LOY's PLACE a celtics green blog

Danny's Comfortable with JR and Bill

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:41:00 +0000

The Globe had this statement at the bottom of an article on Sunday:

Ainge said he was pleased with the way swingmen J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker played during the Orlando Pro Summer League, and saw them as potential backups for Paul Pierce. “J.R. and Billy have played well,’’ Ainge said. “I think they did a good job there. We see the impact. I’m very comfortable with them.’’

I really like Bill Walker. I like his work ethic and I like his energy on the court and I love the way he won't back down from anyone. I like Giddens' athleticism and the energy he brings to the game. But, I didn't think that either one of them dominated the competition enough to warrant putting them on the floor as Pierce's backup. They played well in summer league but in order to succeed in the NBA, they pretty much should have dominated in summer league, not just played well.

But then, this is Danny Ainge speaking, and in Danny doublespeak, saying that he is comfortable with them and that he sees their impact really means that he is shopping them while he tries to bring in a veteran back up for Pierce.

But, maybe he isn't happy with any of the options that he sees out there on the free agent market and the sign and trades aren't going like he hoped they would. He may really be seeing them as possible back-ups for Pierce by committee. Their games are very different and between the two of them, they might be effective against different players.

Both are very athletic. Giddens is a versatile scorer who has developed into a more well-rounded player as his career has progressed. He has good length and outstanding leaping ability and is a very effective rebounder from the guard position. Walker is a strong wing player who can, at times, be physically intimidating. He is good for at least one monster dunks per game. His perimeter shot still needs work. He won't won't give an inch even when playing much bigger players. He has an uncanny knack of getting under the opposing player's skin. Both players are good defenders.

Would back up small forward work with Giddens and Walker working the position together and pushing each other to improve? By the playoffs, would one or both of these guys be ready to take on Kobe or LeBron? I'm not sure, but I'm certainly willing to give them a try if Danny really thinks they can do it and is comfortable with them. But is he really comfortable with them or is he building them up for a trade to bring in a veteran? Lots of questions... Answers to come.

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/12

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:58:00 +0000

Herald Mavericks re-sign Jason Kidd to 3-year deal
Globe It’s time to cut minutes
CelticsBlog Looking At The Options At Small Forward
LOY's Place Considering Moon
Celtics 17 OH BABY YOU, YOU GOT I WHAT NEEEDDD....
New England Sports 24/7 Utah Interested in Glen Davis?
Red's Army Paul Pierce Needs His Rest
A shirt you're "Guaran-SHEED" to love
Celtics Circuit Should We Be Interested in Jerry Stackhouse?
Celtics Hub Jamario Moon and Sign-and-Trades
Final Summer League Musings
NESN Is LeBron not as perfect as perceived?
Celtics Town Boston Celtics' 18th Title Could Be On The Way
Lex Nihil Novi Celtics Draft Kite, Ponder Trading McHale (83-84)
Giddens Interview (with highlights)
Bleacher Report NBA: Which Big Man Should Pistons Target Next, Glen Davis Or David Lee?
Deseret News Utah Jazz: Could Boston's 'Big Baby' be viable option?
Patriot Ledger With Rasheed Wallace, perception is not reality
Wallace gives Celtics another option on offense and help on defense
Cleveland.com An early look at the 2009-10 Cavs
Hoopsworld 5 Things We Learned In The NBA This Week
Sactown Royalty It's Too Easy for Tyreke Evans
CT News Celtics Over the Hill, Reaching for the Moon
Miami Herald Basketball's best to get in the Groove
Ken Berger Raptors signing Jarrett Jack to offer sheet
Press Herald Red Claws have three finalists for first coach
Ohio.com NBA salary cap means millions for LeBron
Examiner How Sheed it is
Sculu Pistons’ Arron Afflalo to Denver for Cap Space to Get Glen “Big Baby” Davis?
Sports of Boston Leon Powe: 2008-2009 Celtics Review
My San Antonio Three is not enough for NBA’s best
Family News Jerry Stackhouse The Boston Celtics Can Make It A Family Health Affair

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Considering Moon

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:03:00 +0000

One player I didn't mention on my previous post as to who Danny might be targeting is Jamario Moon because he is a restricted free agent and the Heat can match any offer we make for him. Since all we can offer is the vet minimum or the LLE, it wouldn't be hard to match.

The Heat have tendered Moon a qualifying offer of $1,000,497 for next year. The Heat are over the cap with a payroll of $69,681,637 for next season but then they drop to just over $17 million for the 2010-11 free agent extravaganza. Dwyane Wade has given the Heat an ultimatum of sorts saying that he will stay in Miami if they are a contender. So, they have to be thinking of trying to sign a couple other superstars to go along with Wade if they want to keep him. The salary cap is expected to drop even lower next season to just over $50 million and so if they want to make a big splash they can use all the cap space they can get.

Moon is 29 years old, but has only been in the league for 2 years. Moon entered the 2001 NBA Draft but he wasn't drafted and took the long road to the NBA playing for the Profile Patriots, Harlem Globetrotters, CBA's Albany Patroons, Fuerza Regia in the Mexican league, and the USBL Gary Steelheads. Moon signed a two-year deal with the Raptors on July 10, 2007, after he had impressed the coaching staff in a three-day mini-camp held by the club. In February of 2009, Moon was traded by the Raptors to the Heat along with Jermaine O'Neal and conditional draft pick for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

Moon's stats declined from his first to his second season. In his first season with Toronto, he averaged 8.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.4 blocks. In his second season with Toronto he averaged 7.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.2 steals and .8 blocks in 39 games before being traded to Miami where he averaged 7.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, .8 steals and .6 blocks in his 26 games with them.

At 6'8" he is long and can defend well. He is very athletic with an incredible vertical leap that earned him a spot in the dunk contest. He isn't a very good ball handler but can hit the open shot when he has it but can be inconsistent. His basketball IQ has been questioned. He is a good one on one defender and with his size and quickness can guard the bigger 3's as a back up for Pierce. He has his pluses and minuses but so do all the remaining free agents. I think he would be a good fit.

It would seem as though Danny would be offering the expiring contracts of Scal and Tony who are on the outside looking in at the rotation. The Heat should think about it as another $5 million in expiring contracts could help the Heat to land another star next summer to keep Wade happy.

On another note, it appears that the Cavs are targeting Matt Barnes.

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/11

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:28:00 +0000

Herald Anderson Varejao to stay a Cavalier
Grant Hill passes on Celtics
Mike Sweetney seeks gains on court
Globe Free agent Hill chooses Suns over Celtics
CelticsBlog Summer League Wrapup
Celtics Stuff Live: Jon Jennings & Marc Spears
LOY's Place I Miss Delonte's Sense of Humor
Random Thoughts on Who's Next
Celtics 17 Exploring the Rumor Mill
New England Sports 24/7 Paul Pierce Still Needs a Quality Backup
Red's Army Old school Rondo video
Glen Davis Won't Be Going to Orlando
C's have the best summer league shooter
Perkisabeast The bottom line is that they play to win, and that is what swayed me to come here
CSNE Friday Night Thoughts Friday Night Thoughts
Celtics Town Celtics Conclude Summer League With 92-79 Win
Celtics' Youth Could Prove Instrumental In 2010
17 Banners Who's going to backup The Truth?
Lex Nihil Novi Sonics Hand C's Third Home Loss of Year (81-82)
Fitch Not Worried About Home Loss (81-82)
Posey or BBD?
Ridiculous Upside Recapping the Orlando Summer League: Day 5
Morning Sentinel Red Claws narrow coaching search
Enterprise Hill will stay with Suns rather than joining Celtics
WEEI Doc Rivers, Celtics Head Coach on WEEI
NESN Over Hill: Phoenix star opts to stay with Suns
Fortunately for Celtics, Wallace answered call
NBA Draft.net Orlando Summer League: Day 5
Cavalier Attitude Taking It Coast-To-Coast: Cavs Options Dwindling
Orlando Sentinel Be patient; there are several free-agent options available
Connecticut News Grading the Free Agent Signings, So Far
Bleacher Report As The Ink Dries: Rating the NBA Free Agent Chase 2009
Cleveland Cavaliers Make Huge Mistake By Re-Signing Anderson Varejao
Jerry Stackhouse: The Boston Celtics Can Make It a Family Affair
With the Pieces in Place, the Pressure Is on for LeBron and the Cavs
38th Notes Bring Leon Powe Home to Oakland!
Hoopsworld Grizzlies waive newly acquired Jerry Stackhouse
Marion to Mavs, Stackhouse to Griz in complex deal
Free Agency Watch: Day 10
ProJo Grant Hill stays in Phoenix, thwarting Celtics’ hopes to add bench depth
Celtics lose out on Grant Hill -
ESPN Bill Simmons' Summer Mailbag
Inside Hoops Orlando Summer League Basketball
Boston Score The Big Four
Waiting for Next Year NBA Rookie Hazing: Cavalier Style

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Random Thoughts on Who's Next

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:36:00 +0000

The Herald is reporting that Danny is investigating sign and trade scenarios.

Ainge’s summer isn’t finished, though. Though he declined to identify the next target, a league source said that the Celtics have been investigating sign-and-trade possibilities with other teams.

It is anyone's guess as to who Danny may be targeting in a trade. He is probably offering the expiring contracts of Tony and Scal to get it done, though. One name I have seen floating around is Travis Outlaw. Danny has liked him in the past and rumor is that he is available. He is 6'9" and just 24 years old. He is very athletic and brings a lot of energy. He is a good defender and has a nice shooting touch. He would be a great fit for the team if Danny could pull it off.

