Facing Elimination, Will Celtics Overcome Recent Challenges?

Okay, let’s start right off by addressing the 500 pound green elephant in the room so that we can move on: The Celtics Miss Rajon Rondo.

Did anyone in their right minds think any differently when news that he was gone for the season spread that fateful day against the Heat?

As annoyed as I was at the end of Game 2 when Tommy Heinsohn kept waxing on about how it was a “Rondo-type game,” and “If Rondo were in this game, he’d…” even as our guys in green were getting their shamrocks handed to them, he was indisputably correct. It just didn’t feel like the appropriate time to throw it out there, because our guys were struggling and to mention Rondo felt like an excuse for poor play. And it was poor play, Rondo or not.

Look, as I said back then after it happened and the Celtics went on a great run with ‘Hippie Basketball” sharing the wealth and running free and loosey-goosey which led to the inevitable but horribly ill-informed and naive proclamation by the casual fairweather that “the Celtics are better without Rondo!”

Without going into full-rehash mode, the Celtics team, that came together and rallied without their most vital piece was a running, passing pure-basketball team that traded in set plays for this basic basketball truth – if you play defense and get out and run, good things will happen.

The team you’ve seen over the last two of the three games has been the team that I feared would enter the playoffs – a walk-it-up, play-calling half-court-offense team with changing faces based on the current needs and matchup problems presented by their opponent.  We all know that in the playoffs, things slow down and the game moves deeper into half court sets. The more successful teams are the ones that can rebound and run on misses attacking the opponent’s basket before they get set. Either that, or they possess a talented point guard who can steer them through the intricacies of breaking down the half-court defense. Obviously, everyone knows which team the Celtics had to be.

I lay a fair portion of the blame on the players for not taking better care of the basketball in the first game, but I must include Coach Doc Rivers and even single him out for some of the failure of the second and third games.

Doc has a penchant for changing things up in the playoffs at the most inexplicable moments. The Celtics would and should have won Game 1, but for some horrendous unforced turnovers by Green,
Pierce and a couple of others in the 4^th quarter. Why try to fix what ain’t really broke? But he put the ball more completely in Avery Bradley’s hands (a huge mistake, since he is essentially a shooting guard in a point guard’s body) instead of keeping Paul Pierce as the the point forward role that he had assumed from the moment that Rondo went down. He started a different lineup in game 3 in the hopes that it would rejuvenate the offense and provide more scoring punch at the outset, but it did neither. In fact, it quite possibly disrupted any continuity we might have had from Game 1 to Game 2 and it may have undermined the confidence. He has relegated Courney Lee to the bench at a time when the defense could clearly use a strong defender with length at the shooting guard/small forward position for the J.R. Smith’s and Ray Felton’s of the world, not to mention an aggressive offense off the run, which he has shown is his strength. We’ve seen only sneak-peaks of Terrence Williams who is probably the 3^rd best ballhandler on the team at this point, and there has been scant floor time for our only solid big, Shavlik Randolph.

There are a host of other questionable turns that I can go into more fully maybe at the postmortem of the season, but, to quote a friend and fellow GreenHead, “You don’t make changes to your lineup in the postseason, only adjustments.”

We know that today’s game could very well be the last one of the season for the Celtics. If it is, it will obviously be disappointing, but they should be proud of what they WERE able to accomplish this season: They began the season with an almost completely new roster and set out with the goal of pursuing that elusive 18^th title in spite of the fact that two of their three main stars were on the downslope of hero’s mountain. They dealt with adversity when their best player, the pilot of their ship – the head of their Voltron – was lost for the season. They soldiered on even when another of their team, a rookie who hadn’t been counted upon initially but then seized his opportunity to contribute, was taken away with back surgery. And they continued marching ahead when yet another of their team, a proven scorer, was stricken down with the same injury that took their leader. They had two others returning from what was, evidently, life-threatening heart surgery attempting to become comfortable just running and taking contact, let alone resuming their high-level of play. There were trade rumors swirling amidst the team’s two best remaining players which could have damaged the morale and drive of this team. Instead, they pushed ahead further and entered the Playoffs as the 7^th seed, underdogs against the Atlantic Division winners.

