Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/4

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:51 GMT

Herald C’s work on Posey, work out others
Green deal slam dunk for Dallas
Globe Rivers gives Maggette call
MetroWest Daily Front-row seat to title run has Celts' rookie Pruitt inspired
CelticsBlog Wanting Brand to stay for the sake of idealism
Thank you PJ Brown
Free agent shopping
LOY's Place The NBA all hair team
A plan for the Celtics
Mixed messages free agent update
NBA.com Arenas agrees to $111 million deal with Wizards
ESPN What other free agent surprises can we expect this summer?
Birdman's redemption bittersweet for his mother (older article but worth a look with Celtics' interest in him now)
Hoopsworld Evening scoop: Posey and the Rockets
Morning Report: Posey and Maggette?
Orlando Sentinel Have the Celtics made an offer to Corey Maggette or not?
Winter Park's Austin Rivers commits to Gators
Red's Army In appreciation of Kevin Garnett
CelticsNews C's evaluate contrasting talents
TampaBay.com Rivers son pledges to Billy D
Detroit Free Press Pistons eye free agents Pietrus and Posey
Lex Nihil Novi '86 C's begin ECF's with 32 point blowout
Fox Sports Which teams are poised for a big turnaround?
Lakers News Lakers entertaining talks with James Posey
Commercial Appeal Hard to figure why some don't make it in the NBA
Lakers Nation Posey wants Lakers, Lakers willing to go full MLE to land him
Can Danny? Top 75 free agents #1-20
Sorry Corey

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Today's Links 7/4

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:50 GMT

Winter Park's Austin Rivers commits to Gators
Red's Army In appreciation of Kevin Garnett
CelticsNews C's evaluate contrasting talents
TampaBay.com Rivers son pledges to Billy D
Detroit Free Press Pistons eye free agents Pietrus and Posey
Lex Nihil Novi ‘86 C's begin ECF's with 32 point blowout
Fox Sports Which teams are poised for a big turnaround?
Lakers News Lakers entertaining talks with James Posey
Commercial Appeal Hard to figure why some don't make it in the NBA
Lakers Nation Posey wants Lakers, Lakers willing to go full MLE to land him
Can Danny? Top 75 free agents #1-20
Sorry Corey

Mixed Messages Free Agent Update

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:08 GMT

The Celtics made an offer to Corey Maggette. No they didn't. Yes they did. So, did they or didn't they?
First, the Globe said that the Celtics made an offer to both Posey and Maggette on the first day of free agency.

The Celtics have made contract offers to two forwards: Their own free agent, James Posey, and Clippers free agent Corey Maggette, sources told the Boston Globe. The most the Celtics could offer is the mid-level exception (about $5.8 million), and it's doubtful that they could sign both players. The terms of the offers were not disclosed.

So, Celtics fandom spent the day trying to figure out how they planned to sign both if both accepted the offers. Did they offer Posey the MLE and Maggette the LLE or veteran's minumim and a chance for a ring? Or, did they offer Posey a non-Bird rights contract and Maggette the MLE? Or, some were even speculating that they were offering Ray to the Clippers in a sign and trade for Maggette. Speculation was running rampant. Then, the next day, Danny threw some water on the fire as this article appeared in the Herald:

A team source insisted no offer was made to the former Clippers swingman, though Danny Ainge reportedly has talked to a number of players, including Maggette, as he attempts to build a pool of candidates in the event his top priority - signing James Posey - falls through.

OK, so Danny didn't make an offer to Maggette. But then, in today's Globe there is this:

A day after talking with Celtics coach Doc Rivers, a longtime family friend, Clippers free agent forward Corey Maggette said he is seriously considering an offer to join the NBA champions.
Maggette said he is still in awe about being contacted by the Celtics and has been mulling over their contract offer as well as interest from several other teams.
An NBA source said the Celtics offered Magette the full midlevel exception, expected to be worth $5.8 million.

