1984 was an interesting year (aside from George Orwell). The Boston Celtics couldn't beat any body that mattered, at least until it counted. The green started the 1983-84 season 9-5, while this year's team started 10-4, but this year's team did post a big win on opening night against Cleveland in Cleveland.
The 1983-84 team then won 25 of the next 29, on their way to a 38-9 record. This year's team has dropped three of four and has fallen to 24-8. The injury bug has struck. Doc Rivers will be lucky to have suffered only 11 losses by the time green reaches game 47. Yet the 2009-10 Celtics did post another big W on Christmas day against Orlando on the road. Meanwhile, the 1983-84 bunch continued losing to the two best teams in the NBA, Philadelphia and LA.
So what does that tell us?
That the regular season is all just foreplay, an interesting but prolonged drama that ultimately sheds little light on the final outcome (just ask the Cavs last year). I still remember how excited Celtics fans were at the possibility that Bill Walton might return for the 1988 playoffs, even though he hadn't played meaningful basketball in two years and would have been rustier than a nail in an outdoor shed built before the US Civil War. Why were they so excited? Presumably, he would have been healthy, and he would only have had to stay healthy for the playoffs, which really had little in common with the regular season, as seven-game series after April 15th bear almost no resemblance to one-offs before April 15th.
So while we may be concerned with Celtic losses here and Laker wins there, the only thing we should care about is getting everybody healthy by late March. On that note, the latest projection of KG being out at least another 10 days sounds a bit reminiscent of last spring, when it became clear to me that he was done for the year.
I won't go there yet. But I'm only a couple of steps away from resurrecting the grassy knoll.
Showing posts with label Conspiracy of Silence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conspiracy of Silence. Show all posts
10.26.2009
Hey KG, How's Your Knee?
Kevin Garnett apparently has taken a disliking to folks in the New England area asking about the health of his knee. I've got a four-word response: Get used to it. The media coverage this summer vacillated between non-existent and pathetic.
On the one hand, we had the Celtics' organization either deceiving us (though they called it being "Belichickian") or blowing sunshine up our backsides. On the other hand, we had a certain widely-read columnist conjecturing about KG's knee based on a tweet he read from someone supposedly with an inside source. This led many of us to go Grassy-Knoll on the Celtics (trust me, I wasn't the only one). Marc Spears attempted to keep us updated, but really all he did was tell us that KG had resumed practicing.
So the mere fact that media types in the Boston area are now asking KG questions about his knee is an improvement. Celtics' fans invest millions of dollars in this team each year, and basically pay for the player's salaries by attending games and purchasing merchandise. We're entitled to information about the health status of key players on the team.
At the same time, there is something to be said for letting a player's on-court performance speak for itself, at least until his on-court performance starts to disappoint on a regular basis. On that note, rather than specifically ask him about his knee, perhaps the media could ask him about his ability to move laterally, his ability to react to shot attempts as quickly as he'd like, and then block or alter those shots. What about his ability to guard quicker, smaller 3s--are those days over?
There are other ways to ask about the health of knee without asking about the health of his knee. I don't need to tell the journalists this. They are professionals, right?
On the one hand, we had the Celtics' organization either deceiving us (though they called it being "Belichickian") or blowing sunshine up our backsides. On the other hand, we had a certain widely-read columnist conjecturing about KG's knee based on a tweet he read from someone supposedly with an inside source. This led many of us to go Grassy-Knoll on the Celtics (trust me, I wasn't the only one). Marc Spears attempted to keep us updated, but really all he did was tell us that KG had resumed practicing.
So the mere fact that media types in the Boston area are now asking KG questions about his knee is an improvement. Celtics' fans invest millions of dollars in this team each year, and basically pay for the player's salaries by attending games and purchasing merchandise. We're entitled to information about the health status of key players on the team.
At the same time, there is something to be said for letting a player's on-court performance speak for itself, at least until his on-court performance starts to disappoint on a regular basis. On that note, rather than specifically ask him about his knee, perhaps the media could ask him about his ability to move laterally, his ability to react to shot attempts as quickly as he'd like, and then block or alter those shots. What about his ability to guard quicker, smaller 3s--are those days over?
There are other ways to ask about the health of knee without asking about the health of his knee. I don't need to tell the journalists this. They are professionals, right?
10.06.2009
Ainge Finally Weighs in on the Staples Rumor
Even with a clean bill of health and a smarter lifestyle, Ainge knows his job comes with aggravations. This summer he dealt with questions on the status of superstar Kevin Garnett's knee, including whether the 33-year-old forward had tendons stapled to bone (Ainge says he does not).
