10 things on the state of the Celtics

[Gant]

1) Why Didn't You Lie To Me?!?

Danny Ainge told the truth, and in doing so made many people mad. He said he wasn't going to make any deals. He said it would be a quiet draft night. He said it would be pretty boring for Celtic fans... ...and it was. Danny, you can't just go around telling people the truth! Think of the precedent you're setting!


2) Rondo Stays

It's a fantastic thing too. Rajon Rondo is 23 years old and a great defender. He rebounds, passes and runs the floor far better than most at his position. He's significantly improved every year and he'll improve again this coming season too. He's a match up nightmare for the vast majority of teams.

Years ahead when the big three are gone the Celtics can build a true running team around Rajon. I am SO glad he's staying.


3) No Press Conference

In a normal year Lester Hudson would have taken part in a day-after-the-draft press conference in Boston. Of course it wouldn't really have been HIS press conference; it would have been the first round draft pick's press conference. 58th selection Lester would have stood next to a more prominent rookie, basking in the shared glow. He would have held up a green jersey and put on a green cap, and politely answered questions from fine sportswriters like Marc Spears and Steve Bulpett...


4) Can Lester Make The Team?

...not so this year. Lester Hudson already has a steep enough climb to make the roster, let alone the rotation. #58's generally last about as long as soap bubbles. This guy could be different though. Mr. Hudson is tough, can create his own shot, and can score like crazy. He's got long arms too.

He's also older; a year and a half older than Rondo. His age might have hurt his draft position but it helps his chance to make the team. The Celtics are looking for guys who can contribute now, and Lester being physically mature has that advantage.

Also summer league favors guards- particularly guards who have the ball in their hands a lot- and even more particularly guards who have the ball in their hands a lot and can create their own shot. So Lester Hudson will get his opportunity. Normally we would all strongly bet against a 58th pick wearing a pro jersey in November. With this guy we'll wait and see.


5) Great Starting Five

In case anyone forgot, the Celtics have the best starting five in the universe. It's the bench that needs help...


6) Free Agents

...There are two urgent needs: A big man who can come in and be rock solid and give some rest to Perkins and Garnett, and a wing who can spell Paul Pierce and function on both ends.


7) Wings

A while back Wyc spoke about a mysterious 6 foot 8 inch somebody they had their collective eyes on. Who could that be? Shawn Marion? Trevor Ariza? Both are 6'8".


8) Bigs

With Garnett coming off knee surgery, Leon out for at least half the year and maybe longer, Perkins having that sensitive shoulder, and Big Baby unsigned, the Celtics need BIG help. I won't even hazard a guess who they'll be going after, that is aside from Rasheed Wallace and Antonio Mcdyess. I also won't guess that maybe they'll look at Gortat and Zaza and Birdman.


9) One Other Note On The Draft

You know it's a terrible draft when David Stern is in no danger of neck strain. I think he only had to crane his neck twice all night: once for Grizzly Hasheem Thabeet, and once for Knickerbocker Jordan Hill. I mean half the evening Mr. Stern was practically looking at first rounders straight in the eye. Oh man, that is bad. When a significant portion of first rounders are barely taller than the diminutive commish, it's a weak class. Very weak.


10) Who's Really Improved?

There were six teams with a legitimate shot at the title this past year- three in each conference: LA, San Antonio and Denver in the West; Boston, Orlando and Cleveland in the East. The Spurs and Celtics got derailed by injuries. Orlando exploited Cleveland's weak spot before unleashing their collective inner poodle. Denver wasn't quite good enough.

Of those six teams who has made the best additions so far?
Cleveland added Shaq.
Orlando added Vince Carter and gets Jameer Nelson back, while losing Courtney Lee and probably Hedo Turkoglu.
Denver added a rookie point guard.
LA hasn't done anything yet and has to try to resign Ariza and Odom.

San Antonio has so far gained more than any of those teams: In addition to their good draft, they've added Richard Jefferson and will get Manu Ginobili back.

But the team that's added the most to their playoff roster: The Boston Celtics. They've added Kevin Garnett, the best power forward in the game.

...all the Celtics need now is a fortified bench...

[stretch]

Great post Gant.