It gets curiouser and curiouser. So, Danny did make an offer to Maggette. According to this, he offered the full MLE to Maggette, but the same article says they offered only 12 million/3 years to Posey. Now, to me, getting Posey back is more important than luring Maggette. If they are willing to offer Maggette the full MLE, why not Posey. If they would go the full MLE over 3 years maybe Posey would consider it. Posey is a defensive stopper. Maggette is not. Defense wins championships. Enough said. If it takes a 4 year full MLE contract to keep Posey, Danny needs to do it. He is a winner if he goes to one of our rivals, he immediately puts them into title contention.

All this as the San Antonio Express News reports that the Spurs are at the head of the line for Maggette's services as he is leaning toward going to the Spurs. And also the Philly Inquirer reports that Maggette is expected there next week. The Sixers are also talking to Josh Smith and Josh Childress. The LA Times reports that the Warriors are also trying to lure Maggette as they await news from Elton Brand on their offer to him. Hoopsworld reports that Maggette has narrowed his choices to the Spurs and the Celtics. It has been reported that the Lakers have offered a 5 year full MLE deal to Posey and if Boston doesn't match it, he will likely leave. Unlike most free agents, Posey has already won 2 rings and for him it is about the money. Although, wherever Posey goes, he will likely make them a winner as well. More on this to come, I am sure.

Along with the offer to Posey and maybe offer to Maggette, Danny has been working out some other free agents in addition to the mini camp that ends today. The same Globe article lists center David Harrison, swingman Kirk Snyder, center Patrick O'Bryant, forward Darius Miles and Chris Andersen. Of that group, my choice would be Andersen.

Other free agent news includes Gilbert Arenas agreeing to a $111 million 6 year deal. This is $16 million less than the max deal that the Wizards offered him. Arenas had this to say about the deal:

"I'm basically giving back $16 million,'' Arenas told the Washington Times. "This is in line with what I've been saying the whole time. You see players take max deals and they financially bind their teams. I don't wanna be one of those players and three years down the road your team is strapped and can't do anything about it.''

Newsday is reporting that Monta Ellis has received interest from 9 teams including the Knicks. Ellis reportedly is very interested in joining the Knicks. With new management and a real coach in Mike D'Antoni, New York is no longer the cesspool it was under Isiah Thomas and free agents are interested in going there. Last season the Lakers-Celtics rivalry was renewed. Could the Knicks-Celtics rivalry be renewed this season?

ESPN Insider reports that the Mavs would like to re-sign Tyronn Lue but he is looking hard at Boston and Phoenix. No mention has been made in the Globe or Herald about any offer being made to Lue, but it wouldn't be surprising if they did since Lue is one of KG's best friends. I still think re-signing House and going with Pruitt is a better avenue for the Celtics to take since Eddie can play both guard spots very adequately and Pruitt seems to be poised to make a leap this season. Speaking about Phoenix, they are still searching for a back up point. Think they would like to take back that deal to send Rondo to Boston?

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In Appreciation Of… Kevin Garnett

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:00 GMT

kevin garnett

We are spending some time looking back over the Boston Celtics championship season… in an effort to truly appreciate the efforts of those involved. In our twelfth installment of the series, we continue saluting our starters.

I'll come right out and say it.

I didn't like the Kevin Garnett trade when I first heard it. And don't lie to me right now. More than a few of you out there agreed with me at the time. But that's because we didn't know about “KG.”

Kevin Garnett is a name attached to a bunch of statistics that a lot of us thought Al Jefferson might soon be able to duplicate. KG is the irresistible force that permeated the organization and forced everyone to assimilate. It's a force built on pure emotion, with a hint of psychosis. I can't really figure out how to explain it, because its indescribable… and so is KG.

I'll admit that I had no idea what the KG effect would be. I'm also thrilled to have been wrong. Part of me is actually honored to have been alive to witness what goes along with it… the “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE” explosion/incoherant rant… the murderous, tongue wagging look he gave Lamar Odom… firing an 8 punch combo into Leon Powe's chest after a huge dunk… the million other instance that would turn this appreciation into a Bill Simmons-length column.

