Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

      How about them Jays! The NBA has a problem and it's Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. These dudes are shaping into form and come playoffs they will be on a mission. They took what was the remains of a Warrior's roster and beat em down. It was good to see old friend Kristaps Porzingis. If he's healthy last season I bet we go back to back. When he's healthy he's incredibly good. Defensively he's a stud and offensively he's elite. Maybe just maybe he will come back here next year on a team friendly contract.       It's so fun watching everyone on this roster excel. Baylor has become a dawg on D and can rebound with any guy his size. His offensive game is tight. Whether he hits threes or gets to the paint. He's going to come up big for us in the playoffs especially on defense. Derrick White seems to be invigorated now that JT is back. His shot if finally looking like it did last season. Our two headed monster in the middle continues to play solid bask...

            Imagine if you asked former players to load manage... I'm telling you here and now that Larry would tell you heck no! A guy like MJ would say someone paid good money to see me. I may not be an All world athlete but there's no load management between my two jobs. My old man worked for 43 years in a factory and didn't need load management. I get that these teams invest in these individuals and they want longevity, but we are making softer athletes who tend to be injured more. Those former players dealt with so much and had none of the nutritional stuff as today's athletes do. They survived off grit, talent and hard work.       I appreciate a player like JT who doesn't like taking nights off. He gets that people come to see him perform night in and night out. Unfortunately for him he suffered a brutal injury in the playoffs. His presence and love for the game will be missed. I expect to see JB along with Derrick lead this team t...

 I realize Larry Bird gets many accolades for his career accomplishments, but he does not get the recognition coming to him . Why? Partly because he is "light complected" , not highly-athletic - nor particularly quick on his feet. And let me add that being a career-long member of the much-maligned Boston Celtics doesn't help his status amoing non-New-Englanders. Let's do a quick stats comparison of Larry and Michael Jordan , widely recognized as the "best ever".  Larry: 24.3 PPG - 10.0 RPG - 6.3 APG - 1.7 SPG - 0.8 BPG - .496 FG - .376 3s - .886 FT Michael: 30.1 PPG - 6.2 RPG - 5.3 APG - 2.3 SPG - 0.8 BPG - .497 FG -  .327 3s - .835 FT Bird takes four categories (underlined) , and Jordan takes two . The FG% was too close to call , and a tie occurred in blocks . Granted, stats alone do not determine rankings - nor do Championships, individuaL defensive prowess - or many other attributes.  And I will not go so far as to state that Bird should be rated...

      How quickly a potential dynasty can come crashing down. This photo above gives me the feeling of what if... Brad Stevens had finally put together a roster that was damn near incredible. This starting five was at points unbeatable. They put together a regular season where no one came close to showing they were actual competition. The Cs protected the Garden as if their lives were on the line. As we entered the playoffs it was Banner 18 or bust. The Celtics took that with pride and had one of the most dominant post season runs of all time. As the confetti settled I truly thought they were going back 2 back. Unfortunately KP was hampered by a mystery illness and JT tore his ACL. Let's not forget JB was hurt with a knee I jury. The team was sold to new ownership during the year and this summer all hell has broken loose. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were traded, and for all we know Al.Horford is gonna retire or join the Warriors.      The question i...

 The Celtics Kevin McHale was known in NBA circles as "The Torture Chamber" for his varied offensive skills near the hoop , but it was his comrade-in-arms, Larry Bird,  that may have been the toughest cover in League history. Bird had ZERO weaknesses at both ends of the court. He had the size, at 6'9", to shoot over many of his defenders - the ability to get a decent shot off despite heavy coverage - the passing skills to get the ball to a teammate if shooting was not an option for him - and the court savvy to make the right decision virtually every time. And Larry's anticipation was astounding. He seemed to know what was about to happen before it occurred. And "The Bird Man" would announce to the opposition exactly what his offensive plan was on the next play - and then carried it out successfully. The many opponents he tortured over the seasons offered that Bird's trash talking was not arrogance , since he made it all happen. He backed it ...