I have also seen a few rumblings of Danny making a trade to bring Posey bac, which wouldn't be all that bad a move since he is a great fit for the team and brings a lot to the table, but I don't see it happening.

As for the remaining free agents, Ime Udoka is one that Danny has shown interest in before and he may go after him again. Udoka is 6'6" and 31 years old. He is a good rebounder for his size and can defend. He is a versatile player and would also fill the need on the team.

Matt Barnes has been mentioned by many a Celtics fan as their choice for Pierce's back up. Barnes is 6'7" and can play the 3 or 4. He will bring energy off the bench will make the hustle plays. He is quick on defense and can hit the perimeter shot or can slash to the hoop. He would be a good fit on the team. Rumor is that Orlando is also interested in Barnes. I haven't seen Boston's name included in any rumors though.

Another name that has come up is Jerry Stackhouse, who was just released from the Grizzlies. He fits the bill of a 30 something (34, actually) veteran who would sign for the minimum to try to win a ring. He is 6'6" and a good scorer who is dangerous on isolation sets. He was a great athlete but has slowed down some. He has been known to be selfish early in his career but on a team like the Celtics would more than check his ego at the door and would be a good fit with the team.

Keith Bogans' name has been floated around. He is just 6'5" and doesn't have the height that the others have to guard the bigger 3's. He is a good athlete and a tough player and just 29 years old.

Bruce Bowen's name has also been mentioned. Bruce Bowen is one of the dirtiest players in the league and I know that Ray Allen for one doesn't like him because of a couple of dirty moves that Bowen made on him. He is one of the toughest defenders in the league, though and would give us that lock down defender that we have missed since Posey left. If you doubt that he is dirty, just go to You-Tube and put in Bruce Bowen and you will find dozens of videos of his dirty plays. It makes it really hard to like this guy.

Joey Graham is another name that I have seen mentioned. Graham is 6'7" and and 27 years old. He is strong and athletic, but doesn't really stand out for anything in particular. He would be a solid back up but wouldn't be my first choice.

There are others out there that Danny may be targeting, but these are the names I have seen mentioned most often. As I said in the opening paragraph, if he is looking at sign and trade offers, then it is anyone's guess who he is targeting. Hopefully he will get something done before too long before all the best players are snapped up by other teams.

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I Miss Delonte's Sense of Humor

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:49:00 +0000

Even though he is now playing for the enemy and behaved badly the last time we played them, I still miss Delonte. He is truly one of a kind.

I found this on Waiting for Next Year and it made me realize how much I miss Delonte. You never knew what he was going to come out with next. Here are a few of my favorites from when he was with the Celtics
Delonte on the New Ball

On his early basketball roots

Delonte works out with Lucky:

Then, of course, who can forget the infamous Valentine's interview? Here are a couple of quotes, in case you have forgotten:

"I did a few romantic things in my day, but I'm not the world's most romantic guy. But I can tell you what I would consider a special night. First, at my lady's work, I would send her a card giving her instructions for the night. Send it to her about midday, so the rest of the day, she has time to think about exactly what I had planned. I would pick my date up. She wouldn't know where we were going. It's got to be a hot day, so I can drop the top in my SL [Mercedes]. I've got the white SL 500. I would tell her, she would have to wear white. She must have on a white dress, because I'm going to have on white. I'd have told her in the note, she has to wear her hair a certain way, just the way I like it. So, I pick her up in my white convertible. From there, I'd have the music pumping on the radio. The Jim Jones pumping, you know, 'Summer in Miami' song pumping. Got to keep a little gangsta, you can't be too soft. You can't be in there playing some guy that's crying, talking about don't leave me and love me baby, wah wah and all that. So Jim Jones pumping and then from there, wind blowing through the hair, boom, we get straight to the point -- we eat afterwards because I don't want to kiss no onions. I don't want to kiss you tasting like onions and steak and mushrooms and everything."

"One more thing: When we're on the yacht eating, we're going to have some Popeyes chicken. That's for dinner. It's to let her know, put a mental image on her mind, first and foremost, if you ain't from the hood, you don't like Popeyes chicken. Everyone there loves Popeyes chicken and the biscuits -- phew. But that's just getting it on her mind, saying, you know, 'Yeah, I can wine and dine you, but I'm a little rough around the edges and I'm keeping it real with you. I can be romantic, but this is real, we're going to eat some chicken tonight. Chicken and biscuits.'"

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Grant Hill to Return to the Suns

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Yahoo Sports is reporting that Grant Hill will return to the Suns.

Grant Hill has decided to re-sign with the Phoenix Suns, and a large part of the decision is based on the belief that Steve Nash(notes) is close to reaching an agreement on a contract extension, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Suns will also sign free agent Channing Frye(notes) to a two-year deal for $3.8 million, sources said. The second season is at Frye’s option.

Danny has been on hold waiting for Hill to make his decision and in the meantime, other teams have been snapping up other top small forward free agents. Danny needs to move quickly now to plan B, whatever that may be.

I would suggest Matt Barnes as a very good plan B. He would be a very good fit with this team and could fit the bill for a veteran defensive 3. He is 6'7" so has good height. He averaged 10.2 points, 5.50 rebounds, and 2.8 assists last season for the Suns. He is a good teammate and should sign for the vet minimum. The Yahoo article mentions signing Channing Frye which means that the more than likely are willing to let Barnes go.

It will be interesting to see where Danny goes now that Hill is off the table.

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/10

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Herald Rasheed Wallace deal answers offseason challenges
A sign of good times
Rasheed Wallace fan-friendly
Kevin Garnett can’t wait to play again
Gabe Pruitt bleeds for Celtics
Lester Hudson faces surgery
Cavaliers know they need Anderson Varejao
Globe Quick Celtics notes
Wallace: 'It was a good fit'
Hill stays in team’s sights
Globe 10.0 - Sports video with Bob Ryan
Welcoming committee
Garnett, Wallace find themselves in a good place
A whole new world for Wallace
Celtics welcome Rasheed Wallace
Dueling Couches Maybe The Celtics Should Just Stay Put
NECN Wallace ready for championship season with Celtics
Big Three welcome Rasheed Wallace to Celtics
MetroWest Daily Wallace a 'perfect fit' for Celtics
CelticsBlog Tony Allen Confidence Check
LOY's Place Chemistry Gives the Celtics an Edge
Red's Army Rasheed Speaks
Gabe Pruitt really wants to come back
Celtics Circuit Some Quick Celtic Quotes of Interest
Celtics Hub So, Umm…Who’s Left in the Wings?
NESN Hansbrough, Hibbert scorch Celtics in summer league game
Celtics Town Chris Lofton, Darius Washington and Bill Walker: Summer League Warriors
17 Banners Bring back Marbury
Examiner Q&A on Sheed signing with Boston: Detroit's perspective
Lex Nihil Novi Lamar Odom: Did the Asking Price Just Go Up?
The Complete Press Conference
Not Sleeping Again and It's Only July
CSNE Ubuntu is Alive and Well
Grant Hill Update
Rasheed Wallace Interview
LA Times In the NBA, free agency is a perpetual motion machine
Green Street Pierce sees great things in Wallace, Celtics
Sounds of Sheed
Wallace And Garnett Go Way Back
Source: Hill leaning toward Phoenix
SeaCoast Online Celtics sign Rasheed Wallace
ProJo Celtics introduce Rasheed Wallace to Boston
NY Times Signs Indicate That Hill Is Leaning Toward the Knicks
Gawkk Ray Allen Talks About Trade Rumors, Sheed Signing on Gawkk
Orlando Sentinel Sign-and-trade of Hedo Turkoglu gives Orlando Magic more cash flexibility for making deals
LVN Why isn't there a place for Fazekas in the NBA?
Enterprise CELTICS NOTEBOOK: Garnett ahead of schedule in rehab following knee surgery
Sales pitch of Garnett, Pierce and Allen paid off in Celtics’ pursuit of Wallace
WEEI Big Three Celebrate Wallace As The 'Perfect Fit'
Marc Spears, Yahoo! Sports on WEEI
Indy Cornrows Summer Pacers Continue To Shine In Win Over Celtics
FanIQ The Cleveland Cavaliers Can't Beat The Boston Celtics
National Sports Review Mark Jackson, Sam Mitchell among names rumored for T-Wolves job
Examiner Will 2009 upstage 2010?
Cs showing interest in Grant Hill, but is he headed to NY?
SI.com Wallace chose Celtics for chance at another title
Timberwolves' Sebastian Telfair at work preparing to save job -
Celtics.com Rasheed Wallace Press Conference Photo gallery
Rasheed Wallace Introduced As Newest Celtic
When It Comes To Pieces, Sheed a "Perfect Fit" for C’s Championship Puzzle
Kentucky.com Top point guard prospect looking at Cats
Bleacher Report The Cleveland Cavaliers Are Now The Team To Beat In The NBA
Rich Get Richer: Lakers, Celtics, Cavs Bulk Up in Offseason
The Lakers Will Get the Absolute Most Out of Ron Artest
I Love Portland Maine Maine Red Claws Team with UNUM – Shooting Stars
Fox Sports NBA free agency much like high school recruiting
Waiting for Next Year Anthony Parker A Good Fit In Cleveland
Hoop Doctors Does Sheed Make Boston the Team to Beat?
Metro Allen: The Celtics need more than just 'Sheed
FanHouse Source: Wife Will Sway Grant Hill to Sign With Knicks

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Chemistry Gives the Celtics an Edge

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:47:00 +0000

Chemistry is one of the most important but underrated pieces to building a championship team. As I watched the Rasheed Wallace press conference, I was thinking about chemistry and its importance in building a contender. The Pistons of the 90's were a team with great chemistry because of playing together for several years. Because of that chemistry, they were able to win a championship without a superstar in 2004. Players on that team knew their roles and they worked very well together. For the most part, that team has been together for several years and they developed great chemistry as a team and because of that have been able to contend for a championship year after year.

