Things already hopping at Celtics Media Day. pic.twitter.com/qAWXH9WBLj
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) September 29, 2014
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsToday was our first official look at the Celtics for the 2014-2015 season and we saw a lot of interesting things happen at Media day.
Leon Powe joins Front Office The Celtics announced that former Celtic Leon Powe will join the Front Office with his position to still be defined. Powe said he will do “Whatever Danny wants me to.” Leon played with the Celtics from 2006-2009 and was a role player on the 2008 Championship Team.
Rajon Rondo Speaks To Media
Got a question for Rondo? He’s live with us now on our website and mobile app. Tweet us questions with #CelticsTalk pic.twitter.com/kwDzkvYfT8
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 29, 2014
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Rondo addressed the media with a sling on, he said some doctors have told him rehab could be 10 weeks but the doctor he trusts has told him closer to 6 weeks.
He says the injury is not as serious as his knee and will not be a setback.
Rajon Rondo noted he’s in the best shape of his career, and emphasized he will be able to learn Brad Stevens system while he is out.
Rondo responded with a definite ‘YES’ when asked if he would like to remain in Boston, noted the fans make him want to stay
He was asked if he is a max contract guy, and responded to that with a ‘Yes’ as well, Danny Ainge agreed and noted that players that have accomplished what Rondo has done at his age deserve a max contract.
Marcus Smart
The rookie out of Oklahoma State has been first the choice pegged by many to replace Rondo while he recovers from his injury.
Stevens noted that Rondo will be replaced by committee, noted Smart, Phil Pressey, and Evan Turner as primary ball handlers.
Brad was also asked if Smart would play at the one or the two and he had this to say,
“He’s a basketball player. He’s not what you would consider a pure one ala a Rondo, but he’s also a guy who could handle it. He can play off of pick-and-rolls. He can also play on pin-downs and actions off the ball which is pretty unique.”
It sounds like Brad will have Smart at both positions, which is what most people have projected so far.
Marcus was asked which player he compares himself to. He responded with,
I like to take a variety of people that I look at: Chris Paul, John Wall, and Derrick Rose. Those are bigger guards, and I’m a bigger guard. I like to watch those guys, but I like to watch some of the smaller guys too.”
Taking A Look At The Celtics Health
The Celtics will start training camp (Knock on wood) relatively healthy. Obviously, Rajon Rondo is out for 6-8 weeks after undergoing surgery on his left hand last week to repair a fracture.
Other than Rondo, the Celtics will hold out Joel Anthony for a few days after he strained his groin.
Brad Stevens noted that Gerald Wallace (Crash says he’s ready to do everything) and Vitor Faverani will be brought along cautiously as they continue to heal from off season surgery.
Expectations
Brad Stevens was asked if the playoffs were a goal he has set for this current squad and he responded with,
“There is only one goal in this organization, and that never changes. That is a day-to-day focus, and that is to be the best in the NBA. I think obviously there are steps and there is a process to get there. If you ever set anything less than that, then I think you a setting a ceiling for people, and I think that is the worst thing that you can do as a coach.”
It’s good to know that even in the rebuilding phase we’re going through right now, Brad Stevens has his eyes set on Banner 18.
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