 The present Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown duo may very well be the top pairing in the NBA right now - but how do they compare with the potent combo of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen during the Bulls 1990-91 Championship season? Below, I do a numerical comparison of various stats between the two superstar pairings: Tatum/Brown (averages from 17 games this season) 54.5 PPG - 14.9 RPG - 10.3 APG - 2.5 SPG - 0.9 BPG - .464 FG- .350 3s Jordan/Pippen (averages for 1990-91 Title season) 49.3 PPG - 13.3 RPG - 11.7 APG - 5.2 SPG - 2.1 BPG - .530 FG - .311 3s Admittedly, these numbers do not tell the whole story, but they are noteworthy. The Celtics twosome gets the nod on points, rebounds and 3-point accuracy . The Bulls duo wins on assists, steals, blocks and field goal percentage. Jordan and Pippen really shined in the defensive categories . Michael was 9-Time All-Defense, first team - DPOY (1988) - and 3-Time Steals Leader. Scottie was 10-Time All-Defense and 1995 Steals leader.  ...

 In an NBA TV segment called, Basketball Stories: Indiana Glory , Former-Celtic, Larry Bird , sat down with Isiah Thomas and Reggie Miller to discuss many subjects, including the "Mount Rushmore" of NBA superstars.  Larry stated the following: "I always knew how good I was. I didn't care what you thought about my games. I knew in the majority of the games I played in - with the team we had - we're gonna win most of them." "Quit whining about Lebron (James). Enjoy him while he's here. He's unbelievable. He's one of the greatest - if not the greatest ever." It is fitting that Bird mentioned himself in "the best ever" conversation. He belongs there . And it particularly noteworthy that Larry sent accolades "The King's" way. Lebron may not be the most-likable individual on the planet, but he has to be included in the "Best Ever" talk because of his skills, longevity in the League, his conditioning, his ve...

Greetings Celtics fans! As we see summer heading towards fall it's a reminder that the Celtics will be back on TV very soon. I think my expectations are tailored right now because last season I was Banner 18 or bust. Unfortunately a 3-0 deficit to Miami and a turned JT ankle made last year a total bust for me. No one remembers the team down 3-0 and loses game seven. Yet I think I will... Derrick White made a play that should have put him in that Gerald Henderson category of I'll never forget that play.  From my vantage point, I expect career years from JB and JT. I also expect JTs overall game to improve on so many levels. This young man talks about the Mount Rushmore of Celtics players and I fully believe he wants to be one of them. That all starts by winning a ring and then winning a few more. Overall we all know how well JT is on offense yet I feel he can bring it to a whole new level. Defensively I expect the same. The kid is built to be great. Now without Marcus Smart I fe...

First of all, the fact that Danilo Gallinari is circling the dates he plays the C's is laughable. Enjoy that dumpster fire of an organization in Washington. Sorry your old body was hurt playing in the World Cup. Next time take the summer off, and prepare yourself to be a Celtic. I'll be circling the calendar as well, to watch the C's blow the doors off your new team! I will always stand by Wycs cheapness causing us rings but kudos to signing JB long term. Next Up the franchise Jayson Christopher Tatum! Second of all, the Patriots think they can run things as if Tom Brady is still here? Instead of bringing in guys like DeAndre Hopkins and Dalvin Cook, they bring in dollar store type acquisitions. I personally feel bad for Mac Jones and the debacle that was last season. Two absolute incompetent individuals running the offense. Kraft has become complacent after winning six rings and BB has lost a step.  Third, John Henry needs to sell the team. Bloom needs to be fired! You hav...

 Michael Jordan has sold his majority stake of the Charlotte Hornets. Quite a haul for what he paid. Unfortunately Michaels run as owner hasn't panned out. Yet he still comes out on top financially. Personally MJ is my favorite non Celtic.  Michaels story always motivated me, cut from his sophomore high school team and never gave up. That led to playing for the great Dean Smith at North Carolina and we all remember what he did there. No biggie as a freshman he hit the game winning shots to help Coach Smith win his first title. He dominated in the 84 Olympics to help lead the USA to gold!  He burst onto the NBA scene and showed how special he was going to be. In 86 vs the Celtics in the playoffs he scored 63 in the Boston Garden. Quite a feat given who he was playing against. His competitive will, was second to none. From my perspective...  The road wasn't always easy especially facing those Pistons teams. Yet once he finally broke through, it's was pure beauty. He le...

