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.
Howard, 30, scored fewer points per 36 minutes than he did at any point in the previous decade. Though he still finished seventh in the NBA in total rebound rate, it’s fair to wonder how much his athleticism has eroded – and whether he will be worth his next contract for the duration of the pact. Howard will turn 31 prior to the All-Star break, could hit 34 before his next deal expires, and has already spent more than 31,000 regular-season minutes jostling for position against opposing bigs. He has dealt with back and knee issues in the past, leading former Rockets coach Kevin McHale to note on SiriusXM radio, “He is not what he used to be down there in the low post.”
Still, Howard would provide the Celtics with an elite rim protector and pick-and-roll threat. They finished fifth in defensive rating last season, according to NBA.com, but could potentially push that up a few spots by adding an athlete of Howard’s caliber in the middle. The man can’t move quite like he used to, but can still rise way above guys like Jared Sullinger.
There are two free agency topics where Celtics fans agree: 1) we desperately want Kevin Durant to come to Boston; 2) we’d be horrified if Dwight Howard came to Boston.
Well, Celtics Nation is about to be extremely unhappy, as overnight reports say that Howard is indeed on Danny Ainge’s radar. Back at the trade deadline, rumors of a potential move for Howard brought a virtually unanimous reaction from fans: “No. Hell, no!”
But you know what we say: In Danny, we trust. If signing DH would have a positive influence on signing KD, then you do what you have to do. And there’s no denying that Howard would bring the rim protection we’ve been talking about since Kevin Garnett departed.
Another positive is that the Celtics are shaping up as major players in the race to sign free agents. Besides the confirmed meetings with Durant and Howard, they are also reportedly in the mix for Al Horford. In a week or two, we might be able to put to rest the tired theme that the Cs have never signed a major free agent.
Buckle up!
Related: ESPN – Sources: Dwight Howard grants Hawks, Celtics first free-agency meetings
On Page 2: KD remains Topic No. 1
Despite the Howard news, the prospect of Kevin Durant coming to Boston absolutely remains Topic No. 1 with Celtics media, fans, players and former players.
Back in the Boston area for one of his multi-city summer camps at Brandeis University, Smart was peppered with questions about Boston’s upcoming meeting with Durant. Smart, who played collegiately at Oklahoma State, noted how Durant attended a couple of Cowboys games and the two briefly crossed paths. Like Boston’s salivating fan base, Smart is intrigued by the idea of Durant in green.
“It’s incredible. A guy his size to do what he does, it’s unreal. … I think any team would love to see Durant and those type of caliber players on their team,” said Smart. “But we’re not the ones that make that call, so we just kind of sit back and wait. And whatever decisions that the front office makes, we’re ready to run with it.”
ESPN Boston – Marcus Smart ready to join Kevin Durant recruitment … if he gets his number
Marcus is just like the rest of us: he’d love it if KD signed with Boston, he’s hoping for the best, and he simply has to wait and see what happens. Hopeful and optimistic are the best we can do.
The KD question was also posed to another Celtics guard, the legendary Bob Cousy. It’s gratifying to see that Cooz is not at all a “get off my lawn” old-timer.
“All things being equal, I guess at some point tradition plays a role,” Cousy said in a telephone interview. “But cold weather could also play a role. A lot of guys don’t like those Boston winters, I’ll tell you.
“So I’m just not sure in the grand scheme of things, if all things are equal, whether Durant is going to care whether these old farts out here named Cousy and Russell and Heinsohn and whoever did all these wonderful things 50 years ago.” […]
Cousy said that if he met with Durant, he would preach the importance of integrating his otherworldly skills into the equation without disrupting a team-first ethos.
“When you get an individual like Kevin who has been so successful and is such an offensive threat — I don’t know him, maybe he’d adopt this very easily — but I think this would be Brad’s biggest challenge, selling the team concept to him as opposed to just saying, ‘OK, you’re the chief,’ ” Cousy said.
Globe – Bob Cousy doubts that Kevin Durant can be sold on Celtics lore
Another angle to the Durant recruitment is the fact that he wears uniform number 35, which is retired for the late Reggie Lewis. The article below is preposterously premature, although probably anything can come up in negotiations. I’m not superstitious, but if Durant does play here I hope he takes a different number. However, if he requires 35 or else, this is good to know:
I asked Lewis’ mother, Inez Ritch, how she’d feel if the Celtics asked for her blessing to offer No. 35 to Durant as a tribute to her son.
“I don’t think it would take anything from Reggie because his number is still hanging up in the Garden,” Ritch told me over the phone. “If I see Durant running up and down the court with the No. 35, I don’t know how my emotions would be until it happens.
“I don’t think I would be upset about it. I think it would be a good thing because he is a very nice, humble young man. I don’t know a lot about him, but I know of some of the things he has achieved while wearing the No. 35.”
CSNNE – Kevin Durant And Reggie Lewis: A Number Of Similarities
Free agency links:
MassLive – Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart: Any team would love to have a guy like Kevin Durant
CBS Boston – Smart Brings Important Message, And Fierce Defense, To His Basketball Camp | Robb: Horford Interest At Least An Encouraging Sign For Celtics’ Pursuit Of Durant
ESPN – Marc Stein podcast with guest Zach Lowe (Celtics discussion begins around 16-minute mark) | Sources: Dwyane Wade open to outside offers as Heat talks stall
SB Nation – Ranking the top 117 NBA free agents of 2016
RealGM – Sortable Free Agent List
The Ringer – Five NBA Free-Agency Story Lines to Watch
On Page 3: Jaylen continues to impress
Yesterday, the Celtics released this interview with Jaylen Brown and – as he has since draft night – he said all the right things about being on this roster. If his on-court game can match his off-court presence and maturity, Brown will make a huge impact on Boston. Can’t wait to watch him play in summer league.
“I know that no one works harder than me and no one will out-work me.” Jaylen Brown talks ball and life right here.https://t.co/EV3n2gcF38
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 28, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsRelated: MassLive – Marcus Smart on new Boston Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown: ‘The dude is a freak of nature’
And, finally: As if a Game 7 loss wasn’t bad enough…
In a videotaped conversation his father shared with Bay Area news station KRON-TV, 21-year-old Salvator Bimbo denied rumors he jumped from the balcony following Golden State’s 93-89 loss to Cleveland. “I did not jump,” he said. “I was pushed by a Cavaliers fan.”
Yahoo – Injured Warriors fan claims Cavs fan pushed him off ledge at end of Game 7
What is wrong with people? This poor guy has been in the hospital for more than a week, suffering from serious injuries. If his account of the incident is true, perhaps the Warriors will reach out with tickets or some other gesture to cheer him up.
The Rest of the Links:
CSNNE – Future Uncertain For Johnson And Jerebko As Celtics Pursue Durant
Herald – Marcus Smart happy with Celtics’ progress so far this offseason
Providence Journal – Improving his shooting is summer goal of Celts’ Marcus Smart
MassLive – Boston Celtics rumors: ‘A chance’ Guerschon Yabusele plays in summer league | 2017 NBA Draft: 10 Boston Celtics Prospects, and why fans should be excited about Brooklyn Nets pick
Globe – We’re still waiting for Ainge to take his next big shot
The Undefeated – Don’t worry, this USA basketball team will roll to gold
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