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.
Terry Rozier regrets failing to tell the Boston Celtics training staff about a bone bruise in his left knee when it initially started bothering him.
The Boston Celtics rookie said the issue actually cropped up the second or third day of training camp when he slipped while “trying to go for the ball in the paint.” He continued playing for about a week before finally revealing the pain when his knee swelled up Thursday during Boston’s win against Real Madrid.
“Lesson learned,” Rozier said before Monday’s practice. “Just tell them right away. I can’t let that happen again. I’ve gotta speak up.”
According to head coach Brad Stevens, Rozier’s knee “didn’t feel great” when the guard scored 14 points Thursday. The Celtics training staff decided to examine the issue upon returning from Europe. By the time the team plane landed Friday, the swelling in Rozier’s knee had gone down — “which is like unheard of after an eight-hour flight,” Stevens said, “so we weren’t quite as concerned.” Still, Rozier had his knee drained after an MRI.
I’m betting Terry Rozier didn’t want to look weak or soft in front of the guys. Not only is he trying to impress coaches, he’s trying to earn the respect of 15 new teammates as well.
But you can’t mess around with injuries. Look at Giants tight end Daniel Fells. He nearly lost his foot due to an infection.
Related – Herald: Rozier relegated to sideline with knee bruise | Globe – Rozier learns painful lesson
On Page 2, Sullinger and Jerebko might be the odd men out.
“My thought right now is we wouldn’t play more than four on most nights,” Stevens said before the team’s practice Monday. “So whoever those four might be may depend on the night, it may depend on how they are playing, it may depend on who is healthy. All that other stuff.
Here’s what we know based on early returns: The Celtics started both of their exhibition games with Lee and Zeller up front. Lee, in particular, has shined with his passing abilities, while Stevens offered praise Monday for Zeller’s scoring talents both as a roller and in the midrange. When Boston went to the bench, it was Olynyk and Johnson who took the big-man baton, with Stevens sweet on the way that duo pairs with spark plug Isaiah Thomas (Olynyk as a floor-spacer and Johnson as a screener/roll man).
So where does that leave Sullinger? He’s played well when his number has been called, but even the fourth-year big man acknowledges he’s fighting for time.
This isn’t much of a surprise. From the moment the Celtics traded for David Lee we’ve known about the logjam in the front court.
Sullinger said all the right things during his media session – how he’ll keep working and team success is most important. Let’s hope he maintains that attitude over the long season.
One thing we know about Brad Stevens, he will not hesitate to change the rotation. Sullinger and Jerebko need to stay ready and the guys getting minutes can’t be complacent.
Related – CSNNE: Stevens appears to have settled on 4 bigs | Mass Live: 5 guys, 4 spots
And… finally one reason to like Mets fans.
Fans serenading Magic with chants of “Larry Bird, Larry Bird.” #mets
— Bill Price (@BitterBillNYDN) October 13, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The rest of the links
Herald – Zeller remains under the radar | CSNNE – PJIII trying to be himself
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