 At their core, the C's have been led by JT, JB, and Marcus Smart. Is this trio the issue?! Are they the wrong mix of players? Does one or more need to go? Or should there be patience for a team that is still relatively young NBA wise. We see most players don't win their first ring until about that 27 year of age. There are some exceptions but realistically it does take time.  With that said does there need to be a shake up... I'll be honest I love JT and want him to become an all time Celtic. Trading him or letting him walk as a free agent should never, ever happen. JB I love in moments yet I could see them moving on from him. Do I want them too, no I really don't. They need a coach who will use his skill set the right way. Don't let him dribble the damn ball, have him become a cutter! Find a guy who can get him the rock in the right places with minimal dribbles.  Marcus Smart who I've loved since he was drafted... I'm torn, he brings a lot on the defensive...

 These Raptors May be extinct after tonight's game, but we have the Unicorn in uniform! Not exactly sure why the C's decided to play most of their guys. Tonight's game has no bearing on anything! If I was the C's I'd be resting everyone!  This Raptors team and organization has fallen hard. They had that one magic in a bottle year with KLeonard, and luckily caught the Warriors because of injuries. Since that time, they are no longer relevant. They may be in the play in, but to me that means nothing!  It's looking more and more like the C's could match up with the Miami Heat if they beat the Hawks in the play in. If not it will be Atlanta. Who do I prefer we face...  It doesn't matter! Whether it's the Heat or Hawks I expect the C's to crush them. These playoffs should show this group out to destroy each and every competitor. Yes the Heat gave them fits last year, but the C's won't fall into that trap again.  This Celtics team had been ultr...

  Trade deadline today, will we see any minor moves by the Celtics?! A wing and a big?! Or are we waiting for the buyout market?!  It's been busy already with the Jazz, Fakers, and T-wolves three team deal. Kyrie heading to Dallas and KD heading to Phoenix. Unfortunately I think the Fakers make out in their deal. The Mavs and Suns on paper make out. Although the Nets have accumulated a group of guys who have various skill sets.  Huge huge huge shout-out to Blake Griffin for always being ready to do what's needed. The C's had come out flat last night and after a few threes from Blake that energy shifted. You have to love a guy like Blake, who once was a star but now is your utility guy and is always willing step up. His defense on Embid was solid, his rebounding was sound, and let's face it he was an assassin from deep. Love guys like this!  DWhite has proven to be an invaluable piece to this Celtics team. He's a solid point guard when needed, he can shoot the three,...

  Celtics studs aka the Jays need to learn a lesson from one of the greatest players to ever play basketball. What do I mean by that, well watching the Last Dance yet again Jordan shows us what fueled him to success. The Jays need to find that within themselves.  Take this finals loss and let it fuel your off season. For all the crazies who ever and still want to trade JB, let that motivate you JB to prove to them wrong. Every time you hit that floor vs KD or anyone go out there for the kill! MJ used other players who his own GM coveted to spur kicking their butt! I fully expect JB to be on a seek and destroy mission this entire season. After every fall and miss step by Jordans Bulls in the playoffs they came back ready to fight and eventually win a ring. If I'm JT this off-season I'm getting myself into that mindset as he moves forward in his career. Use that loss against the Warriors to get you and the team better. Come back next season frothing at the mouth to bring home Ba...

       When did standing around the three point line become a thing in the NBA? Watching today's modern game and our Celtics, sometimes I just shake my head. While the Celtics played very well vs the Warriors, all I can see are multiple players just hanging out around the three point line having a cup of coffee.       How can you generate an offense by doing that? It really boggles my mind. I recall the days of when the ball would move and in a way that brought joy to those who watched. Anyone who saw Bird, Magic and Jordan can say they changed the game in a great way.       Bird and those Celtics teams moved the ball with pace, grace and beauty . They always came out with the best possible shot. On the fast break they would end up with points in the paint. Not like today where you have a three-on-one and someone jacks up a three . That ERA of ball brought out the epitome of what Dr Naismith invented. Basketball is a simple g...

