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.
https://twitter.com/JohnHabershaw/status/881350037040762880
Another pic 😏😏😏😏 pic.twitter.com/nX7s5ddCsG
— Bubbles (@MemeCrusader379) July 2, 2017
Twitter user John Habershaw posted a photo Saturday purporting to show his friend Josh Cordeiro with Hayward and Stevens, who now coaches the Celtics.
Cordeiro, who was returning to town after participating in a mission trip to Nicaragua, said the photo was taken earlier that night at Logan Airport, after Hayward got off a flight from Miami.
“Really down to earth people!” Cordeiro wrote in a message to the Globe. “Great guys to meet.”
Globe: Is Gordon Hayward getting chauffeured around town by Brad Stevens?
Miami might have whipped out a full court press with banners and other fancy things but nothing compares to being picked up at the airport by your buddy. Pretty sure Brad offered to help him move when he officially comes to Boston. That’s the kind of relationship they have.
In all seriousness, is this not the perfect dichotomy between Miami and Boston? The glitz and glamour and big show of a presentation versus Brad showing up at Logan, probably driving a sensible sedan with good gas mileage, just picking the guy up and making him feel at home.
Miami’s pitch would work on a lot of people, but they did it their way. They put the same show on for Hayward that they’d put on for anyone. Any jerk can make a big show of a first date and blow hundreds of dollars on going to a fancy dinner and whatever… but what’s so special about it if it’s the same first date every time?
Boston can do something special… like start him out at Fenway Park and make a big video pitch to him there…
Gordon Hayward's tour of Boston sounds like it has begun. Celtics brass and Isaiah Thomas spotted at Fenway Park.
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) July 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/Parziale_Here/status/881519023774728193
— Chris Durbin (@_chrisdurbin) July 2, 2017
Brad Stevens connected with this kid in high school. They’ve been to the national championship game. Brad can look Hayward in the eyes and say “we’ve got unfinished business… let’s finish it here with the Celtics and celebrate a championship together.”
I really do think Hayward’s decision will come down to Boston and Utah. Miami’s pitch is nice, but Hayward’s in his prime and ready to win now. The question is… does he think all those teams loading up out west will keep him from getting where he wants to go… or does he fell good enough about Utah that he’s willing to make the long-term commitment?
It’s a tough decision… good thing Isaiah Thomas is around to help seal the deal.
I love that Isaiah just needs a hoodie and sunglasses to blend in and not get noticed at the airport. The extra time he got avoiding being spotted gave him enough time to participate in an emoji war over Hayward:
🌴🗑☘️💩🎷🏆
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) July 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/Isaiah_Thomas/status/881357549584252929
https://twitter.com/youngwhiteside/status/881360855186776065
What a time to be alive.
Related links:
Globe: Celtics ready to sell Hayward on Boston | Beyond Hayward, there’s no Plan C
CSNNE: Five biggest factors for C’s signing Hayward | Gordon Hayward and Brad Stevens spotted at the airport
ESPN Boston Rudy Gobert, Isaiah Thomas, Hassan Whiteside use emojis to recruit Gordon Hayward | Celtics prepare hoop-centric pitch for Gordon Hayward
Herald: Bulpett: Salary cap situation makes Celtics desperate to land Gordon Hayward | Celtics prefer quality to quantity in recruitment campaign for Gordon Hayward
Page 2: Could The Rooster be the backup plan?
The Boston Celtics have reached out to Danilo Gallinari as a potential fallback option if their pursuit of Gordon Hayward fails, according to multiple reports.
The Boston Herald’s Mark Murphy reported Saturday that the Celtics have not yet scheduled a meeting with Gallinari
Woj corroborates Gallinari in play for #Celtics if Hayward says no. Quotes price at $20m range which isn’t so bad.
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) July 1, 2017
Gallinari is a nice player who will certainly make the Celtics better if he can stay healthy. He’ll hit a ton of 3’s in the Celtics offense which would stretch the floor even more for Isaiah Thomas. He’s 29, so still in his prime, and if he comes cheaper than other options, the Celtics can keep some players, like Jae Crowder, they might otherwise have let go. Essentially, the Celtics would be moving from Olynyk to Gallinari.
However, his injury history is bothersome, which is part of what would drive down the cost. He’s played more than 70 games twice in his career… once in his sophomore season and again four seasons ago. He did just have a relatively healthy season, playing in 63 games.
I don’t know if this will ever come to pass, though. He’ll want a long-term commitment considering his injury history and I don’t think Boston will give him four years.
Related links: CSNNE: Report: Celtics have talked to free agent Danilo Gallinari
And Finally…
Thanks, Big Dog…
Amir Johnson signed a 1-year, $11 million deal to go to Philly. The Sixers also added JJ Redick for 1 year, $23 million… which is a ridiculous number but they have a ton of cap space right now and these 1-year deals just go away next year. I don’t blame anyone for cashing in on that.
The rest of the links:
MassLive: Boston Celtics rumors 2017: Daniel Theis’ contract fully guaranteed for first year
CSNNE: Jaylen Brown now the ‘veteran’ of Celtics summer leaguers | Celtics officially sign Jayson Tatum, Ante Zizic | Celtics add German forward Daniel Theis with two-year deal
Herald: Murphy: Big strides by Ante Zizic in EuroLeague should whet appetite of Celtics fans
ProJo: Opportunities exist in Celtics’ frontcourt
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