Boston Celtics Feeling Out Process

The Boston Celtics are 8-1 after suffering their first loses of the season to the Orlando Magic.  Some would chalk the lose to “just one of those night”.  Other would point the finger to Celtic Coach Doc Rivers for bad coaching moves or to team captain Paul Pierce for taking a bad game winning shot. It could be a combination for both.  However I’m going to chalk it up to the felling out process.

 

The Celtics still have to learn how to win close games.  At this point in the season they are 1-1 in close games, one overtime win in Toronto and a two point lose in Orlando.  In both games the Celtics have played team who shoot the three point shot very well.  In both games they played a team who has scorers at every position.  In both games the opposition had a PG who the Cs couldn’t control on the offensive side of the ball.  Starting to see a pattern? 

 

I feel the Celtics will continue to have problems with teams that posse this type of threat, (Dallas, Phoenix and San Antonio) come to mind.  However that doesn’t answer why the Celtics played an ugly game vs. Miami.  This leads me to my point.  The Celtics are still in a feeling out process.

 

When the Celtics were blowing teams out like Washington and Denver I said it was “only 5 games and those team aren’t as good as we think.”  The Celtics didn’t have to run offensives set or look for way to get Ray Allen into the game because those games came too easily.   

 

However I get the feeling that more games will be like the Miami game unless Doc Rivers changes his ways. I have come up with 5 step program to get this team through the feeling out process. 

 

1^st. Start the game by going inside/out, instead of outside/in.  Simple basketball rule

 

2^nd. Run pick-in-rolls plays that involve KG with either Ray Allen or Rajon Rondo.  You can even run some Pick and pop plays off that some action.  Basketball is a simple game which requires simple plays. 

 

3^rd.  How about running both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce off some screens?  Ray Allen should be running more baseline to baseline allay Rip Hamilton.  Paul Pierce should be coming off of down screen set by Perk and KG. 

 

4^th. How about on certain nights you start James Posey instead of Perkins.  For example it would have been nice to start Posey out on Rashard Lewis Sunday night.  Also you start Howard out guarding KG putting pressure on Howard to be a one on one defender which it is not great at.  Instead of having Howard being a weak-side defending which he is great at.  I think on might when the Celtics play Phoenix, Detroit, Orlando and Golden State James Posey should get the start over Perkins. 

 5^th. When it comes to a last second game winning situations please come up

Alex Rodriguez Will Be A Red Sox

Nowadays in Boston everything comes in three’s.  The New England Patroits are three times Super Bowl Champion.  The Boston Celtics has the new “big three” with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.  Now fresh off a world series sweep over the Colorado Rockies, the Boston Red Sox are looking to have their own verison of the “big three”.  

My Red Sox source has told me that Red Sox Owner John Henry wants Alex Rodriguez.  My source told me that John Henry has told GM Theo Epstein to get a deal done in reguards to Rodriguez.   Mr. Henry is so excited about having what could be the best 3,4,5 hitters in Major League history with Ortiz, Rodriguez and Manny.  Plus you add that fact that with Rodriguez your adding the protenical Home Run Hitting king to your line-up it has the people on Yawkee Way feeling a little giddy.

The Red Sox would love for Rodriguez to play Short-Stop not third base.  Speaking of third base, I was told Mike Lowell believes that he will be re-sign by the Red Sox in the next couple of days.  I’m hearing a 3 year deal with a club option for a 4th year at a number that both Lowell and the Red Sox are happy with. 

The Red Sox going after Rodriguez should not come as a suprise to any GM in the Majors.  The Sox have being trying hard to trade current SS Luio Lugo and CF Coco Crisp.  Moving Lugo clears the way for Rodriguez to play SS and moving Crips will allow next year Rookie of the Year Jacoby Ellsbury the starting spot at CF.

