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.
Top o’ the morning and Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all Celtics fans, especially those who are Irish by birth and those who are Irish just for today.
(In honor of this special day, we’re ignoring the dumpster fire that was last night’s game, where the Celts never led; suffered their highest points allowed in regulation this season; and were destroyed on ESPN. We’re disregarding that they’ve now lost four of five; dropped from third to fifth in the East because Atlanta won; and are now ahead of sixth-place Charlotte by only a half game. And that in post-game Isaiah Thomas said his team was soft. We’re forgetting all this until March 18.)
As a lifelong Celtics fan, I’ve always wondered why the NBA has never done anything to connect the Green Team to St. Patrick’s Day. Yes, the Celts have played many times on March 17 (22-12 record), but only twice in the Garden since 1999. Why not have a home game every year? Let’s take a quick look at the positives and negatives.
Pros:
- The Boston tie-in to St Patrick’s Day is a no-brainer, seeing as how the Celtics have shamrocks on their uniforms and logo, and their mascot is a leprechaun.
- A Celtics home game on March 17 would be a glorious celebration in the Garden, especially since it is, coincidentally, Danny Ainge’s birthday.
- The green, gold and white uniforms the Cs wore last night are epic. The way the NBA loves to promote jersey sales (annual revenue to the league is reportedly in the neighborhood of $1 billion), you’d think they would capitalize on the Boston-St. Paddy’s Day connection.
- Greater Boston is the most Irish urban area in America.
- The NBA already celebrates ethnic heritage through its annual Latin Nights program and uniforms.
Con:
- Only one I can think of: Whenever the Cs play on March 17, there’s a risk I’ll have too many Guinness’s and Jameson’s to care about the score.
Maybe someday the NBA will see the (green) light. For now: Sláinte!
On Page 2: ‘Soft as tissue’
Without the injured Jae Crowder, the Celtics started Marcus Smart on Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant. Surrendering six inches in the matchup, Smart knew he would need to use his quickness, strength and position to try to keep Durant away from clean looks. Yet on each of the first three possessions, the former MVP scored over the top of Smart’s head. […]
“Today was just, they punked us,” Thomas said. “We’re playing soft as tissue.”
He added: “Sh–. Three in a row losses that we had. That’s probably our worst loss of the season. We’ve got to win (in Toronto). The playoff picture – not saying we’re not going to make the playoffs, but it’s close. It’s close. Toronto’s another test for us. We’ve got to be mature about the situation and just try to get a win.”
MassLive – Isaiah Thomas: ‘Soft’ Boston Celtics were ‘punked’ by Oklahoma City Thunder
It was only a month ago that Celtics fans were accused of over-valuing Crowder. Anyone still thinking that?
Related: ESPN Boston – Boston fans chant for Kevin Durant, but Celtics have more immediate issues
On Page 3: Why not us?
With Boston positioned to fish again this summer for that elusive big catch that could propel the team forward, the Celtics would covet the chance to pitch Boston as a possible destination when Durant reaches unrestricted free agency.
Scoff if you want — and most will — the Celtics are in position to make an intriguing sales pitch to any star talent that becomes available.
And that would include Durant, who might benefit from simply escaping a bloodthirsty Western Conference that’s compounded his quest for a championship. But Ainge’s desire to see Durant in green stretches back almost a decade, and it’s not just an assumption from him sitting next to Wanda Pratt at a Big 12 semifinal.
ESPN Boston – With Durant atop the list, Boston ready for run at top free agents
Yesterday, the KD-to-Boston hype train picked up speed after the mega-star said all the right things about liking the Celtics franchise/fans/city. Take it with a grain of salt, because Durant surely answers these questions in every city that the Thunder visit.
John laid out the possibilities for how the Cs could possibly land the biggest prize of free agency. Sure, it’s a long shot. Sure, the Boston TV/radio doom-and-gloom crowd will instinctively throw cold water on our hopes and dreams of seeing KD in green. And sure, the Celts have never had the cap space to be able to bring in a top-notch free agent.
But Boston fans know that anything can happen in sports. The Red Sox went 86 years without winning a World Series, and then Dave Roberts stole second base. Until 2001, the Patriots had never won anything, and then Adam Vinatieri kicked a field goal. So there’s always hope (at least that’s what Cubs fans believe).
And good job by last night’s fans in the Garden trying to make Durant feel welcomed.
Kevin Durant received a nice ovation from the Celtics crowd in introductions.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) March 16, 2016
Also, Durant’s cheer was louder than any in Celtics lineup, save maybe IT.
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) March 16, 2016
“COME-TO-BOS-TON!” chants come out again after that ankle-breaking crossover by Kevin Durant past Terry Rozier. #Celticstalk
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@SherrodbCSN) March 17, 2016
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Unfortunately:
Durant on the “Come to Boston” chant: “I didn’t even hear that, man. I couldn’t understand what they were saying. They said that?”
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) March 17, 2016
KD Watch:
Boston.com – Celtics can’t steal Kevin Durant’s thunder, but they might just be able to steal him in free agency
Globe – Free agent-to-be Kevin Durant says he likes Boston a lot
MassLive – Kevin Durant praises Boston and the Celtics: ‘I like the city a lot’ | Kevin Durant met with ‘come to Boston’ chants as Celtics get rocked by Oklahoma City Thunder, 130-109 | Kevin Durant doubles down on praise for Boston Celtics: Tradition ‘second to none’
CSNNE – It’s a long shot, but Durant saying all the right things | Fans do their part to recruit Durant to Boston | Durant: ‘Tradition of being Boston Celtic is second to none’
CBS Sports – Report: The Celtics plan on pursuing Kevin Durant this summer
NESN – Do Celtics Have Realistic Shot At Landing Kevin Durant In Free Agency?
Herald – Bulpett: Kevin Durant has Celtics fans Green with envy
And, finally: Find time to watch some college ball
Prepare to take a seat, call somewhere with delicious wings and let your boss know you’re not showing up to work until Monday. Fake a cough if you need to, forge a doctor’s note if you must. Whatever it takes, clear your schedule and prepare for your bracket to burst into flames.
If things stay the way they are right now, the Boston Celtics would have eight picks in this year’s NBA Draft, including three first-rounders (BKN, DAL, BOS).
So, if there’s any time to watch the NCAA Tournament as a Celtics fan, this is the year—even if Ben Simmons’ LSU Tigers won’t be in the bracket.
Boston.com – 15 college players Celtics fans should keep an eye on this March
Thank you to every media member who puts together this type of coverage, because I have no clue about who’s who in the future of Celtics draft picks. Yes, I’ve heard of Buddy Hield and Brandon Ingram, but watching college ball with its long shot clock and countless timeouts is just too boring. The only way it works is today and tomorrow, with 16 tournament games each day. Not everyone can be in a timeout at once.
The Rest of the Links:
CSNNE – Durant, Thunder roll over Celtics, 130-109 | Mannix: Scouts say Crowder most valuable Celtic | Celtics remain focused after third straight loss | Stars, studs and duds: Celtics ‘soft as tissue’
Boston.com – These are the things the Celtics don’t do well
ESPN Boston – Jae Crowder on injured ankle: ‘I feel like I’m moving ahead’
Herald – Durant, Westbrook blast C’s at Garden
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