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.
During a FIBA Americas Olympic qualifying tournament game controlled masterfully by a prideful Luis Scola, Boston Celtics big man Kelly Olynyk returned from a recent knee injury to notch a double-double.
While it was not Olynyk’s best performance — he shot 4-13 from the field, missed all four of his 3-point tries and committed three turnovers — he still produced 11 points and 10 rebounds over 23 minutes, a positive sign after he missed a week of exhibition games to recover from a knee collision. Tuesday afternoon’s game was Canada’s tournament opener, but unfortunately for Olynyk, his national team lost to Scola and Argentina, 94-87.
MassLive – Kelly Olynyk notches double-double for Canada but Luis Scola steals the show in Argentina victory
There’s not one Celtic among the 34 candidates for the USA’s 2016 Olympics team, but Boston fans do have an Olympic hopeful in Kelly Olynyk.
K.O. is the starting center for Canada and one of the team’s nine NBA players, among them Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins and briefly-a-Celtic Dwight Powell. The Canadians are favored to win the 10-team FIBA Americas, but will have to bounce back after yesterday’s pool play loss. Olynyk had one highlight reel play, but he was overpowered in his match-up with the savvy Scola, who posted game-highs of 35 points and 13 boards. Go here for the box score.
So if you need a basketball fix with a Celtics angle – and of course you do – head to the online channel ESPN3. Canada is scheduled to play at 3:20 p.m. EDT today, September 2, and again on Thursday and Friday evenings. ESPN3 listings can be found at espn.go.com/watchespn/index.
Related: CSNNE – FIBA Tournament pits Olynyk vs. Scola again | Olynyk records double-double in Canada’s loss to Argentina
On Page 2: Optimism begins with Brad
In #CelticsForecast, @RedsArmy_John on Brad: “Give him bubble gum, expired ham + powdered milk and he’d win Chopped.” http://t.co/g8DGtHM5s2
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) September 1, 2015
In yesterday’s segment of ESPN Boston’s “Celtics Summer Forecast” series, Red’s Army John found a clever new way to describe the rising star that is Brad Stevens. The topic du jour was “reasons to be optimistic,” and John was with the majority of panel participants who said it all begins with Boston’s third-year coach. But the optimism didn’t end there. Here are the opinions of the three Red’s Army correspondents who took part.
John Karalis, Red’s Army (Stevens)
In Brad we trust. Let’s be honest here: The Celtics tried to tank last season. Aside from the Isaiah Thomas trade (and even, sorta, including it) the Celtics’ tumult was partly designed to throw the team into enough disarray that they’d fall apart down the stretch. But one thing was constant in this turnstile of a season: Stevens. I don’t want to lionize the guy too soon, but … I don’t know how to finish that sentence. Stevens has “it.” He’s got the kavorka. I don’t know if he’s going to be the Celtics lifer we hope he’ll be, but, man, this guy is a Hall of Famer and we all know it. Give him bubble gum, expired ham, and powdered milk and he’d win “Chopped.” Give him Evan Turner and he’ll turn him into a viable point guard. Brad Stevens is THE reason to watch this team, and it’s not even a question.
Mike Dynon, Red’s Army (Uncertainty replaced by confidence)
When training camp opened last season, the Celtics were a lottery team. Rajon Rondo’s hand was broken and trade rumors were relentless. Jeff Green’s inconsistency was maddening. Gerald Wallace and his contract remained on the roster. We wondered if we’d seen the last of Vitor Faverani. This year, Boston has an acclaimed, proven coach; solid, veteran leaders in the frontcourt; a potential future All-Star in Marcus Smart; and a dynamic, Sixth Man of the Year runner-up in [Isaiah] Thomas. All of last season’s most productive players are back and the roster is deep. Ainge has maintained flexibility for trades. The Celtics are relevant again, according to national TV schedulers. All these factors give fans expectations for a big step forward.
Ben Mark, Red’s Army (Nets and Mavericks)
I think the Celtics will be fun and competitive and in year three of the post-Ubuntu C’s that’s more than enough. But the real fun is going to come from scoreboard watching on the Celtics’ behalf. The treasure trove of picks acquired really begins to bear fruit in 2016 and the Nets (and maybe the Mavericks, to a lesser degree) could be really, really bad.
And, finally… Keeping the Claws
The Red Claws and @celtics agree to three-year extension – through 2017-18! A great day for #CrustaceanNation! pic.twitter.com/nKV7T5Yn35
— Maine Red Claws (@maineredclaws) August 31, 2015
Related: ESPN Boston – Red Claws sign three-year extension with Celtics
The Rest of the Links:
Globe – R.J. Hunter soaking in information for training camp | MassLive – RJ Hunter hopes to carve out niche, says he focused on defense this offseason | CSNNE – Who is Celtics’ odd man out? | Herald – Milwaukee funding for new Bucks arena goes before public | Sports Illustrated – SI.com’s Top 100 NBA Players of 2016: 50-31
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
