Lawrence Frank Headed To Detroit

I hate how the Celtics are starting to be Patriots-esque when it comes to the assistant coach position. Last year we lost one of the best defensive coaches in the business with Tom Thibodeau and now it looks as Lawrence Frank is taking his talents to Detroit.... ugh.

I don't blame him as Doc Rivers will be with Boston until he dies and it's always better to be a head coach than an assistant coach. However, if I were Frank I would have really considered waiting it out one more year and see if you can pick a better job than Detroit, as they are a mess. It'll be interesting to see who the Celtics get an assistant. Larry Brown is rumored because he and Doc are close, but since I despise that man, I would hate to see him on our bench. Hopefully its some token guy like Mike Woodson or they promote Armond Hill who has been a bench coach forever and he deserves it and he was really nice when we chilled at Cigar Masters.

Lawrence Frank Finalist For Pistons Job

Pistons' coach search is down to Celtics assistant Lawrence Frank and former Hawks coach Mike Woodson. The report goes on to day that Woodson is said to be the favorite of Joe Dumars, the president of basketball operations, but the owner is said to have been blown away by Frank during his interview. I would think Dumars would get the say here, but I guess you never know.

I hope Frank doesn't get it for a couple reasons. First, I think it's a shitty job and that the Pistons are far from being good again. I just think if he sat back and waited he could find something better. Plus, who wants to live in Detroit?

On top of that, I hate to see the Celtics lose another assistant. I know they could find someone else, but I watched this happen to the Patriots and say what you want about their success, but eventually it does wear on a franchise.

Maybe Knicks Avoid The Isiah Storm

Knick fans are pissing their pants that Isiah Thomas might just walk though that door once again. Well, today comes word that the Pistons have him on their short list of candidates for the heading coaching vacancy. The others on the list are Mike Woodson, Kelvin Sampson and Bill Laimbeer.

Why anyone would hire this ass clown is beyond me. He had his chance in the NBA and failed so awesomely that people kind of forget what kind of player he was. The Pistons were a mess last year, and the last thing they need is this jackass walking into the locker room.

Rip Hamilton To Celtics? (UPDATED)

"Detroit’s Richard Hamilton would intrigue Ainge, but the Pistons would have to work out a buyout of his remaining $30 million, which includes an early termination option for 2012-13. It seems hopeless that Hamilton and the Pistons can continue beyond this season (Boston Globe via Celticsblog.com)."

If the Melo trade never happens (I still don't buy it) then this could get interesting. The Pistons are going to try to buy him out if they can't deal him. No one is going to want to pickup that contract unless it is part of a bigger deal, so this could get interesting.

I hate Rip Hamilton, but if you're asking me if I'd rather have him then a combo of Nate Robinson/Von Wafer or Hamilton I'll take Hamilton everytime. Celticsblog describes him as a "poor man's Ray Allen". That sounds perfect if you ask me. There wouldn't need to much of an offensive change then from the first to second unit. Rip scores off running around off picks, and getting open looks. Sounds perfect for a 2nd unit that will have Big Baby and Shaq down low setting picks.

I don't like it just because of my hatred for him, but from a basketball standpoint it would be a great move. IF he gets bought out.


***UPDATED***

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated joined the Dale & Holley show Wednesday morning to talk about the Celtics and the NBA.

There's a rumor going around that the Celtics are interested in Pistons shooting guard Richard Hamilton, but Mannix downplayed it.

"That's just a rumor," he said. "The only way they acquire him is by buyout. Right now, the ownership situation in Detroit is in such flux that that buyout, it ain't coming anytime soon. And I'd be really surprised if it came before March 1st."

Mannix acknowledged that "Hamilton would be a great asset in Boston" and "something has to happen" because Hamilton and coach John Kuester are at odds. However, Mannix said, "I just don't see him getting bought out right now. He's owed $25 million over the next two years. If he's not willing to take a significant pay cut from that — and I'm talking in the $16 [million], 17 million range — he's just not going anywhere. Now as long as the ownership situation is so up in the air out here (WEEI)."

