Morning Coffee

Posted by Mike Giardi June 12, 2008 at 9:43 am

Early morning thoughts while being thankful that I never said anything bad about Texas outfielder Milton Bradley (at least, as far as he knows or I’ll admit)…

- You know how athletes like to blame the media for taking quotes out of context, or being overtly negative? Apparently Curt Schilling doesn’t need our help. He can do it all on his own. Never mind the fact that he was right about Kobe. Schill objects to having clubhouse business spilled out on the back pages of newspapers, but obviously has no problem laying the hammer on a guy he doesn’t even know, playing for a team he doesn’t know. Hypocrisy anyone?

- I don’t spend too much time worrying about the Pats and their habit of not disclosing injuries. I mean, why should I, and more importantly, why should they? Ellis Hobbs was right earlier this week when he said the opposition will go after you if they know you’re hurt. I don’t see how the NFL can make them tell the truth. If Hobbs ends up getting scratched, they could say he slipped on banana peel the morning of the game. How can the league prove that wrong? So that said, I think Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo blogging about his ankle injury is the height of stupidity. Unless he’s setting the Lakers up for something, there is absolutely no reason for it. I guess its youth…or something.

- Did you see Bill Simmons claim that Kevin Garnett didn’t sleep for like 4 days straight in the Detroit series? Am I suppose to be impressed? As a professional insomniac, I can triple that with no effort. But seriously…KG needs to dial it down a bit. Part of being great is getting a handle on your emotions and managing your intensity. 1st Quarters mean as much as 4th Quarters on the scoreboard, but its those final 12 minutes that determine a player’s legacy. I suspect Garnett knows that, even bleary eyed…

- If Rondo doesn’t play tonight, or is ineffective, how does Doc handle it? Pray that Eddie House’s dribbling skills have taken a quantum leap in the 48 hours since the C’s and Lakers last played? Hope that someone got the smelling salts for Sam Cassell? Mercifully, LA doesn’t have a Lindsey Hunter type to hound the ball, although Jordan Farmar did a pretty good job Tuesday. I suppose you could have Pierce and/or Allen bring the ball up, but I have to believe that would impact the offense in a negative manner. The more I think about it, the more Rondo just has to pull a Pierce, put on a Cape and play Superman…or at least the Green Lantern or Flash Gordon (I loved the Green Lantern as a kid, but you gotta admit, his gimmick was pretty lame. Not as lame as the Wonder Twins, but I digress…)

- If you don’t like “The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret” by Queens of the Stone Age, I’m not sure we can be friends.

Big Papi and Big Hoops

Posted by Mike Giardi June 3, 2008 at 7:15 pm

Before I get on to the Celtics, let me just say that the David Ortiz injury worries me, but I won’t get panicky unless the wrist won’t get right. Right away you worry about Manny. Unless J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell and Chris Carter (no, not that one. He spells it Cris…and he’’s an idiot) rake, there is absolutely no reason to ever throw Manny a strike again. And the Sox slugger is such a patient hitter, he’ll take walks. I say if Ortiz misses a month, Manny will take between 35 and 40 base on balls during this stretch. Its great for the OBP, but dudes below him better swing big bats or you might be talking about a couple of walks per game.

The only reason I don’t get crazy is because the Sox are better built to manufacture runs then they’ve ever been in my lifetime, even more so if Coco could get on base every once in a blue moon. Jacoby Elllsbury has a chance to be a very special player, and I wasn’t convinced that would be the case 7 or 8 months ago.

As for the Celtics, another busy day at the team’s practice facility in Waltham. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce held court for a second day, basically repeating their takes from a day ago. I get the feeling that Ray may have a good series now that his confidence has been restored. Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind if Kobe tortures him for 40. Hey, I may be dumb, but I’m not stupid.

Other bits and pieces…Kendrick Perkins thinks that Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess got him well prepared for Pau Gasol. In fact, I think Perk thinks this will be an easier task. You know what? I think he’s right.

