NBA Anarchy posted by Charles Bisbee

The NBA is completely bonkers right now. With less than two weeks until season’s tip-off, players are being flipped faster than flapjacks at IHOP. Chris Paul has been perfecting his start-and-stop from the comfort of his living room. Dwight Howard can't seem to decipher his own feelings about the Magic. Lamar Odom, as collateral from the Paul fall-out, whined his way to the Mavs, who were spurned earlier in the week by Tyson Chandler (Knicks). Chauncey Billups took his frequent flier miles to the Clips (though he could be dealt again by the time I finish this sentence) and Big Baby was swapped for Brandon Bass.

The Celtics thought they had Baby's replacement in David West (Paul’s former right-hand man) but the Pacers swooped in and snagged him for a cool $20 mil. Consequently, the Hornets are trying to fill out a roster with Quincy Pondexter and a collection of ball boys. Vinsanity joined Odom in Dallas, which lost Caron Butler to the Clippers, which matched Golden State’s absurd, $43 million qualifying offer to DeAndre Jordan (he with the career 5.9 ppg). T-Mac, Rip Hamilton, Chris Wilcox, Mike Bibby and Dunleavy are on the move as well, though these names seem like afterthoughts compared to the seismic activity higher up.

And all this happened in slightly over a week. It’s certainly enough to make the casual fan's head spin. The ramifications of this unforseen, pre-season turbulence on the regular season, though, is what really boggles the mind. With little time to mesh, little time to prepare, and a season packed tighter than Delta coach (zing!), teams should be in for a wild ride. We're staring down the barrel of the most slapdash, unforseen and chemistry-bungled season since, dare I say, 1998! Should be a wild ride.

Eye on the Draft - Trade Winds posted by Randolph Charlotin

Reports came out that San Antonio is shopping three-time All-Star Tony Parker. It’s rumored that the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to move PF Lamar Odom. Phoenix just shot down rumors that they are trying to trade two-time league MVP Steve Nash.

And where is Trader Dan during all these talks? Surprisingly quiet. Danny Ainge, notorious for making exchanges, says he plans on staying put at picks 25 and 55.

Is this gamesmanship by Ainge or is he speaking the truth? Boston’s roster is very thin with just six players under contract plus restricted free agent Jeff Green. In a draft that lacks franchise players, the motivation to move up is low.

But more than anything else, what do the Celtics have to offer in potential trades?

Four of the five starters are well into their 30’s and are viewed as declining or will be soon. Expiring contracts (Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Jermaine O’Neal are in the last year of their respective deals) usually don’t become attractive until just before the trade deadline. The most appealing player on the Celtics is Rajon Rondo, but what could Ainge get in return for Rondo that would make the Celtics better?

Fans have suggested that Ainge pry Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets with Rondo, sign and trade Glen Davis, and the top-10 protected 2012 first round pick. I’d like to see those fans’ prescriptions.

It would take a tremendous sell job to convince Paul to come to Boston and sign a long term deal with a Celtics team perceived to be in decline when Paul wants to join a team with a shot to win the championship. And the Hornets, a franchise that would shift into rebuilding mode after such a trade, would want more draft picks in return.

Eye on the Draft 2 - Guarded Concerns posted by Randolph Charlotin

Reggie Jackson. Iman Shumpert. Nolan Smith. Malcom Lee. Marshon Brooks. Just a handful of the names linked to the Boston Celtics’ first round pick. All guards. And each one worries me.

I’m not opposed to selecting a guard in the draft. Just not at 25.

Depth at the position wasn’t as bad as it looked as Delonte West played well behind Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen. The trade deadline acquisition of Jeff Green allowed the Celts to put a big backcourt of Green and Paul Pierce on the floor. Von Wafer was available if Doc Rivers cared to use him.

Free agency will leave the backcourt very thin, but there are affordable options starting with West and Wafer.

Then there’s the wild card combo guard Avery Bradley, the 2010 first round pick. If the Celtics really are interested in any of the guards named above, does that mean Bradley has fallen out of favor with Ainge and head coach Doc Rivers already?

And is a combo guard that much of a need? Truth is a combo guard is an undersized two guard playing the point. We saw in the playoffs the value of a true point guard as superstars Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City and Derrick Rose of Chicago played one-on-five in their respective Conference Championships, derailing their teams’ playoff runs.

Based on evaluations of the guards listed above, they all have glaring weaknesses, from volume shooter/scorer, to lack of a jump shot, to poor decision-making as a point guard.

A combo guard off the bench for Boston should work. Someone to take a load off Rondo and Allen would only make all three players better by splitting minutes three ways. But is a combo guard good enough to become a full time two guard in the future?

Eye on the Draft 1 - Bigs Problem posted by Randolph Charlotin

First off, my knowledge of the NBA Draft is nowhere close to my NFL Draft IQ. Not even close. I don’t follow college basketball until the NCAA Tournament and I have zero familiarity with foreign players, whether they are European or South American.

