NBA CBA MIA

I have been saying all along I will be shocked if the NBA starts their season anytime before Christmas, and I wouldn't be shocked at all if there is no season next year. After reading an article from CelticsBlog and Yahoo today nothing in my mind has changed...

"The NBA has returned fire. Actually, it preempted some potential fire with the first shot. The league has filed two unfair labor practice claims against the NBA Players Association, charging it with what the NBAPA threatened to do to the NBA for months. The NBA thinks the NBAPA is being uncooperative in negotiations, and they've taken it up with the National Labor Relations Board in the form of two legal claims. And if you had any hope for the 2011-12 season to start on time, it's likely been blown to bits."

For the Celtics a short season I still think could be a good thing. The old players won't have to log in all those minutes, and the Celtics are usually nasty the 1st 1/2 of the year. Yet, if the whole season is missed it's going to be really sad. We won't be able to see KG and Allen make 1 more run with the Celtics, and most likely it will be a huge changeover for the team. The Celtics only have 3 players under contract after next season (Rondo, Pierce, Bradley). Maybe Ainge can pull another miracle and bring in some great FA's, or we could be back to being a terrible team.

More Glen Davis Stuff That May Or May Not Interest You

Recently this came out of his mouth:
"Most definitely, that’s my No. 1 priority - see if I can come back here and play,’’ he said. "And if I can’t, go somewhere else.’’ His words were tamer than they were in May, when it appeared Davis had grown tired of coach Doc Rivers’s treatment. "I think in a lot of situations you have to air things out,’’ said Davis, who because of the NBA lockout cannot have contact with the Celtics front office. "Especially with a player that’s growing. You’ve got to talk and clear things up, and I think that time will come whenever the opportunity comes. I’m just trying to focus on working out.’’

I have made it clear, I do not want Baby back on the team, however, if there isn't another upgrade or anything, it wouldn't be that bad to bring him back. Baby has done a lot of negatives and positives on this team (most recently negatives). He has put his foot in his mouth, but I don't disagree with anything he said here. He basically said, If I come back to the Celtics, it's cool, if not, whatever.

Barring a lockout, would you like to see Baby back? Because I'm starting to lean towards yes.

Does This Rondo Quote Bother You?

As has long been suspected, Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo admitted to Yahoo! Sports that the trade of his good friend Kendrick Perkins in late February had a bigger impact on the team's mental focus than it should have.

"It wasn't like the man passed away or something," Rondo told Yahoo! Sports reporter Marc J. Spears. "I think we put too much emphasis on it. It's a business. He got traded. He's very happy where he's at. We still talk, and I'm always going to have his back. It shouldn't have affected us the way it affected us (WEEI)."

I sometimes worry about what goes on in Rondo's head. Throughout the season it seemed like he played up to the competition, but would play down to it as well if there wasn't something to prove. Then there was this whole Perkins trade mess, and it really did seem to affect him. To a point I understand it, but with this team aging by the day and Rondo is becoming the leader of the team he needs to have a stronger head then this. From this quote I think he has learned that. Like he said "it's a business", and no matter what happens you have to come in and do your job.

Rondo proved a lot to me in terms of toughness when he came back from that horrible elbow injury. I think over the next year he needs to become more and more of a leader. The obvious thing is developing the last parts of his game that keep him from being the best PG in the game (free throws, outside jump shot). He doesn't have to be good in those two areas, but he needs to at least make it respectable. If he can't hit free throws then it stops him from going to the rim, and if he can't hit the outside jump shot no one feels the need to play up on him.

The bottom line is if this quote is true it kind of makes me disappointed in the entire team. They are a veteran team and they should've been able to move on from this and not let it affect them as much as Rondo said it did.

Dear Larry Brown, Go Away!

The Star Tribune reports Larry Brown will be the next person to interview with David Kahn for the Wolves head coach position, although it is not known when the meeting will take place.

I hope this happens just so I don't have to deal with this guy on the Celtics. He could be a good fit for the Celtics, as he is usually good with Vets, but I am so sick of this guy's act and most likely he would jut end up quitting on the team half way through the season. For the Wolves this makes no sense. He has shown in the past that he isn't very good with young players, and that's basically all the Wolves have. With the tempo they are going to need to win I actually think Don Nelson makes the most sense. They need to run up and down the court and play like the Warriors did when he coached them. Fast paced, lots of scoring.

