How Do We Feel About Reggie On The C's?

I can't believe no one has posted about this yet! We all know the Celtics have been making moves like diarrhea through a digestive system (which I'm all for by the way), but have they gone too far with trying to bust Reggie Miller out of the nursing home? I mean, I spent the greater part of my childhood HATING Reggie Miller, especially because half the time he was on the court, he was whining to the ref about how he just got fouled, the other half he spent absolutely draining 3's in Spike Lee's grill. Which brings me to my point. If we have to roll out Reggie in his wheelchair to knock down a couple of clutch 3's from time-to-time, I guess I'm all for it. I'm all for the Celtics coming out with their own version of the Dream Team and absolutely embarrassing the competition in the Eastern Conference. No? God I wish the Bruins were good, too! Hockey is still around, right?

Beantown is now Titletown, baby...and everyone wants to hook their wagon up to our shooting star. Randy Moss, KG, Reggie Miller...the list goes on. Personally, I can't wait until we win a World Series, Superbowl, and NBA championship all in one year. The lid is going to blow off this town.

Orlando

***On a completely different sidenote, remember when Chieftain said this:

"It's 5 games...not 6. Tonight: Wang = Automatic win, Lester = Sweep"

Wow, how right he was!

Eddie House to Provide "Instant O" off Bench

Mark Murphy is reporting that "the Celtics signed free agent guard Eddie House this afternoon to a one-year deal."

Up until this past year, I had always believed in Danny (The Commodore can attest to this, as we have had countless 'Danny Ainge' discussions for years now). Then, I watched this past year in complete despair. Finally, Mr. Ainge is reiterating why I had bought into the hype for so long.

WHAT AN OFFSEASON!

Eddie House is a solid complimentary piece for this team. For 15 minutes a night, House will be called upon to shoot the pill from the outside. His specialty. After all, he shot 43% from behind the arc while playing for New Jersey last season. In short, the 29-year-old veteran is instant energy. Although only 6'1", he can create his own shot -- and doesn't turn the ball over. Because he never drives the lane and doesn't distribute the ball well for a PG, he'll be asked to play on the wing more frequently that one would think. Personally, I view House as more of a natural "2" than "1" (aka, a "tweener"). Let's not forget that both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are overly capable of handling the ball when called upon to do so...for a few minutes here-and-there.

For the record...in the past, I've seen ESPN's John Hollinger refer to House as a Tony Delk-type of player (a player that all of New England should be familiar with).

And, for what it's worth...while watching Acie Law play these past 2 seasons at Texas A&M, he reminded me of only one other collegiate player -- none other than Eddie House. As college players, they were exact replicas.

Lastly, expect the "finger wave" to become patented in Boston any day now. Yes, Dikembe Mutumbo will be a Celtic.

It's Official...Youth Movement is No Longer in the Cards!!!!!!!!

...And, my favorite basketball player of all-time, Ryan Gomes, may or may not remain in Celtic green. This detail hasn't yet been finalized, but I have my fingers crossed. Either way, it has no bearing on my final thoughts -- this was a trade that was too good to pass up. Assuming health, the C's show contend for the next 3 years!

Al Jefferson, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, and an unspecified draft pick(s) for "The Big Ticket"...!!!!!!!!! A no-brainer!

Draft picks??? Who's cares? This team isn't going to be anywhere near the lottery for years to come!!

When you break it down, the deal is essentially...Big Al's youth and potential FOR Garnett's current stardom. I love it!!! The Celtics are relevent!! My beloved C's are relevent!! I just bought season tickets!

Ok, the logistics...

The NBA recently announced that the Salary Cap for the 2007-08 season will be $55.630 million. The tax level for the 2007-08 season has been set at $67.865 million. Any team whose team salary exceeds that figure will pay a $1 tax for each $1 by which it exceeds $67.865 million.

The mid-level exception is $5.356 million for the 2007-08 season and the minimum team salary, which is set at 75% of the Salary Cap, is $41.723 million.

