By the by, how do you feel about Tony Allen not getting his option
picked  up by the Celtics? (Lance)


It is a clear sign that the Celtics' front office is not sold on the
idea of him coming back strong from the injury. From what I saw in Rome
the knee was still bothering him, but he was working very hard and with
the particular nature of that injury he was doing fine. But Ainge has
tons of imformation more than we do: he can rely on Norton and Doo, on
McKeon, on the coaching staff to receive deep feedback, and what he got
wasn't probably worth a contract extension. Danny probably "played it
safe", thinking that playing in a contract year will probably boost
Tony's will to show what he is worth. And at the same time, it will
leave a door open later, with the possibility to match other team's
offer sheet in case Allen becomes a worth piece in the Celtics bench.
I personally believe that if Tony manages to give us what he showed he
can give before the injury, this season could even become more
appealing for the Celtics, because Rivers' statement ("we'll use an 8/9
men rotation") is puzzling. An 8 men rotation means a 30' average of
playing time for EVERY player, which is too much IMHO, with the
distinct possibility to reach the postseason with some players
literally burned out as in K.C.'s good ole days.
That's why I think that Tony Allen's performance will be a factor in
the season outcome: he'll have to break up the rotation and to push
Posey to sub in at the PF spot for a few minutes: that would give Ray
and Pierce a little more breathing room in some nights, especially in
one of the NINETEEN back-to-back games we will have to face in the
upcoming campaign.


Fabio

Photo by Nancy Lane (File)

Not quite a year ago Larry Bird was asked about the challenges facing his former teammate, Danny Ainge, at a time when the local climate was beginning to bake for both men.

Bird was unsympathetic.

“Look, I’m taking some heat, too, so we’re in the same boat,” he said.

The Celtics [team stats] were about to start a rare three-game winning streak with a win over Bird’s Pacers, and this sudden flurry was one of their few bobs above water on the way to drowning with a 24-win season.

So Bird sounds bemused now.

From 24 wins and a high stake in the draft lottery to trades for Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and a huge amount of respectability, Ainge hasn’t just changed paddles in mid-stream -- he’s reversed course on the way down a waterfall.

The result -- and it sounds more strange than funny to the men who were part of the teams that carried its name -- is a revival of the term “Big Three.”

Bird, who shouldered that title with Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, really doesn’t want to get into this.

“Well, I guess I can see why people are saying that when you see that on their respective teams they were the best players on the floor,” said Bird. “But you don’t know how they’ll be together.”

It goes back to Ainge’s cautionary message on the first day of training camp. For all of the early love, this team has accomplished nothing.

Heading into tomorrow night’s season opener against Washington at TD Banknorth Garden, the troika of Paul Pierce [stats], Garnett and Allen have feasted on hype for the last month.

But they are still a chemistry experiment waiting to happen. No one knows this better than their ancestors.

It takes more than three

Bird’s first response last month was to push away the crystal ball.

“I’m not here to rate what the Celtics are doing, but they’ve obviously brought in some good people,” he said. “Injuries play a major role. But they have a nice team -- no question about it.”

Mention the dreaded “Big Three” phrase to Ainge, one of the many high-caliber supporting players who filled in the gaps for those stars, and the Celtics director of basketball operations practically shrieks his disgust.

“I think it’s silly,” he said. “The way I remember it, the Big Three wasn’t even called the Big Three until some time after they retired. Hey, I love our guys. But this Big Three stuff is way off base.

“What people forget is that the Big Three had great supporting players,” said Ainge. “Well, Dennis Johnson was a great player. Cedric Maxwell was pretty dang good with that MVP performance in the 1981 (NBA Finals).

“All that matters is that you need everyone to win,” Ainge said. “I don’t even like discussion of the Big Three, because that might undervalue the other 10 guys on the team.”

And then there were sacrifices made within the group of Bird, McHale and Parish -- especially, according to Bird, from the latter.

“Robert gave up a lot to make it work,” said Bird. “He knew he had to give up shots to make it work, and he did without any problem. But that’s what happens when you put a successful team together.

“Our second unit really pushed us in practice,” Bird said. “They were good. (Bill) Walton, Scottie (Wedman) and Jerry (Sichting) were all top notch players. And all of them were willing to sacrifice to do what was best for the team.”

McHale, who initially declined an interview for this story before finally opening up in front of the media prior to an exhibition game between the Celtics and his Timberwolves in London, claims he especially enjoyed the communal aspect of those old Celtics teams.

“We just never thought about it like that,” McHale said of the Big Three distinction. “You don’t worry much about that. We just wanted to win games. We didn’t think about us being different from the other guys on the team.”

Instead, like now, the Big Three campaign fell more in the domain of the promotions people.

Bill Walton, backup center on the 1986 title team, dismissively said, “Ah, that’s just more marketing than anything else. Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen do not need to sell themselves to anyone. Their careers speak volumes without that.

“But it’s going to be very special in Boston this year,” Walton said. “That city is going to be excited once training camp starts and the team is back.”

Some Chief concerns

The degree of this new era’s success remains to be seen.

Parish, for one, is skeptical.

“My question is their supporting cast,” he said. “I don’t see them contending for the championship because of their supporting cast. From 1980 through ’87 we had a helluva bunch. Our second unit was as good as some teams’ first. I just don’t think that (Kendrick) Perkins and (Rajon) Rondo are on that level. That’s a big fall off from the top three guys, with all due respect.

“Larry, Kevin and myself were very lucky in terms of the talent that was around us,” said Parish. “Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, Bill Walton, Quinn Buckner, Scott Wedman. Even if you get talent like that, it’s hard to keep talent like that together. I always admired that about Red (Auerbach). He always made everyone feel like they were appreciated the same.”

Parish has no doubt that players like Perkins, Rondo, James Posey, Eddie House, Scot Pollard and Brian Scalabrine -- the crux of the Celtics’ role-playing unit - all feel valuable and appreciated. He’s just not sure, even by the standards of more recent championship teams, that this group will do enough.

“Those Lakers teams wouldn’t have done it without Rick Fox and (Robert) Horry,” he said. “The same goes for San Antonio. They did it by committee, they did it collectively. LA had that as a philosophy even when they had Shaq and Kobe together. Detroit had that as a philosophy.

“It’s a belief, and guys have to buy into it,” said Parish. “Of course you need talent, but that philosophy is what completes it.

“It’ll be interesting, man, but the true test for this Celtics team will be once the playoffs start. The rest of it is just a six-month test before you get down to what it is really all about.”

Teamwork’s the key

Though he’s heard Bird’s tribute to his self-sacrifice many times before, Parish still appreciates this moldy sentiment.

“I never should have done it, dammit,” he roared, breaking into a laugh and, back to a placid tone, adding, “My ego was the calmer of the three of us. That’s one reason. Danny and DJ’s wishes had been granted, and if I said ‘No,’ Dennis and Danny would not have been happy.”

As such, the number of Parish plays in the old Celtics scheme may not have been much more extensive than what is designed now for Perkins.

“There weren’t many plays for me,” said Parish. “A lot of my stats came off broken plays, or when I didn’t allow the options to play out and just took the shot. In my first year-and-a-half I got all of the shots I wanted, but then things started to change, and more people came in.

“All three of us were great individually, but if each of us had been on different teams, there’s no doubt we would not have been as successful,” he said. “One reason all three of us are Hall-of-Famers is because of the success of our team.”

That’s another difference, at least for now, regarding Pierce, Garnett and Allen. They haven’t experienced a lot of team-generated success.

That, according to Parish, is another reason why they shouldn’t bother with this Big Three nonsense.

“I find that (Big Three) stuff amusing,” said Parish. “Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett don’t need that kind of publicity. Their names and reputations speak for themselves.

“This other stuff is media hype,” he said. “Maybe it works from a sales standpoint, but the players themselves don’t need it.”

The hype machine being what it is, they’re destined to withstand the comparisons, anyway.

Photo by Tara Carvhalo

Normally quiet and reserved, Rajon Rondo [stats] almost had to suppress a grin when told that some NBA talent evaluators are drawing comparisons between the Celtics [team stats]’ second-year point guard and San Antonio Spurs great Tony Parker.

Like Parker, Rondo arrived as a rookie out of the University of Kentucky last year with a reputation as a solid defensive player capable of running the point, but deficient offensively due to the lack of a consistent jump shot. In just over five years Parker has become one of the most consistent shooters in the game, thanks to his ability to drive to the basket when other teams focused on covering teammates such as Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli.

Rondo would have no complaints if the similarities with Parker result in the same sort of success.

“I’m a pass guard, he’s a pass guard,” Rondo said. “I’m (uniform) No. 9, he’s No. 9. I’m still looking and learning, but we have some of the same tendencies. We both like to push the tempo and (have) the ability to drive and we both have big weapons. The only thing different is he’s got a lot more experience, a lot more knowledge and he’s got (three championship rings).”

Well, that and Eva Longoria. While Parker and his wife are stars, Rondo has no problem being part of the supporting cast surrounding three of the basketball world’s biggest names: Paul Pierce [stats], Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. After primarily serving as Delonte West’s backup last year, Rondo was basically handed the keys to running what is expected to be the NBA’s most improved, and exciting, offense.

Allen predicted the youngster will flourish surrounded by the New Three.

“He’s a player who doesn’t really know what his knack is yet,” Allen said. “I think last year, there were so many young guys and he didn’t know who he should be getting the ball to and how to have his own identity. With this team, his job becomes a little easier because it’s almost mapped out for him what he needs to do.”

Allen, in particular, took an immediate shining to Rondo and spent hours working with the second-year player on his jump shot and particulars of the game.

“It’s meant a lot because he’s a great leader,” Rondo said. “I really respect him. He’s such a humble guy, and he’s been in the league so long and been an All-Star and he works so hard. You’ve got to love a guy like that, who takes the time to teach a young kid how to develop in this league.”

Coach Doc Rivers was delighted with the progress that Rondo made over the course of a year.

