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.
Greg Oden, the No. 1 pick in 2007 who hasn’t played in an NBA game since 2009 due to a litany of knee injuries, is aiming for a comeback. Part of Oden’s plan is to sign with a team in the next month and get into a training and conditioning program with an eye toward returning to the floor next season. The Celtics are among the teams monitoring Oden’s progress, and sources tell CBSSports.com’s Jeff Goodman that the Spurs and Cavaliers have expressed interest, too.
“We’re monitoring Greg, like all the NBA teams are, but we have not attempted to sign him. But we are monitoring him and having [conversations] with his people just to see where he’s at.”
“I don’t think [he’d be able to play this year]” Ainge said. “I don’t know any of that for sure, but I would suspect that anybody that would sign him would have their eyes looking more towards his contribution in the future than now.”
WEEI (via Celtics Hub)
Longtime readers of this sight may remember the “Operation Oden” campaign we conducted during the abysmal 2006-07 season. Unfortunately, the existence of all evidence has been wiped from the Internet.
As for Oden, the Celtics, like many teams in the NBA, are keeping an eye on Oden. When you’re a talented 7-footer, teams will always have interest, no matter how fragile your knees are.
As for Leandro Barbosa’s alleged request to be dealt out of Boston:
“It never came out of my mouth like that,” he said.
Asked bluntly if he is trying to get the Celtics to trade him, Barbosa said, “No, I want to play. I want to be here. That’s it.”
Barbosa insists he understands his place in the rotation.
“I knew it was going to be like this when I came here,” he said, echoing comments he made when he signed during the middle of training camp.
Ainge also refuted the trade request report.
Fans are upset that Doc Rivers isn’t giving Barbosa more minutes, especially with Jason Terry struggling.
Doc has to stick with Terry. He’s a key component of this team with a much higher ceiling than Barbosa.
Barbosa is a nice insurance policy. Keep him on the bench, locked and loaded.
And congratulations to Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo for being named All-Star game starters by the fans. KG will be going for the 15th time and Rondo for the 4th time.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Rondo on “chummy” All-Star experience | Bradley sits out practice | CSNNE – Ainge: No truth to Barbosa trade request | Rondo’s star power about to grow | Herald – Garnett, Rondo star-struck honored | Globe – Celtics getting physical play from Collins |
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