With this incredible trade, the Celtics 15-man current roster shapes up as follows:

• Kevin Garnett, $22M for 2007-08
• Paul Pierce, $16.36M
• Ray Allen, $16M
• Kendrick Perkins, $4.48M
• Brian Scalabrine, $3M
• Tony Allen, $1.87M
• Rajon Rondo, $1.37M
• Ryan Gomes, $771K -- could very well be included in KG deal?
• Leon Powe, $687K
• Brandon Wallace, $427K
• Gabe Pruitt, Rookie contract (undisclosed at this time)
• Glen Davis, Rookie contract (undisclosed at this time)

...As constructed (and assuming Gomes is not part of the agreed upon deal), the C's have 12 players under contract (as they recently cut Villanova product Allan Ray). Without knowing the specifics of Pruitt's and/or "Big Baby's" rookie contracts, the C's have committed $66.965 million to 10 players. As both Pruitt and Davis were early 2nd Round picks in this year's draft, I'd have to assume that both signed multi-year rookie contracts...similar to that of Ryan Gomes' current contract (plus a slight adjustment due to inflation purposes). Assuming this to be true, I'll estimate the Celtics' 2007-2008 roster to currently stand at $68.6 million (which doesn't even begin to include KG's potential/additional "trade kicker" of up to $6.75 million) -- which already puts the Celts above the determined cap. For this, I thank Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, as he is the one that is allowing this trade to go through. As a fan, I speak on behalf of all true Celtic fans...we will make sure you make your money back!! "The Garden" is going to be rockin' this year!

Moving on...the C's clearly don't have any movable trading chips now -- it's the "The New Big 3" and several other important pieces (Rondo, Perkins, possibly Gomes, and hopefully a healthy Tony Allen). For that reason, I definitely don't expect another trade this offseason...no matter how insignificant it may or may not be. However, the C's can still utilize the aforementioned $5.356 mid-level exception (on either a backup PG or backup "big man"). Say hello to BREVIN KNIGHT (or Earl Boykins)!! A perfect piece, a great backup and/or mentor to Rondo...another motor on both ends of the court. The other need is at backup center (Olowokandi or Chris Webber?) that can provide the team with energy for at least 9-12 minutes/night, as Perkins is clearly only a 27-28 minute/night type of player (for the remaining few minutes, the C's possess the necessary parts to play "small ball" -- i.e., Gomes/Scalabrine/"Big Baby"/Powe). In the past, I have been very hard on Perkins -- but, with the addition of KG, Perkins' role finally seems to make sense. He plays solid defense and can rebound the basketball. He's a very big body that can bang with the best of them. He can't score a lick, as his offense is offensive. But, who cares???? The C's now have THREE All-Star offensive options...night-in and night-out!!! Perkins' meat-and-potatoes is going to come solely by way of offensive put-backs, aka "garbage buckets".

Danny Ainge - you deserve all the credit in the world for what you have accomplished this offseason! The C's are now a very balanced team - they can defend (KG, Perkins, Rondo, and Tony Allen), their top 7 players can fly up and down the court, and they can shoot the lights out (Ray Allen and Pierce), especially with Mr. Rondo pushing the ball down teams' throats.

PG - Rondo, Pruitt

SG - Ray Allen, Tony Allen

SF - Pierce, Gomes (?), Brandon Wallace

PF - Garnett, Scalabrine, Glen Davis, Powe

C - Perkins

It's now up to Doc (gulp) to mold this group - and ensure they all check their egos at the door. This year, we're going to see just how much of a "player's coach" Doc really is...

(The above photo comes via http://bostondirtdogs.com/)

KEVIN GARNETT TO CELTS...?!?!?!?!?!

When I first heard this news at 6:30 this morning, I nearly drove my car off the side of the road. Needless to say, I called nearly 3/4 of the male contingent in my cell phone (The Commodore and I have already spoken a dozen times today). The ONLY time I have been more pumped in my life about a pending trade was....

...when the Yanks pawned off Soriano-for-Alex Rodriguez, after the Red Sox had massaged his ball$ all offseason (this trade literally caused me to call EVERY single person I knew).

As I've been in-and-out of meetings this morning, a detailed analysis of this pending move is forthcoming (once official)....

DANNY! DANNY!! DANNY!!!

Did You Know (Reggie Lewis Version)?

Born and raised in Baltimore, MD (an absolute mecca for talented ballers), former Celtics captain Reggie Lewis (the #22 overall selection in the 1987 Draft averaged 17.6 PPG during his shortened career) was a key member of the Dunbar High School basketball team that went 50-0 during the 1981/1982 season.