No, the Celtics have nothing to be ashamed about, no reason to hang their heads. If this is, indeed, the end of the season – and perhaps even the end of the era of Pierce and Garnett – then at least the Celtics can rest assured that their future will be competitive. Coming next season, we’ll have the services of Rajon Rondo and Jared Sullenger back. Jeff Green, who finally began the journey of coming into his own, will also return. The young and talented Terrence Williams and  Jordan Crawford will be back, as will Shavlik Randolph and the potential of Fab Melo. The chorus of questions will become louder as the season ends and attention turns to whether Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry return, either of their own volition or by the hand of General Manager Danny Ainge, who may opt to begin the rebuilding process in earnest now that it has become clear that the Celtics are no longer the title contenders that they were from 2009 through last season.

There will be much to say at the close of this season, whenever it comes, but I’ll save it. I’ll save it because as long as there is a game left to play, there is hope that these Celtics come together, stand as one, and keep fighting on.

As one sage and still fierce warrior once reminded us…

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Go Celtics.

Stop The Speculation, I Want To Get Off! Rumors Distract From Dramatic Celtics Turnaround-In-The-Making

Farewell Kris Joseph...we hardly knew ye and goodbye Jarvis Varnado...we really didn't know you at all.

As many outlets and blogs reported a few days ago, the Boston Celtics cut Joseph and Varnado from the roster.

Though Varnado's departure was something less than a shocker, the release of Joseph was more surprising, what with his rampage all over the D-League averaging 17.7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assists and 1 steal. He had more than one fan here in Boston and it appeared that management was interested in developing him for the future (at least it seemed that way with all the call-backs from Maine). Oddly enough, it's (Cookie) Jarvis (See? I even had a nickname for the guy if he stuck around!) who is drawing interest from his old team, the Miami Heat.
 
Now, depending on which site you read, the waivers were either a series of somewhat pedestrian moves designed to cut salary before January 7th when all contracts became guaranteed, and also open up roster spots for a possible free agent or two just loosed from their respectively-frugal team; or, the cuts came as an ominous harbinger to some mega-blockbuster trade that's in the works that would send Avery Bradley, Brandon Bass and/or Jared Sullinger with some picks to Sacramento for ultra-talented basket case DeMarcus Cousins. Or maybe Anderson Varejao. Or was that Marcin Gortat? Maybe it was Pau Gasol? No, I'm pretty sure it was for Ralph Sampson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Oulijawon, George Mikan (RIP) or some other amazing deal that would mark us as instant contenders.

As they had, even during the height of all the hysterical Tweetage, Facebookery, Instagrambling and G-Chatter, one report after another continued to surface in which Sacramento officials flatly rejected the notion that they are looking to part with the troubled and troublesome but extremely talented forward/center. This might have something to do with the fact that, upon the second night of his return from a multi-game team-imposed suspension, he dropped a triple double on the Celtics and followed that with games in which he scored 21 points with 14 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists; 18 points with 16 boards,  6 assists, 2 steals and 1 block; 31 points, 20 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals; and 28 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block.  Not coincidentally, the Kings reeled off a string of 3 wins/2 losses over that span, which is exciting for a team in a season in which success had been in short supply thus far. The kid is averaging 17 points 10 rebounds 2 assists and a block for the season. I believe the Kings when they say "he ain't goin' nowhere."

And, even if Danny Ainge were somehow able to miraculously pry him from the Kings' cold, sweaty hands (after all, the man IS a headcase. Having argued with just about every coach he's had since kindergarten and after his groin-punching incident with O.J. Mayo, next time, he's libel to bite someone's ear off or dunk a baby, or bite a baby and dunk an ear...) would he be worth the risk to our newfound chemistry, even if he IS a rare talent?

Seriously, though...you do have to believe that Danny Ainge is always looking for ways to improve and gain more young talent to build for a future that will include only one-third of the Big Three, especially after the start to the season that the Celtics had before seemingly righting the ship with convincing wins against Indiana, Atlanta and New York.

The problem with the Cousins scenario (and most of the others) is that part of the reason for the Celtics rediscovery of their defensive mojo is the return of defensive wunderkind Bradley, who has seemingly reignited the spark within his teammates.

The question that has to be pondered is this: "Are we trying to win it all (the alleged premise of re-signing Kevin Garnett and not trading Paul Pierce when teams like the Clippers came calling), or are we rebuilding for the future?"

