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Showing posts from December, 2019

The perfect wing addition the Celtics can't have

Andre Iguodala is currently under contract with the Memphis Grizzlies for roughly $17.2 million this season. The soon-to-be 36-year old wing has sat out the season while the Grizz seek a trade. Memphis would love to have their upcoming first-round draft pick back from the Boston Celtics, but I truly doubt that will happen. But that is not the only issue negating Iggy's potential trade to Boston. Dollar-matching would certainly get in the way of any deal. Danny Ainge is not about to send Marcus Smart, Kemba Walker or Gordon Hayward to Memphis, and any other deal would involve sending four or five younger players to the Grizzlies. That is not about to happen either. Despite the years of toiling on the hardwood, Andre can still play. He has always been a 2-way player with a locker room-friendly manner. The 3-time Champion and Finals MVP would fit into virtually any situation, and Ainge would love to have him on board. But the money doesn't add up, and a buyout seems unlikely a

Can we expect a future Tremont Waters-Tacko Fall Celtics tandem?

It is not out of line to start thinking of a Tremont Waters-Tacko Fall tandem operating on the Celtics second unit down the road. The duo is tearing up the G League with their synergistic play. Waters has proven himself at the G League level as a prolific scorer and facilitator, and even at 5'10", that should translate to the Big League. Tacko is an absolute double-double machine, and if he can continue to hone his skills, he has a place in the NBA. ICYMI: We moved to 11-6 on the season with a 115-91 win over the @CPSkyhawks at home today. Tremont Waters led the team with 28 points and also added 8 assists. @tackofall99 had his 6th double double of the season with a 21 point and 18 rebound performance. #CrustaceanNation pic.twitter.com/YkZGIHJkX4 — Maine Red Claws (@maineredclaws) December 30, 2019 For the Red Claws, Waters is averaging 20.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 7.5 APG and 2.3 SPG. Tacko averages 14.2 PPG, 10.6 RPG and 2.5 BPG. One negative issue for Tacko is his assist-to-tur

Should Celtics "wing" it or go big?

The question was recently raised on an NBA TV broadcast. Should the Celtics trade for a big man like Kevin Love or hit the post-season with the assortment of wings they now have? Including Marcus Smart into the mix, Boston has a total of four talented, veteran wings at their disposal. The Jay Team isn't going anywhere soon, but to make the money work, either Gordon Hayward or Smart would have to go to bring in a talented big. Granted, last night's loss to the injury-depleted Raptors was disappointing - but that's all it is. Toronto came out with energy - the Celtics couldn't hit their 3-pointers - and the game was lost. I expect that to happen periodically to the best of teams. The game isn't played by robots - at least so far. I like the crew the Celtics put on the floor right now. They are winning, and they are different. I like different - if it works. And this is. Smart can play 1-through-5, and when was the last time you saw a 6'3" NBA player exhib

Gordon Hayward has taken on Dennis Johnson-like role with Celtics

Let me start by stating that Gordon Hayward was not brought to Boston to be the Celtics' savior. Nor was Dennis Johnson in 1983. They were both signed by the Celtics to make the team better, not to be the main focus. Let me compare Dennis' average stats over two Championship seasons in Boston (1984, 1986) with Gordon's numbers from this season. Dennis: 14.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.3 SPG Gordon: 16.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.8 SPG Not a lot of difference, is there? Surprisingly, DJ's stats in his stint with the Seattle Supersonics were also very similar to what he produced with the Celtics, even in his Championship 1978-79 season in Seattle when he was named Finals MVP. And Gordon's numbers in Boston are very close to those he put up in Utah. The point is that Johnson and Hayward took the route of modifying their games to fit the vital team concept, in Boston and their previous venues. Gordon Hayward underrated playmaker. pic.twitter.com/DxLmQuUtuG — Celtão (

Is Grant Williams edging out Semi Ojeleye in the rotation?

Over the last three games, all wins for the Boston Celtics, rookie Grant Williams is playing more, and Semi Ojeleye's minutes have dropped. As Brad Stevens continues building his bench, this may have implications for the remainder of the season. Semi is only averaging 7.5 minutes per game in that 3-game span, contributing 1.7 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 0.7 APG and a plus/minus of -8.3. Ojeleye has averaged 15.0 MPG for the season. Grant has averaged 17.7 MPG, 6.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.0 APG and a plus/minus of +15.3 for the previous three games. G-Will also ranks second in the NBA in Defensive Rating for players playing 20-or-more games and logging 14-or-more minutes per contest. Grant Williams missed the first 25 3-pointers of his NBA career and entered Friday with just 52 points all year. Then he erupted for 18 in one night. “He’s got a bunch of teammates that are cheering him on every step of the way.” https://t.co/kPoTf0PtOv — Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) December 21, 2019 Although th

Gordon Hayward's player option decision next season - money, security or best shot at a Title?