An undefeated basketball season is great and all, but an undefeated HIGH SCHOOL squad which featured 4 future NBA players in nothing short of incredible!! The others?

• Muggsy Bogues (12th overall pick in 1987 Draft by Washington Bullets...out of Wake Forest)
• Reggie "Silk" Williams (4th overall pick in the 1986 Draft by LA Clippers...out of Georgetown)
• David Wingate (2nd round pick in 1986 Draft by Philadelphia 76ers...out of Georgetown)

As a side note...when playing with the Spurs, David Wingate was accused of raping first a 17-year-old woman...and a couple days later, a 21-year-old woman. He was eventually cleared of both charges, as both victims refused to testify. Shady!

Got Gomes?

An article in today's Boston Herald has the NBA launching an investigation a few months ago in regards to quotes made by Boston Celtics forward Ryan Gomes after the Celtics lost yet another game that allowed them to clinch a spot in the NBA lottery. Among some of the quotes the NBA was investigating were....

“The players weren’t thinking about the lottery and all that, but reality is reality. Now that our position in the lottery is set, hopefully we can go out and win some games. "

“Things could change now, but another thing you’ve got to think of is that (Doc Rivers) was doing that for a reason. It could be for that reason (securing lottery position) or it could be for getting the younger guys some playing time or seeing who’s going to be here next year. There’s a lot of things that go into that.”

Gomes had to have a conference call with someone from the NBA to help justify what he said that evening to reporters. Gomes emphatically denies that he was tanking games in order to help the Celtics gain a better draft position.

“They called me on my home phone. We did a conference call and they taped it. We ran through what was said. I just told them the things that were said weren’t meant to be taken that we were out there trying to lose. I told them that whenever I was in the game or any of us were out there we were trying to perform for our team and for ourselves. I’m not going to go out there and try to miss 10 shots or turn the ball over 10 times. Our intentions were not to lose.”

Is the NBA serious here? Ryan Gomes plays his ball$ off night after night, and it really suck$ that he had to have his name dragged through the mud here. Obviously, someone leaked this information to the media, and Gomes was forced to defend himself. I'm all for the NBA looking into any sort of behavior they believe to be suspicious, but I think it should all be done in confidentiality. This guy has nothing to be ashamed of. He's a class act. I'll be the first one to admit I don't watch as many Celtics games as half of the people that read this site, but I can assure you that when I am forced to watch the game....Gomes is impressive. Keep doing your thing, kid.


http://celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1012733

A Letter to Chieftain

Dear Chieftain,

I've been reading what you have been writing about me. "The Truth" is that I could care less what you think about me. I'm disgustingly rich, and loved by 90% of this city, whereas nobody cares whether or not you're breathing....or getting turned down by a girl in Club Felt or Mansion. Oh wait, you reside in the Ocean State now....so why don't you go watch the PC Friars or the Providence Bruins, rather than watch me school most of the NBA on a nightly basis.

I've seen you play hoops before Chieftain....you can be our towel boy anytime. Do you have two left feet or something?

Regards,

Paul Pierce
#34
The Boston Celtics

It's Knight Time!

I realize there is still plenty of time until the regular season, but I am curious as to why there are no rumors as to why the Celtics are not targeting Brevin Knight? I know he gets hurt quite a bit, but Knight would be a great free agent signing without giving away too much money. I haven't looked at any of the financials as I will rely on Chieftain to correct me, but who would you rather have in the Playoffs running your team, him or Rando? I am not saying that he is Steve Nash but he would certainly be a solid addition to the Celtics. He is a true point guard that is always at the top of the list in assists and steals, and would be able to distribute the ball between Pierce, Allen, and Jefferson...all while holding onto Theo's contract and Gerald to land another key player (Camby?). I'm not saying we would even be an Eastern Conference favorite but that squad would get me excited.

Help Is On the Way....

Get Your #20 jerseys.....fresh off the meter.

Public Enemy said it best when they said....

It might feel good
Sound a lil somethin
Damn the game
If it dont mean nuttin
What is game
Who got game
Wheres the game
In life
Behind the game
Behind the game
I got game
She got game
We got game
They got game
He got game
That millenium
Just be killin em

-Public Enemy, "He Got Game"

Danny Ainge, Call Me...ASAP!