Lawrence Frank Headed To Detroit

I hate how the Celtics are starting to be Patriots-esque when it comes to the assistant coach position. Last year we lost one of the best defensive coaches in the business with Tom Thibodeau and now it looks as Lawrence Frank is taking his talents to Detroit.... ugh.

I don't blame him as Doc Rivers will be with Boston until he dies and it's always better to be a head coach than an assistant coach. However, if I were Frank I would have really considered waiting it out one more year and see if you can pick a better job than Detroit, as they are a mess. It'll be interesting to see who the Celtics get an assistant. Larry Brown is rumored because he and Doc are close, but since I despise that man, I would hate to see him on our bench. Hopefully its some token guy like Mike Woodson or they promote Armond Hill who has been a bench coach forever and he deserves it and he was really nice when we chilled at Cigar Masters.

Delonte Wants To Stay In Boston

"Delonte was drafted by Boston and he has a special place for Boston because of that," said his agent Jarinn Akana of Lagardere Unlimited. "He spent some good years there, then came back last year and was able to play, but had injuries here and there. He did contribute, but he wanted to contribute more and help Boston advance further. Of course he'd like to be back, I think that's his No. 1 goal to be back and help Boston win another championship."

The thing about Delonte West, is that he never hurts the team. He never does anything on the court that I can point to and say, "he was the reason we lost". He is perfect for the team and everyone needs a back up PG/SG. Unlike many professional athletes I think Delonte doesn't really care about money, he will probably resign with Boston for under his pay scale because he appreciates the city.

I have always been a Delonte fan, I felt bad when he was traded away, so if he can stick around for a couple of years that would be awesome. Plus it's always cool to have a crazy person on your team, Wildcard.

Couple Of Celtics Notes

ESPN caught up with Rondo recently and he discussed a bunch of topics, but there were two things that were noteworthy...

On his dislocated elbow: "It's the most pain I've ever been in playing ball. I'm feeling a little pain now, but the swelling is down. The only thing is there's swelling in my joint. I'll be fine, it just takes time. I've got a couple more weeks that I'm off, as far as rest and the repetition of weights."

On potentially playing overseas: "It's something my agent and I have spoken about. A lot of things go into playing overseas, a lot of little things to take care of. For me, right now, I'm just focused on getting healthy -- getting healthy and getting better for my team next year, the Boston Celtics (ESPN)."

You just knew that elbow was going to take a long time to heal, but since I think we all know they are going to be missing games this year due the lockout I am not concerned about it at all, and he doesn't seem to be either. As for playing overseas, I like everything he says. If the lockout becomes a long term thing he can jump on somewhere, but there is no reason to be deciding such things now. Actually, I loved everything Rondo said in this interview. He was asked if the Big Three have another run in them, and he basically said they do, because no one sees how good of shape these guys are in. He was also asked about the lockout, and said that he didn't give a shit, he just wants to get healthy and win another title for Boston.

The other note for the Celtics is Paul Flannery was on WEEI on the other day and discussed the chances of the Celtics getting Dwight Howard...

"Here’s the pitch: Come play with a defensive-minded, pass-first point guard in Rondo and for coach Doc Rivers (a strong selling point, by the way), and you’ll be joining forces on one of the truly historic basketball teams as they transition from one era to the next. Did we mention the 17 banners? Bill Russell? You might have heard we're building a statue for him (Celticsblog)."

Although, I agree with the author of this post that the Nets are still more likely in my eyes (just seems like Howard would like being in New York), I do think that the Celtics have a great case. Rondo is the perfect PG for a guy like Howard. I mean remember the beginning of last year when Rondo was making Shaq look like an All-Star again? I do. So, imagine an actual All-Star getting those passes. I do hate Howard, I think he is a loser and cares more about his imagine then rings (which is why I see him with the Nets), but if there is a coach that could reach him it's Doc.

Lawrence Frank Finalist For Pistons Job

Pistons' coach search is down to Celtics assistant Lawrence Frank and former Hawks coach Mike Woodson. The report goes on to day that Woodson is said to be the favorite of Joe Dumars, the president of basketball operations, but the owner is said to have been blown away by Frank during his interview. I would think Dumars would get the say here, but I guess you never know.