The Warriors surprised everyone in the playoffs in 2007 when they knocked off the top seeded Mavs. In an article on SFGate, they mentioned the chemistry on that Warriors team.

Nelson calls the Warriors "one of the best chemistry teams (I've had), and I've been around a lot of good ones. But this one's really, really tight."
"To see each guy kind of rely on each other, lean on each other, to have someone carry their weakness they struggle with and another guy pick them up? I think from that standpoint, it's been a truly team effort to get here."

It's not a stretch to believe that the chemistry that they had figured into their success in the playoffs.

On the other hand, I think back to the Lakers team that had 4 future Hall of Famers on it in Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Gary Payton and Karl Malone. They even had a future Hall of Fame coach and should have been able to win the championship that year. Granted, Malone and Payton were older at the time, but they still were competitive. Payton went on to be instrumental in the Heat championship in 2006 and Kobe and Shaq were at the top of their games. On paper, they were a lock to win it all. But, they didn't have any chemistry. There was in-fighting and bickering the entire year and I believe that is what kept that team from winning it all. They had the talent but didn't have any chemistry.

The Lakers made a big free agent move this off season in signing Ron Artest. In the process, the allowed a young player who was a perfect fit for the team get away. Artest has never been known as a good character guy and has also never been known as player who knows his role. Rockets fans were happy to see him leave as they felt that his poor shot selection and his insistence on taking too many shots hurt their team down the stretch and in the playoffs. He joins a team with one very strong ego on it already and my guess is that there is going to be some friction between them.

And then there was the Rockets team back in 1996 when they brought their own big 3 trying to win it all. From the Sporting News:

One great player can get a team on NBC. Two great players will give a team an excuse to print playoff tickets But in today's NBA, a team needs three great ones to dream of a championship.That's why the Rockets are smiling in their sleep these days. With Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley and Clyde Drexler, they may not have guaranteed reservations for next June. But they won't be swept by the Super-Sonics again, either.

This team had 3 Hall of Fame superstars, but this trio never really meshed and Drexler retired at the end of the season. They then brought in Scottie Pippen to team with Barkley and Olajuwon and the result was the same. The trio never meshed and the Rockets didn't win the championship. They brought in parts that never really fit together.

The USA Olympics committee know the importance of chemistry. They saw US basketball teams fall behind in spite of having some of the best players in the world on them. You throw together a group of players used to playing against each other and let them practice for a few weeks and expect them to develop chemistry. European teams are together for years and have developed a degree of chemistry and that translates into a stronger team. The Olympic committee is now taking a better approach by having the core group together for several years as they seek to develop a team chemistry among them.

Most often, the cause of chemistry problems is player attitudes. Players either have a higher opinion of themselves than they should or just aren't team players. Egos often get in the way as they did on that Lakers team. In putting this team together, Danny has not only brought in good basketball players, but also good character guys.

Before the 2007 draft, Tommy Heinsohn had this to say on the subject:

An often missed element of picking players, Ah and everybody starts going like the football coaches used to go by. Times and by how fast they were in the forty and what have you. Been my experience that the players with the best character, the players that truly love to play, the so called gym rats, who may not quite have all the talent these other guys have, but that by the end of their careers they will work themselves in to be great contributers to a program. And I've seen many players like that help a basketball program. They are not the star, but end up being great contributers. And so, the character guys, the guys that are willing to work, the guys that love to play the game, the guys that would pay ownership to play. Those are the kinda guys that you want to pick and that should be an important part of the mix.

Danny re-built this team with players who are willing to set aside their own egos for the sake of the team. Now, it appears that Danny has added one more player willing to set aside ego for the sake of the team. Here is what Rasheed had to say about his role on the team:

"My role is to back up these guys...if Doc wants me to start I will start, if he wants me to come off the bench I will come off the bench.....2 minutes or 30 minutes....the bottom line is the W. If I score a point and we win...that beats scoring 100 points in a loss."

At that point, Rasheed won me over. He understands the importance of team and chemistry. His teammates and coaches have always described him as a great teammate and a team player. He was a team player in Detroit and will fit right in on this Celtics' team that has been built on Ubuntu.

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Big 3 Welcome Sheed to Boston

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:17:00 +0000

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/9

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:48:00 +0000

Herald Doc Rivers and Co. perfect pitchmen
Unsigned Lester Hudson injures finger
Ron Artest gets another chance to put his past in the rear view mirror
Chris Cohan puts Warriors up for sale
Shawn Marion heading to the Dallas Mavericks
Globe Putting the pieces together
Spurs power up by landing McDyess Wallace gets 3-year deal from Celtics
Rivers is free to start thinking about Hill
Doc: Wallace wants to win
MetroWest Daily Celtics are forward thinkers
Red's Army No really, Ron Artest is fine
Rasheed Wallace Might Be a Starter?
Celtics Circuit Various Updates on Several Different Players
CSNE Hill thinks it over
CSN to Host Live Rasheed Wallace Press Conference Coverage Thursday at 4 pm
Celtics Hub Sheed to Start?
How did this go unnoticed?
NESN Risk vs. reward: What Turkoglu and Bargnani deals mean for Toronto
LeBron’s post-2010 home remains a mystery
Before finger injury, Hudson had serious shot at making team
Celtics Town Giddens Impressive, But Celtics Lose to Thunder, 94-82
Lex Nihil Novi NBDL or the Celtics?
Bird Ends Pacers Comeback
McHale Starts, Stars in Win
Job Description: High Energy Player Who Can Make Immediate Impact Off the Bench
The Third Year
WEEI Tune in to WEEI on Thursday for Rasheed Wallace's Celtics Introduction
ESPN Antonio McDyess chooses San Antonio Spurs
Shaun Livingston: The Oldest 24-Year-Old in the NBA -
FanHouse NBA Players Give Back 9 Percent of Pay
NBA Will Feel Pains of Financial Meltdown a Year Late
LeBron Gets Dunked On, Nike Rep Allegedly Confiscates the Video
Jax Observer Wade Makes Public Plea to Sign Iverson
NY Post CELTS PASS ON MARBURY
NEW YORK KNICKS AWAIT NEXT MOVE BY FREE AGENT GRANT HILL
LA Times Will Ron Artest's act work with Lakers and Kobe Bryant?
Hoopsworld Orlando: Sweetney's Last Chance?
Connecticut News NBA Rich Get Richer: McDyess, Marion and Parker Move
Hoopshype OKC has a gem in Westbrook
Celtics 17 Could The Hornets' Interest in Glen Davis Lead To Something Bigger?
USA Today 'Ecstatic' Celtics bolster lineup, bring in Rasheed Wallace
Simon on Sports It's Beginning to Feel A Bit Older in Boston
My San Antonio Antonio McDyess accepts Spurs' offer
NBA.com Westbrook Thrives, Thunder Cruise
Sports of Boston Eight Steps for the Celtics to Win an 18th Championship
Bleacher Report Boston Celtics May Be Targeting Joe Johnson In 2010

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/8

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:51:00 +0000

Herald Joe Dumars’ pick for Pistons coach: obscure assistant John Kuester
Lakers make Ron Artest deal official with signing
James Harden, Tyler Hansbrough steal summer league spotlight
Knicks keep focus on Grant Hill
Pistons move on from Avery Johnson
Pursuit of Grant Hill a tall order
Celtics foes heed Rasheed Wallace
Globe Wallace update -
Point made by Celtics draftee Hudson - he’s not just a scorer
Coach K back with USA
Glen Davis free agency update
Wallace signing formalized
CelticsBlog I Want My Baby Back Baby Back Baby Back
Celtics 17 Analysis of Boston's Addition of Rasheed Wallace
New England Sports 24/7 The Celtics and Glen Davis Could See a Reunion
The Celtics Still Need Another Inside Presence
Red's Army Grant Hill Doesn't Give a Damn About a Title
Patience Name of Game for BBD
Nike & LeBron won't let you see LeBron get dunked on
Giddens impresses in Orlando
Green Street Celtics sign Rasheed Wallace
Celtics Circuit Salary Cap Could Take Another Hit Next Summer
Andersen to Stay With Nuggets
Celtics Hub Big Baby Back Home?
Summer League: Magic 85, Celtics 82
NESN Celtics to pay luxury tax as salary cap shrinks
Top 10 most memorable returns in Boston sports history
Lex Nihil Novi Pieces Parts
Grampa Celtic: Sheed Not on the Decline
Random Drive-Bys
Nola.com New Orleans Hornets quietly planning to make move to bolster their frontcourt depth
Patriot Ledger Celtics, Cavaliers and Magic make moves to strengthen their cases
ESPN The Celtics Catch a Glimpse of Their Future
NY Times Knicks Look to Hill for Stability
Bleacher Report The NBA's Summer League in Orlando Is Heating Up
Making an Impact: Q&A with Joe Abunassar, Founder of Impact Basketball
Boston Celtics Keep Getting Older: Danny Ainge Now Interested in Grant Hill
Rasheed Wallace is Now Mean and Green
USA Today In NBA, hunt for bargains is on
SouthCoast Today Two sides to Rasheed's reputation
Eagle Tribune Wallace deal means Celts mean business
Connecticut News Rondo Coaching….is Doc Coaching
NY Daily News Knicks are one of three on former All-Star Grant Hill's list of teams
North Station Sports Larry Bird on Mike and Mike this Morning
Dime LeBron teases Cleveland, plus Orlando’s diamond in the rough
Nashua Telegraph C's getting older with every signing
Sculu Green 18? - Looking At The Potential 2009-10 Boston Celtics
Twin Cities Ricky Rubio's contract status, Timberwolves' coaching search still works in progress
Green Street Celtics hit with luxury tax
MVN Los Angeles Lakers Vs Boston Celtics: If The Finals Were Today, Who Would Win?
NBA.com Wallace's strut gives Celtics championship swagger again
Fox Sports These seven teams can win it all if
ProJo Celtics are trying to win now, not worrying about the future
Bangor Daily News Red Claws plan hoop academy
Detroit Free Press Free agent Brandon Bass could be quite a catch
Hoopsworld Orlando: Pruitt Earning his Stripes
Dueling Couches Glen Davis Getting No Love
Newsday Knicks still hoping for deal with Hill
NESN Pistons choose Kuester over Thibodeau for head coaching job