God, I really should be a GM...

Similar to how I was laughed at around the last NBA trade deadline when I suggested that the Celts peddle their (at the time) impending 2007 1st Round draft pick, Theo's expiring contract, and Gerald Green (who absolutely sucks at basketball) FOR Pau Gasol, I'm back to save the Celtics organization again!

Now, re-read that trade offer that I suggested, this past winter, after countless nights of analyzing every team's roster (and contracts). You're telling me you'd rather have Ray Allen over Pau Gasol??? If so, check yourself into the nearest clinic, as you're clearly delusional.

Why was I laughed at?? Sh*t, the C's had a 19.9% chance at saving their future...that being Greg Oden, and ONLY Greg Oden (Kevin Durant & Paul Pierce does not work as a tandem). Looking back on it, the odds proved to be consistent -- and, the C's obviously weren't granted the #1 pick. As expected. This is the problem with Boston fans -- they have NO CLUE (they want to give away nothing and, in turn, acquire everything). For just one minute, take your blinders off and ask yourself this...

Would you rather have 19.9% chance at Oden, or a slam-dunk in Gasol?? To me, it was (and obviously still is) a no-brainer. I was simply playing the percentages.

In hindsight (and in typical fashion), I come off looking like a genius...while the rest of Boston is wallowing around sucking their thumbs! But, have no fear...I'm back!

Danny - you want to move Theo's contract for another piece, right? THE PRIMARY TEAM YOU SHOULD BE IN DISCUSSIONS WITH IS THE DENVER NUGGETS, whom desperately need to slash payroll in the coming years (they are in salary cap hell).

Your targets?? Two players...Marcus Camby & Nene Hilario. When healthy, both are interior studs...both rebounding and defensive studs! Imagine that?? Exactly what the Celtics so desperately need.

The logistics...Theo is signed thru next year at $11.67M. Nene, 24, is signed for the next 4 years...to the tune of $11M, $12.1M, $13.15, and $14.2M, respectively. Camby, 33, is due to earn $8M for the next 2 seasons, and $7.65M in 2009-10.

Nene would be the ultimate piece, as he is a YOUNG interior mainstay that the C's would be able to build with (both currently and in the future...with Jefferson). However, the C's also must take into consideration that Big Al's qualifying offer (of $3.47M) comes into play after this upcoming season. Thus, depending on the undetermined salary caps of the future, Celtics management would have to understand that Jefferson's next contract would likely place them above the cap for one season...that being 2009-10 (Ray Allen's last year under contract).

Camby?? I would absolutely fawn over such an acquisition. Yes, he's 33 and an injury risk...but, he's clearly not slowing down -- evidenced by the fact that he was just awarded the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award. When healthy (he played in 70 of 82 games this past season), Camby is as much of a defensive game-changer as Oden. Yes, you read that correctly.

So, here are the trade options:

• Theo Ratliff's contract, Gerald Green, and either Sabastian Telfair/Ryan Gomes (Nuggets choice) FOR Nene Hilario & a throw-in (again, Nuggets choice)


• Theo Ratliff's contract, Gerald Green, and their 2008 1st Round pick (with Camby, the Celts would certainly make the playoffs, so giving away this pick would be a no-brainer) FOR Marcus Camby & some stiff throw-in to make the salaries match (that may or may not end up being cut)

In turn, the Nuggets would then be MAJOR players in the trade market for the rest of the offseason...and thru the February '08 trade deadline.

Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Al Jefferson, Nene/Camby

...Ladies & gents -- that's your Eastern Conference champs.

Why is there no talk surrounding these names?????????

Danny, I can be reached at thewincolumn@gmail.com. I'm awaiting your word as well as your job...

One More Thing

Ray Allen's PPG stats the past 3 years:

04-05 ....23.9
05-06.....25.1
06-07.....26.4

In case this is not evident, this is called an upward trend.

Voice of Reason

Ok, I've had a night to sleep off my hangover -- and re-think every little detail of the 2007 NBA Draft...

Last night's draft-day trade for Ray Allen was clearly a move of desperation, a move guided by Paul Pierce. Not necessarily a terrible thing.

