SB Nation - Marquis Daniels

Boston Celtics May Not Be Most Talented Team, But They Have Great Character

Gethin Coolbaugh — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:01:45 -0000

No, the Boston Celtics aren't the most talented team in the NBA. But as far as professionalism and character are concerned, the 2011-12 Celtics are certainly among the tops in the league -- if not the top -- in quality players.

Sure, you have your stars in Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, who are all quality guys in their own right with a great amount of poise and professionalism. It doesn't stop there, though. I would challenge anyone to find one player in that locker room who isn't a quality professional.

Brandon Bass, Chris Wilcox and Greg Stiemsma are all extremely respectful and professional. So are Marquis Daniels, Avery Bradley, Sasha Pavlovic, rookies JaJuan Johnson and E'Twaun Moore. Keyon Dooling is a fun player to talk to, mixing in jokes regularly in his press conference, all while being a class act.

Jermaine O'Neal is a consumate professional, one who quickly earns your respect after a few interviews. Mickael Pietrus hasn't been around for very long, but he's already established himself as a fun-loving pro who is grateful to be playing in Boston. All in all, this may be the best group of guys character wise we've seen in the last ten years.

Sure, there are guys who can be misunderstood. Garnett and Rondo can both be hot-headed at times, but they won't openly rebuke a reporter or fan. They do most of their talking out on the court, which is to be expected. With their teammates and the media, they certainly aren't a problem.

Granted I am a tad bit biased on this subject, but you would be hard pressed to find a more tightly-knit group of respectful, thoughtful professionals who represent everything that is the 17-time world champion Celtics stand for.

Go ahead and try. You won't find another one.

For more Boston Celtics coverage, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog.

NBA Lockout: Derek Fisher Issues Gag Order, Players Respond On Twitter Instead

Mike Prada — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:35:37 -0000

When NBA Players Association president Derek Fisher announced the NBPA's intention to file a disclaimer of interest and reject the league's offer, he told reporters that the players will not comment publicly on the state of the NBA lockout anymore. This sounds like something that will be hard to police. For example, just look at all the NBA players who took to Twitter to express their thoughts at the latest developments.

Some players spoke out against NBA commissioner David Stern. Namely:

A couple players weren't too happy with the union's decision and spoke out about it. Most notably, Marreese Speights.

But mostly, players tried to deflect the news with a number of different emotions. For some, like Kemba Walker, it was time for some inspirational talk.

Some, like Brandon Rush, felt a tinge of regret.

Others, meanwhile, have begun plotting their second career. Marquis Daniels and Terrence Williams already have their winter all figured out.

D.J. Quisey and The Real T-Will, coming to a club near you.

Marquis Daniels On His Terrifying Injury

Tom Ziller — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:01:10 -0000

In early February, in a national TV game between the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic, Marquis Daniels collided with Gilbert Arenas on a seemingly innocuous play and crumbled to the floor. The gym went silent, and Daniels' teammates rushed over. We had no idea what was going on. As it turns out, Kevin Garnett of all people was encouraging Marquis to calm down.

CSN New England's Jessica Camerato has the excellent story.

"I just remember I kept hearing Kevin [Garnett] telling me, ‘You're gonna be alright. You're gonna be alright,'" Daniels [said]. "I was like, ‘I can‘t move.' He said, 'What do you mean?' He kept telling me I was gonna be alright. I think that helped me out a lot, just hearing his voice telling me I was going to be alright. I stayed calm, I didn't panic."