Barring a trade prior to the February, 2020 deadline, what will Gordon Hayward choose to do with his player option for next season? Will he opt in for the $34.2 million? Or will he opt out and look for the best deal he can get, either with the Celtics or another team? Despite much personal success, an NBA Title has eluded Hayward. Boston's Core-5 of Hayward, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart are slated to earn roughly $115.9 million next season, and the Celtics are projected to be over the luxury tax threshold. That's not the major issue. Tatum will be in a contract season in 2020-21, and he is due for a major raise once his 4-year, rookie deal is done. Fitting the salaries of Gordon and Jayson into Boston's financial landscape for 2021-22 will require masterful maneuvering by Danny Ainge. When Gordon Hayward gets his mojo back, you can make that 4 guys who're gonna average 20ppg 😏 #Celtics #CUsRise pic.twitter.com/e5LrcnMKvI — Celtics Na

Celtics Core-5 starting to resemble Warriors' Death Lineup

The Warriors quintet of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green have been labeled the Golden State Warriors' "Death Lineup" (and Hampton 5) for good reason. That five-some could literally destroy opponents with ease. They combined speed, athleticism, playmaking and scoring, while moving the League in the direction of what is called "positionless" basketball. Durant is now with the Nets - Iguodala was traded to the Grizzlies - but the Celtics core-5 of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart are now starting to resemble that tremendously-effective Warriors' quintet. Had Durant not suffered a calf strain and Achilles injury in the 2018-19 playoffs, Golden State may have recorded a three-peat and won their third Title in a row. But the Toronto Raptors took the Finals series and the Championship. But when I compare the Warriors' player stats from that regular season to the Celtics num

Report: Former-Celtic, Jeff Green, to be waived by Jazz - Jeff me no Greens!

The Utah Jazz are reportedly ready to sign G Leaguer, Rayjon Tucker, to their roster, while waiving veteran forward, Jeff Green. Green has played for seven teams in his 11-season career and has generally been labeled as an underachiever. Could the Celtics be planning to trade...for a wing? https://t.co/eDswnY0LAK — The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 24, 2019 If the Boston Celtics are truly looking to add another wing to their squad, Jeff should not be a choice. Who gets waived? Vincent Poirier? I think not. Utah is waiving forward Jeff Green, league sources tell me and @Tjonesonthenba . — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 24, 2019 Utah is finalizing a multi-year deal with Bucks G-League forward Rayjon Tucker, league sources tell ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 24, 2019 The rumblings surrounding Green's impending departure from Utah include the rumor that he may be a locker room nuisance - and that the Los Angeles Lakers may try to sign him. So

Tremont Waters merits a standard NBA contract as soon as NOW

The word is out! Celtics rookie, Tremont Waters is no longer a secret playing for the G League Maine red Claws. Taken with the 51st pick in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft, Waters is drawing a lot of attention from rival General Managers. The 5'10" point guard is averaging 32.5 MPG, 20.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 7.5 APG and 2.3 SPG for the Red Claws. He was chosen G League Player of the Month for November, 2019. He is quick. He is clever. He can score in so many ways, and his passing skills are NBA-level right now. One last name that came up repeatedly talking to front office executives and scouts about the G-League Showcase: Tremont Waters. Water is on a Two-Way with Boston. "He's an NBA backup PG right now. I told our GM to trade for him, because he's better than what we have today." — Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) December 23, 2019 Tremont is currently on a two-way contract for the Celtics, splitting time between the Maine Red Claws and the Celtics. Danny

All the signs say "GO" for Celtics approaching the New Year

After defeating the Charlotte Hornets 119-93 last night, The Boston Celtics have the third-best record (20-7, .741) in the NBA behind only the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. They have won three games in a row, and may see a completely-healthy roster very soon. All the signs say "GO" for this Boston squad. Where would Celtics be without Kemba Walker? Was Kemba the right choice to replace Kyrie Irving, or what?!?! In last night's win, he poured in 23 points on 50% from the field and 46% on 3-pointers. For the season, he averages 22.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG and 5.4 APG. He is a tough cover for most opponents, and he opens up opportunities for his teammates. And the guy never stops smiling. What's not to like? Both Jay Team members emerging at the same time! Jayson Tatum's teammates went to his hot hand against the Hornets, and he emerged with a team-high 39 points and 12 rebounds. He and his running mate, Jaylen Brown, combined for 55 of Boston's points, in ad