Sam Cassell thinks there’s very little pressure on Rajon Rondo. He said it was similar to his situation in his rookie season with Houston, when he didn’t have any plays designed for him, and didn’t need to carry the offense. Cassell noted he had Hakeem and Clyde Drexler - 2 Hall of Famers - and Rondo plays with 3 future HOf’ers. The late-season acquisition also noted that nothing prepares you for the NBA Finals. The atmosphere is “crazy.”

James Posey wouldn’t reveal just how much time he’ll get matching up with Kobe (see my one-on-one interview with him on NECN.com), but says that its all about “team defense,” again a theme that has been very prevalent these last couple days (and all season, of course). It will be crucial for the C’s to make sure Kobe has to work defensively as well, something they did a nice job with in the two regular season meetings.

Doc Rivers is a huge fan of Derek Fisher, citing his character and basketball smarts. The C’s tried to get Fish this offseason, but he was no dummy, sticking to his West Coast roots and Kobe. Can’t blame a guy for that.

Paul Pierce thinks Kobe has great trust not just in Gasol, but all his teammates, and Doc feels like Phil Jackson has loaded up on shooters when those two are on the floor, making life easier for both, and Lamar Odom.

More tomorrow….

Adjust the Bass and let the Alpine Blast…

Posted by Mike Giardi May 25, 2008 at 11:37 am

23 points from the Celtics bench. Another 12 and 10 from Kendrick. My call to the bench boys was answered last night and, not surprisingly, the Celts are now at the wheel of that shiny Cadillac Escalade with the $50,000 rims. Or if you prefer, a big ole Benz. Me, I’ll take the family truckster, but that’s how I roll.

Anyway, hard to believe that was the same team we saw get abused by the Pistons on the previously pristine Garden floor, but I checked the tape, and the faces were the same. It was just the performances that changed.  The C’s supporting cast has been a question  mark in the second season, alternately shying away from, then embracing key moments. Last night, Posey, Cassell, P.J. and Big Baby hugged it out, and now the Green team has recaptured home court advantage.

You knew it was going to be different in the opening quarter. Both Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen got hit with two quick fouls, and Doc had no choice but to rely on these guys. But unlike in Game 2, the bench responded quickly and productively. They helped answer a 13-0 run by Detroit with a 10-0 whitewashing themselves. Posey dropped in a  big 3 from the corner, then Cassell got an open look at the top of the key and softly coaxed it in. That didn’t happen Thursday, especially for Cassell, who was rooted to the floor with that awkward looking wrap engulfing his back and logged yet another DNP-CD.

Perkins deserves credit as well. “Molasses” may not be the most fluid athlete we’ve ever laid eyes on, but he’s a decent shooter, and we know he can rebound and supply a defensive presence in the paint. At least, we’ve seen him do those things for stretches during the regular season and even in the playoffs.

Last night was arguably his best performance in May. Perk went 6-of-7 from the floor, had 10 boards and made life difficult for anyone who dared venture into the paint. I’d like to see him do it again Monday, but I have to remind myself that the big fella is still young in experience, despite having several seasons of NBA life under his belt.

So now what lies ahead? A chance to stagger Detroit by taking another one at the Palace. As Paul Pierce and Garnett said following last night’s victory  - and I’m paraphrasing - why come here for just one win? That’s the right sentiment, now let’s see if the Green team and its bench boys deliver the same kind of 1-2 punch.

Key to Game 3

Posted by Mike Giardi May 24, 2008 at 7:00 pm

I don’t know if you’ve heard this, but the Celtics have yet to earn a postseason road victory. We in the media obsessed about it during the Atlanta series, then even more so during Round 2 against Cleveland. But it didn’t matter. Seriously. As long as the C’s took care of business at home, they could still win an NBA title. Now, that premise has changed. The Celts no longer have the aura of a invincibility at home, losing Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals Thursday night. That means - in order to win this series and get to the NBA Finals - Pierce, Garnett, Allen and company must win at the Palace in Auburn Hills. Is it possible? Without question.

If you’re a C’s fan, you gotta remember January 5th of this year. And I’m not talking about just looking at the box score. That was the night the Green team had a score to settle, and that’s exactly what they did. A 7-point win, which is probably best remembered as the coming out party for Glen “Big Baby” Davis.

