass by allowing Cassell to go but not offering him one red cent in the form of a buy out, I wonder if KG, the Truth, and Jesus would throw some money into the kitty to make up the difference?
It wouldn’t surprise me.
Question:
If Sterling continues to be an ass by allowing Cassell to go but not offering him one red cent in the form of a buy out, I wonder if KG, the Truth, and Jesus would throw some money into the kitty to make up the difference?
It wouldn’t surprise me.
NPR Interview: Celtics, Race, and the Fakers
TONY COX, host:
I'm Tony Cox, and this is NEWS & NOTES. In this week's sports bloggers segments, it's all about the NBA and basketball. With all the big trades, it's as good as it gets in the West right now. Also, have African-Americans found a new love for the Boston Celtics?
For those topics, we turn to our Sports Roundtable. Gregg Lee is the online sports editor for The Boston Globe, Justin Grant with Alpha Sports blog, and dwil writes for the blog Sports On My Mind. Fellows, nice to have you back.
Mr. GREGG LEE (Online Sports Editor, The Boston Globe): Yeah, hello.
dwil (Blogger, Sports On My Mind): How's it going?
Mr. JUSTIN GRANT (Alpha Sports Blog): Hey.
COX: It's going great. Let's talk about the big, big trades. The Lakers, of course, acquiring the seven-foot Pau Gasol from the languishing Memphis Grizzlies. The Phoenix Suns turned around and sent Shawn Marion to Miami in exchange for the diesel, Shaq O'Neal. The Dallas Mavericks turned around and picked up all-star point guard Jason Kidd from the Nets. And yesterday, the San Antonio Spurs got Kurt Thomas from Seattle, and today, the 21st is the deadline. So it may be more things still happening.
First to - well, let me not say what I think. dwil, which one of these trades that I've mentioned so far is the biggest one, in your view?
dwil: I think this trade for Gasol is the biggest one. There's a trade that people forgot, too, and that's Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz.
COX: Right.
dwil: And that's my second-favorite trade, but Gasol is definitely the biggest trade. You see what the Lakers are doing right now without Andrew Bynum. Should he come back healthy, the Lakers are the favorite to come out of the Western Conference and go to the finals.
COX: So Justin, did you see the Lakers-Suns game last night?
Mr. GRANT: I only happened to catch some of the highlights on ESPN. Obviously, I'm over here on the East Coast, so that's a little bit past my bedtime.
COX: I was going to say, they have television on the East Coast.
(Soundbite of laughter)
Mr. GRANT: I like - more than just the trade of Gasol to the Lakers, I like the way Kobe Bryant's playing. He scored like 40 points last night.
COX: Yes, he did.
Mr. GRANT: And I was taking a look at the stats sheet. He's doing it without putting up a whole lot of attempts. He's being real efficient in getting his points, getting his teammates involved. Kobe's really evolved as a player, and I think that this Gasol deal is allowing us to see that. And when Andrew Bynum comes back, we'll really see, you know, what this team is made of. But I really feel as if that trade is going to pay more dividends next season.
The big question mark of the Lakers is going to be how does Andrew Bynum come back from such a catastrophic injury at a young age? Well, that's a big question mark.
COX: Yes, it is.
Mr. GRANT: Is he even going to be ready? How is his conditioning going to be as they head into the playoffs? So you know, even if the Lakers go deep this year into the playoffs, which I feel they will, I think that trade is really going to pay dividends down the line.
COX: So let me ask you, Gregg Lee in Boston, I'm assuming that you probably think, and the fans in the New England area probably think, that while these trades - Gasol, Shaq, Kidd - they're big, they pale in comparison to the acquisition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to the Boston Celtics.
Mr. LEE: Well, you know, that's - you know, the Celtics, you know, those acquisitions were at the beginning of the season, so they developed chemistry early in the year, whereas, you know, in the West, it's all reactionary with, you know, the Gasol trade, you know, starting off the chain reaction of the trades.
You know, the one trade we looked at is Jason Kidd going to the Dallas Mavericks. And you know, it's going to take some time for chemistry to develop - same thing with the Lakers when they get Bynum back and Gasol and Kobe playing all together in that triangle.
So, you know, the Celtics, you know, they have a little bit more chemistry, although they've only played for, you know, 40-some-odd games, 40-50 games, they have a little bit more chemistry than the teams who were just acquiring these players in (unintelligible) trade.
And you know, I saw Jason Kidd last night, and you know, it's going to take some time. You know, he's a point guard. You are the quarterback of that offense, and if you don't have the flow or, you know, know where your players are best-suited to make shots, then it's going to take some time to get together.
COX: Well, it certainly has been interesting to watch all the trades, but talking about Boston, let me say this. My producer, Roy Hearst(ph) and I had not an argument but a spirited discussion about whether we should even bring this next topic to the table, because we weren't sure that it was appropriate. And we bandied it back and forth and back and forth, and in the end we decided we do want to discuss it, and I'm glad that you're on this week, Gregg Lee, because we're talking about the Celtics and black folks and whether black people are traditionally, or have become fans of the Celtics.
Now by way of a little history, we know that the Celtics were - they're the winningest team in the history of basketball, and we knew that they had the baddest white players ever - Cousy, Larry Bird, John Havlicek. They had Bill Walton. They had McHale. They had Danny Ainge going from the '60s through the '80s. And we know that Boston has had a history of racial intolerance, going back to the '70s and bussing, et cetera, et cetera. We also know that Magic and Bird hated each other for a while before they finally settled into a respectful friendship.
But with the trade of Garnett and - not the trade, but the acquisition of, well, there was a trade. Garnett and now with Allen and with Pierce, and they got a whole black team rolling in Boston now. Are black people embracing the Celtics?
Mr. GRANT: Well, I could probably speak a little bit about that because growing up as a kid in the South in New Orleans, I didn't the Celtics at all. I mean, just, it just, I didn't like them. But it's a different time, it's a different NBA than it was 20 years ago. It was a different Boston than it was, say, you know, 10, 20 years ago.
And I see, you know, see black people supporting the Celtics now. I see black kids wearing Celtic jerseys and seeing Garnett jerseys around, Paul Pierce. So it's a different time now than when - between the hated Celtics/Lakers rivalry when people always assume it was black against white, Lakers with all their stars and Celtics with their stars. So I think it's a different era now.
COX: Well, you know what, Justin, ironically the Celtics were the first NBA franchise to draft a black player. His name was Chuck Cooper. That was in 1950. They were the first to put an all black starting lineup on the floor. Also, Bill Russell was the first black coach with the Celtics. So do you think that maybe they got a bad wrap from black people earlier on?
Mr. GRANT: Well, I'm not sure if they got a bad wrap. I know that as a kid growing up in the 1980s I was taught by my uncle, my dad, to hate the Boston Celtics. And it's so far ingrained for me here in New York that that's not gonna change. But really we, it really goes to show how we've evolved, I think, as a nation within the last 20 years or so.
Look, a black man might become President of the United States. Twenty years ago, Jesse Jackson was running and he had no chance. So I really feel like perhaps this speaks to a bigger story here, just the way we've evolved as a nation. But also the Celtics have a black coach in Doc Rivers. I believe they had a black coach in the '80s with Casey Jones.
COX: Casey Jones, yeah.
Mr. GRANT: Yeah, so you know, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, we've really gone past the whole black/white thing. The NBA is not really black/white as it was in the '80s. We have a lot more players from Europe. We have players coming in from Asia. So we really evolved and I think it speaks to the evolution of us as a nation as well as a league.
COX: Well, you have a black governor too, don't you, in Massachusetts now?
Mr. GRANT: And you have a black governor in Massachusetts in Deval Patrick.
COX: Well, D, let me bring dwil in, because dwil, you're in Vermont, right?
dwil: Yes.
COX: So you know, what's your take on the Celtics? What are the - I'm assuming that people in Vermont, they do follow basketball in Vermont, don't they?
dwil: Yes they do. And there are quite a few Celtics fans up here. I'm not from Vermont by any stretch. At the same time, there are a lot of private Celtics fans in the '60s, there's a lot of pride to see Boston field, put on court an all black team. Satch Sanders was also a coach for a minute in Boston. So privately a lot of black people in the '60s were very happy to see an all black team. What they couldn't stand is that the white players were often elevated above everyone except for Bill Russell.
So there was a hatred that evolved. I just saw this morning, Rick Buford was on ESPN talking about the NBA, and the thought that there was still an image problem with the NBA. I don't believe we've evolved that much. Because he talked at length about the difference between people like Kobe Bryant and his image versus Steve Nash. When actually they're both champions, they both have the same type of attitudes.
So people, yes, they, it's okay to like Boston now. At the same time, I think until the Bird/McHale era it always has been okay. That '80s era was polarizing. So - and that was the West Coast/East Coast Bird/Magic type of thing.
COX: Appreciate having you on. Gregg Lee, the online sports editor for the Boston Globe, dwil writing for the blog, Sports On My Mind, and Justin Grant, Alphasports blog. Everybody, thank you very much. I'll talk to you in a couple of weeks.
I'm Tony Cox, and this is NEWS & NOTES. In this week's sports bloggers segments, it's all about the NBA and basketball. With all the big trades, it's as good as it gets in the West right now. Also, have African-Americans found a new love for the Boston Celtics?
For those topics, we turn to our Sports Roundtable. Gregg Lee is the online sports editor for The Boston Globe, Justin Grant with Alpha Sports blog, and dwil writes for the blog Sports On My Mind. Fellows, nice to have you back.
Mr. GREGG LEE (Online Sports Editor, The Boston Globe): Yeah, hello.
dwil (Blogger, Sports On My Mind): How's it going?
Mr. JUSTIN GRANT (Alpha Sports Blog): Hey.
COX: It's going great. Let's talk about the big, big trades. The Lakers, of course, acquiring the seven-foot Pau Gasol from the languishing Memphis Grizzlies. The Phoenix Suns turned around and sent Shawn Marion to Miami in exchange for the diesel, Shaq O'Neal. The Dallas Mavericks turned around and picked up all-star point guard Jason Kidd from the Nets. And yesterday, the San Antonio Spurs got Kurt Thomas from Seattle, and today, the 21st is the deadline. So it may be more things still happening.
First to - well, let me not say what I think. dwil, which one of these trades that I've mentioned so far is the biggest one, in your view?
dwil: I think this trade for Gasol is the biggest one. There's a trade that people forgot, too, and that's Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz.
COX: Right.
dwil: And that's my second-favorite trade, but Gasol is definitely the biggest trade. You see what the Lakers are doing right now without Andrew Bynum. Should he come back healthy, the Lakers are the favorite to come out of the Western Conference and go to the finals.
COX: So Justin, did you see the Lakers-Suns game last night?
Mr. GRANT: I only happened to catch some of the highlights on ESPN. Obviously, I'm over here on the East Coast, so that's a little bit past my bedtime.
COX: I was going to say, they have television on the East Coast.
(Soundbite of laughter)
Mr. GRANT: I like - more than just the trade of Gasol to the Lakers, I like the way Kobe Bryant's playing. He scored like 40 points last night.
