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.
"He had a good practice," Rivers said. "He missed shots and all that stuff, but overall, I thought he was terrific."
Rivers added that he thought O'Neal's quickness and activity after such a lengthy layoff were better than he anticipated.
"I was happy," Rivers said. "I was very happy with him."
Afterward, O'Neal was feeling pretty good, as well.
"It felt good; first day," O'Neal said. "It felt good, just to get some of the terminology back. For the most part, physically I feel strong."
Of course, O'Neal has to make it through the next 24 hours without no significant pain or soreness in order for the Celtics to feel comfortable with him playing against the Spurs.
CSNNE – Jermaine practices, probable vs Spurs
Call me crazy, but I think Jermaine is going to help this team. Yes… it's trendy to completely dismiss him. But at this point, 10 minutes, 5 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block a night is going to help. His presence will also alleviate some pressure on Glen Davis who is being forced to play too many minutes at center.
Meanwhile, it sounds as if Danny Ainge is done predicting Shaq's return:
“I don’t have any idea,” Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said after watching the workout by O’Neal, who is attempting to recover from a sore right Achilles tendon. “It could be a week or two weeks.
“I watched him work out, and he’s starting to do things on the court. We’re just still not sure of when he’s going to come back.
For those wondering about Von Wafer, he participated in all of yesterday's practice.
Related links: Herald – Practice fuels Jermaine | ESPN Boston – O'Neal, Wafer practice in SA |
On Page 2, Nads says he's not getting any respect.
“I’m back in my rookie year,’’ Krstic said. “When I was a rookie, I didn’t get many calls. So I feel like the same thing right now.
“Maybe it’s because I’m playing with great players. I don’t know. I really don’t have an explanation.’’
Rivers said, “That should have nothing to do with respect. That’s a foul. If you get corralled, where a guy jumps on you and starts riding you, it’s a foul on most nights.’’
Rivers has come down on Krstic for hanging his head after a bad play, telling him to move on to the next one.
Globe – Celtics getting big boost
While they were a couple of egregious missed calls in that Indy game, Nads must toughen up. The Celtics are a physical team. They beat up a lot of teams. It benefits the Celtics to have the refs swallow those whistles… provided it happens on both ends of the floor.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Not sitting pretty | Oh boy, Danny | Cs need end of bench for end of season | Globe – Spurs thumbnails | CSNNE – Celtics reflect on tournament days | ESPN – Dominique Wilkins attacked by former ref |
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