Isaiah Thomas gets 2-game suspension - and makes his point to Philly fans

It is official - and fair! The NBA has suspended Wizards guard, Isaiah Thomas, for two games without pay for purposely entering the stands to confront a 76'ers fan who had directed obscenities at IT. Two patrons had already been banned from the Wells Fargo Center for 12 months due to their actions two nights ago, and the owner of the season tickets had the tickets revoked. Isaiah Thomas suspended two games for entering stands to confront fan, NBA says. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 23, 2019 The actions following this incident were quick and decisive. I have always seen Isaiah as a quiet, understated individual. And he handled the confrontation in the stands in the same manner. That may have averted a physical confrontation. The offending patron apologized to Thomas, and security responded immediately to the scene. The Sixers organization ejected the two hecklers and soon banned them from the arena for 12 months, while also revoking the season tickets given to the two

Isaiah Thomas hecklers banned for one year - season tickets revoked

Justice has been served to the hecklers who shouted obscenities at Isaiah Thomas during the Wizards 125-108 loss to the 76'ers last night. At least one of the two Philly fans made an obscene gesture and shouted "f**k you" as Thomas was shooting free throws. IT was ejected from the game for walking into the stands to verbally confront the two patrons, who were escorted from the arena by security staff. No physical encounter occurred. The 2 fans who yelled obscenities at and made obscene gestures to #Wizards PG Isaiah Thomas in Sunday’s game have been banned from the Wells Fargo Center for 12 months. The season-ticket holder who gave them the seats for game had the tickets revoked, according #Sixers spokesman. — Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) December 22, 2019 The two hecklers were banned from the Wells Fargo Center for 12 months, and the season ticket holder who gave them the tickets had the tickets revoked. The action was swift and sure. Isaiah Thomas may still suff

Can we stop worrying about Gordon Hayward's foot "injury"?

Yes, we can! Or at least I can. When we first heard about Gordon Hayward experiencing pain and soreness in his previously-repaired left foot, the first thoughts were that the surgery had failed to correct the damage. Danny Ainge has insisted the soreness was in no way related to Gordon's cringe-worthy ankle injury in his first game as a member of the Boston Celtics, and I believe that. We also hear that at least two MRI's have revealed no structural damage to either muscle or bone. I believe that also. More tests may actually reveal the issue is not related to basketball at all. I have already written that the localized pain at the base of the big toe could indicate early-onset rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Neither malady is a pleasant affliction, but they are treatable. If the left foot soreness continues, we can expect medical tests other than the X-rays and MRI's that look for damage in the affected area. Barring that, Hayward may take another game or two off to see

Should former-Celtic, Isaiah Thomas, receive further punishment after entering the stands?

The Philadelphia versus Washington contest had already been decided when former-Celtic, Isaiah Thomas, missed his first free throw attempt but hit his second. A timeout was called, and Isaiah calmly walked into the stands to confront a 76'ers fan who allegedly had yelled obscenities directed at IT. A brief discussion between Isaiah and the offending Philly fan ensued with no physical contact. Thomas was ejected from the game for purposely entering the stands, and two fans were escorted out of the arena. IT later indicated the fan in question displayed two middle fingers and yelled "F**k you" at him several times. The offender offered the explanation that his actions resulted from losing out on a dessert promised to 76'ers fans when an opponent misses two free throws in a row, and he apologized to IT. Should Isaiah Thomas be punished further after going into the Philadelphia stands to confront a disrespecting fan? Isaiah Thomas said the fan he approached in the s

Grant Williams finally has a breakout game in Celtics 114-93 win over Pistons

We knew Grant Williams' 25 consecutive 3-point misses were a fluke, and we knew that a breakout game was in the offing. Well, it happened last night as the Boston Celtics defeated the Detroit Pistons 114-93. Career-night for @Grant2Will against the Pistons with 18 points. Impressive! Full highlights: https://t.co/6wQrZptHkh pic.twitter.com/dVIEOVB7Xh — Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) December 21, 2019 Williams logged a team-high 29 minutes (tied with Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown) - notched 18 points on 8-of-10 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, while adding three rebounds and a block. His points came on a combo of 3-pointers, mid-range jumpers, layups and put-backs. Grant has looked comfortable on the hardwood since he first stepped onto the parquet, but his production has been sparse. Not so last night. Marcus Smart has even gone as far as referring to G-Will as his "Mini-Me". Grant was taken by Boston with the 22nd-overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft,