COX: Yes, he did.
Mr. GRANT: And I was taking a look at the stats sheet. He's doing it without putting up a whole lot of attempts. He's being real efficient in getting his points, getting his teammates involved. Kobe's really evolved as a player, and I think that this Gasol deal is allowing us to see that. And when Andrew Bynum comes back, we'll really see, you know, what this team is made of. But I really feel as if that trade is going to pay more dividends next season.
The big question mark of the Lakers is going to be how does Andrew Bynum come back from such a catastrophic injury at a young age? Well, that's a big question mark.
COX: Yes, it is.
Mr. GRANT: Is he even going to be ready? How is his conditioning going to be as they head into the playoffs? So you know, even if the Lakers go deep this year into the playoffs, which I feel they will, I think that trade is really going to pay dividends down the line.
COX: So let me ask you, Gregg Lee in Boston, I'm assuming that you probably think, and the fans in the New England area probably think, that while these trades - Gasol, Shaq, Kidd - they're big, they pale in comparison to the acquisition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to the Boston Celtics.
Mr. LEE: Well, you know, that's - you know, the Celtics, you know, those acquisitions were at the beginning of the season, so they developed chemistry early in the year, whereas, you know, in the West, it's all reactionary with, you know, the Gasol trade, you know, starting off the chain reaction of the trades.
You know, the one trade we looked at is Jason Kidd going to the Dallas Mavericks. And you know, it's going to take some time for chemistry to develop - same thing with the Lakers when they get Bynum back and Gasol and Kobe playing all together in that triangle.
So, you know, the Celtics, you know, they have a little bit more chemistry, although they've only played for, you know, 40-some-odd games, 40-50 games, they have a little bit more chemistry than the teams who were just acquiring these players in (unintelligible) trade.
And you know, I saw Jason Kidd last night, and you know, it's going to take some time. You know, he's a point guard. You are the quarterback of that offense, and if you don't have the flow or, you know, know where your players are best-suited to make shots, then it's going to take some time to get together.
COX: Well, it certainly has been interesting to watch all the trades, but talking about Boston, let me say this. My producer, Roy Hearst(ph) and I had not an argument but a spirited discussion about whether we should even bring this next topic to the table, because we weren't sure that it was appropriate. And we bandied it back and forth and back and forth, and in the end we decided we do want to discuss it, and I'm glad that you're on this week, Gregg Lee, because we're talking about the Celtics and black folks and whether black people are traditionally, or have become fans of the Celtics.
Now by way of a little history, we know that the Celtics were - they're the winningest team in the history of basketball, and we knew that they had the baddest white players ever - Cousy, Larry Bird, John Havlicek. They had Bill Walton. They had McHale. They had Danny Ainge going from the '60s through the '80s. And we know that Boston has had a history of racial intolerance, going back to the '70s and bussing, et cetera, et cetera. We also know that Magic and Bird hated each other for a while before they finally settled into a respectful friendship.
But with the trade of Garnett and - not the trade, but the acquisition of, well, there was a trade. Garnett and now with Allen and with Pierce, and they got a whole black team rolling in Boston now. Are black people embracing the Celtics?
Mr. GRANT: Well, I could probably speak a little bit about that because growing up as a kid in the South in New Orleans, I didn't the Celtics at all. I mean, just, it just, I didn't like them. But it's a different time, it's a different NBA than it was 20 years ago. It was a different Boston than it was, say, you know, 10, 20 years ago.
And I see, you know, see black people supporting the Celtics now. I see black kids wearing Celtic jerseys and seeing Garnett jerseys around, Paul Pierce. So it's a different time now than when - between the hated Celtics/Lakers rivalry when people always assume it was black against white, Lakers with all their stars and Celtics with their stars. So I think it's a different era now.
COX: Well, you know what, Justin, ironically the Celtics were the first NBA franchise to draft a black player. His name was Chuck Cooper. That was in 1950. They were the first to put an all black starting lineup on the floor. Also, Bill Russell was the first black coach with the Celtics. So do you think that maybe they got a bad wrap from black people earlier on?
Mr. GRANT: Well, I'm not sure if they got a bad wrap. I know that as a kid growing up in the 1980s I was taught by my uncle, my dad, to hate the Boston Celtics. And it's so far ingrained for me here in New York that that's not gonna change. But really we, it really goes to show how we've evolved, I think, as a nation within the last 20 years or so.
Look, a black man might become President of the United States. Twenty years ago, Jesse Jackson was running and he had no chance. So I really feel like perhaps this speaks to a bigger story here, just the way we've evolved as a nation. But also the Celtics have a black coach in Doc Rivers. I believe they had a black coach in the '80s with Casey Jones.
COX: Casey Jones, yeah.
Mr. GRANT: Yeah, so you know, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, we've really gone past the whole black/white thing. The NBA is not really black/white as it was in the '80s. We have a lot more players from Europe. We have players coming in from Asia. So we really evolved and I think it speaks to the evolution of us as a nation as well as a league.
COX: Well, you have a black governor too, don't you, in Massachusetts now?
Mr. GRANT: And you have a black governor in Massachusetts in Deval Patrick.
COX: Well, D, let me bring dwil in, because dwil, you're in Vermont, right?
dwil: Yes.
COX: So you know, what's your take on the Celtics? What are the - I'm assuming that people in Vermont, they do follow basketball in Vermont, don't they?
dwil: Yes they do. And there are quite a few Celtics fans up here. I'm not from Vermont by any stretch. At the same time, there are a lot of private Celtics fans in the '60s, there's a lot of pride to see Boston field, put on court an all black team. Satch Sanders was also a coach for a minute in Boston. So privately a lot of black people in the '60s were very happy to see an all black team. What they couldn't stand is that the white players were often elevated above everyone except for Bill Russell.
So there was a hatred that evolved. I just saw this morning, Rick Buford was on ESPN talking about the NBA, and the thought that there was still an image problem with the NBA. I don't believe we've evolved that much. Because he talked at length about the difference between people like Kobe Bryant and his image versus Steve Nash. When actually they're both champions, they both have the same type of attitudes.
So people, yes, they, it's okay to like Boston now. At the same time, I think until the Bird/McHale era it always has been okay. That '80s era was polarizing. So - and that was the West Coast/East Coast Bird/Magic type of thing.
COX: Appreciate having you on. Gregg Lee, the online sports editor for the Boston Globe, dwil writing for the blog, Sports On My Mind, and Justin Grant, Alphasports blog. Everybody, thank you very much. I'll talk to you in a couple of weeks.
Cassell v. Sterling
Despite modest success in recent years, the Clippers are by no means a respected NBA franchise. The decades they spent in the wilderness still cloud the team’s brand.
So you would think that Clipper executives would be trying to spruce up that brand with eye toward landing free agents next summer and further on down the road.
Sam Cassell was a good free agent signing, as evidenced by the way he has played for them, tough, intelligent, and fiery.
Query, then, what is going on in Clipperland today.
Sterling has said publicly that he refuses to buy-out Cassell. Oh, he’ll let Sam go play for the Celtics and win a championship, but the Alien will have to eat the entire $2 plus million remaining on his contract to do so.
Say what?
Does Donald Sterling understand that Sam’s agent represents other NBA stars, starting with Elton Brand? And when word of Sterling’s bargaining position travels around the NBA, do you think that will help or hurt the Clipjoint’s effort to land free agents in the future?
There is no reason to keep Cassell in Los Angeles. The Clippers are out of the playoffs, and Cassell is in the last year of his contract.
This is simply cheap and stupid behavior that is detrimental both to Sam Cassell and the Clippers franchise as a whole.
So you would think that Clipper executives would be trying to spruce up that brand with eye toward landing free agents next summer and further on down the road.
Sam Cassell was a good free agent signing, as evidenced by the way he has played for them, tough, intelligent, and fiery.
Query, then, what is going on in Clipperland today.
Sterling has said publicly that he refuses to buy-out Cassell. Oh, he’ll let Sam go play for the Celtics and win a championship, but the Alien will have to eat the entire $2 plus million remaining on his contract to do so.
Say what?
Does Donald Sterling understand that Sam’s agent represents other NBA stars, starting with Elton Brand? And when word of Sterling’s bargaining position travels around the NBA, do you think that will help or hurt the Clipjoint’s effort to land free agents in the future?
There is no reason to keep Cassell in Los Angeles. The Clippers are out of the playoffs, and Cassell is in the last year of his contract.
This is simply cheap and stupid behavior that is detrimental both to Sam Cassell and the Clippers franchise as a whole.
As the Arc Flys
When Kevin McHale drafted Kevin Garnett out of high school, let’s just say the Ticket’s jumper wasn’t poetry-in-motion. No, it was the kind of line-drive sports fans are more accustomed to seeing fly off George Brett’s bat than out of a professional basketball player’s fingertips.
Mr. McHale spent years working with KG on that jumper, and now, at times, it is a fluttery, high-arcing thing of beauty. Well, except when KG is tired or working himself back into shape.
His first games back from the abdominal injury are case in point. The line-drive was back.
Over the last two games not so much.
When he hit the turn-around jumper from near the three-point line, the arc said it all.
KG is getting healthy.
Mr. McHale spent years working with KG on that jumper, and now, at times, it is a fluttery, high-arcing thing of beauty. Well, except when KG is tired or working himself back into shape.
His first games back from the abdominal injury are case in point. The line-drive was back.
Over the last two games not so much.
When he hit the turn-around jumper from near the three-point line, the arc said it all.
KG is getting healthy.
I’m Starting to Believe in Jesus
The difference between a Ray Allen shooting slump earlier in the season and a Ray Allen shooting slump now is simple: now they last one game and then they seemed interminable.
Allen followed is 3-12 outing against Phoenix with 7-8, 6-12, and 7-10 outings against Portland, Los Angles, and Cleveland.
Before the 3-12 effort?
11-17 against Golden State.
And don’t forget his MVP-level performance in the All-Star game.
Jesus is clearly in a zone.
Allen followed is 3-12 outing against Phoenix with 7-8, 6-12, and 7-10 outings against Portland, Los Angles, and Cleveland.
Before the 3-12 effort?
11-17 against Golden State.
And don’t forget his MVP-level performance in the All-Star game.
Jesus is clearly in a zone.
2.27.2008
Get Cassell
It's official.
PJ brown is now a celtic.
The only thing left for Danny is to sign the alien.
Well, I guess he needs to get bought out first.
Talk to his agent. Promise him the moon.
Tell Sammy you'll make up any lost money with a coaching or executive post after he retirees.
I don't care.
Just get him.
Get Cassell
Brent Barry Conspiracy Theory
Based on the surprise being expressed on other Celtics blogs, I must have been in the minority of Celtics fans who were even aware getting PJ Brown was an option.
(please pause while I pat myself on the back)
I'll wait until the press conference before I blow my horn too loudly.
But while I'm on a roll, here's my latest unconfirmed insight:
The reason Brent Barry hasn't inked a deal with anyone else is he is waiting to see if in fact the Clippers buy-out Sam Cassell.
