SB Nation - Stephon Marbury

Coach of the Year? You're Fired!

Zorgon — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:16:06 -0000

Me? Fired?

As all of you know, Byron Scott has recently been fired by the New Orleans Hornets. This should come as no surprise if you've followed the Hornets in the past. George Shinn is a guy who can assemble winning teams, but in all cases, profit comes before winning. In this case, he's gotten rid of a successful coach, so he can hire Tim Floyd to ghost coach as an assistant, while Jeff Bower serves as a puppet so Tim Floyd doesn't get as much money.

But, that's not the point of this article. The point of this article is to point out the drastically bad luck recent coaches of the year have had when it comes to keeping their jobs. Lets just go on down the list, shall we?

2003-2004: Hubie Brown, Memphis Grizzlies

He got this win after providing a 22 win turnaround to propel the Grizzlies to a 50 win season and the playoffs. They got swept out of the first round by San Antonio, but it was probably the best season in Grizzlies history up to that point. The next season, he started 5-7, had some, "Health Issues" and walked out the door. The team went on to make the playoffs again under Mike Fratello. Granted, this isn't a matter of bad coaching or anything, but all curses have to start somewhere, right?

The obligatory totally awesome Mike D'Antoni picture.

2004-2005: Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix Suns

Mike D'Antoni and his fast break offense had done endless positives for the Suns, especially after their trying to find an identity Post-Jason Kidd. He took a roster of aging players like Anfernee Hardaway, Stephon Marbury, Tom Gugliotta, Howard Eisley, and Antonio McDyess and made success with a completely new roster, featuring players like Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson, and Amare Stoudemire. It was quite the accomplishment. But after two seasons of Semi-Finals losses, a Conference Finals loss, and a loss in the first round after Shaq was brought to town against D'Antoni's wishes, the Suns kicked him out the door. Now, how many times does that happen? Now he coaches the tanking New York Knicks. Talk about bad luck, and the start of a trend.

Things Avery Johnson don't lack are energy, tenacity, or a big mouth.

2005-2006: Avery Johnson, Dallas Mavericks

Avery Johnson won this award after inheriting an under achieving Don Nelson team. He forced them to play regular basketball, and as a result, they became one of the best teams in the NBA. But, after an embarrassing loss in the Finals after being up 2-0 on the Heat, an embarrassing (albeit totally awesome) loss to his predecessor's Golden State Warriors in the first round, and an understandable loss in the first round to the Hornets after a bad move for Jason Kidd, he was out on the street, and hasn't found another coaching job since. That's even worse luck.

2006-2007: Sam Mitchell, Toronto Raptors

The Raptors weren't extremely impressive under him, but getting the Raptors to the playoffs is, in itself, an accomplishment. The even bigger accomplishment was taking a international roster with many players who spoke entirely different languages, and making them work as one, cohesive unit. The future looked bright for him next season, but he lost Morris Peterson, an integral part of the teams success. He finished 6 wins lower at 41-41, and was booted out of the first round. Next season, it got even worse. He got an injury-prone Jermaine O'Neal, and lost a lot of his international talent, leading to a lack of team unity. After a 8-9 start, he was out of a job. His successor, Jay Triano, processed to poop the team into oblivion with a 25-40 record. This year, they look to be pretty good with the additions of players like Hedo Turkoglu, Demar DeRozan, Jarrett Jack, and Amir Johnson. Sam Mitchell hasn't found a job since, and has to be licking his chops at what he could have had. Bad luck strikes again.

2007-2008: Byron Scott, New Orleans Hornets

Byron Scott is the latest victim of this curse. He won the award after battling through two injury-laden seasons in Oklahoma City to finally become a playoff contender in New Orleans. He was gifted with Chris Paul, Peja Stojakovic, and Morris Peterson, while lucking into surprise stars in David West and Tyson Chandler. Unfortunately, his luck would turn sour as Morris Peterson, Peja Stojakovic, and Tyson Chandler suffered long injuries. As a result, the team finished 7 wins below last season at 49. They were promptly kicked out of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. Yet, I didn't feel that his job was on the line. But after a 3-6 start with Emeka Okafor in place of Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic starting to show his age, Byron Scott was given the good 'ol pink slip. I'd hire him as my team's coach any day, but for right now, he's probably stuck as jobless until next year.

The Future:

Could Mike Brown be on the street, selling his stylish glasses for food?

2008-2009: Mike Brown, Cleveland Cavaliers

Will the curse continue? I say yes. Shaq promised to retire after this season, LeBron James is going to be a free agent, and without those two, the Cavaliers couldn't possibly be worth more than a low playoff seed at best. Which could lead to Mike Brown bringing the unluckiness streak to 6, and having people around the league start to believe that the award really is cursed.

One could point out that the award is given to coaches that are just the hot commodity at the time and not to stable, long term coaches, but that would ruin the fun! Plus, guys like Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich, Don Nelson, Larry Brown, and Phil Jackson have all won the award. So quiet, doubters! The new Madden Curse is upon us! I pity the man who receives the next Coach of the Year Award!

Lets hope that Scott Brooks never gets it.

Poll

Do you see Mike Brown following the curse any time soon?

Definitely, especially after next off-seasons departure of Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James.

72 votes

Possibly, it could happen.

37 votes

Not likely. LeBron will stay in Cleveland, and as long as he's there, Mike Brown can do no wrong.

23 votes

132 votes | Poll has closed

Game Preview #7: Dallas Mavericks @ San Antonio Spurs - The Defense Sleeps

silverandblack_davis — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:00:21 -0000

[Updated, with matchups]

Are you not entertained??? Well I am, after I watched the replay twice. But as many have mentioned, although a win is a win, you can't help but feel a little bit empty after a game like that, where we allowed a Euro team to drop 124 points on our home floor. A Spurs defense without its fangs is kinda similar to Stephon Marbury without the tattoo on his head. It just doesn't sound or look right. Okay, maybe the Starbury analogy is pretty bad, but you get the point.