But here’s the key. It could have been anyone. Leon Powe. P.J. Brown. Even Kendrick Perkins, who once got 10 and 20 against Detroit this season. That was sorely lacking Thursday night. The bench scored just 8 points total in 57 minutes. I mean, I realize the C’s are built around the ”Big 2″ and Ray Allen, but 8 points?! Just 11 shots?!? That crew has to be more aggressive. Heck, put Sam Cassell out there. At least he won’t be shy about hoisting it up. I’m not kidding, despite my earlier critiques of that noted gunslinger. Someone from the second “5″ has to be willing to step up, or the Celts will find themselves stepping out, a round earlier than they should.

Lottery Past, Draft Future

Posted by Randolph Charlotin May 21, 2008 at 10:33 pm

It was about last year when the heart was torn from the chest of Celtic Nation at the NBA Draft Lottery. With the best chance for the first pick overall, Boston got bumped down to fifth overall. In a draft with only two franchise players (Ohio State 7-footer Greg Oden and Texas small forward Kevin Durant), a bad Celtics team was in position for a player that probably would keep the franchise in rebuilding mode.

What a reversal of fortune as that disappointment was turned into unlimited optimism. That fifth pick, along with G Delonte West and F Wally Szczerbiak, was traded for Seattle’s All-Star G Ray Allen and the SuperSonics’ second round pick (which became Glen “Big Baby” Davis). Later came the crown jewel, Kevin Garnett. It took a lot of youth (PF Al Jefferson, SF Ryan Gomes, PG Sebastian Telfair, G/F Gerald Green), a veteran contract (C Theo Ratliff) and a 2009 first round pick (top-3 protected), but Danny Ainge got what he wanted.

It was a painless experience this year as Chicago leap-frogged to first overall and the right to choose between Memphis PG Derrick Rose or Kansas State F Michael Beasley. The Celtics have the Eastern Conference Finals to worry about. But the upcoming draft will have significant importance for the Celts.

Five players are scheduled to become free agents at the end of Boston’s playoff run. PG Eddie House and G/F James Posey both signed for one year. Sam Cassell and P.J. Brown were added for the stretch run and experience for the playoffs. And the Celtics declined Tony Allen’s option or an additional year to his rookie contract.

Brown was talked out of retirement and probably will hang it up for good. Cassell or House won’t accept being the third PG on a team. Tony hasn’t developed as a player and doesn’t appear to be in Boston’s future. Posey wants to win and could go to another championship-caliber team offering better pay.

That’s a lot of holes to fill. A free agent or two will be signed. Maybe F Brandon Wallace is brought back after a year in the D-League. He would add athleticism, defense, rebounding, and energy to the bench.

Otherwise Ainge will have to mine for late-round gems again. Forwards Leon Powe and Glen Davis are finds. Can Danny do it again?

A scorer at the G/F position to relieve Paul Pierce and Ray Allen should be on the list, as well as a C/F to back up K.G. and Kendrick Perkins.

It’s early, but nbadraft.net projects PF Nikola Pekovic and C Sasha Kaun as rookie additions. That will change as the draft gets closer. Whoever Boston drafts, they could play an important role in the team’s future.

In the meantime, we’ll watch the Green Team try to add a 17th banner to the rafters.

But it would be so much better if the new additions help the team to banners 18th or 19th.

Hey Doc…Rondo’s the Right One!

Posted by Mike Giardi May 14, 2008 at 1:36 pm

Heading into Game 4, Rajon Rondo said he would take more offensive responsibility, pushing the ball in transition, being aggressive in half-court sets. I guess, in taking 14 shots and scoring 15 points, you could argue that the C’s point guard did just that. But I would argue the exact opposite. I would argue that the Rondo we saw on the floor Monday night is the same shell-of-his-former-self we’ve watched since halftime of the opener against Cleveland, and that should have fans of this team saying, “uh oh,” over and over again.

Where did the Rondo, who emerged as one of the brightest young point guard in the league, go? The defensive menace who held his own against the likes of Chris Paul, Tony Parker and Jason Kidd (I’m omitting Jazz frontman Deron Williams, who absolutely crushed the smaller Rondo). The explosive offensive threat who scorched Jameer Nelson of Orlando and Denver’s Allen Iverson, and shamed poor Raymond Felton into retirement (I’m making that up, but Felton should have called it quits after Rondo torched him)?

