Perkins, Rondo No-Go For Team USA, Big Baby Committed

From Boston.com:

Several sources close to the situation said yesterday that Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo would not participate in USA Basketball’s minicamp in Las Vegas because of Perkins’s wedding July 25 in Houston.

The USA Basketball mini-camp includes a meeting July 22, practice July 23-24, and an intrasquad scrimmage July 25.

Perkins is marrying his longtime girlfriend and Rondo is one of the groomsmen.

Perkins and Rondo originally thought the minicamp was in June, but after recently learning the actual date, they had representatives contact USA Basketball to turn down the invitation.

By not participating, Perkins and Rondo will have a hard time getting serious consideration to play for the US in the 2010 World Championships in Turkey and the 2012 London Olympics.

Celtics forward Glen Davis, however, will take part in the minicamp despite being invited to Perkins’s wedding.

Perk and Rondo can’t be serious? Do they not have their priorities straight? I mean this is Team USA basketball, the world’s greatest collection of basketball talent the world has to offer!

Ok, ok… I’m just joking on that one. I think it’s great that Perkins and his long time girlfriend will be tieing the knot. Even better is that Rondo is a part of the ceremony, only helping the chemistry between these two young building blocks for the franchise’s future. I hope Kendrick and his wife the best and hope everything works out. I also hope Rondo a great time perhaps crashing the wedding from the inside.

As for Glen Davis, you have to admire his decision to stick with Team USA, but to spurn your friend’s marriage is a tough decision. Obviously everyone has their own agendas and you can’t fault him for it. I hope Glen Davis can continue to make a name for himself in the league, but I don’t think he has a snowball’s chance in Hell to make the 2012 team in London.

Howard’s 6th Technical Rescinded

ESPN.com:

The NBA announced Wednesday that it has rescinded Howard’s sixth technical foul of the playoffs, which he was given for taunting Anderson Varejao after a layup in the fourth quarter of the Magic’s 116-114 overtime victory Tuesday night. Cleveland‘s forward had draped his arms around Howard in a failed attempt to stop him from scoring.

Howard’s total of technicals for the postseason is thus back down to five. Players receive a one-game suspension after reaching seven technical fouls and further one-game suspensions for every other technical thereafter.

Here’s the video of the technical foul:

How soft has the NBA gotten when what Dwight did last night constitutes a technical foul? So you are no longer allowed to celebrate a big bucket, but every time Anderson Varejao is called for a foul he’s allowed to complain to the ref? I guess this is the NBA we are stuck with. The next video is pretty much what Dwight Howard did, but would NEVER receive a T in the golden age of the NBA…

NBA of the 90′s > NBA of the 2000′s

Garnett Has Successful Knee Surgery

From ESPN.com:

BOSTON — Kevin Garnett had surgery Tuesday on his right knee after missing all of the playoffs.

The Boston Celtics defensive star and inspirational leader had bone spurs removed during the arthroscopic surgery.

“I expect Kevin to return to active duty in full force and be that consummate two-way professional that he has shown all of us throughout his fantastic NBA career,” coach Doc Rivers said.

It’s nice to see that this surgery is finally done and was successful. I think everyone fully expects Kevin Garnett to be back at 100% when the season starts in October. What that 100% will be is yet to be seen. I’m sure he will lose just a little bit of his lift on his knee, but not enough to keep him from finishing the beautiful lob passes we’ve seen Rondo throw him game after game.

I hope Garnett the best and hope he has no hinderances in his return to the court this summer. Without him, it was obvious we are no longer a championship team. I’m not saying if you take Rondo or Pierce off the team that we can still win a title, but you lose one of them, especially a premier big man, the Celtics might as well pack it in and play for next season. With only about two or three years left before the window is closed shut on this current team, health will be even more important than ever.

Thibodeau To Interview With Kings

From Boston.com:

The Kings were granted permission by Celtics president Danny Ainge today to speak to assistant coach Tom Thibodeau about their head coach opening. The second-year assistant is also slated to interview with Philadelphia about its coach opening. It’s uncertain when Thibodeau will interview for either job. Considering that Thibodeau is a free agent, the Kings asked for permission out of respect to Ainge and the Celtics.