After the Portland game where we failed miserably, we face our 2nd true test of this young season, facing off against bitter Texas rival the Dallas Mavericks. We need our old championship defense back. I saw it awhile ago and took a photo of it:

Time to awaken the sleeping giant.

Here's an appropriate track to pump you up, Rufus On Fire-style, for this huge matchup. This is not the R-18 kick-ass live version so you'll just have to contend with clips from The Matrix.

First things first, Tim Varner wrote an excellent piece over at 48 Minutes of Hell discussing the state of the team's defense five games into the season. You can point to a lot of factors for our defensive deficiencies -- Tim's knees, the new guys, Matt Bonner, an out-of-shape Duncan and Ginobili, a tired-from-summer-ball Tony Parker, Matt Bonner, Pop tinkering with different lineups, Matt Bonner, the loss of defensive ace Bruce Bowen, and Michael Finley's corpse.

But whatever reason we throw out there, I'm confident about one thing - the defense is still there. Or will be there. It briefly made its presence felt during parts of the Portland game. It's just... just... maybe... sleeping. It's hibernating inside its cave and will only come out given the appropriate wake-up call. The defense is doing its best Papa Bear-Mama Bear-Baby Bear impression while Goldilocks (the other 29 NBA teams) sneak up on it to steal the porridge, sit on its chair and lie down on its comfy bed

I think I do my analysis best by way of photographs. Ladies and germs, here is your Annual State Of The Spurs Defense Six Games Into The Season Address:

Whoops, sorry wrong photo.

And here are my three suggestions to wake up the slumbering defensive juggernaut. Mix and match at your own peril.

Sorry if the preview broke down as I posted it. SB Nation must hate me. There's a huge possibility that Tim and Tony will NOT be playing tonight, so without further ado, the real preview as you scroll a few centimeters.

Dallas Mavericks @ San Antonio Spurs
Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX
When: November 11, 2009, 7:30 PM Spurs time
Watch: FSN SW(San Antonio); KTXA(Dallas)

How They Stack Up


2-0	Home	3-1
0-3	Road	2-1
104.2	Offense	104.4
102.5	Defense	95.6
47.0	FG%	46.7
35.7	3-pt%	38.2
73.8	FT%	81.1
39.0	Rebounds	41.2
12.4	TOs	11.8
3-3	Last 10	5-2
Won 1	Streak	Won 2
3rd, Southwest	Position	1st, Southwest


Country/Time Zone	Game Time
Argentina	10:30 PM
West Coast	5:30 PM
Philippines	9:30 AM
Central Europe	2:30 AM
Palestine/Egypt	2:30 AM
Least Coast	8:30 PM
Colorado/Arizona	6:30 PM
Perth, AUS	8:30 AM
Tokyo, JP	9:30 AM
Sydney, AUS	11:30 AM

Spurs (3-3)	Matchups	Mavericks (5-2)
George Hill Cubitzer	Point Guard Jason Kidd is a point guard savant, even in his old age. George will also have to contend with the speedy pesky J.J. Barea on several occassions. Let's hope our super soph is up to the challenge Advantage: Dallas	Jason Kidd Ageless Wonder

Keith Bogans Mr. Potato Head, Jr.	Shooting Guard The headcase Josh Howard is back with the Mavs and will be here to cause more pain on the defense. Let's see what meantime starter Keith Bogans can do the slow him down. Dallas featured a big and long lineup with Howard at SG for the past two games. We'll see how this works against the Spurs. Advantage: Dallas	Josh Howard Willis Weed

Richard Jefferson Rage Against the Mavs-chine	Small Forward RJ has been awesome on offense but so-so on defense. Marion is a pretty good defender and we should get a good indication whether Rage can go up against the tougher defenders of the league. Also, Marion's not exactly chopped liver on offense, given the right point guard, as we've seen in his seven seconds or less days in Phoenix. Advantage: Tied	Shawn Marion The Matrix

Michael Finley Dawn of the Dead	Power Forward The question that's been begging to be answered: Who's going to guard the German Gatling Gun? Brucie is gone. Michael Finley's too short. Same goes for DeJuan Blair. Antonio McDyess is a step slower, and let's not even talk about Matt Bonner, at least on defense. We might see a Hairston or Haislip sighting. Even then, let's just hope that Dirk doesn't go Supernova on us. I should be putting five white boxes around the German's mug right now. Maybe I'll explore that later. Advantage: Dallas	Dirk Nowitzki 4th Quarter Supernova

Matt Bonner The Hoagie Hammer	Center Theo Ratliff should be starting but I'm putting Bonner here because I expect him to get the bulk of the minutes at C. I can't remember if Matty ever had a good game against Dallas. On the other hand, Dampier's numbers have improved at the start of the season. Still, I don't trust both guys enough to give them the ATS white box. Let's wait and see who earns it in this game. Advantage: No One	Erick Dampier Ericka

Manu Ginobili Return of the Jedi	Bench & Role Players My wish for this game: to see Blair Force One clip The Jet's wings. Literally or figuratively, you can't go wrong either way. Drew "Fallen Hovercraft" Gooden appears to be out for this game with an injury, and the same goes for ballhog Tim Thomas, so that should thin the Mavs bench some. Still, they have a speedy Frenchie of their own in Roddy Beaubois and as mentioned earlier, J.J. Barea. But to sum it all up? We have Manu, they don't. End of story. Advantage: Spurs	Jason Terry Nut-Punching Douchebag

Gregg Popovich Brain Aneurysm	Coach The lineups that Jim Carey will throw out there should give Pop even more fits than previous battles with the Mavs. I think Pop is up to snuff on how to counter them, but then again, he has proven us wrong before. Advantage: Spurs	Rick Carlisle Ace Ventura
	images via yahoo.com