“He’s gotten better every day,” Rivers said. “He’s one of those guys who has to improve on all the little things and he will. He’s young. We forget sometimes he’s only played 78 games in his career. There are things he can absolutely improve on defensively and offensive and I know he will, so as far as where he’s at right now, I’m pretty comfortable with it.”

Rondo, who averaged 6.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.64 steals in 23.5 minutes per game in his rookie NBA campaign, said that one year of experience means everything.

“I don’t know everything but I’m more confident in my game and I feel I’ve learned a lot in the last year, but I know I’ve got a lot more to learn, so I feel I’m growing as a player,” he said. “There are a lot of vets around, so I should be able to learn a lot quicker because they know so much.

“I look at all of those guys, knowing I can learn a lot more and gain knowledge because they’ve been in the league so long and I’ve played in 78 games, not 700 games.”

Photo by Nancy Lane (File)

Glen Davis slumped against a wall for a quick breather after a recent practice, and seemed to be enjoying the respite until his eyes met those of Kendrick Perkins [stats].

Big Baby’s expression went blank as Perkins, standing in the doorway to the weight room, arched an eyebrow and motioned with his head toward the apparatus that has meant so much to his own development as a physical marvel.

The 289-pound Davis, who has wrestled with weight issues since his earliest days at Louisiana State University, was not in a position to argue. He dutifully got back to his feet and followed Perkins through the door.

He should feel fortunate. Depending on who tells the story, Perkins has lost anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds since he showed up four seasons ago as a rather blubbery rookie.

It didn’t require much of a look at Davis for Perkins to decide that someone had to do something with the substantially under-conditioned power forward.

No one on the coaching staff asked Perkins to take Davis under his wing. As when he helped work best friend Al Jefferson [stats] into shape, Perkins decided on his own to take on this latest project.

‘‘He’s a rookie coming into the league, so it’s just something that needs to be done,’’ Perkins said. ‘‘I remember that I didn’t have someone to take care of me when I started out, so it’s good that things can be different for (Davis). I’m just trying to work with him and get him to do things the right way.

‘‘I’m trying to teach him things. A lot of it is how to eat off the court, and how to take care of his body.’’

Perkins is self-taught.

Jim O’Brien was his coach as a rookie. O’Brien has little use for rookies, and had little use for a 7-footer six months removed from high school.

As a result Perkins spent most of his first year on the end of the bench, left to figure out matters like conditioning on his own.

Perkins sees some of his former self in Davis, though there are clear differences.

‘‘I had to attack it differently,’’ he said. ‘‘I didn’t get playing time at all, which is a little different right now for (Davis). He’s getting a few minutes here and there.

‘‘And now you have a group of coaches who are willing to take guys like him and work with him. But my biggest thing in talking with him is in developing confidence in his body, and I think he’s doing fine. He’s doing a lot better now.’’

Davis admits that the process has required significant adjustment.

‘‘The mental approach to it is what he’s really taught me about,’’ Davis said of Perkins. ‘‘He’s teaching me about how to react to things, and how to take criticism. He’s straight to the point about stuff.

‘‘He’s done a lot for me. He’s been a real big help. He’s molded my work habits a little bit, and that’s made a difference.’’

At this stage, the basketball comes second.

‘‘Before the (Nets) game Perk gave me a pep talk on what to do when the opponent comes at me,’’ Davis said. ‘‘He said, ‘Don’t worry about nothing. Play the game the way it’s supposed to be played, and just concentrate on what you’re supposed to do.’

‘‘What I have to learn to do is to think the game without thinking. The vets are helping me out on that. The biggest thing is that they get at me when I do something wrong, but they also encourage me when I do it right.

‘‘Me and Perk have been doing a lot of work that way.’’

Most o f t h e C e l t i c s watched the league’s opening night games Tuesday. For a group that was already itchy for its own season opener — tomorrow night against the Wizards in the Garden — patience is a thinner virtue than ever.

‘‘I wish we played (Tuesday),’’ Paul Pierce [stats] said. ‘‘I think we’re ready to start the season right now.’’

The coach wasn’t immune to that anxious feeling yesterday.

‘‘They all saw the games (Tuesday) night, and you can see now that they’re ready to play,’’ Doc Rivers said. ‘‘It’s time to get out there.’’ . . .

Scot Pollard ran through his third straight day of practice without any setbacks and appears ready, as predicted, to play in the season opener.

‘‘He looks great,’’ Rivers said. ‘‘He’s headed in the right direction. As long as he doesn’t have to play starter’s minutes he’ll be fine. It’s not so much conditioning that I’m worried about with someone like this. It’s game timing and speed that I’m more concerned with.’’. . . .

The annual Shamrock Gala will be held Monday at the Intercontinental Hotel. WEEI co-host John Dennis will emcee the event, with the highlight a panel discussion including Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Robert Parish, Bill Walton and Dave Cowens. Season ticketholders can purchase individual seats for $1,000, with the option of purchasing an entire table. A live auction will include such enticing offerings as a walk-on role in an upcoming Farrelly brothers movie.

Thursday, Nov. 1

Here are yesterday's NBA preseason results:

Orlando 102, Milwaukee 83 -- THe AP reports: Rashard Lewis scored 26 points and Hedo Turkoglu had 24 to lift the sharp-shooting Orlando Magic to a 102-83 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in the teams' season opener Wednesday night. Behind Turkoglu and Lewis, making his Eastern Conference debut, the Magic buried Milwaukee from behind the arc. Orlando was 12-of-22 from there, compared with 4-of-17 for the Bucks. Lewis was 4-of-5 on 3s and Turkoglu 3-for-5... Michael Redd scored 25 points for Milwaukee and Bobby Simmons added 16. Yi Jianlian had nine points and three rebounds in 25 minutes in his debut, sitting for several stretches in foul trouble. Andrew Bogut finished with 11 rebounds... Dwight Howard had 16 points and 12 rebounds. Perhaps most importantly for Orlando, he hit eight of 10 free throws.

Toronto 106, Philadelphia 97 -- The AP reports: Andrea Bargnani scored 20 points and the Toronto Raptors began the defense of their Atlantic Division title Wednesday night with a 106-97 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. T.J. Ford had 14 points and 12 assists in the season opener for both teams. Chris Bosh scored 16 points, and Anthony Parker and Jose Calderon finished with 13 apiece. Andre Iguodala led the 76ers with 23 points, while Kyle Korver had 20. The Sixers cut a 22-point, third-quarter deficit to 14 heading into the fourth quarter, then pulled to 90-89 on a running jump shot by Iguodala with 4:47 left... The Raptors led 24-22 heading to the second quarter, then used a 17-4 run to lead 58-50 at halftime.

Indiana 119, Washington 110, OT -- The AP reports: Jamaal Tinsley scored 16 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, and the Indiana Pacers beat the Washington Wizards 119-110 on Wednesday night to give coach Jim O'Brien a win in his debut. Tinsley also had nine rebounds and eight assists. Mike Dunleavy had 25 points and 12 rebounds, and Danny Granger added 20 points and 13 boards for the Pacers. The Pacers won without forward Jermaine O'Neal, who sat out with a hyperextended left knee. Center Troy Murphy also missed the game with a strained left Achilles' tendon. Gilbert Arenas led Washington with 34 points, including a 3-pointer as time expired in regulation to force overtime. Antawn Jamison had 27 points and 16 rebounds, Caron Butler had 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Brendan Haywood added 10 points and 13 boards.

New Jersey 112, Chicago 103, OT -- The AP reports: Unwanted Antoine Wright scored 14 of his career-high 21 points in the fourth quarter and overtime to lead the New Jersey Nets to a 112-103 victory over the distracted Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. Richard Jefferson added 29 points and 10 rebounds, Vince Carter had 24 points and a big steal late and Jason Kidd handed out 13 assists to lead the Nets to their 12th straight win over Chicago in New Jersey. Ben Gordon had 27 points and Luol Deng added 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Bulls, who have been distracted in recent days by rumors of a possible major trade for Kobe Bryant... Celebrities in attendance included Chris Rock, Donald Trump and part-owner and rapper Jay-Z.

New Orleans 104, Sacramento 90 -- THe AP reports: Chris Paul had 22 points and 12 assists, while Peja Stojakovic showed some of his All-Star form of old with 19 points to help the Hornets beat the Sacramento Kings 104-90 on Wednesday night. Tyson Chandler, fresh of a stint playing for the U.S. national team, had 15 points and 13 rebounds for New Orleans, while David West showed no signs of a recent ankle sprain in scoring 17. Newly acquired shooting guard Morris Peterson chipped in with 13, including three 3-pointers... Defensively, Sacramento missed Ron Artest, who is serving a seven-game suspension after pleading no contest to a charge related to domestic violence. With Mike Bibby out at least eight weeks after surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, the Kings' offensive firepower was diminished as well. Kevin Martin led the Kings with 26 points, while John Salmons scored 22, Francisco Garcia 17 and Brad Miller 12.

San Antonio 104, Memphis 101 -- THe AP reports: Manu Ginobili scored 30 points, including the go-ahead basket with 32 seconds left, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Memphis Grizzlies 104-101 Wednesday night. Ginobili, who had nine points down the stretch, added seven assists and drew a late charge from Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay to preserve the Spurs' lead... Tim Duncan and Tony Parker had 17 points apiece, and Duncan grabbed nine rebounds. Matt Bonner finished with 11 points. Pau Gasol led Memphis with 22 points, while Damon Stoudamire had 18 and Gay finished with 16. The game was close throughout the first three quarters, with neither team leading by more than seven points.

Dallas 92, Cleveland 74 -- The AP reports: Jason Terry scored 24 points, Dirk Nowitzki added 15 and the Mavericks, whose NBA title pursuit last season ended with a stunning first-round exit against Golden State, opened 2007-08 with a 92-74 victory over the Cavaliers on Wednesday night... Jerry Stackhouse added 17 points for Dallas, which got six 3-pointers from Terry and finished 9-of-18 behind the arc. LeBron James had the worst opening night of his brilliant career. He had 10 points on 2-of-11 shooting and was a non-factor in the Cavaliers' most lopsided home loss since April 5, 2005... Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 17 points and 18 rebounds for the Cavs.

