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.
“I knew when I got drafted last year that there was a pretty good chance I would have to go overseas,” Iverson said. “I was here working, trying to impress and do everything possible to help the team. I knew there was a slim chance just with the roster. I think this year there is a little bit better chance and I know the opportunity is all mine for the taking. I think if I just come out and show what I can do in summer league and the next couple days here, I will really help myself. So I’m coming along with a different mindset that it’s mine for the taking and it’s all up to me.”
Said Olynyk: “I think he’s been working hard over there. He’s playing good. He’s a big strong guy who’s going to rebound and cause havoc on the defensive end and hopefully he can stretch out and knock down a mid-range jumper now.”
Added Larranaga: “I thought Colton had a really good summer last year. Everyone really took to him. He plays with incredible intensity and physicality and he continues to show that. I’m excited to have him for another summer and help him continue to develop.”
ESPN Boston – Iverson: Roster spot it ‘mine for the taking’
I wish we had some flashier free agency news to bring you (Jordan Hill! …anyone?), but everything seems pretty quiet on the Celtics’ front. Thankfully, we’ve got some Colton Iverson news to hold us over until things start to actually materialize. Iverson spent last year playing in Turkey, posting pretty pedestrian stats: 8.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 20.9 minutes (according to this MassLive article). Still, as a seven-foot, 255 point center, he fits the bill for what the Celtics desperately need. His mean, defensive-minded approach should fit in well with backourt guys Rondo, Bradley, and Smart. In the frontcourt, he can spend time alongside either Olynyk or Sullinger, which would allow them to play their power forward positions more naturally. Although signing Iverson — still an offensively raw player — should help us in spurts, like most guys on the roster, he’s still got a lot of development ahead of him.
Personally, if we aren’t setting off any fireworks, I think he’d make a good ‘see what we’ve got’ roster spot this season. Next offseason is loaded with both free agent and draftable centers, until then, give a couple guys a chance.
Page 2: The NBA Players Union issues warning to free agents
Players and owners have the ability to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement after the 2016-17 season, and the memo is the most telling sign yet that one or possibly both sides may exercise.
Specifically, the letter – which was written by interim executive director Ron Klempner – advised players from LeBron James on down who are free agents to use a provision which allows them to be paid over 18 months instead of 12 during the course of a season. The provision was negotiated into the current collective bargaining agreement during the negotiations that ended the 2011 lockout.
“We suggest that you consider including this provision in any multi-year contract you negotiate, specifically for the 2016-17 season,” Klempner wrote. “An 18-month payment schedule for 2016-17 will allow a player to continue receiving paychecks throughout the 2017-18 season, even if the players are lockout that season.”
USA Today – NBA union wants players to prepare for work stoppage
Wait — we’re really already talking about another lockout? This is referring to two years down the road, but I guess I assumed these things only happen every ten years or so. Not even ready to start thinking about this mess again, especially if we end up opting for the longer rebuild model and expect to be turning the corner right around 2016-17.
The rest of the links:
Grantland – Eight Questions for the NBA’s silly season – The Jason Kidd Mess
CSNNE – Celtics: Offseason Player Tracker
Masslive – Yes, Phil Pressey noticed that Boston Celtics draft pick Marcus Smart can play his position
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