If they don't?
He signs with Doc and Danny.
You heard it here first.
(please pause while I pat myself on the back)
I'll wait until the press conference before I blow my horn too loudly.
But while I'm on a roll, here's my latest unconfirmed insight:
The reason Brent Barry hasn't inked a deal with anyone else is he is waiting to see if in fact the Clippers buy-out Sam Cassell.
If they don't?
He signs with Doc and Danny.
You heard it here first.
PJ Brown Now in the Mix
Last night ESPN reported that PJ Brown is now likely to come out of retirement and finish the year with some team, one of which might be Boston.Five thoughts:
1. Why didn't the Cs make a stronger run at Damon Stoudamire? They were banking on landing Sam Cassell.
2. Why didn't the Cs make a stronger run at Chris Webber or Jamaal Magliore? They had their eyes on PJ Brown.
3. Why would PJ join the Hornets or Orlando, two teams with no chance to get to the Finals, after sitting out two-thirds of an NBA season, biding his time as he waited for the team with the best chance at the Finals to call?
4. Speaking of Finals odds, let's hope Detroit doesn't come calling.
5. If we get PJ and Cassell, who gets thrown under the bus when Brent Barry or Reggie Miller express interest in coming on board?
Energize the Fan Base
Any doubts that another Ainge coup at the March 1 deadline would energize the fan base heading down the stretch?
It wouldn't compare to the KG, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce press conference. But a PJ Brown, Sam Cassell Welcome-to-Boston press conference would be worth watching.
C's Win (44-11) as Bird Tallies 24-18-13
The Green Improve to 44-11
You cannot measure a Renoir or state with certainty which is the best meal ever prepared. And you can't measure the greatness of a Larry Bird.
There is no "best" Bird performance. His truly great games -- and this must qualify as an upper-echelon performance -- each have an individual texture and flavor. Nor is there any way to know exactly what he's capable of on some future evening, not that you could ever tell by numbers alone.
Last night's numbers were good enough. Bird came up with 24 points, 18 rebounds and a season-high 13 assists. But those cold figures do not convey his effect on the game. In the second half, he was Art Tatum, a virtuoso standing so far above his sidemen that accompaniment was superfluous. Indeed, the Celtics were at times a hindrance to Bird, whose performance directed them to a 91-74 victory over the Knicks.
In the final 19:43 of the game, Bird scored 20 points. The Knicks, meanwhile, scored 24. As always, the Knicks battled and scratched against a physically superior foe, and with 7:43 left in the third quarter, they were ahead, 50-45, in part because of Boston's horrifying carelessness with the basketball (the Celtics would finish with 24 turnovers) and in part because New York really is capable of playing excellent defense.
At this point, Bird had taken three shots, and his only basket had come via a Patrick Ewing goaltend in the first quarter. He had gone into the locker room with seven assists (he was making New York pay for its double-teaming) and 11 rebounds. Offensively, however, he had not really been exploited.
"In the first half," explained K.C. Jones, "he didn't have the ball much. I said, 'Hey, he should have the ball. It's that simple. The way we were going, we were still back in the air, still back in Hartford, still on the bus coming over here. We needed to get moving."
And so they gave Larry the ball. It was 50-47 when Dennis Johnson hit Bird with a bullet on a right-to-left cut across the lane. Bird softly laid in a backhander after taking the ball in the air. He was fouled. He sank the shot, and the game was tied. For the final time.
He was ready. Before the quarter was over, he spun into the lane for a scoop (52-50); swished a fast break three-pointer (55-50); fed Greg Kite for a pick-and-roll dunk (59-54); sank two free throws (61-54); stole an Ernie Grunfeld entry pass and followed at the other end with a post-up 1958-style Bob Cousy scooper (63-56); and, for an appropriate finale, threw in a step- back, ceiling-scraping, buzzer-beating fadeaway to make it 65-56 after three.
He concentrated on passing in the final period, during which the closest New York came was seven at 67-60 with 9:56 to go. Boston's response was a quick run of 8-1 that concluded with a nice drive and pitch-back by Jerry Sichting to Robert Parish, who sank a soft jumper to put Boston ahead by 14 (75-61) with 7:15 remaining.
Parish (20 points, 11 rebounds) and Bill Walton (15 points, 14 rebounds) vied for the Best Supporting honors on an evening when the Celtics struggled for 2 1/2 periods against a team which shot 35 percent for the game in its own building.
New York had spotted the Celtics a 10-point (28-18) second-quarter lead before submitting its most significant statement of the evening, that being a run of 11-2 which pulled them within one at 30-29 with 5:14 remaining. There was parity for the rest of the half, and with 32 seconds left, New York surged ahead on a basket by dynamic Gerald Wilkins. DJ and Wilkins matched free throws, and thus New York walked off with a 40-39 halftime lead.
The Celtics putzed around at the outset of the second half, first running off six straight to go ahead, 45-44, and then ceding New York six straight to fall behind by that 50-45 count.
The Celtics called time out and promptly conjured up a 24-second violation. But Parish took Ewing to the hole for two free throws for the first of what turned out to be 12 unanswered Celtics points, eight quickies by Bird and the final two on a bizarre hoop by Walton, whose pass intended for Bird was batted into the air by Bob Thornton and knocked into the basket (the second time this has happened to Walton in two weeks).
From then on, it was an extended Bird solo.
You cannot measure a Renoir or state with certainty which is the best meal ever prepared. And you can't measure the greatness of a Larry Bird.
There is no "best" Bird performance. His truly great games -- and this must qualify as an upper-echelon performance -- each have an individual texture and flavor. Nor is there any way to know exactly what he's capable of on some future evening, not that you could ever tell by numbers alone.
Last night's numbers were good enough. Bird came up with 24 points, 18 rebounds and a season-high 13 assists. But those cold figures do not convey his effect on the game. In the second half, he was Art Tatum, a virtuoso standing so far above his sidemen that accompaniment was superfluous. Indeed, the Celtics were at times a hindrance to Bird, whose performance directed them to a 91-74 victory over the Knicks.
In the final 19:43 of the game, Bird scored 20 points. The Knicks, meanwhile, scored 24. As always, the Knicks battled and scratched against a physically superior foe, and with 7:43 left in the third quarter, they were ahead, 50-45, in part because of Boston's horrifying carelessness with the basketball (the Celtics would finish with 24 turnovers) and in part because New York really is capable of playing excellent defense.
At this point, Bird had taken three shots, and his only basket had come via a Patrick Ewing goaltend in the first quarter. He had gone into the locker room with seven assists (he was making New York pay for its double-teaming) and 11 rebounds. Offensively, however, he had not really been exploited.
"In the first half," explained K.C. Jones, "he didn't have the ball much. I said, 'Hey, he should have the ball. It's that simple. The way we were going, we were still back in the air, still back in Hartford, still on the bus coming over here. We needed to get moving."
And so they gave Larry the ball. It was 50-47 when Dennis Johnson hit Bird with a bullet on a right-to-left cut across the lane. Bird softly laid in a backhander after taking the ball in the air. He was fouled. He sank the shot, and the game was tied. For the final time.
He was ready. Before the quarter was over, he spun into the lane for a scoop (52-50); swished a fast break three-pointer (55-50); fed Greg Kite for a pick-and-roll dunk (59-54); sank two free throws (61-54); stole an Ernie Grunfeld entry pass and followed at the other end with a post-up 1958-style Bob Cousy scooper (63-56); and, for an appropriate finale, threw in a step- back, ceiling-scraping, buzzer-beating fadeaway to make it 65-56 after three.
He concentrated on passing in the final period, during which the closest New York came was seven at 67-60 with 9:56 to go. Boston's response was a quick run of 8-1 that concluded with a nice drive and pitch-back by Jerry Sichting to Robert Parish, who sank a soft jumper to put Boston ahead by 14 (75-61) with 7:15 remaining.
Parish (20 points, 11 rebounds) and Bill Walton (15 points, 14 rebounds) vied for the Best Supporting honors on an evening when the Celtics struggled for 2 1/2 periods against a team which shot 35 percent for the game in its own building.
New York had spotted the Celtics a 10-point (28-18) second-quarter lead before submitting its most significant statement of the evening, that being a run of 11-2 which pulled them within one at 30-29 with 5:14 remaining. There was parity for the rest of the half, and with 32 seconds left, New York surged ahead on a basket by dynamic Gerald Wilkins. DJ and Wilkins matched free throws, and thus New York walked off with a 40-39 halftime lead.
The Celtics putzed around at the outset of the second half, first running off six straight to go ahead, 45-44, and then ceding New York six straight to fall behind by that 50-45 count.
The Celtics called time out and promptly conjured up a 24-second violation. But Parish took Ewing to the hole for two free throws for the first of what turned out to be 12 unanswered Celtics points, eight quickies by Bird and the final two on a bizarre hoop by Walton, whose pass intended for Bird was batted into the air by Bob Thornton and knocked into the basket (the second time this has happened to Walton in two weeks).
From then on, it was an extended Bird solo.
Don Cheney on Gaudy Regular Season Records
Don Chaney has this warning for Doc Rivers:
``I was on a Celtics team (1972-73) that won 68 games and didn`t win the title. What you have to be careful of is shooting for as many wins as possible during the regular season and then losing your edge in the playoffs. I think that happened to Dallas last year and Portland in '91. It's also what happened to us in Boston, too.``
Yeah, but Havlicek injured his shoulder against the Knicks in the ECF's that year.
Oh well.
Cheney's point is nonetheless well taken.
``I was on a Celtics team (1972-73) that won 68 games and didn`t win the title. What you have to be careful of is shooting for as many wins as possible during the regular season and then losing your edge in the playoffs. I think that happened to Dallas last year and Portland in '91. It's also what happened to us in Boston, too.``
Yeah, but Havlicek injured his shoulder against the Knicks in the ECF's that year.
Oh well.
Cheney's point is nonetheless well taken.
A Few Rants by Red
Red on Phil
What bothers me--actually it's none of my business, to a certain extent--is he doesn't give anybody else any credit. Jerry West built that team. You'd think he'd give him some credit. Or out of nowhere the guys get him Malone and Payton. He had nothing to do with that. You know what I mean? I guess some people are like that.
Red on Larry
I beat Bird in tennis one time. I threw the racket down and said, "How can you let a 65-year-old man beat you?"
Red on Spotting Talent
I saw Bird play once, I saw McHale once, and I saw Cowens once before I drafted them. That was enough for me.
Red on Cooz
I'd say to him, "Bob [Cousy], I don't care how you pass the ball--sidearm, over your head, between your legs, behind your back--but somebody better catch it."
Red on Banner #1
Winning the first championship. I came home that night, I sat down in a chair, I said you're one lucky SOB. You're now the coach of the greatest basketball team in the world. How much better can it get?
Red on Politics
I don't get into politics. I never did. Especially in Boston, because you can't win.
Red on Fame
My great-grandkids dragged me up there about a month ago to take pictures with me in front of [Auerbach] statue. Unreal.
