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.
“I got a little out of focus (on Wednesday),” Christmas told CSNNE.com. “When I was on the floor trying to get the ball, Kevin was talking and I turned around and we started talking and it kind of knocked me off focus.”
And when that happens, it’s a wrap.
“When he was talking smack to me, he came down and hit the game-winner,” Christmas said. “Once somebody talks (back), that means they just pushed the button on him. And that got him going.”
Thursday’s practice was a different day, different player (Smith) but the same end result.
“He (Garnett) was talking to another rookie and hit three straight jump-shots,” Christmas said.
That’s just vintage Garnett, a future Hall of Famer who has seemingly mastered the delicate balancing act between knowing when to push and pull young players with the end result – hopefully – them being tough enough mentally to contribute.
CSNNE – Garnett trash talk preps rookies for mental challenges
If NBA 101 with Kevin Garnett had a syllabus, it would read something like this:
Intense course design to prepare rookies for the physical and mental rigors of the NBA. There will be a clear focus on defense and teamwork. Class times are 24/7. Attendees will be subject to severe embarrassment. Fluency in profanity is required.
Garnett isn’t always a hard ass. He had glowing comments about Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo, here and here.
The Celtics play Fenerbahce Ulker (that’s a team, not a person) at 2 pm. The game will be broadcast on CSNNE and NBA TV.
Marc D’Amico of Celtics.com has an update from shootaround:
Rivers has a plan regarding rotations and playing time, and those plans are unlikely to match what we’ll see in the regular season.
“Just the starters and the veterans, I know how many minutes they’re going to play,” said Rivers. “But the young guys, we’ll just throw them out there and see how it goes.”
D’Amico and crew are doing a great job covering camp – extensive coverage of every practice and team event. If you like the photo above, check out more at Celtics.com.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – W2W: Fenerbahce Ulker | House on KG/Allen feud | Globe – Celtics complete final day of practice before Turkish matchup | Herald – Rookies attend KG school abroad | Doc Rivers helped forge flopping rule | WEEI – What to watch four: Preseason Celtics in Turkey edition
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