News 2/4

[FLCeltsFan]

www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1071109&format=text

Big Ticket’ still not ready to ride

By Steve Bulpett | Monday, February 4, 2008 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics

Photo by Nancy Lane (file)
The Celtics [team stats] went through a hearty hour-and-a-half practice yesterday, and at the end of it, the first questions dealt with someone who was in another part of the facility.

Kevin Garnett has missed three straight games with an abdominal strain, and that count is expected to rise. A week after Doc Rivers said the “Big Ticket” could probably play if it was a playoff game, the coach continued to offer that the injury is no worse than first believed.

Rivers moved to halt all conjecture.

“No, we haven’t mislead you, so stop it, all right? It’s just not where we want it to be,” Rivers said. “I’m not concerned honestly (that it’s more serious), but I do know that injury’s not an easy injury. It’s slow. He didn’t hurt it as bad as other guys have, but it’s still slow healing. There’s a process that I’m sure Eddie (Lacerte, the team trainer) and the doctors have to go through. I think it’s one of those slow-healing things that there’s no reason for us to take a gamble on.”

Garnett most likely is out for tomorrow night’s game in Cleveland against the Cavaliers and, with no practice in between, Wednesday’s home affair with the Los Angeles Clippers.

“There’s no date (for his return),” Rivers said. “It could be as early as this weekend or it could be after All-Star break (Feb. 15-17). Now this break’s over and he’s not back, but he had four days of no games, so that was a benefit.

“Hopefully, he’s back before All-Star break, but if he’s not, then we have that whole break, as well.”

Next on the possible docket for Garnett would be Friday’s reunion game in Minnesota, but Rivers said, “Oh, I don’t think he cares. I mean, I know he wants to play, but he’s not going to do anything stupid for that game.”

Garnett, who again declined to chat, has reportedly been increasing his workload.

“That tells you he’s improving,” said Rivers, who didn’t have Scot Pollard (left ankle) yesterday, either. “He’s swimming. He’s running. He’s doing the (stationary) bike stuff - which a week ago he couldn’t have done at all. I mean, clearly he’s improving, but we’ve just got to be real careful with it.”

The Celtics also know they can’t count on Garnett to pace himself or play it safe when he does come back. So keeping Garnett out is the only way the team can control him physically.

“The whole thing is we know he’s competitive,” Rivers said. “But honestly it could be anybody. Paul (Pierce) I think in my four years has been the most honest player I’ve had with injury, and if it were Paul, he would still be out, too. This is just one of those injuries that you can’t screw around with, like a hamstring or any pull.”

Garnett has fallen into line with that thinking, as well. Although he tried to talk his way into the lineup against the Magic on Jan. 27, he has cooled his jets since.

“He’s been great since that,” Rivers said. “He was working on adrenaline (Jan. 27). You know, he got in Orlando and thought, ‘You know what? I can go.’ I feel better. But you could look at him and see he couldn’t play. But he’s been great. He doesn’t even bring it up right now.”

Pierce is encouraged.

“It seems like he’s getting better every day,” he said. “Only time will tell with those type of injuries. He’s doing all the necessary things he’s got to do, like today he’s rehabbing and getting himself ready to come back. I think coach just wants him to take this time right now so he can get all the way healed.

“I know he wants to be out here, but at the same time, I think he’s starting to learn that at this stage in his career, you’ve got to be more careful on rushing back with injuries. He’s a little bit older. He’s not a 21- (or) 22-year-old anymore where he could just brush it off and get back on the court. He’s got to take his time and listen to his body.”

[FLCeltsFan]

www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/02/04/pierces_final_analysis_la_is_a_contender?mode=PF

Pierce's final analysis: LA is a contender
By Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff | February 4, 2008

WALTHAM - The video game NBA Live 08 currently has a television commercial showing a digital version of Celtics forward Paul Pierce dunking on the Los Angeles Lakers. Since both teams have played twice this season, the only way the longtime rivals can play outside of a video game this season is in the NBA Finals. And with the Lakers' surprising recent blockbuster addition of forward Pau Gasol, talk of the Celtics and Lakers meeting up in the Finals is once again a possibility.

