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.
On Thursday, Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca told reporters that Pierce — who retired with the Celtics this season after signing a one-day deal — would have his number retired at some point this season.
That led to some guesswork on Twitter as to which home game would actually play host to Pierce’s honor.
[…]
While Pierce played for both the Clippers and the Wizards, which would give both franchises an opportunity to thank him on the same night, the easy bet is Nov. 8 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Pierce’s battles with LeBron James might have been more frequent, but his battles with the Lakers were more impactful — twice, Pierce had huge playoff series’ against Los Angeles, one of which resulted in the Celtics’ 17th championship.
MassLive – Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce will have number retired this season, per team’s owner
Celtics tickets are now on sale for the new season. If you’ve already bought a single game or two, you may now hold your breath to see if you’ve won the number-retirement lottery. The game that includes this ceremony will instantly become the hottest ticket in all of Celtics Nation.
Unless it’s not on a game night at all.
No decision has been made.
But if you're asking me, and you are, I would hardly rule out "Paul Pierce Night" being a stand alone event. https://t.co/zfFw5PYGJN
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) August 16, 2017
Larry Bird (who announced his retirement 25 years ago today) is the only Celtic to have his number retired at a standalone event, instead of before a regular season game. When you have three rings and three MVP trophies, you rate that special treatment. The ceremony in 1993 filled the old Boston Garden, and produced some memorable moments, especially with Larry’s old friend/rival, Magic Johnson.
If the Celts decide to do a similar event, it would no doubt also be extraordinary. Pierce is the most beloved Celtic of this century; only Kevin Garnett is close. And now that we say that … a standalone event would provide ample time to have no. 5 go to the rafters with no. 34. PP and KG have a genuine bromance, so this idea may have legs.
Such an event would no doubt bring together the members of the 2008 title team, and a chance to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Banner 17 – either on that number-retirement night or at the next home game. However, the big question surrounding that possibility is: How awkward would it be for Ray Allen to stand there and watch two-thirds of the Big Three join the Celtics’ pantheon, without him?
On a side note, Evan Turner is still a funny dude.
He was an asshole to me but you gotta respect THE TRUTH https://t.co/LQ9lOtAFeb
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) August 18, 2017
Related: CBS Boston – Celtics Will Retire Paul Pierce’s No. 34 During Upcoming Season — When Should They Do It?
On Page 2: His stand is to stand
Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas will not be adding his name to the list of athletes who have chosen to sit during the playing of the national anthem, but he doesn’t believe they’re being unpatriotic.
“Stand for what you feel is right,” Thomas told a TMZ reporter. “I’m not going to do it, but that’s those players’ decisions.”
When asked if he thought sitting during the anthem should be considered unpatriotic, Thomas said no.
“I don’t think so. I don’t think it has anything to do with that. I think they’re doing it for a different reason. Everybody has their own reason of doing it.”
Boston.com – Isaiah Thomas won’t sit for anthem, but supports those who do
Thomas was also asked if he had a message regarding the violence in Charlottesville over the weekend.
“Not really,” Thomas said. “I just wish everyone would love and not hate. That’s what it’s about.”
MassLive – Boston Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas won’t sit during national anthem but doesn’t see it as unpatriotic
We’ve lost count of all the topics that divide America today, but national anthem protests remain one of the most polarizing. NFL players are the most prominent protestors, but we can see by this report that all athletes are under pressure to make their own decisions and handle the public’s reactions. After Charlottesville, that pressure will increase.
This blog isn’t sports talk radio, so no judgments will be made in this space. Isaiah has made his choice based on solid, well-thought-out reasons. That’s his right and it’s all we should expect.
And, finally: New Boston.com writer, give him a break
For the second year in a row, the Boston Celtics and Brad Stevens have a shiny new toy to play with. Gordon Hayward will pull a green Celtics practice jersey over his head in two months and step onto the practice floor ready to start learning the coach’s newly tweaked system and the tendencies of his new teammates.
Hayward is one of the league’s most versatile scorers, and just the kind of guy the Celtics have been looking for to take the pressure off of Isaiah Thomas. He has steadily increased his production while remaining very efficient and barely turning the ball over. He’s the type of player that can slide into a team’s offense without demanding the ball so much that he disrupts the games of others around him.
Boston.com – 4 ways the Celtics can use Gordon Hayward
The above article was written by one John Karalis, who, according to legend, co-founded this Red’s Army blog. Despite that checkered past, John has persuaded a mainstream media site to publish his analysis and insights. Apparently, they believe that he played college and pro ball, and spent the last 11 years blogging about all things Celtics. I’m not sure I buy all that, but maybe you can give the guy a break anyway and click on the link to read the entire piece. It’s got gifs and everything.
By the way, as far as how to use Hayward, one hopes Brad Stevens will know better than to set up a play that ends like this.
Related: Sporting News – These eight NBA free agents will be perfect fits on their new teams (including Hayward)
The Rest of the Links:
CSNNE – Five candidates to be an NBA second-round steal (including Semi Ojeleye)
Sports Illustrated – The Case For Marvin Bagley III as the 2018 NBA Draft’s Prized Jewel
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