Denver 120, Seattle 103 -- The AP reports: Kevin Durant's shot was off in his NBA debut, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Seattle SuperSonics 120-103 on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams. Durant scored 18 points in 31 minutes, but shot just 7-of-22. Carmelo Anthony bottled up the rookie on defense, and showed him a move or two on offense. Anthony finished with 32 points, making three 3-pointers. Allen Iverson had 25 points and 14 assists, and Linas Kleiza chipped in 18 points and hit five 3-pointers... Damien Wilkins had 21 points and reserve Delonte West chipped in 19.

RELATED LINKS:
- NBA Player of Day (as awarded by InsideHoops)
- Daily player stat leaders (all major categories)
- Basketball message board (discuss the games!)
- Season schedule (day by day schedule)

Welcome back ,Lance.  That was a pretty long hiatus you were on.  I guess we are
now ready for smoe controversy.  Let the games begin! :-)
---- JS <js33@...> wrote:
> Life's just been busy, and PP's still turning over the ball, so I'll be
back!!!
>
>   --------------------------------------
>
> Well , it's good to here from you !!  I'm looking forward to some posts and
your take
> on things .
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: labvision@...<mailto:labvision@...>
>   To:
Celticsstuffgroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:Celticsstuffgroup@yahoogroups.com>
>   Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 2:33 PM
>   Subject: Re: [Celtics' Stuff ] Lance "missing" Link
>
>
>   In a message dated 10/27/2007 10:10:31 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
js33@...<mailto:js33@...> writes:
>     The posuer poster has been seen zipping around Med-Field in his VW Rabbit
convertible
>     sporting a knockoff Zach Randolph jersey and a blue and orange pair of
Starbury sneakers.
>
>   Actually, John, it's my girlfriend's VW BEETLE convertible, and it's hard to
"zip" anywhere with 115 horsepower.
>
>   Kinda like asking Walker to run the length of the floor in frigid
Minneapolis.
>
>   I wish the Knicks were better, but aside from David Lee, the team (and its
coach) offer me no incentive to watch the franchise I grew up with in CT, led by
Earl, Clyde, Willis, Bradley, and Barnett.
>
>   I've not been posting since Fabio was made President of Off-shore
Operations, but he's doing a great job helping the board and the Celts realize
that San Antonio found some great talent from outside the borders.
>
>   Life's just been busy, and PP's still turning over the ball, so I'll be
back!!!
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>   See what's new at AOL.com<http://www.aol.com/?NCID=AOLCMP00300000001170> and
Make AOL Your
Homepage<http://www.aol.com/mksplash.adp?NCID=AOLCMP00300000001169>.
>

They definitely need a backup.  As much as Pollard can help when healthy, I see
him as Pervis redux.  I don't like seeing Garnett in the middle (although he can
play there) as he is more valuable as a 4.  Hopefully, they will sign someone,
and soon.
---- Bob  <hytemco@...> wrote:
>
> The Celtics big weakness could be at center. They have never won a
> championship without a top center. Perkins may be adequate, but if he
> goes down, they could be in trouble. They couldn't beat the Knicks
> in NY pre-season without him.
>
> --- In Celticsstuffgroup@yahoogroups.com, "John S" <js33@...> wrote:
> >
> > This article is from  The Enterprise     You can visit them @
> http://enterprise.southofboston.com
> >
> > After Big Three, big questions about Celtics bench
> >
> >
> http://enterprise.southofboston.com/articles/2007/10/31/news/sports/sp
> orts04.txt
> >
> > By Jim Fenton, Enterprise staff writer
> >
> > WALTHAM- With the presence of three all-stars, the Boston Celtics
> figure to have one of the NBA's top starting lineups.
> >
> > Ranking the Celtics' bench, however, is not such a clear-cut matter.
> >
> > With the acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to join Paul
> Pierce in the starting five, the Celtics have become a favorite in
> the Eastern Conference.
> >
> > There are still questions about the rejuvenated team, and one of
> them is whether there is enough depth on the bench.
> >
> > The Celtics had to give up five players to acquire Garnett from the
> Timberwolves, leaving them shorthanded until executive director of
> basketball operations Danny Ainge rebuilt the bench in the summer.
> >
> > He signed veterans James Posey, Eddie House and Scot Pollard as
> free agents, and they will probably join Tony Allen and Brian
> Scalabrine as the main reserves.
> >
> > Critics suggest that group won't be enough to provide support for
> Garnett, Ray Allen and Pierce this season, which begins Friday night
> against the Washington Wizards at the TD Banknorth Garden.
> >
> > "People are going to have their opinions," said House, a shooting
> guard. "That's fine. Time will tell. We go out and play, do what we
> can do, play how we're supposed to play.
> >
> > "I don't think we're going to have any problems. That's just
> motivation, what they say. I don't read papers, so I don't even know
> what people are saying. I know what we're saying and what we're
> feeling, and that's all that matters."
> >
> > Posey, who will be serving a one-game league suspension Friday due
> to a reckless driving case, was the prize catch for Ainge to bolster
> the bench.
> >
> > The 6-foot-8 forward helped the Miami Heat win the championship in
> 2006 and provides quality defense and outside shooting.
> >
> > House, now with his eighth team in eight seasons, is a long-range
> shooter, though he can be taken advantage at the other end.
> > Pollard, who missed nearly all of training camp with a sprained
> ankle, has played more than 50 games only once in the past five
> seasons.
> >
> > Tony Allen is coming off major knee surgery after suffering an
> injury last January, so it will take time to get his athleticism
> back, and Scalabrine has trouble against big bodies on defense.
> >
> > The Celtics have 14 players on the roster, one short of the league
> minimum, so a veteran could be added to help at point guard or in the
> frontcourt.
> >
> > "I'm pretty confident in our bench," said Coach Doc Rivers. "We
> have a veteran bench in some ways. Tony Allen is becoming a veteran.
> Pose and Eddie House are veterans. Scal' is a veteran. That's good.
> We do have guys who have been in games, big games, and understand the
> situation."
> >
> > Rivers will have either Garnett, Ray Allen or Pierce - or a
> combination of two of them - on the floor with the reserves to help
> their cause.
> >
> > The plan is to go with eight players in the rotation on some
> nights, nine on others and 10 if the need arises. Rookie Glen Davis
> and Leon Powe could also be used in the frontcourt.
> >
> > "It'll depend on matchups and just my feel on that given night,
> whatever's on my tongue," said Rivers. "It's nice when you can go 10
> because it gives a lot of guys rest.
> >
> > "Last year, it was 15. And if (former assistant coach) Tony Brown
> could have gotten in better shape, it would have been 16. He played
> great in our practices."
> >
> > Posey will be asked to be the leader off the bench since he has the
> championship experience and can contribute in a number of different
> areas.
> >
> > House can add instant offense with his shooting, and Pollard will
> be needed for at least 10-12 minutes to spell Perkins. Tony Allen
> figures to be a key once he gets completely healthy, as he was
> playing the best basketball of his career before getting hurt.
> >
> > "I think we have a strong bench," said Posey. "Our advantage is
> that we go against the Big 3, the starting five, every day and we
> compete. We compete hard, we beat them, they beat us.
> >
> > "We beat them two days in a row, and then they come back and beat
> us.
> >
> > There's that competitiveness, and we'll have that coming off the
> bench. We have guys who can put the ball in the hole. The bottom line
> is accepting your role and doing the best you can."
> >
> > Havlicek visits: John Havlicek, one of the franchise's top bench
> players, addressed the Celtics prior to practice Tuesday. . The
> Celtics have exercised the contract option worth $1.6 million for
> Rajon Rondo for the 2008-09 season. The team did not pick up the $2.7
> million option for next season for Tony Allen, meaning he will be a
> restricted free agent next July. . Pollard practiced for a second
> straight day and is confident about playing in the opener.don't think
> we're going to have any problems. That's just motivation, what they
> say. I don't read papers, so I don't even know what people are
> saying. I know what we're saying and what we're feeling, and that's
> all that matters."
> >
> > Posey, who will be serving a one-game league suspension Friday due
> to a reckless driving case, was the prize catch for Ainge to bolster
> the bench.
> >
> > The 6-foot-8 forward helped the Miami Heat win the championship in
> 2006 and provides quality defense and outside shooting.
> >
> > House, now with his eighth team in eight seasons, is a long-range
> shooter, though he can be taken advantage at the other end.
> >
> > Pollard, who missed nearly all of training camp with a sprained
> ankle, has played more than 50 games only once in the past five
> seasons.
> >
> > Tony Allen is coming off major knee surgery after suffering an
> injury last January, so it will take time to get his athleticism
> back, and Scalabrine has trouble against big bodies on defense.
> >
> > The Celtics have 14 players on the roster, one short of the league
> minimum, so a veteran could be added to help at point guard or in the
> frontcourt.
> >
> > "I'm pretty confident in our bench," said Coach Doc Rivers. "We
> have a veteran bench in some ways. Tony Allen is becoming a veteran.
> Pose and Eddie House are veterans. Scal' is a veteran. That's good.
> We do have guys who have been in games, big games, and understand the
> situation."
> >
> > Rivers will have either Garnett, Ray Allen or Pierce - or a
> combination of two of them - on the floor with the reserves to help
> their cause.
> >
> > The plan is to go with eight players in the rotation on some
> nights, nine on others and 10 if the need arises. Rookie Glen Davis
> and Leon Powe could also be used in the frontcourt.
> >
> > "It'll depend on matchups and just my feel on that given night,
> whatever's on my tongue," said Rivers. "It's nice when you can go 10
> because it gives a lot of guys rest.
> >
> > "Last year, it was 15. And if (former assistant coach) Tony Brown
> could have gotten in better shape, it would have been 16. He played
> great in our practices."
> >
> > Posey will be asked to be the leader off the bench since he has the
> championship experience and can contribute in a number of different
> areas.
> >
> > House can add instant offense with his shooting, and Pollard will
> be needed for at least 10-12 minutes to spell Perkins. Tony Allen
> figures to be a key once he gets completely healthy, as he was
> playing the best basketball of his career before getting hurt.
> >
> > "I think we have a strong bench," said Posey. "Our advantage is
> that we go against the Big 3, the starting five, every day and we
> compete. We compete hard, we beat them, they beat us.
> >
> > "We beat them two days in a row, and then they come back and beat
> us.
> >
> > There's that competitiveness, and we'll have that coming off the
> bench. We have guys who can put the ball in the hole. The bottom line
> is accepting your role and doing the best you can."
> >
> > Havlicek visits: John Havlicek, one of the franchise's top bench
> players, addressed the Celtics prior to practice Tuesday. . The
> Celtics have exercised the contract option worth $1.6 million for
> Rajon Rondo for the 2008-09 season. The team did not pick up the $2.7
> million option for next season for Tony Allen, meaning he will be a
> restricted free agent next July. . Pollard practiced for a second
> straight day and is confident about playing in the opener.don't think
> we're going to have any problems. That's just motivation, what they
> say. I don't read papers, so I don't even know what people are
> saying. I know what we're saying and what we're feeling, and that's
> all that matters."
> >
> > Posey, who will be serving a one-game league suspension Friday due
> to a reckless driving case, was the prize catch for Ainge to bolster
> the bench.
> >
> > The 6-foot-8 forward helped the Miami Heat win the championship in
> 2006 and provides quality defense and outside shooting.
> >
> > House, now with his eighth team in eight seasons, is a long-range
> shooter, though he can be taken advantage at the other end.
> >
> > Pollard, who missed nearly all of training camp with a sprained
> ankle, has played more than 50 games only once in the past five
> seasons.
> >
> > Tony Allen is coming off major knee surgery after suffering an
> injury last January, so it will take time to get his athleticism
> back, and Scalabrine has trouble against big bodies on defense.
> >
> > The Celtics have 14 players on the roster, one short of the league
> minimum, so a veteran could be added to help at point guard or in the
> frontcourt.
> >
> > "I'm pretty confident in our bench," said Coach Doc Rivers. "We
> have a veteran bench in some ways. Tony Allen is becoming a veteran.
> Pose and Eddie House are veterans. Scal' is a veteran. That's good.
> We do have guys who have been in games, big games, and understand the
> situation."
> >
> > Rivers will have either Garnett, Ray Allen or Pierce - or a
> combination of two of them - on the floor with the reserves to help
> their cause.
> >
> > The plan is to go with eight players in the rotation on some
> nights, nine on others and 10 if the need arises. Rookie Glen Davis
> and Leon Powe could also be used in the frontcourt.
> >
> > "It'll depend on matchups and just my feel on that given night,
> whatever's on my tongue," said Rivers. "It's nice when you can go 10
> because it gives a lot of guys rest.
> >
> > "Last year, it was 15. And if (former assistant coach) Tony Brown
> could have gotten in better shape, it would have been 16. He played
> great in our practices."
> >
> > Posey will be asked to be the leader off the bench since he has the
> championship experience and can contribute in a number of different
> areas.
> >
> > House can add instant offense with his shooting, and Pollard will
> be needed for at least 10-12 minutes to spell Perkins. Tony Allen
> figures to be a key once he gets completely healthy, as he was
> playing the best basketball of his career before getting hurt.
> >
> > "I think we have a strong bench," said Posey. "Our advantage is
> that we go against the Big 3, the starting five, every day and we
> compete. We compete hard, we beat them, they beat us.
> >
> > "We beat them two days in a row, and then they come back and beat
> us.
> >
> > There's that competitiveness, and we'll have that coming off the
> bench. We have guys who can put the ball in the hole. The bottom line
> is accepting your role and doing the best you can."
> >
> > Havlicek visits: John Havlicek, one of the franchise's top bench
> players, addressed the Celtics prior to practice Tuesday. . The
> Celtics have exercised the contract option worth $1.6 million for
> Rajon Rondo for the 2008-09 season. The team did not pick up the $2.7
> million option for next season for Tony Allen, meaning he will be a
> restricted free agent next July. . Pollard practiced for a second
> straight day and is confident about playing in the opener.
> >
>
>

