Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
The Celtics coach was told that Paul Pierce said this season's reserves are more experienced and professional, as opposed to last season's bench, which Pierce said was too immature and inconsistent.
"I didn't think that had to be said," Rivers cracked, referring to Pierce's comments. "I thought everyone knew. That's why we didn't win."
Hmm. So that's what it was. Wonder who Pierce was talking about? Rivers quickly said, "It was more than one."
ESPN Boston: Celtics bench adds experience, maturity
Peter May names names… and he names many of the members of our bench last season. Glen Davis' maturity was clearly lacking last season, especially towards the end. Nate Robinson's maturity is always a question. Delonte West isn't back, making you wonder if he was too high-maintenance.
Not mentioned in the piece is Shaquille O'Neal… who is in the Nate Robinson mold of perpetually child-like. And he's a dominating personality. He's looked at as a leader. The thing about Shaq that doesn't apply to any of the other names mentioned, is he could turn it off on game day and perform (historically). These guys we had last year aren't that good. I'm not saying Shaq ruined our bench or anything like that… but I'm saying I bet he influenced it a little. At the very least, he didn't do much to keep immaturity in line.
This season, we've got Keyon Dooling, Brandon Bass, Chris Wilcox, and Marquis Daniels as guys who have been around for a while and can be counted on to bring a level of professionalism that didn't exist last season. Even Jeff Green, if he ever plays, is nothing if not business-like. His performance… we'll see about that.
Doc says flat-out, the bench is the reason we didn't win last season. You may not be impressed with the names Danny brought in… but they're here to do a job and they know that. The atmosphere will definitely be different this season.
Related links: Herald: A-very differen situation
On Page 2: The Lakers will get nothing and like it
The Los Angeles Clippers have acquired guard Chris Paul in a trade with the league-ownedNew Orleans Hornets.
The Clippers will send guard Eric Gordon, center Chris Kaman, forward Al-Farouq Aminu and Minnesota's unprotected 2012 first-round pick to the Hornets for Paul. The Clippers will also receive two future second-round picks.
The Orlando Magic have informed teams that they’re ending trade talks for Dwight Howard and plan to start the season with the All-Star center on their roster, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
The Magic’s decision came Wednesday after the Nets assembled a multiteam trade proposal for Howard that would have sent the Magic center Brook Lopez, Portland Trail Blazers forward Gerald Wallace, point guard Jordan Farmar and a first-round draft pick. The Nets also would have taken on Chris Duhon andHedo Turkoglu. The Blazers would have received four draft picks for Wallace.
Wait, I thought the Lakers were supposed to be gifted both Chris Paul AND Dwight Howard?
Actually, the Lakers WERE gifted Chris Paul but David Stern rescinded that trade. So that's got to doubly hurt Lakers fans.
Now, the Lakers have lost their 6th man (Lamar Odom in a trade to Dallas), Pau Gasol is not comfortable anymore, Kobe Bryant is pissed, Meanwhile, Chris Paul will be wearing the other LA team's uniform at the Staples Center and Dwight will be in Orlando until at least March… and even then it will probably take both Pau Gasol AND Andrew Bynum to get a deal done for him.
Are the Lakers willing to become the Orlando Magic west? Kobe's only got a couple of years left and, after a trade that guts LA of their remaining two assets, there will be nothing left to support Dwight. I'm betting they're not, which means the soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets will have time to find a dance partner.
Even if Dwight lands with the Nets, a partnership with DWill will make them good, but not great. Considering the worst-case scenarios… this is working out alright for C's fans.
Related links: ESPN Boston: Paul trade fallout for Celtics
The rest of the links:
CSNNE: Doc "concerned" after Green misses practice again | Daniels healthy, happy to be back | ESPN Boston: C's feeling stress of short camp | WEEI: Top 10 Celtics media day moments | Herald: Mystery ailment keeps Green out | Delonte will give Mavs toughness a booster shot | Richard Hamilton in Bulls fold | Globe: Celtics Johnson an outsider | Green's health a concern | Celtics blogger roundtable: the fans | MWDN: Happy & Healthy start for O'Neal
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