"It's like this thing created a life of its own," Ainge says. "I've had so many crazy questions. People say, 'He tore his (anterior cruciate ligament) and you didn't want to say it.' My gosh.
"He had an aggravating bone spur on the back of his knee. It was a good-sized one. There was no structural thing there. I think KG is going to be fine. He looks good right now. He's just got to get his confidence back, his strength, all that."
LINK
That doesn't close the book on the Conspiracy of Silence. But I think it we're approaching the final chapter.
"It's like this thing created a life of its own," Ainge says. "I've had so many crazy questions. People say, 'He tore his (anterior cruciate ligament) and you didn't want to say it.' My gosh.
"He had an aggravating bone spur on the back of his knee. It was a good-sized one. There was no structural thing there. I think KG is going to be fine. He looks good right now. He's just got to get his confidence back, his strength, all that."
LINK
That doesn't close the book on the Conspiracy of Silence. But I think it we're approaching the final chapter.
10.04.2009
Garnett Pain Free?
Kevin Garnett said Saturday that his knee is pain free and he feels more flexible with his surgically repaired right knee than at any time since the operation. Garnett was nimble running the court at Salve Regina University and didn't favor the right leg as much as Tuesday, the first day of training camp.
LINK
I used a question mark in the title because I know some of you have grown more skeptical about his recovery than me. The way I look at it is at this point, our best guide is watching him perform. Before, when I was going apoplectic, my biggest concern was lack of information, and the possibility that Garnett, who supposedly would be 100% for camp, wouldn't even be ready to scrimmage until later in October, and perhaps not even then.
Since the information about KG is flowing more freely now, I'm more willing to go with the flow. So let's see how things shake out in pre-season. Will the KG we see in the last pre-season game match our expectations?
LINK
I used a question mark in the title because I know some of you have grown more skeptical about his recovery than me. The way I look at it is at this point, our best guide is watching him perform. Before, when I was going apoplectic, my biggest concern was lack of information, and the possibility that Garnett, who supposedly would be 100% for camp, wouldn't even be ready to scrimmage until later in October, and perhaps not even then.
Since the information about KG is flowing more freely now, I'm more willing to go with the flow. So let's see how things shake out in pre-season. Will the KG we see in the last pre-season game match our expectations?
10.03.2009
Garnett Putting the Grassy Knoll Network Out of Business
Kevin Garnett has been telling us since Monday that his surgically repaired right knee feels fine, and there is no reason not to believe him. The latest example came when Shelden Williams tried to replace Garnett on the fly during a scrimmage, only to get a straight-arm worthy of the Heisman Trophy model. “He said four minutes,” Garnett barked as Williams went back to the sideline.
LINK
Questions about Kevin Garnett's knee, whether the tendon was stapled, the fact that he underwent multiple procedures in the offseason, and the fact that Waltham gave us varied accounts about the status and progress of the knee, won't be brought up again, unless Garnett's performance suggests that knee problems are lingering. Then somebody, somewhere is bound to inquire.
Here's to hoping we don't have to recommission the Grassy Knoll Network any time soon.
LINK
Questions about Kevin Garnett's knee, whether the tendon was stapled, the fact that he underwent multiple procedures in the offseason, and the fact that Waltham gave us varied accounts about the status and progress of the knee, won't be brought up again, unless Garnett's performance suggests that knee problems are lingering. Then somebody, somewhere is bound to inquire.
Here's to hoping we don't have to recommission the Grassy Knoll Network any time soon.
9.28.2009
Garnett Underwent Several Procedures in the Offseason
Garnett injured his right knee during a game against the Jazz in February. The power forward attempted a comeback during the regular season, but he shut it down before the end of the season and missed all of the playoffs with the injury. Garnett said he underwent several "procedures", as he called them, this offseason.
LINK
"No surprises, other than the severity of the injury," said Garnett. "I didn't know it was that bad."
Garnett was asked to clarify.
"It was just what we thought it was, but it was more than that," said Garnett. "Put it like this: a bone spur the size of this tape recorder ended up being the size of this microphone...It's pretty severe, but the best thing about it is I got it out of the way. I'm almost 100 percent going forward. The best thing about it is I'm playing without any pain, which is something I haven't had in quite some time." The first 5-on-5 game was a bit of a struggle, Garnett said.
So Garnett did play some 5-on-5. But it doesn't sound like it went too well. This is sounding like a sloooow recovery to me. The veil of secrecy is starting to lift.
Can we get a date on the last procedure? I'll bet you KG's salary that it was after May 26th, which might explain why we're still talking in the language of recovery on September 28th.
LINK
"No surprises, other than the severity of the injury," said Garnett. "I didn't know it was that bad."
Garnett was asked to clarify.