How does Alex Rodriguez feel about becoming a Red Sox?  My source has told me that Alex Rodriguez would love to be a Red Sox.  I was told that Rodriguez always wanted to be a Red Sox and it was made clear to me that he was and still is willing to take less money then what is being reported to become a Red Sox.

I was told “with Alex it’s not about the money as people are making it out to be. He wants to win and he feels that Boston has the best chance of winning,  not just next season but for seasons to come.” 

 So with the Red Sox hinden desire for Alex Rodriguez and Rodriguez desire to be a Red Sox it’s only a matter of time A-Rod will be a Red Sox. 

KG Loves The Fade-Away

Ealier today I was reading someone post on another blog talking about Kevin Garnett having only “one crunch time move”.  This got me to thinking, not only about Kevin Garnett’s go to move but about all the great players and their go to moves. 

When I think about go to moves I think of three players,  Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon and of coarse Kareem Abdul-Jabar.  Nobody could stop Jordan’s fade-away, Olajuwon’s “Dream Shake” and the most unstoppable shot was Abdul-Jabar’s “Sky hook”.

When all else failed these guys could rely on their most reilable shot.  This did not mean of course that Michael, Kareem and Hakeem only had one move.   I recall Michael Jordan ending a lot of games on face-up jumpers.  I seen Olajuwan end a game using his version of Kareem’s sky hook.  But when it came down to it all the greats are going to go with their best shot. 

 This leads me to Kevin Garnett.  I’ve seen Garnett hit the 18 foot jump shoot better then Paul Pierce.  I’ve seen Garnett drive in finish better then Ray Allen.  So no he doesn’t have “one crunch time move”.  But when it comes down to it Garnetts favorite move, most reliable and unstoppable of shots his is fade-away jump shot. 

Two other all time great players have used the fade-away jump shot as their main weopon throughout their career Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwan.  I think Kevin Garnett has pick the right shot as his “only crunch time move”.

This leads to my question of the day……What is the greatest go to move and/or play in sports?  I would have to say the “Sky-Hook” as the great move and play I would have to say the Double Play in baseball.  I say the Double play because it can get a pitcher out of a lot of jams. 

Red Sox Should Look To Trade Manny

First let me start out by saying I love Manny.  Manny has been one of favorite Red Sox players to watch.  I don’t mind his Manny being Manny moments and I love that fact that he doesn’t feel pressure.  Nowever, I feel the Red Sox just like that last three off-season should try to trade Manny.  

 Clearing Manny’s contract off the books will allow the Red Sox to make another run at A-Rod.  I know what most of you are saying at this point, “we don’t need A-Rod”.  Yes, we won two world titles in the last 4 years without A-Rod.  However I feel like with A-Rod we can when two more titles in the next 4 years.  A-Rod is a couple years younger then then Manny.  A-Rod plays a more valuable defensive position then Manny.  Both players are 1 and 1a when it comes to being the best right-handed hitter in the American League. 

So here is my plan for the offense.  First try to move Manny, Lugo and Coco via trade for prosepcts.  Then make a run at A-Rod who will play Short-shop.  Re-sign Mike Lowell to play 3rd base.  Then make a run at Tori Hunter to play Center Field.  Move Jacoby to left field. 

By making these moves the Red Sox would have upgraded their Defense.  The offense would be upgraded because Coco and Lugo sucks.  Here would be my projected line-up.

LF: Jacoby Ellsbury

2B: Dustin Pedroia

DH. David Ortiz

SS. A-Rod

3b. Mike Lowell

C. Tori Hunter

1b. Kevin Youkilis

RF. JD Drew

C. Jason Varitek

Antoine Walker Wants To Be A Celtic

This just in Antoine Walker has been traded AGIAN.   This time to Minnesota for two other ex-Celtics players, Ricky Davis and Marc Blount.  Ok who am I kidding that was yesterdays news.  Today the news is Antoine Walker want to be bought out of his contract so he come re-join the Celtics.

