Post by FLCeltsFan on Jan 26, 2008 9:33:43 GMT -5
www.telegram.com/article/20080126/NEWS/801260423/1009/SPORTS
Jefferson turns a page
CELTICS NOTES
By Bill Doyle TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
wdoyle@telegram.com
The Timberwolves’ Craig Smith, left, comes over the top to get a hand on a shot by the Celtics’ Tony Allen during the first half. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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BOSTON— The Celtics have become the NBA’s best team without him, but big Al Jefferson has no regrets about getting traded to the NBA’s worst team.
Signing a five-year, $65-million contract extension helps keep a smile on your face.
“I look at it,” Jefferson said, “like a sign of respect to be traded for one of the best players in the NBA. Going to Minnesota is a new beginning.”
Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green and Theo Ratliff played at the Garden last night for the first time since they were dealt to Minnesota last summer for Kevin Garnett.
“When we get kicked out of the NBA,” Jefferson said, “that’s when we need to be having our heads down and be sad about stuff. As long as everybody is still playing, we’re happy.”
Jefferson, just 23, has blossomed in Minnesota, averaging 20.7 points and 11.9 rebounds. He scored a career-high 39 points in a victory over Phoenix on Wednesday. During Jefferson’s three seasons in Boston, Paul Pierce was the first option to score. Jefferson is the first option in Minnesota this season.
“When I was with Paul and the last shot needed to be taken,” Jefferson said, “I was happy because Paul was going to take it. All the pressure was on Paul. I’m that guy now. That’s something I’m learning to deal with. I’m happy to accept that role.”
Jefferson works daily with Kevin McHale, vice president of basketball operations, on his moves around the basket. McHale, the former Celtics low-post star, didn’t come to Boston last night, avoiding the uncomfortable possibility that he’d be shown on the overhead video board and draw a standing ovation from Celtics fans for trading Garnett to Boston.
Kendrick Perkins was Jefferson’s best friend on the Celtics. Jefferson is godfather to Perkins’ son.
“Perk is the best guy off the court,” Jefferson said, “but when he steps on that court, he’s going to treat you like you’re the enemy. I know he’s going to go at me and try to tear my head off. It’ll be the same with me.”
Jefferson and Celtics coach Doc Rivers text message each other often.
“I didn’t look at him as only a coach,” Jefferson said. “He was a good friend. We could talk about anything. He was tough on me — tough love. I think that’s what made me the guy I am now.”
Jefferson said Rivers reminded him of his grandmother.
“No matter what I do in her eyes, I could get better,” Jefferson said. “That’s how Doc was. That made me respect him so much.
“I’ll never forget the memories I had here. I can never forget I was a Celtic.”
Gomes grew up in Waterbury, Conn., and played at Providence College before playing two years in Boston. He started calling brokers in September for tickets to last night’s game and rounded up 70 of them.
In his last nine games prior to last night, Gomes averaged 19.6 points and shot 57 percent. For the season, he’s averaging 11.7 points and 5.3 rebounds. Gomes’ contract is up at season’s end. Would he want to return to Boston?
“You can’t rule out any other team,” Gomes said, “but playing here, the year before I’m going into my new contract, they see me the most, so maybe they’ll have the most interest. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
Telfair has taken advantage of an injury to Randy Foye to start at the point and average 9.8 points and 5.9 assists, but still has trouble shooting. His field goal percentage is a career high, but it’s only 40.1 percent.
“Sebastian has come a long way,” Minnesota coach Randy Wittman said. “This was, I think, the crossroads for him.”
“I’ve been focusing on getting other guys involved,” Telfair said. “That’s why my assists have been up this season.”
Green rarely leaves the Minnesota bench and averages just 4.8 points.
The Timberwolves didn’t pick up Green’s option for next year, so he’ll be a free agent.
“I was pretty surprised,” Green said. “I’d just like to show these people I deserve to be in this league, and I’m waiting on my chance to show them.”
The Celtics and Timberwolves played during the preseason in London, but last night was their first regular-season meeting since the big trade.
Ratliff played in only six games before undergoing knee surgery Dec. 18. He isn’t expected back until at least the middle of next month.
Antoine Walker, another former Celtic, averages 9.1 points for the Timberwolves. They acquired him from Miami.
Rivers wasn’t worried about the former Celtics knowing the current Celtics’ plays. Heck, they didn’t seem to know them last year when they played here.
“There’s some truth to that,” Rivers said. “They do know some. I’m going to call them anyway.”
Craig Smith, the former Worcester Academy and Boston College star, averages 10.2 points for the T’Wolves.
Posey shoots; Scalabrine sits
James Posey’s sprained right index finger improved to the point where he shot around yesterday, but he still sat out his third consecutive game. Brian Scalabrine, who picked up some of Posey’s minutes Wednesday, didn’t play because of the flu.
Scot Pollard rested his sore ankle for the eighth game in a row.