	Other Factors
Intangibles
Dallas' stars are at full strength with the return of Josh Howard, and they're riding high with a 2-game winning streak. Pop doesn't give a batshit about the team's slow start, and will probably be experimenting again. Advantage: Dallas
Mojo
They beat us in five short games in the playoffs, and believe they've matched our reloading during the offseason. Josh Howard is probably still on crack, if that helps with their mojo. As for the Spurs, they escaped with a win despite letting an East team score 124 points. Not exactly a confidence booster there. Advantage: Dallas
Winner: Dallas
Let me be the first this season to hand out the victory to the opposing team. You are free to chew me out now and even more if we win. If we do win, holy shit I'll be even more convinced that we can go all the way. For now, no TP and TD means our best players will probably be sitting on the bench to start the 4th. Prediction: Mavs by double-digits

Keys To The Game

Defense - Much has been said in the photos above. Without 2 of our Big Three, we'll need all the stops we can get against a very good offensive team. A lineup of Kidd-Terry/Barea-Howard-Marion-Dirk is a scary run-and-gun lineup I'm not sure the team can handle. But hey, we can always hope.
Rebounding - As Coach Anzai of Slam Dunk manga fame says it best, "The one who controls the rebound, controls the game." First, controlling the glass helps limit the Mavs' opportunities to run. On the offensive end, we'll need the o-rebounds to keep us in the game should we again fall into a horrendous shooting slump.
Establish Attacking Game - If Dampier is your team's best shotblocker, there's kinda something wrong with that. We all saw from the Raptors game how many players we have that can attack the basket and draw fouls. Manu went on a fishing expedition and literally collected a boatload of fouls against the opponent. Hopefully, the team won't fall in love with the three-ball too much.
Payback's A Bitch -- if we want it to be - Will the Spurs coaching staff play this card to motivate the team? I hope so. If we beat them without two of our three best players, we'll have the Mavericks' number for life. Okay, maybe not, but at least for the season. But of course, Coach Pop always keeps the "Roll over and Die" option ready for deployment.

Strength of Schedule

A new segment suggested by BlaseE to analyze where the teams are coming from in terms of their schedule. I hope I'm getting this right.

For the Mavs, they are in the second half of a Texas SEGABABA after two days off. They dispatched a scrappy Houston team by double digits in Dallas, and the short road trip to San Antonio won't probably wear them out too much. After this game, they'll get a day off and head to 'Sota.

The Spurs got one day of rest after duking it out with the Raptors. Hell, it's better than four or five days vacation and losing the momentum of a win. The Silver and Black will get two more days off after this game before concluding their three-game homestand against the Thunder.

If you're still reading, exactly one week from now, we'll meet the Mavericks again but this time at the America Airlines Arena with microphone-augmented rims. Hopefully Tim and Tony will be ready for that game.

Last Time They Met

The Mavericks eliminated the Spurs in five games during last year's first round clash, in San Antonio no less. Regular PtR member SinCitySpur had this to say to the winners: "Congratulations Mavericks, your 2009 First Round Champions. Hang that banner with pride."

Some Other Reading

Mavericks

Mavs Moneyball - The Dallas Mavericks SB Nation site. Wes Cox and crew are nice guys and do a good job trakcing Cuban's boys. Go say hi and maybe drop a little friendly banter or two before the game starts. But remember to be nice and classy.
The Two Man Game - Part of the TrueHoop network of blogs that covers the Mavs. From the site banner: "Completely biased and unbalanced coverage of the Dallas Mavericks."
Blog Maverick - Mark Cuban's blog. Curiously, he hasn't posted NBA stuff for the last few entries. I hear he wants to buy the Dodgers or some baseball team? Damn rich freak.

Spurs

48 Minutes of Hell: Am I glad we got these guys on our side. They're always spoiling Spurs fans with excellent articles.
Project Spurs: Lots of content in this great site. Also, you can drop by and join their live chats during games.

The (sort of) Daily Twitter

spurs Manu, Tony, Timmy, RJ and Antonio all named to 2010 NBA All-Star ballot. Get out the vote! http://bit.ly/2RYypT #GoSpursGo

DeJuan45 I have a skype who wanna talk? Lol I just have it

manuginobili Great win, but 124pts? Won't get too far like that. Gotta keep improving! // Lindo partido anoche, pero nos... http://bit.ly/2GIUgz

tp9network hey facebook world great win for us yesterday my ankle is feeling better big game tomorow!!salut facebook world... http://bit.ly/3xLYkJ

The Magic That Happened

Lots of stuff to read in the comments if you flip through the game threads. Really, it's fun.

Some Other Viewing

Dunk of the year. Eat your heart out, LeBron.

It's Raining Buckets (Spurs-Raptors highlights)

Where to Tune In

TV

This game will be televised locally in San Antonio(Fox Sports SW) and Dallas(KTXA)

Online

As always, NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area.

Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. In fact, nobody can stop you from googling "atdhe". You can also shoot an email to dmenendez@gmail.com for more assistance.

Spurs League Pass audio is still free this year if all else fails, so check it out.

Radio

If you're in the San Antonio area and aren't near a TV, tune in to WOAI (1200 AM).

Daily Links 11/2

FLCeltsFan — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:01:58 -0000

Herald Rajon Rondo, Celtics agree on extension
Rajon Rondo shows way to fourth straight win
Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul go one-on-one
Glen Davis is leaning to left
Rajon Rondo not on guard
Ron Artest steps up as Lakers dispatch Hawks
Celtics, Rondo agree on extension numbers; details remain
Globe For Rondo, it's about dollars and sense -
Sign 9 - The Green Room: Celtics fan diaries
Pierce: Rondo maturing
Celtics Post Game Analysis
Celtics 97, Hornets 87
Pierce stings his foe
Rondo, Paul make their points - loudly
Rondo agrees to five-year, $55 million deal