Just how bad does Antoine Walker wants to become a Celtic again?  My sources tell me that Walker is willing to take the league minimum salary to join the Celtics. 

As I was told it’s not about money, it’s not about pride, it’s about unfinish business.  Antoine wants to win his second championship here in Boston.  He know that he is at the end of his career and he wants to finish it in Boston. 

Walkers also wants to let everyone know that he is NOT, out of shape.  Not matter how much the people down in Miami would like for you to belieave.  He’s ready to play this season. 

 So I ask my source is Antoine willing to take on a much different role here in Boston then he once had in his previous two tours of duty? The anwser I got was YES.  I was told that Walker understood he would be the 6th,7th or 8th man on the food chain.  He also knowns that he could help this team out to get to where it has to go.  Weather it’s being the best player in practice, and extra set of eyes on the bench.  Helping out the young guys.  Whatever it takes for him to do it want to do it. 

 My sources told me that Walker was very greatful to Danny Ainge and the Celtics Ownership group for allowing him a chance to go to Miami, given him a chance at a ring.  When he left Boston the second time around he left on a good note and I think it’s one reason why both teams would have to look at bring Walker back if the situation presents itself. 

The fact that Walkers wants to come back to Boston is not a surprise to me.  In fact I wrote a blog over the summer saying how my sources told me that Walker wants to come back. (see my 8/2/07 blog Walker Wants To Come Home) This trade just makes it more likely to happen.

Red Sox Nation Please Stand-Up

The World Series begin Wednesday night at Fenway Park.  I’m must admit I had my doubts going into the Cleveland series but I’m happy I was wrong.  Now the World Series is upon us and the city of Boston is jumping.  This is truely the golden age for Boston Sports.  The Red Sox in the World Series, Patriots looks as if  they will go undefeated, the Bruins are doing great and the Celtics have the new big three.

But this post of for Red Sox Nation.  I want you to write your prediction here.  Who will win the series and in how many games?  Who’s your pick for MVP?  What should the Sox do  this coming off-season?  Yes I know the world series hasn’t even started yet.  But I live in Boston and I’m a Red Sox fan, we always are thinking about next season.

 By the way here are my predictions

Who will win the series?  Red Sox in 5.

Who will win MVP? Mike Lowe (just a hunch)

Biggest Move to make this offseason?  Get rid of Coco and Lugo, let Kurt go back to ARZ. Make a run at ARod. 

Pre-Season Trade To Look Out For

The Celtics know they aren’t a complete team yet.  While it nice to see the big three on the floor for the first time last Saturday night Celtics GM Danny Ainge and Head Coach Doc Rivers knows it’s take more the three guys to win a champtionship. 

 The Celtics coaches and players have the upmost confidence in Rajon Rondo as their point guard.  Kevin Garnett thinks Rajon could be an all-star in the league “someday”.  But the Celtics can’t wait until “someday” arrives.  They don’t know how Rondo is going to perform in the play-offs. 

 That’s why the Celtics have been in talks Memphis for Damon Stoudamire.   This might cost the Celtics Glen “Big Babby” Davis in the process.  But the move would also clear a spot on the team for Brandon Wallace a guy that team loves.

 Memphis feels they have a nice young one / two combo at point guard with Mike Conley and Kevin Lowry.  Memphis new GM Chris Wallace was a big fan of Glen Davis when he was playing at LSU.  As I was told this deal was in the works the moment the Celtics traded for Ray Allen and Glenn Davis on draft night. 

From what I’ve been hearing the deal would be Brain Scalabrine and Glen Davis for Damon Stoudamire.

Lakers and Bulls talking Kobe Trade

The LA Lakers and Kobe Bryant have come to an agreement.  If Kobe keeps quiet from here until the start of training camp.  The Lakers will try to make something happen with Chicago in order to please Kobe.  However the Lakers would be looking for a Kevin Garnett type deal for Chicago. 