< Rivers' statement ("we'll use an 8/9 men rotation") is puzzling.
An 8 men rotation means a 30' average of playing time for EVERY
player, which is too much IMHO, with the distinct possibility to reach
the postseason with some players   literally burned out as in K.C.'s
good ole days.That's why I think that Tony Allen's performance will
be a factor in the season outcome: he'll have to break up the rotation
and to push Posey to sub in at the PF spot for a few minutes: that would
give Ray and Pierce a little more breathing room in some nights,
especially in
one of the NINETEEN back-to-back games we will have to face in the
upcoming campaign. > (Fabio)


Mostly agree with most of this. But, not to play the roster, (although I
know Rivers traditionally is only going to keep most of the lower roster
on the bench ALL game), but not to play the roster, gives the reality
THAT the only way the roster is going to learn to play together, when
the tough times come, is to get them into the real games. (Either
Garnett OR Ray Allen in most all cases should be IN with a couple of
lower end-guys, when/if Coach has them in. ) Those two older heads can
teach them/help them themselves. Ray is cool; KG will command their
attention. I realize the potential risk in this for the coach, vis a vis
losing a bunch of games. But IF this team is going to the playoffs,
wouldn't it be advantageous to go there with many roster guys, who have
been given a tough education in regular league games ? Now, K.C.'s
Celtics (burned out maybe), but look at the team of that day, and you
see more guys who knew how to play team nba ball, than we have in the
current roster. Older heads (players) HAVE to teach--this is a teaching
year. Regardless of what Garnett, Ray and Pierce might think <grin>, All
other league teams (either conference) are going to "be, like from
Missouri", where our Celts are concerned. And its that no other one is
going to have ANY mindset that the Celts are going to breeze through
their games. Celts will have to SHOW all the other players in the
league. Yes, Wallace, Pruitt, Pollard (and maybe even House & Davis,
altho their time could end up being MORE), should not get 30 min average
, but they still have LOTs of things to learn that can only be learned,
in the regular league competition. I do not think this current Cs team
is ready to just overwhelm anybody THIS season. I look more to 2008-2009.

Although, I expect that in this season, we'll win a bunch of games.

For one thing, I see still vestiges of Pierce's in his game-ways. THIS
NBA just is not the game, where one can eat up too much time-on any
given play for him-by holding the ball in his "slowish" ways, and
figuring his attack or pass. Speaking of PASS, which due to the time he
has used, is NOT going to afford him a decent pass to make. Paul is a
good, even maybe a great, player but "his ways" to show this, are NOT
that coincident-to the NBA game played today. Earl "the Pearl" Monroe
could play that way, very well, but that was yesteryear. Just my opinion
of course.


musty Joe



Fabio wrote:
> By the by, how do you feel about Tony Allen not getting his option
> picked  up by the Celtics? (Lance)
>
>
> It is a clear sign that the Celtics' front office is not sold on the
> idea of him coming back strong from the injury. From what I saw in Rome
> the knee was still bothering him, but he was working very hard and with
> the particular nature of that injury he was doing fine. But Ainge has
> tons of imformation more than we do: he can rely on Norton and Doo, on
> McKeon, on the coaching staff to receive deep feedback, and what he got
> wasn't probably worth a contract extension. Danny probably "played it
> safe", thinking that playing in a contract year will probably boost
> Tony's will to show what he is worth. And at the same time, it will
> leave a door open later, with the possibility to match other team's
> offer sheet in case Allen becomes a worth piece in the Celtics bench.
> I personally believe that if Tony manages to give us what he showed he
> can give before the injury, this season could even become more
> appealing for the Celtics, because Rivers' statement ("we'll use an 8/9
> men rotation") is puzzling. An 8 men rotation means a 30' average of
> playing time for EVERY player, which is too much IMHO, with the
> distinct possibility to reach the postseason with some players
> literally burned out as in K.C.'s good ole days.
> That's why I think that Tony Allen's performance will be a factor in
> the season outcome: he'll have to break up the rotation and to push
> Posey to sub in at the PF spot for a few minutes: that would give Ray
> and Pierce a little more breathing room in some nights, especially in
> one of the NINETEEN back-to-back games we will have to face in the
> upcoming campaign.
>
>
> Fabio
>
>
>
> Boston Celtics' fans; looking for inspiration,intellect and humor.
>
> Celticsstuff Live - The Ultimate Toll Free Call-In Webcast Talk Show
Featuring: Jughead, JB and The Duke.
> http://celticsstufflive.com/
>
> RSS:
> http://rss.groups.yahoo.com/group/Celticsstuffgroup/rss
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>

My problem with the 8 men rotation is that if you decide to play,
say, Eddie House 20 minutes instead of 30, you'll have to keep Ray
Allen (or Pierce) on the court for 40 minutes. Which is not bad per
se in a given game where you are facing a tough opponent, but could
become a problem in the long run if done day in and day out. Nineteen
back-to-back games and the Three Stars being 30+ years old are
factors which must be taken into account. As the 1969 Celtics watched
themselves in a mirror, they realized that the only way they could
win a championship was to reach the playoffs without being burned out
and then giving it all they had. I am not saying I would like to see
Boston barely land a playoff berth, but if I was Rivers I would focus
on playing a larger rotation and prepping the whole team up for the
post-season. I would not mind dropping a game here and there down the
road if it means teaching Pruitt and Davis some NBA life, and if at
the same time it means keeping the stars rested. I am also aware that
good players want to play and don't want to lose, but whe should ask
ourselves if our goal is to win 55 games, or to try to go deep into
the playoffs.