CelticsBlog    4 Up, 4 Down
Celtics hold off Hornets to remain undefeated
Rondo and Paul - A Rivalry Reviewed
Rondo Agrees To $55M Extension
Loy's Place Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul Don't Like Each Other
Celtics Win Streak Reaches 4
Comments from the Other Side - Hornets 11/1
Rondo Signs 5 Year Extension
Quote of the Day - Kevin McHale
Ubuntu in Action
Red's Army    Your Morning Dump... where Rondo ain't goin nowhere
Now on TruFan: Rondo/Paul Tale of the Tape
Examiner    Sixers 2-1 thus far; Celtics up next
NBA.com In Chicago, no rest for still-green Del Negro or the Bulls
Pierce, Celtics sting Hornets in home win
Star Tribune    Wolves fall, but Big Al is back
Slam Online J.Gamble and Phifey’s NBA Season Preview Rankings
Chris Paul vs Rajon Rondo
Celtics Hub    Revisiting The ‘07 Draft: Would the C’s Have Taken Oden/Durant?
A Tale of Two PGs: Hornets vs. Celtics Preview
That’s 4-0: C’s 97, Hornets 87
And it Begins: The Rondo Era
Eagle Tribune    C's defense is priceless
Celtics.com    Timing, Presence Improve as KG’s Comeback Continues
Keys to the Game: Hornets 87, Celtics 97
Perkisabeast     UPDATE***EXTRA***Chris Paul restrained from entering Celtics locker room
Comcast SportsNet Celts 97, Hornets 87
North Station Sports    Rondo Calls Ainge's Bluff and Gets 55 Million for Five Years
Pierce/Garnett Lead Celtics to 97-87 Win Over the Hornets
Celtics Town   Running Diary: Celtics don't bring 'A' game, still dispatch Hornets
Behind Enemy Lines: Hornets no match for Celtics
Lex Nihil Novi    What Would Happen if both KG and Sheed Played Poorly?
Bynum Gets 3 Rebounds in 37 Minutes
Bynum Stuck in No-Man's Land
Celtics Life    Celts beat Hornets, begin 4-0
Celtics/Hornets Post Game Videos
Sometimes You Have to Win Ugly
Celtics 97, Hornets 87 Highlights
Today's Video: "Without Bias" preview
Gino's Jungle   Rondo and CP3, Can You Guys Grow Up?
Celtics Swat the Hornets
Future is Green for Rondo
ESPN    Boston Celtics Blog - The Celtics get first gut check of season
Boston Celtics Blog - Rondo, Paul mix it up
Perkins delivers when number is called in fourth
Daily Dime: Artest contributes with his D
The Celtics and Rajon Rondo reportedly have an agreement on a contract extension
LA Times   Kevin McHale learned NBA's caller-ID system early
Reuters    Celtics take sting out of Hornets behind Pierce
NESN   Live Blog: Hornets at Celtics
Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul Mix It Up as Battle of Elite Point Guards Gets Physical
Report: Rajon Rondo Signs Five-Year Extension With Celtics
Big Three Come Up Big as Celtics Swat Away Hornets
New Britain Herald    Celtics’ Thibodeau waiting his turn
Hornets 247    Post-Game Journal Report: Game 3: Hornets @ Celtics
The Celtics beat the Hornets
Game On: Hornets @ Celtics
Daily News Tribune    Celtics 97, Hornets 87: Total team effort
Megliola: Perfectionists
WEEI    The Three Pointer: Captain Clutch Appears for the Celtics
Green Street    Turn up the volume: Rondo speaks out
Rondo on Hornets: ‘It was intense’
Rondo, C’s agree in principle
Fast break: A quick take on Celtics - Hornets
SouthCoast Today   Shelden Williams making most of his opportunity
20 Second Time Out    Newsflash: Paul Pierce is Better Than Lamar Odom
Morning Journal     Another rotation shake-up
BullsZone    CELTICS NOTEBOOK
Metro    Celtics the beast of the East so far
MN Howl    Quick Little Wolves, Big Slow Al: A Mismatch?
ProJo     Pierce leads Celtics to 97-87 win over Hornets
Celtics survive late Hornets rally and win, 97-87
Report: Celtics and Rondo agree on extension
Celtics-Hornets in-game update: Celtics lead cut to three after three
Rondo breaks silence, says Celtics haven’t made new offer
Celtics-Hornets pregame: Rondo talks contract
Yahoo    Celtics give Rondo $55 million extension
Fan Huddle    To Tell The Truth
Telegram    Rondo, Paul mix it up after Celts’ win
Celtics Notes
CT News     Celtics Vs Hornets Pre-Game Comments
Celtivs Defeat the Hornets in Pointed Battle of Guards
Celtics Stuff Live    Celtics Stuff Live 11/1: Sean Grande
Dimemag    J.J.’s Big Day, another J.J.’s big quarter, and Rondo gets paid
Inside Hoops    NBA Rumors: Monday, Nov. 2
Philly.com   Disgraced ex-NBA referee Donaghy to be released
NY Daily News    Bizarre-bury: Stephon Marbury bolts Madison Square Garden in seat tiff
Sporting News   The Stephon Marbury Saga Gets Either Sadder or Stranger
Some Of Donaghy
Nola   Former LSU forward Glen "Big Baby'' Davis regrets fight with friend

s Claims Ring True To Phil
Nola Former LSU forward Glen "Big Baby'' Davis regrets fight with friend

Daily Links 11/1

FLCeltsFan — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:25:30 -0000

Herald Rajon Rondo: Point taken
Rasheed Wallace’s call on book: ‘I ain’t a liar’
Delonte West return lifts Cavs
Globe Celtics point guard Rondo has repositioned himself mentally
West returns in Cavaliers’ win
Cavs not making much of a case to keep James
Bat makes Halloween cameo at NBA game

