Camp Opens for World Champs

September 29, 1984

CELTICS OPEN CAMP WITH TWO MISGIVINGS

It was like going to a wedding at which two of the bride's sisters failed to appear. Talk of family feuding and missing persons carried the day.

The Celtics were hosts for their annual "Media Day" at Hellenic College yesterday morning. Ten veterans and four rookies encountered a formidable battery of microphones and telephoto lenses, and in every corner of the crusty gym folks were talking about free agent absentees Cedric Maxwell and Gerald Henderson.



"It's unfortunate," noted Kevin McHale. "Something like this goes public, and everybody gives it more emphasis than anything else. We've got 10 guys here who helped win a world championship last year, but it doesn't seem to be the most important thing."

The reality is that stalled contract negotiations will carry the news until the Maxwell/Henderson matters are resolved. The Celtics are attempting to become the NBA's first repeat champions in 15 years, and the absence of 40 percent of last year's starting lineup poses an immediate obstacle.

You don't have to be Red On Roundball to know that Maxwell's defense and inside offensive game are vital ingredients in the Celtic game plan. Without Henderson, the Celtics lose depth and consistency in their most vulnerable spot - the backcourt.

Physiological fallout is another matter. In a sport in which skill differentials are minimal, the intangible but vital "chemistry" must be positive. The 1982-83 Celtics vaporized under the strain of Bill Fitch's fat thumb, Tiny Archibald's pout and McHale's ongoing contract talks. Are the '84-85 Celtics headed back down that dreaded road?

"Without chemistry, we won't go very far," conceded Robert Parish (who staged his own week-long holdout last fall). "You can have all the talent in the world, but you won't go far without chemistry."

"We'd like for them to be here," added MVP Larry Bird. "I'd like to see it over with as soon as possible. We're blessed with a lot of talent on this team, but it'll be good to get them back in the flow so this won't hurt us when the season starts."

"I think the big thing is that the guys will understand," said M.L. Carr. "We want them here happy, rather than just present. The biggest effect will be on their conditioning. I think the camaraderie will be the same.

"I'm sure that in a year in which we're trying to repeat, the team is not going to do anything to destroy our chances. So I think it will be resolved soon."

In another corner of the gym, Celtic president and legend-in-residence Red Auerbach scoffed, "We have made very substantial offers, and I'm not going to move. We've got plenty of time. Hey, the offers I made are not etched in stone. They can't expect to miss camp and then get the same kind of deals.

"We've got 12 men here; I'm not worried about it. If it's not sufficient, we'll make a move. We've done it in the past."

The Celtics start double practice sessions today. Boston's first exhibition game is a week from Tuesday in Hartford against Philadelphia.

"I wish Gerry and Max were here," said coach K.C. Jones. "But I'm sympathetic to the situations they're in. Hopefully, something can be worked out, because they are a big part of our nucleus.

"I'm not worried about the chemistry, because the guys feel that things are going to work out. It's the same situation we had last year with Robert. Things worked out that time, and that's the positive feeling the guys have now."

Dennis Johnson has lost 10 pounds and says his left wrist is completely healed. He broke the wrist in the second quarter of Game 7 against the Lakers . . . Quinn Buckner pulled a hamstring last week and won't be at full speed for a while . . . Michael Young is in camp; he's agreed to a $75,000 contract on a make-good basis. Other rookie hopefuls include forward Ronnie Williams and guards Rick Carlisle and Kevin Mullin. Williams says he's dropped 14 pounds since rookie camp, but adds, "I'm still on the heavy side."