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/7

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:11:00 +0000

Herald Young Celtics know score
Brandon Jennings says he’ll learn from YouTube incident
AP source: Hawks reach deal with Mike Bibby
Marcin Gortat is ready to cash in Mark Cuban’s millions
Jason Kidd rejoins Mavs
Magic GM downplays interest in Big Baby
Globe Wallace's Celtics news conference TBD
Globe 10.0: Will Wallace be a good fit?
Hill is Ainge’s new target
MetroWest Daily Rasheed Wallace chooses relevance
CelticsBlog Summer League Game 1 Recap
Conflicting Big Baby Updates
Sporting News Knicks Offer Grant Hill One-Year Deal
LOY's Place Celtics 87- Jazz 56 Day 1 in Orlando
The Rumor Mill Churns Along
Red's Army Just how much interest is Big Baby generating?
Random thoughts: Would Artest make up for losing Ariza AND Odom?
Perkisabeast This week in celtic nation
Green Street Former Celtics O’Bryant, Wallace to play in Vegas
Celtics Circuit Is Summer League Even Important This Year?
Celtics Hub Could the Celts get another Miles?
NESN Johnson won’t be Pistons coach, door still open for Thibodeau
Garden to change names again, Wonka-like promotion ensues
Over the Hill? Celtics might not be
Sheed good fit for Celtics?
Celtics Town Bill Walker, Lester Hudson Shine in Summer League Game One
North Station Sports Welcome to Boston Rasheed Wallace!
Lex Nihil Novi Rasheed Wallace, North Carolina
You Should Be Dancin', Yeah
Speaking of Payton and Malone
The Lakers "Tried" to Improve
Rasheed Press Conference Contingent on . . .
Artest and a Naked Zen Mistress?
Detroit Free Press Celtics’ Ainge happy to add Rasheed Wallace to fold
Avery Johnson out as Pistons coaching candidate
'Sheed's performance was offensive at times | Freep.com
NBA.com Eight thoughts to ponder in a summer full of big-name deals
CSNE Grant Hill Update
Yahoo Sports Wallace gives Celtics 'K.G. Insurance'
Rasheed Wallace on the Celtics? Not bad - Ball Don't Lie
ProJo Ainge confirms interest in Grant Hill
Glen Davis finding a tight market for his services
Waiting for Next Year NBA Free Agents: Who’s Left For Cleveland?
NY Times For N.B.A. Free Agents, Midlevel Exception Seems Like the Norm
New England Sports 24/7 The Celtics Still Need Another Inside Presence
NBA Musings sheed = manny?
My San Antonio No Big Baby offer imminent
Entertainment Rundown Ray Allen And Wife Welcome Third Son
Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz lose by 31 in Maynor's debut
Detroit News Pistons' Dumars is in a tight fix with coaching job | detnews.com
ESPN Source: LeBron James tells recruit he'll stay with Cleveland Cavaliers
David Thorpe Livetweeting from Summer League
PBN Summer stuff: Dribbling through Orlando's first day
Addition of Hill would turn Boston into the Senior Celtics
CSN Philly NBA Notebook: A Feast in the East
NBADraft.net Orlando Summer League: Day 1
Sports Jabber The Stacking Of Teams Continues In The NBA As Rasheed Wallace Has Signed With The Celtics
Pistons Nation Blog A very dark day, Sheed to sign with Boston
The Knicks Blog Hill “Very Serious” About Knicks
Bucks Diary The NBA's 10 best outside jump shooters
Boston Sports Media Spears Leaving Globe for Yahoo! Sports
NY Daily News Knicks get another shot at Grant Hill, nine years after Ewing deal nixed
Dime NBA summer league tips off; Lakers bring back another piece
Orlando Summer League: Roster check
Cleveland.com Notes Heading into Day 7 of Free Agency
Hoopsworld NBA AM: Summer League Underway
Loscy The Sheed Train is heading to Boston
NBA Roundtable Summer League — Day One
NBA.com Summer League Post Ups
CSNE Rasheed Wallace Move Leaves Gamblers in a Tizzy
WEEI A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Sheed
Examiner Sheed is on board, is that necessarily a good thing?
Just what they 'Sheed: Rasheed Wallace should put the Celtics back on top
Bleacher Report Boston Celtics Bring Rasheed Wallace to Redemption Town
Boston Celtics Wont Win the East: Three Reasons
ProJo Celtics aren't concerned about tomorrow, as Rasheed signing shows
SI.com Rasheed Wallace may be missing link for Boston Celtics
CBS Sports Technically speaking, Boston's dysfunctional with or without 'Sheed -
Fox Sports Reviewing the big offseason moves this year
Slam Online Links: Lions and Celtics and L-Wolves
Minor League Hoops Red Claws Go High Tech for Ticket Holders

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The Rumor Mill Churns Along

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:28:00 +0000

After Gary Tanguay's announcement that Grant Hill would be a Celtic by the end of the week, apparently the waters have gotten a little more cloudy as to Hill's intentions.

We do know that he is considering the Celtics, Suns and Knicks and all 3 have their selling points.

Suns- He played there last year and is in a familiar setting and wouldn't have to move. The Suns can also offer him a starting role.

The Celtics offer the best chance of getting a ring. On the Celtics, he won't be starting but at his age, coming off the bench could give him an extra year or two on his career. In Boston he would be reunited with his former coach, Doc Rivers.

New York is the pick of his wife as she is a singer and New York City offers her more opportunities to advance her career. In New York, Hill would be reunited with his former coach, Mike D'Antoni.

As far as money is concerned, it is all pretty much equal. Boston has a bi-annual exception which is worth approximately $3.9 million over two years to offer. New York has its mid-level exception and bi-annual exception and will probably offer either the bi-annual or a portion of the mid-level. Since the Suns used their bi-annual exception on Hill in 2007, they are expected to offer a similar portion of the mid-level exception to try to lure him back into the fold.

Hill had dinner with Doc on Sunday, met with the Knicks on Tuesday, and is expected to meet with the Suns on Wednesday. The one advantage the Celtics have over the other two teams is a real shot at a ring.

Also on the rumor mill is Big Baby Davis's status. Tanguay mentioned that Big Baby was on his way to the Spurs and then said that Dallas and the Magic were also interested. Both the Mavericks and the Magic have denied any interest in him. Apparently the Spurs are still interested in Big Baby, but they have agreed to sign 6'10" Marcus Haislip who has been playing in Europe. According to the San Antonio papers, though, their main target is Antonio McDyess. I guess Big Baby is plan C. They have their entire mid-level exception to spend on another big man.

More to come. Stay tuned.

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Celtics 87- Jazz 56 Day 1 in Orlando

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:50:00 +0000

The Celtics first summer league game ended in a rout. Here are some impressions from the game vs the Jazz:
Bill Walker and JR Giddens both played well. Walker still has a penchant for hard fouls and ended up fouling out but showed some good things as he scored 14 points on 5-9 shooting to go with 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in 21 minutes. The best player of the game in my opinion was JR Giddens who finished with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in 32 minutes. At times he still plays out of control but shows great athleticism and a nice all around game.

The Gabe Pruitt and Lester Hudson battle may have come down to a draw with Hudson slightly edging Pruitt. In the first half, Hudson struggled with his ball handling but showed a better handle as the game wore on. He has a nice shot as advertised and is a very good defender, although sometimes he gambles too much when going for the steal. Hudson finished with 11 points (4-6), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block n 19 minutes. Gabe seemed to force things a bit in the first half but like Lester, settled down into a nice rhythm in the second half. Pruitt finished with 11 points (3-6), 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 2 steals in 22 minutes.