Who received the better end of the deal? Oh, Seattle absolutely did...that goes without saying. For Ray Allen (who turns 32 next month)...who by the way, is coming off ankle surgery of both cankles (the same surgery as Wally), the up-and-coming Sonics landed themselves the PERFECT complement to Kevin Durant in Jeff Green (at #5 overall), Wally Szczerbiak's contract which expires in 2 years ($12M and $13M, respectively), & Delonte West, whose game I dislike...but let's be honest, (besides Rondo) West is the only other player that could have gotten both Pierce and Allen the ball in favorable spots (it's worth noting that Allen has never been able to create his own shot, and Pierce is becoming more-and-more that way). No??? Then, please tell me why the Sonics have sucked for years now??? After all, Pierce and Rashard Lewis are more comparable players than anyone in Boston would like you to believe.

And, Suds...please don't even mention Glen "Big Baby" Davis as part of this deal, as his fat a$$ is (at best) a 9th Man in the NBA -- which isn't good news for Celtic fans -- remember, Doc Rivers refuses to set a rotation, as he wants to keep every player happy (yes, even stiffs like "Big Baby").

But, at the same time...as a Celtics fan, I am 75% on board with this trade (assuming Ainge completes at least one more BIG trade this offseason). Allen's contract is TERRIBLE -- he's signed through the 2009-2010 season ($16M, $17.4M, $18.8M for the next 3 seasons), BUT he clearly makes the team better offensively...when healthy.

Bottom line...my primary concern about this team's current roster is DEFENSE (rebounding is another area which requires immediate attention). As an Ainge supporter in the past, I'm beginning to wonder if he even watches the NBA playoffs. For the past decade (Miami being the lone exception), defense has won EVERY year. With the exception of Rondo and Tony Allen (an injury question mark with no minutes on this team now), they C's don't possess a single other player that could lock down The Commodore.

The best move of the night by Celtics' management? The drafting of Gabe Pruitt!! As I mentioned in yesterday's Final Mock Draft (http://thewincolumn.blogspot.com/2007/06/final-2007-nba-mock-draft.html), I was praying that Pruitt somehow dropped to #32. As it stands now, Pruitt must add muscle (and, thus, is a few years away from making an impact)...but, believe me -- Pruitt can stroke it...he's a very smooth player (but again, he can't defend)! Quick...when's the last time the C's had a PG that could shoot a jumper??? And no, Kenny Anderson doesn't count.

Ok, I've done some research now (actually a lot of research)...the hope around Boston last night was that the Ray Allen trade could eventually make way for another trade, thus, landing Kevin Garnett. The most discussed option included a package of Theo's expiring contract ($11.7 M) and Al Jefferson ($2.5M next season, and a qualifying offer of $3.5M in 2008-09) FOR "The Big Ticket" ($22M for next season, and a player option for $24M in 2008-09).

Call me crazy, but $14.2M doesn't come close to matching KG's $22M salary next season (and yes, I'm well aware that contracts don't need to match EXACTLY if trades are made during the offseason). You want to know what the rest of the Celtics roster is scheduled to earn next season?? With no further ado...

• Kendrick Perkins - $4.5M
• Brian Scalabrine - $3M
• Sebastian Telfair - $2.6M
• Tony Allen - $1.9M
• Gerald Green - $1.4M
• Rajon Rondo - $1.4M
• Ryan Gomes - $770K
• Leon Powe - $687K
• Allan Ray - $687K

And, oh yeah...if Ainge is somehow able to land KG (and convince him to re-sign), the Celts will have $59.4M locked up between just 3 players (KG, Pierce, and Allen) in 2008-09. Newsflash...that doesn't work, especially when you consider that the C's current payroll for the upcoming season is ALREADY $63.4M, the 10th highest in the league. Granted, I don't know what the salary cap will be in 2 years (no one knows for certain), but I can assure you that the NBA salary cap does not increase at an exponential rate.

FYI (updated information)...this past year's salary cap was officially $53.135 million. Additionally, the mid-level exception was $5.215 million.

In the end...for the next 3 months, Ainge will need a new phone plan. Last night was a start...but by no means, the end. At the very least, it's an exciting time to be a Celtics fan, as this is the most publicity the team has received since the Rick Pitino Era.