"It was just what we thought it was, but it was more than that," said Garnett. "Put it like this: a bone spur the size of this tape recorder ended up being the size of this microphone...It's pretty severe, but the best thing about it is I got it out of the way. I'm almost 100 percent going forward. The best thing about it is I'm playing without any pain, which is something I haven't had in quite some time." The first 5-on-5 game was a bit of a struggle, Garnett said.
So Garnett did play some 5-on-5. But it doesn't sound like it went too well. This is sounding like a sloooow recovery to me. The veil of secrecy is starting to lift.
Can we get a date on the last procedure? I'll bet you KG's salary that it was after May 26th, which might explain why we're still talking in the language of recovery on September 28th.
NBA.com to Stream Celtics' Practice Live
For the first time ever, NBA.com will stream live the 2K Sports NBA Real Training Camp, providing fans unprecedented access to five teams' training camps, including the defending NBA champs, the Los Angeles Lakers. Offering fans an exclusive first look at team practices, along with interviews from their top players and staff, 2K Sports NBA Real Training Camp lineup will include the Denver Nuggets (Sept. 29), Lakers (Oct. 1), Boston Celtics (Oct. 3), Washington Wizards (Oct. 5) and Atlanta Hawks (Oct. 6).
LINK
Now we're talking.
In the alternative, I have an idea for something even more interesting. Let's just put a cam exclusively on KG. We don't really need to see anything else, do we?
LINK
Now we're talking.
In the alternative, I have an idea for something even more interesting. Let's just put a cam exclusively on KG. We don't really need to see anything else, do we?
Media Day is Here: Will Anyone from the Media do their Job?
Kevin Garnett's knee is tip top and he will be ready for day 1 of camp. Kevin hasn't scrimmaged all summer, and we're going to take it slow with him, week-to-week. Kevin Garnett's knee surgery was successful. The doctors didn't have to touch the tendon. The tendon had to be reattached to his knee with staples. Kevin Garnett had two knee problems, a strained popliteus tendon and bone spurs that were aggravating the strain. Kevin had one knee problem, the bone spurs, which were putting pressure on an otherwise healthy tendon. It wasn't a serious problem.
LINK
Sooner or later the Boston Celtics' brass will cease talking out of both sides of their collective mouth. Sooner or later someone from the media will stand up and remember why it is they went to journalism school, and what it means to be an investigative reporter. Sooner or later Celtics' fans will get answers to our questions.
Or not.
Maybe we'll just watch the season unfold and never know if Garnett's knee injury is one that makes it more likely for him to suffer related injuries and miss more games this year.
And the Boston Globe expects people to pay for this?
LINK
Sooner or later the Boston Celtics' brass will cease talking out of both sides of their collective mouth. Sooner or later someone from the media will stand up and remember why it is they went to journalism school, and what it means to be an investigative reporter. Sooner or later Celtics' fans will get answers to our questions.
Or not.
Maybe we'll just watch the season unfold and never know if Garnett's knee injury is one that makes it more likely for him to suffer related injuries and miss more games this year.
And the Boston Globe expects people to pay for this?
9.27.2009
"No, Michelle, I'm Going to Show You"
Before the 2007-08 NBA season began, Kevin Garnett's old friend, Michelle Tafoya, (aka, Limo) caught up with him to ask him about the trade and and see if he wanted to comment on whether he had any gas left in the tank after logging so many minutes playing for 'Sota.
"I'm not going to tell you, Michelle, if I can still play. I'm going to show you. My answer will be when the games start."
Looks like that's about where things are at again today.
"I'm not going to tell you, Michelle, if I can still play. I'm going to show you. My answer will be when the games start."
Looks like that's about where things are at again today.
Watching KG 3 Weeks before His Knee went Kerfluee
I've kept a handful of games on tape from last season to watch in preparation for this season. One of those games is from January 25th. We played Dallas at home. A few notes of interest.
We played the starters the entire first quarter. The first three reserves off the bench were Glen Davis, Brian Scalabrine, and Gabe Pruitt. Leon Powe played all of 9 minutes in a blowout and went 0-3 (Memo to file: When Shelden disappoints, remember Leon didn't always excel either). Despite leading by 27 points at half, and tallying 124 points for the game, the Boston Celtics had only one reserve who scored more than 10 points--Eddie House. That's a pretty telling fact about our bench, or lack thereof, last season.
But the most interesting part of the game, of course, was watching Kevin Garnett.
His right knee was heavily wrapped. KG went with black-colored wrap instead of the white wrap from earlier in the season. This was a strategic decision, I'm sure, since it was the white wrap that began the maelstrom of inquiry about the health of his knee. Perhaps it was even a joint decision by Garnett and the Belichickian brass to go with the black wrap.