As far as the big men go, I would say that Nick Fazekas looked the best of them all. He finished with 13 points (5-10) and 5 rebounds in 21 minutes. He has a nice shot but was questionable on defense. Robert Swift was really out of shape. He was huffing and puffing after just 5 minutes in the game and often could be seen standing with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. He finished with 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist in 20 minutes. He really has to show a lot more than that for me to believe that he can help the Celtics this season. Mike Sweetney is still pretty heavy but did look pretty good on the court. He finished with 3 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Kevin Rogers showed some potential as he scored 9 points, pulled down 6 rebounds, dished out 1 assists and blocked 2 shots in 22 minutes. He has a decent jumper and showed a willingness to battle inside for rebounds. Chris Lofton and Bryan Mullins didn't look all that bad, but didn't impress either. For them to have any chance to make the team, they need to really impress, and they didn't do it.

Coby Karl, Bryce Taylor, and Darius Washington didn't play in this game but we will probably see them against the Magic. Even though they didn't play at a high level and things were sloppy most of the time, the Celtics dominated this game from start to finish.

The announcers were the worst I have even heard. Sure, this is just a summer league game and things get sloppy and the action drags at times, but these guys were unprofessional and while their banter is ok on a post game radio show, it really has no business during a game. Once in a while they would mention the game and a play that caught their attention but the majority of the time was mindless rambling, insults aimed at the players, and complaining about having to call the summer league games and how boring they were. These players are fighting for their careers and fans are interested in how their team's players are doing and it would be nice to have someone semi serious about doing a play by play calling the game.

Recap
Box Score

Next game is on Tuesday at 3:00 PM vs the Magic. The Magic roster includes:
Maurice Ager
Lance Allred
Ryan Anderson
Brian Chase
Ronald Dupree
Courtney Fells
Levance Fields
C.J. Giles
Richard Hendrix
Stevan Milosevic
Jeremy Pargo
Kasib Powell
Milovan Rakovic
Jeremy Richardson
Russell Robinson
Darian Townes

The Magic lost on day 1 to the OKC Thunder 88-77 but should give the Celtics more of a fight than they got from the Jazz team. Once again, all games will be streamed on both Orlandomagic.com and Celtics. com.

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/6

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:01:00 +0000

Herald Rasheed Wallace now going Green
Doc Rivers’ OK on Leon Powe call
Incumbents already battling hard
Dwyane Wade says he’ll stay if Heat a title contender
Jason Kidd set to return to Dallas Mavericks with three-year, $25 million deal
Initial bids due this week to buy The Boston Globe
Globe Nomar, Rasheed, and a tale of two Bostons
Hard Celtic press picks off Wallace
CelticsBlog Tanguay Rumor: Grant Hill In; Big Baby Out
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sheed
Sheed In, Hill Next, Big Baby on the Way Out
LOY's Place Summer League Starts Today
Celtics 17 How Good is Portland?
Wallace Committing to C's
Red's Army Where we stand right now, and our biggest weakness
Hey... we can watch basketball tonight!
Hudson impresses Coach Rondo
Courtside View The right time for Rasheed
Celtics Circuit Wallace Accepts Contract, Will Become a Celtic
Celtics Hub Sheed: Please Don’t Be a Carlos Baerga
Cuban Tweets Down Tanguay
NESN Powe an unfortunate casualty of Celtics’ cap
Sheed: Big gamble, with big upside
Rivers: If healthy, Powe has chance to rejoin Celtics
Celtics Town Steph On Way Out, 'Sheed On Way In, Big Baby Situation
Celtics Sign Rasheed Wallace, Gain Championship Swagger
Lex Nihil Novi Best Sixth Man Since Bill Walton?
The New Big Three
The Arms Race Continues
Grant Ain't Over the Hill
Quick, Someone Contact New England Flag and Banner
Green Street Wallace to sign two-year deal with Celtics
Giddens eager to prove himself
The need for Sheed
Getty's Angle Therein Lies the Rub
My San Antonio Spurs miss out on Wallace, get Haislip
NBA.com Hope of title leads Wallace to commit to Celtics
Connecticut News Grant Hill a Celtic? Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis a Spur?
Dime Boston fills its need for ‘Sheed; it’s safe to watch the WNBA again
Bleacher Report Recent Moves Have Not Shaken Up the NBA's East as Much as You Think
The Celtics Are Now The Team to Beat
Boston: The Best of Fans, The Worst of Fans
Cleveland.com Ferry, Brown head to L.A., court free agents
Shaq's 'Big Freeze' moniker is already taken
FanHouse Celtics No Better With Rasheed Wallace
Wallace Makes Celtics NBA's Best Team
Report: Rasheed Commits to Celtics
Ridiculous Upside 2009 Orlando Pro Summer League - What To Look For?
Need4Sheed No Need4Sheed in Green - Rasheed is Boston Bound
Examiner Rasheed Wallace headed to Celtics
New England 24/7 Uhh…We Just Got Really, Really Good…Again
WEEI Meter and Felger talk Sheed with Gar Bear on WEEI
Dueling Couches Glen Davis To Spurs?
Every Joe Rasheed Wallace to Beantown old folks home
LeeInks LEEInks Gets Technical Introduction to ‘Sheed
My SouthEnd ’Sheed signing perfect necessity
Enterprise Free-agent Wallace agrees to deal with Celtics
Newsday Hill to visit Knicks after flirting with Celtics
SacBee Avery Johnson seems to fill Pistons' bill, or does he?
Howard the Dunk Vince Wants Rasheed, Big Baby Backup Plan? The Next Gortat?
JR On Fire Ben Pepper - Getting Some NBA Love
Full Court Pest LayMan's Math: Wilt Chamberlain's Sexual Statistics
Craigslist Huge BRIAN SCALABRINE HEAD! - Get on the Jumbo-Tron Next Season!!
Detroit Bad Boys Avery Johnson favored but not a shoe-in
Cavman Considers Considering the Celtics’ Moves
Hoopshype Artest will star in L.A.
Sports of Boston Stephon Marbury: 2008-2009 Celtics Review
NBA Roundtable Glen Davis
Hoopsworld Free Agent Watch Day 5

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Summer League Starts Today

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:39:00 +0000

In the midst of all the excitement of Sheed committing to the Celtics, don't forget that the Celtics Summer League Team will be in action in Orlando. These games will be exciting to watch to watch as there will be some stiff competition going on for roster spots.

Bill Walker and JR Giddens will be competing basically for one back up wing spot. Both showed some good things in the D-League last season. Bill Walker got some time with the parent club as he was deemed further along than Giddens. There was also some question about Giddens' attitude that moved him behind Walker in the depth chart. It will be interesting to watch these two players in these summer league games to see if one or the other stands out.

There will also be a head to head competition between the Celtics lone draft pick this season, Lester Hudson, and Gabe Pruitt. Pruitt has the advantage of having been with the club for a couple of years but he just hasn't been able to crack the rotation. We know that Hudson can shoot, but he needs to prove that he can also run a team.

With the prospect of Big Baby leaving for the Spurs, there will also be a competition between the bigs as there may be a position for another big open if either Swift or Sweetney can impress the coaches sufficiently to warrant inviting one or both to training camp.

The Celtics tip off at 7:00 PM ET tonight vs Utah. Here is the week's schedule:
July 6, 7pm vs. Jazz
July 7, 3pm vs. Magic
July 8, 5pm vs. Thunder
July 9, 7pm vs. Pacers
July 10, 1pm vs. Nets/76ers

Utah's Roster will include
Jim Baron
Andre Ingram
Kevin Kruger
Wes Matthews
Eric Maynor
Cedric Bozeman
Josh Duncan
Kevin Lyde
Derrick Brown
Gary Wilkinson
Goran Suton
James Augustine
Kosta Koufos
Larry Turner

Both the Magic and Celtics websites will be streaming the games online. They will not be televised.
To check out all the games you can go to Orlando's webite HERE and in the upper right corner you can click to watch the games.

Celtics.com will also be streaming the Celtics' games HERE.

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Sheed In, Hill Next, Big Baby on the Way Out

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:14:00 +0000

On Sports Sunday with Tanguay and Felger they just said that by the end of the week Grant Hill will be a Celtic along with Rasheed Wallace. Doc has had several meetings with him and according to Tanguay it seems to be a done deal.

The bad news was that Big Baby is on his way to San Antonio. They said that with the Sheed signing, Big Baby's minutes would go down and he sees a better situation for himself elsewhere. Maybe now Danny will reconsider bringing Leon back.

If Tanguay's information about Grant Hill is correct, then the Celtics have addressed two of their needs so far and have just the back up point guard to work on. The one question about Grant Hill will always be his health. I see Bill Walker as the insurance just in case Hill has to miss games. Things are shaping up quite nicely.

On Twitter, Stephen A Smith had this to say:

Rasheed Wallace is Heading to Boston. The Celtics are officially the favorites for the NBA Crown.

NICE!

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Sheed Commits to the Celtics

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:58:00 +0000

Per the Boston Globe:

An NBA source said tonight that Detroit free agent forward Rasheed Wallace has committed to sign with the Celtics on July 8 when free agents are able to sign. Wallace is expected to get a two-year deal using the mid-level exception (expected to be about $5.6 million to $5.8 million). Celtics All-Star trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, owner Wyc Grousbeck, coach Doc Rivers and president Danny Ainge met with Wallace last week. Wallace turned down overtures from Orlando and San Antonio to commit to Boston.

Good News. One down and one or two more to go. Hopefully Sheed took long enough to consider it he won't pull a Turkoglu and change his mind. The Celtics now have to find the back up for Paul Pierce and figure out who will back up Rondo. They just have the bi-annual exception along with veteran minimum contracts to offer, but the lure of a ring for some veterans could be all they need to entice them to Boston.

