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.
On the injury front, the Celtics yesterday got good news and hopeful news. The good news was about Marcus Smart, who’s ready to play tomorrow night.
Smart, who injured his ankle in Boston’s final preseason game against the New York Knicks, missed the Celtics’ first three games of the season. He returned to practice Monday and deemed himself ready for game action.
“I went through the full practice. The ankle felt great. I will be playing Wednesday,” Smart said. “So it feels good to be back out here with those guys.”
ESPN Boston – Celtics guard Marcus Smart says he’s ready to make season debut
The Celtics second unit has struggled mightily defensively without Smart, which makes sense considering they’re working in two young guys, Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown, who have never played regular NBA roles. Gerald Green likewise has never been considered a plus defender, leaving the bench with a different look than last season when Smart and Evan Turner switched, scrapped and forced a load of turnovers.
Smart’s return should shore up some of the issues.
“He’ll be a huge help for us offensively and defensively,” said Rozier. “You feel his presence. He’s always talking, he’s loud. He’s just somebody that anybody should want on their team because he’s a guy that everybody should want. So he’s going to help our second unit. We know that.”
MassLive – Marcus Smart injury update: Boston Celtics guard says he will play Wednesday against Chicago Bulls
As noted, Smart will be a welcome reinforcement to the bench unit, which has struggled to hold leads. He also should help the Cs improve their team rebounding; this facet will be tested immediately in the rematch with the Bulls, who crushed Boston on the glass last week.
Marcus Smart discusses being back on the court with his teammates after being cleared to play. pic.twitter.com/lIam66I12u
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 31, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsMeanwhile, Kelly Olynyk is coming along, but is still not ready.
Stevens said Olynyk had no restrictions at practice Monday – another positive sign as the big man recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.
“I thought Kelly looked fine,” Stevens said after the practice. “He hasn’t gotten a full practice in since last Tuesday because we haven’t practiced. But this is all about how he feels tomorrow. And then next day. And just making sure that shoulder recovers after each of these sessions. But he’s on scheduled for a return at some point soon. Most likely not this week.”
Fortunately, the Celtics are in the midst of a light schedule – they play just four games over 12 days ending a week from Thursday. This should allow KO more practice time while minimizing the number of games missed.
On Page 2: Not taking the option
Essentially, the Celtics prioritized future cap space over keeping Young next season. The $2.8 million he would have made then will not go on the books, a reminder that every bit helps as the team attempts to clear enough room for a maximum contract this summer. While it would have been possible to trade Young — and his future salary — after picking up the option, the Celtics learned this fall the market for him was either slim or non-existent.
MassLive – Boston Celtics rumors: James Young’s fourth-year option declined
It’s usually a mere formality for a mid first-round pick to have his fourth-year rookie option picked up by their team. That was not the case for Young, the No. 17 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. After failing to show much growth during his first two NBA seasons, the swingman had to sweat out a final cut last week against fellow first round pick R.J. Hunter.
While Young’s $2.9 million option for 2017-18 wouldn’t be particularly costly for the Celtics under the NBA’s projected $102 million salary cap, the team is hoarding all the salary cap room it can get for next summer. There’s no guarantee that Young will be worth that kind of money next year, so the Celtics opted to give themselves the option to move on from him. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent in 2017.
CBS Boston – Celtics Pick Up Contract Options On Smart And Rozier, Pass On James Young
After surprising most of us by making the squad over R.J. Hunter, it looks like James Young is back on the bubble. The team could still sign him next year but, unless something dramatic happens this season, that isn’t likely. He’s logged a DNP in each of the three games so far, and there doesn’t seem to be any reason that will change.
The upshot of yesterday’s contract moves is that, thanks to fortunate salary cap timing and having young, productive players still on rookie contracts, Danny Ainge has the salary situation under complete control.
Celtics now have their top four guards (Thomas, Bradley, Smart, Rozier) under contract for 2017-18 season for a combined $21.5 million.
— Brian Robb (@CelticsHub) October 31, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
In other words, basically Victor Oladipo’s average salary on his extension. https://t.co/Aym9MrXiuo
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) October 31, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsOn Page 3: Yabu!
Yesterday we shared Ante Zizic highlights from Croatia. Today, it’s Guerschon Yabusele in China.
.@DTP_Mario with a good start in China as he gets 29 points and 11 rebounds to help Sharks seal the win. Highlights: https://t.co/e1yL9YRAOK
— Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) October 31, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsAnd, finally: Tweets of the Day
Here’s a couple Brad Stevens photos from his playing days at Depauw University. pic.twitter.com/584QmrTvEx
— SI Vault (@si_vault) October 31, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Tonight, @FCHWPO led the Sr. Celtics through a Halloween-themed fitness and nutrition class! #CelticsAssist 👻 pic.twitter.com/lE4e45m1Zp
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 31, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The Truth Halloween update https://t.co/pgYpi6NnXv
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 1, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The Rest of the Links:
Boston.com – Celtics player power rankings: Avery Bradley starts season on fire
ESPN – NBA Power Rankings (Celts drop from 5th to 6th)
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