86 Celtics, 82 Pistons

The Celtics shouldn't have won this game. They played down to their competition and BMack and I were talking during this game and he said this is the second most frustrating game since the Cavs game, and it was true. No one for the exception of Shaq cared about this game. Rondo had 6 points, 8 boards, Ray Allen had 7 points (but that last shot was huge) and KG had 11. But Shaq had 12 points and 12 boards (5 offensive) and was diving for balls left and right (much to the chagrin of Chris Bosh)

But like I always say a win is a win is a win. I'll take it, but if I was Doc I would ream into the teams lack of effort. Thank god the Pistons are an awful, awful team because if they played anyone else they would have lost this game. Marquis Daniels rolled his ankle early in the second quarter and did not return, I'm not worried about it though, he'll be fine.

Box Score

Celtics vs Pistons Preview

Depth Chart

	Detroit (PPG)	Boston (PPG)
PG	R. Stuckey 15.6	R. Rondo 10.8
SG	B. Gordon 12.0	R. Allen 17.7
SF	T. Prince 14.6	P. Pierce 19.0
PF	C. Villanueva 13.1	K. Garnett 15.1
C	B. Wallace 3.2	S. O'Neal 10.1

The only thing that scares me is that the Celtics don't take this game seriously after playing the Magic. However, even with 60% effort the Celtics still should be able to beat the Pistons who are benching Rip Hamilton amidst trade rumors.

Looking at the Pistons roster I don't see one player who I would like to have as a starter. There is no future, there is no now, and they are stuff with Charlie Villinueva and Ben Gordan for tons of money and years.

Celtics win easily:

109-87 Celtics
Tommy Award: Rondo

Carmelo Anthony Trade Taking Form

"Multiple sources with knowledge of the talks expressed optimism Sunday that a three-team deal involving the Pistons featuring at least 15 players -- with Rip Hamilton and Chauncey Billups winding up in New Jersey with Anthony -- could be completed in the next day or two.

Denver, however, elected to play Anthony and Billups in its home game against New Orleans on Sunday night, suggesting that the Nuggets might not be ready to sign off on the trade and, according to sources, frustrating both the Nets and the Pistons at the end of a chaotic 72 hours.

A similar scenario played out in the September deal, when the Nets and Nuggets hammered out the framework of a four-team swap with Charlotte and Utah, only for the Nuggets to decide that they weren't ready to end their relationship with Anthony and back out of the deal."

I don't know if anyone would really win in this deal. The Nets are giving up a lot and taking the risk if Melo decides to flee at the end of the year. Sure they are getting a quick fix team but basing their trade on a lot of ifs, if they can get Chris Paul, if they can build around Melo, if he stays. But since the Nets had a big swing and miss this offseason they are forced to make a splash. For the Nuggets, I don't think they are getting enough in return for Melo with Derrick Favors and some picks but Melo is telling them he's not returning basically. And for Detroit, they just suck.

104 Pistons, 92 Celtics

"I don't think it's bad. I'm not that concerned. He's gonna miss some games probably. I don't think it will be that long." - Doc

I didn't fill my water cup for x-mas and last night an the result 2 Ls and a hurt KG, I'm sorry Celtics fans. But I think no one could care less about the loss more than the loss of KG. All the X Rays are negative and everyone is saying that it doesn't look bad however, it is bad. The Celtics go as far as KG. I didn't realize that how important he was until the start of this year when he was healthy and had the 07-08 spring in his step. He is the defensive leader and will definitely be missed if he misses a significant amout of time.

Here's a recent tweet from Sean Grande:

On the bus, headed for the airport. KG is here. To repeat our post game; not the knee & not a fracture, but calf and muscular. Don't panic.

It's hard not to Grande.

As for the game, it sucked.

Charlie Villanueva Blasts KG

KG and Charlie Villanueva got technicals last night, but it hasn't stopped there...

