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.
Stevens stresses that players that play best — and play best together — will see most floor time. https://t.co/cb3wws28t4 — Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) July 23, 2015
Stevens said Marcus Smart (hand) should be healthy by mid August or early September. Thankful he can heal in NBA’s quietest months.
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) July 23, 2015
Chris Forsberg via Twitter
Brad Stevens appeared on SiriusXM NBA Radio yesterday and confirmed that Marcus Smart will be ready. It’s an important season coming up for Smart. While it’s not imperative for him to make a huge leap this season, it will be interesting to see just how much he does improve. Does it mean he will never be an all-star if he doesn’t make a huge leap this upcoming season? Hardly. But it would be a huge boon to the Celtics continued rebuild if he is able to show the world that he truly is a franchise level player as opposed to a solid starter.
Stevens comment about playing time is a tad bit interesting. While it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if Isaiah Thomas usurped Smart as starter, it certainly wouldn’t be a great thing for Smart. Sure, it’s all about team, but for those that are ready to declare Smart the next franchise superstar player for the Celtics, losing his starting spot in his second year wouldn’t be great. I do love that Stevens doesn’t care and is willing to let the guys plays it out for starting spots and minutes.
Training camp should be fun.
On Page 2: Amir Johnson was destined to be a Celtic
#tbt been a Celtic #90s A photo posted by @iamamirjohnson on
What a fantastic #tbt debut for new, old Celtic Amir Johnson. All I can think of is that he was 5’4″ at age 9. Unreal.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Keep an eye on Celtics training camp invites
Boston Globe – Sean Grande adds mixed martial arts to résumé
CSNNE – Celtics’ top draft pick Rozier proving people wrong | Silver: Division winners may not be guaranteed playoff spot
WEEI – DANNY AINGE’S 25 MOST CONSEQUENTIAL TRADES: 25. HELLO, SEBASTIAN TELFAIR
(Image courtesy Boston Globe)