It is not an understatement to say KG came in and changed the culture of the Boston Celtics. His zealous commitment to defense, coupled with Tom Thibodeau's zealous commitment to defense, took what was supposed to be this teams most glaring weakness… and turned it into its biggest strength. Think about that for a second.

Everyone before the season had serious questions about our defense. We were supposed to be, in the eyes of experts, a team that had to outscore everyone to win. We were supposed to be a team that got 75 points a game from the Big 3 just to compete. But not only was KG a major force in shoring up our defense… the KG/Thibodeau combo turned this into one of the most dominant defensive teams in history.

It is absolutely impossible to comprehend how Garnett brings the level of emotion that he does every game. Its like the pre-game pounding of his chest starts a motor that doesn't stop until he's home from the game. I could write about it all day long, and never really come close to describing it (no matter how many analogies that I try).

I'm stating the obvious by saying the KG trade was the single biggest reason why the Celtics are where they are. But it goes well beyond the baskets, rebounds and blocks. Call it his aura… energy… life force… intensity… whatever. All that stuff… and maybe a few words that haven't been invented yet… make KG what he is. And whatever that is, doesn't exist in any other human being. But it exists in KG. And for that, KG, we appreciate the job you've done in helping us achieve the ultimate goal… an NBA title.

(Reuters photo)

—

The Celtics are ending mini-camp a day early… so today's going to be the last chance for guys to make their impressions on Danny and Doc. In the meantime.. the C's continue to work on James Posey

Boston Celtics @ Denver Nuggets - 2/19/08

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:00 GMT

Over the course of the summer I'll look back at some of my favorite Celtics games from the 2008 season. Ironically I've decided to focus on a loss first. Let me set the scene. Following the All Star game the Celtics struggled through one of their worst stretches of the season with back-to-back-to-back losses to the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns. However, it was not as bad as the record indicated (0-3) thanks to several reasons:

1. It was not much of a break for Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce because they were part of All Star weekend. While players on the opposing teams, minus Golden State, had All Star reps as well they had the benefit of sleeping in their own beds.

2. Kevin Garnett returned to the lineup for the first time after missing 9 games due to an ab injury. He was rusty.

3. The Celtics once again proved they were difficult to beat. It took a raucous playoff style crowd in Denver and some quality free throwing shooting down the stretch by the Nuggets (after the C's clawed back into it), a buzzer beater in Oakland, and steady play by the Suns to hold off a rally after Boston played arguably its worst half of basketball of the season.

4. All three of those teams, especially the Nuggets and Warriors, needed it a lot more than the Celtics due to the tight playoff race out West.

5. KG mixed it up with Amare Stoudemire a bit. Granted that hurt the C's when Garnett got a cheap third foul, went to the bench, and halted a promising rally. But that attitude served Boston well later on and it was good to have him back.

For the record I'm slowly creeping up towards Tommy Heinsohn territory in terms of being a Celtics apologist. Anyways back to the reason for this post. That Nuggets game was an absolute blast. It was one of those west coast games that killed me because I just had to stay up, particularly after the All Star lay off. In fact it made me noticeably unproductive at work the next day. Yet it was worth it. Living on the east coast I always feel like I'm part of a special club if I stay up late to watch one of my teams out west and something cool happens. Now to be fair dropping 118 points on the 2008 Nuggets does not sound like a major accomplishment. But it was given the fact that KG shot 2-7 from the field and finished with 4 points in roughly 20 minutes. At the same time giving up 124 points and losing are not causes for celebration. Yet I enjoyed numerous aspects of this one.

1. Leon Powe scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. And though I can't remember anything off the top of my head I'm sure he was a bad ass, which had to make the Nuggets regret trading him.

2. Tony Allen played one of his better games: 9 points on 4-5 from the field, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals and a +6 +/-.