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/5

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Herald Danny Ainge keeps eye on Baby
Rajon Rondo deals with all trade rumors
Globe Summer jobs for bench riders
Patriot Ledger Wallace would be a great addition for the Celtics
CelticsBlog Your Daily Sheed Update
LOY's Place Summer League Roster and Updates
New England Sports 24/7 Next Season Will Be Beautiful
Red's Army Report: Doc Meeting with Grant Hill
Big Baby the Big Consolation Prize?
Green Street Report: Teams interested in Marbury
Celtics Circuit Rondo to Get a Taste of the Coaching Lifestyle
Now the Celtics Need Rasheed
Celtics Hub Hedo Backs Out–Marion Available at Mid-Level?
NESN Hedo heading north: Turkoglu reportedly to sign with Raptors
Celtics Town Steph On Way Out, 'Sheed On Way In, Big Baby Situation
Morning Journal Cavs having trouble finding a dance partner
Cavs don't want to dwell on season of missed opportunity
Basketball Oracle Offseason Report: The Remaining Free Agents
Keep Me Current Jon Jennings Q & A: Bringing pro hoops to Maine
Dime The NBA’s summer of $10M backups, plus T-Mac going to Utah?
FanHouse Grant Hill Could Reunite With Doc Rivers
Fox Sports NBA's worst cap-killing contracts
Cavs 24/7 Even with LeBron and Shaq, Cavaliers still having trouble getting NBA free agents to come to Cleveland
NY Daily News Celtics great Tom 'Satch' Sanders goes home again to East Harlem
Welcome to Cloud City Loud Links: Oklahoma City Thunder News
NBA.com Dumars trying to lure Avery Johnson back to sidelines
Hoopsworld NBA Saturday: What's next for Marion?
Yahoo Artest: Lakers need to be 'hoodalized'?
Sports of Boston 2009 Celtics Summer League Team Preview
Piston Powered Odds on the next coach get a lot more even

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Summer League Roster and Updates

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:25:00 +0000

While we wait on Rasheed Wallace's decision, we will have Summer League to take our mind off of the waiting. The Celtics will be participating in the Orlando Summer League that goes from July 6-10 or Monday through Friday of next week. The Celtics will play one game per day as follows:
July 6, 7pm vs. Jazz
July 7, 3pm vs. Magic
July 8, 5pm vs. Thunder
July 9, 7pm vs. Pacers
July 10, 1pm vs. Nets/76ers

I have been checking for coverage of the games but haven't had much luck. NBA.com and NBA TV will be covering the Vegas Summer League but not Orlando. I had written to the Magic about whether they would be allowing spectators and I received this reply:

The Summer League is closed to the public but we offer a live broadcast
for the games on www.orlandomagic.com.

But on their website, they have this posted on their schedule:

Due to space limitations, the event is not open to the public and will be open only to the media and professional team/league personnel. Games will begin at 3 p.m. from July 6-9, and at 11 a.m. on July 10. Box scores, game recaps and cumulative statistics from the event will be made available by visiting www.orlandomagic.com.

This doesn't mention streaming the games, but just posting stats, box scores and recaps so I guess we will have to wait to see if they are available anywhere.

The Celtics' roster includes both old and new faces. Here's a look at who we will see playing for the Celtics in the Summer League.

Gabe Pruitt Guard 6'4" 170 lbs

Pruitt spend his first year with the Celtics mostly in the D-League and his second season was spent mostly on the bench. He has yet to convince Doc that he can contribute on a level to warrant being the back up point guard or get regular minutes. The Celtics have until August 1 to decide whether to pick up Pruitt's option for next year. He will be playing for a roster spot in these games and needs to make a statement with his play or he could be looking for a new team.

JR Giddens Guard 6'5" 215 lbs

The Celtics' first round draft pick from last year spend his first season in the D-League and was fairly impressive there, showing athleticism and a well rounded game. He averaged 17.2 points per game, 6.30 rebounds per game, and 3.0 assists per game. He has the potential to be a very good defender and has an all around game but needs to show that he is coachable and has the maturity to play at the NBA level.

Bill Walker Forward 6'6" 220 lbs.

Bill Walker split his time last season between the parent club and the D-League. In his 15 games with the Utah Flash, he averaged 18.9 points. He is an incredible athlete and finishes strong at the rim along with shooting well from mid-range. He has a knack for getting under opponents' skins with his energy and tenaciousness. In my opinion, Walker is ready to contribute on this ball club and could be the back up for Pierce that we need. He should dominate in summer league games.

Lester Hudson Guard 6'3" 190 lbs

Lester Hudson was the Celtics lone draft pick this year and could be a steal at #58. Hudson can score and was second in the nation in scoring last year. He owns the only quadruple double in division 1 history. He is also a pesky defender who pressures the ball and gets a lot of steals. Hudson is fighting for a spot on the team. Look for a particularly strong competition between Hudson and Pruitt as one will probably make the team and the other one will more than likely be cut.

Nick Fazekas Forward 7'0" 235 lbs

Fazekas is a great shooter and he has a high basketball IQ but isn't particularly athletic. Fazekas was in the Nuggets training camp last season, but was cut before the season. He then spent the year with Oostende in Belgium and ASVEL in France. He has NBA potential but just hasn't put it all together yet. He is a solid 7 footer, but Mikki Moore and Olowokandi have both proven that height isn't everything.

Coby Karl Guard 6'5" 215 lbs

Coby Karl is the son of Denver coach George Karl. For the last couple of years, Karl has spent time with the Lakers, the D-League, and playing overseas. He began last season in the D-League and averaged almost 19 points and 6 assists playing for the Idaho Stampede. He left mid-season though to sign with DKV Joventut Badalona. where he averaged less than 5 points per game in limited minutes. He is a long shot to make the team.

Chris Lofton Guard 6'2" 200 lbs

Lofton is a prolific scorer, but is not quick enough to defend guards on the NBA level. Lofton played in Turkey last season where he averaged 20.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2 assists per game He shot 46.1% from three point range and broke the Turkish league single game scoring record with 61 points including 17 three pointers in that game. He is a tough kid and played his senior season while recovering from cancer.

Bryan Mullins Guard 6'3" 190 lbs

Mullins is one of those rare student athletes who was actually better as a student than he was as an athlete. He averaged 9.3 points, 5.6 assists and 2.0 steals last year for Southern Illinois while carrying a 4.0 average in finance. Maybe if the basketball thing doesn't work out, he could be a good agent. Mullins is a solid defender and a decent player and while he may catch on with an NBA team, I doubt it will be this one.

Kevin Rogers Forward 6'9" 250 lbs

Rogers is an undersized power forward who is good in several areas like shooting, inside play, defense, etc, but he doesn't excel in any of them. He is quick and will use his bulk to help on defense, but I don't see him making it on the NBA level. He may able to be an enforcer in Summer League, but I don't see the skills to make it on the next level unless he has improved a lot since leaving Baylor.

Bryce Taylor Guard 6'5" 210 lbs

Taylor can score the ball and is a very skilled offensive player. He was on the Timberwolves summer league team last year but didn't catch on with an NBA team and spent last season playing in Italy where he averaged 13.0 points, 2.4 rebounds .5 assists and 1.6 steals a game. He should do well in Summer league, but I don't see him making a big enough impression to make the team ahead of Hudson, Pruitt, or Giddens.

Mike Sweetney Forward 6'9" 270 lbs

Sweetney is a very intriguing player and will be worth watching. Sweetney was the 9th pick in the 2003 Draft. He played a couple of seasons with the Knicks and then played a couple more seasons with the Bulls. Sweetney is a very good low-post scorer with soft hands and a good inside moves. He battled weight issues during his first few years in the league before disappearing off the NBA radar. If he has solved his weight problems and is in good shape, he may have an outside chance to make the team, especially if Big Baby chooses to go elsewhere.

Robert Swift Center 7'1" 270 lbs

Danny has been said to be enamored of Swift since he came out for the draft directly from Bakersfield High School. Danny was rumored to be very high on the kid and was all set to take him in the draft when Seattle stole him with the pick right before the Celtics' pick. Danny then took Al Jefferson, which didn't work out all that bad for the Celtics. Now, he is a free agent and Danny finally gets his chance. However, Swift has spent much of his career so far dealing with injuries. His most recent injury was a tear in his right meniscus in 2008. He also had an ACL tear in the same knee. Last season he played for the Thunder on a qualifying offer but played in just 21 games, averaging 3.3 points and 3.4 rebounds and struggled to come back from the injury. When healthy, Swift can be a physical presence around the basket and a very good rebounder. If he has recovered from his injuries, he may be the biggest surprise in Orlando and Danny may finally have his man. But, he is injury prone and unlike Leon, hasn't yet proved that he can come back from injuries to play at a high level.

Darius Washington Guard 6'2" 195

Washington played with the Bulls in training camp last season. He played in Russia and averaged Washington averaged 13.1 points per game in the Russian league. He is not a great shooter but can run a team and has shown flashes of NBA level talent. If he has improved his offensive skills he has a chance to catch on somewhere in the league but I very much doubt that it will be with the Celtics as he would have to beat out Hudson and Pruitt to stick with the team and I don't see it happening.