Regardless, the Ticket played very well on offense. But he only grabbed two rebounds, and didn't block a shot in 25 minutes of play. The C's were on a roll, though, and they didn't need much more out of him. A few weeks later, the Ticket blocked 3 shots against the Lakers, at a time when they needed some intimidating defense from him. So I don't think we can say the knee was impacting his play to a noticeable degree in the weeks preceding the 2/19/09 game against Utah (where he left the game with a knee injury).
But the point here is that, even if we assume that Garnett's knee was impacting his play, he was still playing at a high level. He was catching ally-oops for dunks, throwing behind the back passes, going 11-17 from the field, and other was being a force on the floor. So if the only thing done to the knee during the operation was to remove bone spurs, then there is no reason that the KG I watched last night against the Mavs shouldn't return to that level of play pretty early in the 2009-10 season.
If he doesn't return to form by the end of November, or if he is slow to return to action, then something other than bone spurs aggravating a healthy tendon was the problem. What you have then is probably the strained popliteus tendon they talked about originally, a very rare injury, and not the injury Danny Ainge was later describing when he said "I don't think (his knee) was real serious. I think it was painful, but I don't think it was real serious."
We played the starters the entire first quarter. The first three reserves off the bench were Glen Davis, Brian Scalabrine, and Gabe Pruitt. Leon Powe played all of 9 minutes in a blowout and went 0-3 (Memo to file: When Shelden disappoints, remember Leon didn't always excel either). Despite leading by 27 points at half, and tallying 124 points for the game, the Boston Celtics had only one reserve who scored more than 10 points--Eddie House. That's a pretty telling fact about our bench, or lack thereof, last season.
But the most interesting part of the game, of course, was watching Kevin Garnett.
His right knee was heavily wrapped. KG went with black-colored wrap instead of the white wrap from earlier in the season. This was a strategic decision, I'm sure, since it was the white wrap that began the maelstrom of inquiry about the health of his knee. Perhaps it was even a joint decision by Garnett and the Belichickian brass to go with the black wrap.
Regardless, the Ticket played very well on offense. But he only grabbed two rebounds, and didn't block a shot in 25 minutes of play. The C's were on a roll, though, and they didn't need much more out of him. A few weeks later, the Ticket blocked 3 shots against the Lakers, at a time when they needed some intimidating defense from him. So I don't think we can say the knee was impacting his play to a noticeable degree in the weeks preceding the 2/19/09 game against Utah (where he left the game with a knee injury).
But the point here is that, even if we assume that Garnett's knee was impacting his play, he was still playing at a high level. He was catching ally-oops for dunks, throwing behind the back passes, going 11-17 from the field, and other was being a force on the floor. So if the only thing done to the knee during the operation was to remove bone spurs, then there is no reason that the KG I watched last night against the Mavs shouldn't return to that level of play pretty early in the 2009-10 season.
If he doesn't return to form by the end of November, or if he is slow to return to action, then something other than bone spurs aggravating a healthy tendon was the problem. What you have then is probably the strained popliteus tendon they talked about originally, a very rare injury, and not the injury Danny Ainge was later describing when he said "I don't think (his knee) was real serious. I think it was painful, but I don't think it was real serious."
9.26.2009
Buying or Selling: KG Plays More than 8 Minutes in Game 1 of NBAx?
I'm selling.
I've got him penciled in at -0- minutes.
It's gonna be an interesting call for the Belichickian brass of the Boston Celtics. Suppose Doc Rivers says "KG is healthy enough to play. But we need to give Shelden and Sheed some extra time on the floor to get acclimated. So we're gonna hold Kevin out for the first game."
That dog won't hunt.
Kevin Garnett's the guy who needs to shake off the rust, and get his legs under him. That's a much bigger question mark than Shelden and Sheed getting acclimated.
Still, I wouldn't rule this out. In fact, I say this is the most likely scenario, and we'll see how it washes with the media.
Next say Garnett plays. Well, he has to play at least 8 minutes, doesn't he? Anything less, and questions will abound. But if he plays at all, the world will be able to judge for themselves how his knee looks.
See?
This will be a very interesting decision.
I've got him penciled in at -0- minutes.
It's gonna be an interesting call for the Belichickian brass of the Boston Celtics. Suppose Doc Rivers says "KG is healthy enough to play. But we need to give Shelden and Sheed some extra time on the floor to get acclimated. So we're gonna hold Kevin out for the first game."
That dog won't hunt.
Kevin Garnett's the guy who needs to shake off the rust, and get his legs under him. That's a much bigger question mark than Shelden and Sheed getting acclimated.
Still, I wouldn't rule this out. In fact, I say this is the most likely scenario, and we'll see how it washes with the media.
