C's Struggle on the Boards

Offensive on boards

Rebounds. Rebounds. Rebounds. What has happened to the Celtics' rebounding? Last night's 45-28 pounding on the boards was as horrid as it was reflective of their trip. Over seven games, the Celtics were outrebounded in each by an average 11.5 a game. Last night, they got crushed at both ends (Houston had 17 offensive rebounds), prompting Paul Pierce to observe, "It's tough to swallow. They outrebounded us with three guards. We've got to do a better job rebounding the basketball. I know I do. I'm not doing a good job." 

The Celtics have not outrebounded an opponent in the last 15 games. Said O'Brien, "We're not getting the commitment from the five people we have on the court to rebound the basketball." . . . TonyDelk got thrown into the starting lineup in his first Boston appearance. In 23 minutes, he had 3 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, a steal, and a turnover. "I tried not to force anything," he said. "I'm just trying to fit in, learn the plays, and get familiar with my new teammates." O'Brien's rationale for starting Delk: "Why not? That's why we made the trade. Why wait any longer? Let's see what happens." Delk, who wore No. 00 in Phoenix, opted for No. 28, last worn by Quinn Buckner in the 1984-85 season. Rodney Rogers, meanwhile, also made his Boston debut, scoring 2 points in six first-half minutes. "I wish I could have been more effective out there," Rogers said. "We needed this win." Rogers wore No. 54.

Rogers and Delk: How Big a Heist?

February 24, 2002

HOUSTON - You will be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't like the Celtics' trading-deadline deal with Phoenix. They got two players who should contribute while giving up three who either didn't contribute or couldn't contribute. They also unloaded a draft pick they didn't really want and still have two first-rounders in 2003.

Delk Gives the Celtics Instant -0-

February 23, 2002

DALLAS - There were 50-60 tickets available for Thursday night's Suns-Grizzlies game in Memphis. That's because native Tennessean Tony Delk wasn't around to distribute them to friends and family.

Rogers Adds Depth

February 22, 2002

ROGERS GIVES DEPTH A CHARGE

DALLAS - It was the spring of 1999 and Rick Pitino already was looking forward to the upcoming free agent crop. Several names intrigued him, including the Los Angeles Clippers' Rodney Rogers.   "What I'm looking for," Pitino said then, "is someone who is a little down in his luck or someone who, for whatever reason, may have underachieved and needs a new start." He mentioned Rogers by name.

Celtics Welcome Delk and Rogers

February 22, 2002

Boston, meanwhile, welcomed newcomer Rodney Rogers to the team, but he did not see any action. He was not expected to. The team did not expect to see Tony Delk until tomorrow in Houston, as Delk was home in Tennessee with his father, who suffered a stroke. But Delk surprisingly showed up early in the game and watched from behind the Boston bench. He'll practice with the team today.

Celtics Acquire Delk and Rogers

February 21, 2002, Thursday
The Celtics yesterday sent a clear message to the NBA that they take themselves very seriously in any discussion of Eastern Conference contenders by executing a significant trade with the Phoenix Suns.

Is Michael Finley Better than Kobe?

DATE	OPP	RESULT	MIN	FG	PCT	3P	PCT	FT	PCT	STL	BLK	TO	PF	OFF	DEF	TOT	AST	PTS
Begins Playing for BOSTON CELTICS
3/7	Was	W 86-83	0	0-0	--	0-0	--	0-0	--	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3/9	@Mil	L 86-84	8	2-3	.667	1-1	1.000	0-0	--	0	0	1	1	0	1	1	0	5
3/10	Mem	L 111-91	14	4-6	.667	2-3	.667	0-0	--	0	0	0	1	0	3	3	0	10
3/12	Ind	W 122-103	18	4-5	.800	0-0	--	1-2	.500	0	0	1	3	0	3	3	1	9
3/14	@Cle	L 104-93	16	2-7	.286	0-3	.000	0-0	--	0	0	0	1	1	3	4	1	4
3/15	Det	W 119-93	14	6-7	.857	3-4	.750	0-0	--	0	1	1	3	0	1	1	2	15
Numbers for March			14.0	18-28	.643	6-11	.545	1-2	.500	0.0	0.2	0.6	1.8	0.2	2.2	2.4	0.8	8.6

With last night's 6-7 outing, Michael Finley is shooting a blistering64% since joining the Boston Celtics. If you throw out his Cleveland outing as an aberration, Finley's shooting percentage improves to better than 76%. He's shooting 54% from range, or 66% excluding the Cleveland game.

The Celtics don't have a long history of making mid- to late-season acquisitions who adjust quickly. Ray Williams and Artis Gilmore never really adjusted. Ed Pinckney and Joe Kleinie earned Cs. Sam Cassell and Derek Smith probably deserved a B-. Jim Paxson, Tony Delk, and Rodney Rogers probably earned a B+ in their first seasons.

Right now I'm gonna give #40 a B. If he can replicate his hot shooting in a game that matters, I'll revisit his GPA at that time.