"I know they're pumped up [in Los Angeles]," said Pierce, a Los Angeles native. "They want to see that Boston-LA. It could be possible. It would be good for the NBA. They're looking really good, I know that. They're going to be scary out West."

The Celtics own an Eastern Conference and NBA-best 36-8 record. The Lakers (30-16) have the fourth-best record in the Western Conference, courtesy of their 103-91 victory in Washington yesterday.

But even with the likes of Kobe Bryant, La mar Odom, and budding star Andrew Bynum, the Lakers weren't viewed as a West title contender over the likes of San Antonio, Dallas, and Phoenix. Bryant even said during last offseason that he would like to be traded.

But the Lakers' title hopes were dramatically upgraded with the addition of Gasol last Friday. Los Angeles acquired the 7-foot, 227-pounder and a 2010 second-round draft choice from Memphis for underachieving forward Kwame Brown (whose lucrative contract expires after this season), rookie guard Javaris Crittenton, guard Aaron McKie, the draft rights to Marc Gasol, and first-round picks in 2008 and 2010.

When asked if he was shocked by the trade, Pierce said: "For what [the Lakers] gave up I was. I thought they'd at least give up a little bit. They didn't give up any of their core [players] and they got a guy that can really help them, an All-Star."

Gasol, an All-Star in 2006, is averaging 18.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game this season, very close to his career averages (18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.8 blocks). The 2002 Rookie of the Year won a gold medal with Spain at the 2006 FIBA World Championships, where he was tournament MVP.

Once Bynum returns from a left knee injury, the Lakers will have a mammoth front line with Gasol, Bynum (7-0), and Odom (6-10). Gasol, who sat out yesterday with a sore back, could make his Lakers debut Tuesday at New Jersey.

"That's making them contenders when you look at the front line with Odom, Gasol, and Bynum when he gets healthy," Pierce said. "Once they come together, they can be a team that comes out the West."

Celtics forward James Posey, who played with Gasol in Memphis from 2003-05, said he gives the Lakers "another dimension" and thought he would mesh well with Bryant.

"He is a scorer," Posey said. "He has a little midrange game. He can post up real well."

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said the Gasol trade was a "great" one for the Lakers. He also noted that the Grizzlies, led by ex-Celtics executive Chris Wallace, clearly made the move to clear salary-cap space.

"The Lakers have really improved," said Rivers, whose Celtics practiced yesterday after two days off. "If you look at their lineup with Bynum and Gasol and Odom and Bryant and [Derek] Fisher, that's the biggest starting lineup I've seen in a long time . . .

"[Gasol] hasn't won, but he's put up great numbers. Now he has a chance to win. That's good for him."

The Celtics and Lakers have met in the Finals 10 times, including once when the Lakers were in Minneapolis in the first meeting in 1959. Boston won the first eight meetings before Los Angeles won in 1985 and 1987.

When asked about the possibility of a Celtics-Lakers Finals, Rivers said: "I'm all for it. That means we're there . . . If we see the Lakers again, I think we'd all be very happy."

Celtics forward Kevin Garnett is still listed as day to day with an abdominal strain that has kept him sidelined for three games. Rivers said there is still no timetable for Garnett's return. It doesn't look good for his return tomorrow in Cleveland considering that he is not expected to practice today.

"[Garnett could return] as early as this weekend or at the All-Star break," Rivers said.

Garnett, who hasn't spoken to the media since Jan. 25, did not practice yesterday. Rivers said Garnett is "clearly improving" and didn't suffer a tear of the abdominal muscle. The 2004 MVP is now swimming, running, and riding an exercise bike and he couldn't do that a week ago.

"I'm not concerned, honestly," Rivers said. "But I do know that injury is not an easy injury. It's slow. He didn't hurt it as bad as other guys have, but he's still healing."