You can make a convincing enough case that it's possible to retool and be somewhat competitive while acknowledging that there will probably not be another Finals run anytime soon, but A) that's not what Co-Owner Wyc Grousbeck, Danny and Doc Rivers sold the public (though it wouldn't be the first time we've been had) and B) if you take them at their word, it's not what Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce signed on for, either.

With all of that said, it is more than likely that the moves and signings that were made this Summer were done so with the belief that this team had what it would take to make a serious title run now. Does the addition of Cousins, and all of his growing baggage guarantee or even greatly increase the chances of making and possibly winning the Finals? Not so much. And, just as important, does the subtraction of Bradley, Bass and/or even  Sullinger in any way diminish those same hopes? Possibly...but, especially if the team's currently improved play during the recent streak of wins against quality teams is as connected to R.O.B. (the Return Of Bradley, of course!) as it appears.

My suspicions about all of the wild and rampant speculation is that it is just that: wild and rampant speculation. I believe that the GMs of both teams are actually telling the truth this time (shocking, I know.) and Danny is really trying to squeeze at least one more championship out of the core, and Kings President Geoff Petrie is not looking to part with Cousins because you just don't give up on all that upside.

To date, the best written piece about what the cuts probably most-likely possibly mean in reality comes from ESPN's Chris Forsberg who essentially describes the moves as clearing roster spots and saving cash for potential free agents.
 
Unless, of course, the Celtics can land Rudy Gay (rumored to be on the block) or some other stud for the cost of Avery Bradley, Jared Sullinger, Brandon Bass, three draft picks, 2 free pivot lessons with Bill Russell, a crate of 1986 Celtics Mystique and whatever other ludicrous combination of giveaways you can imagine.

Some of the names that might circle back into free-agent signing discussions are not necessarily of the game-changing variety, but some of them might be at least as serviceable as Darko Milicic was in his short stint with The Green.

We have, in no particular order:

Kenyon Martin (though rumors have him possibly joining the New York Knicks. Yay.).

Ben Wallace, that is if he hasn't already checked himself into a nice retirement community in Florida by now.

Chris "Birdman" Anderson. I know what you're thinking. For me, it's all about whether the charges of his involvement with child porn had any basis in reality, more than anything remotely related to our need for a big. Who cares about talent after that. He, too, has been worked out by the Miami Heat to see if he's worth adding to the likes of LeBrontasourus Wrecks, Chris Botch and D-Report. Figures.

 

Eric Dampier. If it comes to this, they should just save the money and bring Fab Melo back and take their chances. 

 

In fact, before they bring any of these guys in, they should think seriously about using Melo in very short stints to give him NBA experience. I don't think they're going to damage his fragile psyche for future development as per the excuse that the team has used to keep him under wraps. Besides...they might want to keep a closer eye on their future big to make sure he doesn't get into any more fights with hotel doorways, ice machines or elevators. THOSE could pose a threat to future development!

 

THE BUZZ:

 

Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns

Wednesday, January 9th, 2013

7:30 p.m.

@ The Garden

 

Can the C's keep it going against what looms as a classic letdown game (the Suns are 12-24 and just lost to Milwaukee -- the Celtics have just beaten three of the upper echelon teams in the League...) and maintain their forward motion since the R.O.B.? Tune in to find out!

We took a quick buzz around Celtics/NBA cyberspace and landed on a swarm of articles, posts and clips you'll want to see. Here's what stuck:

Message To Garnett, Rondo: Order Your All-Star Colored Sneakers -- ESPN.com, via Chris Forsberg

Fab Melo Fights Door...Door Wins -- SI.com, via Rob Mahoney

Rondo Calls Team Out On Lack Of "D" -- CSSNE.com, via Jessica Camerato

Podcast: "Celtics Old And Slow? Disappointing?" -- CBSSports.com, via Zach Harper

Tony Allen Talks About C's Missing Pieces, Bloody Celtics Jersey -- WEEI.com, via Green Street

Unlike Rondo, Thunder Fan Momentarily Stunned After Contact With Krumphries -- Youtube, via Yardbarker.com

Melo Claws His Way To Absolutely Fab-ulous Night

Well, it certainly has been too long since our last update on the "Claws. I blame that on the fact that there was an abundance of Celtics news recently and the fact that I am completely full of sh**.

No, I have shirked my duty as a reporter of all things Celtic and let the rooks toil in obscurity (at least on this site!), but...SNAPPING SEA CRUSTACEANS!! Fab Melo has really forced the issue here!

