Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
“I keep telling them what I see,’’ Rivers said. “I don’t care how frustrating it gets for me, I see it. If you see it or not, I see it, and I’m going to get it out of you. I said, ‘I don’t know how. We’re going to keep working at it. But I will get it out of you. I see it.’ ’’
The message he has repeated inside and outside the locker room is that this isn’t the Celtics team from two seasons ago. In just two years, personalities and roles have changed. The supporting cast isn’t the same. Marquis Daniels isn’t James Posey. Nate Robinson isn’t Eddie House. Rasheed Wallace isn’t P.J. Brown.
These Celtics have to discover who they are over the final 16 games of the regular season.
“I tell our veterans, whether they know how to win or not, we have to learn how to win with this group,’’ Rivers said. “Your past success has no guarantee on what you’re going to do in the future. Our group has to understand this is a new group we have together and we have to figure out how to win with this group. It doesn’t matter what the experience is.’’
Globe: Rivers flows with confidence
Maybe Doc and I have been drinking the same Kool Aid (it's the one laced with absinthe... which explains my optimism and that picture). Because each of us, apparently, have been called crazy when we say we see "it" within these Celtics.
Now... lately its been especially frustrating to watch these guys give maximum effort one night then little effort the next. But I've been saying that I see it too.
The one thing that keeps coming up here and there is in that last part of the quote. The team's history clouding the team's judgment. We've said it around here before. Just because you were on a championship team in the past, doesn't mean you're going to be on one in the future. Just because you kissed the leprechaun, help up a trophy and lit a cigar doesn't mean people are just going to lay down and form a human bridge so you can get to the next Larry O'Brien trophy.
That, my friends, might be the biggest obstacle for this team. Once they realize that not only will people not quiver in fear... they'll reach down and play out their minds against them... THAT'S when we'll see the Celtics team we expect.
16 games left. There's still time.
Coming up, Page 2... Where TA's keeping a good attitude about things:
Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images“It’s evident what’s happening, so all I can do is be a teammate and cheer my teammates on and not be a cancer to the team,” Allen said. “Some people might think that’s what would happen, but once I pledge to say that I’m all in, I’m all in. I’m a loyal guy.
“So if this is what they feel is best for the team, I’m down with it. Ain’t no complaint. At this point, it is what it is. All I can do is sit back and continue to cheer - and stay ready. You never know. Anything can happen.”
Herald: Tony Allen hopes time will come
I still think Tony will get minutes when it counts. This will end up being more of a situational thing for Tony. But right now, it's about getting Fin worked into the offense and getting him acclimated. It's sort of a crash course for him.
But in the end, he's not the defender Tony Allen is... so we'll see TA in late game defensive situations. We could see a turnstile at the scorer's table as TA and Fin do the offensive/defensive subs thing in the last couple of minutes of a tight game.
So good for Tony for saying the right things. It's actually impressive. Maybe in years past he would have had a different public tone. Then again... he is looking at trying to hook on with another team (assuming he's not back next season)... so he can't make too many waves or else no one will want to sign him.
The rest of the links:
Globe: Knicks thumbnails | Herald: Scouting report: Knicks at Celtics | ESPN Boston: Past ominous for Celtics future | CSNNE: Ex-Celtic Walker on the rise | MWDN: Celtics bench heating up | USA Today: Finley finds a new home in Boston | Celtics Blog: Pierce working his way back | Lex: Don't get too excited about the Celtics | Celtics Hub: Rondo's smart passing