That’ll Do Danny, That’ll Do

Posted by Mike Giardi July 21, 2008 at 9:27 am

Okay, so its not James Posey, and their impact wasn’t as great, but the Celtics have reportedly secured the right to a couple of players who contributed to their recent NBA title. According to the Boston Herald, both Eddie House and Tony Allen have inked two-year deals to remain in Boston.

The House move was a no-brainer. He did a creditable job as Rajon Rondo’s backup this past season, and when he lost his minutes to Sam Cassell late in the year and again at points in the playoffs, House did not sulk. Instead, he kept himself ready and stepped up in the Finals versus L.A.

On top of that, we learned that while House may not be a pure point guard, he was much better equipped to run that slot than the guy we pined for, Sam Cassell. Cassell could stop the world from turning, all in the name of an off-balance 18-footer.

As for Allen, this contract makes sense, now that Posey’s a Hornet. The C’s need someone athletic enough to cover 2 and 3’s, and while Allen doesn’t have Posey’s size, he’s can handle some of the smaller 3’s in the NBA. Plus, he’ll be another year removed from knee surgery, and this is when we’ll likely see if the explosiveness can return to his legs. If it does, you can’t count on Allen being a better, more aggressive player at both ends. If not, and you’re sitting in the first 10 rows, always keep your eye on the ball ’cause there’s a chance Tony may chuck it to you off the dribble.

Super Subs

Posted by Mike Giardi July 17, 2008 at 10:28 am

In honor of super-sub James Posey taking the money and running to New Orleans (I don’t blame him one bit. See this piece), I thought I’d cook up a list of the Top-10 Sixth Men in NBA History. with one caveat: they have to have played in my lifetime.

1. Kevin McHale, Celtics - The greatest, and I’ll always remember him for that, while desperately trying to ignore his hideous dealings as GM of the T’Wolves.

2. Detlef Schrempf, Pacers - I’d link to his greatest as a scorer and passer, but did you know someone titled a song after him? That’s the absolutely proof of his greatness as far as I’m concerned. Now I just need someone to write one about me, so I can have my existence justified. Any takers?

3. Manu Ginobli, Spurs - Like a lot of players on this list, he’s a 6th man only in spirit, because he’s playing 30-plus minutes a game. A clutch player, an incredible flopper, and his injury this spring is probably why the Lakers emerged from the West, and not San Antonio.

4. Clifford Robinson, Trail Blazers - Just a good player for a lot of years. His career numbers don’t lie. He did, however, have a problem with the sticky icky. Doesn’t make him a bad guy, but it does get you in trouble with the league.

5. Anthony Mason, Knicks - This was one bad dude. I literally had to fight the urge to hide behind the coach every time he entered the game. It was that scowl. He should have trademarked that scowl. Ended up forcing his way out of New York, largely because he thought the offense should have been run through him. Dude, you were good, but not that good.

6. Leandro Barbosa, Suns - Great two seasons ago. Not so great this year. Plus, he seems to be the sensitive type, brought to tears when teammates pulled a practical joke on him at the trade deadline and told him he was being shipped to some loser.

7. Roy Tarpley, Mavericks - Was an absolute beast, but absolutely submarined his own career with substance abuse issues.

8. Dennis Rodman, Pistons - He should be higher, but I hated his guts, regardless of where he was playing. Apparently, I’m not alone.

9. Bill Walton, Celtics - That one season with the Celtics was magical. One of the best seasons I lived through during my younger days.

10. Darrell Armstrong, Magic - Filled up the box score in the late 90’s for Orlando. Then someone overpaid him and he was never the same player. Boy do I hate it when that happens.

Why the Celtics Won’t Miss Posey

Posted by Jimmy Young July 16, 2008 at 6:36 pm

Its always tough to say goodbye to a key player on a championship team, but that’s what Celtics fans did today. James Posey signed a 4 year deal with the New Orleans Hornets, he wanted that 4th year, and he deserves it. Celtics nation knew that this day might come,  he was a one year rent a veteran, and it worked. The Celtics won their 17th NBA Championship. Can they win an 18th without James Posey? Yes, but it might be tougher, and they will have to find another veteran forward presence off the bench. Remember at this time last year, Kevin Garnett was still a member of the MInnesota Timberwolves. I just think, in time, the Celtics will be just fine, and Mr. Posey will join Dave Roberts, Dave Henderson, and Ted Washington as members of great teams who were one and done in Boston Sports.