Garnett was acquired July 31 from Minnesota. But it's uncertain whether the Wolves' all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks will play in his first possible return to Minnesota Friday.

"I don't think he cares," Rivers said. "I know he wants to play. But he is not going to do anything stupid."

[FLCeltsFan]

aol.nba.com/celtics/news/blog/post-ups.html

Garnett Still on the Mend
Kevin Garnett sat out practice on Sunday, and it's unclear when he'll be back in action. Garnett did not meet with reporters on Sunday, and Doc Rivers didn't have an update on his status aside from the fact that he remains "day-to-day".

"There's no news. Eddie [Lacerte] said he's not practicing," Rivers said. "It's just not where we want it to be. I'm not concerned, but I do know that injury is not easy. It's slow [to heal]. There's no reason for us to take a gamble on it."

While Garnett isn't practicing with the team, he is doing conditioning work including swimming and stationary bike to stay active as he waits to recover from his abdominal pull.

The blow of KG's injury has been softened somewhat by a four-day break in the game schedule, giving him additional time to heal. If he were to sit out three games this week, he'd catch another break around All-Star Weekend.

"Hopefully he's back before All-Star, but if he's not, then we have that whole break as well," Rivers said.

According to Rivers, Garnett will not likely practice on Monday before the team leaves for Cleveland, which would likely indicate that he's out of the mix for Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers. The C's return to Boston to host the Clippers on Wednesday, and then they head to Minnesota for a game that's been billed as Garnett's homecoming, but at this point his status is up in the air.

"I know he wants to play," Rivers said. "But he's not going to do anything stupid for that game."

Open Practice
The Celtics had an open practice event for a corporate sponsor today, running through about 90 minutes of drills, reviewing some defensive drills from training camp and working through some of their defensive schemes for Tuesday's game against Cleveland.

Check the audio archive for Doc Rivers' full press conference and an interview with Paul Pierce as well. (audio archive is at the link above)

[FLCeltsFan]

mvn.com/nba-celtics/2008/02/03/ray-allen-belongs-on-that-all-star-team/print/


Ray Allen Belongs on that All-Star Team

Posted By ManchvegasBob On February 3, 2008 @ 8:23 am In Uncategorized | No Comments

I can’t quite get over the fact that Ray Allen was passed over as an All-Star reserve. The All-Star selections were announced on Thursday prior to the Celtics tilt against the Mavericks, and a lot has come out since then with regard to the biggest snubs, and Ray Allen certainly ranks as one of them. If you love these Celtics and respect what they’ve accomplished this season compared to the other 29 NBA teams, the triumvirate they instantly forged through individual sacrifice, the respect maintained for Celtics prior championship tradition, and the pressure of great expectations that they have calmly withstood . . . how can you ignore that, unless you have your head in the sand?

I’m looking around trying to find who to blame . . . and realize that it is the 14 other coaches in the Eastern Conference who were asked to vote for the seven reserves — two guards, two forwards, one center and two players regardless of position. They were not permitted to vote for players from their own team. For some reason I’m thinking that this was close enough that David Stern may have gotten involved and made things right for teams that he thought deserved a player. It just makes as much sense as the Celtics ending up with the 5th pick in last year’s lottery when they should ended up in the top 3.

However, kudos to Paul Pierce with being named as an all-star reserve, along with Kevin Garnett who was the top vote-getter. Rondo also deserves mention for being named to the sophmore all-star team. These selections were all no-brainers, and I thought Ray Allen’s being named to the team would have been one too, especially when you consider what [1] ESPN even said:

Allen, averaging 18 points for a Boston team that began the night with an NBA-best 35-8 record, was perhaps the most noticeable omission in the East. Orlando was hoping for a spot for Hedo Turkoglu, averaging a career-best 19.4 points.

“Obviously, I think Ray should have made it,” Rivers said. “The fact that he had to sacrifice the most of the three. It’s unfortunate that the other coaches didn”t see it that way.”

