Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
It seems a bit ludicrous to be talking playoffs. These overhauled-on-the-fly Celtics were supposed to head out west, come fully unglued and stumble back home ready to spend the second half of the season jockeying for ping-pong balls.
But these scrappy Celtics have found something out west, while embracing their blend of youth and veteran leadership. And if Boston heeds Stevens’ words and takes care of those games it can control over the final 40 tilts of the season, there is a very real chance that Boston could legitimately hang around in playoff contention.
Consider this: The Celtics own the easiest remaining schedule in the league, according to Elias Sports Bureau. Boston’s remaining opponents own a .451 winning percentage. Compare that to the teams around them in Brooklyn (11th most difficult, .516); Orlando (16th, .496); Charlotte (17th, .492); Detroit (20th, .483); and Indiana (25th, .474).
What’s more, John Hollinger’s computerized Playoff Odds currently peg Boston with a 40.9 percent chance at making the playoffs.
With the Pistons loss last night to Cleveland, the Celtics currently sit in the 8th spot in Hollinger’s Playoff Odds scenario. In real life, the C’s remain two games behind Charlotte.
The X-factor in this playoff chase remains the roster and what it will look like on March 1. I’m 100% certain Danny Ainge is prioritizing next season and beyond when he’s constructing potential deals. He’s not going to bolster the roster for a playoff run.
But this roster uncertainty applies to the other teams vying for the 8th seed as well. Brooklyn is dangling Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez. Detroit just lost Brandon Jennings to a season-ending Achilles injury. There’s speculation Indiana could move David West. Charlotte’s roster could look a lot different if it’s on the receiving end of the rumored Brooklyn deals.
I think Ainge will ultimately find a taker for Brandon Bass, but Marcus Thornton will remain on the roster. Can the Celtics still “contend” without Bass? Maybe? It’s impossible to predict this team this season.
I do believe a spot in the lottery is more important for the team’s long term health than playoff experience for the youngsters. That doesn’t mean I won’t convince myself the Celts can give a scare to the Hawks in the 1st round.
On Page 2, a source says Tayshaun Prince wants a divorce.
And while Stevens would love to keep him around for the remainder of the season, the last on Prince’s contract, sources say the 6-foot-9 forward will push for a divorce.
“He’s always going to play the right way,” said one source, “but what if he doesn’t want to be there?”
Prince won’t come out and say he’d rather not be spending his NBA golden years on a team that’s years away from the gold. But even when confirming his basketball character and willingness to what’s needed for his employer, he won’t deny natural facts.
“Obviously I want to be in a winning situation,” Prince said. “Everybody wants to be in a winning situation, make no mistake about it, especially toward the end of your career.
“But at the end of the day, it’s about doing what’s right and going out there and having fun. If you get to the point where I am in my career after all these years, you just want to go out there and have a chance to win and do the right things.”
Prince can leave Boston anytime he wants. All he has to do is lower his buyout number to something acceptable to Danny and Wyc.
My question to Tayshaun is… what’s it worth to you?
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – C’s vault 7 spots in Power Rankings | Globe – Prince choosing to be a leader
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