Fabio


--- In Celticsstuffgroup@yahoogroups.com, Joe Moriarty_2
<mustyceltic@...> wrote:
>
> < Rivers' statement ("we'll use an 8/9 men rotation") is puzzling.
> An 8 men rotation means a 30' average of playing time for EVERY
> player, which is too much IMHO, with the distinct possibility to
reach
> the postseason with some players   literally burned out as in K.C.'s
> good ole days.That's why I think that Tony Allen's performance will
> be a factor in the season outcome: he'll have to break up the
rotation
> and to push Posey to sub in at the PF spot for a few minutes: that
would
> give Ray and Pierce a little more breathing room in some nights,
> especially in
> one of the NINETEEN back-to-back games we will have to face in the
> upcoming campaign. > (Fabio)
>
>
> Mostly agree with most of this. But, not to play the roster,
(although I
> know Rivers traditionally is only going to keep most of the lower
roster
> on the bench ALL game), but not to play the roster, gives the
reality
> THAT the only way the roster is going to learn to play together,
when
> the tough times come, is to get them into the real games. (Either
> Garnett OR Ray Allen in most all cases should be IN with a couple
of
> lower end-guys, when/if Coach has them in. ) Those two older heads
can
> teach them/help them themselves. Ray is cool; KG will command their
> attention. I realize the potential risk in this for the coach, vis
a vis
> losing a bunch of games. But IF this team is going to the playoffs,
> wouldn't it be advantageous to go there with many roster guys, who
have
> been given a tough education in regular league games ? Now, K.C.'s
> Celtics (burned out maybe), but look at the team of that day, and
you
> see more guys who knew how to play team nba ball, than we have in
the
> current roster. Older heads (players) HAVE to teach--this is a
teaching
> year. Regardless of what Garnett, Ray and Pierce might think
<grin>, All
> other league teams (either conference) are going to "be, like from
> Missouri", where our Celts are concerned. And its that no other one
is
> going to have ANY mindset that the Celts are going to breeze
through
> their games. Celts will have to SHOW all the other players in the
> league. Yes, Wallace, Pruitt, Pollard (and maybe even House &
Davis,
> altho their time could end up being MORE), should not get 30 min
average
> , but they still have LOTs of things to learn that can only be
learned,
> in the regular league competition. I do not think this current Cs
team
> is ready to just overwhelm anybody THIS season. I look more to 2008-
2009.
>
> Although, I expect that in this season, we'll win a bunch of games.
>
> For one thing, I see still vestiges of Pierce's in his game-ways.
THIS
> NBA just is not the game, where one can eat up too much time-on any
> given play for him-by holding the ball in his "slowish" ways, and
> figuring his attack or pass. Speaking of PASS, which due to the
time he
> has used, is NOT going to afford him a decent pass to make. Paul is
a
> good, even maybe a great, player but "his ways" to show this, are
NOT
> that coincident-to the NBA game played today. Earl "the Pearl"
Monroe
> could play that way, very well, but that was yesteryear. Just my
opinion
> of course.
>
>
> musty Joe
>

--- In Celticsstuffgroup@yahoogroups.com, "Fabio" <legend33@...> wrote:
>
> My problem with the 8 men rotation is that if you decide to play,
> say, Eddie House 20 minutes instead of 30, you'll have to keep Ray
> Allen (or Pierce) on the court for 40 minutes. Which is not bad per
> se in a given game where you are facing a tough opponent, but could
> become a problem in the long run if done day in and day out.

MY problem with an 8 man rotation is the fact that they don't have a
backup 4/5.  Anybody who thinks they do doesn't know shit.

Harry
so there

>Re: The Wolves did not exercise an option on swingman Gerald Green

OK, I can understand holding off on Gerald. One dimensional shooters
"with potential upside" aren't uncommon and there are enough questions...  BUT

At 10:00 AM 11/1/2007, BDodgers@... wrote:
>Al Jefferson agrees to multiyear extension with Minnesota Timberwolves
>Timberwolves barely beat the deadline
[...]
>Taylor said he wanted to structure the extension with significant performance
>incentives that would be team-oriented, such as benchmarks for Jefferson's
>rebounds and assists.

ASSISTS??????????????? Have they watched Al play? And his supposed
mentor there was the original black hole himself.
Kim

MY problem with an 8 man rotation is the fact that they don't have a
backup 4/5. (Harry)

They are trying to see if a platoon of Powe, Pollard, Scalabrine and
Bib Baby can cover those backup spots. I'd personally have tried to
sign Howard or P.J. Brown, but it this an experiment which deserves
some respect, even if I am not sure it will work. If it doesn' t pan
out, what will Doc do? Will he try to win games leaving Garnett and
Perkins on the floor, or he will try to focus on the playoffs?
This is one of the biggest questions in the Celtics season. Personally,
I think Doc will go for the "win now" situation. He - and the Celtics
fans - is tired of losing after two seasons in the cellar of the NBA,
but a choice like this could be bloody for the team's playoffs
aspirations.




Fabio

--- In Celticsstuffgroup@yahoogroups.com, "Fabio" <legend33@...>
wrote:
>
> MY problem with an 8 man rotation is the fact that they don't have
a
> backup 4/5. (Harry)
>
> They are trying to see if a platoon of Powe, Pollard, Scalabrine
and
> Bib Baby can cover those backup spots. I'd personally have tried to
> sign Howard or P.J. Brown, but it this an experiment which deserves
> some respect, even if I am not sure it will work. If it doesn' t
pan
> out, what will Doc do? Will he try to win games leaving Garnett and
> Perkins on the floor, or he will try to focus on the playoffs?
> This is one of the biggest questions in the Celtics season.
Personally,
> I think Doc will go for the "win now" situation. He - and the
Celtics
> fans - is tired of losing after two seasons in the cellar of the
NBA,
> but a choice like this could be bloody for the team's playoffs
> aspirations.

You are absolutely right Fabio.  How anyone can depend on a guy
that's *always* injured, an over weight rookie, a slice of Veal and a
guy who hasn't shown much to rest Perkins and KG is beyond me.  First
of all, only one is a 5.  I' do have to disagree with you, this
experiment gets no respect from me.  And what in hell will Dr. Ainge
(you know, Doc, the brain doc and danny) do when someone goes down?
Or do they expect the big three to play 82 games?  Perk too.  And
Rondo.  I can see two injuries killing this club.

And of course Doc will try to win games.  I mean if he's 20 and 20 at
the All Star break, do you think Wyc will stand for that?  If he
can't win - and win BIG with these guys, he's got to go, I don't care
if Danny loves Doc's old lady or whatever.  He's got the horses, it's
win or else.  So the Celts stagger into the playoffs with 5 worn out
players.  Hey, at least they'll have home court advantage, right?

Harry
don't the cs have a plethora of twos and threes? duh

InsideHoops.com delivers NBA rumors from every newspaper and website, every day. This is the ultimate NBA rumors page, delivering the key info from the key paragraphs of every article worth quoting. Click any story for the full article. Our NBA rumors page is a daily read for the entire bball world and aside from fans around the world, countless players, agents, team and league people are religiously devoted to what you see below. And aside from the InsideHoops NBA rumor mill see NBA media links and the NBA Daily for game recaps and news.

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NBA Rumors: Thursday, Nov. 1

InsideHoops NBA rumors updated 1:16 p.m. ET.

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have signed free agent forward Juwan Howard. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. InsideHoops.com has heard it's probably just a one-year deal. Howard (6-9, 253) is a 13-year veteran and was originally drafted in the first round (fifth overall) of the 1994 NBA Draft. He holds career averages of 16.1 points and 7.1 rebounds in 951 games. Howard is a 15,000-point scorer and was named to the All-NBA Third Team and Eastern Conference All-Star Team in 1996 as a member of the Washington Bullets. InsideHoops.com

Official Statement from Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bernie Bickerstaff regarding Emeka Okafor: “Player contracts are very difficult to get done when there is no posturing. Our offer was commensurate with our respect for Emeka as a basketball player, his overall character and what he brings to the Charlotte community. We both had different ideas on economic value, but we both agree that neither were insulting.” InsideHoops.com

Doug and Jackie Christie's Infinite Love online radio show, upcoming show tonight at 8PM ET: "Finding and keeping true love is not impossible. We explore the myth that committed mariage in today's society is wrong. We discuss what life is like being a professional NBA basketball player, and my family. Being in the spotlight for over 14 years, and taking the hights we have for being in a faithful and committed marriage while I played in the NBA has come with its blessings." BlogTalkRadio.com/christiedandj 

Luol Deng is very much in play in the conversations between Chicago and Los Angeles, ESPN.com has learned. And it's mainly because of Bryant's wishes that Deng is still wearing a Chicago uniform. A source with knowledge of the trade talks said Deng has been included in proposals swapped between the teams, but Bryant has continually threatened to veto almost any deal in which Deng would be included. Bryant wants to be sure that the team he joins has enough talent remaining to compete for the NBA title. ESPN.com

As ESPN.com reported on Saturday, the Lakers have asked for Deng, Thomas, guard Ben Gordon and rookie Joakim Noah as the core parts of any trade for Bryant. Contrary to most reports, the Bulls remain ready and willing to deal Deng, the source said. But if they're going to include Deng in a deal, they will not part with more than one of the other three, said the source. ESPN.com

"It's not just the Bulls and Lakers who have to be happy with this deal. Kobe does, too, and that's a major factor," the source said. The Bulls, according to ESPN.com's source, are willing to offer an alternative package of Gordon, Noah and Thomas. ESPN.com

And after being told of Bryant's veto power and how he was wielding it, Deng was asked if he knows Bryant personally? "Yes." And was Deng friendly enough with Kobe to give him a casual call or send him a text message? "Yes," Deng said. "I guess it's time for me to pull out his phone number." ESPN.com

The Kings may have entered the Kobe Bryant sweepstakes, if only as a third team looking to reap benefits other than the league's leading scorer. After reports surfaced Wednesday that a deal was discussed that involved, among other things, Bryant going to Chicago, Kings small forward Ron Artest heading to the Lakers, and perhaps the Bulls' Ben Gordon coming to Sacramento, two sources close to the Kings confirmed that there had been recent discussions with the Bulls. The talks, however, appear to have been quiet for days. Sacramento Bee