Allen was beat out by Billups and Hamilton, who were selected for the first time together in 2006, when the Pistons were en route to a franchise-best 64 wins.

You stand by your man Doc! And as [2] Justin Poulin at Celticsblog.com posted, Paul Pierce immediately was scratching his head over the selection of Joe Johnson over Ray Allen:

I think you should be at least .500 team or better. I mean, no knock on Joe Johnson, he’s definitely an All-Star. He’s definitely put up numbers and he’s definitely a great talent in the NBA, but I think it has a lot to do with what you do as a team also.

The biggest reasons why Ray Allen should have been on the All-Star team is that team’s that have have outstanding records like the Celtics have had are usually been acknowledged by having 3 or more folks named (think Spurs and Piston teams of late). Also, as evidenced by the voting, fans are nostalgic and like to see incumbents on the team unless their skills have eroded to the point like this year’s Shaquille O’Neal. But consider this, Ray Allen has the best [3] 82games.com). Compare that compares to Allen’s net48 +/- of +11.2 and you have to wonder what those coaches were thinking . . .

But at this point, I’m thinking rest is good for Ray Allen . . . especially given Souza’s news that Ray Allen has had more pain than he’s let on regarding his ankles this year. But he’s been the Celtics iron man this year putting in more minutes per game than anyone (Pierce is a close second), not that leading your team to a 36-8 record means anything these days.

Some motivation of being snubbed can be a good thing, bulletin board material and all. Keep these Celtics hungry - all the way to championship number 17.

[FLCeltsFan]

www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=7267

Miller Next Out of Memphis

By: Bill Ingram Last Updated: 2/3/08 11:14 PM ET | 137 times read



Adjust font size:Damon Stoudamire.

Check!

Pau Gasol.

Check!

Mike Miller . . . .

The Memphis Grizzlies are finished trying to mingle a rebuilding effort with some playoff-ready veterans mixed in. GM Chris Wallace gave it half a season to work, and seeing it clearly wasn't going to he started dealing his veterans to make room for a true youth movement. Damon Stoudamire was the first to go, courtesy of a buy-out and a trip to San Antonio. Pau Gasol was shipped out to LA over the weekend in a deal that lands all kinds of cap space and first round draft picks for the Grizzlies.Now it's time to move Mike Miller, who could certainly help a playoff team right away.

The Dallas Mavericks, for instance, could certainly use one more shooter. They don't have much of an inside game, and with Devin Harris out they're seen that their outside game isn't too effective without that one player who can drive and create open shots. Eddie Jones was supposed to be that deep threat, but his jumper has already retired.Considering the Lakers have upped the ante and the Suns are working on a deal for Shaq, the Mavs might have to make a move to keep up with the Western Conference Joneses.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have made it known they would like to have Miller, but they have nothing of interest to the Grizzlies, who want either youth, picks or ending contracts.

The Miami Heat, too, could use Miller if they decide not to trade Shaq. Obviously, if they trade Shaq they have no need to bring in Miller just so he can miss the playoffs with the rest of the Heat. Pat Riley denies that Shaq is on the block, but there are too many people in Phoenix talking about Shawn Marion and either Boris Diaw or Marcus Banks leaving for Miami for there to be nothing there.

I've even seen it suggested that the Grizzlies could deal Miller to New Jersey for Jason Kidd, but adding Kidd to a team that isn't going to contend any time soon makes absolutely no sense.

Whatever the case, you can bet Miller's days in Memphis are numbered. He'll be moved before the trade deadline - it's just a question of where.

[FLCeltsFan]

www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080204/SPORTS/802040368/-1/SPORTS

FREE THROWS: For now, Celts able to take injuries in stride
February 04, 2008 6:00 AM
When Danny Ainge brought Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett together with Paul Pierce, the accepted notion was the Celtics would be very good ... as long as they stayed healthy.

Through the first 41 games of the season, it was smooth sailing. Aside from a few missed games by Allen and starting point guard Rajon Rondo, for the most part, the Celtics were healthy, happy and productive.