Red on Today's Coaches
I get mad at these coaches when they're 20-25 points ahead with a minute to go and they're standing up and they're coaching and they're yelling. Why? Because they want exposure on TV. That's all it is. The game is over. Sit down.
Red on Cigars
It was accidental. In those days, a lot of coaches smoked on the bench. One day when we were way ahead, I put my feet up and I had a cigar and lit it. All of a sudden, it was very charismatic and took hold.
One time in Cincinnati they gave out 5,000 cigars, hoping they'd win and light it in my face.
They didn't win.
What bothers me--actually it's none of my business, to a certain extent--is he doesn't give anybody else any credit. Jerry West built that team. You'd think he'd give him some credit. Or out of nowhere the guys get him Malone and Payton. He had nothing to do with that. You know what I mean? I guess some people are like that.
Red on Larry
I beat Bird in tennis one time. I threw the racket down and said, "How can you let a 65-year-old man beat you?"
Red on Spotting Talent
I saw Bird play once, I saw McHale once, and I saw Cowens once before I drafted them. That was enough for me.
Red on Cooz
I'd say to him, "Bob [Cousy], I don't care how you pass the ball--sidearm, over your head, between your legs, behind your back--but somebody better catch it."
Red on Banner #1
Winning the first championship. I came home that night, I sat down in a chair, I said you're one lucky SOB. You're now the coach of the greatest basketball team in the world. How much better can it get?
Red on Politics
I don't get into politics. I never did. Especially in Boston, because you can't win.
Red on Fame
My great-grandkids dragged me up there about a month ago to take pictures with me in front of [Auerbach] statue. Unreal.
Red on Today's Coaches
I get mad at these coaches when they're 20-25 points ahead with a minute to go and they're standing up and they're coaching and they're yelling. Why? Because they want exposure on TV. That's all it is. The game is over. Sit down.
Red on Cigars
It was accidental. In those days, a lot of coaches smoked on the bench. One day when we were way ahead, I put my feet up and I had a cigar and lit it. All of a sudden, it was very charismatic and took hold.
One time in Cincinnati they gave out 5,000 cigars, hoping they'd win and light it in my face.
They didn't win.
Winning as Marketing
Boston was the place to be after the Kevin Garnett trade. Free agents Eddie House, Scot Pollard, and James Posey all confided that the opportunity to play with KG was a motivating factor in their joining the Celtics organization for less money than they could have gotten elsewhere.
Other players around the league, free agent or not, withheld judgment. They weren’t as convinced that the new-look Celtics would be as successful as some believed.
Then came the 29-3 start at which point even players under contract acknowledged that they would love to play in Boston where “basketball is being played the way it should be played,” which was another way of saying the Celtics were playing a selfless brand of offensive basketball and a tough, gritty, and intelligent brand of defensive basketball.
All along almost everyone understood that the Celtics playoff hopes would be improved by adding another veteran big and another veteran point guard.
Then KG got hurt.
The smart money had the C’s going in the tank until he returned, but that money wasn’t smart for long, as Doc’s troops went 7-2 without the Big Fella. Despite this success, additional injuries made it clear the Celtics still had holes to fill.
Big Baby and Leon Powe, neither measuring 6’9” or better, took turns guarding Tim Duncan. Again, it was a success, but having those two play pivotal minutes in the pivot is not something any Celtics wanted to see again heading down the stretch.
It also became clear during the KGless stretch that Tony Allen was getting healthy and more productive, and that Eddie House was money off the bench. Both can play point guard, but neither excels in that role.
How much more productive would they both be, Celtics fans asked each other, if House and Allen could focus their energies entirely on playing the off-guard?
Then came the Pao Gasol trade, and thus ended the high-water mark of the Celtics marketability to free agents. Following the Lakers swindle, the floodgates opened, and just about every top team in the West got measurably better via one trade or another. Garbage was dealt for healthy contributors, even retired players were resurrected just to throw in so some team wouldn't have to part with real talent.
All of a sudden the Celtics weren't sexy any more. They weren’t the hip destination that they were before the Gasol trade.
The main reason, in my opinion, was that the Celtics failed to improve themselves via trade before the trade deadline, and almost every other elite team did. So the Celtics ceased being the odds on favorite to win the title.
Meanwhile, the Cavs and the Pistons started to roll and the Celtics started to lose after KG returned to the lineup. Oh, and both the Cavs and Pistons bettered themselves at the trade deadline as well.
Next thing you know, pundits were saying the Celtics might have trouble getting past the Cavs in the playoffs even before they get to the ECFs.
Thankfully, the Celtics three-game West Coast losing streak came to an end before every free agent was turned off.
But one is left to wonder how much damage was done by the above confluence of factors. Everyone loves a winner, and fans aren't the only ones prone to bandwagon jumping.
As of this writing, no free agent has signed with another team…yet.
So the Celtics marketing efforts could still benefit from an infusion of energy, the kind of energy that comes from an important win over a big rival.
It just so happens that the Celtics square off against the Cavs tonight.
Losing combined with injuries makes you look vulnerable, not a good thing when the competition is looking increasingly stronger. A win tonight may get the wheels back on the track, and with Yao Ming out for the season, the Celtics have one less viable suitor vying for the available free agents.
Other players around the league, free agent or not, withheld judgment. They weren’t as convinced that the new-look Celtics would be as successful as some believed.
Then came the 29-3 start at which point even players under contract acknowledged that they would love to play in Boston where “basketball is being played the way it should be played,” which was another way of saying the Celtics were playing a selfless brand of offensive basketball and a tough, gritty, and intelligent brand of defensive basketball.
All along almost everyone understood that the Celtics playoff hopes would be improved by adding another veteran big and another veteran point guard.
Then KG got hurt.
The smart money had the C’s going in the tank until he returned, but that money wasn’t smart for long, as Doc’s troops went 7-2 without the Big Fella. Despite this success, additional injuries made it clear the Celtics still had holes to fill.
Big Baby and Leon Powe, neither measuring 6’9” or better, took turns guarding Tim Duncan. Again, it was a success, but having those two play pivotal minutes in the pivot is not something any Celtics wanted to see again heading down the stretch.
It also became clear during the KGless stretch that Tony Allen was getting healthy and more productive, and that Eddie House was money off the bench. Both can play point guard, but neither excels in that role.
How much more productive would they both be, Celtics fans asked each other, if House and Allen could focus their energies entirely on playing the off-guard?
Then came the Pao Gasol trade, and thus ended the high-water mark of the Celtics marketability to free agents. Following the Lakers swindle, the floodgates opened, and just about every top team in the West got measurably better via one trade or another. Garbage was dealt for healthy contributors, even retired players were resurrected just to throw in so some team wouldn't have to part with real talent.
All of a sudden the Celtics weren't sexy any more. They weren’t the hip destination that they were before the Gasol trade.
The main reason, in my opinion, was that the Celtics failed to improve themselves via trade before the trade deadline, and almost every other elite team did. So the Celtics ceased being the odds on favorite to win the title.
Meanwhile, the Cavs and the Pistons started to roll and the Celtics started to lose after KG returned to the lineup. Oh, and both the Cavs and Pistons bettered themselves at the trade deadline as well.
Next thing you know, pundits were saying the Celtics might have trouble getting past the Cavs in the playoffs even before they get to the ECFs.
Thankfully, the Celtics three-game West Coast losing streak came to an end before every free agent was turned off.
But one is left to wonder how much damage was done by the above confluence of factors. Everyone loves a winner, and fans aren't the only ones prone to bandwagon jumping.
As of this writing, no free agent has signed with another team…yet.
So the Celtics marketing efforts could still benefit from an infusion of energy, the kind of energy that comes from an important win over a big rival.
It just so happens that the Celtics square off against the Cavs tonight.
Losing combined with injuries makes you look vulnerable, not a good thing when the competition is looking increasingly stronger. A win tonight may get the wheels back on the track, and with Yao Ming out for the season, the Celtics have one less viable suitor vying for the available free agents.
Barry Narrows Choice to Suns or Spurs
Phoenix Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said he flew into San Antonio Tuesday to meet with free agent guard Brent Barry and his wife, Erin, but Barry remains undecided.
Barry, whose choice apparently is down to the Suns and San Antonio Spurs, left open the possibility that he may need until Wednesday to pick a team."I've spoken with Brent," Kerr said. "I met with him and his wife and we're awaiting his decision. He's very seriously considering it."
Source: Arizona Republic
2.26.2008
Boston's Next Bird(man)?
The Birdman wants to come back, but there's no telling whether there will be a clear or speedy flight path for his possible return to the NBA.
Chris Andersen, who was "dismissed and disqualified" from the NBA and the New Orleans Hornets on Jan. 27, 2006, after testing positive for a prohibited substance, is eligible to apply for reinstatement beginning Sunday -- exactly two years after he was thrown out of the league.
Prior to his suspension, Chris Andersen was a crowd favorite.
Now the "wheels are in motion" for Andersen to attempt a comeback, a somewhat arduous process that will begin with him filling out a multi-page application for reinstatement and sending it, along with dozens of pages of supporting documentation, to the league office in New York via overnight mail.
Andersen must then schedule a meeting with members of both the commissioner's office and the players' union, and the consent of both organizations is needed for Andersen to be reinstated. Andersen has no right to appeal if his reinstatement application is rejected.
There is no language in the collective bargaining agreement specifying any kind of a timetable for the reinstatement process, so it could be only a matter of days -- or it could take several weeks -- for Andersen to get a definitive answer.
If Andersen's application is granted, the Hornets would then have a 30-day exclusive window to tender him a contract for the remainder of the season. Sources have told ESPN.com that the Hornets are indeed quite interested in bringing Andersen back to a roster short on front-court depth.
Should the Hornets decline to sign him, Andersen would become an unrestricted free agent and could sign with any team.
Several NBA players have drawn five-game suspensions in recent years for violating the league's marijuana rule, but Andersen tested positive for a "drug of abuse" -- defined as amphetamines (and their derivatives), cocaine, opiates, PCP and LSD -- and was subject to a harsher penalty.
Andersen has never publicly said which drug he tested positive for, and league and union officials are prohibited under collective bargaining rules from disclosing that information
--ESPN
Chris Andersen, who was "dismissed and disqualified" from the NBA and the New Orleans Hornets on Jan. 27, 2006, after testing positive for a prohibited substance, is eligible to apply for reinstatement beginning Sunday -- exactly two years after he was thrown out of the league.
Prior to his suspension, Chris Andersen was a crowd favorite.
Now the "wheels are in motion" for Andersen to attempt a comeback, a somewhat arduous process that will begin with him filling out a multi-page application for reinstatement and sending it, along with dozens of pages of supporting documentation, to the league office in New York via overnight mail.
Andersen must then schedule a meeting with members of both the commissioner's office and the players' union, and the consent of both organizations is needed for Andersen to be reinstated. Andersen has no right to appeal if his reinstatement application is rejected.