Thibodeau has built a reputation as one of the best defensive coaches in the league. In 18 seasons as an NBA assistant coach, his teams have ranked among the top 10 in team defense 15 times. The Celtics were tops in the league this season in field goal percentage defense and third in points allowed per game.

I think it would be safe to assume that the Celtics will be without Thibodeau’s services next season. Like I said before, it will be interesting to see how our defense looks compared to the past two seasons. Granted, the Big Three is getting another year older, but Rajon Rondo is still a premiere defender on the wing and Kendrick Perkins is turning himself into one of the best big man defenders in the entire league. I have no doubt that the starting five will continue to be stingy on the defensive end, but the bench needs to step their defense up when they grace the court.

Clippers Can’t Ruin This, Will Take Blake

Less than 24 hours after winning the NBA Draft Lottery, the “secret” of the #1 pick this year is already out: Blake Griffin will be a Los Angeles Clipper. Congrats to Blake for turning himself into the top pick of his draft class, but the much taller task is turning the Clippers into a formidable NBA franchise.

I haven’t been too high on Blake Griffin’s potential to become an elite player in the league, but he may be the top pick that the Clippers need. He’s a freak athlete and doesn’t dominate the ball, so he isn’t very selfish at all on the offensive end. He’ll immediately come in and be a monster on the glass. I remember we all said that last year about Beasley, but Beasley’s motor isn’t nearly as high as Griffin’s.

The Clippers will be adding a great power forward prospect to their roster, thus creating a logjam of big men. Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman man the center position, so they aren’t exactly holding the Clippers back from getting Blake on the court. The problem, naturally, is Zach Randolph. Randolph is a scoring-only power forward. He doesn’t play defense, doesn’t rebound typically well and doesn’t play team basketball.

The toughest task for the Clippers now is to find a taker for Zach Randolph and his $33 million contract over the next two seasons. The Chicago Bulls could use a scoring big man while the Clippers have been interested in Kirk Hinrich for a while now. Would Chicago be willing to take on a character concern like Zach Randolph?

Assuming the roster stays as currently constructed, the Clippers would, in my opinion, have Baron Davis starting at point guard, Eric Gordon at the two, Al Thornton at small forward, Blake Griffin at power forward and Marcus Camby manning the middle. I would bring Zach Randolph off the bench as a scoring option for Blake Griffin when the team begins struggling to score. How will Zach Randolph take to that? Who cares! Blake is the future of the franchise and should be given as many minutes as he can physically handle to attempt to turn the franchise around immediately.

Thibodeau to Interview for 76ers’ Vacancy

From RealGM.com:

Tom Thibodeau will be interviewed by the Philadelphia 76ers for their head coaching vacancy.

The interview was confirmed by a person familiar with the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because an announcement has not been made.

It’s not surprising to see Thibodeau get an interview this quick as he is the premiere defensive assistant coach in the entire league. Any team looking to take the next step towards title contender status should be looking to hire this guy. What will be interesting is to see how the Boston Celtics will play on the defensive end if he were to leave us. Just as equally as interesting would be to see how he defends the Boston Celtics if he’s coaching in Philly. Either way, I wish Tom the best and hope he makes a splash in this league as a head coach.

Marbury Suiting Up, Pruitt Benched 2 Games

Post from February 27, 2009…

Quick post with some good news and then some bad news. Of course, everyone likes to hear the good news first…

The Celtics will be hosting the Pacers tonight at home (7:30PM EST) and Stephon Marbury is expected to suit up and play tonight. Now he hasn’t played in an NBA game in over a full calendar year, so look for Marbury to just get his feet wet tonight. But if Rondo were to get into foul trouble, Steph could be called on to do much more than we would expect in his first game. Eddie House is still there, but he’s still not a true point guard.

Then there’s Gabe Pruitt. He stands to lose the most playing time to the Marbury acquisition as anyone else in the backcourt, but with his arrest on Wednesday night the Celtics have suspended him for the next two games. That’s a fitting punishment for the crime and I bet Pruitt will regret it immensely. These next few games were probably his last chances to get some decent playing time, but now he’ll be in street clothes (that conform to the NBA dress code) for the next couple games.