But then, in the final game of the first half of the season, Garnett went out with a strained abdominal muscle. Although he came back to make the play of the game against Minnesota, he sat out the next three games.

In his absence, Boston is 2-1. He reportedly won't play on Tuesday in Cleveland, is running the risk of missing Friday's return to Minnesota, and there's a possibility he'll be out until after the All-Star break so he's 100 percent for the five-games-in-seven-nights swing around the West starting Feb. 19.

While the preseason belief was the Celtics couldn't win without their trinity intact, topping Dallas on Wednesday proved they can defeat the iron of the league down one-third.

"Any game we can win without Kevin is important for us, part of our growth process," head coach Doc Rivers said.

It's been reserve forward Leon Powe who has been making the most of increased playing time, while Rondo has stepped up, taking a leading role in the offense and on the boards.

"Guys have been stepping up in his absence, making big plays for us," Paul Pierce said. "That's what we're going to need with the big guy out. This is a tremendous opportunity for a couple of other guys to get more minutes than they've been getting (and) develop confidence down the stretch.

"You never know, because late in the season, we're going to need these guys, and in playoff situations, these guys are going to be seasoned and getting the job done."

There's added benefit of breaking in the young talent, provided they can turn into contributors and not just fill the space left in KG's absence. Pierce was most excited about the work his teammates did against Dallas in front of the TNT audience.

"I think everybody had a chance to watch on national TV to know that we are more than just me, Kevin and Ray," he said. "They saw the guys who stepped up down the stretch — Rondo (and) James Posey were tremendous. Posey with his defensive stops, the steal. Rondo with a big offensive rebound. What more can I say?"

Well, Pierce is hoping to say, "Welcome back, Kev," real soon, but until that happens, the Truth knows his team can continue to compete.



TRADE WINDS A'BLOWIN
With the Feb. 21 trade deadline looming, one big name is already relocated. Pau Gasol, the Memphis forward and subject of trade rumors for more than a year, was dealt along with a second-round pick to the Lakers for the eternally underachieving Kwame Brown, promising rookie Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, two first-round picks and the rights to Gasol's brother, Marc, currently playing in Spain. (This might be the first brother-for-brother trade in sports).

The value for L.A. is off the charts — someone to play down low in Andrew Bynum's absence, and another legitimate and different type of scorer when he returns. Many feel the Grizzlies got hosed, but for a young team trying to rebuild, giving up Gasol saves them about $45 million in salary. (Brown is a free agent this summer). That might make them a key player in free agency, or at least give them space to sign their promising talent to long-term deals.

The Grizzlies are also sending forward Stromile Swift to New Jersey in exchange for center Jason Collins, who's apparently the Nets' way of satiating Jason Kidd. The possibility of trading Kidd still looms, though, with the Mavericks still expected to be the main suitors.

Another potential deal that could shake up the West is Ron Artest possibly leaving Sacramento for Denver. The Kings would get the expiring deal of Eduardo Najera, who makes a shade under $5 million, in addition to up-and-coming Linas Kleiza.

Putting Artest with Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, Marcus Camby and the eventually returning Nene would certainly put the Nuggets back in contention, but as things stand right now, it's hard not to envision another Celtics/Lakers NBA Finals.

Tim Weisberg covers the NBA for The Standard-Times. Contact him at [e-mail]



HOT
CHINESE SUPER BOWL

An estimated 200 million Chinese watched Saturday night's Yi Jianlian-Yao Ming clash when the Bucks met the Rockets. That's more than twice the worldwide audience for last year's Super Bowl. Ironically enough, the star of the game was Houston's Tracy McGrady, who scored 33 points.

HOMETOWN ALL-STARS

When the All-Star Game rolls into New Orleans in two weeks, two hometown Hornets will be on the Western squad. Chris Paul and David West were each selected as reserves, making their first All-Star appearances in their home arena. There's also a good chance Byron Scott will also be the West's head coach.

