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.
For R.J. Hunter and those on the Celtics’ roster bubble, last night was the final preseason audition before the club must make its cuts.Hunter has always been in the Sweet 16, but only the Final 15 matter.
The decision will be up to Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens, but Hunter’s college coach said he is pleased with the strides he’s made even in the last two weeks. Hunter has lost some of the hesitancy that handcuffed his best skills. Instead of assertively stepping into his 3-point shots, he was a bit hesitant.
But better play of late — by James Young, too — has given the Celts a tough decision on the final roster positions.
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And the second-year player has gained a little wisdom, as well. He’ll be getting some news from the Celtics in the next few days, and, as far as his Boston future is concerned, he knows it may not be positive.
But he’s prepared for whatever comes, according to his father.
“If he’s not here, it won’t be because he’s not good enough to play in the league,” Ron Hunter said said. “If he’s not here, he’ll be somewhere. I think he knows that.”
Herald – R.J. Hunter hoping to grow into a role with the Celtics
The big storyline from last night was Marcus Smart’s ankle sprain, but the story of the next few days, before we turn our attention to season previews and the Nets on the 26th, is who gets the final roster spot. The spot likely comes down to R.J. Hunter and James Young, and both clearly know that’s the case. Hunter’s dad is already looking ahead to a contingency plan if R.J. is given the boot. Brian Scalabrine has already made his decision:
. @Scalabrine: ‘I think James Young is going to get final roster spot’ – #Celticshttps://t.co/HAH5Ofa7GZ
— CSN New England (@CSNNE) October 20, 2016
The games have been played, and now the decision must be made. The only thing missing in this whole 15th roster spot race was a debate between Young and Hunter. Neither wanted to participate in a mud-slinging, face-to-face debate, so I took liberty in scripting what the debate would sound like if Donald Trump spoke on behalf of each of them.
Hunter: Look, my opponent has told this story over and over again, ok? That he came up with modest basketball skill while I got a loan of basketball DNA from my father. It was a small loan, ok? I took it and created a phenomenal college basketball career. One of the best ever. I took a shot against Baylor. It went in. People will remember it forever. I’m going to hit so many shots just like that one when I’m the 15th man on this roster. It is going to be so great. James has been here for, like, 30 years and he has experience, but it is horrible experience. It is so horrible. He looks completely lost out there. He is unfit to be on an NBA roster.
Young: WRONG. We’re talking about unfit, RJ, I could snap you like a twig, ok? I’m surprised you haven’t blown over when a breeze picks up off the water near the seaport. Look, I have dominated in Maine. They love me in Maine. The Mainers love me. All of them. I was so great in Maine. It was incredible. And you know what, Mike (editors note: Mike Gorman moderated this debate) I’m going to be so good here in Boston. If I had been in the rotation for the Atlanta series I would have hit so many threes, we would still be playing in the playoffs right now.
Mike: James, the playoffs ended…
Young: Right, I know that. Look, we are losing. We are losing to Atlanta. We are losing to Cleveland. We are losing to Toronto. The Hunter family has been in basketball for, like, 30 years and there’s just so much losing. It’s terrible. We need to control the 3-point line. We need guys with NBA bodies. We need to Make the Celtics Young Again!
On page 2, Terry Rozier ready to fill Smart’s void
So who will fill the void left by Smart being out of the lineup?
That will be worked out in the coming days, but all indications are that the bulk of Smart’s minutes will be doled out to Terry Rozier.
Having already established himself as the benefactor of the playing time doled out last season to Evan Turner who is now in Portland, look for Rozier’s role to expand even more in the first few games.
CSNNE – Terry Rozier will get plenty of opportunities with Marcus Smart out
Rozier is primed to see some of those Evan Turner minutes for the majority of the season, but will immediately see even more time than that. I’m excited to see what Rozier can do with 20-25 minutes per game in Smart’s absence.
The rest of the links:
CSNNE – Marcus Smart injured as Boston Celtics close out pre-season with 121-96 loss to New York Knicks | Stars, Studs and Duds
ESPN Boston – Celtics’ Smart sprains ankle; return to action unknown
Mass Live – 10 things to like/dislike as Celtics fall to Knicks | Marcus Smart injury: Celtics hopeful guard’s sprained ankle isn’t ‘too long term’
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