 My sources are telling me that behind the screens the Lakers and Chicago have been talking for about a week now.  This is a big move for the Lakers who already traded Shaq and now it looks like Kobe Bryant is on his way to Chicago.  

I just have one question for Kobe, why Chicago?  Don’t get me wrong Chicago is my home-town and I would love to see Kobe in the east.  But it’s going to take the whole team to get Kobe in Chicago.  What type of team would the Bulls have?  Stay tune.   

Should #34 be retired?

This was the great debt around the water cooler and later on at the barber-shop today.  If Paul Pierce was to retire today should #34 be retired?

I must admit at first I thought yes, Paul Pierce is one of the all time great Celtic.  But then I started to thinking and chance my answer to no it shouldn’t be. 

I came up with 2 good reasons as to why I think Paul Pierce’s #34 shouldn’t be retired.  

1.       Zero Championship – There are only two players who have had there numbers retired by the Celtics that haven’t won a championship.  One was #22 Ed Macauley and the other was #35 Reggie Lewis.   Ed Macauley however was on the All-NBA first team 3 times…Was on the All-NBA second team 1 time and was a 6 time NBA All-Star.  He was also the first to ever win the All Start game MVP award back in 1951.  Not to mention he was elected into the HOF in 1960. Reggie Lewis #35 is a special case due to the fact that he passed on before he hit his prime.  However Reggie is the only player in Celtics history to have 100 rebounds, 100 assists, 100 steals and 100 blocked shots in a season.  Other then those two player everyone who else has won a Championship.

2.       Paul Pierce never made an All NBA 1^st or 2^nd team.  Which tell me he wasn’t considering one of the top ten players in the league at any point in his career?  Oh by the way out of the 20 players whose Celtics Number was retired, only Jim Loscutoff (7 NBA titles) Cedric Maxwell (NBA Finals MVP), KC Jones (10 time NBA Champion) and Frank Ramsey (7 time NBA champion) didn’t make an all NBA 1^st or 2^nd team.  However you have can see all of them have helped the Celtics to a championship.

Now I don’t know what in store for Paul Pierce in the future.  However I think the next 5 year (the number of year Paul thinks he will play) is going to be big for Paul Pierce legacy as a Boston Celtic.  Right now I have him on the outside looking in when it come to his number being retired.   Now I would like to know your thoughts on this matter.  

Kevin Garnett Stars as “The Recruiter”

When the Boston Celtics traded for NBA Super-Star Kevin Garnett last month everyone knew the Celtics was getting a former league MVP, All-Star MVP, Emotional leader and oh by the way a 22 ppg, 12 RPG and 4 APG Power Forward.

What the Celtics didn’t know is that on his off-days Kevin Garnett plays the role of Recruiter.  By now everyone has either heard or read about Kevin Garnett and Reggie Miller being on the Dan Patrick show last week.

Kevin Garnett staring in his new role told Dan Patrick that he was in “Get Reggie mode”.  KG like every good recruiter talked up Reggie, calling him ’stucco and concrete”.  “You put Reggie into this mix and we go concrete”.  Oh yeah KG is a good at laying it on thick or in this case laying it on like concrete.

 However, Reggie Millers isn’t the only player on KG’s list of recruites.  Accourding to my souces KG has also been in contact with former Minnesota team-mate Sam Cassell.  Now Cassell is under contract but that has not stop KG from putting the taste and Sam mouth about coming to Boston.   As I was told by a couple of people out west close to the situation, Cassell and LA have talked Buy-Out.  The only problem is Cassell would like to be brought out now, whereas the Clippers choose to wait and see.  

 This hasn’t stop KG from telling Cassell how good he would look in Celtics Green.  This hasn’t stop KG from telling Cassell how great it would be if Cassell could end his career the way it started with a Championship Ring.  

Great! Kevin Garnett  if you could help the Celtics land Reggie Miller and Sam Cassell you should add another award to your trophy case – NBA Executive of the Year award.