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.
Best move: Acquiring Warriors forward David Lee for forward Gerald Wallace.
Worst move: N/A
Analysis: Boston continues baby-stepping its way back to respectability. […]
Grade: B-
Sports Illustrated – Off-season grades: Atlantic Division
Does Amir Johnson move you? How about David Lee? Can we hear an ovation for the rookies, R.J. Hunter and Terry Rozier? Well, OK.
The Celtics next season will likely be … pretty much what they were last season. Sure, they’ll have Isaiah Thomas for the full 82 games and Ainge was quick to wrap up the surprisingly productive Jae Crowder to a new deal. Yet as we’re well into the post-Big Three-plus-Rondo era, we find the Celtics still on a star search.
It says something that coach Brad Stevens is the face of the franchise. It says something about Stevens and it says something about the franchise. Stevens quickly won over his peers and his players with a robust beginning for the College Guy, and once he gets something to work with, the Celtics should be in business. Of course, the key word is “once.” As good a coach as Stevens appears to be, he can’t pull a leprechaun out of his hat.
NBA.com – 30 Teams, 30 Days: Celtics miss target, remain on track
Opinions are like, um… belly buttons. Everyone has one. Yesterday, two national commentators gave their assessments of the Celtics, and it could have gone better.
Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated was lukewarm about Boston’s off-season activities. He liked the David Lee move, expressed doubt that the rookies will contribute much, and only went so far as to say the young core might play well.
Perhaps more damning is that Mannix gave higher grades to all the Atlantic Division teams except Philadelphia. Even the Knicks got a B for their off-season, and that’s after they whiffed on prime target Greg Monroe.
I expected better from Mannix, who sometimes appears on Celtics telecasts and thus should have some first-hand insight into the team. At least he didn’t call anything a “worst move.”
Shaun Powell of NBA.com didn’t assign grades, but he was even more negative. Although praising the Celtics as a “solid squad,” he faulted Danny Ainge for not landing a superstar. The tone of the entire piece was that Boston can expect a blah season.
Conversely, there’s more optimism among Boston fans and media who watched summer league, and who pay close attention to all things Celtic. The roster has definitely been upgraded during the off-season, so improvement is expected by many – if not most – around here. It will be a fun season if the Celtics can prove the likes of Mannix and Powell wrong.
On Page 2: Sully’s still working out
Me and @BarbT22 with the guru himself @CoachJohnLucas1 #RunningWithLove pic.twitter.com/Ydx3IDBNNL
— Jared Sullinger (@Jared_Sully0) September 15, 2015
The Summer of Sully continues with yet another tweet about working out with coach John Lucas. Sullinger has shared many times this off-season how he’s hitting the gym early, running, lifting, even boxing in an effort to improve his physique. In fact, his Twitter profile says his location is at a “Gym Near You.”
Jared’s tweets sometimes come across as a tad defensive, as if he feels fans are doubting his progress. But if that’s what motivates him, then more power to Sully.
And, finally… Good for Evan Turner
During a recent rant against the Philadelphia Phillies, Jonathan Papelbon blamed the organization’s losing attitude on everyone “from the front office all the way down to the bat boy.” While the closer probably did not mean to personally target the bat boy, Tucker Colton, Boston Celtics wing Evan Turner learned about the comments and lent Colton his support.
MassLive – Evan Turner sticks up for Phillies bat boy after Papelbon rant
Nice to see this report about the former Sixer and current Celtic, although it’s no surprise. ET has always come across as a good guy. The example of his friendship with Brad Stevens’ son comes to mind. And yesterday Turner had a bit of fun tweeting about going Uber with his Celtic-green Range Rover, even interacting with some of those who replied. We’ll miss that spirit if he’s traded.
The Rest of the Links:
ESPN Boston – Walter McCarty: ‘We all have one goal’
CSNNE – Three potential impact players off Celtics bench | Which Celtics rookie will stand out from the pack?
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