There is no language in the collective bargaining agreement specifying any kind of a timetable for the reinstatement process, so it could be only a matter of days -- or it could take several weeks -- for Andersen to get a definitive answer.
If Andersen's application is granted, the Hornets would then have a 30-day exclusive window to tender him a contract for the remainder of the season. Sources have told ESPN.com that the Hornets are indeed quite interested in bringing Andersen back to a roster short on front-court depth.
Should the Hornets decline to sign him, Andersen would become an unrestricted free agent and could sign with any team.
Several NBA players have drawn five-game suspensions in recent years for violating the league's marijuana rule, but Andersen tested positive for a "drug of abuse" -- defined as amphetamines (and their derivatives), cocaine, opiates, PCP and LSD -- and was subject to a harsher penalty.
Andersen has never publicly said which drug he tested positive for, and league and union officials are prohibited under collective bargaining rules from disclosing that information
--ESPN
Cs (43-11) Tally 14 Assists on 17 Baskets in Fourth Quarter Virtuoso to Pull Away from Pacers
Green Improves to 43-11
Nobody can be sure exactly how Dr. Naismith meant the game to be played, but until one of his relatives submits a carefully documented piece of correspondence to the contrary, we will presume he had in mind something similar to the version demonstrated by the Celtics in the fourth period last night.
In apparent danger of dropping their -- horrors! -- second game of the season to the worst team in the Central Division, the Celtics compressed a month's worth of someone else's highlights into 12 minutes, resulting in a 113-98 dispatch of the Indiana Pacers.
The fourth-quarter explosion (which included a run of 26-8) enabled the capacity gathering of 15,124 to go home raving about Larry Bird's 33d career triple-double (30 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists), Robert Parish's 27 points, 15 rebounds and 6 blocks, and Scott Wedman's 8-for-11, 19-point offensive display. Most of all, the fans could go home secure in the knowledge that they had seen the best team passing show any basketball enthusiasts are likely to witness in the next three months.
With 14 fourth-quarter assists among their 17 baskets, the Celtics submitted a number that should speak for itself. But numbers will never convey the pull-you-out-of-your-seat excitement of the passes thrown by Dennis Johnson (five of his seven assists) and Bird (four of his 12). The Celtics neither missed cutters nor took prisoners during the fourth-period destruction of a 19-37 team that had the temerity to make a game of it for three quarters.
The Celtics entered the final quarter tied at 78, and only arrived at that fortunate juncture thanks to a 30-foot, buzzer-beating heave by Johnson. The Pacers then scored the first four points of the last quarter. It would have been very nice for the team wearing the ugly blue jerseys if the Civic Center lights had then gone out, or if the roof had collapsed again, because the next eight minutes were very embarrassing.
A DJ jumper started the Celtics off. Then came two big plays by Jerry Sichting, who first stuck in a jumper and then drew an offensive foul on Bryan Warrick on the subsequent inbounds pass. Bird fed Wedman for a jumper, and the Celtics were ahead to stay at 84-82.
The fun had truly just begun, because the Celtics, who had found the Pacers unduly resilient during the first three quarters (the largest lead either team could construct was six), were determined to leave no doubt in the mind of any patron exactly which was the Have and which was the Have-Not.
Translation: the Celtics committed themselves to quality defense. "About that time," said DJ, "everybody said, 'Let's get going and end this as quick as we can.' By the time we had it up to 11 or 12, they started to lose confidence."
Perhaps the Pacers just got tired trying to find the ball. The Celtics made sure it didn't linger in anyone's hands too long.
"We let up with our intensity, especially on defense, in the fourth quarter," said Indiana coach George Irvine. "We didn't put pressure on the ball. We kind of backed off, and they picked us apart. Boston is very smart. They take whatever the defense gives, and they react very well. We also panicked on offense, too. That's a bad combination."
The five breaking open the game were Bill Walton, Bird, Wedman, Johnson and Sichting. They authored an 18-5 run that turned that 82-78 Indiana lead with 11:22 remaining into a 96-87 Boston advantage at the 5:52 mark. Parish entered the game for Wedman at this point, and the effect was downright obscene. The Chief helped himself to a turnaround one-on-three facial, a layup from Sichting, a dunk on a spectacular feed from DJ and, finally, a layup on a gorgeous feed from Bird.
The Celtics had the adoring crowd nervous and fretful during the first three quarters. They appeared unwilling to get back on defense in the first quarter ("Our minds and legs were still on the West Coast," said K.C. Jones), and they struggled to keep pace with the Indiana kids. It was 25-all after one, 55-53 Boston at the half and 78-all after three, and it seemed that Indiana wanted the game more at the 36-minute juncture.
Nobody can be sure exactly how Dr. Naismith meant the game to be played, but until one of his relatives submits a carefully documented piece of correspondence to the contrary, we will presume he had in mind something similar to the version demonstrated by the Celtics in the fourth period last night.
In apparent danger of dropping their -- horrors! -- second game of the season to the worst team in the Central Division, the Celtics compressed a month's worth of someone else's highlights into 12 minutes, resulting in a 113-98 dispatch of the Indiana Pacers.
The fourth-quarter explosion (which included a run of 26-8) enabled the capacity gathering of 15,124 to go home raving about Larry Bird's 33d career triple-double (30 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists), Robert Parish's 27 points, 15 rebounds and 6 blocks, and Scott Wedman's 8-for-11, 19-point offensive display. Most of all, the fans could go home secure in the knowledge that they had seen the best team passing show any basketball enthusiasts are likely to witness in the next three months.
With 14 fourth-quarter assists among their 17 baskets, the Celtics submitted a number that should speak for itself. But numbers will never convey the pull-you-out-of-your-seat excitement of the passes thrown by Dennis Johnson (five of his seven assists) and Bird (four of his 12). The Celtics neither missed cutters nor took prisoners during the fourth-period destruction of a 19-37 team that had the temerity to make a game of it for three quarters.
The Celtics entered the final quarter tied at 78, and only arrived at that fortunate juncture thanks to a 30-foot, buzzer-beating heave by Johnson. The Pacers then scored the first four points of the last quarter. It would have been very nice for the team wearing the ugly blue jerseys if the Civic Center lights had then gone out, or if the roof had collapsed again, because the next eight minutes were very embarrassing.
A DJ jumper started the Celtics off. Then came two big plays by Jerry Sichting, who first stuck in a jumper and then drew an offensive foul on Bryan Warrick on the subsequent inbounds pass. Bird fed Wedman for a jumper, and the Celtics were ahead to stay at 84-82.
The fun had truly just begun, because the Celtics, who had found the Pacers unduly resilient during the first three quarters (the largest lead either team could construct was six), were determined to leave no doubt in the mind of any patron exactly which was the Have and which was the Have-Not.
Translation: the Celtics committed themselves to quality defense. "About that time," said DJ, "everybody said, 'Let's get going and end this as quick as we can.' By the time we had it up to 11 or 12, they started to lose confidence."
Perhaps the Pacers just got tired trying to find the ball. The Celtics made sure it didn't linger in anyone's hands too long.
"We let up with our intensity, especially on defense, in the fourth quarter," said Indiana coach George Irvine. "We didn't put pressure on the ball. We kind of backed off, and they picked us apart. Boston is very smart. They take whatever the defense gives, and they react very well. We also panicked on offense, too. That's a bad combination."
The five breaking open the game were Bill Walton, Bird, Wedman, Johnson and Sichting. They authored an 18-5 run that turned that 82-78 Indiana lead with 11:22 remaining into a 96-87 Boston advantage at the 5:52 mark. Parish entered the game for Wedman at this point, and the effect was downright obscene. The Chief helped himself to a turnaround one-on-three facial, a layup from Sichting, a dunk on a spectacular feed from DJ and, finally, a layup on a gorgeous feed from Bird.
The Celtics had the adoring crowd nervous and fretful during the first three quarters. They appeared unwilling to get back on defense in the first quarter ("Our minds and legs were still on the West Coast," said K.C. Jones), and they struggled to keep pace with the Indiana kids. It was 25-all after one, 55-53 Boston at the half and 78-all after three, and it seemed that Indiana wanted the game more at the 36-minute juncture.
Does KG have what it Takes?
As I watch the Los Angeles Lakers stampede over everyone in sight, I am left to wonder how will the Boston Celtics perform come playoff time.
A big part of the equation will be whether Kevin Garnett is able to elevate his game, and the that of his teammates, when it counts. He is the Celtics highest paid player, their inspirational leader, and their quarterback on defense.
He so intimidated Andrew Bynum and the Lakers in Los Angeles that Phil Jackson and company threw in the towel with seven minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
At the same time, KG hasn't gone to the playoffs since 2004, and has only gotten out of the first round of the playoffs once. He also has a reputation as a player unable to carry his team over the last five minutes of a game. And now the Lakers have added Pao Gasol, while Bynum is said to be on the mend.
So what can we expect from the Ticket come May and June?
Here is one possible answer from his only game 7 appearance to date.
May 19, 2004
MINNEAPOLIS
Reputations in the NBA are formed in the fourth quarter of Game 7s, for those fortunate enough to get that far.
On Wednesday night, Kevin Garnett showed what he was all about.
Playing in the first Game 7 in franchise history, Garnett had his defining moment, scoring 14 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter to help Minnesota hold off Sacramento 83-80. The next step in Garnett's brilliant career will commence Friday night at the Target Center, when the Los Angeles Lakers arrive to begin the Western Conference finals.
Sacramento, meanwhile, fell in a Game 7 for the third consecutive postseason, their fate sealed when Webber's last-second 3-point attempt rimmed out and the Target Center erupted while he fell to the floor and hung his head. As for Stojakovic, Wednesday continued a familiar pattern for one of the league's best regular-season scorers. The forward scored eight points, 16 below his average, on 3-of-12 shooting, despite playing 46 minutes. His fourth-quarter output was two points; he shot the ball only once.
Two years ago, in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals against the Lakers, Stojakovic's reputation as a big-game non-factor was established when he missed shot after shot late in an anguishing Kings' loss.
On Wednesday, it was Garnett who caused the anguish. Playing on his 28th birthday, the league's MVP was brilliant when it mattered the most.
``I've always been a huge admirer of him,'' Kings coach Rick Adelman said of Garnett. ``He got the MVP this season and he led his team to the conference finals. You have to admire what he's done.''
Adelman paused. ``Tomorrow, maybe.''
Garnett teamed with hobbled point guard Sam Cassell to score the Wolves' first 13 points as they opened an early seven-point lead.
The Kings were awful in the first half, scoring just 31 points as Stojakovic and Mike Bibby combined for 3-of-14 shooting. But the Wolves failed to put them away and led by just 10 points at halftime as a palpable unease settled over the Target Center.
In the third quarter, the Kings awakened, using a 6-0 run after a timeout to take their first lead at 58-57. Minnesota was fumbling away the basketball in embarrassing fashion, with a muffed exchange between Cassell and Latrell Sprewell resulting in a Doug Christie steal and dunk, and Mark Madsen dropping a terrific pass from Cassell underneath the basket.