OWNING UP

Despite coach Pat Riley's pleas for an All-Star spot for Shaquille O'Neal, the injured Miami center doesn't want to be "given anything" after failing to make a 15th straight appearance. He remains tied with Jerry West and Karl Malone for a record 14 straight selections, and will still be part of the festivities in New Orleans, where he played college hoops at LSU.

NOT

HISTORIC FUTILITY

Miami's 40-point home loss to the Celtics last Tuesday gave Pat Riley two 30-plus point losses at home in a span of almost two weeks. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he'd only had two such losses in his first 23 seasons as a head coach.

WEBBER'S KNEES, WARRIORS' FEET

Who really thought it was a good idea to put Chris Webber's shaky knees into Golden State's run-and-gun? When I first heard about it, I thought it was one of those one-day contracts so he could retire with the team that drafted him.

REDUCING REDICK

The Orlando Magic are one of the best teams in the NBA right now (and the best on the road), and as a result the can't find any playing time for 2006 first-round pick J.J. Redick. Yet despite his desire to seek out a trade, the Magic won't let him go, for fear of losing one of their currently playing guards in free agency.

[FLCeltsFan]

www.cleveland.com/sports/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1202117540132740.xml&coll=2

Big Three open way for rest of the Celtics
Monday, February 04, 2008
Branson Wright
Plain Dealer Reporter
So much attention has been given to the Big Three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen that the other Boston Celtics are seemingly mere afterthoughts.

Cavaliers assistant coach Melvin Hunt believes otherwise.

"It's the Big Three, but they have the right complement of players around them," said Hunt, as the Cavs prepare to host the Celtics on Tuesday at The Q. The Celtics' two other starters are point guard Rajon Rondo and center Kendrick Perkins. Many questions surrounded Rondo, who is starting for the first time this season. But he has stepped up. Perkins has come along well and has thrived despite all of the focus on the Big Three.

"Perkins is the perfect complement," Hunt said. "Every now and then they'll throw the ball inside to Perkins and if you help off of Perkins, he'll go to the basket. Perkins plays off his four teammates and gets dunk after dunk after dunk or a layup and an and one.' "

Those are just the starters.

The Celtics have a bevy of other contributors from off the bench. Eddie House and James Posey are outside shooting threats.

"If you pay too much attention to Ray [Allen] or Paul [Pierce], House and Posey are going to get their looks," Hunt said. "Posey will get two or three looks from the corner and from the top because the defense will have to rotate."

Just when the Cavs have checked all of the players previously mentioned, other Celtics will acquire some attention. Rookie Glen "Big Baby" Davis has played well. His most impressive game was Jan. 5 when he came off the bench and dominated the Pistons behind his 20 points.

"When you have great players around, it just makes everyone better," Hunt said. "We have that luxury with LeBron [James]. You have to double team and account for their greatness and you play off it. The Celtics' roster is full of guys that utilize their special skills to complement their Big Three."

The Celtics lead the league in several key categories.

Best record (36-8).

Opponent field-goal percentage (41.9).

Points allowed per game (88.2).

The Celtics are also fourth in the league in field-goal percentage (47.1) and they are 16-4 on the road.

Despite the addition of Garnett and Allen, many experts were unsure this would work. Hunt, however, was not one of them. He credits most of the Celtics' success to Pierce, Allen and Garnett playing for losing teams for so many years. Hunt said they are motivated by that.

"They're also in a part of their career where they're not trying to be All-Stars or get big contracts," Hunt said. "They've been there and done all of that. They know they're in a good situation and they're the front-runners in the East. They're not just playing to win. They're playing to win it all."