Next say Garnett plays. Well, he has to play at least 8 minutes, doesn't he? Anything less, and questions will abound. But if he plays at all, the world will be able to judge for themselves how his knee looks.
See?
This will be a very interesting decision.
Join the Celtics' Grassy Knoll Network
Thread Title:
KG's progress on CSN @10
First Update:
PP was interviewed and said he thinks KG will be 100% by training camp. He also mentioned for the past month the team has been playing pickup games and KG has been playing in them, FULL COURT.
Response:
I thought last week they said he hadn't played any basketball at all.
Response:
I think now, we just wait and see who told the truth. At this moment I don't believe Peirce, I don't believe the media, I don't believe in no one. I believe in my eyes.
Response:
Agreed.
LINK
An absolute classic. No, that wasn't me conversing with myself. But as Florida Celts Fan once said, after you've told you're fan base that you've deceived them, they really have no reason ever to believe you again. So much for being Belichickian, huh, Wyc?
9.25.2009
The Ming Vase of NBA Knees
Ming Vase
--An ancient and rare Chinese vase of incalculable worth.
The Boston Celtics are scheduled to open camp on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. Based on what I've heard and read over the last 24 hours, the KG Knee-0-meter appears as if it's tilting toward gloomy, with a likelihood for a slow recovery. Notwithstanding protestations to the contrary, namely from Doc that KG's knee is "tip top" and that KG "will be ready for the first day of camp," the feeling I'm getting is that "ready for camp" really means that KG will attend the first day of camp, be in uniform, and possibly even answer some media questions. Beyond that, don't expect much. Indeed, I will be curious to see if we get any media footage of KG participating in drills and the like next week. If not, take note.
The Staples Rumor continues to float around out there, with mainstream media folks like Gary Washburn now opining that the injury to KG's knee is probably worse than the Celtics' Belichickian front office has let on. There is even talk that KG may not be 100% healthy until 2010, perhaps even after the All-Star break. On that point, don't you find it a little more than an interesting coincidence that NEITHER LAKER GAME is scheduled until February of next year? Hmmm. It couldn't be that the NBA had inside information, now could it?
In any event, my prediction is as follows:
KG's knee will be babied like its a Ming vase from the fourteenth century.
KG Update
Garnett has resumed practicing with the Celtics. He played “a couple days” last week, Pierce said, but is still working his way back from the injury. “It wasn’t like he was out there [screaming] and dunking,” Pierce said. “No, none of that. But he was out there on the court.” Stung by James Posey’s departure last season, the Celtics improved their depth over the summer by signing forward Rasheed Wallace, who can back up Garnett, or, if needed, start in place of him.
--Marc Spears
Spears sure packs a punch. KG still isn't scrimmaging, and Rasheed Wallace can start at power forward if necessary. I really, really, really, really find it hard to believe that KG is just going to magically take off his warm-ups and start scrimmaging when camp opens on Tuesday if he hasn't done so since before his surgery in May. In fact, I'm not sure he scrimmages at all next week.
Gary Washburn on Celtics Stuff Live intimated that KG might not be 100% until after (G-A-S-P!) the All-Star break. Sean Grande basically said that nobody knows anything for sure, and we'll just have to see what happens during camp.
Glen Davis may see 30 minutes of PT after all. And don't forget about Sheldoon Williams. The former first round pick, 5th overall, may see some consistent minutes, too. If KG really isn't gonna be healthy for several months, it makes sense why they didn't show much interest in Leon Powe. Waiting around for one big to get healthy is one thing. Waiting around for two bigs to get healthy is an entirely different risk altogether.
--Marc Spears
Spears sure packs a punch. KG still isn't scrimmaging, and Rasheed Wallace can start at power forward if necessary. I really, really, really, really find it hard to believe that KG is just going to magically take off his warm-ups and start scrimmaging when camp opens on Tuesday if he hasn't done so since before his surgery in May. In fact, I'm not sure he scrimmages at all next week.
Gary Washburn on Celtics Stuff Live intimated that KG might not be 100% until after (G-A-S-P!) the All-Star break. Sean Grande basically said that nobody knows anything for sure, and we'll just have to see what happens during camp.
Glen Davis may see 30 minutes of PT after all. And don't forget about Sheldoon Williams. The former first round pick, 5th overall, may see some consistent minutes, too. If KG really isn't gonna be healthy for several months, it makes sense why they didn't show much interest in Leon Powe. Waiting around for one big to get healthy is one thing. Waiting around for two bigs to get healthy is an entirely different risk altogether.
9.23.2009
More on the Staples Rumor
Celtics Hub gives us more information on the rumor that the surgery to Kevin Garnett's knee required staples to re-aattach his tendon. The update is that the original source won't reveal his source. Beyond that, it's the same old stuff.