Stojakovic and Bibby still were struggling from the field, but the Kings were getting enough clutch baskets from Webber, Christie and Brad Miller to climb back into the game.
That's when Garnett took control, scoring 13 of Minnesota's first 17 points of the fourth quarter to give the Wolves a 79-70 lead with 2:31 remaining. Often criticized in past Minnesota playoff flameouts for not taking control late in games, Garnett's determination to score was a welcome sight Wednesday.
``I had to be aggressive tonight,'' said Garnett, who claims he wasn't aware of his reputation of being soft in the fourth quarter of important games. ``I had to be the example to everybody. I didn't want to be driving home and wondering if I could have done more.''
Garnett showed his amazing versatility, driving to the basket on Webber, posting up Christie, spinning in the lane for a fadeaway jump shot and, most miraculously, firing up a turnaround 3-pointer as the shot clock expired to push Minnesota's lead to 77-70. The fans responded with a roar of adulation not heard in Minnesota since Kirby Puckett patrolled center field for the Twins.
Minnesota coach Flip Saunders said his star was able to tune out the pregame hype.
``Everywhere you went, people were talking to you about the game, asking if you're nervous, giving you suggestions as they always do,'' he said. ``Kevin had a ton of pressure on him, but he had an amazing calm about him. He didn't even have to work tonight. He was in such a flow.''
Still, the suspense wasn't over as Christie hit a 3-pointer to pull the Kings to 81-80. After a pair of Cassell free throws, the Kings had one last shot at forcing overtime. Webber's aim appeared to be true.
``I definitely thought that last shot was good,'' Webber said. ``I couldn't believe it came out.''
But it did, and Garnett was able to bask in his hard-earned applause. He strode around the court in the center of a couple dozen photographers, playing to the crowd, jumping atop the scorer's table and yelping into a microphone.
``This is my moment to enjoy it,'' Garnett said, ``so I went ahead and enjoyed it. I understand there's still business at hand, but I wasn't going to hold back.''
Game 7 winners shouldn't have to.
A big part of the equation will be whether Kevin Garnett is able to elevate his game, and the that of his teammates, when it counts. He is the Celtics highest paid player, their inspirational leader, and their quarterback on defense.
He so intimidated Andrew Bynum and the Lakers in Los Angeles that Phil Jackson and company threw in the towel with seven minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
At the same time, KG hasn't gone to the playoffs since 2004, and has only gotten out of the first round of the playoffs once. He also has a reputation as a player unable to carry his team over the last five minutes of a game. And now the Lakers have added Pao Gasol, while Bynum is said to be on the mend.
So what can we expect from the Ticket come May and June?
Here is one possible answer from his only game 7 appearance to date.
May 19, 2004
MINNEAPOLIS
Reputations in the NBA are formed in the fourth quarter of Game 7s, for those fortunate enough to get that far.
On Wednesday night, Kevin Garnett showed what he was all about.
Playing in the first Game 7 in franchise history, Garnett had his defining moment, scoring 14 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter to help Minnesota hold off Sacramento 83-80. The next step in Garnett's brilliant career will commence Friday night at the Target Center, when the Los Angeles Lakers arrive to begin the Western Conference finals.
Sacramento, meanwhile, fell in a Game 7 for the third consecutive postseason, their fate sealed when Webber's last-second 3-point attempt rimmed out and the Target Center erupted while he fell to the floor and hung his head. As for Stojakovic, Wednesday continued a familiar pattern for one of the league's best regular-season scorers. The forward scored eight points, 16 below his average, on 3-of-12 shooting, despite playing 46 minutes. His fourth-quarter output was two points; he shot the ball only once.
Two years ago, in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals against the Lakers, Stojakovic's reputation as a big-game non-factor was established when he missed shot after shot late in an anguishing Kings' loss.
On Wednesday, it was Garnett who caused the anguish. Playing on his 28th birthday, the league's MVP was brilliant when it mattered the most.
``I've always been a huge admirer of him,'' Kings coach Rick Adelman said of Garnett. ``He got the MVP this season and he led his team to the conference finals. You have to admire what he's done.''
Adelman paused. ``Tomorrow, maybe.''
Garnett teamed with hobbled point guard Sam Cassell to score the Wolves' first 13 points as they opened an early seven-point lead.
The Kings were awful in the first half, scoring just 31 points as Stojakovic and Mike Bibby combined for 3-of-14 shooting. But the Wolves failed to put them away and led by just 10 points at halftime as a palpable unease settled over the Target Center.
In the third quarter, the Kings awakened, using a 6-0 run after a timeout to take their first lead at 58-57. Minnesota was fumbling away the basketball in embarrassing fashion, with a muffed exchange between Cassell and Latrell Sprewell resulting in a Doug Christie steal and dunk, and Mark Madsen dropping a terrific pass from Cassell underneath the basket.
Stojakovic and Bibby still were struggling from the field, but the Kings were getting enough clutch baskets from Webber, Christie and Brad Miller to climb back into the game.
That's when Garnett took control, scoring 13 of Minnesota's first 17 points of the fourth quarter to give the Wolves a 79-70 lead with 2:31 remaining. Often criticized in past Minnesota playoff flameouts for not taking control late in games, Garnett's determination to score was a welcome sight Wednesday.
``I had to be aggressive tonight,'' said Garnett, who claims he wasn't aware of his reputation of being soft in the fourth quarter of important games. ``I had to be the example to everybody. I didn't want to be driving home and wondering if I could have done more.''
Garnett showed his amazing versatility, driving to the basket on Webber, posting up Christie, spinning in the lane for a fadeaway jump shot and, most miraculously, firing up a turnaround 3-pointer as the shot clock expired to push Minnesota's lead to 77-70. The fans responded with a roar of adulation not heard in Minnesota since Kirby Puckett patrolled center field for the Twins.
Minnesota coach Flip Saunders said his star was able to tune out the pregame hype.
``Everywhere you went, people were talking to you about the game, asking if you're nervous, giving you suggestions as they always do,'' he said. ``Kevin had a ton of pressure on him, but he had an amazing calm about him. He didn't even have to work tonight. He was in such a flow.''
Still, the suspense wasn't over as Christie hit a 3-pointer to pull the Kings to 81-80. After a pair of Cassell free throws, the Kings had one last shot at forcing overtime. Webber's aim appeared to be true.
``I definitely thought that last shot was good,'' Webber said. ``I couldn't believe it came out.''
But it did, and Garnett was able to bask in his hard-earned applause. He strode around the court in the center of a couple dozen photographers, playing to the crowd, jumping atop the scorer's table and yelping into a microphone.
``This is my moment to enjoy it,'' Garnett said, ``so I went ahead and enjoyed it. I understand there's still business at hand, but I wasn't going to hold back.''
Game 7 winners shouldn't have to.
KG & Jesus to Miss Time while Recruiting
Doc Rivers held a press conference this morning to announce that Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen would miss the next several games while peforming "special duties" for the organization. He wouldn't specify the nature of the clandestine operation, but it is widely speculated that KG will spend the next week wining and dining good friend and soon-to-be-free agent Sam Cassell, while Ray Allen does the same with Brent Barry.
Danny Ainge is currently interviewing other members of the organization to see what connections, if any, they may have with Jamaal Magliore, Chris Andersen, and PJ Brown.
Just kidding.
But you have to admit a lot is riding on what goes down in the next seven days.
Danny Ainge is currently interviewing other members of the organization to see what connections, if any, they may have with Jamaal Magliore, Chris Andersen, and PJ Brown.
Just kidding.
But you have to admit a lot is riding on what goes down in the next seven days.
Pistons to Sign Dale Davis or Magliore
The Detroit Pistons will sign either Dale Davis or Jamaal Magloire in the next day or so. Magloire, who was released by the Nets, doesn't clear waivers until 6 p.m. Tuesday. Whichever one signs will just be an insurance policy. Neither is going to take Amir Johnson's minutes right now.
-- The Detroit News
-- The Detroit News
Mavs in Hunt for Barry, Cassell, Magloire
The Dallas Mavericks have made their pitch to Brent Barry. And Jamaal Magloire. And probably Justin Williams and another free agent or two.
Soon to come: Perhaps a run at Sam Cassell .
Today, the decisions start to come.
Magloire will clear waivers today, and he's believed to be No. 1 on the list of big men the Mavericks would like to add.
But the possibility of adding Cassell, the veteran guard who apparently is close to a buyout with the Los Angeles Clippers, is intriguing. He would give the Mavericks a respected backup to Jason Kidd. Cassell also has made a slew of clutch shots throughout his career.
Soon to come: Perhaps a run at Sam Cassell .
Today, the decisions start to come.
Magloire will clear waivers today, and he's believed to be No. 1 on the list of big men the Mavericks would like to add.
But the possibility of adding Cassell, the veteran guard who apparently is close to a buyout with the Los Angeles Clippers, is intriguing. He would give the Mavericks a respected backup to Jason Kidd. Cassell also has made a slew of clutch shots throughout his career.
Cassell, Clippers Closing in on a Dollar Figure
Los Angeles Times
Copyright 2008 Los Angeles Times
February 26, 2008
Section: Sports
CLIPPERS REPORT
"Both parties are getting to a number and saying, 'OK, this is what we'll do it for.' I just want to be treated fairly."
"We have to do what we feel is best for the team," said Elgin Baylor, the Clippers' vice president of basketball operations, who otherwise did not want to discuss the matter in any detail.
A goodwill gesture, on the Clippers' part, could be a factor in Cassell's contract being bought out. Two years ago, Cassell was a catalyst with his play and leadership in guiding the Clippers to their first playoff berth in nine years. The Clippers reached the Western Conference semi-finals, the deepest the franchise ever had advanced in the playoffs.
"We had the best Clippers season ever, with him at the helm,'' Clippers forward Elton Brand said. "Whatever happens, he deserves.'' Dunleavy did not want to talk on the record regarding the Cassell situation, but Cassell said he and Dunleavy have talked. Cassell said that his belief is that if the decision entirely was up to Dunleavy, that a buyout already would have been consummated.
Tyronn Lue to Join Cs for 08-09 Season?
If the Boston Celtics falter in the playoffs -- don't reach the NBA Finals -- and young point guard Rajon Rondo gets the blame, don't be surprised to see Tyronn Lue wearing a Celtics uniform next season. Lue, a veteran point guard, becomes a free agent this summer, and he is close to Celtics Coach Doc Rivers. -- Orlando Sentinel
Antoine Walker: Benched or Bought Out?
Veteran Antoine Walker was inactive Sunday for the second consecutive game, likely the sign of things to come if he and the team don't reach a contract buyout by March 1, the deadline for a player to clear waivers so he can sign with another team.
--Star Tribune
--Star Tribune
2.25.2008
Billups: Suns Game was Big Win for Us
Let's see here.
The Boston Celtics beat the Detroit Pistons at Auburn Hills in January, and proceed to celebrate the win, declaring it a milestone.
Chauncey Billups responds to the Celtics celebration in a more nonchalant fashion.