3. But in the end it was all about the highlight plays:

Paul Pierce facial over Nuggets (via Marksman1996)

Rajan Rondo "Slick" move vs. Nuggets (via Marksman1996)

Rajan Rondo putback vs. Nuggets (via Marksman1996)

To review Pierce dunked on Marcus Camby (shades of Antoine Walker on Camby), Rondo broke someone's (Chucky Atkins?) ankles, and then Rondo outdid himself by throwing down the put back dunk, which A. told me everything I needed to know about the Nuggets and B. led to me calling reader Rondo even though it was well after midnight. And he was up.

So We DID Offer A Deal To Maggette

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:22 GMT

Danny's denials be damned… the Celtics have made an offer to Corey Maggette. Not only that, The Globe reports he got a call from Doc Rivers.

“I talked to Doc… I'm not going to hold them up. I know they are still looking at James Posey. But I'm still weighing my options.”

As for his potential reserve role with the Celtics:

“I don't mind. If you want to win, you have to make sacrifices. With their caliber of players, that's what you have to do. Going to a championship team would be exciting to me. Going to a team that can win and has tradition is exciting.

Another person who talked to Maggette is former teammate Sam Cassell… who told him “come out to get a ring.”

No one's taking the 4th of July off in Waltham… with Patrick O'Bryant coming into town to work out. Pacers free agent David Harrison and Timberwolves free agent Kirk Snyder were in town, along with Chris Andersen, for workouts yesterday.

I love where the Celtics are now. Check out what Harrison said about working out for the C's:

“It's a great opportunity when the world champs call you to work out. They see something in me. It's an honor to work out for them.”

A year ago, no one would really even return Danny's phone calls… now they're all kissing his ring and thanking him for the opportunity to walk through the door.

(link to the Globe story will go up as soon as its published online)

C's Evaluate Contrasting Talents

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:15 GMT

Mark Murphy has just posted some extra free agent/workout updates.

The Celtics also continued to look at other free agents yesterday.

In addition to a visit from former Hornets center Chris Andersen, they worked out three vastly different players - center David Harrison, guard Kirk Snyder and forward Darius Miles.

Patrick O’Bryant, the former Golden State center who the Celtics worked out prior to the 2006 draft, is due in for a workout today.

In addition, the team has taken a prolonged look at former Knicks center Randolph Morris and former Bulls guard Eddie Basden during this week’s rookie/free agent minicamp in Waltham.

“A lot of these guys we have just liked, and they’re trying to continue their careers,” said Danny Ainge, the Celtics director of basketball operations. “But there’s a lot of guys in the basketball world and a lot more we’re going to look at.

First off, let me say: Darius Miles? Are you kidding me? Not only does he have questionable work ethic, the reputation of being a “coach killer,” the resume of a classic bust, and is coming off of a major knee injury that kept him sidelined all last season, but he also failed his latest drug test that earned him a 10-game suspension if/when he ever does return to the court. Should we lose James Posey in the free agent market, Miles is the last guy that Celtic Nation wants as a replacement small forward.

Kirk Snyder is certainly a “Danny Ainge kind of guy:” young, athletic, strong wing, has yet to fulfill his potential. Had the C's not brought in J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker on draft night, Snyder may have been a formidable replacement for Tony Allen. However, with our current roster, it's unlikely that he or Eddie Basden finds a spot in green.

David Harrison was once a very intriguing center prospect coming out of high school, but at this point in his young NBA career, he is Michael Olowokandi of 2006 on a good day. Simply put, he's huge. He's long. He's strong. But he fouls nearly as frequently as Danny Fortson, and has had a questioned work ethic. Should the C's get down to the waning moments the summer without a backup center, Harrison might be a solid option to bring in as an insurance 7-footer, similar to what Scot Pollard was before his season-ending injury.

Side note: Mark Murphy also mentioned that the New York Knicks have contacted Eddie House.

Latest Posey Rumor: Houston

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:24 GMT

Quiet day today for the most part, although Hoopsworld has this little blurb on The Mongoose:

James Posey has been to Houston before, and one of the predominant rumors of the day has him pondering the chance to play there again. The Celtics would be happy to re-sign Posey, who was a crucial part of their championship equation, but they don't want to ink him to a long-term deal. Several other teams, including the Rockets, would like to lure him away from Boston and will give him the long-term deal he wants.