Summer League is almost here. Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/4

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:11:00 +0000

Herald Hedo Turkoglu to Blazers a no-go
Rasheed Wallace mulls Celtics’ offer
Globe Wallace weighing offer
Sites help sports figures keep us posted
Jackson returns to coach Lakers
Marbury believes Celtics days are over
MetroWest Daily Megliola: Rasheed may fill a need for C's
CelticsBlog An open letter to Danny: why you messed up.
More Reasons Why Boston May Be Right Fit
Celtics 17 No Laker Fans, You're Not Champs Yet: 2009-10 Will Be Memorable
Red's Army Detroit pursuing Thibodeau
Celtics Circuit Sudden Improvement is the New NBA Trend
Celtics Hub A Less Depressing Departure, Plus a Round-Up
Celtics Town Danny Ainge Sees Boston Celtics' Window Of Opportunity Closing
NBA Tipoff Talking Off-Season With Nick of Boston Celtics News Station
Shamsports Summer league round-up: Boston Celtics
CSMB Does the Ron Artest Deal help the Celtics?
Chronicle Cavaliers targeting guard Anthony Parker
LA Times Signing Ron Artest is a smart move by Lakers
The Chez Artest and Kobe together?
Yahoo Sources: Assistants in the hunt for Pistons position
Don't question Paul Pierce while he's playing craps
Source: Turkoglu changes mind on Blazers - NBA - Yahoo! Sports
Why did I go to Law School Do the Celtics Need 'Sheed Now that Robert Swift is Here?
CSNE Wallace Agent Tells Tanguay, Rasheed would be a Great fir with Big 3
NY Times Off the Dribble - Many N.B.A. Free Agents, but Few Big Paydays
Connecticut News Recruiting Wallace - Celtics or Spurs?
Mass Live Report: Rasheed Wallace agent Bill Strickland thinks Boston Celtics would be a good fit
Pounding the Rock The Bar Has Been Raised
Waiting for Next Year The Truth About The Cavs and Free Agency
Lakers Nation Plaschke: Lakers make the wrong move going with Ron Artest
Bleacher Report The NBA Economic Crunch In The Summer Of 2009
'Sheed and the Spurs: Why It Works
NESN Big Four? Celtics looking to match moves from competitors
ESPN Sources: Detroit Pistons' Joe Dumars to meet with Avery Johnson
CBS Sports 'Sheed receptive to Celts, but will shop
Our Sports Central Fans Invited to Pick-A-Seat Day for Fun, Games and a Sneak Preview
Howard the Dunk Dwight on Shaq & Turk; Sheed to Vist Orlando, Millsap Has No Offers
Projo Celts are looking to make moves
Dime Raptors get their #1 target; Rasheed waiting to make a call
Orlando Sentinel Magic contact Rasheed Wallace's agent; likely won't re-sign Gortat

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/3

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Herald Celtics make offer to Wallace
Ron Artest says he’s going to LA
C’s press for Rasheed Wallace C’s press for Rasheed Wallace
Globe Artest to join Lakers
Marbury believes Celtics days are over
Celtics offer Wallace a contract
CelticsBlog Dominos Falling And Other Thoughts
Getting To Know Sheed
LOY's Place Things are Heating Up
Red's Army What the C's really have to offer free agents
Shocker: Marbury Wants More Money
Celtics Circuit Marbury Done as a Celtic?
Celtics Hub C’s make Rasheed an offer
Loscy An open letter to Danny Ainge: why you messed up.
Celtics Town 2009 Boston Celtics Summer Leage Roster: Breaking Down The Players
News Herald Commentary: Shaq can entertain, but can he bring a ring?
Cavalier Attitude Artest, Ariza Signings Should Not Have Cavs Fans on Suicide Watch
Detroit Free Press 'Sheed meets with Celtics brass and all-stars, receives offer
Connecticut News Detroit’s UConn Signings Start Revolving Doors
Sports of Boston Save Leon Powe Petition is a Little Ridiculous
Tony Allen: 2008-2009 Celtics Review
Dimemag Rockets, Lakers (kinda) pull off a trade; Rubio not going to Wolves
Celtics 17 Yup, Danny Ainge is a Genius
Yahoo. Suicide lines: Celtics offer 'Sheed deal; Iverson to the Heat?
Journal Constitution Josh Childress is back on the free agent market, sort of!
Ken Berger Gordon revisited: Sign-and-trade for Iverson?-
FanHouse Artest in L.A. Could Most Hurt Gasol
Patriot Ledger Celtics travel to Michigan to make a sales pitch for Wallace
SI.com Rasheed Wallace receptive to Celtics' pitch
NECN Ainge: Hudson must prove himself to Rivers
Bleacher Report Why Lester Hudson Is the Steal of the Draft for the Boston Celtics
Powe Must Go, Says Celtics' Front Office
My Southend East could flip itself upside down after next summer
ProJo Celtics get serious in courtship of Rasheed Wallace
SouthCoast Today Celtics blog: The Need for 'Sheed
Phoenix Fanster An open letter to Cavalier fans
Hoopsworld Biggest Suprises in the Offseason (So Far)
In the Game First NBA Summer League 2009 rosters revealed
CSNE Top 20 Under 25 Fan Voting
Gettys Angle Rasheed is a Tool
WEEI The Case For Rasheed Wallace
Contra Costa Times Celtics don't make Powe contract offer
MLive So Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon are the newest Pistons, but where do they go from here?
Sactown Royalty Leon Powe vs. Ike Diogu
ESPN The TrueHoop Network Shootaround

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Things are Heating Up

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:54:00 +0000

Things are heating up in the free agent market and dominoes are beginning to fall. There have been several big free agent signings so far. The Celtics are putting all their eggs in the Rasheed Wallace basket right now and Sheed has said he would take his time deciding so all the Celtics can do is wait.

Danny offered Sheed a 2 year contract for the MLE and I have read in a couple places that Sheed is looking for 3 years at least. He is 35 and he has slowed down somewhat in recent years and he may see this as his last big contract. I just get visions of James Posey all over again. The Spurs and Cavs are both after him and the fact that he is taking his time deciding tells me he is looking for the team that will give him the most security. All they have to do is give him that extra year and no matter how much he likes the idea of playing with KG, he is going to go for the money and security. Also, the Spurs will offer Sheed a starting role whereas with the Celtics, he will come off the bench, which may sway him toward the Spurs. But, at his age, coming off the bench may be a welcome change, who knows.

Loscy has an open letter to Danny on his decision not to sign Leon Powe. In all my 40+ years of following the Celtics, I don't think there has ever been a decision by a Celtics GM that has disappointed me more. The Contra Costa Times has an article with some quotes from Leon that just really make you hurt for the guy. The whole time he has been rehabbing, he expected to return to the Celtics. Doc told him he wanted him back and then Danny dropped the bombshell on him.

"First he said it was money issues ... then he said I'm going to take up a roster spot and that he's not and the owner's not willing to wait," Powe said. "He said they've got a two-year window to win the championship and they wanted someone who could play right away."

"They gave me a lot of reasons why. It's not like I'm asking for $30 million a year. That would be hard," Powe said. "Just give me something for one year, just to show y'all that I'm going to work hard and when I come back I'm going to be right."

"I thought, 'I've been with the team, they know me, they know I'm a hard worker. I've done everything I've been asked. I was playing hurt when I did it,'"‰" he said, referring to the anterior cruciate ligament injury.

"They told me I need to go find another team. I didn't think they'd do anything like that."
"You always want to be somewhere you're appreciated. At that time I didn't feel appreciated," he said.

"I got a lot of motivation right now," he said. "I love the work, it's just a challenge for me. I've been down this road. It's nothing new.

"I ain't got no doubts. I know as soon as I get back on the court I'm going to be ready to play and play good."

I just love this kid. He has battled back from ACL injuries in both high school and college and played at a very high level. Leon played for 3 minutes after tearing his ACL because his team needed him. You just don't find guys with that much heart every day. Miami, Orlando, Oklahoma City and Memphis know what kind of player Leon is and have all contacted Leon's agent about possibly signing him. I have no doubt that Leon is going to come back and play at a high level again this time. As for Danny's excuse that he needs the roster space, he carried Sam Cassell most of last year and he never suited up, not even once. He also carried Patrick O'Bryant who didn't contribute and was an obvious bust from the beginning. Tony Allen has been injured for much of his career so far and Danny has carried him even though he has regressed instead of getting better. All I know is that Karma is not a nice thing to mess with and by turning his back on Leon, Danny messed with Karma big time. Leon would have worked his heart out to rehab his knee and right after the all star break would have been back and ready to play at a high level and would give the team a boost going into the playoffs. That's more than I can say for Sam Cassell, Patrick O'Bryant, Mikki Moore, or Tony Allen, all of whom have occupied Danny's precious roster spots. If another team signs him, it will be a huge loss for the Celtics in more ways than one.

What is it with all these teams signing free agents so quickly. Detroit had Gordon and Villanueva on the first day. Artest agreed with the Lakers after just a couple of contacts. Ariza agreed with Houston like almost immediately. Yet here the Celtics sit hoping Sheed will pick them. Could it be that other teams are willing to go that extra year and pig headed Danny is not and therefore we are stuck with the Patrick O'Bryants who are willing to sign for 1 year at the veteran's minimum?

Speaking of the other signings. The Cavs big score so far is Shaquille O'Neal. They were all so ecstatic when he was announced today. But Suns fans would like to warn them not go be too giddy about it in an open letter on Deep Purple.