I Love This Deal

I absolutely love the deal the Boston Celtics pulled off last night for the following reasons:

1. We became a competitive Eastern Conference playoff team.
2. We had to make a deal and either bring in a veteran or trade Pierce. If we draft a player in that position, the first losing streak forces Pierce to complain and ask for a trade. Then where are we? We would have a lot of young talent without knowing who would pan out.
3. We still have tremendous flexibility! Our main chips before the draft were the #5 pick, Theo Ratliff's contract, Big Al, and Gerald Green. We got a superstar and only gave up one blue chip! Are you kidding me!

Will we win a championship with this team as is?....Hell no. There is at least one more deal in place (we have to get rid of Theo). Look at next year, too. Pierce and Allen will still be nasty. Jefferson should be 10 times better, as should Gerald.

Needless to say, I am excited. My chubby is about the same size as the time I accidentally hammered my thumb! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going in the bathroom to wack off to either Ray Allen in a Celtics jersey or the hot 23-year-old, 4 month pregnant woman sitting accross from me! Happy Friday, you dildos.

I Don't Know $hit About Hoops....

...But I am a math wizard. And I know that when you subtract Delonte, Jeff Green (#5 pick, suck my d*ck), and Wally (see ya when your 'Got 2 Be Glued' haircut finally lets loose you f*cking overpaid stiff, bum, c*nt), and add Ray Allen and "Big Baby" Glen Davis......I actually feel decent about the draft. Sure I don't know anything...but I like the shake up.

Anybody that knows me, knows that I sweat Ray Allen and he is on all of my fantasy hoops teams. Welcome home Jesus Shuttlesworth.....we love you.

P.S. I am super blacked out, and you can all suck my a$$. Bud Light 4 life.

Pierce's New PG

Is it just me or is this two minute video of Paul Pierce and "Mini-Me" an all-time classic (see below link)?

http://www.tmz.com/2007/06/21/verne-burned-dont-call-me-mini-me/

A couple points of significance from this clip...

• "It's Verne. Next time, now you now." Listen midget, the only reason anybody recognizes you is because of "Mini-Me". Take it for what it is...and cut the crap. I'm tired of watching you drive your scooter around on VH1, continuously stopping everyone that doesn't refer to you as "Verne". You will always be "Mini-Me"...get it?? You're lucky Pierce didn't pick your a$$ up and start dribbling you down street.


• Mini-Me can drive? How is that safe?? He can't even get into the car without the help of some other terd. Imagine being the guy that assists Mini-Me into his car...does it get any lower??

In other Celtics news, Rotoworld is reporting that "Kevin Garnett essentially vetoed the proposed trade from Minnesota to Boston by saying he didn't want to play for the Celtics". Word is that a trade was agreed to in principle (Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff's expiring contract, Wally Szczerbiak, Sebastian Telfair, and the #5 overall pick FOR Kevin Garnett and Troy Hudson) before Garnett nixed it. With this news, I wouldn't be surprised if Pierce started chirping his way out any day now.

PULL THE TRIGGER!

There have been many NBA rumors circulating these past couple days, and I'm sure there are more to come. One of the bigger deals out there has the Timberwolves sending Kevin Garnett to the Celtics for Theo Ratliff's expiring contract, Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, the #5 pick, and Sebastian Telfair.

As long as Garnett would resign after his contract expires, I say do it. You may be jeopardizing the future, but the only team in the East who has a bright future are the Bulls. Shaq's enormous hog is finally weighing him down. Chauncey could be leaving the Pistons. The Cavs are complete buttcheeks.

What would be better than having the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics all be in the thick of things in the absolute prime of our lives! There is a big difference between trying to build a dynasty and trying to win a championship. Not making this trade (assuming the current state of the East) shows that they are trying to build a dynasty. Making this trade says that they are trying to win a championship. I want to black out to great Boston sports games all year. When the Celtics played the Sixers a couple years back, I went to Game 5, and let me tell you, it was one of the best atmospheres I've ever been a part of. That includes numerous Patriots games and two Sox vs. Yankees Game 7's.

On a side note...that same night, I was so piss drunk I puked on the way to the game and left my best friend stranded in Boston. Make it happen, Danny Boy!