I do have a novel idea though.
What about next time Danny Ainge stands in front of one of dem der podiums to answer media questions, maybe someone from the media should just ask him point blank, hey, you remember that surgery KG had on his knee last May?
I don't suppose you know whether the doctor had to reattach his tendon by stapling it to bone, do you?
I do have a novel idea though.
What about next time Danny Ainge stands in front of one of dem der podiums to answer media questions, maybe someone from the media should just ask him point blank, hey, you remember that surgery KG had on his knee last May?
I don't suppose you know whether the doctor had to reattach his tendon by stapling it to bone, do you?
9.21.2009
Grousbeck: Celtics were being Belichickian about KG's Knee
No, their most recent ploy - the management of Kevin Garnett's knee injury - apparently was taken straight from the playbook of Bill Belichick.
The Patriots, known for shielding injury information with the paranoid fervor of a police state, apparently influenced how the Celtics guarded the particulars about Garnett, his gimpy knee and availability during the playoffs.
``We were being Belichickian,'' Celtics managing partner Wyc Grousbeck said of the infamously covert Pats coach. ``We had a great example to follow with the New England Patriots, and we were following their World Championship lead.''
Grousbeck said last week that a heavy dose of gamesmanship went into the trickle of information - or misinformation - regarding Garnett. It might have paid a small playoff dividend to leave opponents - and the media - wondering whether Garnett was coming back, even when the team apparently knew better.
Consider a conversation between Grousbeck and representatives from Orlando and Cleveland during an ownership meeting shortly after the Celtics' first-round elimination of Chicago.
Orlando president Bob Vander Weide asked Grousbeck if Garnett would be available for the conference semifinals between their teams, and the Celtics co-owner left the door of possibility wide open, even if the chances virtually were nil.
``That way they didn't know what to expect,'' he said.
The truth, according to Grousbeck, is the team's medical staff knew exactly what it would find during the operation on Garnett's knee last week.
Though Danny Ainge, the executive director of basketball operations, said last week that surgeons ``did not have to touch'' the tendon during arthroscopic surgery, the inflamed muscle indeed was caused by the bone spur, according to Grousbeck.
Though everyone from Ainge to Doc Rivers intimated during the playoffs that the two knee issues may not be related - that the inflamed tendon somehow was independent of the bone spur - the Celtics managing partner said everyone knew the truth.
``There was no mystery about the problem,'' he said. ``The only mystery was how (Garnett) was going to be able to do something on it. We just didn't feel like sharing that with the media at the time.
``It was just a matter of declining to comment on it. I mean, he did come back to play four (regular-season) games, and I believe that he might have tried to play against Cleveland if we had made it that far.
``But this all threw our opponents into some confusion about what was happening.''
As Vander Weide now knows, his Magic weren't exactly undone by the misinformation, or misdirection, or whatever the Celtics choose to call it.
``But we were able to more or less keep this in the locker room,'' said Grousbeck who, even at this, admits a Garnett return wasn't out of the question.
``KG was still around at shootarounds, and he was still working out,'' he said. ``But regardless of how it looked, Doc and Danny were still out there saying we didn't expect Kevin to play.
``And remember, nobody wanted to play more than Kevin did.''
Good business
The Celtics won the award for several reasons, most recently including a league-leading percentage (high 90s) of season ticket renewals. Those fans obviously expect to see Garnett a lot more next season than last.
Grousbeck also said the stated intentions of Ainge and Rivers to sign a veteran free agent or two this summer are not hollow.
The checkbook, he said, will be open for the right player, regardless of luxury tax ramifications.
``We're planning to look for ways to improve our team,'' Grousbeck said. ``We're willing to invest in the right way. If it's the right situation and the right player, then we'll do it.
``I think we all have someone in mind right now,'' he said of some of the names that are about to become free agents. ``We're willing to consider all sorts of ways if it means winning Banner 18.''
The willingness to spend is, of course, most important with the season ticket-holders. The award committee took other factors into account, like community work and sponsorships in addition to ticket sales.
Another factor?
``Our TV ratings tripled locally for Comcast,'' Grousbeck said. ``The pleasing thing about this was that all of the teams that were in that final group - like Cleveland and the Blackhawks - are teams that are really on the upswing.
``And that's where we are. The product on the floor obviously makes the rest of this happen. But our sellout streak actually goes back to the end of the last year when we didn't play well.
``People wanted to watch that team because players like Rajon (Rondo) and Al Jefferson gave them something exciting to follow,'' Grousbeck said. ``I think it shows that we haven't forgotten how to treat people, and we'll keep doing that.''
