Tony Allen “Back in November”

Tony Allen is a relatively low-key player throughout the league, but to Celtics Nation, he was seen as a potential All-Star when Pierce went down. Tony was averaging 20 points a night in between late December and early January. He was carrying the scoring load while Pierce was out with injury. Allen and Al Jefferson were looking like a very dangerous inside/outside combination that could be vital to the future of the franchise.

But then, the inexplicable happened. After a whistle was blown as soon as Tony was driving towards the lane, he decided he would continue his assault on the rim. Only thing was that the rim would be the one winning that fight. Tony Allen came down very awkwardly and ended up tearing his ACL and PCL. Naturally, that ended his season.

Today, a report in the Boston Globe had some good news on Allen’s rehab. In the interview, Tony said:

“For sure I know I’ll be back in November.”

“It’s coming along great. I’m running. I’m shooting jump shots, but I’m just taking it easy because some days it feels good and some days it feels bad. [There are] ups and downs. But for the most part I feel comfortable about getting back to where I need to be.”

That is very reassuring news. These types of injuries used to take a full calendar year to heal. But looking at what doctors have been able to do with players like Carson Palmer and Daunte Culpepper, it seems that the recovery period is much shorter. Personally, I don’t think Tony will be 100% until January, but having him on the court in November would be great for this team. He is one of the two good perimeter defenders on the roster and will be a huge part in this teams’ success this season. Let’s hope that Allen has a full recovery and I just hope he doesn’t rush back and end up hurting himself in the long run.

Celtics Interested in Grant Hill’s Services

We haven’t heard any news suggesting that Grant Hill would want to come to Boston, but it’s encouraging to hear that the Celtics are interested in bringing Grant Hill to the team.

Lon Babby, who represents both Ray Allen and Grant Hill, was at yesterday’s news conference. Babby said Hill is determined to play next season and has drawn interest from Boston, Phoenix, Detroit, and San Antonio . — Boston Globe

Grant Hill would give us a legitimate option off of the bench instead of needing Gerald Green or Tony Allen to be our 6th man. I have always been a big fan of Grant Hill, but as much as I would like to see him on our squad, I’d almost rather see him on a team like the Spurs so he can win a well-deserved title to cap off his career. But if he decideds that Boston is where he wants to play, I will welcome him with open arms!

Notable Signings:

• Rashard Lewis agrees to verbal deal with Orlando
• Jason Kapono signs 4-year, $24 million with Toronto
• Vince Carter re-signs with New Jersey for 4-years worth $61.8 million with a team option for a 5th year
• Luke Walton stays in LA for $30 million over six years
• Greg Oden signs a two year deal with Portland worth over $8 million with a team option 3rd year

Boston Eastern Elite?

Although many don’t like the Ray Allen deal, most realize that we are definitely a better team now than we would have been if we didn’t trade. But most think that we are no higher than a six seed in the playoffs, except for Craig from the Association.

I see the C’s moving up into the top 4 of the Eastern Conference in 2007-08, but with Doc Rivers at the helm they are a first-round loss. It’s 2008-09 that I really see the C’s as a dangerous team. Rondo will have a whole year as a starter under his belt, Jefferson will be more polished, the new Big Three will learn how to play together and… if Doc Rivers is fired and replaced by a respectable head Coach, the C’s are a serious Eastern Conference contender.

I sure hope you are right, Craig. If Gerald could become a 6th Man of the Year candidate and Rondo can take a huge leap forward over this next season, then there’s a possibility. Hopefully they add an instant impact player in the draft next season and make a push for an Eastern Conference Championship. Here’s hoping we can be relevant in the upcoming seasons.