Associated Press Photo
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
It's not confirmation that he'll play, but an encouraging sign nevertheless as the Celtics confirmed that Shaquille O'Neal traveled with the team Saturday afternoon to Oklahoma City in advance of Sunday night's game against the Thunder.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers had suggested O'Neal might not travel on this four-game road trip due to a bruised right knee that's kept him out of action for the past week, including three straight games.
ESPN Boston: Shaq flies with team to OKC
No, it's not "confirmation" in the official sense of the Celtics looking at a reporter and saying "yes, Shaq's going to play." But guys like Shaq don't make unnecessary trips to Oklahoma City. I mean, I'm sure it's wonderful there this time of year... but let's be real here.
Shaq feels well enough to play and he's traveling with the the with the intention of doing so. Unless he knocked knees with someone during a poker game... I full expect him to play at some point on this trip... if not tonight.
On Page 2: Why haven't Rondo and Cousy talked already?
Rondo is clearly the best Celtics point guard since Cousy retired after winning his sixth NBA championship in 1963. Wouldn’t it be fun if the 24-year-old Rondo and the 82-year-old Cousy sat down together and traded secrets about playing the point.
“I’ve thought about picking his brain,” Rondo said. “You can never know enough, especially when you have one of the best point guards who ever played the game. I’m sure it will happen.”
Comcast Sports Net should set it up and mix in highlights of the daring duo at their best. It would be a video that fans would enjoy watching even decades from now. But the network had better do it soon before Cousy leaves his Worcester home to head for West Palm Beach, Fla., for the winter.
Worcester Telegram: Imagine if Rondo and Cousy sat down and traded secrets about playing point
I can't believe this hasn't happened yet.
You mean to tell me the best point guard ever... who happens to live in Worcester... couldn't be connected with the next great Celtics point guard about half an hour away? This has to happen soon.
Take a look at this video. Look at the stuff Cooz used to do. Tell me you don't see Rondo in some of that stuff. The great passes... the crazy finishes at insane angles.
Maybe they don't have anything to talk about other than "Hey... don't you love it when you make a defender look really dumb?" "Yeah... it's pretty awesome, isn't it?" [high five]
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston: Game 7: Celtics vs. Thunder | Hit the Road | Shaq's 18th anniversary | Herald: Daniels making his Marq off the bench | Mistrial in robbery of Antoine Walker's home | Globe: Durant appreciates hard work | Success at home gives C's a boost as they hit the road | In Memphis, Allen takes the grizzled veteran part | MWDN/Souza: Rondo putting best foot forward | Celtkics: fresh from the court: Ray Allen's new Jays | Nate Robinson's AJ2