Danny Ainge insists Hayward's foot issue not related to 2017 ankle injury

Danny Ainge was a guest this morning on 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher and Rich and was asked about Gordon Hayward's foot injury. According to NBC Sports Darren Hartwell, Ainge insisted that the current left foot injury is in no way related to Gordon's devastating ankle injury at the start of the 2017 NBA season. (Ainge): "He (Hayward) just has a toe/foot injury. It's right where your toe connects to your foot. But it's just some pain and we are trying to figure out what it is." The foot issue came about prior to Hayward's hand injury, and he underwent an MRI a few weeks ago that revealed no structural damage. Danny went on to suggest that Gordon was doing a lot of work while rehabbing from the hand injury, and maybe Hayward did too much. "I don't think Gordon knows what caused it", Ainge continued. My experience suggests that the fact Gordon has no knowledge of what caused the issue may be a good sign. The location of the intense p

Let's hope Hayward's sore foot is simply the result of more minutes and aggressive play

Gordon Hayward did not play last night in the Celtics 109-103 win over the Dallas Mavericks due to prolonged soreness in his surgically-repaired left foot. Hayward has been bothered by foot discomfort since before his hand injury. In MRI three weeks ago revealed no structural damage, but he will undergo another similar test tomorrow. Brad Stevens tells reporters in Dallas that Gordon Hayward’s foot has bothered him since before hand injury. Said he got an MRI three weeks ago that showed no structural damage. Hayward got a cortisone shot recently but it has not responded. Hayward will get another MRI Friday. — Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) December 19, 2019 Here's hoping tomorrow's MRI once again shows no physical damage, indicating that what Gordon is experiencing is simply the result of increased playing time over last season and his increased intensity on the court. He logged 25.9 minutes per game last season, and in 11 games thus far this year he is up to 30.6 MPG. Ad

If OKC would bite, Nerlens Noel is a very-low-risk addition to Celtics

In a return to yesteryear, should Danny Ainge look for an agile floor-running, rim-protecting big who can defend anywhere on the floor. Kind of sounds like Bill Russell, but that wasn't my intent. Still, Nerlens Noel just might revitalize his career in the Boston area where he grew up. We need an upgrade. I’m not sure I want to rely on a big whose best skill is dependent on teammates missing shots. Personally I like Noel — Matt Esposito (@MattEsposito_) December 18, 2019 Noel has bounced around the League a bit since being taken with the 6th-overall pick in the 2013 draft. He does match Russell's size at 6'10" and 220 pounds, and avoiding any other comparisons with Bill, Noel can be exciting to watch. He earns $2.0 million this season with the Oklahoma City Thunder and will be a free agent this summer. Despite not being a 3-pointer shooter, Nerlens has most of the qualities Danny Ainge likes in a player. He is agile and quick - can rebound the ball - and blocks s

Can Charles Barkley and Shaq please do something to motivate Brad Stevens a little?

"Alright, coach, the Sixers are on a run, we need you to fire us up!" Brad Stevens: pic.twitter.com/XEWjVQVCVO — Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) December 13, 2019 Let me start out by saying that I am a huge Brad Stevens fan.  What he did at Butler was ridiculous.  And he took us to game 7 of an Eastern Conference Finals just 2 years ago.  I don't forget that. But right now, I'm not thinking about those successes.  I'm thinking about 2 straight losses.  And I'm thinking about that damned huddle. Brad.  Seriously?  Dude. I'm not sure if Shaq and Barkley saw that huddle.  But if they did, I would love to hear their reaction.  It's embarrassing, Brad.  This is the NBA.  Show me some emotion.  Just a bit.  Just the tip.  Just to see if they like it. What you are doing in this huddle does not work.  How do I know? Because we lost.  Scoreboard. Yes I know it was just a regular season game.  But I'm struggling to understand what group of player

