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 played hard for 16 years,” Pietrus said following the C’s 100-64 victory. “I’ve been watching him the last 10 years since I’ve been in the NBA, and the way he gets ready for a game, he gets ready to compete every night, that’s where I got that from. Today, for me to play with him, it’s great because we have the same mentality and that’s what I’m trying to bring to the Celtics.”
“To be honest with you," he added, "the reason I came to the Celtics is because of Coach Rivers and KG. I knew that they had Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, but he makes everybody play hard. I was like, that’s going to be a good fit for me to play with the man. I was very happy from when I got here a month ago, he told me, ‘I can’t wait to have you on the court with me.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, we’re going to have fun.’”
CSNNE: Pietrus: 'I came to the Celtics because of Coach Rivers and KG'
Funny, after this altercation in Phoenix, I thought these guys might have an issue with one another. But Pietrus has fit right in and, apparently, these guys really do like each other. I guess KG respects people who show intensity on the court.
Pietrus has stepped right in and contributed without benefit of much practice time at all. And last night we saw him playing hard and making plays on the defensive end. He's been a really good addition who should only get better as he gets more acclimated.
Related links: WEEI: Mickael Pietrus 'loves' Kevin Garnett and the Celtics
On Page 2: "JaJuan’s going to be a good player. And I really believe that. Maybe this year."
"I told you guys last week, JaJuan will play — I really believe this," Rivers said. "Sooner than later. You see it in our silly practices we have — the 3-on-3 practices — he just keeps getting better. His energy is unbelievable. He’s an offensive weapon, he can shoot the ball, he can run the floor. And where he’s really improved is his position defensively on the post. Early on, guys were just bowling through him. He’s learned now you can use your chest, you can use your arms, you can slide with your feet — and he’s doing all that.
"JaJuan’s going to be a good player. And I really believe that. Maybe this year."
ESPN Boston: Johnson making a case for rookie role
JJ had a 5-5 night for 11 points playing almost 10 minutes of garbage time. He's got a nice little jumper and the raw tools to be a pretty nice player.
With Jermaine O'Neal's penchant for missing time due to injury, the development of JaJuan Johnson will be key. And, like Tommy was saying last night, you put him with Rondo and you'll have a big guy who can run the floor and finish on the break from different spots on the floor.
That might be a year down the road, but unlike past draft picks, I see something in JJ and E'Twaun Moore that makes me think the last draft will go down as one of Danny Ainge's best.
Related links: WEEI: JaJuan Johnson makes the most of his opportunity | Globe: Johnson turns heads with solid outing
The rest of the links:
CSNNE: Bradley continues to improve | ESPN Boston: KG shows his range | Friday return for Rondo? | WEEI: Bradley's new offensive role model: Andre Miller | Celtics dominate Raps for 4 quarters | Herald: Captain takes the lead | Truth is a little rest goes a long way | Positive signs to C | Globe: Wrapped up early | Rondo closer to returning | MWDN: Boston moves over .500 with rout
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