What I strongly believe in is my knowledge of the Celtics and the team needs. And what should be on the top of their list are big men. I’m not talking Glen “Big Baby” Davis wide big. I’m talking 6’10” neighborhood.

Let’s look at the facts: Centers Kendrick Perkins and Semih Erden were moved at the trade deadline. Shaquille O’Neal retired and Nenad Krstic signed with a Russian team.

Boston is down to Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O’Neal, and restricted free agent Jeff Green. None of them are long term fixtures at PF or C. And the options for free agents are either out of the Celtics’ price range or just aren’t very good players when sifting through the bargain bin of free agents.

The NBA Draft is less than a week away and it is the first step towards finding a player or two to groom into an eventual starter.

I’ve had enough of people saying this is a weak draft class. If a team’s scouting department is good, they can find the great players in a weak draft. Danny Ainge and his staff found gems year after year in the second round. If they can find players that late, they can find two drafting late in the first and second round.

Not much is known about Ainge’s research. The Celtics announce some of the players they bring in for workouts (click the links for the workout updates from Celtics.com: Workouts 1 Workouts 2), but that doesn’t cover scouting trips. Beyond that is mock draft watching and taking mental notes of the changes following updates.

Refreshed Bench posted by Randolph Charlotin

Focus on the last names:

Jeff GREEN.

Troy MURPHY.

They were meant to be Celtics.

If Danny Ainge stopped his trade deadline dealings at the two-for-two swap that sent C Kendrick Perkins and G Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City for Green and Nenad Kristic, then fan dread over Boston’s chances in the playoffs would be understandable.

But Trader Dan was far from done. Often with Ainge, he makes a deal with complementary moves in mind. The two trades that followed Perkins’ departure cleared room for productive veteran players on the bench and improved versatility.

Celtic fans have a tough time accepting change from a winning formula. Perkins was the anchor in the middle of the defense, an intimidator that protected the paint from intruders. The Celtics hung their hat on being a physical defense-first team and was the cornerstone.

Health permitting, Boston could had claimed their NBA-record 18th championship. But health hasn’t been on the Celtics’ side this season. Already down are the two O’Neals (Jermaine and Shaquille) and G/F Marquis Daniels. Ainge decided not to wait and hope for modern medicine.

 Upon arrival Kristic was in the starting lineup and Green came off the bench. Regardless of their performance (they helped the Celtics win against the Los Angeles Clippers), they were available to play, which is something Perkins and Daniels can’t do right now. Perkins is expected to miss his first two to three weeks while Daniels might not play another game this season.

Can the Charlotte Bobcats be a contender in the East? posted by Sports Fan

I really like the direction this team is going but I'm not so sure they can really be a contender in the East this year.  The East has gotten a lot stronger over the last few years and while I think they can make the playoffs I don't really see any chance that they can really beat The Magic, the Heat, the Celtics, of the Bulls.  And I'm skeptical they can even beat teams like the 76ers or the Hawks.

What do you think? 

Celtics can tame the Beat in the East posted by john howard

Miami has become a 3 headed hydra with Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James.  What are the Celtics to do?  Keep what they are doing.  They have resigned Doc Rivers, Ray Allen and Pual Pierce.  So, the big three (Garnett) and Rojan Rondo are all intact.  Kendrick Perkins is hurt and may miss a good part of next season.  And, Rasheed Wallace is contemplating retirement. 

Part of the solution is the signing of Jermaine O'Neal.  He can score inside and rebound.  He likely will fill Wallace's shoes and start until Perkins gets back.  They still need more depth.  Glen Davis provides a great lift off the bench, but can be over matched size wise.  Without Wallace or Perkins, they don't have a big bodied 7 footer in there. 

Tony Allen is a must resign.  He did great against LeBron in playoffs and had some brilliant defensive moments against Kobe in the finals.  I don't know if they will be able to resign Nate Robinson or Maruis Daniels.  Robinson provides some spark off the bench for better or worse.  I think a team will pay him a lot more to be a starter.

Finally, the rookie.  Luke Harangody has been really impressive in summer league.  I don't think he will start or receive any votes for rookie of the year.  But, with what he has shown, he can come off the bench and develope as the year progresses and may provide some key moments with the 2nd unit come playoff time.

All in all, they need more depth and they must resign Tony Allen and find some temporary size.  They will. 

R.I.P. Rip? posted by Sabrina

There has been speculation that Doc Rivers has his eye on our very own, Richard Hamilton if Ray Allen will not return to Boston. Let's get real here, as much as we love Rip, he's getting old and can't play like he used to. A trade with Boston wouldn't hurt Detroit in any way; it could only help. Joe D should probably call up Boston and have a chat. After all, Doc Rivers likes experienced (old) players.Continue reading "R.I.P. Rip?"

