Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

 The hole left by the "departure" of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday - plus the Achilles injury to Jayson Tatum leaves a major void in the Celtics starting-5 . In some may view as a "rag-tag" roster - still under construction - the starting point guard and center slots may just be filled with Payton Pritchard and Neemias Queta - at least to start the season. My personal preference is to give the little guy a shot . Pritchard deserves it - and may flourish in that role. His per-36-minutes stats from last season are: 18.1 PPG - 4.9 RPG - 4.4 APG - 1.1 SPG - .472 FG - .407 3s - .845 FT I don't want the little guy to disappear from the NBA or the Celtics parquet. Guys like K C Jones, Isaiah Thomas and Rajon Rondo were exciting to watch and all three had success in Beantown.  And the old-school center - that rebounded, protected the paint and the rim, and scored in close - has been around since the Bill Russell era . The "stretch-5" is a somewh...

  Jayson Tatum may not be Superman on the court, but he certainly is the Celtics "Iron Man" . He rarely misses games and leads his team in five key statistical categories.   Is he "soft"? I think not. Here are my -eight tough Celtics players from the past as compiled by my readers when I wrote for another blog. Bill Russell . Few in the NBA at the time could handle Russ in the middle. He rebounded and defended like no other. He averaged 42.3 minutes per game in the regular season over the course of his career - and 45.4 MPG in the post-season. He backed down to no one - including Wilt Chamberlain. Larry Bird : Larry could play either way - as a finesse guy or a hard-working warrior. He was tough - both mentally and physically. Never forget his head bouncing off the floor in that crucial playoff game versus the Pacers - and his triumphant return to the court to the surprise of everyone watching the game.  Isaiah Thomas : I am not talking "toughness-per-inch...

  Payton Pritchard and the Celtics are off to a great start this season, and there is a correlation there . The 6'1" guard is averaging an efficient 16.5 points per game - hitting on 47% of his field goals, 43% of his 3-pointers, and 96% of his free throws . Pritchard also rebounds well and works his butt off on defense - but his one weakness (other than his lack of height) would be his passing skills. Some may feel his lack of height is to blame for his low assist rate this season (2.5 APG) , but two former 6'1" Boston guards may prove that theory wrong. K C. Jones , at 6'1" averaged 5.5 assists/game as a starter in Beantown, and later in the Celtics history, Rajon Rondo (also 6'1") averaged 7.9 APG for his entire career. And while we are on it, Isaiah Thomas - generously listed at 5'9" - averaged 5.8 APG in his three seasons with The Green . Being able to see over the opposition may be an asset to any NBA player trying to get the bal...

  Danny Ainge's buddy - and former teammate - Kevin McHale once called the past head honcho for Boston "one cold-blooded character" . Certainly, at least a portion of that tag was earned when Ainge traded Antoine Walker, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Isaiah Thomas in three separate transactions. But bringing Leon Powe back to the team in the front office showed a warmer side of "Trader Danny" - and now we see that he has signed Isaiah Thomas to the Utah Jazz G-League affiliate , Salt Lake City Stars. The now-35-year-old point guard is still desperately trying to latch onto a roster spot with an NBA team, and his stint with the Stars may be the showcase he needs. IT's size (generously listed at 5'9") and age are against him . But he can still score the ball in bunches - and is an able passer. In the past, he has used his lack of size to his advantage , going under-and-around defenders to hit from anywhere on the court. He scored 32 points in h...

 Former Celtics GM, Danny Ainge , hit two home runs in three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays prior to joining the NBA in Boston. He also hit the same number as Celtics boss, luring Kevin Garnett to Beantown and working a heist with the Nets to eventually acquire Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum . I suspect that Ainge was looking for his second home run with the Nets deal because he realized he could not remain at the helm of the Celtics forever. With Brad Stevens at the wheel, don't expect any such blockbuster trades or free-agent acquisitions. Bringing in Al Horford for the 2016-17 season was significant, but not a blockbuster. Al left of his own accord via free agency, but he is back - and Boston is the right place for him. Effectively trading the injured Isaiah Thomas for Kyrie Irving proved to be a bad move. Ditto for bringing in Gordon Hayward at the same time in 2017. Both stars wanted to be "The Guy" with the Celtics, and that was never going to work. Irving...

Hardwood Houdini has broached the idea of the Boston Celtics adding either DeMarcus Cousins or Isaiah Thomas to the roster via a 10-day contract. This is a move that I could buy into. These two potential pick-ups are far apart in many ways. About the only things they have in common is that they are both seasoned veterans and can score the ball from anywhere. The addition of the 6'10" Boogie to the Celtics mix would put him with Rob Williams and Tristan Thompson at the center spot. On the surface, the points, rebounds and assists that he could add make it seem like a great idea, but his on-court antics may make Danny Ainge turn away from that move. The 5'9" (not really) Isaiah would bring his points, assists and ball movement back to the parquet, and it would make a Hell of a story - if it worked. IT has always used his lack of height to his advantage on offense, but his size would work against him with Brad Stevens heavily favoring larger wings that can effective...