Like your ending. Relatively, the Celtics have added the most to their playoff roster with KG getting healthy. We're still the best team, always have been. People forget that. It's just like San Antonio for the previous 7-8 years. Every other year, people kept forgetting just how good they were.. and they'd win the title "surprisingly" once again, and again.

It's such a similar feeling with Boston. The knowledgeable analysts could never rule out the Spurs every year, and the astute commentators know not to rule out the Celtics, with the league's best starting 5 + Davis/House.

This is almost set up perfectly for another Celtic title run.


7. About this.. why does everyone not realize that it's Ron Artest that Wyc is talking about?? It's only Ron Artest. The description he gave doesn't suit Marion or anyone else, except maybe LeBron. It's totally Artest. Doc's always been enamored by him. They may know that Pierce or Allen might be willing to come off the bench if it meant getting Artest. The 2-3 combination of Allen/Artest and Pierce/Artest would be devastating, especially an Artest/KG/Perkins frontcourt. Artest would get minutes at the 2, 3 and 4 (where he's most successful).. and still get his 33-35 minutes he played in Houston. Allen and Pierce would still play their 32+ minutes, maybe reduced.

Once Artest's options come down, and if Yao's foot doesn't make progress, Artest might actually leave Houston. It wouldn't be that surprising if he signed here for the full MLE. Ron Artest has spoken glowingly about our team before, especially our Big 3 and role players.

The little stuff Artest might have with KG (where he said he's tougher than KG) or Pierce (e.g. pulling down his shorts) is no worse than the bad feelings that KG had with Perkins when he was a Timberwolf. The first thing KG did (as per Peter May) when he got traded to Boston was sort things out with Perkins. You can bet that Pierce/KG would get it to work with Artest. And coach Tom would have such a versatile defense.

[cfan79]

Lester Hudson should make the team, he can have Pruitt's spot. Gabe hasn't shown anything, but a nice smile the last couple of years.

[GreenDreamer]

I am hoping that Mr. 6'8" is Marion. He's my dream candidate for acquisition. I really don't see Ron coming here when he can be a star on the Rockets, and they genuinely seem to like each other over there.

Could it be the suprise return of the NBA exile, or as he is known in the Dirty-Dirty: "He Who Shall Not Be Named", Josh Childress? If they are being secretive, maybe that is why.

It is proably Grant Hill, though, because he is going to take that low vet money, and is listed at 6'8" tall.

[zomboka]

1) Why Didn't You Lie To Me?!?

Danny Ainge told the truth, and in doing so made many people mad at him. He said he wasn't going to make any deals. He said it would be a quiet draft night. He said it would be pretty boring for Celtic fans... ...and it was. Danny, you can't just go around telling people the truth! Think of the precedent you're setting!


2) Rondo Stays

It's a fantastic thing too. Rajon Rondo is 23 years old and a great defender. He rebounds, passes, and runs the floor far better than most at his position. He's significantly improved every year, and he'll improve again this coming season too. He's a match up nightmare for the vast majority of teams.

Years ahead when the big three are gone the Celtics can build a true running team around Rajon. I am SO glad he's staying.


3) No Press Conference

In a normal year Lester Hudson would have taken part in a day-after-the-draft press conference in Boston. Of course it wouldn't really have been HIS press conference; it would have been the first round draft pick's press conference. 58th selection Lester would have stood next to a more prominent rookie, basking in the shared glow. He would have held up a green jersey and put on a green cap, and politely answered questions from fine sportswriters like Marc Spears and Steve Bulpett...


4) Can Lester Make The Team?

...not so this year. Lester Hudson already has a steep enough climb to make the roster, let alone the rotation. #58's generally last about as long as soap bubbles. This guy could be different though. Mr. Hudson is tough, can create his own shot, and can score like crazy. He's got long arms too.

He's also older; a year and a half older than Rondo. His age might have hurt his draft position but it helps his chance to make the team. The Celtics are looking for guys who can contribute now, and Lester being physically mature has that advantage.

Also summer league favors guards- particularly guards who have the ball in their hands a lot- and even more particularly guards who have the ball in their hands a lot and can create their own shot. So Lester Hudson will get his opportunity. Normally I would strongly bet against a 58th pick wearing a pro jersey in November. With this guy I'll wait and see.