During the second quarter, ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters asked Mavericks owner Mark Cuban what conversations he's had with the LA Lakers. Cuban responded that he hasn't had any talks and added in reference to a potential trade for Kobe Bryant: "It's not going to happen." Fort Worth Star-Telgram

On the Hawks: "I knew it was a rebuilding situation where they had a lot of young guys and they wanted me to come in and help lead them in the right direction," Joe Johnson said. "But at the same time, there were supposed to be some more pieces, some more free agents. They talked about it again this past summer. But as you can see, nothing happened. "It's been frustrating ... it's hard. We can only do so much as players. But I don't even know what's next. I love the guys we have. This team, we're a tight-knit group. And we've been through all the ups and downs together. But at some point, you just want to see a little relief come along so we can all have a fighting chance to do what we do best and get this team to the playoffs." Atlanta Journal Constitution

"I believe Joe said it loudly after signing with us that he had to be the first piece and that we had to add other free agents along with him," said Hawks coach Mike Woodson, whom Johnson has grown extremely close to over the past two seasons. "And that hasn't happened so far. So he might have concerns and maybe some reservations, like any guy in his situation would." Atlanta Journal Constitution

Mike Woodson: "I do know that we have Josh [Smith] and Josh [Childress] and Marvin [Williams]. Their contracts are coming up now and over the next year, so there will have to be some things done to secure their futures if we're going to keep them all. In the big picture, though, I think Joe is exactly right and that we're still going to have to go out and sign some more big name free agents. Unless these young guys turn a major corner this year, which we're all hoping they can, that's still going to have to be a part of our process at some point." Atlanta Journal Constitution

League commissioner David Stern continues to be encouraged by the arena discussions in Sacramento. Stern, who has handed off the lead negotiating role in Sacramento to consultant John Moag, said there is a reason to believe a deal could get done at the Cal Expo site that has been proposed. Sacramento Bee

"We think we have a real shot to do something the right way (in Sacramento)," Stern said after a news conference to announce a season-long objective of rebuilding New Orleans. "It's always a longshot, but on this one we just think we have a clear-cut path. When I say a longshot, there are always issues. "Costs, potential politics, etc. But I think all the ingredients for success are present in Sacramento....We think the stars may be aligned in Sacramento." Sacramento Bee

It wasn't close to the "I've-got-to-be-Starbury" mantra from the Larry Brown fiasco, but Stephon Marbury revealed yesterday he's going to look for his shot more this season than last. Marbury's remark was jarring - a departure from his philosophy last season when he talked about reducing his scoring role and deferring to Eddy Curry. It was thought Marbury would further reduce his shot intake with the addition of Zach Randolph. NY Post

But Marbury believes he has to be more of a threat to make this work, and Isiah Thomas has apparently encouraged him behind the scenes to be more aggressive. "I'm looking way more for my shot this year than last year," said Marbury. "When I'm aggressive, it just opens things up for other players as opposed to me last year, I was sitting back." NY Post

Andre Iguodala's next contract will have to wait until the summer. The Philadelphia 76ers and Iguodala failed to reach a contract extension by the Oct. 31 deadline that could have extended the rising star up to five more seasons after this one. Now, Iguodala and the Sixers must wait until July 1 to reopen negotiations, at which point Philadelphia will hold a right of first refusal on any offer from another team. AP/Boston Globe

"We were close, but we could not close the final gap," Sixers president Billy King said in an e-mail shortly after the midnight deadline. "I felt we had great discussions on Sunday in person. Unfortunately, we could not get it done." AP/Boston Globe

"This is where I want to be," Iguodala said in October. "If it happens, then great. If it doesn't, I've still got to go out and play ball." AP/Boston Globe

Center-forward Emeka Okafor, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2004 draft, will be a restricted free agent in July, after choosing not to sign a contract extension with the Charlotte Bobcats by Wednesday's deadline. Restricted free agent means the Bobcats could match any other NBA team's contract offer for Okafor. Or he could sign a one-year qualifying offer, meaning he would be an unrestricted free agent the summer of 2009. Charlotte Observer

Either way, the Bobcats could offer Okafor more money, over more years, than any other NBA team. Okafor hardly seemed rattled this week, discussing the possibility he might not sign a long-term contract extension. He said he was more focused on the upcoming season than whether he signed a new contract before the opener, which is Friday at home against the Milwaukee Bucks. Charlotte Observer

It was unclear what the Bobcats offered Okafor, but it was presumably less than the maximum offer Howard signed. Charlotte Observer

The Sonics passed on contract extensions for center Robert Swift and guard Delonte West, making them both restricted free agents after this season. Swift, who turns 22 in December, did not play Wednesday and is recovering from anterior cruciate ligament surgery. West was acquired this summer from the Boston Celtics and the team is uncertain how he fits into its future. Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"The contract stuff is not really stuff to worry about, I really don't have that much control," Swift said. "Honestly, I forgot (Wednesday) was the deadline. I really don't care. "That's not something for me to worry about. I already have enough stuff to deal with. The motivation is making up for last year." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"That's not a big concern," West said. "The big concern is the season and focusing on winning games and playing my best basketball on the floor. I'll leave that type of business to my agent, ownership and management." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo said at Wednesday's shootaround that Earl Watson will be the team's starting point guard indefinitely with Delonte West as his backup. That leaves Luke Ridnour as the No. 3 point guard. Carlesimo said the primary reason Ridnour was relegated to third string was the slow recovery from a broken nose and his inability to play effectively with a protective mask. Seattle Post-Intelligencer

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced that the team has reached an agreement on a multi-year contract extension with forward Al Jefferson. Per team policy, financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. InsideHoops.com will report contract details on Thursday. "We're thrilled to have Al be a cornerstone of the Timberwolves for years to come, and that we were able to reach an agreement prior to tonight’s deadline," said Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale. InsideHoops.com

The Timberwolves beat a late-night deadline Wednesday and signed promising Al Jefferson to a five-year, $65 million contract extension that keeps the centerpiece of last summer's Kevin Garnett trade with the franchise through 2013. The Wolves had until 11 p.m. Wednesday to sign Jefferson, a 6-10 forward/center selected 15th overall by Boston in the 2004 NBA draft, to an extension and reached an agreement with Jefferson's agent, Jeff Schwartz, just before the deadline. Minneapolis Star Tribune

Jefferson will make $2.48 million this season. The contract extension will begin with the 2008-2009 season. On Monday, Jefferson called a $60 million-plus contract extension "something I don't really worry about" because the first year of the big money won't come until next season either way." Minneapolis Star Tribune

Randy Foye -- the team's projected starting point guard who is expected to miss at least the season's first three weeks because of a stress reaction on his left kneecap -- will earn $2.81 million next season, his third year in the NBA. Minneapolis Star Tribune

Alonzo Mourning reiterated that this would be his final opening night. But he also made it clear that there would be equal passion for the next 81 regular-season games, as well, that last season's "sometimes" attitude would not be tolerated. Now the question is whether his attitude reverberates throughout the locker room, or whether he again stands as a lone voice of competitiveness in a wilderness of complacency. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

On Wednesday afternoon, Golden State informed the No. 9 selection in that same draft -- center Patrick O'Bryant -- that they don't think he's worth $2.37 million for next season. The Warriors did not pick up the third-year option on O'Bryant's contract before the deadline passed Wednesday night, so the 7-footer who came out of Bradley as a highly touted sophomore will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. Contra Costa Times

O'Bryant played five minutes Tuesday, scoring two points and grabbing two rebounds in garbage time. "I certainly wasn't discouraged with his play," Nelson said of that performance. "He didn't (defecate on) the bed like some other guys." The Warriors took pains to point out that O'Bryant would be free next summer to sign with any team, including his current employer, albeit presumably at a reduced price. Contra Costa Times

Unless the Warriors hammered out a deal late Wednesday, that would mean as many as 10 current players could be free agents at the end of the season, including such key names as Biedrins, Baron Davis, Monta Ellis, Kelenna Azubuike, Mickael Pietrus and Matt Barnes. Contra Costa Times

For suspended swingman Stephen Jackson, who was watching the game from home, it was his first experience sitting through a quake. "I'm just glad my building didn't fall down," Jackson said. "It blew my mind." Contra Costa Times

The Kings are ripe to be involved in a Bryant deal, with plenty of pieces they're willing to move and looking for a variety of pieces from legitimate help to salary cap relief. The talk - not sourced talk, just talk - is that the deal may have sent Ron Artest to the Lakers and brought either Ben Gordon and maybe even Joakim Noah to the Kings. Sacramento Bee

The latest, as reported by WSCR 670-AM, has Kobe Bryant coming to the Bulls as part of a three-way deal involving the Sacramento Kings. Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich and Kings forward Ron Artest, a former Bulls, could wind up in Los Angeles. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

Ben Gordon and Luol Deng have decided to save negotiations for another day. Neither Bulls player agreed to terms on a contract extension before Wednesday's midnight deadline, meaning they will become restricted free agents next summer. There is no great sense of loss for the Bulls, since they'll be able to match any offer from another team. Talks are allowed to resume July 1. In Gordon's mind, they never began. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

"There was never really a negotiation," Gordon said before Wednesday's game against the Nets. "It was kind of like 'take it or leave it.' I didn't sign, so I guess it's safe to say I never considered it. Hopefully something will get done next time." Arlington Heights Daily Herald

The Bulls were believed to be offering deals in the neighborhood of $50 million for five years. Deng was looking for something above $12 million per year, while Gordon asked for a starting salary closer to $13.9 million, the league maximum for a fourth-year player, according to league sources. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

"I wish it would have gotten done," Deng said. "But it didn't, so you've just got to play and hope for the best. I'm a little disappointed, but you've got to understand the business part of it. It's not one side, it's really both sides. We both couldn't come to terms." Arlington Heights Daily Herald