Today he told reporters “I’m not here to demand 40 or 50 shots. Thirty (laughing). I’m just coming in to do my part.” Funny because during his introduction in Phoenix he said almost the identical thing, “I’m not a ball freak I’m not going to be asking for 30 or 40 touches. I just want to fit in”. We all saw how that worked out for the Suns. By the 2008-2009 season Shaq was demanding more touches than a frat boy at a strip club and instead of advancing the Suns fans’ dream of a title, he and his personality helped to dash them.

Don’t get us wrong Cleveland, stay optimistic as long as you can. Try not to lose faith until it becomes abundantly clear that you have to. Just remember, when Shaq came to the desert, the Suns were a first place team in the west, they were a title contender for four years running and they just couldn’t get over the proverbial hump to win it all (sound familiar?). One hundred and three games, thousands of tweets and one playoff win later the Suns are no longer a contender and are on the verge of losing one or two of their stars, Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash, (if you’re not careful it will sound familiar sooner than you think). Buyer beware, because once you buy into the hype that is Shaq the process begins and, at least in Phoenix, it ends with the fans still urning for a ring and with the feeling of a “Big Disappointment”.

As for Artest to the Lakers. during the playoffs, as I was doing the comments from the other side, I would peruse the Rockets' boards and they weren't very happy with Ron Ron and his need to be in the spotlight. Here are a few comments from Rockets' fans after learning that Ron Ron was going elsewhere. Here is mini comments from the other side edition on Ron Artest to the Lakers:

Looks like I can go back to hating Ron Artest on the court. I disliked him on the court for the Rockets

Good Riddance! this guy was a locker room cancer

I won't lie, I'm happy he's not a Rocket....not so happy he's a Laker though, unless he implodes that team like he has every other team he has been on.

I couldn't agree more. I think he has a good chance of imploding that team. His horrible shot selection isn't going to sit well with Kobe

I'm glad he's gone. He sucked on the court.

no idea what actually took place, but the Lakers are absolute idiots if they chose to give Ron Artest the MLE in lieu of Trevor Ariza. I'm guessing though that Ron was plan B after Trevor gave word that he wouldn't be back. I can't see them being that stupid.

Good, someone to keep the ball out of Kobe's hands.

he will implode that team. ariza was a better fit for them b/c he only shoots when he's wide open and NEVER creates his own shot (even if he can b/c he has that ability sometimes). ron dribbling and going nowhere will piss kobe off.

Nice, Artest the chemistry killer will destroy the Lakers.

Agreed. There is no way in hell that Kobe is going to put up with that crap when not even Rafer Alston could. Ron doesn't even bring defense anymore.
This is an atrocious signing by the Lakers, especially coupled with the fact that they're losing Ariza, a guy who fit like a glove on that team.
I don't think they repeat next year, just based on this.

I can honestly see Ron, Kobe, and Odom fighting in the locker room. Something will happen in that locker room before the season ends.

there is nothing special about artest. his selfish play was detremintal to the Rockets. So long Artest. I really don't care where he ends up. as long as it isn't here.

I think this great news. I had hopes for Artest when he came over but was really disappointed in his play.

Agreed, his toughness/attitude was better than his actual play on the court, I can't wait to see him implode that team.

Ron is gone so what. He didn't do anything here anyway. He wasn't the Ron Artest that we saw. Good ridance. We were suppose to have 2 shut down defenders. I found it funny how we still only had 1. Every guy Ron guarded just went right by him. Hmmmm some great defender. He use 2 be good but the past 2 1/2 years his defense has slipped.

Artest can't guard anybody anymore that has a quick first step. Lakers should have gone with Ariza imo.

i imagine Kobe fighting to get the ball from his teammate Ron

Artest is not the caliber player he thinks he is. And his Robert Horry imitation grew old fast.

honestly this is probably the best case scenario. artest has the best potential to internally destroy the lakers.

Part of the reason both the Cavs and Lakers were so good last year was their chemistry. Both teams are making moves that could seriously affect that chemistry. It is going to be an interesting season with all these big names changing teams. One thing that I saw on the Houston boards was the feeling that if they signed Ariza Shane Battier was likely on his way out and they would be looking to trade him. Maybe they would like Scal or Tony or some good young talent like Giddens or Pruitt. I'd love to get Shane Battier. He would be the defensive 3 that we need. He played Kobe as well as anyone in the playoffs.

There are several teams who are very interested in Big Baby. Among them are Detroit, Memphis, New York and San Antonio. Detroit especially is serious about making him an offer and they still have money to spend. Not to beat a dead horse, but if Big Baby signs elsewhere, Danny may be sorry he was so quick to write Leon off.

Finally, today was my birthday. A year ago I got a ton of Celtics championship gear for birthday presents. Next year I will be putting in my wish list for 18th championship gear again but this year this is what I got.

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/2

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Herald Thunder’s B.J. Mullens overcomes tough times
Glen Davis monitors offers
Pistons take fast action
Sweetney joins Celts for summer league
Leon Powe, Celtics say goodbyes
Celtics to court Rasheed Wallace
Globe Globe 10.0 - Sports video with Bob Ryan
Ainge on NBA offseason
Powe headed to open market
Celtics have target
Hudson on upcoming Celtics season
CelticsBlog Taking Stock of a Wild July 1
Get To Know Your Summer League Roster
Wojo Was Wrong - No Midnight Sheed Run
Phone Calls And The Waiting Game
LOY's Place Sign the Re-Sign Leon Powe-tition
Danny Finally Gets His Man (Sort Of)
MetroWest Daily Celtics Notebook
Megliola: C's pick Hudson living a dream
Celtics.com Hudson Meets Press as Summer Roster Takes Shape
New England Sports 24/7 A Steady Pursuit of Rasheed Wallace
Report: No Personal Visits from Management or Players
Red's Army Oh yeah... Lester Hudson was in town today
Welcome to Massachusetts, Sheed
Courtside View Waiting game could be in store for Baby
Green Street Powe sponsoring basketball camp
Celtics Announce Summer League Roster
Celtics Hub Contemplating ‘Sheed
Farewell, Leon
NESN Pistons begin rebuilding process by landing Gordon, Villanueva
Despite Shaq, VC trades, East still up for grabs
Ainge pulling plug on the Powe show?
Questionable move to let Powe go
Examiner Will Stephon Marbury return to the Cs?
Bleacher Report Bibby, Battier, Bass to Cavs? LeBron to PF? Championship in Cleveland
Where Do The Cavs Go After Day One?
Boston Celtics Get Steal of the Draft at No. 58: Lester Hudson
Free Agency Players: Cavaliers, Celtics, Magic...Pistons?
Fool Me Once, Shame On You, Danny Ainge. Fool Me Twice, Shame On Me
CSNE Exclusive: Ainge 1 on 1
Yahoo.com Celtics continue to recruit Wallace
Suicide lines: Rockets pursue Gortat; Knicks want Lee cheap
Pistons strike deal with Gordon
Florida Today Gortat drawing interest
Connecticut News Kevin Ollie Available Kevin Ollie Available
Celtics Get Busy in Free Agency - First Targets Known
Delaware Online Egerson flattered by Celtics, but may sign overseas
Basketball Geek Measuring 3pt Shooting Ability With a Multilevel Model Measuring 3pt Shooting Ability With a Multilevel Model
RGJ Former Pack star gets tryout with Boston
Dime Detroit makes first free agent splash, and Z-Bo finds a home
The Knicks Might As Well Spit In David Lee’s Face The Knicks Might As Well Spit In David Lee’s Face
World’s Biggest Goth Kid joining the Celtics
Inquisitr Trevor Ariza out, Ron Artest in for LA Lakers?
48 Minutes of Hell Sheed’s Attitude
Hoopsking Paul Pierce Academy Recap
Mass Live Report: Rasheed Wallace will meet with Boston Celtics on Thursday
Chicago Tribune Former Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon on verge of signing with the Pistons
Hoop Doctors What’s Next For Stephon Marbury?
Press Box Rent-A-Shaq Experiment Comes To Cleveland
News OK Gortat & Powe intriguing free agents for Thunder
Bennington Banner SHORT but SWEET: Celtics' draftee Hudson makes climb to NBA
Dueling Couches The End Of The Hard Work Era?
Sports of Boston The Celtics Have Market Options
KOLO TV Fazekas Set To Join Celtics Summer League Team In Orlando
Texas Sports T.J. Ford hosts Celebrity Bowl-a-Thon in Houston on July 11
Stet sports Wizards Should Be a Go For Leon Powe
NY Post STEPHON MARBURY SAYS STARS SHOULDNT SIGN WITH NEW YORK KNICKS
Slam Online Entertainers Basketball Classic
FanHouse Leon Powe Will Prove the Celtics Wrong
Hoopsworld Dented Cans In NBA Free-Agency
Real Hoops Fan Rudy Fernandez is mad that Blazers are pursuing Hedo
ProJo Ainge hopeful Celts can re-sign Glen Davis
Mass live Boston Celtics announce Orlando Summer League roster
ESPN Ainge: Boston Celtics' Big 3 can stay beyond contracts
NBA Ruondtable Leon Powe Done In Boston?
Daily Thunder OKC talks with Millsap, Gortat; Danny Ainge finally gets his man
CSNE Ainge Confirms Interest in Wallace; No Timetable for Visit
AP General Manager Danny Ainge says Big 3 may play beyond current contracts
MLive Pistons' coaching search includes Bill Laimbeer
My San Antonio Spurs get in line to woo Wallace
With Malice SA or LA - who really IS the team of the decade?

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