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.
Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens isn’t quite ready to trade his whiteboard for a tablet, but NBA benches are getting a technological infusion this season, and Stevens is intrigued by the potential of a new digital teaching tool.
For the first time this season, the NBA will allow teams to utilize hard-wired internet connections on the bench to both ingest game film and transfer video with team personnel working in the locker room.
As USA Today noted while first reporting the change last month, teams previously had to edit video in the locker room before manually relaying it to the bench. The new rule makes it a more viable option for bench personnel to review in-game footage.
ESPN Boston – New technology on NBA benches, but Celtics will lean on their iBrad
Brad Stevens may be the “boy wonder” coach of the NBA, but he just turned 40, so maybe he isn’t as cool as he used to be. Brad has yet to figure out what to do with this new technology, which is a bit surprising since we believe he knows everything.
Hearing about this innovation made me think of our patriarch, Red Auerbach, who never had even one assistant coach, and was lucky the franchise could afford a trainer or he might’ve been taping ankles. If Red was still around, he wouldn’t recognize the NBA today.
Brad will eventually figure out how to use the tablets, but even if he doesn’t, he’ll never react like Belichick.
On Page 2: The saga of Ryan Kelly
Bentil’s decision to pass on the D-League given their meager player salaries ($26,000 max) is understandable, but it also left the Celtics with an opening to find a fourth player it could be given primary D-League rights for, Kelly was the prospect that became appealing to Ainge to fill that spot.
Since the Hawks do not have a D-League affiliate, the Celtics were able to gain Kelly’s D-League rights by signing him to a non-guaranteed deal and waiving him within 24 hours. He’ll likely sign in D-League as a Tier A player (top salary of $26,000) and be assigned to the Red Claws (bypassing the D-League draft), allowing Boston’s scouting staff to get a closer look at him.
CBS Boston – Robb: Examining Why The Celtics Signed And Waived Ryan Kelly So Quickly
This is a welcomed explanation of the Ryan Kelly era, which ran its course in less than 24 hours. An interesting part of it was that Ainge, once again, made a move that no one saw coming. Granted, a player acquisition was unexpected because we’ve been fixated on the “Young-Hunter: One’s Gotta Go!” drama. But Ainge always holds his cards close to his vest – trading Perkins, hiring Stevens, and signing Amir Johnson, to name a few examples, were all total surprises. This is why one shouldn’t believe “sources” who say they know what Ainge will do next. Because no one actually knows.
And, finally: This time, Sullinger injury is not the Celtics’ problem
Toronto forward Jared Sullinger will undergo foot surgery Monday and miss extended time to start season, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) October 23, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsRaptor fans are now learning what Celtics Nation knows: Jared Sullinger gets hurt a lot. This is his fifth NBA season, and the third missing major time due to injury. Sully played only 45 games as a rookie before needing back surgery, and missed a couple of months in his third year with foot trouble similar to the current problem.
Sully had many good moments in Boston, but it’s safe to say Celtics fans are not missing the injuries and his ongoing struggles with weight and conditioning. Get well soon, Jared.
Related: Toronto Sun – Raptors lose Jared Sullinger to foot surgery
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe Rest of the Links:
CSNNE – Bradley Continues Adapting, Improves Ball-Handling And Court Vision
Boston.com – Outtakes and insights from a conversation with Celtics boss Danny Ainge
CBS Sports – NBA schedule 2016-2017: Season opener and all the key dates you should know
Globe – Futures of Celtics and Nets remain inexorably linked
Herald – Celtics Notebook: With Marcus Smart ailing, Terry Rozier’s role should increase
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