CelticsBlog   Celtics Stuff Live 11/1: Sean Grande
Shelden Williams is Making the Most of Glen Davis' Minutes
Red's Army    Happy Halloween Part 2!
Happy Halloween Part 1!
Least surprising news ever: Rondo talks continue
Ray Allen does Halloween better than you
Hornets 247   Rajon Rondo disses Chris Paul
Dimemag    Old-Fashioned Butt Cooking
Inside Hoops    NBA Rumors - Sunday, November 1
Wicked Local     Saturday practice update: Scalabrine getting closer to return; Allen out another few weeks
Celtics Hub   Notes from a Lopsided Bull Fight
North Station Sports    NSS Week One Recap
Fernsten's Follies     These Boston Celtics aren’t of the 2007-08 Vintage
Lex Nihil Novi     Larry Earns First Pro Win over Magic
Turns Out the Lakers' Bench Stunk against the Clippers, Too
Lakers' Don't Defend the Pick 'n' Roll
Gino's Jungle    No Issue With Big 3 Minutes
I Hate To Break It To You, Rondo Won't Be An All-Star
Celtics Stuff Live    Celtics Stuff Live 11/1: Sean Grande
ESPN       Rondo does it all -- except score
Stephon Marbury booted out of front-row seat at MSG for New York Knicks home opener
Sources: Boston Celtics, Rajon Rondo to talk contract Sunday
Celtics Life    The Shadow Landlord
What the Hell Happened to...Stojko Vrankovic?
New York Sucks
Today's Video: Ray Allen, #33 NBA All Time Leading Scorer
Team Pictures were better when they didn't have 22 suits
Bleacher Report     Boston Celtics: Week One Recap
Shelden Williams: Big Man, Big Heart, Big Numbers
Sports of Boston    Can the Celtics Stay Afloat if KG Sinks?
Rajon Rondo’s Ongoing Arbitrations
Deseret News     NBA: With a new season, all have reasons for optimism — and concern
MetroWest Daily    Courtside View: Rondo striving for greatness
Telegram    ‘Baby’ sorry for fight
NOLA.com    New Orleans Hornets working to get it together
Fan Huddle    A Team Grows In Boston
Sun Times   Game film vs. Celts gets thumbs down Game film vs. Celts gets thumbs down
At the Hive    Chris Paul Only Has Good Stats Because He Dribbles Around a Lot
Cleveland.com    Hey, Brian! Brian Windhorst answers your Cleveland Cavaliers questions
Delonte West returns to active duty 'one day at a time,' says GM Danny Ferry
LA Times    Celtics, Lakers are thinking of the 70s
CT News    Rajon Rondo Making Points About Assists
Hoopsworld    5 Things We Learned In The NBA This Week
SFGate   Attention Warriors: Here's what a franchise with class looks like
Patriot Ledger   Celtics guard Allen sets his sights on 20,000-point milestone
CELTICS NOTEBOOK: Offense shows potential to be explosive
Hornets Hype     And Tonight, in the Role of Rafer Alston… We Have Rajon Rondo
Blog a Bull    Bulls blown out by Celtics: So it's not all happy days?
ProJo    Celtics must decide Rondo’s fate by Monday deadline
Ohio.com    West is ready to play
JS Online     Garnett, Arenas have some bounce in their steps
CBS Sports    Hornets-Celtics Preview
NESN    Delonte West's Antics, Absence Responsible for Cavaliers' Slow Start
Pippen ain't Easy    Kevin Garnett Is Back

Daily Links 10/23

FLCeltsFan — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:38:01 -0000

Herald Isiah Thomas ‘really hurt’ by Magic Johnson words
Glen Davis takes baby steps back
Globe Globe 10.0: Can the Celtics win 72?
Tickets-for-Charity
Classic Celtics game inspires Jordan shoe
Doc talks Diesel
So long Sweetney
Rivers likes shape of things
LeBron film makes its points

CelticsBlog   Celtics Cut Michael Sweetney
Rondo's Maturity Revisited
SI's Opposing Team Scouting Report
Celtics Hub   Friday Notebook: Baby’s Minutes, Opposing Scouts
BP: The C’s Offense Will Decline Big Time. But Will It?
"The Education of Rajon Rondo" and the Worst Team Meeting
Did You Hear KG is Overrated?
Hoopsnotes   Glen Davis Needs To Contain His Ego
Scores Report    2009 NBA Preview: Atlantic Division
Loy's Place    Hating on the Fakers and a Couple of Thank Yous
WEEI    Five Things We Learned From The Celtics Preseason
Celtics 17   2009-2010 NBA season starts next week!
Looks like we may have refs after all.
Examiner.com’s Mark Rawden Organizes NBA Previews
Red's Army    Al Horford was just kidding about Pierce (but probably not)
Magic admits what we already knew about the Dream Team
The case for, and against extending Rondo now
Green Street   Report: Celtics ‘Unlikely’ to Sign Sweetney
Isiah lashes out at Magic, Bird
Horford Tweets: ‘I do not bet on basketball’
Examiner    Three keys for Paul Pierce for the 2009-2010 season
North Station Sports    Isiah Thomas: 'Magic Johnson Hates Larry Bird'
CT News     Atlanta Hawks Preview 2009-10
Charlotte Bobcats Preview 2009-10
Lex Nihil Novi   Being Wyc Grousbeck (1984)
Larry v. Magic: Magic Wins First Pro Match-Up Against Bird
Larry v. Magic: Wilkes' Defense Frustrates Bird
Garnett Plays 38 Minutes, Opens Some Eyes in Minny (1995)
Celtics Life    Magic and Isiah definitely aren't buddy buddy anymore
Big Baby Trying to Adjust to Limited Role
Gino's Jungle    Giddens and Allen On Fifteen Man Roster, Sweetney Cut
No Sweet Spots For Eddie
ESPN     Celtics guard Rondo a favorite target of critics
Rajon Rondo? Worried? Try "fearless"
Inside Hoops    Dionte Christmas arrested on firearms charges
North Coast Now    Karl lands on Cavs roster, Barrett cut
NESN    Kevin Garnett Set to Organize Celtics' Family Reunion
Celtics' Rajon Rondo Learning How to Lead Without Hurting the Team
Courier Journal    The wait is over for IU's Rivers
Sportscape    No One Wins When You Bet On The Hawks
Cleveland.com   TNT analyst Reggie Miller hopes LeBron James will stay with Cleveland
Shaquille O'Neal confident he and LeBron James will mesh
The Crow's Nest    TNT previews the NBA Season
Times Union     Three experts on NBA, no waiting
Telegram    Miller is thinking Green this season
Canton Rep    Shaq shows he's still a force in the middle
USA Today      Whose big move will pay off biggest in the NBA?
Pacers hope emphasis on defense leads to playoffs - USATODAY.com
Forbes   Garnett's return, Wallace's arrival boost Celtics
Chronicle    Cavs waive 2 guards, one big man
Dueling Couches    Powe Lashes Out At Celtics
Bleacher Report    Giddens and Allen on Fifteen Man Roster, Sweetney Cut
Knicks Struggle to Make a Valid Point, Chris Duhon and Toney Douglas State Cases
SF Examiner    Celtics enter season stronger with healthy Garnett leading quest for 2nd title in 3 years
Globe and Mail   Revisiting the draft class of 2006
Yahoo    Rondo learning he must earn leadership role Rondo learning he must earn leadership role
SI.com    Lifelong winner Bird battles Pacers' losing ways
UPI    Report: Thomas 'hurt' by Magic's comments
Dimemag    Larry Hughes Vows Not Be This Year’s Stephon Marbury
Five Magazine   Happy 09/10 NBA Season!
Fox Sports    2009-10 preview: Gazing into crystal basketball
Orlando Sentinel    Sentinel NBA power poll: No. 2 Boston Celtics
Waiting for Next Year    What We Learned From The Cavaliers Preseason

