Every morning, or afternoon if we were drinking the night before, 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 they’re putting themselves in a good position for the future,” he said of the C’s. “Until you can get that one guy who’s a franchise-changer, you have to put yourself in a good position, and that’s what they’ve done.
“They asked Danny (Ainge) to get good pieces, good tradable pieces, good foundation pieces, and that’s what he’s been doing. Over time you have to figure out who you’re going to keep and who you’re going to move to get better until you find that piece.”
NBA Notebook: Paul Pierce Likes What He Sees-Steve Bulpett
That’s the Captain and the Truth taking about the Boston Celtics and their current rebuilding process. Pierce was involved in the last major reconstruction of the franchise, which began with Danny Ainge acquiring Ray Allen back in 2007. Paul thinks that Boston is definitely making some good moves, and also believes an upper echelon player is going to be needed when it comes to attracting other, supporting pieces. He added that despite not playing for the green anymore, he still follows them closely.
“I think Boston is an easier sell if you have a team that’s right there ready to win a championship or can get there if this guy signs with them,” Pierce said. “You look at the money and the chance to win a championship.
“Right now, they’re a middle-of-the-pack team. Do you sign there because they have max free agent dollars? If they had an Anthony Davis-type player there, it would be easier to attract a major guy. They need a building block, a super building block.
“But they’re heading in the right direction. They’ve got good players and a good coaching staff. (Coach) Brad Stevens has been really impressive. He’s a really good young coach.”
As for that last comment, Pierce isn’t just tossing out empty praise. Remember, he’s been paying attention.
“I’m seeing what he’s working with, and I’m seeing how he’s motivating them,” said the 15-year Celtics star. “I’m seeing what kind of offense they run, what kind of defense they run, what adjustments they make. You know, I watch the games. I see certain little things that go on during the game that’s the product of coaching. You can see that with him. I watch plenty of Celtics games.”
Encouraging words from a guy who knows more than a thing or two about rebuilds. In case you’ve been living under a rock, Pierce signed a 3-year, 10.6 million dollar deal to reunite with Doc Rivers and join the Clippers in his hometown of Los Angeles.
On Page 2, Celts drop Summer League heart breaker
If there is such thing as a “Summer League heart breaker”, the Celtics certainly experienced one yesterday. Terry Rozier (video below) buried a ridiculous fadeaway trey to tie things at 93 with 2.5 seconds left. But the San Antonio Spurs’ Shannon Scott drilled a tough jumper of his own with time expiring to give his squad the 95-93 victory.
RJ Hunter led all scorers with 22 points, while Jordan Mickey had 18 points, 3 blocks and 5 boards. Check out a condensed version of the game below courtesy of Celtics Lowdown.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTF7cZGS3rE]
And finally…
Our good friends from GangGreen recently put together a new skit that I’m sure you’ll all enjoy. Head over to their iTunes page for full episodes of their podcasts/shows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=953qnv02RQE&feature=youtu.be
The rest of the links:
Herald: Smart’s Pain Subsides But He Won’t Make Trip To Africa|Vegas Pays Off For Young Talent
Globe: Sunday Basketball Notes
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