Not much new there, but its something.

Also out there: We know about Doc's son, Jeremiah, who just transferred to Indiana. Doc's younger son, 15-year-old Austin, has already committed to Florida (where his sister plays volleyball). Apparently, it's a big score for Billy Donovan:

“He really knows how to play,” Rivals.com recruiting analyst Jerry Meyer told Gatorbait.net. “He's got a maturity level to his game that you don't see in a lot of college players. He's got the size and the skill to make all the plays and he's a true combo guard that excels at both the point and shooting guard positions. He's one of the best guards, if not the best guard, that I've seen in the 2011 class.”

Man… that Rivers family is just full of athletes. Congrats to Austin… and best of luck.

A Plan for the Celtics

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:46 GMT

The Celtics have 9 players under contract right now with a total payroll of 71,369,509. That alone is more than likely going to be over the salary cap and very close to luxury tax level. They also have 6 free agents: Tony Allen, James Posey, Sam Cassell, PJ Brown, Scot Pollard, and Eddie House. They have the MLE (5.8 million), the LLE(1.8 million) and veteran minimum salaries to work with in signing free agents.

The first and more important priority has to be to do whatever it takes to sign James Posey. Posey is key to this team if they want to repeat. He is a player who will do whatever it takes to win. He is a lock down defender, capable of shutting down the opposing team's player. He rebounds, dives for loose balls, takes charges, hits the big shot in crunch time, and gives hugs to the starters before the game. Most importantly, he brings leadership and a championship mindset to the team. You just can't replace a guy like that.

The Celtics biggest rivals: the Lakers, Pistons, and Cavaliers are all interested in luring Posey away from the Celtics. There is a very good reason for this. One of the problems that each team had with the Celtics was that none of them had anyone who could stop Paul Pierce. If they get James Posey, they have that player who is capable of stopping Pierce, along with every other star player in the league whether they are guards or forwards. They also had problems with players fading in crunch time. With Posey on their team, they have a player who consistently came up big in crunch time. Danny needs to do whatever it takes to keep James Posey in green.

PJ Brown is planning to retire and Scot Pollard shouldn't be offered a contract. He isn't what this team needs. The Celtics need a center to back up Perk. Chris Andersen is in Boston talking to Danny and he would be a great back up center. He brings energy off the bench, is strong and a good defender. He wants to be a Celtic and Danny needs to sign him. I think he would take the veteran's minimum to play here since it would be a great situation for him.

Sam Cassell should retire and join the Celtics coaching staff. He didn't work out as hoped last season and so if he wants to play another season, hopefully it will be elsewhere. The starting point guard spot is solidly filled with Rajon Rondo, but Danny needs to address the back up. Gabe Pruitt is looking strong in the Celtics' mini camp and I think he will be able to fill the back up point guard spot. For insurance, the Celtics also should re-sign Eddie House. House can back up both guard spots and if not needed at the point, he is a great shooter and could fill in for Ray at the 2. Also, he also is fully indoctrinated into ubuntu. He never complained when his minutes were severely cut in the playoffs and when he was called on, he came up big.

Finally, with the 3 spots left, they can bring back Tony Allen for a veteran's minimum make good contract and keep Giddens and Walker with the team and give them a shot to prove themselves in practice and if they aren't getting enough playing time, they can go to the D-League to get some experience there. To me, keeping the same team together as much as possible would be key to winning again.