I hope Frank doesn't get it for a couple reasons. First, I think it's a shitty job and that the Pistons are far from being good again. I just think if he sat back and waited he could find something better. Plus, who wants to live in Detroit?

On top of that, I hate to see the Celtics lose another assistant. I know they could find someone else, but I watched this happen to the Patriots and say what you want about their success, but eventually it does wear on a franchise.

Paul Pierce Knows How To Deal With A Lockout

By gambling away all his money at the World Series Of Poker. While Deron Williams, Kobe Bryant and others are looking over seas "The Truth" is killing it in the World Series Of Poker as he advanced to the 2nd round. I didn't even know this was around anymore.

To be honest, I appreciate this more than people looking overseas to play. I actually am against people looking over seas to play, I don't trust them not hurting themselves. But I also don't trust Paul Pierce staying in shape this offseason, but whatever, there is nothing else to report about in basketball.

Mickael Pietrus To Celtics?

Mickael Pietrus made some interesting comments that has been hoping he ends up on the Celtics (whenever there is a season)...

"A lot of teams are interested in me, like the Lakers and the Celtics," Pietrus tells L'Equipe via translation from HoopsHype. "This came from the best player in the world: Kobe Bryant. He told me two months ago that he would like to see me with the Lakers."

Obviously the Lakers would seem like the front runners for him, but I hope the Celtics take some interest in this guy. He is a great defensive player, and could be a nice asset as that "wing defender" (that should be on the list yesterday) that the Celtics have been looking for. Not sure why I am a big fan of Pietrus, but it started when the Celtics played the Magic in the playoffs a couple years ago. He just seems like a guy who would fit that "team defense" philosophy the Celtics are so great at. The question is how they would get this done. I would think it would be some kind of sign and trade with Big Baby might get it done.

Gilbert Brown Signs With A Foreign Team

Pitt guard Gilbert Brown has signed with German team S. Oliver Wurzburg of the Bundesliga (BBL), the nation's top basketball league.

The 6-foot-6, 210-pound Brown said he won't leave for Europe until August, and that depends on the status of the NBA lockout.

"If the lockout ends early, I probably won't even go," he said. "It's basically an insurance policy so I'm not waiting around for the lockout to end."

Brown, who said a clause in his contract allows him to leave Germany after the lockout ends without penalty, worked out with the Boston Celtics last week.

I mean the Celtics were really close to drafting this kid in the 2nd round, but the coin landed on E'Twaan Moore. But I don't blame him at all with the impending strike lurking. But it's a pretty sweet deal as if there isn't a lockout, he can break his contract without penalty and stay here and if there is one he can head over. Like many 2nd round rookies, i doubt he would be that impactful, but the Celtics need people.

Trade Rondo?

So on the Radio this morning I was hearing rumors about trading Rajon in a deal that involves Dwight Howard or Chris Paul back this way.

I love Rajon, I do, he's my favorite Celtic player of all time, But if the Celtics were going to knock down the Big 3, this makes sense. As much as I despise Chris Paul he is a great pg, he can create his own shot, defend and pass the ball really well. Also, if we could get Dwight Howard, you do it. Dwight is a beast of a center and if we can do a deal involving Rajon for Dwight you gotta do it. I know there would be secondary players in a deal, but if we are going to rebuild and stay relevant than we do it.

I also saw this crazy trade rumor too:
Celtics get: Dwight Howard, Gilbert Arenas, Chris Paul, and Emeka Okafor
Hornets get: Rajon Rondo, Jermaine O'Neal, and a signed Glen Davis
Magic get: Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and a signed Jeff Green (plus maybe a future pick or two)

Yea it wouldn't happen, but you know what, it's crazy to dream.

NBA Locked Out

Well we all new this was going to happen, and it sucks, but much like the NFL, I don't want to talk about it. I don't care or want to know what the squabble is over, I just want them to play.

If the NBA loses a season due to a lockout, it would be the dumbest thing the owners could do. The NBA s at the top of the world since the Jordan days and the last NBA finals ratings blew the roof off every other finals. You have such superstar power in the NBA it would be a shame to miss a whole season.

However, as a Celtics fan, it wouldn't be such a bad thing if the season was cut in half. The Celtics last year ran out of gas after cruising in the regular season again so if the season was cut to 50 games they would be fresh during the playoffs. Also it would be kind of cool to see a regular season mean something too.

