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.
Would like to thank every1 in the celtics organization for the opportunity to be a celtic, I enjoyed my time in Boston and am grateful. Would also like to thank celtics for showcasing my desire to give back to the community and also making me look good in the pictures lol. Would also like to thank the fans for the amazing year and a half journey, we started off a little rocky but I got my game back right so thanks for the extra motivation. #allgoodthingscometoaend!!!
You may or may not find Courtney Lee’s time in Boston a “good thing”, but Lee does, and he wants us to know it. In case you missed it from last night’s recap, written above is what Lee jotted on his Instagram account before sitting out of the Thunder game. The trade shouldn’t be offiicial until sometime later today, but Lee didn’t waste any time in thanking the Celtics organization.
Considerd a decent haul after missing out on O.J. Mayo in the summer of 2012, Lee was first a welcomed name in Boston. His style seemed appropriate for what the Celtics were trying to accomplish; although instead, we got season-long slump throughout ’12-13. He had been playing much better this year, doing more with less minutes and increasing his efficiency. Still, this deal makes too much sense for the Celtics, and Lee was never really a part of the future after Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were dealt off.
Although change for an NBA player is rarely welcomed – uprooting your life and home, leaving friends – Lee’s joining a team positioned much better than the Celtics currently are. His style of play should gel well in Memphis, where he can subsitiute in for Tony Allen and stil deliver a similar caliber of defense. Regardless, seeing him part with this tight-knit team is kind of a bummer, particularly his friendship with Jeff Green.
A classy move from Lee to be so thankful, especially after being dangled in several trades. Good luck in Memphis.
Related links: Rapid Reaction: Lee-aving town
On Page 2, Jared Sullinger is struggling, probably needs rest
Sullinger’s struggles continue with yet another sub-par shooting performance. On Sunday, he had nine points and eight rebounds before fouling out having logged just 19 minutes. The bone bruise and sprained ligaments in his left hand continue to limit his effectiveness as a scorer. In Boston’s last four games, all losses, he has averaged 8.8 points on 26.1 percent shooting which includes him missing all seven of his 3-point attempts. For the season, Sullinger is averaging 13.4 points while shooting 44.6 percent from the field.
We saw Jared Sullinger sporting a couple of different braces around his wrist over these past three games. He’s said it’s been hurting him for a month and a half now, and he aggravated/injured it during the New Year’s Day loss to the Atlanta Hawks. These next four games will certainly be tough stretch, but it shouldn’t stop the Celtics management from giving Sullinger some rest. He seems eager to remain in the lineup even with the brace; one which has likely contributed to his poor shooting recently. It should be up to Ainge, Stevens, and staff to talk to Sullinger and cut out some recovery time. He’s a big part of the future, no need to risk that at this point.
CSNNE- Good, bad, & ugly
The rest of the links:
CSNNE- Part of the Bigger picture | Durant videobombs Perkins | Celtics smacked around by Thunder
Masslive- Celtics agree to trade Courtney Lee to Memphis for Jerryd Bayless
ESPN Boston- Freeze Frame: Moving on
Boston Herald- Five talented foes await Celtics out West | Guard Swap: Celtics trade Courtney Lee for Jerry Bayless
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