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.
“Timing is everything, and chemistry isn’t something you just throw in a frying pan and mix it up with another something, throw something on top of that, put it in a tortilla, put it in a microwave, then give it to you and expect it to taste good,” Garnett said at yesterday’s Celtics [team stats] media day session. “For those who can cook, they know what I’m talking about.”
And for those accustomed to a full training camp, the quality of the game is going to slide once the NBA season begins Dec. 25. For coach Doc Rivers, whose team is smarter than most in the area of offseason maintenance, that became apparent when he tried to run the Celtics through a regular scrimmage Monday.
“Honestly I think we’re in terrible shape, and we have to get in better condition,” Rivers said. “I think everybody looked good. Their body fat tested great and all of that stuff, but basketball-wise, when we put them 5-on-5 and threw the ball in the air, they needed 20-second breaks after about a minute, so we have a lot of work to do. I didn’t know that until (Monday). Across the league it’s probably 50-50, but our team needs work.”
Herald – Celtics nowwhere near game shape
Welcome to life after the lockout. Not only does Doc Rivers need to get his entire roster in "basketball shape," but he needs to assimilate the new guys into the system. Keyon Dooling, Brandon Bass, Chris Wilcox and JaJuan Johnson are taking a crash course on Celtics defense.
Players may be unhappy with rushed feeling, but the league needed to have games by Christmas. And the fault doesn't lie entirely with David Stern. There were many instances where the Players Association dragged its feet during the negotiations.
On a the bright side, I bet a majority of teams are in the same situation.
Related links: ESPN Boston – Garnett calls out David Stern | Globe – In a rush to adjust
On Page 2, Reggie Evans is still on the Cs radar.
The Celtics remain in the running for free-agent forward Reggie Evans but they only have the veteran minimum to offer. Evans is seeking a multiyear deal.
I don't expect the Celtics to sign the 6-8 Reggie Evans. They already have a couple of undersized big men on the bench who will be forced to play some center: Chris Wilcox (6-10) and Brandon Bass (6-8). It makes sense to keep rookie Greg Stiemsma (6-11) on the roster for his length alone.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Green hopes to show he's better | Daniels steps to the fore | CSNNE – Dooling speaks on past fight with Ray | Pierce looking for longevity | Herald – Pierce longevity stuff of legends | JaJuan Johnson deals with trade talk | Green tired of waiting | Globe – Bass settles in |
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