"Like, yeah, they were a little more excited than us. You know, it's like January, man. The playoffs don't start for three months. "
A month later Billups declares a win over the Suns as a "big one" for the Pistons.
I guess it's all relative.
If you lose, the game doesn't mean much.
If you win, it does.
Pathetic.
The Boston Celtics beat the Detroit Pistons at Auburn Hills in January, and proceed to celebrate the win, declaring it a milestone.
Chauncey Billups responds to the Celtics celebration in a more nonchalant fashion.
"Like, yeah, they were a little more excited than us. You know, it's like January, man. The playoffs don't start for three months. "
A month later Billups declares a win over the Suns as a "big one" for the Pistons.
I guess it's all relative.
If you lose, the game doesn't mean much.
If you win, it does.
Pathetic.
Apparent Disconnect between Cassell, Agent
From the Orange County Register
Cassell was mum on any progress made concerning the negotiation of the Clippers buying out the remaining portion of his contract. Cassell's agent, David Falk, attended Friday night's game against Utah but had little to say before and after the game.
"I think he left town (Sunday) morning," Cassell said.
When asked if Falk has made any progress in talks with the Clippers, Cassell said, "I don't know what David's doing."
The Celtics are the team Cassell would most want to sign with, should a buyout occur. But time is crucial because he must be on another roster by March 1 to be eligible for the playoffs. Once a buyout is finalized, Cassell still would have to sit through a 48-hour period to clear waivers
Cassell was mum on any progress made concerning the negotiation of the Clippers buying out the remaining portion of his contract. Cassell's agent, David Falk, attended Friday night's game against Utah but had little to say before and after the game.
"I think he left town (Sunday) morning," Cassell said.
When asked if Falk has made any progress in talks with the Clippers, Cassell said, "I don't know what David's doing."
The Celtics are the team Cassell would most want to sign with, should a buyout occur. But time is crucial because he must be on another roster by March 1 to be eligible for the playoffs. Once a buyout is finalized, Cassell still would have to sit through a 48-hour period to clear waivers
Jesus my have Turned the Corner
Ray Allen has been a tough nut to crack this year.
After starting the season 30-47 (.638), he went 37-99 (.373) over the next seven games. In the five games that followed, Jesus shot just 30-88 (.340). Jesus again disappointed in the five subsequent games, going 29-80 (.362) .
Shortly before the All-Star break, Ray admitted his ankles had been bothering him for a good portion of the season. While many fans expressed grave worry over Ray’s admission, I assumed it meant that he was close to putting his problems behind him.
If shooting prowess is any sign of Ray’s health, then I was right.
Here is a break-down of Ray’s field goal percentage over the last 20 games, separated into five-game increments:
24-60 (.400)
35-87 (.402)
36-75 (.480)
35-74 (.472 )
35-72 (.486)
It appears we are seeing an upward trend from Ray, which he then punctuated with a coldly efficient 7-8 night against Portland.
For the month of February Ray Allen is shooting .457, fifteen points better than he did in December, and forty points better than he did in either November or in January. He is shooting .406 from three in February, eleven points better than he did in December, thirty points better than in November, and sixty points better than in December.
Despite his frigid 3-12 night against Phoenix, then, the evidence suggests that Ray Allen has turned the corner, and is heating up as we head into the stretch run. Everyone has an off night now and again. It just so happened that both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce had off nights against Phoenix.
After starting the season 30-47 (.638), he went 37-99 (.373) over the next seven games. In the five games that followed, Jesus shot just 30-88 (.340). Jesus again disappointed in the five subsequent games, going 29-80 (.362) .
Shortly before the All-Star break, Ray admitted his ankles had been bothering him for a good portion of the season. While many fans expressed grave worry over Ray’s admission, I assumed it meant that he was close to putting his problems behind him.
If shooting prowess is any sign of Ray’s health, then I was right.
Here is a break-down of Ray’s field goal percentage over the last 20 games, separated into five-game increments:
24-60 (.400)
35-87 (.402)
36-75 (.480)
35-74 (.472 )
35-72 (.486)
It appears we are seeing an upward trend from Ray, which he then punctuated with a coldly efficient 7-8 night against Portland.
For the month of February Ray Allen is shooting .457, fifteen points better than he did in December, and forty points better than he did in either November or in January. He is shooting .406 from three in February, eleven points better than he did in December, thirty points better than in November, and sixty points better than in December.
Despite his frigid 3-12 night against Phoenix, then, the evidence suggests that Ray Allen has turned the corner, and is heating up as we head into the stretch run. Everyone has an off night now and again. It just so happened that both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce had off nights against Phoenix.
2.24.2008
The 1986 C's 4-3 West Coast Trip
2/11/1986 at Sacramento Kings 100 - 105 38 - 9
2/13/1986 at Seattle Supersonics 107 - 98 39 - 9
2/14/1986 at Portland 120 - 119 40 - 9
2/16/1986 at Los Angeles Lakers 105 - 99 41 - 9
2/17/1986 at Phoenix Suns 101 - 108 41 - 10
2/19/1986 at Golden State 115 - 100 42 - 10
2/20/1986 at Denver Nuggets 100 - 102 42 - 11
I think this goes to prove that losses in February, even three losses against West Coast opponents, aren't the end of the world.
2/13/1986 at Seattle Supersonics 107 - 98 39 - 9
2/14/1986 at Portland 120 - 119 40 - 9
2/16/1986 at Los Angeles Lakers 105 - 99 41 - 9
2/17/1986 at Phoenix Suns 101 - 108 41 - 10
2/19/1986 at Golden State 115 - 100 42 - 10
2/20/1986 at Denver Nuggets 100 - 102 42 - 11
I think this goes to prove that losses in February, even three losses against West Coast opponents, aren't the end of the world.
Feeling is that Cassell will Get Bought Out
Clippers notebook
Cassell might be bought out
By Joe Stevens, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 02/24/2008 10:55:19 PM PST
One day after the Clippers let the trading deadline pass without dealing 38-year-old Sam Cassell, the veteran was scratched from Friday night's game against Utah with a sprained right wrist.
Cassell wore a brace on the wrist, got an X-ray, which came back negative, and said he would try to play in tonight's game against the Lakers. But the way he described his injury, it sounded unlikely that he'd be able to play.
"It's bad," he said. "I can't dribble a ball now."
Cassell hurt the wrist when falling on a TV camera in the Clippers' victory over Memphis on Wednesday night. He only played 14 minutes in that game because of the injury.
In the background of all of this is the fact that Cassell wants to be bought out of his contract so he can join a contender. The clock is ticking on that possibility because if a player joins a team after March1, he is ineligible to play in the postseason.
Over the past few days, Cassell has not come out and flat-out said that's what he wants. But earlier this season, he said he'd be a good fit with the Boston Celtics, and despite his diplomacy, it is obvious that he'd like to be bought out.
Cassell is making $6.1 million this season and is in the final year of a two-year deal. The word in the Clippers' organization is that it's possible the organization will go ahead and buy him out. If it doesn't, it will have to deal with a veteran whose heart isn't in remaining with the team. Also, there
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hardly is any motivation to keep him during a season in which the team is just about mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
Although the Clippers have been tight-lipped about its plans, there is a feeling that they will eventually buy him out.
Cassell might be bought out
By Joe Stevens, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 02/24/2008 10:55:19 PM PST
One day after the Clippers let the trading deadline pass without dealing 38-year-old Sam Cassell, the veteran was scratched from Friday night's game against Utah with a sprained right wrist.
Cassell wore a brace on the wrist, got an X-ray, which came back negative, and said he would try to play in tonight's game against the Lakers. But the way he described his injury, it sounded unlikely that he'd be able to play.
"It's bad," he said. "I can't dribble a ball now."
Cassell hurt the wrist when falling on a TV camera in the Clippers' victory over Memphis on Wednesday night. He only played 14 minutes in that game because of the injury.
In the background of all of this is the fact that Cassell wants to be bought out of his contract so he can join a contender. The clock is ticking on that possibility because if a player joins a team after March1, he is ineligible to play in the postseason.
Over the past few days, Cassell has not come out and flat-out said that's what he wants. But earlier this season, he said he'd be a good fit with the Boston Celtics, and despite his diplomacy, it is obvious that he'd like to be bought out.
Cassell is making $6.1 million this season and is in the final year of a two-year deal. The word in the Clippers' organization is that it's possible the organization will go ahead and buy him out. If it doesn't, it will have to deal with a veteran whose heart isn't in remaining with the team. Also, there
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hardly is any motivation to keep him during a season in which the team is just about mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
Although the Clippers have been tight-lipped about its plans, there is a feeling that they will eventually buy him out.
1986 Cs Lose to Denver, Fall to 42-11
They touched down in four time zones and drew seven sellouts in 10 days. Larry Bird earned one ejection, three triple-doubles and served more southpaw tosses than Sandy Koufax. Kevin McHale played as many minutes as Johnny Most, and Scott Wedman battled a bad back and suspicious minds.
When the odyssey was over, they'd left folks down and out in Beverly Hills, speechless in the Streets of San Francisco and delirious in Denver.
Boston's 102-100 loss to the the Nuggets in Coors country last night sent the Celts staggering home with a 4-3 record for the trip.
After beating the Warriors without McHale and Wedman, the Celts tried to beat the Nuggets at 5,280 feet without McHale and Bill Walton (turned left ankle). They couldn't do it. Fat Lever beat Boston with a 20-foot jumper with 26 seconds left.
Denver led for most of the second half, but the Celts cut it to two points three times in the closing minutes. Lever made a couple of big jumpers, and two free throws by Alex English gave Denver a 97-93 lead with 2:44 left.
A Robert Parish free throw cut it to one, then Bird scored on a pass from Danny Ainge. The Celts got the ball back when English was tagged with a rebounding foul, but Parish grabbed Wayne Cooper at the other end and Denver took over.
English's shot was blocked by Greg Kite, but Parish heaved an air-ball turnaround and then Ainge fouled Cooper. Cooper missed the first, made the second and the Celts called time with 46 seconds left.
Bird took it to the hole and scored as he was fouled by Calvin Natt. Thirty-seven seconds remained. Bird went to the line and clanged the free throw off the front of the rim. Denver called time.
With 26 seconds left, Leverl rattled in a 20-footer and the Celts called time again.
Bird took it to the left baseline and heaved an air ball as he was smothered by Lever. Parish knocked the ball out of bounds in the rebound scramble. Sixteen seconds remained and the Celts were forced to foul.
Wedman (strained lower back) was a surprise starter. He arrived in Denver early yesterday afternoon, accompanied by his wife, Kim, and his personal physical therapist, Steve Krischel.
Celtics coach K.C. Jones planned to start David Thirdkill, but Wedman said he was ready after warmups and started the game guarding Natt.
Walton was dressed and available for emergency duty, but the Celts didn't want to use him unless it was absolutely necessary. Walton rolled his left ankle twice in Oakland Wednesday night.
