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.
Bass has flourished with the C’s, as he’s third on the team in scoring (15.3 points). The 6-foot-8 power forward also has lived up to his “No Pass Bass” nickname, ranking second on the team with 47 field goal attempts and tallying just one assist in four games.
The Celtics knew what they were getting with Bass and are fine with his aggressiveness. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s connected on 53.2 percent of his field goals.
“I don’t think Brandon has a problem scoring,” Rivers said after Bass poured in 17 points in Friday’s win over the Detroit Pistons. “I mean, really, when he gets it he’s probably going to shoot it. And that’s a good thing, though. He’s an aggressive player and that’s what we want him to be.”
Herald – Bass not taking baby steps
Bass has had a spectacular start to the season. He's been everything I hoped for… and more. If he's going to shoot 53%, he can take as many shots as he wants.
For those who are curious, Glen Davis is averaging 8 points and 4 rebounds for Orlando. He's shooting 33%. Ouch.
Heads up – The Celtics & Wizards tip-off is at 6pm.
On Page 2, the schedule has Doc flying by the seat of his pants.
"We’ve always had walkthroughs, [but] I think they are longer now," said Rivers. "Honestly, as a player, I couldn’t stand walkthroughs, so we have to be careful with those, because when you get too close to the games, I think the players’ minds are so focused on the game, you don’t want to clutter them. We have to be careful with them.
"It’s needed because of lack of practice time; You have to use your walkthrough," he said. "We literally put in a set today. Just one option on it, but I would never do that in a normal regular season. But we have no choice with guys coming back off of injuries and just not a lot of practice time. I told them, 'We are going to mess [the new set] up, but we were absolutely going to run it [in Friday's game].' That gives us a chance [Saturday] to work on it, and by the third or fourth game, we'll have it in. That’s just the way this season is going to be."
… Rivers admitted the team is still trying to figure out how to maximize its time this season, especially in situations with travel after road games. After a late-night game in Miami on Tuesday, the Celtics got into New Orleans in the early hours Wednesday morning, only to have to play the second night of a back-to-back that evening. After that game, Boston flew home with another early arrival.
"We’re still working on how to do this schedule, even the flying," said Rivers. "Do you leave after the New Orleans game? Or do you stay and get a good night’s sleep in New Orleans? That may be an oxymoron. Those are the things we still have to figure out, because getting in at 4 a.m. is not healthy — on back-to-back nights — that’s not healthy, either."
Teams will be paying all season for the shortened training camp. And as they try to play catch-up, they'll be forced to do so within the confines of a condensed schedule.
Great coaches will definitely earn their money this season.
The rest of the links:
Globe – Ray Allen is ready as usual | ESPN – 3 on 3: Celtics vs Wizards | Allen conditioned to staying in shape | WEEI – Using advanced stats to explain Pierce's impact | Herald – Celtics couldn't fill in the blank | 2011 key moments for Celtics |
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