Are we surprised that the Boston Celtics are dead-last in the NBA for point-margin in the fourth quarter? Yes, dead-last! That is 30th out of 30 teams! It became evident once again in Boston's 117-109 loss to the Utah Jazz. View NBA.com's Kyle Hightower's article headline below : Jazz pull away from Celtics in fourth The Celtics average point-margin in the fourth quarter thus far stands at minus-2.1 . The Suns, Lakers and Raptors share the number-one spot at plus-2.1.  How about last night , you may ask. The Green had a 4th-quarter margin of minus-8.0. They scored 30 4th-quarter points to Utah's 38. This trend does not bode well for the Celtics post-season. What are the Celtics missing? I will keep this simple. Part of the answer is that they are obviously missing Mister Fourth Quarter, otherwise known as Isaiah Thomas . Yes, I realize IT is not the complete cure , but why do we not see him back on the parquet ( per Boston.com's Brian Robb from the 2016-17 season...

CelticsSentinel's Erich Ryan broached the Kemba Walker conundrum back on February 10, and the issue remains in question.  Danny Ainge shipped Isaiah Thomas out of town in damaged condition after the diminutive guard had literally saved Boston's 2016-17 season with his heroic play.  The latest questions surround another undersized point guard, Kemba Walker. On a recent Colin Cowherd Podcast , NBA analyst Ric Bucher stated that Celtics boss, Danny Ainge "tried like Hell to move Kemba at the beginning of the season" . Bucher added that Walker's knee injury and lack of size are one of the reasons "they (Celtics) are not a Championship contending team" .  I share these concerns for the Boston Celtics. Like IT, Kemba's lack of size is magnified when significant injuries hamper the quick, evasive movements shared by both players.  Walker was given stem cell therapy for his knee issue in the off-season, and it just may be that the treatment was really a ...

Is it from the roster, trade or free agency? With Kemba Walker still nursing an ankle issue and Gordon Hayward gone to Charlotte, it has become very obvious that there is no reliable, third-option point producer on the current Celtics roster. Those two players put up a combined average of 39 points/game last season, in addition to nine assists. The Jay Team has put 110 points on the board over the 2-game span, but things fall off rapidly after that. That third point-producer has to emerge from the current roster or be acquired via trade or free agency. Volume scoring won't be coming from the center spot. Daniel Theis, Tristan Thompson and Rob Williams don't have that potential in their arsenal. Neither do Semi Ojeleye or Grant Williams. Marcus Smart has been handling point guard duties and disrupting opponents' offensive attacks, so he should not be relied on to be a volume scorer. Of the two rookies, Brad Stevens seems to have more faith in Payton Pritchard than Aaron Nes...

Let me first say that I doubt this will happen. The Celtics giving Isaiah Thomas another shot is ... well, a long shot. Brad Stevens doesn't favor guards in the 6-feet-and-under category. They can be a major liability on defensive switches. So why bring him back? Because this still-young guy is damn exciting. A lot of Boston fans would love him back in TD Garden, and I am one of them. I accept the fact that he can be a mis-match nightmare, but on offense he uses his speed and lack of size to drive opponents absolutely nuts. I collect game shorts and I wear them when I workout in the off-season lol https://t.co/y7wUyDmp7o — Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) November 25, 2020 Professional basketball is still a game. It is entertainment. This little guy supplies that - along with intensity and guts. When an offensive spark is needed off the bench, call his number. Put him on a second unit that will run the opposition into exhaustion - or "guerrilla warfare" as the late Tommy He...

I am not broaching the idea of Danny Ainge bringing Isaiah Thomas back to Boston without having given the thought a lot of consideration. Isaiah played his best ball in the 2016-17 season during a time which must have been the low point in his life, dealing with the death of his sister and a persistent hip injury. Isaiah Thomas on if he would be open to playing for the #Celtics again. “For sure, if the opportunity presented itself. I hold no grudges, and they know that. I have genuine love for Boston. If that were to happen, I’d love to be part of what they have going on. You never know.“ pic.twitter.com/JK4yaJp2Ab — Celtics Direct (@CelticsDirect) February 21, 2020 In 40 games this season for the Washington Wizards, IT produced 12.3 points per game in 23 minutes of floor time, while adding 3.7 assists/game. He shot 41% on both field goals and 3-pointers and 82% from the free throw line. He was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers and subsequently waived, making him a free agent...

