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.
The prognosis for Vitor Faverani’s left knee remains a riddle without an answer, and it will remain that way for at least another day.
The Celtics center has traveled to Spain with a representative of the club’s medical staff to get another look at the knee that underwent surgery last March. The hope at that time was that the meniscus problem had been corrected, but Faverani is still not ready to play.
“He’s getting a second opinion (today),” said Stevens. “If that second opinion comes back that he needs extra work, then he would potentially have a clean-up type of surgery again on his knee on Monday. But that is not determined until that second opinion happens.
“He will get that opinion from a Spanish doctor, with one of our docs with him, as well.”
Faverani underwent tests in Boston, and the results did not yield a definitive answer.
“It was that it’s still undetermined,” Stevens said. “Part of my world is I check in on them, how they’re doing emotionally, and I also ask, ‘Are they available, and, if not, when?’ So I’m not going to stand up here and act like I know exactly what the doctors’ reports say and MRIs say. But from what I can tell, the MRIs have not shown a ton of change.
“But there still continues to be swelling and pain, and so they’re trying to exhaust their opinions on it.”
As for why the next opinion is being sought in Spain, Stevens said, “You’ll have to ask him and Ed (Lacerte, the trainer) and (team physician Brian) McKeon. I think it’s that he wanted another opinion and comfort level and everything else.
“Our docs are great for a lot of reasons, and one of the reasons is they want to get these guys the most comfortable and as much insight as possible. So that’s why he’s over there.” . . .
Boston Herald – Celtics Notebook: Weary Celtics wilt in loss to Knicks
When Danny Ainge made the surprising move of signing unknown big man Vitor Faverani last summer, it was brought with a bit of intrigue. Here was a big man that could shoot, but wasn’t exactly a great rebounder or rim protector. But much like his mildly surprising contract, he broke out big time in his first NBA game at home, but slowly tailed off from there, eventually getting injured and having surgery on his meniscus.
Now, he’s right back where he was when he originally injured the knee, almost in a worse scenario since it remains it mystery as to why there is pain and swelling. The Celtics’ playoff hopes certainly weren’t riding on the shoulders of El Hombre Unrepairable, but it does take a hit at a spot they’re already thin at, the center spot. Perhaps this opens the door for Dwight Powell to snag a roster spot. Either way, it will be good to finally get some solution to Vitor’s knee mystery.
On Page 2, BIll Russell, KC Jones visit Alcatraz
He eyed the photograph, recognizing the faces: Bill Russell on the left, in the hat, and K.C. Jones in the middle, with the picturesque smile, both of them baby-faced, just weeks removed from winning a second straight NCAA title with the University of San Francisco Dons. And on the far right, a Jesuit priest, Father Richard Scannell.
Then Hernan unspooled an improbable story that even his son had never heard; a story that historians, researchers, archivists, and others associated with the prison, the college, and the area had never heard; a story that some USF players on those teams had never heard; a story that, for some reason, never made the newspapers back then and stayed below the radar since.
It is a story that has faded as those who were there when it unfolded fell ill or died. The few tied to Alcatraz who are still alive — many in their 80s and 90s — refer to themselves as an “endangered species.” But Hernan, who worked at the prison known as “The Rock” from 1955-58, was there. And he remembers.
“I’ll never forget that day,” he said.
Boston Globe – Bill Russell and KC Jones treated like ‘Rock’ stars at Alcatraz in 1956
In what has become the final piece of work from Baxter Holmes for the Globe, he ends it rather solidly. Just a fantastic piece, highlighting a special visit that Russell’s University of San Francisco’s NCAA title team did back in 1956.
And finally, an update on Louis Corbett
Thirteen-year-old Louis Corbett has retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that is slowly eroding his sight.
Sports mad Louis was given the opportunity to “fill his visual database” on a trip to the United States this year. Funded primarily by donations to a Givealittle page named Louis’ Big Trip, he was joined on the trip by his dad, Tim, and older brother Jerome, 15.
More than $20,000 was raised on the site, enabling Louis to enjoy a visit to Google, front row seats at a Boston Celtics game, and a private helicopter ride over the Niagara Falls. “There’s been so much generosity,” says Tim. “It’s been mind-blowing.”
New Zealand Herald – Strangers dig deep to let Louis see the world before he goes blind
Just a quick reminder about how Louis Corbett is doing and how his story was probably the best one during the entire C’s season last year. I’m still amazed and proud of how great he was treated by the Celtics community, including all of you, the fans.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Faverani seeks overseas second opinion | Gamebook: Sullinger embraces work | Jared Sullinger diary: Talking Stevens, Smart, Turner and Broncos
Boston Globe – Vitor Faverani’s knee gets a new look | Brett Brown, 76ers hope long-term plan pays off (Sunday Notes) | Book Review: ‘Scribe’ by Bob Ryan
Boston Herald – 76ers will rise when pieces made whole
CSNNE – Olynyk 1-on-1: More confident heading into Year 2 | Shuffled Celtics lineup falls to Knicks, 96-80 | Faverani returns to Spain; status remains uncertain | Stars, studs, duds; C’s have room to improve | Bradley 1-on-1: same player after contract
MassLive – Vitor Faverani visiting Spain for 2nd opinion | Bradley excited about shooting potential for Jared Sullinger, Boston Celtics offense ‘Going to be crazy when Rondo gets back’ | Brad Stevens Boston Celtics have a couple of positions up for grabs, maybe in starting lineup
Celtics youtube – Green 1-on-1: I just want to be on the floor
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