It's decision time on Enes Kanter

With December 15th in the rear-view mirror, it is time for Danny Ainge to make a decision on the status of Enes Kanter. After December 15, 2019, players signed in the off-season are eligible to be traded - and that includes center Enes Kanter. Ainge and Brad Stevens put a premium on defense and 3-point shooting, neither of which are skills attributed to Kanter. Yes, he rebounds and scores close to the hoop, but his other talents have not been on display. Shaq says Joel Embiid is making BBQ CHIKIN outta Enes Kanter 🤣 pic.twitter.com/4ikm4M8ONk — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 13, 2019 We knew that replacing Kyrie Irving, Al Horford and Aron Baynes would be difficult. My first thought is, where would the Celtics be without Kemba Walker? He has been extraordinary. But replacing Horford's outside shooting and facilitation - and Baynes-ey's relentless toughness have thus far been a failure. Kudos to Daniel Theis for his defense and rim protection, but after the beating

Brad Stevens admits he doesn't yet have a strong, old-school center

When Brad Stevens admitted that he "doesn't have a lot of guys with that old-school center strength" after his Celtics got bullied by Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76'ers, he may have been saying that he doesn't have ANY. Stevens did say his center pairing of Enes Kanter and Daniel Theis had a good offensive outing versus Philly, but he failed to throw out any accolades on the duo's defensive coverage of Embiid. Shaq says Joel Embiid is making BBQ CHIKIN outta Enes Kanter 🤣 pic.twitter.com/4ikm4M8ONk — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 13, 2019 Well, Brad may actually have one strong, relentless old-school center on his roster, but he is only 6'3" - and that, of course, would be guard Marcus Smart. Who were some of the old-school centers? I will throw out the names of Willis Reed, Wes Unseld and Dave Cowens. Reed was the tallest of the tough trio at 6'9.5". Cowens came in at 6'8.5", and Unseld was an undersized center

Romeo Langford brought up from Red Claws as "healthy" replacement

I simply can't recall the last Celtics rookie to be banged up as much as Romeo Langford. But Boston bringing him up from the G League Red Claws is a clear sign that the Guys in Green are hurting. 🚑 Hospital Celtics staying true to their name: Smart’s got the double-eye infection; Jayson Tatum said he’s got a sinus infection; Vincent Porier jammed a finger and needed an X-ray; Robert Williams out with the bone edema. Team brought Romeo Langford back for healthy body. — Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) December 16, 2019 Rob Williams' bone edema is a new one for me, so I had to look it up. It is a fluid buildup in bone marrow often caused by an injury. Rest and treatment should take care of it, but expect him to be out for 2-3 weeks. Marcus Smart's double-eye infection, and Jayson Tatum's sinus infection should keep them out of action for at least several games. We await further information on Vincent Poitier's jammed finger. The only positive aspects here are t

Imagine if Jayson Tatum played as hard as Marcus Smart?!?!

Most Celtics fans wake up a little tired and a little disappointed this morning.  When that game was over last night I felt like I had just done a handful of line drills.  My blood was pumping.  I could feel the stress throughout my body.  And I was tired.  Maybe it is just the combination of oxycodone and valium that I have been on for the past couple of weeks since my neck surgery, but more likely it is just from the anxiety that comes with watching this Celtics team and knowing how good they can be, only to be let down.  Sometimes it seems like I want it more than them. I open up with that because I am gonna go right at one particular player and I'm trying to buy myself some more time before I go completely off the rails on him.  He's one of my favorite players.  I loved it when Danny traded out of the 1 spot back to 3 and grabbed an extra pick while still landing "the man".  I have been saying for a couple of years now that he is going to be a top 5 player in th

Celtics solid at center position versus 76'ers, but one adjustment is needed

The Celtics center position looked pretty solid last night, despite the 115-109 loss to the rival Philadelphia 76'ers. Philly center, Joel Embiid, obviously motivated by criticism from Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal , went on a rampage, which was matched by Boston's center pairing of Daniel Theis and Enes Kanter ( per Celtics.com's Taylor Snow ): Boston’s tag-team center combination of Enes Kanter and Daniel Theis took turns stepping into the ring Thursday night to grapple with one of their most daunting assignments of the season. Facing them in the opposite corner of TD Garden was one of the NBA’s most dominant heavyweights in Joel Embiid, who was as hungry as always to take on the rival Celtics. The Philadelphia big man threw punch after punch, as he poured in a season-high 38 points on the C’s. Though, Kanter and Theis matched him blow-for-blow, dropping season-highs of their own with 20 points and 16 points respectively. Celtics solid center pairing D

Enes Kanter will shut down Joel Embiid tonight on the way to a Boston Celtics victory!

