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.
We reported here last year that, had the Cavaliers not come through with the long-term contract Love was seeking there as his first choice, he was very much interested in coming to Boston. The Celts would have been willing to pay him then, but what about now?
He’s got $21,165,675, $22,642,350 and $24,119,025 due over the next three seasons, with a player option of $25,595,700 for 2019-20.
[…] While there is also the concern that spending on Love might prevent the C’s from doing what they want to it other player acquisition matters, the bottom line is that, sure, the Celts want Kevin Love to play for their basketball team. But first they have to do a cost-benefit analysis.
Herald: Cavs’ Kevin Love would be worth investment for Celtics if price is right
Ah the Kevin Love debate is back in full force. For the anti-Love set, Cleveland is 1-0 in the Finals without him… so he must be the problem.
And he is a problem for Cleveland to some degree. It’s not all his fault, but there’s no doubt he’s being attacked by Golden State at every turn. He’s a weak link defensively and the Warriors are going to keep attacking him with everything they have.
So where does that leave us?
Let’s say there actually is an auction for Love. What do the Celtics give up?
In our next Rainin’ J’s podcast (to be posted later today), I get into what I think is palatable… but in a nutshell, I’m open to trading some of the Celtics later picks (16 & 23 this year) and maybe a role player or two (as in… not Jae Crowder) if that’s all it would take, but who knows what Cleveland will be asking for. And who knows what other teams will be offering.
Brad Stevens is great at maximizing a player’s strengths. Few coaches get guys to do what they do well as well as Stevens does. And in Cleveland, Love has been asked to completely re-make his game. If he does come to Boston, I have no doubt that Stevens could get Love back to being very productive offensively.
But that defense will still be a problem. And if the Celtics reach that “contender” status, Love will be targeted the same way he’s being targeted now. So if the Celtics can build a monster defensive team around Love… or somehow get Love to work within the team’s defensive scheme… then suddenly they have something good going. I mean… if they could minimize Isaiah Thomas’ defensive liabilities… couldn’t they figure something out with Kevin Love?
So yeah, Kevin Love is totally worth trading for…. IF… the price is right.
Page 2: The league might have had enough of Draymond Green’s nut shots
There is growing concern in GS camp that Draymond could be suspended for Game 5 after incident with LeBron, source. Interviews taken place.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) June 12, 2016
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If Green is assessed a flagrant foul 1 after league review, he would receive an automatic suspension for Monday’s Game 5. A flagrant foul 2 would keep Green out of Games 5 and 6. Earlier in the postseason, Green was assessed a flagrant foul and fined $25,000 for kicking Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams between the legs.
Flagrant 2? No, I don’t think so, but the league might have had enough of Draymond Green’s low blows. I can totally see that becoming a flagrant 1… and that would be bad for Golden State.
I’ve said many times that Green might be their most important player. Cleveland seems to agree because they’ve had LeBron James defending him for long stretches. But enough is enough. This is the third nut-shot of the playoffs for Green and it’s getting old already.
I get league not wanting OKC series decided by suspension but he/they shoulda been gone. now its emboldened him & ruined what was a fun team
— Myles Brown (@mdotbrown) June 11, 2016
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It’s hard to argue this. I love watching the Warriors. They’ve been a revolutionary team and Draymond has been a revolutionary player. How many guys in league history play center and take an outlet pass from a wing player, dribble all the way up court, and dish to a guard for a layup on the other end? Not many.
But… you can’t just keep hitting guys in the nuts. Once was an accident. Twice was disputable. The third time… well that’s just too much.
The rest of the links:
CSNNE: Magic Johnson asks Lakers to eliminate honorary title
WEEI: Draft prospect profile: Isaiah Cousins
Globe: Celtics should look at Warriors blueprint
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