Three-peat is highly possible for Lakers in next NBA season posted by nbaball

THE BOLD declaration of Los Angeles Lakers superstar guard Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant that the team will attain its third straight crown in the next season of the National Basketball Association is highly possible. Basketball experts said three-peat might be hard to achieve in the face of the tough competition in the NBA but if the Lakers will continue to play its full potential it is very possible.

The basketball experts said one thing going for the Lakers in its quest for a piece of NBA history is the fact that almost all of their important players will be back for the team to defend their crown. Bryant the heart and soul of the Lakers had an existing contract to play for the Lakers for many years to come.
With the superstar guard still part of the Lakers roster, the team will remain solid for years to come. Aside from Bryant other Lakers players who will be back to defend their crown are superstar center Pau Gasol, versatile power-forward Lamar Odom, veteran point-guard Derek Fisher, rising young center Andrew Bynum and defensive specialist Ron Artest.

Gasol had been a vital factor in the Laker's tough victory against its arch rival Boston Celtics in their best of seven NBA Finals.
The Spanish center provided front-court scoring and defense to frustrate and defeat the determined Celtics who was able to send the game into a deciding game seven. Odom although undersized as a power-forward still contributed big for the team with his ball distribution and clutch plays against the trough defense put out by the Celtics.

Fisher for his part provided efficient veteran leadership to solidify and add more spunk to the defending champion. Bynum for his part was a steady center who provided quality minutes in terms of scoring and defense for the team. Newly acquired Laker Artest is himself had a big contribution for the Lakers victory with his tough defense against the top scorers of the opposing team particularly in the NBA Finals against Celtics superstar forward Paul "Truth" Pierce. With those players mentioned back in Lakers uniform in the next NBA season it would very difficult for other NBA teams including the Celtics to defeat the defending NBA champion. To achieve their desired three-peat the Lakers however need to resign Lakers coach Phil Jackson to coach the championship team again in the next season of the premier professional basketball league in the planet.
Continue reading "Three-peat is highly possible for ..."

SOX SWEEP D-Backs, ... ... ...celtics lose championship... ... ... posted by Joe Franciosa, Jr.

The Sox just swept the worst team in the NL West. Wooooooooo.

 It just figures that the one time I'm actually rooting against the Sox, they win. When the Celtics play before the Sox, and the Celtics win, the Sox win. When the Sox play before the Celtics, and the Sox win, the Celtics lose. It's an incredibly stupid statistic, but no less accurate for its stupidity concerning the 2010 season. So, when the Sox won last night, I knew whatever vestige of hope had remained was squelched. That didn't stop me from rooting any harder for the C's... I was standing in my buddy's living room for the last 5 minutes of that game because I was too hyped up to stay in my seat.

 2010 Celtics, thanks for the effort. You took us on one hell of a roller-coaster this post-season. I didn't expect you to get past the Cavs. I did expect you to get past the Magic, especially after the Refs tried to give that series away.  I'm not even going to comment on the officiating of the Finals. If you watched and had half a brain in your head, it was obvious what was going on.

 So let's talk about the tragedy of this loss. Without Perk, the Celtics still had a 13 point lead in the 3rd quarter. Celtics defense held the Lakers to just 32% shooting from the field. If anyone wearing green had pulled down just two or three more rebounds, the Celtics would have their 18th banner. Instead, KG has 3 rebounds for the entire game. That's just not a Championship effort. Not in a game 7, on the road. Certainly not with your only true big man dressed in a green button up shirt with a bum knee on the sideline.

Telecom exec Hale buys share of Celtics (AP)

The Boston Celtics have a new member of the ownership group. Telecommunications entrepreneur Rob Hale has purchased an undisclosed share of the team, the Celtics announced on Friday. Hale is a resident of Hingham, Mass., and the president of Granite Communications, which is based in nearby Quincy. Granite Communications serves 86 of the Fortune 100 companies, and it has revenues of more than $650... [read full article]

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Sore calf sidelines Magic F Anderson (AP)

Orlando starting forward Ryan Anderson is sitting out Friday night's game in New Orleans because of a sore left calf. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy says Anderson was kicked in the calf during Thursday night's loss to the Boston Celtics and remained sore a day later. Van Gundy says the team hopes Anderson will be ready for Sunday's game against Indiana. [read full article]

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Magic fall 87-56 to depleted Celtics (AP)

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Celtics without Allen, Rondo, 3 reserves (AP)

The Boston Celtics were without starters Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo and three bench players, severely depleting their roster for Monday night's game against the Orlando Magic. Boston coach Doc Rivers delivered the news about an hour before the game. Allen jammed his left ankle in the second quarter of Sunday's win at Washington and didn't return. [read full article]

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Pierce carries Celts with 34, Allen hurt (AP)

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