Daily Links 10/17

FLCeltsFan — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:56:26 -0000

Herald NBA unveils video rulebook
Stan Van Gundy fined $35,000 for ripping referees
Timberwolves’ Kevin Love injures hand in loss to Bulls
Easy going into season
Globe Dickau's free throws help Suns beat 76ers- Boston.com
Players will have to make new travel plans

Celtics 17   Michael Redd: Challenge Last Couple of Years is Trying to Make His Teammates Better
Red's Army   Check Out This Incredible Dunk
Marbury Actually Making Sense
NBA Changes Its Traveling Rule... Sort Of
I Gotta Read This Book
Celtics Hub Friday Fun with Numbers: Shoot More Threes?
ESPN   Report: Stephon Marbury to sit out this season, eyes 2010-11 return to NBA
Behind-The-Scenes With The Celtics And Raptors
NSS    One on One: Top Five Teams of All-Time
Kareem Embarressed on National Jeopardy
Celtics Town    The curious case of Michael Sweetney
Lex Nihil Novi    Garnett Takes Floor in First Training Camp (1995)
2008-09 Clutch Stats
Easy Ed's Belated All-Star MVP
The Game EZ Ed Won't Forget
Celtics Life     $10 Parking for a Practice?
Today's Video: Rondo visits injured troops in Germany
Gino's Jungle    Celtics Open Practice Review
Open Practice Pictures
NBA Obsessed    Larry Brown racks up 60K fine
AP    James scores 22 in return from flu, but Cavs lose
Slam Online    Sneaker Roundup
Fixing the NBA’s Most Important Knee
Star Tribune    Jefferson has plan: Out with the bad
Journal Gazette    Hoosiers have fun before getting to work
Inside Hoops     NBA Rumors - Saturday October 17
Dimemag   LeBron returns from the flu; Kevin Love breaks his left hand
Mass Live    NBA 2009-10: Team-by-team capsules
Wine and Gold Rush     Gold Nuggets: Powe's Recovery / LeBron's Dream Dunk / Hughes Thinks LeBron Stays
My Team Rivals    Can Anyone Dethrone the Lakers This Year?
Bleacher Report    Paul Pierce: A Professional Pro
Bareknucks    Ron Artest has worked long and hard, but he finally has become the most disturbed NBA player of all time
Oregon Live   Dickau hoping to stay with Suns
TVTBT    Paul Pierce is ready for His Second Ring
Green Street Anatomy of a Rumor
Chronicle    Cavs’ Moon OK with not being a star
Odd Jack    Why would the Boston Celtics want to keep a Big Baby when they already have a Rasheed Wallace?
Sports of Boston    Is Rajon Rondo an All-Star in 2009-2010?
Hoops Analyst   NBA Preview 2009-10: Atlantic Division
NESN    Kendrick Perkins, Tony Allen and Marquis Daniels Encourage Students to Stay in School
Root Zoo   Reggie Miller Vs. Ray Allen (The Great Debate)

Daily Links 10/14

FLCeltsFan — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:51:08 -0000

Herald NBA GM’s favor Lakers over Celtics this season
KG, Pierce and Allen get a break
Warriors World goes upside down
Celtics reserved in victory
Lester Hudson fits in with vets
Globe Celtic reserves lead the way
Wizards Arenas: What would 'Sheed do?
Rondo not guarded during Celtics’ exhibition win

