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 is quite possible Doc
Rivers is nearing the end of his run as coach of the Celtics. Sources have told the Herald that he is leaning
toward leaving the bench after this season, but Rivers insisted
yesterday no final decision has been made.….
“Part of it is true,” Rivers said of the speculation. “Every year I
sit down in the middle of the summer and I have a family discussion. We
talk about what we want to do. That’s nothing new, but every year it
gets stronger and stronger. And I think people are making some common
sense reads. I’ve got three seniors next year, two in college and one in
high school. That’s important to me. We’re all family men. We all have
kids.
“Every year you’ve got to weigh what’s best for your kids. That’s
just the way it is. But, I don’t get into it now. I don’t talk about it.
I’ve never told anyone one way or the other, and that’s how it’s always
been.”
Herald: Home team calls Doc Rivers
It's not the most surprising news to hear… especially after this season.
Don't underestimate the impact of Doc leaving. A new coach and a new system could hurt whatever chances this team has next year.
People keep talking about blowing things up if this team doesn't win this year. I don't see what choice the Celtics have but to bring most of these guys back. But Danny's a clever guy. If his coach jets… then he might be taking a hard look at the rest of roster and wonder whether it's worth another year of paying so much money for a team that's learning a whole new system.
On page 2, Vintage Pierce was unstoppable
Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics coach Doc
Rivers called Paul
Pierce the silver lining in a loss that cemented Boston's faith as
the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. But Boston would clearly
rather be a fourth seed with Pierce firing on all cylinders than a third
with him struggling to find consistency.
Pierce connected on 12-of-17 shots Tuesday for a team-high 28
points, this after scoring 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting in a win over
Milwaukee Saturday.
"That's two games in a row that he was basically un-guardable," said
Rivers. "Going into the playoffs, that's the best timing we could
have."
Added Pierce: "I'm feeling good. My body is pretty much healed, this
is exactly where I want to be at this point in the season. I feel like
I've gotten into a nice groove offensively and that's something we're
going to need going into the playoffs. I hope to keep it going and do
the things necessary to help this team win."
ESPN Boston: Postgame Notes: Vintage Pierce
Yes, Pierce is in a nice groove… but he's taking a LOT of jump shots.
But I'm willing to ride this horse for as long as I can. So let's hope this groove keeps going. I don't give a damn anymore how the Celtics win it all. I don't care if he's kicking the ball in from half court. I'm going to take what I can get… and latch onto it with everything I have and hope its enough to carry this team.
The rest of the links.
Herald: Expect rest for regulars | Celtics Bull-dozed | Globe: C's lose, get 4th seed | Painful slice of experience | ESPN Boston: Slipping to the 4 | 4th and goal | CSNNE: talking points: Boston at Chicago | MWDN: Playoff expectations low for Celtics, Bruins | WEEI: Fast Break: Celtics-Bulls | Three pointer: So this is what 4th place looks like
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