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.
“That’s what free agency does, it doesn’t allow you to have that continuity,” Havlicek said about Pierce’s departure. “We never made a trade in 10 years (with the Celtics) and all the people remained the same. It’s a lot different today but I wish him well. He’s one of the best all-around players and the thing I marveled at was his one-on-one ability. I think he’s the best one-on-one player of all Celtics.”
Globe: Havlicek talks about Pierce leaving Celtics
More high braise for our now former captain, who already gets Tommy Heinsohn’s vote as the best scorer in team history. And while Pierce still falls behind at least Larry Bird and Bill Russell in the “greatest player in team history” debate, it’s the amount of ways Pierce could beat a player that keeps garnering him these bona fides.
But this is, as Hondo said, a different time. Back then, you didn’t have to dump your aging superstars in trades, nor did they walk in free agency. Then again, if free agency had existed back in Havlicek’s days, he would have made more than $200,000 a year. Yes, I realize that was a lot of money in 1970, especially in a league that wasn’t exactly dominating the sports landscape, but bidding on a player will still drive up the price, no matter what.
I know… another guy weighing in on the Pierce trade. That’s just how it is right now, especially after a Hall of Fame induction ceremony where all the greatest are assembled. This is what they talk about.
The rest of the links:
Globe: Pitino takes a green-eyed look back in his induction ceremony | Herald: Pitino, Payton, King, 9 others enter Hall
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