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.
If the Celtics got to a point where they wanted to make a move on Russell, it would surely have to cost them Marcus Smart.
Smart has distinguished himself as a tremendous defender, but has struggled of late shooting the ball.
Meanwhile, Russell has similar size and is a better scorer but doesn’t provide defensive play anywhere close to what Smart brings to the floor.
Boston would likely have to throw in a pick or potentially swap picks of some kind in order to sweeten the deal.
CSNNE – If Lakers’ Russell Made Available, C’s Could ‘Pique Interest’
The D’Angelo Russell secret taping fiasco blew up over the past 30 hours or so, but might start to settle down now that the rookie has apologized and held a press conference of contrition.
Normally, we couldn’t care less if our hated rival and their fans have to suffer. In fact, the more suffering there is in LA, the better. But one of the knee jerk reactions to this episode is speculation that the Lakers will try to trade Russell. It probably won’t happen, but since the Celtics are mentioned in every trade scenario this season, Boston is a suggested destination.
To that, I say no. Or, more to the point, HELL NO.
It’s not that I wouldn’t want the no. 2 pick in the 2015 draft. It’s more about that the Lakers, through bad coaching and terrible leadership, have created a mess for themselves, on the court and now off it, and there’s no reason for the Celtics to rescue them.
Now, if the Lakers are in a position of weakness and Ainge can leverage that and trade 50 cents to get a dollar, go for it. But Danny’s too smart to offer a deal such as Smart and a high draft pick.
This reminds me of another time when the Lakers possessed damaged goods, and Red Auerbach swooped in to “help” them. Kermit Washington was a solid power forward, especially skilled as a rebounder. Unfortunately, he’s best known for shattering Rudy Tomjanovich’s face with a punch and being suspended for 26 games in 1977.
While Washington was still suspended, Red traded Charlie Scott, who’d helped the Cs win the 1976 title, for Washington, Don Chaney and a first-round pick. It was a lopsided deal because Scott was no longer the all-star and prolific scorer he’d been for most of his career. He played out the season in LA and was then traded for basically nobody. In the end, the Lakers were left with essentially zero.
Meanwhile, Washington played effectively for the Celts after serving his suspension. During the summer, he was part of a multi-player deal with the Clippers that brought in Tiny Archibald (starting point guard on Boston’s 1981 champion team) and the draft choice that became Danny Ainge.
THAT is how you make a trade with a team that’s in a predicament.
Related: Sporting News – D’Angelo Russell’s upset teammates won’t be his or Lakers’ problem for long
Related typical Lakers fans link: ESPN – D’Angelo Russell can’t show his face ‘without people hating me’
On Page 2: We need you, Jae
If all goes well at this morning’s shootaround, there is every expectation that Crowder will play tonight against the Trail Blazers.
Following yesterday’s full session, he told Celtics PR man Jeff Twiss he felt “good . . . real good” and gave a thumbs-up.
But prior to the practice, Crowder acknowledged the bigger checkpoint may come when he wakes up and sees how the ankle has responded to the increased activity.
“That’s a good statement,” he said. “I’ll know more (this) morning, for sure. I’m going to push it to the limit, and if it swells up on me any time overnight or if I wake up and barely can walk, of course I’m not going to be able to go. We’ll see.”
Herald – Jae Crowder expects to return for Celtics tonight
The Cs badly need a healthy Crowder back in the lineup for their final eight games leading to the playoffs. We don’t yet know if he’ll be available tonight, but Jae himself tweeted this optimistic message last night:
— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) March 31, 2016
In yesterday’s Dump, we touched on how valuable Crowder is to this Celtics team, and there’s additional proof in these numbers provided by CSNNE:
4-4 ain’t bad, but here’s a deeper look at the Celtics without Jae Crowder … #CelticsTalk @csnceltics pic.twitter.com/wViOzonCm9
— Max Lederman (@Max_Lederman) March 30, 2016
Related: ESPN Boston – Versatile Jae Crowder’s return should stabilize Celtics | MassLive – Boston Celtics’ Jae Crowder still ‘protective’ of ankle, not sure if he will play against Portland Trail Blazers | Brad Stevens excited for Jae Crowder’s coming return, healthy Boston Celtics roster
And, finally: IT gets some national love
We love him, and so does this week’s ESPN Player Power Rankings:
8. Isaiah Thomas | PG | Boston Celtics
He has led the Celtics in scoring 13 straight games, equaling Larry Bird’s franchise record. Any time you tie Bird, you get love in our rankings.
Previous rank: No. 19
The Rest of the Links:
Herald – Celts have no comment on Larranaga rumor, but Stevens won’t stand in his way
Celtics.com – One Celt is Quietly Challenging for Team’s Top 3P%
CSNNE – Celtics-Blazers Preview: Getting Other Celtics Involved
CBS Boston – If Celtics Want Home-Court, They Face Must-Win In Portland | Robb: Should Celtics Revisit A Kevin Love Trade This Offseason? | No Shining Moment For Brad Stevens
Bonus: Rondo links
ESPN – Mavs’ Mark Cuban not bothered by Rajon Rondo’s comments
MassLive – Rajon Rondo, DeMarcus Cousins clap at referee sarcastically, receive well-deserved techs (VIDEO)