Playing a rather innocuous game against the Erie BayHawks (6-4), the Maine Red Claws (7-4) started the game like many others...introductions, jump ball...and then IT happened. Fab Melo went crazy Bananaramas (hmmm, is there a new expression afoot?) all over the 'Hawks, recording 15 points, 16 rebounds and an epic 14 (FOURTEEN!!!) blocks!! This, needless to say, is a record for the NBADL.

Though he tried to make the 'Hawks have a Cruel Winter (nahhhh...not only not a new expression, I will heretofore pretend it never happened and strongly and aggressively deny it if ever it returns to haunt me like Jacob Marley...), but the 'Claws fell short 78-85.

I don't know about you guys, but I am waiting with some seriously baited breath for the moment when Doc proclaims, "Fab Melo's gonna win a game for us...I guarantee you that."

Oh, yeah...and the other Celtics rook Kris Joseph had a busy stat line for himself with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block. Joseph is averaging a hearty 19.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists during his time up north.

Check out a brief clip, or watch the entirety of the game and check out the stats here.

Maine Claws It's Way Back From 17-point Deficit Against Canton Charge Riding The Tail Of Celtic's Joseph: 123-115

Aaaaand, the Red Claws are off and pinching!

The crusty crustaceans from Maine got off to a snappy start to the 2012-13 season, beating the Canton Charge on their home court in Ohio after rallying from a first half 17-point deficit.

Leading the way (surprise, surprise) was Boston Celtic draft pick and Syracuse alum Kris Joseph, who posted a dominant line of 28 points, 8 rebounds 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Celtics co-draftee Fab Melo checked in with 4 blocks to go along with two points in 20 minutes of play. Celtic training camp finalist Micah Downs put up 13 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 1 steal.

Box Score

Next up, the Ft. Wayne Mad Ants.
Sunday, November 25 at 5:00 pm

You can follow the Claws live on their YouTube Channel Here, and you can download their schedule for the 2012-13 season by clicking this link.

For the official website of the NBADL Maine Red Claws, click here.

Introducing: GreenHeadz On Red Claws

I can almost see the quizzical looks on the faces of anyone reading this post (granted, that may not amount to more than two or three faces, but I digress...

"Why is this guy wasting his time writing about D-League Basketball when there are a whole slew of rumors about Marcin Gortat heating up and we have the NBA Finals runner-up Oklahoma City Thunder coming to town with our old pal Perk?

 

"Well, first of all, the speculative angle of the "Gortat Is Hot" story has been pretty(*)...well(*)...covered(*). There's nothing more concrete to talk about until we get some actual offers being made at some point, and that doesn't look to happen before December 15th at the earliest.

Secondly, what can you say about OKC coming in to play? They're a great team and the C's are still finding themselves, though they're becoming a pretty competitive bunch by the day. It should be a good contest, provided the Guyz in Green have their respective heads on straight and aren't tripping on the tryptophan from yesterday's family festivities.

The reason that I am introducing the "GreenHeadz on Red Claws" segment is threefold:

 

1- The Celtics have two draftees on the squad (at least for now...Fab Melo may be called back sooner than later for regular minutes with the departure of this year's benchbeast Darko Milicic) and I think, as basketball fans, we might enjoy tracking the progress of two players who may play a significant role on the team in a year or two, if not sooner. Plus, Kris Joseph is pretty entertaining to watch. We also have camp invitee Micah Downs running for the Claws, so there's that.

 

2- I think the NBDL doesn't get as much attention as it should, seeing as how most NBA teams have prospects toiling away in obscurity in the hopes of making it back to the big leagues and earning some valuable playing time on the varsity team.

 

3) I love Crusher, the crustacean mascot of the Maine Red Claws, and I want to use the logo every chance I get!

Seriously, though, the intention is to shed some light on the work that Fab and Kris are doing and track their development while giving an occasional shout out to the League's official minor league outfit. You never know...you could be watching the formative steps of the next baby Stiem-Roller!

Tonight's game will feature the Maine Red Claws against the Canton Charge (of Ohio, I believe...). The game tips off at 7:30 pm and you can watch it live-streamed on youtube here.

To learn more about the Maine Red Claws, visit their home website here, and you can click to download their schedule for the 2012-13 season. And, finally, you can visit the NBADL website here to check in on the other teams that the Claws will be playing throughout the season.