        There Will Never Ever Be Another Larry Bird        Happy Birthday to the Great Larry Joe Bird . A true original, a guy from a small town who would lay his own gravel and mow his own lawn. A guy who could out drink anyone, then go and drop 40 on the team he faced the next day. An original on the court as well, his basketball IQ was second to no one and I MEAN NO ONE!       Larry was the ULTIMATE player, he could nail the three in your face or with multiple defenders near him and he would tell you he was gonna do it prior to it happening . He could drain shots from the midrange with ease, he could post up and get to the hoop. His passing was second to no one, he would find team mates anywhere even when he wasn't looking at them. He could rebound with the best of them, He was a damn good defender.        He gave his entire body and soul to basketball , if he played today he would DOMINATE! Today's soft...

 If I restrict the definition of athleticism to speed, quickness and leaping ability , which NBA player, all-time, combines that attribute with overall basketball skills? Starting with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird , two of the most-highly-skilled players ever , we need to admit their athleticism was not in the supreme realm.  Michael Jordan? Now we're talking! Lebron James? Maybe. Both superior athletes with amazing skills. We can only imagine what they could have accomplished with additional height. Bill Russell had that height and awesome quickness and leaping ability, but he was never known as a shooter. So, how about Giannis Antetokounmpo? At 6'11" and 242 pounds, he is big, strong, supremely athletic - and except for his long-range shooting (30% on 3s last season) and free throws (68% last season), he does everything else very well. His numbers from 2020-21 clearly show it: 28.1 PPG - 11.0 RPG - 5.9 APG - 1.2 SPG - 1.2 BPG - 57% FG Let's face it, The Greek Fre...

      With the second overall pick in the 1986 draft the Boston Celtics select All American Len Bias out of Maryland! Say that again. The NBA champion Boston Celtics with Red Auerbach at the helm get Len Bias to go with the Big 3, Danny and DJ!!! Back to back champions is what fans saw coming their way.  Fans also saw the next great Celtic who would not only win rings with the Big 3, but probably challenge Jordan and the Bulls in the East.        Len Bias was a true talent He had amazing leaping ability and   his physical stature was a force. He was incredibly dynamic and was compared to Michael Jordan. With what basketball fans were able to witness watching MJ, if Len came even close to that the Celtics would have won several more titles. In 87 when the Celtics dealt with injuries, imagine Bias on that team and what he could have done. Yes Banner 17 would come in those 87 Finals over the Lakers.       "What if " is a q...

        Is it possible? Should this writer even go there?! This is what happens when you let the kid in you dream of possibilities that are endless. Clearly in this picture we see Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as the present/future of the Boston Celtics! We also see His Airness, Michael Jordan , and Scottie Pippen who led the Bulls to six titles. Do the Jays have a few titles in them?!           JT has become a better player each year since he was drafted by the Boston Celtics. On the offensive end he can knock down the three. His mid-range fade-away game is becoming lethal . Has very good court sense to get to the hoop. Now all we need from him is to embrace contact and set up his teammates. We know he can D players up. He's clearly been bulking up this off-season which shows his work ethic. He's part of the Jordan Brand , now can he harness Jordan's alpha-alpha mantra and get the best out of himself and teammates.     ...

     One of the greatest Celtics to ever play gets inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame this Saturday! Now he has endeared himself even more to fans by going at ESPN and Lebron. This year's Celtics team could use his fire and spirit! There are a few Celtics who could harness that. Whether you love him or don't, Paul Pierce aka The Truth has never been afraid to speak his mind!       Most fans remember when ESPN was great, but now they have taken that turn where they coddle to certain stars. This writer remembers ESPN not being afraid to look at Michael Jordan's gambling . Anytime Lebron does anything questionable it's swept under the rug. Plus for them to "mandate" talking about Lebron is a joke. Good for him to throw that out there! NBA basketball doesn't start and end with LeBron . There are far too many past and present players who are better and deserve recognition!        Paul Pierce isn't afraid to hold a sports grud...