Every Big Baby Comment Makes Me Like Him Less

So, a week or two ago we got comments from Big Baby that he was looking for a bigger role, and that most likely was going to lead him out of Boston. We all laughed considering that he was one of the main reasons the Celtics tanked out of the playoffs. Now he is coming back sounding a little different.

"Man, I do," Davis tells the Boston Herald. "Do you know how much I've grown and learned with those guys? I want to keep playing with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce until they leave."

Davis has also hired a sports psychologist to help him understand what went wrong this past season.

"I was in that zone, and then it started to go downwards," Davis said."I want to use that positive energy I have as a player. I want to be the Glen Davis I know I can be."

Dude, you started to suck because you gained 20 pounds to a frame that was already overweight. Doc got pissed, and then you just laid down in the playoffs. Your mentally soft, and you talk in the third person, I am so done with you. Bye Glen Davis go to the Raptors and lets never hear of you again.

Do You Remember the 90's?

The 2000s have undoubtedly been the best decade in Boston sports history, maybe even the best decade for sports in any city. But do you remember the 1990s? That was, without any question, the worst decade for Boston sports. It was the only decade in the 20th century that a Boston team didn't claim a title. That span saw a football team nearly move to St. Louis, a Red Sox team dominated by their archrivals, and the two winter sports clubs becoming jokes.

The biggest moments for a Boston sports fan in the 90's look pretty lame now: Raymond Bourque hoisting the Cup in the red, white, and blue of the Avalanche. The Red Sox winning one playoff series against the Indians. A Super Bowl appearance dominated by a kick returner. Of all four teams, the Bruins had the best decade. That alone speaks volumes.

I'm only 26, but I did survive the 90's as a Boston fan. We haven't known only success here. We suffered too. And that just makes basking in this glorious time so much more enjoyable. And to fans from other cities (Philadelphia, I'm looking in your direction) who envy our success and think we're spoiled, all I can say is that we went through some tough times before this run, so we're going to enjoy it, bitches.

Let's just compare the 1990s to the 2000s team-by-team, and in four important categories: championships, championship appearances, playoff appearances, and playoff rounds won.

CHAMPIONSHIPS:

	1990s	2000s
Red Sox	0	2
Patriots	0	3
Celtics	0	1
Bruins	0	1
TOTAL:	0	7

CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES:

	1990s	2000s
Red Sox	0	2
Patriots	1	4
Celtics	0	2
Bruins	1	1
TOTAL:	2	9

PLAYOFF APPEARANCES:

	1990s	2000s
Red Sox	4	6
Patriots	4	8
Celtics	5	8
Bruins	9	7
TOTAL:	22	29

PLAYOFF ROUNDS WON:

	1990s	2000s
Red Sox	1	8
Patriots	3	14
Celtics	2	12
Bruins	9	6
TOTAL:	15	40

Apart from the 7-0 disparity in titles, the most striking difference is the 40 playoff rounds won in the 2000s, compared to the 15 in the 90's. Boston teams did contend for playoff spots in the 90's, as demonstrated by their 22 appearances. But they didn't have enough to capture that postseason magic. Pedro didn't have Schilling, Pierce didn't have KG or Ray Allen. The Bruins didn't have Timmy Thomas.

Just compare the names from the 90's sports scene to the names from today. Pete Carroll vs. Bill Belichick. Rick Pitino vs. Doc Rivers. Mark Portugal vs. Jon Lester. Troy O'Leary vs. Manny Ramirez. Drew Bledsoe vs. Tom Brady.

And then there's the owners and GMs. Kraft takes over the Patriots, hires Pioli, three rings. The Yawkey trust sells the Sox, Epstein gets hired, curse over. Wyc Grousbeck and associates buy the Celtics and bring banners back to the Garden. Jeremy Jacobs still owns the Bruins, but they started spending just before the lockout. Then they hired Chiarelli in 2006.

So people who hate us obnoxious, arrogant, "entitled" Boston fans can go fuck themselves. We put up with Desmond Howard, with the Yankees winning 4 World Series in 5 years, with the choking Bruins, and what we all thought was the end of the Celtics' dynasty. We had to listen to Pete Carroll talk about "having fun" and Rick Pitino rant about the "negativity in this town." We had to endure Jimy Williams' nonsensical lineups. We had to watch an endless parade of mediocre athletes don our teams' uniforms then disappear into obscurity: Jose Offerman, Dino Radja, Jim Carey, Sedrick Shaw, I could go on forever.