5) Great Starting Five

In case anyone forgot, the Celtics have the best starting five in the universe. It's the bench that needs help...


6) Free Agents

...There are two urgent needs: A big man who can come in a be rock solid and give some rest to Perkins and Garnett, and a wing who can spell Paul Pierce and function on both ends.


7) Wings

A while back Wyc spoke about a mysterious 6 foot 8 inch somebody they had their collective eyes on. Who could that be? Shawn Marion? Trevor Ariza? Both are 6'8".


8) Bigs

With Garnett coming off knee surgery, Leon out for at least half the year and maybe longer, Perkins having that sensitive shoulder, and Big Baby unsigned, the Celtics need BIG help. I won't even hazard a guess who they'll be going after, that is aside from Rasheed Wallace and Antonio Mcdyess. I also won't guess that maybe they'll look at Gortat and Zaza and Birdman.


9) One Other Note On The Draft

You know it's a terrible draft when David Stern is in no danger of neck strain. I think he only had to crane his neck twice all night: once for Grizzly Hasheem Thabeet, and once for Knickerbocker Jordan Hill. I mean half the evening Mr. Stern was practically looking at first rounders straight in the eye. Oh man, that is bad. When a significant portion of first rounders are barely taller than the diminutive commish, it's a weak class. Very weak.


10) Who's Really Improved?

There were six teams with a legitimate shot at the title this past year- three in each conference: LA, San Antonio and Denver in the West; Boston, Orlando and Cleveland in the East. The Spurs and Celtics got derailed by injuries. Orlando exploited Cleveland's weak spot before unleashing their collective inner poodle. Denver wasn't quite good enough.

Of those six teams who has made the best additions so far?
Cleveland added Shaq.
Orlando added Vince Carter and gets Jameer Nelson back, while losing Courtney Lee and probably Hedo Turkoglu.
Denver added a rookie point guard.
LA hasn't done anything yet and has to try to resign Ariza and Odom.

San Antonio has so far gained more than any of those teams: In addition to their good draft, they've added Richard Jefferson and will get Manu Ginobili back.

But the team that's added the most to their playoff roster: The Boston Celtics. They've added Kevin Garnett, the best power forward in the game.

...all the Celtics need now is a fortified bench...

Warning for trolling and soon to be bye bye...canman

[Barry Lird]

If that's your idea of a joke, it's pathetic.

[cfan79]

What are you talking about? There's 10 different things in the original post. What are you referring to?

[Gant]

Poodle references sometimes make good people do bad things.

[cfan79]

I'll ignore the (Please Use More Appropriate Word) and get back to the topic.

I'd love to get Marion too. I read somewhere that he might be willing to take a cheap contract for a shot at a title.

[Gant]

I'll ignore the (Please Use More Appropriate Word) and get back to the topic.

I'd love to get Marion too. I read somewhere that he might be willing to take a cheap contract for a shot at a title.

Before the Ray Allen and Garnett deals, Marion refused to come to Boston in a rumored trade. But now circumstances have changed. After Toronto, Boston has to look really good. And Marion could swing between 3 and 4. With Garnett getting fewer minutes due to the knee and Pierce moving to 2 on occasion, Marion could get starter minutes off the bench for the Celtics.

[MaxwellSmart]

Marion would be perfect---although I like Artest---he is a Ball Hog now...also, would like to see Grant Hill with the LLE...wouldn't mind Marbury--but would rather have Jannero Pargo.

[cfan79]

Before the Ray Allen and Garnett deals, Marion refused to come to Boston in a rumored trade. But now circumstances have changed. After Toronto, Boston has to look really good. And Marion could swing between 3 and 4. With Garnett getting fewer minutes due to the knee and Pierce moving to 2 on occasion, Marion could get starter minutes off the bench for the Celtics.

Yep, even if we sign him and stay put we would be the best team in the league. Our one weakness last season was our bench. If we can somehow get Marion and stay healthy we'll have a decent one.

[GreenDreamer]

I'll ignore the (Please Use More Appropriate Word) and get back to the topic.

I'd love to get Marion too. I read somewhere that he might be willing to take a cheap contract for a shot at a title.