I rolled out of bed a bit disappointed this morning.   Not because we lost to Indiana last night.   That was a tough game on the road against a good team that played hard.   That’s a game we are going to lose every now and then.   What disappoints me is the condition of my beloved Celtics as we roll into a truly important game tonight against the 76ers.   Here’s why tonight is an important game: 1. We are at home.   If you are gonna win the title you gotta protect home court. 2. Philly beat us earlier this year.   3. The 76ers are our regional arch rival.   Yes we all hate the Lakers, but the 76ers ain’t far behind. 4. It’s only one game, but this game could end up deciding who has home court in a playoff series. 5. Al Horford is coming back to Boston for the first time. We don’t want to lose this game.   We are going to give everything we’ve got from an energy perspective. But here’s why I’m worried: 1. It’s the second night of a back to back and we played

Celtics need to shore up their bench

It became obvious in the Celtics 122-113 loss to the Indiana Pacers last night. Boston's bench was outscored by the opponent's subs 47-19. Marcus Smart was out with an eye infection - Jaylen Brown fouled out, and Gordon Hayward suffered a game-ending facial injury. That's all that Indiana needed to take the game away from Boston. Weird Game Weird Injury Weird Coaching With the Celtics in control late in the third here was Brad’s lineup: Ojeleye Kanter Wanamaker Green Tatum 🤔 — Celtics ☘️Canada🇨🇦 🏀 (@CelticsCanada) December 12, 2019 This has been a season-long issue for the Celtics. With a 17-6 record after 23 games, they are second-to-last (29th) in the League in points scored by the bench. The Boston subs are only contributing 27.1 points per game. Compare that figure to the top-ranked Clippers whose bench puts up 52.0 points/game. That's the issue. I recently proposed that Danny Ainge should at least make an inquiry about the Washington Wizards' sharpshoo

Philadelphia 76'ers getting criticism from Philly media and Charles Barkley

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey thinks his 76'ers team may be overhyped. NBA TV's Charles Barkley had previously picked Philly to go to the Finals this season, but I heard him this morning state that they "got no chance" of getting to the Finals ( per Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey ): So far, (Ben) Simmons has only attempted two three-pointers in 15 games played and foul shooting still remains an Achilles’ heel. He’s shooting just 58.3% from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, only two of Embiid’s 11 shots during his scoreless outing Monday against the Toronto Raptors came in the paint. So at least for now, the two are kind of the same players they were in seasons past. "If you want people to remember The Process forever, you've got to step up." Shaq & Chuck share their concerns with Joel Embiid pic.twitter.com/KEugaVqAik — NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 8, 2019 In a previous NBA TV broadcast last May, Sir Charles had some thou

The Celtics play the Pacers tonight and that makes it a great time to talk about our big men

Myles Turner sucks.  Can we please all agree on that? It's the talk of the town here in Boston.  The Celts are 17-5 and rolling right along.  Gordon Hayward is back and healthy.  Marcus Smart has some healing up to do but the bench still looks great.  The one spot where we could possibly use an upgrade is at the 5.  Should we trade for a big man?  Maybe.  But please, stop with the "We should trade for Myles Turner" garbage. Myles Turner is 6 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 250 pounds.  And he pulls down 5.6 rebounds per game.  5.6  #pathetic.  On offense, he spends more time out by the 3 point line than he does in the paint, which explains the measly 10.9 points per game he averages. Yet he gets paid $18 MILLION a year after signing a 4 year deal in 2018 that pays him AT LEAST $72 million over a 4 year period. What a joke.  Watch this guy tonight and think about if you really would consider this guy an upgrade from our Theiss, Kanter, Williams 3 headed monster. Ou

Danny Ainge may be calling about Wizards' Latvian Laser, Davis Bertans

Washington Wizards power forward, Davis Bertans, is getting a lot of attention around the League, and that won't diminish after his performance in the Wizards' 114-107 loss to the Hornets last night. Bertans hit 8-of-12 from 3-point land to score a career-high 32 points, while grabbing nine rebounds. Davis was the 42nd pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs but the Latvian big man didn't join the Spurs until the 2016-17 season. He is long (6'10") and has a masterful stroke from deep. The fact that he would fit seamlessly into any NBA lineup makes him a desired commodity. With John Wall out for the season, Washington is going nowhere. They will certainly be taking calls on the long-range sharpshooter, and the Celtics Danny Ainge will almost certainly be on the phone. Wizards Davis Bertans is a 6'10" long-distance sharpshooter . The Latvian Laser is getting a lot of attention lately. Danny Ainge will be calling Highlights: Davis Bertans car