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NBA All Hair Team

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:17 GMT

While watching Robin Lopez on draft night with his hat perched precariously on top of his voluminous hair, I started thinking about the other players who have wild hair. So, here for your viewing enjoyment is the NBA All Hair Team.
First Team

Joakim Noah

Anderson Varejao

Robin Lopez

Josh Childress

Ben Wallace

Second Team

Mike Miller

Mikki Moore

Robert Swift

Chris Andersen

Walter Hermann

Honorable Mention

Ron Artest

Andrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur

Dirk Nowitski

Scot Pollard (one picture wasn't enough)

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Celtics Meet With Chris Andersen

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:15 GMT

From Monique Walker of the Boston Globe:

Free agent center Chris Andersen and his agent, Steve Heumann, arrived in Boston yesterday, had dinner with Ainge, and will meet with Ainge and his staff today. The Hornets are also interested in retaining Andersen. Free agents can begin signing contracts Tuesday.

The Celtics have had an interest in Andersen since he was reinstated by the NBA March 4 after serving a two-year ban for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The athletic, 6-foot-11-inch, 228-pounder returned to the Hornets and played in five games. Andersen, who has also played for the Nuggets, has averaged 5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over his six-year career.

“He's a guy we've always wanted,” Ainge said. “We just want to sit down and talk to Chris and see where he is at with his desire to play in Boston and to see if we think he is a fit.”

Side note: On last night's Sports Tonight Late Edition on CSN, Marc Spears was on talking Celtics with Greg Dickerson and Michael Felger. Spears said that there is a really strong chance that Chris Andersen gets a deal done with the Celtics and that Andersen “really wants to be here… bad.” Take that for what it's worth.

Also, all is quiet in Posey land:

Agent Mark Bartelstein, who represents forward James Posey and guard Eddie House, said yesterday, “Nothing new right now. Just a lot of talk.”

“There is a lot of posturing going on,” said Ainge about free agency in general. “Who knows?”

The Celtics have offered contracts to both Posey and Clippers free agent guard Corey Maggette, who are both getting interest around the league.

Sources indicated Posey was not offered the full midlevel exception (about $5.8 million) by the Celtics, but it wasn't far from it.

Among the teams expected to be interested in Posey are Washington, Cleveland, New Orleans, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

When asked when he expected to get word from Posey or Maggette, Ainge said, “I don't know. I just don't know.”

“Our finished work might not be done until August or September,” Ainge continued. “It's a long process. We are going to try to sift through a lot of free agents. We are in a good position where a lot of guys want to come and play for us. It makes it good. It doesn't make us desperate.”

New Rooks Get Green

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:25 GMT

Bill Walker - Overshadowed

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:23 GMT

ESPN the Magazine has a great article on the Celtics second round pick, Bill Walker. It really makes you want to pull for this guy. Just as with Leon Powe, his promise was curtailed by injuries. Hopefully, Walker's story will have as good a result as Powe's has so far. (hat tip to Mon on CelticsBlog for pointing this out). Here is a a little taste of what the article has to say:

Late in Kansas State's loss to Oregon in November, Bill Walker hustled downcourt, head turned back toward the ball, arm raised in the air. He looked like Randy Moss in Oakland, eyes wide and pleading. When the ball never came, Walker stared at the floor and pursed his lips in frustration. It wasn't the first time the play and the game had seemed to go on without him.

Walker, despite once looking like one of the most awesome forces in basketball, has always watched the ball go elsewhere in the most crucial moments—first to lifelong pal O.J. Mayo, now to current "it" man Michael Beasley. He is a star unseen. The story of Billy Walker is not of the pressure of 10,000 glares, but of the pressure of none.

Not that there haven't been moments. Amazing moments, actually. As a prep, his dribble-drive moves were legendary—bounce, bounce, left, right, left, step back. His crossover was so vicious that crowds cheered before he hit the lane. His hops were really what got him noticed, especially by the guys—Kevin Love and Greg Oden includedmdash;he was leaping over. But moments are all he's had.

Most of us are defined by the person we are. Bill Walker has always been defined by the person he isn't.

You can read the whole article here.

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Diop Returning To Dallas

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:28 GMT

In a move that could have some ripple effect on who gets paid what in free agency.. DeSagna Diop is going to return to Dallas.