Another Grousbeck impression might strike some as a bit of a stretch.
``I've almost got a feeling that people became even more connected to our team this year than during (the championship) because it was such a violent battle, and we had to survive,'' he said. ``I got so many e-mails from people saying what a great fight it was this year.
``Of course they loves the parade, but there was something there this year that I think forged an even greater bond.''
The Patriots, known for shielding injury information with the paranoid fervor of a police state, apparently influenced how the Celtics guarded the particulars about Garnett, his gimpy knee and availability during the playoffs.
``We were being Belichickian,'' Celtics managing partner Wyc Grousbeck said of the infamously covert Pats coach. ``We had a great example to follow with the New England Patriots, and we were following their World Championship lead.''
Grousbeck said last week that a heavy dose of gamesmanship went into the trickle of information - or misinformation - regarding Garnett. It might have paid a small playoff dividend to leave opponents - and the media - wondering whether Garnett was coming back, even when the team apparently knew better.
Consider a conversation between Grousbeck and representatives from Orlando and Cleveland during an ownership meeting shortly after the Celtics' first-round elimination of Chicago.
Orlando president Bob Vander Weide asked Grousbeck if Garnett would be available for the conference semifinals between their teams, and the Celtics co-owner left the door of possibility wide open, even if the chances virtually were nil.
``That way they didn't know what to expect,'' he said.
The truth, according to Grousbeck, is the team's medical staff knew exactly what it would find during the operation on Garnett's knee last week.
Though Danny Ainge, the executive director of basketball operations, said last week that surgeons ``did not have to touch'' the tendon during arthroscopic surgery, the inflamed muscle indeed was caused by the bone spur, according to Grousbeck.
Though everyone from Ainge to Doc Rivers intimated during the playoffs that the two knee issues may not be related - that the inflamed tendon somehow was independent of the bone spur - the Celtics managing partner said everyone knew the truth.
``There was no mystery about the problem,'' he said. ``The only mystery was how (Garnett) was going to be able to do something on it. We just didn't feel like sharing that with the media at the time.
``It was just a matter of declining to comment on it. I mean, he did come back to play four (regular-season) games, and I believe that he might have tried to play against Cleveland if we had made it that far.
``But this all threw our opponents into some confusion about what was happening.''
As Vander Weide now knows, his Magic weren't exactly undone by the misinformation, or misdirection, or whatever the Celtics choose to call it.
``But we were able to more or less keep this in the locker room,'' said Grousbeck who, even at this, admits a Garnett return wasn't out of the question.
``KG was still around at shootarounds, and he was still working out,'' he said. ``But regardless of how it looked, Doc and Danny were still out there saying we didn't expect Kevin to play.
``And remember, nobody wanted to play more than Kevin did.''
Good business
The Celtics won the award for several reasons, most recently including a league-leading percentage (high 90s) of season ticket renewals. Those fans obviously expect to see Garnett a lot more next season than last.
Grousbeck also said the stated intentions of Ainge and Rivers to sign a veteran free agent or two this summer are not hollow.
The checkbook, he said, will be open for the right player, regardless of luxury tax ramifications.
``We're planning to look for ways to improve our team,'' Grousbeck said. ``We're willing to invest in the right way. If it's the right situation and the right player, then we'll do it.
``I think we all have someone in mind right now,'' he said of some of the names that are about to become free agents. ``We're willing to consider all sorts of ways if it means winning Banner 18.''
The willingness to spend is, of course, most important with the season ticket-holders. The award committee took other factors into account, like community work and sponsorships in addition to ticket sales.
Another factor?
``Our TV ratings tripled locally for Comcast,'' Grousbeck said. ``The pleasing thing about this was that all of the teams that were in that final group - like Cleveland and the Blackhawks - are teams that are really on the upswing.
``And that's where we are. The product on the floor obviously makes the rest of this happen. But our sellout streak actually goes back to the end of the last year when we didn't play well.
``People wanted to watch that team because players like Rajon (Rondo) and Al Jefferson gave them something exciting to follow,'' Grousbeck said. ``I think it shows that we haven't forgotten how to treat people, and we'll keep doing that.''
Another Grousbeck impression might strike some as a bit of a stretch.
``I've almost got a feeling that people became even more connected to our team this year than during (the championship) because it was such a violent battle, and we had to survive,'' he said. ``I got so many e-mails from people saying what a great fight it was this year.
``Of course they loves the parade, but there was something there this year that I think forged an even greater bond.''
