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.
“It’s a business, it happens,” Green said of the Jan. 12 trade. “I had speculation. I just went upon each day like I’m still a Celtic, like I gotta play hard every game.”
Since joining Memphis, Green has averaged 12.5 points and 4.1 rebounds on 40 percent shooting. Unlike his tenure with the Celtics, Green has been consistent, scoring in double figures in 21 of his 26 games (22 starts).
“I knew guys prior to coming to this situation for a couple of years,” Green said. “When I got here coach [Dave Joerger] made it simple. He said, ‘Be yourself,’ and that’s all you can ask for. Coming into this situation I didn’t think was a challenge because I didn’t have to change who I was. I didn’t have to change my style. My goal was to come in and play hard, just like I did when I was [in Boston].”
Page 2: James Young should look to Datome for inspiration
“He’s got to understand what’s going on here because he’s got an opportunity and he’s got to take advantage of it,” Wallace said. “He’s got to realize when his chance comes again that not only are you in a situation where there are guys that are sitting behind you waiting for their opportunity, but you’ve got other guys that are coming into this league next year that are looking to do the same thing.
“So you’ve always got to be ready and prepared when your number is called, and you can’t be satisfied with just being here.”
Young need look no further than Datome. After playing in just 34 of a possible 136 games in his time with the Pistons (averaging 6.9 minutes), he got into only two of his first nine games with the Celtics, both blowouts.
Then, when Young was held on the pine, Gigi got a bigger look.
“I stay seated maybe 50 games in Detroit, or inactive, DNP, so I was saying after the game I would never take it for granted, the game playing basketball,” Datome said Monday. “So every minute, I’ve tried to bring my best. Everybody says that, but I really do it.”
Herald: Young Celtics must seize moment
You’ve heard that saying about making your own luck, right? This is what that’s all about. And this is yet another lesson from sports that applies across the board.
If James Young, or anyone, takes something like this for granted, then the next time an opportunity arises, he stands a good chance at missing it. If he works his ass off, though, and continues to work at it, then he stands a good chance at making the most of it.
NBA history is littered with players with a ton of talent and nothing to show for it. What Datome is doing right now is simply going out and doing what he practices. Young can get there too someday with the same kind of mentality and effort.
We hope.
Related links: Globe: Datome making most of his minutes | MassLive: Wallace on Young: This whole season should be a lesson
And Finally…
Isaiah Thomas is a game-time decision tonight with bruised lower back and right elbow. My money is on him playing. There’s nothing wrong with his shooting hand.
Related links: MassLive: Diagnosis confirmed, Thomas a game-time decision
The rest of the links:
CSNNE: Celtics bumped to national TV vs. Pacers | Whiteside suspended 1 game | MassLive: Mock draft: Myles Turner, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to Celtics
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!