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.
“I don’t think on most nights you can go past 10 players,” Stevens said prior to the Eighth Annual Teeing Up for Kids Golf Tournament at the Old Sandwich Golf Club on Tuesday. “There may be an exception in certain situations.”
As far as who those 10 players will be, that’s what training camp (it begins on Saturday) is supposed to sort out in the coming weeks.
“But the one thing that I do feel comfortable in saying is I’d feel comfortable playing 10 on our roster, regardless of who they are,” Stevens said. “I think our depth is a key. We’re going to have a lot of ability to maintain our level when we go to our bench.”
CSNNE – Stevens’ search for the Celtics perfect 10
Training camp is almost here, so there was a chance for some actual basketball talk on Tuesday at the Shamrock Foundation charity golf tournament (won by a twosome featuring none other than Danny Ainge).
With Ainge, Brad Stevens and several players in attendance, local beat writers descended and posed the same questions we’ve been asking all summer: who will get minutes, who will be cut or traded, will there be any contract extensions, and has Jared Sullinger really improved his conditioning? (“My eyes aren’t good enough to see the Twitter pictures,” Danny quipped.) Those questions remain unanswered.
In fact, Brad’s revelation that only 10 players can expect to see the court on any given night has prompted even more questions. Which 10 will it be? Will the 10 chosen ones change from game to game? Will the rookies automatically be the odd men out? Maybe we’ll know by opening night.
Unless a trade happens, the roster situation promises to be the No. 1 story with this team all season.
On Page 2: Brad also says the Cs need to play better
Several returners have expressed confidence and discussed a desire to build on last season’s success. Still, head coach Brad Stevens thinks the journey will be more difficult this time around.
“We have to play better than last year overall to make the playoffs again,” Stevens said. “The East is better. Teams that didn’t make it really improved. We were as close to 12th as we were to fourth. So time will tell if we make the right strides. But if we take shortcuts or if we’re not connected, we won’t. So that’s our job early on.”
MassLive – Brad Stevens: Boston Celtics will need to be better to reach playoffs again
We’ve seen preseason forecasts that say the Celtics are headed for a 45-win season. Others say Boston is missing the playoffs. The predictions are scattered because of all the uncertainties with this team (see above) and since, as Brad pointed out, the East looks like it will be more competitive.
No one would expect Brad to take the playoffs for granted. Still, it’s reassuring to hear him say this up front.
See the “Rest of the Links” below for more storylines from Tuesday’s impromptu media session.
And, finally… Got game?
The Maine Red Claws, the official NBA Development League affiliate of the Boston Celtics, will host their 2015 Open Tryouts in preparation for the upcoming season.
Celtics.com – Maine Red Claws to Hold Open Tryouts
Are you a real baller? Find out at the open tryout on Saturday, October 3, at the Celtics’ practice facility in Waltham, Mass. Follow the link above to register online. The cost to participate is $150, but isn’t it worth it for a chance to be teammates with James Young? (Kidding!)
The Rest of the Links:
Celtics.com – Celtics Prepare For Training Camp (video)
MassLive – Danny Ainge: Boston Celtics don’t have any changes lined up | Celtics have not settled on lineups and should have fierce competition for minutes
ESPN Boston – Danny Ainge: ‘Terrific year’ ahead for Sullinger | Jerebko on deep roster: ‘Competition just makes everyone better’
Herald – Celtics hope depth enough; Star power still lacking | Brad Stevens raves about Celtics’ lockdown backcourt
Globe – New players bring new issues for the Celtics
CSNNE – Jerebko: ‘Confident’ Celtics have eyes on Cavaliers | Ainge: Confident Sullinger will have ‘terrific’ year | Versatility a big plus for Crowder heading into camp | Zeller: It would be ‘nice’ to have an extension
The Players’ Tribune – Isaiah Thomas: Elite Ball Handlers 101
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