By the way, Stephon Marbury will be wearing the #8 for the Boston Celtics. Last two Celtics to wear that number: Antoine Walker and Al Jefferson. Looks like he’s got quite the shoes to fill.

Marbury Close to Dawning Celtic Green

Post from February 24, 2009…

Reported on ESPN.com:

The New York Knicks and Stephon Marbury were nearing a buyout agreement Tuesday afternoon that would clear the way for Marbury to sign with the Boston Celtics, according to sources close to the situation.

Sources briefed on the state of the talks told ESPN.com that the Knicks and Marbury are on the verge of finalizing a separation package that will make Marbury eligible to play in the playoffs for another team because his release from New York would come before the league’s Sunday deadline.

The New York Times first reported on its Web site Tuesday afternoon that “all indications were that the two sides had reached agreement on a contract buyout that will free [Marbury] to join another franchise for the stretch run.”

Said one source to ESPN.com: “Look for Steph to get bought out today.”

Another source close to the process indicated that Marbury and the Celtics have already commenced discussions on a contract.

I’m sure we all thought this would come, but didn’t know if the Knicks would buy him out in time to be playoff eligible. With one roster spot remaining for the Celtics, you would have to think it’s going to Marbury. Personally, I think Gabe Pruitt has progressed nicely, but can we trust him in the playoffs? Marbury will most likely be a one-year experiment and hopefully it can aid the Celtics to a second NBA title in as many years.

Celtics Call Up the Kids

Post from January 8, 2009…

According to an article at RealGM.com, the Celtics have recalled JR Giddens and Bill Walker from the D-League.

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have recalled rookie guard J.R. Giddens and rookie forward Bill Walker from their NBA Development League affiliate Utah Flash.

Giddens appeared in 13 games for the Flash averaging 17.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 rebounds, 1.46 steals, a team-high 1.54 blocks all in a team-high 37.6 minutes per game. Giddens was ranked 20th in the NBDL in scoring, 13th in field goal percentage (53.5%) and seventh in blocks. The former New Mexico Lobo was the selected by the Celtics with the 30th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

Walker appeared in 15 games for the Flash averaging a team-high 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.33 steals in 30.5 minutes per game. Walker was ranked 11th in the NBDL in scoring and sixth in field goal percentage (55.7%). The former Kansas State Wildcat was acquired in a draft night trade with the Washington Wizards in exchange for cash considerations.

Not sure how much time either of these kids will get with the Celtics or even who will be inactive for either of them to get some playing time. My guess would be Patrick O’Bryant may see a few games in street clothes, but hey, I don’t make the calls.

Looking back at the preseason, it looked as if Bill Walker was much further along in his development as an NBA player than Giddens was, but if JR is finding his shooting touch and can use those abnormally long arms on the defensive end, perhaps he can steal a few minutes with Tony Allen sidelined.

Rivers: Mutombo Expected Back in Houston

Post from December 19, 2008…

One of the most sought-after big man not on a roster, Dikembe Mutombo is most definitely coming back to the NBA this season. The reigning champion Boston Celtics were courting his services, but Doc Rivers isn’t optimistic about him dawning the green in the Garden.

Doc Rivers confirmed on Wednesday that the Celtics are interested in free agent center Dikembe Mutombo, but he also predicted he would return to Houston.Asked if he had talked with Mutombo, Rivers replied, “Always. He’s a good friend. He’s going to come back. I talked to him last week – he will come back.

“We’re over the [salary] cap so it’s tough for us to do a lot of stuff, but we’re looking at everybody.”

If this is true, it’s very disappointing as a Boston fan. As I said earlier, I don’t think that PJ Brown will be playing again as he got his title last season, and it’s obvious that Patrick O’Bryant isn’t ready to step in and be a contributor any time soon, so to lose out on the Mutombo “sweepstakes” will be tough to swallow.

Anyone got a list of serviceable bigs that can help a team win a title?