Your Morning Dump… Is JaJuan Johnson ready to start?

Jj576

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.

If Garnett is unable to play, the C's may very well call upon Johnson to get the starting nod. The Celtics may also consider Chris Wilcox, but Johnson appears to be a more likely starter if Garnett doesn't play.

… 

Johnson has done well with end-of-the-game, mop-up-duty minutes. But to play the way he did against a Chicago team that has been atop the Eastern Conference standings most of this season, was impressive.

"There's nothing like getting that game-day experience, and he's getting that," said Paul Pierce. "It's good to get him in there for some big games, like Chicago to where he's knocking down shots and playing well. When you do that, it creates confidence in the ball club. It also creates trust for the coaches, also."

CSNNE – C's Johnson may get first career start

The time is right to throw the kid in there. His confidence is high (following a career game vs Chicago) and the Pistons are second to last in the league in opponents FG%. 

The Celtics are about to embark on a grueling swing of road games. KG needs to nip this hip flexor issue in the bud. 

Good luck, JaJuan.

Related links: Herald – KG out of practice | ESPN Boston – KG doubtful vs Detroit | Garnett's turn to take seat | CBS – Pistons/Celtics preview

On Page 2, Mike Gorman shocked the hell out of me with this statement.

“I just would probably want the ball,” the longtime CSNE play-by-play voice said, “in Paul Pierce’s hands at the end of a game if I could pick one player that I needed to get points on the board from. I know that sounds like heresy to a lot of people given all the great clutch shots that Larry made, but Paul has made his share of clutch shots, too. Where Larry, well deserved, always got a ton of credit, I never thought Paul got anywhere near as much credit as he should have gotten.” 

Worcester Telegram & Gazette

With all due respect to Mike Gorman (and Paul Pierce), this statement is ludicrous. 

Larry Bird was the master of the clutch. One of the all-time greats. I hate to hate on Pierce but… he is maddening with the game on the line. The dribble-down-the-clock-and-take-a-bad-shot is his move. I have no stats to back up this claim, but I'm willing to bet Pierce's ratio of missing game winning shots is much higher than Bird's.

Related link: Why Larry Bird is a better scorer than Paul Pierce

The rest of the links:

Globe – Extensive travel plans await | CSNNE – Celtics squeeze in rare practice | WEEI – Mannix says Cs still in hunt for Howard

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