That Rondo has been jerked around by a Head Coach who should know better. He should know - after 82 regular season games and 11 in the postseason - that his best chance to win is to let Rondo have the ball in his hands. He’s smarter than just about any Celtic on the floor, and whatever he lacks in experience, Rondo makes up for with his freakish speed and arms of a 7-footer. At this point in the year, Rondo has earned his playing time.

Sam Cassell, on the other hand, has earned an 8-minute cameo at PG (end of opening quarter into the second and again at the end of the 3rd), and maybe, in light of Ray Allen’s disappearance, another 15 at the two. But I am so sick of him jacking up shots with double digits on the shot clock. I’m sick of the offense coming to a standstill when he’s pounding the ball into the floor. That’s not how the C’s won 66 games in the regular season. Yes, you’ll need Cassell at a later time in these playoffs. But there may not be a later time in the playoffs unless order is restored and Rondo gets the keys to this offense again. Its the right thing to do, and a former point guard named Doc should understand that better than anyone.

Hawks Grounded at the Garden

Posted by Mike Giardi May 4, 2008 at 4:07 pm

Despite all my gnashing of teeth and disappointment in the Celtics through the first six games of their playoff series with Atlanta, I - like just about everyone else who’s watched this team on a daily basis - figured a return to good times in Game 7. But this good? Wow. What a clinic by the Green team, a 99-65 rout of the Hawks.

Defense spurring everything for the C’s. They forced Atlanta to settle for way too many jumpers early on, never a good thing for a young and understandably nervous team. Then, even when the Hawks got to the hoop, they were unable to finish, only compounding their woes.

There were a couple minutes in the second quarter that proved just how unwilling or unable the visitors were to match what the C’s were bringing. Old man P.J. Brown had not one, but two blocks, and even Sam Cassell - who hasn’t guarded a soul in this series - had a strip steal. When that’s going down, warm up the chartered jet, fill it with fuel and get dinner cooking ’cause the boys are headed home for a long summer.

As Atlanta tries to size up what could be a bright future, they have to wonder what happened to their most talented big man, Josh Smith. He loves to talk and scowl, but when it mattered the most, he was atrocious, the worst player on the court. Al Horford, a much more stable sort, was pretty bad as well. Give the Celts some credit for getting into their kitchens, but also wonder about the mental state of that duo.

Now its on to Round 2 and a date with Cleveland. Its going at least 6. LeBron is good enough for at least two wins. At least. He tortured the C’s during the season series, going for 30-plus in two of the three he played. King James did miss one with a finger injury, and the Cavs only scored 70 in that game. Surprised? I didn’t think so.

 

Hawks Take Flight

Posted by Mike Giardi April 27, 2008 at 11:55 am

First, let me admit that I have a problem, one that may not be fixable by any means of modern medicine. I am a Banana Chocolate Chip muffin addict. I got my fix this AM, pounding 3 of those bad boys with a couple of cups of joe. Not the mammer jammer muffins that are like a thousand calories per, but the little cupcake ones that are simply tremendous. And hey, its got fruit in it, so its gotta be good for you, right? Yeah, I’ll keep telling myself that as I balloon to 250. Only 90 pounds to go!

On a more serious note, what a dreadful outing for the Celtics last night. A team that has prided itself on defense played absolutely zero in the A-T-L. Josh Smith and the rest of the gang seemed to be dunking every time down the floor. How about knocking one of those clowns down? How about impeding progress to the goal? It just didn’t happen with any kind of frequency, and now the Hawks have some life. That’s a dangerous thing. The kids get confident, and who knows what happens? Now Monday becomes must-see TV.

The second notable thing from last night’s loss: Mike Bibby finally played like a seasoned pro. In fact, he outplayed Rajon Rondo. I didn’t expect Bibby to go down without a fight, but I didn’t expect Rondo to do what the rest of his team did - stop playing “D”. He may be most responsible for what happened in Game 3. Control the point guard, control the opposition. Didn’t happen. Rondo will need to be considerably better in Game 4, because defensively, slow Sam Cassell is not the answer.