CelticsBlog Rajon Rondo Stood Up
The Rasheed Quote - The Sequel
LJ World    "Which Jayhawk currently has the most NBA value?"
Loy's Place Celtics Host the Raptors in Hartford
Random Thoughts on the Celtics Win over the Nets
Nola.com    Another star reluctant to commit to Team USA and other NBA news
NJ.com    Fans fill 13,000 seats at Prudential Center for Net--Celtics preseason game
NJ Nets lose to the Boston Celtics, 91-88, at the Prudential Center
Celtics.com    Keys to the Game: Celtics 91, Nets 88 (Preseason)
Red's Army    "I'd run through a brick wall if [Doc] wants me to"
Get Pierce off that exercise ball!!
Sheed Tweaks Ankle in Comeback Win Over Nets
"I want to see if I can bring them back"
Celtics Circuit     Recapping Celtics- Nets ... Again
Celtics Hub   The Double High Post: A Toy Worth Keeping?
Discussing Pierce’s Future in Green
Celts Win! Celts Win!
NESN    Rasheed Wallace Scores 20 as Celtics Tip Nets 91-88
Cavaliers Throw Fuel on Fire in Rivalry With Celtics
Stephon Marbury Wages Twitter War Against Paul Pierce
Top 10 Reasons Boston Will Dethrone Pittsburgh as Best Sports City in 2010
Celtics' Marquis Daniels is a Jack of All Trades
North Station Sports    Celtics Second Unit Posts Impressive Victory
Celtics Town    Boston Celtics come back to turn away Nets, 91-88
Fernsten's Follies    Could the Celtics have Won 70 Last Year? No.
Lex Nihil Novi    This Summer's Sky-is-Falling Offering
Reserves Give Up 60 First-Half Points
Doc Likes to Win
Is the Mark-Price Jumper Experiment Kaput?
The Misleading Nature of +/- Numbers
Happy Birthday, Coach!
Celtics Life     Today's Video: Tommy Heinsohn
Marbury Attacks Pierce
Celtics/Nets Highlights and Boxscore
What about Doc?
Gino's Jungle    Rondo Finally Comes Out of Hiding, C's Battle Back
Hoopsworld     Boston's New Bench Mob
NBA Courtside Blog
Nets Are Scorching    Thoughts on the Game: Celtics 91, Nets 88
Quick Recap: Boston Celtics 91, New Jersey Nets 88
NBA.com     NETS: Lee, Harris & CDR Start, But Celtics Finish
All about being fresh for April and May for K.G., Celtics
Fouls, tensions rise with replacement NBA referees
Green Street    Pierce Turning 32 Going on 20
Rondo and Reserves Propel Celtics over Nets
Raptors Republic     C**tics preview + Triano, Calderon on the offense
Outside the Boxscore   NBA Top 50: Paul Pierce (No. 14)
News Observer    Arenas goes silent, will pay the price
Globe and Mail     Raptors to get taste of Turkoglu Raptors to get taste of Turkoglu
Turkoglu to make date with Celtics
Toronto Observer    Turkoglu ready to play with starting five
The Star     Raptors' Turkoglu shifts from sitter to starter
Dimemag     Rondo and Rasheed take over for Boston; Capt. Jack loses his title
Sports of Boston    Rondo, Wallace Lead Celtics Comeback Over Nets
Celtics Stuff Live     The Curious Case of J.R. Giddens
Jackson Sun    Local college notes: Hudson getting playing time with Boston Celtics
Inside Hoops   NBA Rumors: Wednesday, Oct. 14
NBA fines Gilbert Arena for not talking to media
Courant    Allen, Celtics Return To Hartford
Examiner    Cavs Q&A with Brendan Bowers from Stepien Rules and Tariq H Ali from Cavs News
Marbury calls out Pierce on Twitter, and we’re left to wonder why
Patriot Ledger   Celtics’ Davis is back after hitting the free-agent market in the summer
AP    Cavs guard West returns to team after week away to deal with personal matters
LA Times    Wilt Chamberlain's spirit, and legend, live on in his mansion on the hill
Associated Content    He's Back, Kevin Garnett Ready to Lead Boston Celtics Back to NBA Finals
National Post   Hedo Turkoglu finally set to play for the Raptors
Dueling Couches    Garnett Getting His Explosiveness Back
NY Post     Don's Warriors are a big mess
Inside the Hall    ITH Super Happy Fun Time Player Profile: Jeremiah Rivers
Projo    Rasheed Wallace says Celts are shooting for 73 wins
USA Today    Celtics GM Ainge putting life, basketball in perspective

Bold Predictions 2009

Jeff Clark — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:08:38 -0000

More photos » by Steven Senne - AP

The Big 3 is back.

Browse more photos »

I've done SWAGs before, but I never could decide if they should be silly or serious. So I'm going to differentiate from those to make serious but (hopefully) bold predictions for the upcoming season.

Rondo will be an All Star (Ray Allen won't)

Ray has been borderline on the All Start team for a couple years now. My guess is that this is the year that the luck runs out for him. I don't see a tremendous drop off in production from him, but I do see Rondo stepping up and taking some of the attention away from Ray. KG will probably get voted in again, full speed or not. Pierce will likely still make the team. It is possible that the C's could get 4 All Stars, but it seems more likely that it will be limited to 3.

Ainge will trade for Nocioni sometime during the season

I'm going to predict December rather than February or earlier. Call it a hunch. I just don't see any need for Noc to be kept on the books past this season for the Kings. I do see a need for him on the Celtics. This makes too much sense not to happen. It should only take a few months for both sides to look at their rosters, look at other options, and decide that this is the best both sides can do.

Ainge will not trade for a point guard (or even pick one up mid season)

Like it or not (and in case I didn't mention it today) I don't, this team is going with a non-conventional backup point guard solution. They seem committed to it and they have good reason to. They can make it work. They can win a Championship with it. Besides, unless they pick up one of the castoffs in the next few weeks (and make a trade to free up a roster spot) then there aren't going to be a ton of good options that shake lose during the season. There is no Sam Cassell or Stephon Marbury that is going to show up on our doorstep. Those options weren't really "the answer" anyway. So I think the team will just work with what it has this year.

KG will not miss major time this year

I think he'll be less than 100% for at least a month or two. I don't think he'll play every game. But I do think that he'll play most of the season and be healthy enough for the playoffs. I don't have any inside information to back this up, but I am optimistic. With that said, let me just point out that the odds are pretty high that someone on this team will actually miss a chuck of time at some point. Age, past injuries, and simple probabilities would indicate that a fully healthy team is not likely. Bill Walker was the first to go down (if you don't count the 1 day Tony missed); who will be the next? Perk's shoulder could pop at any moment. Ray's ankles have been an underlying issue for 2 years now. Pierce has any number of issues that could progress from "annoying" to "limiting" to "out for 2 months." We haven't even discussed Scal's head or Daniels' games missed in years past. I'm not rooting for any of this by any means. Just doing my part to prepare you for the possibility.

Bonus predictions:

Sheed will win 6th man of the year
Tony Allen will play meaningful minutes (before he's traded)
Lester Hudson and Shelden Williams will not
The Celtics will turn the ball over a little less
The Celtics won't win the most games, but will win the Championship (and really, that's all that matters)

Boston Celtics Preview 2009-10

Jeff Clark — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:47 -0000

Team Name: Boston Celtics
Last Year’s Record: 62-20
Key Losses: Leon Powe
Key Additions: Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels

1. What Significant Moves were made during the off-season?

Injuries left the Celtics frontcourt paper thin (insert your own Big Baby joke here). So they went out and snagged the best big man the MLE could buy in Rasheed Wallace. His defense and outside shooting fit perfectly into Doc Rivers' system. Playing with Kevin, Paul, and Ray should be enough to rekindle the passion for Sheed. The C's will take the technicals as long as they are accompanied by clutch buckets and hard nosed team defense. The kind of stuff that was missing since the departure of James Posey.