[FLCeltsFan]

www.greenbandwagon.com/story/2008/2/4/0295/46320

Revisiting the Celtics Roster
By Jim
Posted on Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 12:29:05 AM EST

Ray Allen - I can't imagine any Celtic fan being surprised by Scott Souza's article on Allen's ankle issues. It is impossible to watch this team on a consistent basis and not wonder if Allen's health is ailing. But what's next? Do the Celtics reduce his minutes or shut him down for a stretch of games altogether? And if Boston chooses to do the latter will it even matter? Is Ray Allen capable of playing at a high level over an extended period of time? The crazy thing is that no one really knows. When right his jump shot is simply outstanding and he gets to the rim a lot better than I expected. He looms as an X-Factor of sorts for the Celtics to make a run in the playoffs, where Allen has not ventured since 2005. Hollinger's Most Similar By Age: Mitch Richmond. I do not feel the need to discuss what happened to Richmond at that point in his career. Let's move on.

Tony Allen - Some Celtics fans wish Kevin Garnett were more assertive offensively at the end of games. Some Celtics fans wonder if Paul Pierce can truly overcome the hero complex and play a key role in a championship team. Some Celtics fans wish Rajon Rondo had more experience and Brian Scalabrine played less. However, Celtics fans still agree that Garnett brings a ton to the team, Pierce is one of the better players in the league, Rondo is a player on the rise and Scalabrine is not good. It is a lot harder to get any kind of a consensus on Tony Allen. Granted due to his playing time and role, he can't come anywhere close to dividing the fan base like Antoine Walker used to do. However, Allen is either a turnover machine with sketchy focus and fundamentals, a tremendous athlete that can get to the rim and defend while slowly returning to form or a little bit of both. He excites fans with 20 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks and only 1 turnover, with solid defense no less, against a depleted Miami Heat team. And then in his next game he plays just under 15 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks and notches an assist, two fouls and a turnover. Personally I'm just glad to see him dunking again, prefer to see him not running the point and look for him to take some of Ray Allen's minutes over the next month or so. Hollinger's Most Similar By Age: Bonzi Wells. There is no doubt that Wells is a scorer. But I'm not convinced that being compared to him, under any circumstances, is a good thing.

Glen Davis - Remember when he scored 20 points on the road against Detroit and essentially took over the game down stretch? Now he earns the occasional DNP and has been surpassed by Leon Powe. And even Steve Bulpett's recent article about how Big Baby fans should relax included this epic back handed compliment, if it is even a compliment:


"I keep saying we're doing it by committee with our bigs, and I didn't like the matchups for him against Dallas (Thursday night). I didn't want Baby against (Dirk) Nowitzki. I just thought Nowitzki was too smart for him." - Doc Rivers

In fact it's not a compliment. And you can't hide the fact that it would be nice if Davis dropped a few pounds. Still he has one of the best offensive repertoires on the team and often finds himself at the right place on the court. Hollinger's Most Similar By Age: Unfortunately players need 500 minutes of NBA action to gain a comparison. Hollinger does warn about Michael Sweetney and Robert Traylor.
Kevin Garnett - There might not be another NBA player with more riding on this season. Think about it. The Pistons have a ring. Kobe has three. LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony are young. You could make the case for Allen Iverson, given his age, but the Answer has been to the Finals and out of the first round several times, albeit in the Eastern Conference. Maybe Dirk Nowitzki, given his MVP and collapse to the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs last season. Paul Pierce is out because he is not the best player on his team. In the end it's either KG or Steve Nash. Factor in that Jim Souhan and others see Garnett as the world's greatest complementary player" and it has to be the Big Ticket. Can he be the man on a championship team? Is one of his greatest strength's - his intensity - one of Garnett's biggest flaws as well? Hollinger's Most Similar By Age Patrick Ewing?! You know it's about the numbers because no other player is quite like KG. And I enjoyed Hollinger's comparison to Hakeem Olajuwon's dream shake and I'm intrigued by his contention that KG regularly travels when making his go to move.

Eddie House - If his shot is falling House is incredibly effective. When his shot is not falling House's flaws as a player - defense and ability to bring the ball up under pressure - are more pronounced, even though he does not turn the ball over often. He does talk a bit too much for a guy that has bounced all over the league, but still seems like the kind of guy that is good to have around. Hollinger's Most Similar By Age: Tony Delk.