In the midst of yesterday's deadline activity, Former-Celtic and crowd favorite, Isaiah Thomas, got traded from the Washington Wizards to the Los Angeles Clippers, but he is scheduled to be waived, making him a free agent once again. How much turmoil does this man have to endure? The Clippers will not be keeping Isaiah Thomas, acquired today from Washington in three-team deal with Knicks that brought Marcus Morris to LA and send Moe Harkless/picks to NYC, per league source. — David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) February 6, 2020 The Clippers obviously have a need for Marcus Morris, but IT does not fit into their plans. The major questions arising out of this are: "Where does he go now?" - and, "Does Danny Ainge bring him back to Boston?" Isaiah clearly wants to be with a contender for the post-season, and the Clippers are certainly that. But that won't happen. Well, how about the Celtics? Fan reactions to Thomas' trade run the gamut of "His NBA ca...

Former-Celtic, Isaiah Thomas, is facing yet another suspension after making contact with an official 88 seconds into the game last night against the Portland Trailblazers. Isaiah was ejected from the contest for what was called a hostile act towards an official. The replay tended to support the ejection. Isaiah Thomas got ejected 88 seconds into the game after what was called a hostile act to an official. pic.twitter.com/O5GmY9Pqnt — NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 4, 2020 IT was also ejected late in a game against the Philadelphia 76'ers when he went into the stands to verbally confront a heckling fan. That incident happened with only a couple of minutes remaining in a game that was already decided. Isaiah was suspended two games on December 22, 2019 for the infraction. His latest incident happened very early in the first quarter only two weeks after the Philadelphia infraction. One has to wonder where Thomas' frustration is coming from. Another suspension appears imminent. ...

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 tw...

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...

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...

Let me clear this up right away! Boston.com's, Zachary Dupont, praised former-Celtic, Isaiah Thomas, for boosting his former-teammate, Marcus Smart, for NBA Defensive-Player-of-the-Year, which I agree with. But Isaiah didn't start it - I did ( per Boston.Com's Zachary Dupont ): Smart’s former teammate Isaiah Thomas took to Twitter to praise him, and to start a very early campaign for him to be the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year. The sequence of Twitter posts is shown below in order of appearance. I got this ball rolling on November 12th, complete with CelticsSentinel article. Follow the sequence. And the 2020 NBA Defensive-Player-of-the-Year Award goes to ----- Marcus Smart. https://t.co/hkEe8hyc5u pic.twitter.com/ODKnSzZNmE — Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) November 12, 2019 Marcus Smart DPOY — Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) November 21, 2019 Great minds think a like ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾 — Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) November 21, 2019 Now that I have vented, Ma...

If things went really wrong in the world, Marcus Smart is the guy I would want at my side. Well, things did go very wrong for my family after my grand daughter, Courtney Lane, with Cystic Fibrosis was denied a double-lung transplant by two Boston hospitals and quickly ferried off to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire to die. Courtney was taken off life support and passed away at 4:30 P.M. on Friday, November 8, 2019. While I truly feel that two hospitals failed her, Courtney's medical team at Dartmouth-Hitchcock did not. She had been in their care for much of her life, and they were there at her death. The anger and grief that followed was pervasive for my family, but it didn't last. A plea to Carsen Edwards @Cboogie_3 . My great grandson, Carson Thomas Lane, lost his mom, Courtney, to Cystic Fibrosis on Friday at the age of 25. He loves getting cards & he needs an uplift. 123 Garden Dr., Apt. 2, Manchester, NH 03102. I would be forever grateful. pic.tw...

This is the short version - because my family is absolutely tired. I promise the full version tomorrow morning, but there is still much more to the story. If you have watched the Boston or New Hampshire news, you have seen what started as my very simple plea for a single card to be sent to a grieving 7-year-old. It has truly gone viral. Channel 7, WMUR, Fox News and possibly channel 4 covered it. I put out a simple request to the Celtics Carson Edwards for one card to be sent to my great grandson, Carson Thomas Lane. His mom, my grand daughter, died one week ago from Cystic Fibrosis. The flood of gifts and well-wishes went into the thousands from all over the planet. Marcus Smart was the first to respond - no surprise there - love the man - as my readers know. Isaiah Thomas had already stepped up a while back, and rookie Carsen Edwards followed suit. The tears from my daughter, Lisa, and my great grandson, Carson, are all too real. So is the whole story. Watch for it tomorrow. 💔 7-y...

Make no mistake - this contest was an absolute shootout, with the Celtics walking away with the 140-133 win over Washington. Bradley Beal was high man for the Wizards with 44 points. Rookie Rui Hachimura notched 21 points, while former-Celtic Isaiah Thomas started at point guard and came away with 18 points and seven assists. On the Celtics side of things, it is starting to look like Jim McIntyre's very-early projection of Carsen Edwards could come true, and it is great to see my "Quad God" moniker for Carsen may stick - thanks to @TaylorCSnow. The "Quad God". Every guy wants quadriceps like Carsen Edwards. pic.twitter.com/E2DMoBjiSn — Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) October 16, 2019 Kemba Walker poured in a team-high 25 points, and the Jay Team combined for 45 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Jayson Tatum was 9-of-20 from the field, coming back from his horrendous 1-of-18 outing versus the Mavericks on Monday. But the high point of the night may have b...