Sources told ESPN.com that Diop, traded by the Mavericks to New Jersey in February as part of the Jason Kidd deal, will receive the Mavericks' full mid-level exception in a five-year deal starting at nearly $6 million.

He's a 26 year old who avearaged 3 points and 5 boards last season… and 2 points/4 rebounds over a 7 year career. I was wondering if he might be in the mix for back-up center… and then Dallas gums up the works by throwing $6 mil a year at him. How can this guy make more than James Posey next year?

Thanks Cuban. Hope you enjoy not winning a championship over the next 5 years. Everyone realizes that Dallas isn't getting over the hump… right?

Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/3

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:27 GMT

Herald Celtics deny Corey Maggette offer
FL's Take: Making offers to Posey and Maggette didn't make sense. It makes more sense if they just contacted him as a feel out process in case Posey doesn't sign. But even if they did sign Maggette, he wouldn't fill Posey's shoes. Posey is a defensive stopper who is willing to do the dirty work. Maggette's value is in his offensive game. Defense wins games. Defense wins championships. Go for the defenfers Danny.
J.R. Giddens on way home
FL's Take: This is a bad move on Giddens' part. He was the 30th pick, not the 1st pick. He needs to do what he can to be sure he makes the team. I think he may have a chance to play this season and may even make an impact. But, sitting out camp isn't the way to start. All over the league, lottery picks are preparing for summer league teams without a contract. Bad advice from his agent.
Globe This year, Davis not one of the babies in camp
Police had faced discipline before
Giddens not at minicamp
FL's Take: Like I said, bad move on his part.
Photo gallery from mini camp
MetroWest Daily Giddens a no-show at mini-camp
Celtics.com Summer School: Davis plans to camp out in Waltham
FL's Take: Good to hear that Big Baby's attitude and priorities are in the right spot. Hopefully all that work will get him in shape and he will be even better this next coming season.
Pruitt looks to make leap in second year
FL's Take: I think the Celtics can go with Pruitt as back up and Eddie House as third point guard. He can back up the 2 and play point if needed. Pruitt should be able to back up Rondo.
CelticsBlog Birdman cometh?
FL's Take: I sure hope they can get him. I think he would be the perfect back up for Perk.
Musings on the BGJ - Maggette debate
LOY's Place Free agent news updates
Celtics host rookie free agent camp
Red's Army In appreciation of Ray Allen
In appreciation of Rajon Rondo
Patriot Ledger Pruitt working to show he has right stuff
Orlando Sentinel Camps assist in developing Rivers' skills
Enterprise Celtics’ Perkins goes under knife to repair shoulder
FL's Take: According to Danny, this wasn't a necessary but more precautionary to keep the injury from happening again. Hopefully he will be full force by training camp.
Comcast SportsNet Interviews with Giddens, Walker, and more
Sports of Boston Celtics four point play
Detroit Free Press Signing James Posey makes sense for the Pistons
Lakers Live Lakers small forward questions
FL's Take: The Lakers didn't have anyone who could stop Paul Pierce and they seem to have found the perfect solution. Go after James Posey. Who better to stop Pierce than the guy who played with him and against him every day in practice. Whatever the Celtics do, they have to keep Posey away from the Lakers.
Las Vegas Nightlife Network NBA champion Ray Allen at Wet Republic
NECN Davis deal may affect the Celtics
Lex Nihil Novi Lakers need another Gasol-like theft
Purple woes: Vlads and the Lukester
Where do the 2008 Celtics rank?
Jerry West's anguish part 2
Celtics 17 July coming in like a lion
The Coffin Corner A new angle
UWeekly Ten questions following the NBA draft
ESPN Supersonics, Seattle reach last minute settlement
FL's Take: This is very sad. I am happy for OKC, but is is very sad to see a team with so much history just giving up.
Empty the Bench Sizing up the James Posey sweepstakes
Green Bandwagon YouTube and stars of the past
FL's Take: I would love to see Pistol Pete playing today. He is one of my all time favorites and he was way ahead of his time. He would be right in his element today. The man was a magician with the basketball.

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