Before the Ray Allen and Garnett deals, Marion refused to come to Boston in a rumored trade. But now circumstances have changed. After Toronto, Boston has to look really good. And Marion could swing between 3 and 4. With Garnett getting fewer minutes due to the knee and Pierce moving to 2 on occasion, Marion could get starter minutes off the bench for the Celtics.

Exactly, Gant. It wouldn't be him coming here and playing 20 minutes a game. He's get major run. Probably at least 10 to 15 starts in teh process, because if you got a guy like that on your team, you can give Paul and Ray, and even KG, the occasional game off just to keep them even fresher for the long run. No need to play through any injuries with him on the roster. At least during teh regular season.

he would do everything that Posey did, just a lot better. Let's face it, James was a really good player for us, but Marion is a whole different level of talent. This would be a classic buy low where the economy and his recent oddessy could really work to our advantge. He thought that he could be "The Man". He knows that he can't now. No one in their right mind is going to pay him big money, so why not sign on with us an d get his rep back to where it used to be. He'd probably win a SMOY award or two here, and winning Titles makes people respect you a hell of a lot more. That sure is better than getting paid the same amount of money to toil away in anonymity.

[GreenMachine]

#1. Spot on.

I was going to make a thread: DA- The Most Honest GM EVER.

He has the perfect con game going. People assume, and its been written on this board a million times "DA is too smart to tip his hand". But guess what? He does it EVER YEAR. He just tells the truth and people think he is lying, it is genius. Maybe its the Morman thing... but DA just don't tell no lies.

[Jammer]

Out of Ron Artest, Shawn Marion and Grant Hill,
only one player is a "real" 6' 8".

Grant Hill.

And he's the most realistic to sign.

Marion obviously is about the biggest contract, starting,
and the most minutes. If you don't know that, then you haven't been following
b-ball close enough the past few years.

The Celtics will not offer Marion One of the Three Things that Marion desires.
He won't get the biggest salary in Boston, he won't get the most minutes,
and he won't start. So please, wake up, and fuhgeddaabout him.
Another team will top the Celtics in each of those categories that matter to Marion.

Ron Artest, from his power forward days in high school, has been hazardout to his teammates.
If anyone thinks Danny Ainge will allow a player who picked up Michael Jordan from behind
during a summer scrimmage, and body slammed him to the gym floor, cracking
(depending on who you hear it from), 1 to 3 ribs;

or who Blind Side punched Elton Brand (who was his teammate during their AAU days)
when they both played for the Chicago Bulls,
knocking Elton Brand out,

on the Celtics, well, then you don't know Danny Ainge.

[Gant]

Out of Ron Artest, Shawn Marion and Grant Hill,
only one player is a "real" 6' 8".

Grant Hill.

And he's the most realistic to sign.

Marion obviously is about the biggest contract, starting,
and the most minutes. If you don't know that, then you haven't been following
b-ball close enough the past few years.

The Celtics will not offer Marion One of the Three Things that Marion desires.
He won't get the biggest salary in Boston, he won't get the most minutes,
and he won't start. So please, wake up, and fuhgeddaabout him.
Another team will top the Celtics in each of those categories that matter to Marion.

Ron Artest, from his power forward days in high school, has been hazardout to his teammates.
If anyone thinks Danny Ainge will allow a player who picked up Michael Jordan from behind
during a summer scrimmage, and body slammed him to the gym floor, cracking
(depending on who you hear it from), 1 to 3 ribs;

or who Blind Side punched Elton Brand (who was his teammate during their AAU days)
when they both played for the Chicago Bull days,
knocking Elton Brand out,

on the Celtics, well, then you don't know Danny Ainge.

Actually Danny tried to trade for Artest when he was still in Indiana.

[chakdaddy]

I thought it was obvious that the "'6-8 somebody'' comment was a joke about getting LeBron James.

[BRUNiNHO91]

I thought it was obvious that the "'6-8 somebody'' comment was a joke about getting LeBron James.

Right..didn't he even go as far as saying it was a '6'8 SF from St Mary high school'?? I thought he did..

[cisco]

I'd go for Marion or Hill. I hate Artest. He plays dirty and he sucked in the playoffs.

[Al-Haqq]

Could you imagine if we signed Marion!!

WOW!

Our defense becomes that much better! It's like resigning James Posey but only a better version of him.