We've earned the right to be happy, and to rub it in your faces.

-The Commodore

Celtics Make Qualifying Offer To Jeff Green

BRIGHTON -- Celtics president Danny Ainge said today the club will make a qualifying contract offer to Jeff Green, meaning it will have the right to match any offer made to the restricted free agent. Boston.com

Jeff Green didn't impress anyone last year, he under performed, looked lost, and showed flashes every once in a while.

I like Jeff, I liked the defense he played on LeBron and in the playoffs, but he needs to find his offensive rhythm. The reason we traded for him is because we needed offense, and with a full training camp under his belt he could be the player he was in Oklahoma City. I think he will be a big factor this year when it comes to the Celtics and I think averaging 14-15 ppg isn't completely out of the question.

Celtics Draft Recap

The risk I take when I can't write like I did last Friday is that the Captain and his anti basketball policy is a little ridiculous, so of course he would leave out the NBA DRAFT/ CELTICS DRAFT recap or thoughts, so although it's a little old news at this point here it goes.

The Celtics had a talent fall into their laps at 25 in Providences Marshon Brooks. Brooks is a SG/SF that can score in bunches and he shoots from everywhere and doesn't play much defense. So when the Celtics grabbed him I thought this was a real good pick, then they immediately traded him to the New Jersey Nets for their 27th pick and next years 2nd round pick. With the 27th pick they picked up the JaJuan Johnson, the 6'10 PF from Purdue. and the more and more I thought about it, the more and more this pick was the best fit. He averaged 20 points, 8 boards and shot 80% from the line last year and also was a 1st team all american and won Big 10 defensive player of the year. He is what we have been talking about when referring how to inject life into the Celtics, long, athletic and can play above the rim, also him being a 4 year senior means he can be effective this year.

They also picked up E'Twuan Moore (sweet name) with their second pick, also from Purdue and is a "do everything" guard. But I won't get too happy about that pick as I often do and then they are nothing but D League players.

But back to Johnson, with Glen Davis likely gone, this guy will be an improvement over him. Danny found a good need player in the draft, Chad Ford gave them a A- so I guess that has to mean something.

Celtics Draft Marshon Brooks Boners For All! WAIT NVM JAJAUN JOHNSON, BONERS FOR ALL

Sexy

OK... Now I Definitely Don't Want Baby To Come Back

In a recent interview Glen Davis has now said he wants a bigger role on the team.

What the fuck makes him think he deserves a bigger role? He quit on the team with his play and weight gain. He has shown a ton of immaturity and now he wants to be a bigger part of the offense. You know what fuck off, if anything your time should be cut until you prove yourself. however, I think it won't be a big deal because there is no way Doc or Danny bring him back. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Celtics Speculation

Fucking Sherrod Blakely:
A league source told CSNNE.com on Monday night that the Celtics have had "no discussions whatsoever" with the Atlanta Hawks about acquiring Smith. The same source added there were no plans to open up such dialogue any time in the near future.

"You can never say never," the source said, "but there's nothing going on there."

Well I don't know if that squashes all hope for the trade, but it certainly hurts. I have always loved Josh Smith and his athleticism. He is a great defender and can play PF and if he gets his head on straight (which I believe Boston has strong enough leadership to mold someone) he would be a hell of addition.

On to the draft:
I have been very vocal about wanting only 3 players in this draft, Marshon Brooks SG Providence, Reggie Jackson SG BC, and Jeremy Tyler C.

Marshon Brooks is a shoot first scorer and one of the top scorers in the draft. Brooks shot selection needs grooming along with his defense, but he is going to be the steal of this draft.

I ranted on Jackson the other day, he is a combo guard who can score in bunches and has a higher upside in defense according to scouts. I would love to have this kid however, this most likely mean that the Avery Bradley experiment failed and they are admitting their mistakes.

The last guy would be Jeremy Tyler, If you remember this kid left his junior year in high school to make money overseas and he could be an absolute steal for the Celtics who desperately need size. He has a 7+ foot wingspan and with some tutoring from the Boston staff could be the next big thing. Definitely has the highest ceiling, but has an equal amout of bust potential too.