Why The Celtics Won’t Miss Posey

Posted by Jimmy Young July 16, 2008 at 6:30 pm

Its always tough to say goodbye to a key player on a championship team, but that’s what Celtics fans did today. James Posey signed a 4 year deal with the New Orleans Hornets, he wanted that 4th year, and he deserves it. Celtics nation knew that this day might come,  he was a one year rent a veteran, and it worked. The Celtics won their 17th NBA Championship. Can they win an 18th without James Posey? Yes, but it might be tougher, and they will have to find another veteran forward presence off the bench. Remember at this time last year, Kevin Garnett was still a member of the MInnesota Timberwolves. I just think, in time, the Celtics will be just fine, and Mr. Posey will join Dave Roberts, Dave Henderson, and Ted Washington as members of great teams who were one and done in Boston Sports.

And the Winner Is…

Posted by Mike Giardi July 14, 2008 at 12:47 pm

So James Posey’s suppose to be in Boston this afternoon/evening for the Celtics Champion ship DVD party at the TD BankNorth Garden . I think this is a private event. Or semi-private. What I’m wondering is, will Posey show up if he signs elsewhere, which may happen sometime today, according to his agent.

Now according to the article by the Globe’s Marc Spears, it appears the C’s don’t want to go beyond two years with their super-sub. I’d be stunned if that’s enough. Heck, if you’re Posey why would you accept that? This is likely your last chance at a bigger payday, and if the Wizards or Hornets step up with 3 or 4 years, doesn’t he have to walk? Posey’s already got two rings, and both the aforementioned teams are on the rise (one would think). I could totally see him fitting in in either locale, and being an important player these next couple of seasons.

Me personally, if giving the choice, I’d be in New Orleans in a heartbeat. The chance to play with Chris Paul, the second-coming of Isiah Thomas (the player, not the bungling GM), would be one heck of an allure. Plus David West is blossoming, and Tyson Chandler is very solid inside. That’s a team that could win the West next year. Heck, they could win a title with Posey healthy and contributing. Am I wrong? I guess we may find out in a few hours. I’m not one who usually looks forwards to the DVD/red carpet things. It’s not my style. But I’m anxiously awaiting this evening, and the chance to speak with Posey. Again, that is, if he’s here.

Corey Sees Gold

Posted by Mike Giardi July 8, 2008 at 10:21 pm

Its rare in this day and age for any athlete to rule out any scenario, but I gotta say, I’m not sure Corey Maggette was ever serious about coming to Boston to play for the Celtics. Now, we don’t have to worry about it. Maggette’s long gone and hard to find, unless you want to stay up and catch the late game on TNT or ESPN.

Now that makes you wonder if Danny Ainge has to up his offer to James Posey or just walk away, and zero in on the next target. There’s no one on his current roster who can do what Pose does. Then again, there aren’t many in the league who have a game like that.

But is there any way Posey deserves a 3 or 4-year deal? Actually, let me rephrase that: is there any way the C’s should pay him for that many years? He’s 31, and he’ll turn 32 in January. He doesn’t have Kevin Garnett or Ray Allen mileage on his legs, but 31’s not young by NBA standards. Bruce Bowen’s been able to scrap defensively into his mid-30’s, so I guess if Ainge sees Posey as having that kind of stamina, then go for it. Otherwise, lose the sentiment and move on the next guy.

