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.
Your ability to stay calm and collected during games has been widely noted across social media. Are you really going crazy inside when you have those stoic nonreactions to everything that happens in a game?
Stevens: Almost every time, it’s what’s next. If something good happens in a game, “What do we have to do next?” If we go on a big run, “How do we finish it?” If something doesn’t go right, “How do we correct it next?”
If we miss a game-winning shot that is a good look but just comes up this short, “What do you say in the locker room?” If we hit one, “How do we say something that gets us ready for the next game?”
I always stay in the moment, but as far as coaching, you always think about what your next message is. I really make a conscious effort not to be too emotional. Sometimes, I get emotional because I disagree with a call or whatever the case may be. But I try to re-center myself quickly.
Bleacher Report – Boston Celtics Chief Brad Stevens Explains the Hidden Realities of NBA Coaching
We can all agree that hiring Brad Stevens was a stroke of genius by Danny Ainge. We’ve seen the results, how Brad’s teams consistently exceed expectations, and how he gets the most out of individuals.
During a game, what you want most from your coach is the ability to read and react correctly to different situations. Brad’s explanation above of what’s going on in his head, how he stays calm while the rest of us are going crazy, illustrates why he is who he is.
Amazingly, we’re already approaching the halfway point of Brad’s six-year contract. Here’s hoping he becomes to Boston what Popovich is to San Antonio.
On Page 2: Pump the brakes on trades
We’re in full-fledged trade rumor season, and the chatter got really loud yesterday with talk about if Ainge is trying to acquire guys like Dwight Howard or Al Horford. There was no shortage of fan reaction, and the opinions on those two seemed to be an emphatic “no” for Howard and a “maybe, if the price is right” for Horford.
Let’s face it, we truly have no idea what Danny is going to do next. The moves he’s made in the past have almost always come out of nowhere and usually brought back players we weren’t expecting (Jae Crowder, anyone?). Now look at the following comments, and it sounds like all the talk will remain just that – talk.
. @Scalabrine on Dwight Howard to #Celtics rumor: “No way he’s (Ainge) gonna’ part with those Brooklyn picks.”
What do you think of Howard?— CSNCeltics (@csnceltics) February 4, 2016
In broadcast: @ChrisMannixYS shoots down Dwight Howard talk as no more than a conversation… “nothing percolating”
— John Karalis (@RedsArmy_John) February 4, 2016
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Celtics coach Brad Stevens has heard a lot of them, too, in advance of the Feb. 18 deadline. Only he has a different reaction from those who spend hours subsequently stuffing proposals through trade checkers and going around the horn to hear what everyone thinks about a particular big name coming to Boston.
“We’re just all listening and laughing,” the coach said prior to Wednesday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons, “trying to figure out what’s real and what’s not, but not putting a lot of stock into it until somebody knocks on our door.
“I probably followed up on every third rumor my first year, and I don’t think I’ve followed up on one yet (this year).”
Providence Journal – Celtics Journal: Stevens ‘listening and laughing’ over trade rumors
Something to consider is that we truly don’t know who is on the market, and those who might be all have flaws. Even more important, every GM who talks to Ainge is going to ask for one or more of the Brooklyn picks. With the potential those have to bring in the next great young player, why would Danny part with them for anything less than KG 2.0? Since no one like that seems to be available, it’s not likely we’ll see a blockbuster trade anytime soon.
Related: Boston.com – Al Horford should be Celtics’ center of attention as trade deadline nears | Trading for Dwight Howard isn’t worth risk for Celtics | CSNNE – Blakely: Howard talks only in negotiation phase
And, finally: The legend grows
Our own favorite road-game commentator, Brian Scalabrine, has hopped aboard a new hype train on the express track to Legendville. Scal is being featured regularly on The Vertical, the new Yahoo site and podcast being produced by another legend, NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski.
Scal is interviewed on the latest podcast, where he recalls his college days; his years with the Nets; how he parlayed playing with Jason Kidd into a five-year, $15 million contract (a huge increase for him) from the Celtics; and his time in Chicago and relationship with coach Tom Thibodeau. He also reveals what happened when he got fired from the Golden State coaching staff by Mark Jackson.
The entire interview is here: Yahoo – The Vertical Podcast with Woj: Brian Scalabrine
Also, be sure not to miss The White Mamba Minute: How good is the last NBA guy off the bench?
The Rest of the Links:
MassLive – Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics hold off late Detroit Pistons charge, 102-95 | Boston Celtics notes: Evan Turner’s mic’d up highlights, Jae Crowder’s near scare, Tyler Zeller opens up about rhythm
Globe – Celtics defeat Pistons at TD Garden
CSNNE – Celtics nearly squander lead, hold on to beat Pistons | How ’86 Celtics ruined Christmas but saved their season | Thomas, Celtics get last laugh against Pistons | Stevens wants C’s playing hard regardless of location | Stars, studs and duds: Win vs. Pistons ‘could be huge’
ESPN Boston – Jae Crowder: ‘I’m a little banged up but it’s a part of it’
Herald – Celtics hit the clutch in win over Pistons | Bulpett: Forget about Dwight Howard; David Lee in limbo
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