Kendrick Perkins - There might not be a more up and down player on the Celtics. I say that because he's a starter and on a day-to-day basis I'm never sure what to expect. Sometimes he gets in foul trouble and is a non-factor. At other points he's a strong defender and rebounder. And, he's had big offensive performances such as the first Lakers game and the second Knicks game. I look for him to continue to improve as the season progresses, throw down some dunks and of course play with a chip on his shoulder. Hollinger's Most Similar By Age: Jermaine O'Neal. Did no see that coming. When O'Neal was 23 he was on the verge of putting up numbers that would get him ridiculously overpaid. And while O'Neal's offensive repertoire is limited, it is definitely more advanced than Perk and his love of the mini hook.

Paul Pierce - I feel like everything has been said or written. So I will keep this short:


I have thoroughly enjoyed his season thus far.

The Truth has filled the box score in all sorts of ways and it has been fun to watch.

Somehow it gets lost that Pierce leads the team in points per game (20.3), is second in rebounds (5.7) and first in assists (4.9). Hollinger's Most Similar By Age: Vince Carter. Noooooooooooooooooooooo! Strangely Carter is ten months older than Pierce and most similar by age to Jamal Mashburn.

Scot Pollard - I do like the fact that his teams are almost always in the playoffs. Furthermore, he gets along with the other veterans, is willing to foul whenever necessary and knows he is not the focus on offense. Two interesting facts about his season:

He has not played more than 15 minutes in any one game.

He has appeared in fewer games each month: November (10), December (6) and January (4).

Also Pollard moves like he has cement blocks on his feet. He knows where to be but can't always get there. Hollinger's Most Similar By Age: No one. That's not good considering he was not a rookie last year.
James Posey - Over the past few months I've done a few question and answer posts with other bloggers. I'm too lazy to go to the archives right now so take my word for it. Every time I do one I strongly push Posey's game. So it was great to see him play such a prominent role in the victory over the Dallas Mavericks on TNT. He will have to play a big role if the Celtics are going anywhere in the spring. Hollinger's Most Similar By Age: Scott Padgett. I don't see it.

Leon Powe - Wouldn't Tyrus Thomas be awesome if he played like Powe? Just watch Powe sprint up and down the court and battle for rebounds. Though undersized for his position at 6-8, he does have ridiculously long arms. Celtics fans love his approach to the game and wonder where exactly he was over the first two and a half months of the season. Hollinger's Most Similar By Age: Adam Keefe.

Gabe Pruitt - Rajon Rondo has missed some time and Eddie House is not a great back up point guard option. Yet Pruitt has only played in 11 games. Although he is not shy about shooting, I don't expect much from Pruitt this season. In closing I am a little bothered by the fact that he got Delonte West's number, but realize I'm the only person who even remotely cares, outside of possibly West. Most Similar By Age: No one.

Rajon Rondo - Remember when Rondo befuddled the reigning MVP, Dirk Nowitzki, with his patented fake behind the back pass. Granted Rondo then drove to the hoop and missed the lay up. Still it was an exciting moment. But then Rondo outdid himself by ripping his 12th rebound of the evening away from Nowitzki and following it up with a game winning reverse lay up. I just want everyone to recognize that I've been supporting Rondo for quiet some time now. Hollinger's Most Similar By Age: Baron Davis. Intriguing.

Brian Scalabrine - Celtics fans are not askins Doc Rivers not to play Scalabrine. They're demanding it. That lame joke should make sense when you read the Hollinger comparison below. Unfortunately it will not make it funny. Hollinger's Most Similar By Age: Keith Askins.

14th and 15th Roster Spots - Do they remain open for the remainder of the season? I would say no. But who do the Celtics trade for or sign? With the trade deadline, February 21st, rapidly approaching I don't expect much action on that front. Meanwhile, the available free agents are mediocre at best. There is a chance the Celtics add no one of note. Stay tuned...