 

Dressed Up and Playing Her Tune

Posted by Bob Ekstrom July 1, 2008 at 8:57 am

Welcome to July, the summer queen who is supposed to separate baseball’s cream from its crop, right? Well, our beloved Red Sox begin the month a game and a-half behind the Tampa Bay Rays, courtesy of last night’s 5-4 loss at Tropicana Field. It’s not the old Trop anymore says Jeff Horrigan, who has Justin Masterson (4-2) struggling with his command for the first time this season. Jeff Goldberg says the Sox start this series in a very different state than the Rays, which was evident from literally the first pitch, a B.J. Upton homer. Sean McAdam says the Rays were opportunistic in building their AL East lead last night. Bill Ballou reminds us it’s been all downhill since Boston’s high-water mark on Saturday night, when the Sox sat mightily atop the division. Gordon Edes can’t remember the last time the Rays’ crowd outnumbered Sox supporters at the Trop. Tampa has undoubtedly been reignited from the Tribune’s tips for fans , where Marc Lancaster reminds everyone the Sox are the new Evil Empire. Rob Bradford says there’s a different feel to the Trop this year, as the surreal setting last night illustrates.

In the wake of Saturday’s shoving incident, Bradford’s Red Sox Beat has the New Manny image already in the shop for repairs. McAdam has both Manny and skipper Terry Francona in damage control mode, trying to downplay the incident. Dan Shaughnessy calls out the Sox organization as “spineless” and labels them Manny enablers after this latest chapter.

Edes’ Red Sox Notebook has last night’s security beefed up in the wake of threats directed toward Manny and Coco Crisp, although they aren’t related to last month’s brawl with the Rays in Boston. Horrigan also has an account of the stepped-up security measures. Horrigan’s Red Sox Notebook has Big Papi on a slow recovery and officially out of this year’s All-Star Game. In his Red Sox Notes, Ballou has Ortiz reporting he won’t need surgery.

The C’s

With every title in Title Town comes the hangover and, as James Posey’s declaration for free agency yesterday attests, the Celtics are not exempt. Mark Murphy says that tight cap space around the NBA, coupled with Posey’s midlevel salary expectations, will make him hot this summer. Marc J. Spears says Posey will be the top offseason target for the C’s, who also failed to make Tony Allen a qualifying offer yesterday.

Pats

Karen Guregian features Randy Moss’s weekend work with youth, culminating with his golf tournament to raise funds for providing learning centers in West Virginia. With the good, comes some bad. Christopher L. Gasper has the details on Willie Andrews’ busy offseason, capped by his second arrest yesterday.

Odds & Sods

Tom King has former Sox infielder Brian Daubach returning to the area as hitting coach for the Nashua Pride. As the Sox tangle with the Rays in Tampa this week, Dan Duggan recalls Daubach’s involvement in an infamous Tropicana melee eight years ago.

Kevin Provencher has New Hampshire Motor Speedway GM Jerry Gappens dog tired after his first NASCAR Sprint Cup event last weekend, the 27th consecutive sellout in Loudon.

The Telegram updates us about Derek Jeter’s bat woes - not only in swinging them, but in holding them as well. Kind of a slow sports day.

Bruce will be taking some time off this week, so we guest bloggers will try to fill his shoes. Join us each day throughout the week and, as always, send me your comments at bob02878@yahoo.com. Thanks.

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Quick Hitters

Posted by Mike Giardi June 26, 2008 at 12:48 pm

Technology’s great, until it doesn’t work. Been the case right here on Boston Score for 24 hours or so, Maybe this thing just hates me. That’s fine (he said, crying in his coffee). Anyway, did you ever think one day you’d be waking up to a Hannah Montana tune? Yeah, me neither. At least it was the live version of “Rock Star.” I mean, its gotta be better than the studio version, no?

Some quick hitters for you today.

1. I like the Bruins keeping defenseman Mark Stuart in the fold. He’s taking a little longer to be what I think he can be, but he’s a top -4 blueliner in my mind. Hopefully, that happens next season.

2. GM Peter Chiarelli is clearly enamored with someone in this free agent class, otherwise he wouldn’t keep alluding to it. Is it my boy Ryan Malone? I might start planning the Stanley Cup parade route if this happens. Of course, I could be out there by myself, but whatever. I’m liked everywhere I go. Heck, I’m liked everywhere Collins goes. If you have no idea what TV show I’m referring to with that line, you should be ashamed. I still watch that program, even though its been off the air for a decade or so.