2007 NBA Mock Draft (Version 2.0)

I know you may not be interested in viewing another NBA Mock Draft, but I read today that Chad Ford will be releasing his fourth mock draft on Tuesday (and as I've mentioned before, I never want to be accused of cheating -- especially as I nail the entire lottery). With that said, deal with it! After all, who are you guys to complain? 'Suds has finally been located - and just cranked out two gems (although I could do without the Britney photos)!

1. Portland - Greg Oden, C, Ohio State
2. Seattle - Kevin Durant, SF, Texas
3. Atlanta - Al Horford, PF, Florida
4. Memphis - Mike Conley, PG, Ohio State

5. Boston - Yi Jianlian, PF, Guangdong Tigers (China)
6. Milwaukee - Brandan Wright, PF, North Carolina
7. Minnesota - Spencer Hawes, C, Washington
8. Charlotte - Corey Brewer, SG/SF, Florida
9. Chicago - Joakim Noah, PF, North Carolina
10. Sacramento - Jeff Green, SF, Georgetown
11. Atlanta - Javaris Crittenton, PG, Georgia Tech
12. Philadelphia - Julian Wright, SF, Kansas
13. New Orleans - Nick Young, SG, USC
14. LA Clippers - Al Thornton, SF, Florida State

15. Detroit - Rodney Stuckey, SG, Eastern Washington
16. Washington - Jason Smith, PF, Colorado State
17. New Jersey - Josh McRoberts, PF, Duke
18. Golden State - Tiago Splitter, PF, TAU Vitoria (Brazil)
19. LA Lakers - Thaddeus Young, SF, Georgia Tech
20. Miami - Acie Law, PG, Texas A&M
21. Philadelphia - Sean Williams, C, Boston College
22. Charlotte - Morris Almond, SG, Rice
23. New York - Daequan Cook, SG, Ohio State
24. Phoenix - Marco Bellinelli, SG, Climamio Bologna (Italy)
25. Utah - Derrick Byars, SF, Vanderbilt
26. Houston - Jared Dudley, SF, Boston College
27. Detroit - Glen Davis, PF, LSU
28. San Antonio - Rudy Fernandez, SG, DKV Joventut (Spain)
29. Phoenix - Gabe Pruitt, PG, USC
30. Philadelphia - Petteri Koponen, PG, Honka Playboys (Finland)

In Finland, there's really a professional team named the Honka Playboys????

...If Danny Ainge really believes Rajon Rondo is the answer at point (he isn't), that's fine -- I can live with passing on Conley this year...to give Rondo another full year of seasoning before making any final determinations at the PG position. However, tonight I am going to bed praying that Ainge smartens up and loses his infatuation with Yi Jianlian (B-U-S-T) in the next 10 days. Unfortunately, I have hesitantly realized that Al Horford stands no chance of dropping in our laps at #5 (word is that both Atlanta and Memphis are in love with him). Thus, I'm putting all my eggs in the Corey Brewer basket. Danny...I'm begging you to pick the sure thing (at this stage, I really don't think he's going to).

Expect (at least) several trades in the next 10 days, especially come draft day...

R.I.P. ( 1986 - ? )

Devastation (noun):

1: the state of being decayed or destroyed [syn: desolation, ruin]
2: an event that results in total destruction [syn: desolation]
3: plundering with excessive damage and destruction [syn: ravaging]
4: termination by an act of destruction [syn: destruction]

Big Game Day

In a attempt to diversify the sports coverage on this site and divert everyone's attention from the massacre that was the NBA draft lottery yesterday, I'd like to point out that one of the top five sporting events in the world is taking place today at 2:00 EST. Liverpool will face off against AC Milan today in the Champions League final. This is a rematch of the 2005 final where Liverpool pulled one of the biggest single-game comebacks in the sports history overcoming a 3-0 deficit at halftime to win the game on penalty kicks. These teams have a long history of having sick battles on the field and both teams have two of the most exciting players in the game, that being Stephan Gerrard and Kaka' on Liverpool and AC Milan respectively. If you have the chance, give it a try...you might like it.