Natt and English ran Boston ragged in the first four minutes, and the Nuggets bolted to a 13-6 lead. The Celts answered with their own running game and Bird drove Boston to a five-point lead. Bird capped a 10-2 run by detonating a Nugget fast break, then passing the ball downcourt from a prone position. Wedman scored to give the Celts a 24-19 lead.
The Celts shot 64 percent (14 for 22) and outrebounded Denver, 11-6, in the first quarter and led, 30-26, at the end of one.
Wedman drained a couple of jumpers at the start of the second and Boston stayed ahead by four. The immortal Bill Hanzlick carried the Nuggets until English went back to work. A six-point flurry by Cooper thrust Denver into a tie with 2:14 left in the half.
Fifty seconds later, Celtic assistant coach Jimmy Rodgers picked up two quick technicals from novice ref Danny Crawford. Rodgers had been imploring Crawford to slap the Nuggets for illegal zone violations.
The half ended in spectacular fashion when Danny Ainge swished a 65-foot buzzer-beater. It was ironic that Ainge, who lost his shooting touch during the All-Star break, would be the man to can a million-dollar shot. Ainge's bomb gave Boston a 54-52 lead at intermission.
"Just a routine shot," said Ainge.
Natt and Lever roared out of the locker room after the half and ran the Nuggets to their 64-62 lead, forcing Jones to call time.
Both teams went cold after the pause. With the Celts trailing, 70-69, Jones tried Sam Vincent in the backcourt. Vincent teamed with Jerry Sichting, Kite, Wedman and Thirdkill.
English exploited Boston's ragged unit late in the period and shot the home team to a five-point lead. Denver settled for 81-77 at the end of three. English already had 29 points.
When the odyssey was over, they'd left folks down and out in Beverly Hills, speechless in the Streets of San Francisco and delirious in Denver.
Boston's 102-100 loss to the the Nuggets in Coors country last night sent the Celts staggering home with a 4-3 record for the trip.
After beating the Warriors without McHale and Wedman, the Celts tried to beat the Nuggets at 5,280 feet without McHale and Bill Walton (turned left ankle). They couldn't do it. Fat Lever beat Boston with a 20-foot jumper with 26 seconds left.
Denver led for most of the second half, but the Celts cut it to two points three times in the closing minutes. Lever made a couple of big jumpers, and two free throws by Alex English gave Denver a 97-93 lead with 2:44 left.
A Robert Parish free throw cut it to one, then Bird scored on a pass from Danny Ainge. The Celts got the ball back when English was tagged with a rebounding foul, but Parish grabbed Wayne Cooper at the other end and Denver took over.
English's shot was blocked by Greg Kite, but Parish heaved an air-ball turnaround and then Ainge fouled Cooper. Cooper missed the first, made the second and the Celts called time with 46 seconds left.
Bird took it to the hole and scored as he was fouled by Calvin Natt. Thirty-seven seconds remained. Bird went to the line and clanged the free throw off the front of the rim. Denver called time.
With 26 seconds left, Leverl rattled in a 20-footer and the Celts called time again.
Bird took it to the left baseline and heaved an air ball as he was smothered by Lever. Parish knocked the ball out of bounds in the rebound scramble. Sixteen seconds remained and the Celts were forced to foul.
Wedman (strained lower back) was a surprise starter. He arrived in Denver early yesterday afternoon, accompanied by his wife, Kim, and his personal physical therapist, Steve Krischel.
Celtics coach K.C. Jones planned to start David Thirdkill, but Wedman said he was ready after warmups and started the game guarding Natt.
Walton was dressed and available for emergency duty, but the Celts didn't want to use him unless it was absolutely necessary. Walton rolled his left ankle twice in Oakland Wednesday night.
Natt and English ran Boston ragged in the first four minutes, and the Nuggets bolted to a 13-6 lead. The Celts answered with their own running game and Bird drove Boston to a five-point lead. Bird capped a 10-2 run by detonating a Nugget fast break, then passing the ball downcourt from a prone position. Wedman scored to give the Celts a 24-19 lead.
The Celts shot 64 percent (14 for 22) and outrebounded Denver, 11-6, in the first quarter and led, 30-26, at the end of one.
Wedman drained a couple of jumpers at the start of the second and Boston stayed ahead by four. The immortal Bill Hanzlick carried the Nuggets until English went back to work. A six-point flurry by Cooper thrust Denver into a tie with 2:14 left in the half.
Fifty seconds later, Celtic assistant coach Jimmy Rodgers picked up two quick technicals from novice ref Danny Crawford. Rodgers had been imploring Crawford to slap the Nuggets for illegal zone violations.
The half ended in spectacular fashion when Danny Ainge swished a 65-foot buzzer-beater. It was ironic that Ainge, who lost his shooting touch during the All-Star break, would be the man to can a million-dollar shot. Ainge's bomb gave Boston a 54-52 lead at intermission.
"Just a routine shot," said Ainge.
Natt and Lever roared out of the locker room after the half and ran the Nuggets to their 64-62 lead, forcing Jones to call time.
Both teams went cold after the pause. With the Celts trailing, 70-69, Jones tried Sam Vincent in the backcourt. Vincent teamed with Jerry Sichting, Kite, Wedman and Thirdkill.
English exploited Boston's ragged unit late in the period and shot the home team to a five-point lead. Denver settled for 81-77 at the end of three. English already had 29 points.
The Forgotten Big Three (Trivia Question)
TRIVIA QUESTION:
One year three Celtics were named to the NBA All-Defensive team.
Name the players and the year.
Answer below.
One year three Celtics were named to the NBA All-Defensive team.
Name the players and the year.
Answer below.
Sam Wants a Buyout: Will He Get One?
February 24, 2008
Section: Sports
CLIPPERS REPORT
Cassell leans toward a buyout request
Jonathan Abrams
Times Staff Writer
The clock is ticking faster on Sam Cassell's time to arrange a buyout of his contract in hopes of signing with a playoff-bound team.
In order to become eligible to play elsewhere, Cassell would have to arrange a buyout by March 1.
"It's getting close ain't it?" he said.
Cassell, who went untraded by Thursday's deadline, appears to be leaning toward requesting a buyout, essentially a divorce between him and the team, which will cause him to forfeit some of his remaining $6.1 million.
When asked if that was the path he is seeking, Cassell responded on Saturday:
"The question is, will they give me a buyout?"
But Cassell, 38, has also said that he is willing to finish out the remainder of the season's 29 games and his contract with the Clippers.
He added he would rather focus on playing basketball and allow agent David Falk to handle the business aspects of it.
"That's what I hired David for," he said.
Section: Sports
CLIPPERS REPORT
Cassell leans toward a buyout request
Jonathan Abrams
Times Staff Writer
The clock is ticking faster on Sam Cassell's time to arrange a buyout of his contract in hopes of signing with a playoff-bound team.
In order to become eligible to play elsewhere, Cassell would have to arrange a buyout by March 1.
"It's getting close ain't it?" he said.
Cassell, who went untraded by Thursday's deadline, appears to be leaning toward requesting a buyout, essentially a divorce between him and the team, which will cause him to forfeit some of his remaining $6.1 million.
When asked if that was the path he is seeking, Cassell responded on Saturday:
"The question is, will they give me a buyout?"
But Cassell, 38, has also said that he is willing to finish out the remainder of the season's 29 games and his contract with the Clippers.
He added he would rather focus on playing basketball and allow agent David Falk to handle the business aspects of it.
"That's what I hired David for," he said.
The Forgotten Big Three (Trivia Answer)
Only five times in NBA history have three players from the same team been earned All-Defensive honors.
1995-96 BULLS Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Michael Jordan
1982-83 SIXERS Maurice Cheeks, Bobby Jones, Moses Malone 1
977-78 TRAIL BLAZERS Lionel Hollins, Maurice Lucas, Bill Walton
1975-76 CELTICS Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, Paul Silas
1969-70 KNICKS Dave DeBusschere, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed
1995-96 BULLS Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Michael Jordan
1982-83 SIXERS Maurice Cheeks, Bobby Jones, Moses Malone 1
977-78 TRAIL BLAZERS Lionel Hollins, Maurice Lucas, Bill Walton
1975-76 CELTICS Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, Paul Silas
1969-70 KNICKS Dave DeBusschere, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed
2.23.2008
Will Danny throw Gabe Pruitt under the Bus?
With the news that the Danny Ainge is targeting Brent Barry, Sam Cassell, Flip Murray, and Jamal Magloire, one must ask exactly how many free agents the Boston Celtics might sign?
Currently, they only have two roster spots. But as the Detroit Pistons showed by waiving Flip Murray, every roster spot is subjected to a cold cost-benefit analysis.
Who is the most likely candidate to get the ax if Danny were to sign three free agents instead of two?
My vote is Gabe Pruitt, who has contributed little to nothing this year.
I can almost hear the press conference.
"We had the chance to acquire three veteran contributors in Brent Barry, Sam Cassell, and Jamal Magliore, and all we had to give up was a second round draft pick. Not too bad."
I'm not saying it's gonna happen.
I'm just saying I wouldn't be surprised.
The trade would be giving up a possible second unit role player in a year or two for an improved chance at a title this year.
Sounds like a no-brainer to me.
Currently, they only have two roster spots. But as the Detroit Pistons showed by waiving Flip Murray, every roster spot is subjected to a cold cost-benefit analysis.
Who is the most likely candidate to get the ax if Danny were to sign three free agents instead of two?
My vote is Gabe Pruitt, who has contributed little to nothing this year.
I can almost hear the press conference.
"We had the chance to acquire three veteran contributors in Brent Barry, Sam Cassell, and Jamal Magliore, and all we had to give up was a second round draft pick. Not too bad."
I'm not saying it's gonna happen.
I'm just saying I wouldn't be surprised.
The trade would be giving up a possible second unit role player in a year or two for an improved chance at a title this year.
Sounds like a no-brainer to me.
Someone Call Bill Walton
There won't be any chest-thumping, fan taunting, or boastful proclamations at the end of this West Coast trip.
No defense and no rebounding in the first two games was followed up by a turnover-ridden and poor-shooting performance in game three. Even the silver lining to the dark cloud of the first two games--the return of Ray Allen's shooting eye--disappeared in game three. KG, who earlier in the season often appeared to have an unblockable jump shot, now seems to occasionally encounter trouble shooting over players his size or slightly shorter.
The party is not over.
It's still only February.
But somebody has definitely introduced a few tainted substances to the Celtics 2007-08 bash.
Maybe somebody should call Bill Walton.
He ought to know what to do in these situations.
No defense and no rebounding in the first two games was followed up by a turnover-ridden and poor-shooting performance in game three. Even the silver lining to the dark cloud of the first two games--the return of Ray Allen's shooting eye--disappeared in game three. KG, who earlier in the season often appeared to have an unblockable jump shot, now seems to occasionally encounter trouble shooting over players his size or slightly shorter.
The party is not over.
It's still only February.
But somebody has definitely introduced a few tainted substances to the Celtics 2007-08 bash.
Maybe somebody should call Bill Walton.
He ought to know what to do in these situations.
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