Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
“I think we’re going to see him sooner rather than later for us,” Stevens said of the 19-year-old Young. “A lot more than we have.”
Stevens has steadfastly stuck to a belief that playing time must be earned not delivered. But in the aftermath of in-season trades that recently sent out Boston’s top offensive threats, the Celtics endured a month of January in which they ranked 22nd in the league in offensive rating while averaging a mere 99.2 points per 100 possessions. Boston’s effective field goal (16th) and true shooting (18th) percentages were both in the back half of the league.
Regardless of the path that Boston navigates, we’re likely to see more of the No. 17 pick in June’s draft. Yes, he’s more likely to see increased time if the Celtics ship out the veteran bodies in front of him on the depth chart (Marcus Thornton, Tayshaun Prince), but he’s shown enough in the D-League to justify a longer look with the parent squad.
Which is why Young received his first first-quarter playing time of the season Sunday as Boston struggled to put points on the board early against Miami. Young ended up playing a mere nine minutes, scoring three points on 1-of-2 shooting with three rebounds. Even with veteran Prince unable to play due to a hip flexor, Stevens leaned on his core rotation when Boston rallied behind some inspired second-half defense.
I think Brad Stevens likes to torment the James Young fan club. But this now you see him, now you don’t routine with Young is getting old.
Maybe Young has bad defensive habits that Stevens just can’t get him to shake. But my motto is… learn on the job.
For those hoping Tayshaun Prince’s days are numbered, consider this from Yahoo’s Marc Spears:
It’s unlikely the Celtics will be able to trade veteran forward Tayshaun Prince before the trade deadline, a source said.
Injuries could also open up some playing time for Jimmy. Both Avery Bradley and Evan Turner are dealing with thumb injuries:
… a fracture in his left (non-shooting) thumb in Sunday’s 83-75 loss to Miami isn’t expected to slow him down.
“It’s been messed up,” said Bradley who added, “but its fine; it’s not my shooting hand so I’ll be okay.”
That said, the 6-foot-2 guard is expected to play on Tuesday against the New York Knicks.
He joins fellow backcourt mate Evan Turner who is playing with a right thumb injury.
The thumb injuries to some degree explain why Boston’s starting backcourt has been more inconsistent than usual to produce offensively of late.
I’d give Turner 3 weeks off to rest his thumb.
On Page 2, the Celtics own the city’s longest championship drought.
Much has been made over the past few years about the Patriots owning Boston’s longest championship drought. Despite the presence of Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and others who were instrumental to the Pats’ three titles in the 2000s, they have held that dubious distinction since the Bruins’ Stanley Cup title in 2011.
But with the Patriots finally capturing that fourth Super Bowl Sunday night, it’s a little shocking to see who holds that mantle now. For the first time in their storied history, the 17-time World Champion Celtics own the longest title drought in Boston.
The Celtics haven’t won a championship since way back in 2008, which must make every other fan base in America feel oh so sorry for them.
I hate to say it, but the Celtics are at least 3-5 years away from winning another championship. And 3 years is only remotely possible if Danny Ainge is able to lure or nab TWO big name players via free agency or trade.
The Patriots remain the favorites, followed by the Bruins, Red Sox and C’s.
WCVB created this cool graphic depiction of the titles:
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Dawkins signed to second 10 day deal | Globe – C’s slow starts are frustrating and puzzling
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