As a side note, did anyone see the interview that Danny Ainge gave yesterday??? I found two things appalling in the interview. One, Ainge said he feels like a losing coach in a locker room of a team that just lost a playoff series. I wish it was that easy pal, this is waaaaaay worse. If that was the case, we would be in a lot better shape. Two, he said they already have a good nucleus of players!!!!!????? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? By no means did I watch every Celts game this year, but I feel my I did my part to watch many of the games and did not see a hint of a 'good nucleus'. I wanted to slap his fat, distorted face. I know this was supposed to be a post to get your minds off the Celts but I couldn't help myself.

I'M SICK

Upon watching this draft lottery in a company box at Yankee Stadium...I walked to the nearest restroom, stuck my finger down my throat, exited The Stadium, and hailed a cab back to my hotel. This is one of the more depressing days of my life (the Celtics had an 87.6% chance to land any other pick than #5).

Did I mention that I walked out on some of the best seats I've ever had at any professional sporting event...without even saying goodbye to any of the partners I had traveled to the game with?

I expect Pierce to demand a trade in the coming months (trade him ASAP before his stock plummets even lower...it's already close to rock bottom). He knows he only has 2 peak seasons left in him. The Celtics won't be relevent for at least another decade. What's the point in holding onto him??? So, he can lead the almighty C's to the #8 seed?? Have you watched the playoffs this year? Do you realize how far away the Celtics are from even competing with these teams?? It's disgusting.

With the exception of Al Jefferson, blow this ENTIRE team up (management included).

In the next few months, you're going to hear much analysis and yahoo about what the Celts should do with #5 overall pick. If they don't trade it, there is ONLY ONE PLAYER WORTH DRAFTING AT THIS SPOT. ONLY ONE (realize this now, before spinning your wheels any further).

I don't want to hear about Yi Jianlian, Brandan Wright, or Al Horford. Please spare me the bullsh*t -- because if you mention them, then you obviously don't have a clue about creating a successful basketball franchise. ALL THREE OF THE AFOREMENTIONED PLAYERS ARE POWER FORWARDS. THIS IS THE ONLY POSITION WHICH THE CELTICS HAVE STABILIZED (in Jefferson). None of these 3 players can play center in the NBA. It's a wasted pick and wasted breath.

So, it comes down to Mike Conley, Jr. and Corey Brewer. Both lock-down defenders. Brewer can't play a lick of offense (which the C's will need once Pierce is shown the door)...Mike Conley, Jr. has Chris Paul-like potential (much further down the road).

The Celtics already have an abundance of swingmen. The Celtics don't have a PG...haven't had one in years! Please, please, please spare me the Rajon Rondo rhetoric...I'M BEGGING YOU. Rondo is just as fast...just as quick..........as, yes....you guessed it -- Marcus Banks (S-T-I-F-F). Both Rondo/Banks can defend any PG in the league, as long as it's on the perimeter. Both are undersized and lack physicality (are continuously pushed around when backed down into the paint). And, oh yeah...both are two of the worst shooters in the entire league. Both define inconsistency. The only difference? Rondo can penetrate -- which doesn't mean jack sh*t because teams can play off him and demand that he shoots the pill. Marcus Banks is/was a bust whereas Rajon Rondo should NEVER be a full-time NBA starter. NEVER. Take the blinders off and admit it...both Banks and Rondo suck! Don't believe me?? Then, you haven't watched the NBA in years.

So, there you have it...the Celtics must draft MIKE CONLEY, JR. There is no other viable option...NONE.

* If you revisit my post from over a month ago (on April 14th), this is what I had to say about Mike Conley, Jr......

My favorite player to watch in the entire draft. Calm, cool, and collected. Rarely ever makes a bad decision on the court. Lightning quick at both ends of the court. Clutch!

At the collegiate level, he was Ohio State's best player (and that is saying a TON, in-and-of itself). I may take some heat for saying this, but...Conley, Jr. is the second coming of Chris Paul -- their game's mirror each others, almost to a tee (Paul isn't much of an NBA 3-point threat either).

Many draft pundits go on to say that Conley lacks the shooting ability to become a stud in the NBA. I couldn't disagree more. Yes, Conley, Jr. struggled with his shot at the start of his freshman season -- and, he won't ever be Gilbert Arenas from behind the arc...but, he is VERY comfortable in knocking down the mid-range jump-shot (by the way, something that Rajon Rondo cannot do).

F********************CK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!