3. Would it be excessive if I, as a journalist, were to beg James Posey to come back for a two-year deal? Is it even more foolish to think two years would come even remotely close to getting it done? Posey hasn’t gotten paid yet, but he does have two rings. I just don’t see how the C’s make this happen. I’ve been perusing over the list of players in his category that could be had to replace Posey, and I’m underwhelmed by them all. And on the note, Ron Artest can’t be Posey’s replacement. That’s going from one extreme to another. A team guy to a me guy.

4. Brian Scalabrine continues to swing the pendulum to his side as the Celtic I least want to see on the court (barely edging Tony Allen) but most want to hear do interviews. In this low-budget gem, he admits to a love for Rage Against the Machine and Metallica. I mean, how can I not give the man props?

(*by the way, the TV show I’m referencing early, SportsNight.*)

Sweet Seventeen

Posted by David Green June 18, 2008 at 5:00 am

Where do you start? How do you even begin to talk about the Celtics’ domination on the parquet Tuesday night?

It was total. Unrelenting. Humiliating. And for Celtic fans, it was the most impressive and enjoyable 48 minutes in a long, long time.

A magical second quarter broke the Lakers’ spirit, meaning Game 6 would not feature yet another huge Finals comeback. How good was the 2nd? Try 11 assists on 11 baskets. An 11-0 run courtesy of supersubs James Posey and Eddie House. A 9-0 run going into halftime that turned a 14-point lead into 23… a run that “buried the [Lakers] emotionally,” according to Phil Jackson. You know what? The Zen Master was right.

The second half was a glorified victory lap for this team that brought glory back to Causeway Street after a 22-year hiatus that seemed decades longer. While L.A. couldn’t get anything going, the C’s got everything going. The Celtics had a Finals record 18 steals, including 6 from Rajon Rondo, whose pestering, aggressive defense set the tone early. The rebounding edge was 48-29 — including a 14-2 edge on the offensive glass, as L.A. couldn’t grab a single offensive rebound until the 4th quarter.

You could marvel at the stats of this one for ages. The 39-point margin of victory was the largest for a clincher in Finals history, and just a couple of points shy of the worst beating in any Finals contest. Ray Allen’s 7 threes tied another Finals record. (By the way, can anyone remember all the concern about Ray Ray’s struggles early in the playoffs? Yeah, didn’t think so.)

By the way, do you want to talk about home-court advantage? The Jungle earned its nickname in this series, especially compared to the disinterested crowd that sauntered into the Staples Center. I was there for Game 3, and I was embarassed by the atmosphere. The crowd made more noise when Hugh Hefner was shown on the Jumbotron than when some guy named Earvin Johnson made an appearance. On Tuesday, the place was rockin’ from the opening introductions, and it never let up until the last piece of confetti finally touched down on the parquet. The official attendance was 18,624 but it felt like thousands more.

The scene in the locker room afterwards was one of total jubilation. I’ll admit it; my job has many perks, but nothing I’ve experienced to this point compares with being in the middle of the madness Tuesday night. Even now, as I’m watching the trophy presentation on the ESPN replay at 4:49 a.m., I’m still at a loss for words. While it felt amazing to watch the Sox and Patriots spray champagne after their championships, the sting of having champagne and beer sprayed in your eyes as it’s happening is a much better experience.

Now it’s time for yet another parade in Titletown. I’m guessing a few people might call out sick on Thursday to watch the Celtics roll through the city on the Duck Boats that Doc took the new Big 3 on way back at the start of the year. Doc told them that’s how Boston celebrates champions… now they’ll get to see exactly what it’s like.

Collins: The bench stepped up big time

Posted by Chris Collins June 13, 2008 at 1:51 am

NECN’s Chris Collins says it was the Celtics’ bench that stepped up and made the biggest comeback win in NBA Finals history possible. The Celtics won 97-91 in Game 4, and their 17th NBA championship is just one win away

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