Lakers owner Jerry Buss was not at Tuesday night's season-opener at Staples Center and will not be at Friday's game in Phoenix because of a two-game suspension handed down by NBA Commissioner David Stern for Buss' pleading guilty to misdemeanor drunk driving in September. Buss was also fined $25,000 by the league. LA Times

Ronnie Brewer's confidence is sky high and it's easy to see why. He was rewarded for the work he put into his game this summer with a chance to start in the preseason. The Jazz then followed by exercising the third-year option in his contract. "All those are confidence builders and basketball, that's all it is, a game of confidence," Brewer said. "If you have your confidence, it goes a long way. "My teammates have confidence in me, the coaching staff, and I'm just trying to go out there and show them that's it's not a fluke that I played well in training camp and the preseason." Salt Lake Tribune

Washington Wizards Coach Eddie Jordan named Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison the team's captains prior to Wednesday night's regular season opener at Indiana. Jordan said he discussed the matter with Butler and Jamison as well as Gilbert Arenas and Antonio Daniels before making the final decision. It will be Butler's first season as an NBA captain. Jamison filled the role last season along with center Etan Thomas, who is out indefinitely after undergoing heart surgery. Washington Post

Juwan Howard will join the Mavs for practice in Atlanta tomorrow and could suit up for the game against the Hawks Friday night. Avery Johnson said Howard provides a solid, big guy who can play defense and hit an open shot when needed. Johnson also played up the fact that the 34-year-old Howard could school the 22-year-old Brandon Bass. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Q: How often do you play on the West 4th Street "cage" court in Manhattan? Smush Parker: "Every summer. That's my home away from home. That was my crib growing up. Right in the middle of those basketball courts, I'm crawling around on the ground playing ball, when the ball was bigger and heavier than I was. When I was 16 years old, I thought I was ready to play out there, but they didn't allow kids to play there with the grown men. So they'd always kick me off the court. When the action would go down to one end, I would shoot down at the other. " South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The Miami HEAT announced today that “Lisa Lee” Arneaud was named as its new HEATV host. HEATV is the club’s Emmy award winning in-house broadcast channel. As host of HEATV, Lee will provide live in-arena commentary, participate in videotaped segments and interact with celebrities and HEAT fans attending HEAT games at the AmericanAirlines Arena. Lee is the team’s fourth HEATV host. HEATV alumnae include its original host, Jill Martin (2000-03), who is now a reporter for the MSG Network in New York, Julie Donaldson (2003-06), who now works as an announcer for SportsNet New York in Manhattan and Lesley Swanson (2006-07), who has served as co-host for the acclaimed Golf Channel reality series “The Big Break II.” Lee brings to the HEAT a wide range of experience from sports, entertainment, news and radio. NBA.com

The Orlando Magic took another stride in restoring their core team for the future today as they extended Jameer Nelson's contract. “Jameer (Nelson) is a key part of our foundation,” said Smith. “He is a tremendous leader, both on and off the court, and he will continue to improve as we strive to reach our ultimate goal. We look forward to watching Jameer develop in a Magic uniform for many years to come.” "I am definitely happy," said Nelson. "I appreciate all the support through this entire process and I think the organization has been top notch in handling the situation." NBA.com

Q: On if the team is getting any closer figuring out the point guard situation: Wolves coach Randy Wittman: No, we're going to get another day tomorrow to look at different combinations as we did today and yesterday. No, we're not any closer. NBA.com

Q: On Sebastian Telfair's defense: Randy Wittman: He's the one guy who can give us 94 feet of defense. He's going to change the tempo both offensively and defensively. He can slow down a team that speeds it up on us and can also speed us up when we're bogged down a little bit. NBA.com

His stat line didn’t look like much — 8 points and 7 boards — but Darko Milicic looked better tonight relative to expectations than any other Griz player. The Griz don’t need Darko to be a star. They just need him to be what he was tonight: A good rebounder (7 in only 28 minutes is solid work), an efficient scorer (4-6 from the floor), and, most importantly, a presence in the paint defensively. Darko did about as well as you could expect on Tim “The Best Basketball Player in the World” Duncan, playing solid, physical D most of the night and even blocking him clean late in the game. After a sketchy preseason, this was a good opening performance for the big guy. Memphis Flyer

Memphis battled San Antonio every second until Rudy Gay's potential game-tying heave at the buzzer sailed wide left. "I'm real pleased but not satisfied with the loss," Iavaroni said. "Good start, but not good enough." San Antonio reserve Manu Ginobili dominated the final minute, scoring his team's final nine points. Ginobili tossed in a game-high 30 points, which included seven of eight free throws to seal the victory for the Spurs. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Marc Iavaroni seemed more than pleased with Milicic's defensive effort. The 7-footer finished with eight points on 4-of-6 shooting to go with seven rebounds and two blocks. "Darko played very smart," Iavaroni said. "He's learned from some the foul issues (he experienced in the preseason). He played with a lot of discipline and he made Duncan work." Memphis Commercial Appeal

The good news in the 76ers opening 106-97 loss to the Toronto Raptors is that they overcame a 22-point deficit midway through the third quarter to make a serious game of things. The bad news is that they got down by 22 in the first place. Still, the Sixers appeared to be lifeless and they kept scrapping. They showed character, although that lone doesn’t produce W’s in the NBA. Still, had they opened up and gotten blown out by Toronto, then the team would have had nothing to hang its hat on as it prepares to another difficult game Friday in Chicago. Philadelphia Inquirer

The Sixers simply didn’t defend Toronto on the perimeter, allowing the Raptors too many open jumpers. And remember, Toronto’s best outside shooter, Jason Kapono only attempted five shots (although he made four). Philadelphia Inquirer

Andrea Bargnani received the pass from T.J. Ford, one of 12 assists for the speedy point guard, and got it off before he was knocked down by Dalembert. "He didn't hit me hard," said Bargnani, the No. 1 pick in the 2006 draft. "I received a very nice pass and was hoping it was thrown to me and I was lucky." The Sixers weren't on the lucky side. All preseason, coach Maurice Cheeks talked about how this team would be built on defense, but if tonight was an indication, the foundation needs to be sturdier. Philadelphia Inquirer

Newcomer Reggie Evans had 15 rebounds in his Sixers debut. Dalembert, still rounding into shape after suffering a stress fracture in his left foot, played nearly 25 minutes, gathering six rebounds and four blocks. He said his foot was a little sore afterward. So was his ego, especially after seeing Bargnani hit the shot that finally took the life out of the Sixers. Philadelphia Inquirer

Detroit's head coach said Jarvis Hayes is a big upgrade over Carlos Delfino (who was traded to the Raptors last year) because Hayes is more consistent, a little bigger and can play within a system. "I think he's going to fit in a little better for us," Saunders said. Michigan Live

Flip Saunders also heaped praise on the second player the Pistons drafted in the first round - Aaron Afflalo, from UCLA. "Usually with rookies," he said, "what you're really concerned about is you don't know what you're going to get every night. You don't know if they're going to make mistakes or whatever. Michigan Live

The Raptors plan to keep Kris Humphries in a Toronto uniform through the next four seasons. The Raptors signed the forward Wednesday to a contract extension through the 2010-11 season that worth approximately US$9-million. Canadian Press/Globe and Mail

Which corporation pays to stick its name on Charlotte’s uptown arena matters little to the average fan. Whether the Bobcats can fix their television mess, now that’s a much bigger deal. The Bobcats are attached to Time-Warner cable another seven years, unless they can work out a solution (such as trading naming rights for TV rights) that frees them to move game telecasts to Fox Sports South. This is a hangover from the one-year disaster that was C-SET on digital cable. Charlotte Observer

The Bobcats are offering season ticket holders two free tickets for Friday's opener if they'll provide contact information of friends who might be prospective season ticket holders. The Bobcats have a policy of not giving away tickets, but team President Fred Whitfield said the referral program is about "turning it into more of a sales-type situation." Charlotte Observer

For the second day, Raja Bell was limited at practice because of a right ankle injury he suffered while shooting earlier this week before practice. "My foot's a little sore, but I fully expect to play," Bell said. "It felt a lot better than it did yesterday. (Tuesday) I wasn't able to shoot or jump and run and (Wednesday) I was to a certain degree." Boris Diaw (ankle) and Leandro Barbosa (ribs) also are expected to play. Arizona REpublic

Amaré Stoudemire is focused on defense entering his sixth season. He insists it's all he thinks about. But don't be surprised if Stoudemire unleashes a new part of his game against Seattle: three-point shooting. "It will factor in a little bit (this season)," Stoudemire said. "Whenever I'm open, I'll shoot it. "I'm not going to force a three or try to overdo it. I'll just try to take what comes to me and go from there." Arizona REpublic

The cracks that littered the preseason are not yet close to being fixed, which was grandly illustrated by the visiting Dallas Mavericks in a 92-74 blowout. The Cavs didn't just look inferior, which is understandable going up against a powerhouse such as the Mavs, but the team didn't even give itself a chance to compete. From awful individual performances, led by LeBron James, to shaky defense to the absence of focus, the Cavs played like they were in a pointless preseason game. It was plainly a bad show, and not just because Jerry Springer was sitting courtside. ''We didn't do anything right, we didn't play hard and we didn't execute,'' James said. ''It's the first game; hopefully we can put it behind us.'' Akron Beacon Journal

Dallas defenders Trenton Hassell and Eddie Jones did a good job of staying in James' face, while Gana Diop (four blocks, 11 rebounds) defended the basket. James finished with a lowly 10 points and had more turnovers (five) than baskets (two) or assists (four). He didn't get his first rebound until six minutes were left in the third quarter. Combine his 2-of-11 shooting with Larry Hughes' 2-of-12, and it's easily explainable how the Cavs shot 36 percent. Akron Beacon Journal

The only Cav who seemed to play with constant fire was Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who kept his team somewhat in the game with 17 points and 18 rebounds. Drew Gooden also put up a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. But they were by far the exceptions. Akron Beacon Journal

