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.
Note: The default response to all NBA rumors should be that they are false and nothing more than click-bait. In that spirit, today’s Dump is rumor-free – no discussion of BS internet stories and no analysis of why rumors start, how they spread, or why they sound believable or not. You’re welcome.
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Horford, who was concussed when he was inadvertently struck by a teammate at practice on Oct. 31, went on Boston’s recent two-game road trip with hopes of returning to action but said he is simply not ready to play.
“I’m just not where I want to be right now, but trying to work through it,” Horford said after going through a light workout with his teammates Tuesday. “This is something very new to me, so it’s just trying to get used to this.”
Pressed on what’s holding him back, Horford declined to elaborate on his progression through the NBA’s concussion protocol.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss a lot of those things yet,” Horford said. “On-the-court-wise, the times that I’ve been on, I felt good with my workouts. It’s just to play, I’m just not there yet.”
ESPN Boston – Al Horford not ready for game activity: ‘I’m just not where I want to be right now’
The Celtics had hoped Horford would suit up on their recently completed two-game road trip, but he flew back to Boston on Monday — before the team lost to the New Orleans Pelicans — when it became clear he would not return by then.
Will he play against the Mavericks?
“I don’t want to get my hopes – I don’t want to lead on, but we’ll see,” Horford said. “I’m literally taking this day by day and we’ll see when I’m clear to go.”
MassLive – Al Horford injury update: Boston Celtics star still ‘working some things out’ after concussion
Remember opening night, when we were all excited to see Al Horford in Celtics green-and-white? The dream of a big-time free agent playing for Boston had finally come true.
Right now, though, even with photographic and video evidence, it’s hard to remember Horford actually playing for our side. He’s been out more than two weeks after a practice mishap. Judging from his comments yesterday, it’s possible he will take the floor tonight versus Dallas – but it doesn’t sound likely.
It’s clear that Horford is frustrated, just as we fans are. However, no one is pushing him to return, because trying it too soon would be counter-productive and possibly dangerous. Unfortunately, Crowder is also not ready:
Boston Celtics wing Jae Crowder has increased his workload to include jump shots on the move, but is expected to miss his seventh straight game Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks.
Head coach Brad Stevens said Crowder (sprained ankle) did not participate in a light practice Tuesday, but the 26-year-old could be seen afterward doing some jump shot drills. Despite the increase in activity, Stevens said he does not know whether Crowder could potentially return Friday against the Golden State Warriors.
“Because I know he’s not playing (Wednesday against Dallas), I haven’t really asked beyond that,” Stevens said.
Here’s hoping that before long the team will be back to full strength and these early-season struggles will be just a forgotten bump in the road.
Related: Herald – Celtics Notebook: Although iffy, Al Horford won’t rule out a return to lineup tonight | CBS Boston – Al Horford Not Where He Wants To Be In Recovery From Concussion | CSNNE – Horford Says He’s Still ‘Not There Yet’, May Not Play Wednesday
On Page 2: New labor contract to be finalized soon
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association expect to finalize terms on a new collective bargaining agreement “just after Thanksgiving” or in “early December,” a source familiar with the negotiations told The Ringer. The source confirmed previously reported details of the new CBA — such as the addition of two-way D-League contracts and more lucrative rookie-scale and veteran-minimum contracts.
Negotiations have gone smoothly largely due to two major factors. First, there were new faces involved in the process: NBA commissioner Adam Silver and NBPA executive director Michele Roberts have taken over for David Stern and Billy Hunter, respectively. Silver and Roberts have “a relationship built on mutual respect and trust,” said a source — and that respect has gone a long way. In the past, with Stern and Hunter at the helm, the two sides “wouldn’t even be able to have a conversation about topics because there was so much animosity in the room.”
The Ringer – The Changes to Expect in the NBA’s Upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement
Imagine that — labor and management working together for the common good. Who knew that was still possible? This is great news for all of us, because won’t have to worry about another dreaded lockout.
Some probable changes reported in this article are: a clarification of disciplinary procedures in domestic violence cases involving players; tweaks to rules about weed use, since some teams are located in states where marijuana has been legalized (including Massachusetts); and, best of all for the on-court product, fewer preseason games.
Presumably, curtailing the preseason would enable starting the regular season earlier, which could reduce the number of back-to-backs. To that end, they should have opening night no later than mid-October. That was the case for many years, until the early ’80s, when the league decided TV ratings and media attention would improve if the regular season was delayed to avoid conflict with the World Series (which at that time was played in late October). But since the NBA tipped off this year on October 25 and baseball was still going into November, that strategy is moot. Might as well start earlier and allow for more days off between games.
On Page 3: Plays of the Week
Thomas has been all over the place lately. Check out how many @JetBlue Top 5 Plays he’s in this week, and find out who soars to number one: pic.twitter.com/usCs2W7eCo
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 15, 2016
And, finally: Ex-Celtic on ex-Celtic crime
This EuroLeague highlight (hat tip to KWAPT) has two former Celtics meeting explosively at the rim. Watch Colton Iverson dunk on Gigi Datome’s man-bun.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtEdunNJ03A]The Rest of the Links:
WEEI – Soft Celtics Need A Hard Message From Their Quiet Coach
MassLive – Boston Celtics analysis: Marcus Smart’s turnover, Kelly Olynyk’s foul ruin fourth-quarter comeback
Boston.com – Celtics player power rankings: Isaiah Thomas is the second-best scorer in Eastern Conference
Herald – Former D-Leaguer a steal for Pelicans
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