Another missing element was a reliable wing backup. Tony Allen and last year's rookies were too inconsistent to provide much support so Doc was forced to rely heavily on Paul and Ray. Enter Marquis Daniels, who gives the team a versatile slasher who can actually help out with bringing the ball up the court from the point forward position. That would allow Eddie House to pick up point guards on defense and focus on his forte of catching and shooting on offense.

Despite several rumors surrounding Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen (in the last year of his contract), the only action on draft night was picking Lester Hudson with the 58th overall pick. Ray has since expressed his desire to sign a contract extension and the team has indicated that they will speak with Rondo about an extension of his own.

Glen Davis was re-signed and Shelden Williams was brought in when the team was unable to (or unwilling to) re-sign the injured Leon Powe.

2. What are the team’s biggest strengths?

Lets see here: Defense, talent, intensity, cohesion, experience, hunger, focus, (and for lack of a more sophisticated term) all around awesomeness... the list goes on. Excuse me while I gush, but this team is stacked. The Big 3 is still here and assuming good health, they will once again set the pace. Rondo, Perkins, and Big Baby all stepped up into larger roles last year. Add Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels to the mix and sprinkle in Eddie House's shooting and you've got one potent rotation.

Defense always comes first on this team, and that's perhaps the biggest reason why they are among the elite. Imagine a point guard using all his quickness and strength to get past Rondo, only to find himself staring up at 4 long arms waving frantically in his face while expletives and guttural yells reign down on him. Meanwhile, he just got pickpocketed by Marquis Daniels sneaking over from the weak side to help. Rondo's already streaking up the floor with the ball before the guy knows what happened. Can you tell I'm ready for this season to start?

Last point: Getting superstar players all on the same page and buying into the team-first mentality isn't something to take for granted. Many give lip service to the concept, but few are able to truly live it out. The core of this team saw the result of walking the team ego walk when they won the title two years ago. They know it works. They will lead by example and the rest of the team will once again fall in line. The big name free agent that they brought in is a faithful believer in this concept. He won't just fit in, he'll feel like he's home.

3. What are the team’s biggest weaknesses?

Mortality. Nobody can stop KG but his knee. Nobody can check Paul Pierce when he's full speed. Nobody is more clutch than Ray Allen when he's healthy. Nobody is getting an easy bucket when Perkins' shoulder is in its socket. The problem is that nobody knows when any of these guys is going to hit the other side of the hill. All great players see their careers come to an end. Some burn out and some fade away. All you can do is hope that the magic lasts long enough for this group to get another title or two. Anything is possible when the Celtics are healthy.

4. What are the goals for this team?

Another banner. Nothing else matters.

This summer the rich got richer and the poor got cap room. So with few exceptions, the Celtics have to hope that they are stacked enough to overcome other stacked teams. The Lakers, Spurs, and Cavs will all set the bar high. The Celtics just have to stay healthy and be ready to knock them all down in the playoffs.

5. Aside from KG's knee, what could have the biggest influence on the upcoming season?

Once again, Rondo taking the next step forward. Looking back at last year's preview, Rondo's next step was my "underrated story" of the season. He certainly lived up to my expectations. I fully expect him to do so again. He has shown us extended flashes of everything you would want out of a point guard (aside from a jump shot). All he needs to do is gain some consistency. If he didn't improve any aspect of his game but managed to have his A or B game every time out, he would be an All Star. Yet he's worked on his body and on his shot this summer. If he can show teams that he can hit that midrange jumper, they won't know what to do with him anymore. Everything is rightfully focused on the present with this team, but Rondo is both the present and the future.

Bonus Prediction: This will be one of the most hated teams (by other fans) in recent memory. I plan on writing about this more soon.

Predicted Record: 60 - 22

SBNation Storystream

Who's Left?

Roy_Hobbs — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:53:42 -0000

For some reason, most of these guys are still available...

View full size photo »

Following up on Jeff's article yesterday about the 15th roster spot, here's a look at some of the remaining unrestricted free agents:

PGs: Carlos Arroyo, Chucky Atkins, Dan Dickau, Tyronn Lue, Stephon Marbury, Mike Taylor, Jamaal Tinsley, Jacque Vaughn

SGs: Juan Dixon, Bobby Jackson, Flip Murray, Rashad McCants

SFs: Gerald Green, Joey Graham, Stephen Graham, Darius Miles, Wally Szczerbiak, Ime Udoka

PFs: Raef LaFrentz, Mark Madsen, Stromile Swift, Antoine Walker

Cs: Mark Blount (pending release), Dwayne Jones, Courtney Sims, Robert Swift

Obviously, none of the names above are spectacular. However, there are a few players who could help teams that are in need of some depth.

For the Celtics' purposes, none of the above is a perfect fit, of course; if they were, they'd probably be here already. I really like Bobby Jackson as a player, but he's a bit long in the tooth, and one wonders if he could play beside Eddie House in the backcourt. Jamaal Tinsley is a mess. Chucky Atkins is ancient, and his game is in decline (although he's another guy I've always liked). Flip Murray can't stick with a team, and has always seemed like a "scoring first, second, and last" type of guy. Wally is... well, he's Wally. He's a good shooter, but he's not going to bring much else to the table, especially on the defensive end (although, in his defense, I will say that he played strong defense on Ray Allen in the playoffs).

So, in the end maybe none of them makes sense, and it's a better strategy to maintain roster flexibility to sign a free agent during the season or to take back players in a 1-for-2 deal.

Update: Dan Dickau has turned down the Celtics invitation to camp and will attend the Suns camp instead (Source: Globe)