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.
Anthony possesses an extra few layers of perspective and a new understanding of urgency. All he needs is the right situation and a clean slate.
Boston would provide both. A place alongside an All-Star point guard like Rondo, who we already know Anthony wants to play with. A young, innovative coach like Brad Stevens, who will put Anthony in the best position to succeed. A franchise with clear leadership, a winning tradition, sound decision-makers and more assets even after what they’d have to give up to get him.
Speaking of those assets, Boston (along with their trade exception) is also one of the few teams with the means to acquire a player like Anthony. The Celtics have exactly what the Knicks should want: Young talent; future first round picks; they even have Jeff Green, who can slip right into Melo’s role, play well enough to keep the team respectable and keep MSG buzzing with the occasional monster dunk.
CSNNE – Celtics should kick tires on Carmelo Anthony
Would you consider a deal for Carmelo? His game is pretty clear cut: He’s going to have nights where 40-plus points come easy, and then he’ll have games where his defense is nonexistent and it’ll hurt your eyes. He’d be fun to watch, but would he truly be worth it? In the Eastern Conference, with LeBron James and Paul George being the best players on the best two teams, any other “contender” needs a small-forward who can defend. In Anthony, you’re never going to get a guy who can defend James or George for an entire playoff series, let alone a single game .
So I’d say no. No matter how nifty and seamless it’d be, watching Rondo play with Anthony (assuming we kept Rondo in a trade), we’d regress where this team has already proven capable — in it’s defense. The Celtics struggle with many things defensively, but guarding a team’s best player isn’t one of them. They were the last team this season to give up a 30-point game to an opposing player, and they’re defense, overall, is ranked higher than it one would expect. I know that sounds somewhat ridiculous coming after last night’s 129-point disaster, but it was just one game; and their first without Courtney Lee.
Would you be willing to part with some draft picks and young talent for a one-dimensional superstar?
On Page 2, Jared Sullinger messed around and got ejected
Wanna get away? After the past week or so, it’s becoming more and more clear that Jared Sullinger needs a break (no, not that kind of break). Getting some rest for his nagging wrist injury, and time to regather himself would certainly do him good; as it seems he’s becoming increasingly frustrated on the court. In what’s now becoming a nightly occurrence, Sullinger fell awkwardly on his already-injured hand, and had to check himself out shortly after. He did return, which was good because his matchup against Kenneth Faried was great to watch — but he continued to struggle. In the third quarter, he picked up two flagrant fouls and was ejected. Although the first flagrant call on Sullinger was an iffy one, the second one — less than a minute later — was well-deserved. In isolation, with his back to both Kenneth Faried and the basket, Sullinger lifted his elbow and jerked towards the rim; striking Faried in the process and earning a quick exit.
Sullinger now has five flagrant fouls this season. He only needs one more before he’s suspened by the NBA for a game.
It’s now not so much a matter of letting Sullinger rest, but making him rest. The guy certainly doesn’t want to miss a game and that’s both understandable and respectable. Still, with a player who still hasn’t played a full NBA season, sometimes a little strict guidance is necessary.
Related links: Sullinger ejected after two fouls
Oh and one more thing: Gerald Wallace is back at it, preaching his know-all to the media. Personally, I’m sick of hearing what he has to say, but if you’re into that sort of thing, here you are:
Wallace: Right now, we’re a team that’s all talk
The rest of the links:
CSNNE – Celtics blow away by Nuggets | Good, bad & Ugly
Boston Herald – C’s get an ‘F’ for effort | Doc still has Hub in his heart | Sullinger on brink of ban
MassLive – Gerald Wallace changes tune after loss | Video: Sullinger on brink of ejection
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