When the Cavaliers got together Wednesday before the home opener against the Dallas Mavericks the well-known news was formally announced. Sasha Pavlovic had signed a contract and would be arriving shortly. Yet there was no burst of applause or slapping of backs; the Cavs just moved on to the next item on the agenda. Pavlovic's and Anderson Varejao's absences were major topics in the preseason, but the Cavs have adopted a businesslike attitude about it. Akron Beacon Journal

According to team sources, the Cavaliers have picked up the option in the contract of Cedric Simmons for next season. The deadline to do so was Wednesday at midnight. Simmons will make $1.7 million. To make room for Pavlovic, the Cavs released forward Anthony Tolliver. He played in three preseason games, averaging 2.0 points. James on some pundits, such as TNT's Charles Barkley, picking the Cavs to miss the playoffs: ''Our team doesn't look good on paper, and right now everybody reports what is on paper. We'll see what happens.'' Akron Beacon Journal

In an 11th hour decision Wednesday night, the Cavaliers decided not to pick up the contract option in guard Shannon Brown's contract. The team had until midnight to decide on his $1.1 million salary for next season. Earlier, the team gave indications it would extend the deal but ultimately decided against it. No official statement was immediately released. The Cavs did pick up the contract of forward Cedric Simmons, worth $1.7 million, for next season. Akron Beacon Journal

The signing of Sasha Pavlovic to a three-year contract Tuesday and the pickup of rookie Demetris Nichols on Monday, both of whom are wing players like Brown, might have played into the decision. Akron Beacon Journal

Deron Williams, the point guard who was a frustrated rookie spending what he thought was too much time on the bench, now has a green light from coach Jerry Sloan to make his own decisions on the court. "Yeah, he has a lot more leeway than what I gave him probably the first year or so," said Sloan about Williams, who is entering his third season. "If he has something he feels good about it, I don't have a problem with it." Deseret Morning News

Trainer Gary Briggs said Wednesday that all Jazz players are eligible health-wise to play in the home opener tonight against the Houston Rockets at 7 in EnergySolutions Arena. That includes Matt Harpring, who missed the preseason recovering from knee surgery and put in his first eight minutes Tuesday, apparently without ill effects. Harpring had one point and attempted no field goals. Deseret Morning News

For the second time in a week, Memo Okur was called out for kicking his leg out. He got an offensive foul against the Warriors Tuesday. Last week, Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant accused Okur of kicking out. Okur said he thought he was the one who was fouled by Golden State. "I just thought it was a foul. I thought he was going to run at me, and that's why I opened my leg a little bit. I think I did too much." Deseret Morning News

Sloan agreed Okur has inadvertently kicked, even in practice with no one playing him. "Yeah, I thought he did it," he said. "I'm not trying to bail out on the guy, but he has a tendency to do that when he shoots the ball when there's no one around him at times. He's just got to shoot the ball like he's always shot." Deseret Morning News

Juwan Howard passed his physical in Dallas on Wednesday and will join the Mavs for practice today in Atlanta. Avery Johnson said the 6-foot-9 power forward, who signed a one-year contract, will be in uniform for Friday's game against the Hawks. Fort Worth Star-Telgram

The Mavs started Eddie Jones and Jerry Stackhouse with Dirk Nowitzki, DeSagana Diop and Devin Harris. Josh Howard served the first of a two-game suspension Wednesday. He'll also sit out Friday's game at Atlanta. The Cavs played without restricted free agents Sasha Pavlovic, who is close to signing a new deal, and Anderson Varejao, who has yet to re-sign. Fort Worth Star-Telgram

Like his team, Seattle rookie Kevin Durant showed flashes of what he can do over the long haul of his professional career, mixed in with moments where Sonics fans might want to cover their eyes. Durant finished with 18 points, on 7-of-22 shooting from the floor, and five rebounds. Most of Durant’s shots came from the perimeter because he was pushed away from the basket by the physical Denver frontline. “I felt like I had a couple good shots that I should have made, but I missed,” Durant said. “But that’s part of the game. I can’t get down on myself. I’m going to miss shots. So I told myself to keep being aggressive.” Tacoma News Tribune

Was Kevin Durant nervous? “A little bit,” he said. “But that’s how I am before every game. But once I step on the floor and see the lights go on, hopefully all the butterflies will leave.” Durant managed to control the adrenaline rush through his body early in his first professional basketball game for the Seattle SuperSonics. The 19-year-old rookie was bombarded with media requests before the nationally televised game on ESPN. And he was hounded by autograph seekers before the game, with kids asking him to autograph Sonics jerseys and whatever scraps of paper they could find. Tacoma News Tribune

With Earl Watson starting and Delonte West in the backup role at point guard, Luke Ridnour finds himself on the outside looking in. The starting point guard for a majority of Seattle’s games the past three seasons, Ridnour has been put in a reserve role by Carlesimo because he has had trouble playing with the mask he needs to protect his broken nose. He was injured in an Oct. 9 exhibition game against Sacramento. Tacoma News Tribune

Dan Mahoney, spokesperson for the Sonics ownership group, confirmed that Sonics chairman Clay Bennett will make a statement Friday. Bennett is expected to announce his intention to file relocation papers with the NBA to move the team to Oklahoma City. Bennett had set a deadline of Oct. 31 to file for relocation if a new arena deal didn’t materialize. But he softened his stance recently, saying he didn’t want to make the announcement during the team’s opening game. Tacoma News Tribune

ADDITIONAL RECENT NBA RUMORS

Today's NBA rumors | Yesterday's basketball rumors | 2 days ago | 3 days ago | 4 days ago

November 01, 2007

 

by FLCeltsFan   5:02 AM

The Celtics out-rebounded the Sixers 59-40 in Wednesday night's win. The difference was 19 rebounds.
Eight Celtics combined for 40 rebounds. Kendrick Perkins had 19 rebounds. Do the math. That makes Kendrick Perkins "the difference."
The Celtics got a glimpse of what the future may hold Wednesday night at the Garden, when second-year big man Kendrick Perkins set new standards for himself with a memorable 12-point, 19-rebound effort against the Philadelphia 76ers that is probably the best individual achievement of the Celtics' young season.

One of the things Cowens did too much in his rookie year with the Celtics was foul other players; he committed a league-high 350 infractions. (He would foul out of 90 games by the end of his career, a total that ranks among the top 20 of all time.)

Aside from getting to play his natural position when Perkins is in the lineup, Garnett enjoys playing alongside him and likes what the young big man brings to the table, things he first noticed as an opponent over the last few years.
"He has great hands, good IQ for the game and [he's] a great defensive player," Garnett said.
Garnett really only knew Perkins from playing against him twice a year, but he remembers those match-ups as "very intense". And now that they're teammates and he's gotten to know Perkins, Garnett is impressed with Perkins' worth ethic and preparation, qualities for which the two big men are both known.
"We bonded really fast. I expected me Paul and Ray to bond but Perk and I we have no choice," Garnett said. "We're the front line, so we're responsible for making sure that shots are blocked and getting rebounds. We're trying to protect that rim and protect that paint. He and I have to be on the same page."

“Perk’s going to be a real big part of this team’s winning and this team’s progress. He’s very vocal. He has a very, very high IQ on how to play. He works really, really hard, and those things are refreshing. Not only that, but the way he communicates, the way he approaches the game, his work ethic . . . I like Perk a lot. You know we had some battles when we used to play against each other, and now that we’re on the same team, I love him. I love the fact that he’s beside me playing the way he plays. It makes it not only easier on me but easier on the other guys, also.”

“I expect that from Perk. He works hard, and you know what he’s going to give you. He’s going to throw his body around. I’ve seen him work when he’s ready, when he’s in shape, when his mind’s right. I know what he can do. I know what he’s capable of.

“He’ll have an opportunity to have a really good year, because Kevin’s going to take so much attention that he’ll be able to get a lot of offensive boards and get into some open places for passes. You see how KG’s willing to give the ball up, and Perk’s really going to benefit from that. He’ll be one of the best centers in the East. You just watch.”

Agent 0

Not that tomorrow's Celtics season opener needs any more hype, but this is probably an appropriate time to look back at a couple of blog entry's from Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas.

The blog is a must read for any NBA fan, and no doubt the Celtics have glanced at a few entries.

In an entry that was sure to raise a few eyebrows, the chatty Arenas explained the reason for his dislike of the Celtics. He also said he wasn't convinced that Boston's offseason moves were going to turn them into a winner:

"Oh man, everybody is jumping on this Celtics band wagon. You know what? I was going to go prediction-free for the whole year, but I guess I'm going to break that now.

Now, if anybody remembers back when I got drafted, I got a report back that the reason I dropped so far in the draft was that Jim O'Brien of the Celtics said that I was too immature and that I wasn't ready for the NBA. What really happened was that I had an Achilles injury and I went back to L.A. to go get it healed when I was supposed to have a two-day workout in Boston with O'Brien. He didn't like that. So word came back to me that he was trashing me and it put this knife through my chest about the Boston Celtics.

Back in the day when I would day dream I thought that if I could score 100 points against any team it would be the Boston Celtics. Now, I knew it would never happen, but if I could do one thing in the NBA it would be to score 100 against Boston. So anyway, since everybody is back on the Boston bandwagon it brought back old memories. So listen here. On November 2nd, we're going to go into that building, we're opening up Boston. Right now I'm telling the Boston fans: You guys are going to lose. It's not going to be a victory for Boston. You might as well just cheer for me, because Boston isn't winning in Boston for the season opener. I'm sorry."

He followed that up with an entry a couple of days ago:

"I mean, when you look at that Celtics team, that’s a powerful team … on paper. Once those guys get going, you’re in trouble. You can’t guard that team … on paper. You still have to play the games. But with Kevin Garnett, the way he’s playing, you’ve seen some of the stats. He hit a triple-double once and he was one rebound and one assist away from a triple-double the game before that. So once them guys get their niche, they’re going to be a good team. But November 2 for them, that’s going to be truh-bull. Trouble."

It'll be interesting to see what Arenas comes up with before the game tomorrow night. We'll have the pregame scene from both locker rooms before the 8 p.m. tip.