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.
Meanwhile, the Celtics have engaged the Houston Rockets in talks about a possible deal for Dwight Howard, the Daily News has learned. Howard can opt out of his contract this summer, and considering his back and knee issues, it doesn’t make much sense for Boston GM Danny Ainge to use the assets on a player with declining skills and a battered body.
Boston, which either owns or controls the Brooklyn Nets’ next three first-round picks, are positioned to make a major move either before the trade deadline or this summer around the draft.
A day after I convinced myself that Al Horford is a good $156 million investment, we learn that Danny Ainge is allegedly talking trade with the Rockets. Howard has a ton of warts (injuries, attitude) but he’s still a very good player. Look no further than his 36 point, 26 rebound performance vs the Clippers 2 weeks ago.
Here’s the caveat – we have no idea what assets it would take to acquire Howard (or Horford). I gotta think BKN’s 1st this year is off the table. Even if a deal is made, the Celtics have the flexibility to sign another big time player. So you should view Howard (and Horford) as a secondary piece.
I’m also going to assume that Ainge isn’t going to trade away assets unless there’s some sort of commitment by the player to resign here.
One other scenario… it’s possible Ainge leaked this story to remind Atlanta he has options.
Frank Isola of the NYDN also references Evan Turner in his story:
Turner is an interesting player — a second overall pick who never became a superstar but is a pretty talented playmaker. He is exactly the type of big guard Jackson prefers in the triangle offense. And he’ll be a free agent this summer. He’s worth a long look.
We love to make fun of ET, but his play is getting recognized by many around the league.
On Page 2, Jae Crowder isn’t a fan of Carmelo Anthony’s elbows.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbXz2cqli04]The recipient of a Carmelo Anthony elbow-to-the-face told the Daily News that it wasn’t an isolated incident and he had to warn the Knicks star.
It also helped explain why the referees gave Anthony a Flagrant 1 for what looked like inadvertent contact in the first quarter of New York’s 97-86 loss to the Celtics.
“Melo plays with his elbows,” Boston forward Jae Crowder said. “He pivots. He came and just raked me on my lip and it’s the second game in the row, and I didn’t know if it was starting to be a routine from him. I let him know it’s the second game in a row, ‘You got to watch that.’”
One thing I’ve noticed about Melo’s game over the years, he uses his off-arm to push and create space like no other player in the league. And since he’s slowing down with age, it appears he’s resorted to using elbows to help create even more space.
The rest of the links
Globe: Lee to join Warriors at White House | Herald: Celtics get back at Knicks | Summer plans shape up | CSNNE: Zeller gets time to shine | ESPN Boston: Fans in NY wanted Zinger, instead they got Zeller |
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