KG's Knee is "Tip Top"
LINK
Well, that would indeed be good news. But if he hasn't scrimmaged yet, I'm not sure anyone can know this for certain. The report is from NESN, but it is filed by Liam Martin, whom they describe as a "television business reporter for Medill News"
Well, that would indeed be good news. But if he hasn't scrimmaged yet, I'm not sure anyone can know this for certain. The report is from NESN, but it is filed by Liam Martin, whom they describe as a "television business reporter for Medill News"
9.19.2009
"We're Gonna Let Him Run"
"He's been here several weeks working out," Rivers said prior to teeing off at the team's Shamrock Foundation Golf Tournament at Nashawtuc Country Club. "He's fine. He's good. We're just going to let him run.
LINK
I missed this quote from a couple of days ago. As I try to piece together a picture, this piece may be telling. Because of the rare nature of the injury to Kevin Garnett's right knee, no one really knows how healthy he'll be when training camp opens in 10 days. So Doc Rivers, team officials, and team doctors are "just gonna let him run" on the first day of camp, see how it goes, and then maybe clear him for a non-contact or light-contact scrimmage later in the week. Then, finally, if he clears those hurdles, KG will be allowed to participate in a full contact-scrimmage.
Granted, I'm reading a lot into one quote. Then again, I've been piecing quotes together for about seven days now, and the weight and momentum behind most of the stories are finally headed in the same direction--KG will participate on the first day of camp, but just how much he'll participate will be decided after they watch move around.
LINK
I missed this quote from a couple of days ago. As I try to piece together a picture, this piece may be telling. Because of the rare nature of the injury to Kevin Garnett's right knee, no one really knows how healthy he'll be when training camp opens in 10 days. So Doc Rivers, team officials, and team doctors are "just gonna let him run" on the first day of camp, see how it goes, and then maybe clear him for a non-contact or light-contact scrimmage later in the week. Then, finally, if he clears those hurdles, KG will be allowed to participate in a full contact-scrimmage.
Granted, I'm reading a lot into one quote. Then again, I've been piecing quotes together for about seven days now, and the weight and momentum behind most of the stories are finally headed in the same direction--KG will participate on the first day of camp, but just how much he'll participate will be decided after they watch move around.
9.18.2009
Another Thought on the Staples Rumor
I wonder if Bill Simmons made up the rumor to motivate the local Boston media to flush out the details about KG's knee. The best way he could do this was to concoct the most ridiculous thing he could come up with--staples. This despite the same local media having already reported that the tendon was not touched during the surgery.
Simmons making up such a rumor would not be without risk. Say the local media asks Danny about the staples, and he categorically denies the rumor as false. It's not like Simmons can brag to his fans or friends about the lie. His credibility would be shot. But he can say that at least he had been investigating a lead, following a story, and trying to determine if Celtics fans were getting the whole truth, something he claims the New England media has failed to do.
Ah. Now Simmons starts to sound more like Woodward & Bernstein, and less like the doof that he is. Simmons would be perceived as the investigative Tweeter (sorry, I just can't call it journalism) riding in on a white horse to save Celtics Nation from the neglect of the Fourth Estate. One thing you need to keep in mind is that almost everything about Bill Simmons is about Bill Simmons. He wants to build his brand, get a talk show, and be the next big thing.
So for at least one post, I'm giving up the grassy knoll and the second gunman.
I'm gonna opine that the KG Staples Rumor is a load of crap fabricated to promote someone's personal agenda.
Simmons making up such a rumor would not be without risk. Say the local media asks Danny about the staples, and he categorically denies the rumor as false. It's not like Simmons can brag to his fans or friends about the lie. His credibility would be shot. But he can say that at least he had been investigating a lead, following a story, and trying to determine if Celtics fans were getting the whole truth, something he claims the New England media has failed to do.
Ah. Now Simmons starts to sound more like Woodward & Bernstein, and less like the doof that he is. Simmons would be perceived as the investigative Tweeter (sorry, I just can't call it journalism) riding in on a white horse to save Celtics Nation from the neglect of the Fourth Estate. One thing you need to keep in mind is that almost everything about Bill Simmons is about Bill Simmons. He wants to build his brand, get a talk show, and be the next big thing.
So for at least one post, I'm giving up the grassy knoll and the second gunman.
I'm gonna opine that the KG Staples Rumor is a load of crap fabricated to promote someone's personal agenda.
The "KG's Tendons are Stapled" Rumor
Apparently, Bill Simmons is Tweeting that the surgery performed on Kevin Garnett to remove bone spurs from his right knee involved reattching his tendons with staples. Other sources are picking up on the rumor. Jackie MacMullen doesn't have information to refute the rumor.
Just when it looked like it might be safe to shut down the Grassy Knoll for a few days, the Second Gunman returns.
Just when it looked like it might be safe to shut down the Grassy Knoll for a few days, the Second Gunman returns.
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