Villanueva tweeted: "KG called me a cancer patient, I'm pissed because, u know how many people died from cancer, and he's tossing it like it's a joke ... I wouldn't even trip about that, but a cancer patient, I know way 2 many people who passed away from it, and I have a special place 4 those."

Before the game against Boston on Tuesday Villanueva tweeted: "KG talks a lot of crap, he's prob never been in a fight, I would love to get in a ring with him, I will expose him (ESPN)."

I bet KG says a lot of awful things on the court, so this really doesn't shock me at all. Is it over the line? Probably, but KG plays with fire and likes to get in guy's heads. Plus he is 100 times back then anything Charlie Villanueva will ever be, so if I was him I'd just let it go, or at least actually fight him instead of Twittering him to death.

Celtics 109 Pistons 86

First off let me start off why saying nice prediction DP (he predicted Celtics win 109-89 in his post yesterday). Well done.

The Celtics were in control of this game from the tip. They outscored the Pistons in every quarter, and the only real time they gave the Celtics problems was when Nate Robinson came in and was guarding guys like Tayshaun Prince. Why he is covering him I will never now, but no matter the Celtics rolled all over this team.

Rondo once again looked liked one of the best PGs in the league scoring 9 points (all in the first half) while also dishing out 17 assists. For you fans keeping score at home that is 41 assists in the last two games. Absolutely amazing.

It was nice to see Jermaine O'Neal finally do something. He logged in 21 mins putting up 12 points, but he still needs to be more active on the glass (he only had 2 rebs last night). I hope the Celtics find a way to get Semih Erden on the court more, because the guy fits in very nicely when he is out there. He runs the court well, had 2 blocks last night, and could be a very nice bench option if Shaq is hurt for a long period of time, or Jermaine ends up being a huge bust. Either way, he is a very good player to have that far down your bench.

Here is the most telling stat of how last night went...Rondo had 4 more assists then the entire Pistons team.

Boston doesn't get anytime off and are back home to play the Bucks tonight. This could be a very interesting game, as the Celtics have struggled in recent years when they have to play back-to-back games.

Celtics vs Pistons Preview

Depth Chart

	Boston (PPG)	Detroit (PPG)
PG	R. Rondo 10.7	R. Stuckey 18.7
SG	R. Allen 14.7	R. Hamilton 10.7
SF	P. Pierce 19.0	T. Prince 13.7
PF	K. Garnett 14.3	A. Daye 5.0
C	J. O'Neal 8.7	B. Wallace 4.0

The Pistons could be the only team that is more beat up than the Celtics. Richard Hamilton injured his foot and Charlie Villanueva sprained his ankle Saturday night in Detroit's loss to the Chicago Bulls. Hamilton is questionable for Tuesday night's game against the Boston Celtics, and Villanueva will be a game-time decision. On top of Will Bynum (out) and Chris Wilcox (doubtful) continue to battle sore hamstrings.

The Celtics really should win this game, the Pistons are awful and have zero chemistry on their team. Shaq is going to be out for being old so most likely we will see Jermaine O'Neal start (he's back) and Semih Erdan. I'm really excited to see both play. I don't want to give up on Jermaine quite yet, and Semih is the other token white guy and looked real good in the preseason.

Rondo is coming off a triple double and will/ should be able to run Rodney Stuckey out of the building. Also KG, Jermaine, Baby, and Semih should be able to eat the Pistons front court alive as well.

Celtics win easily
109-87
TOMMY AWARD: Jermaine O'Neal (mulligan)

119 Celtics, 93 Pistons

I'm not going to fall for it. I'm not going to do it. But, I will rescue one player from the execution plan and that will be Rajon. This win doesn't make me want to kill every Celtics player. The reason this was a good win for the C's is because it showed they were pissed off at the Cavs and put the beat down on a inferior team.

This was a complete effort from the whole team with Pierce scoring 15 points in 17 minutes and Michael Finley also had an absurd stat line of 15 points in 14 minutes. A Finley led bench had 61 points.

Actually, fuck it.

The Celtics still have it. The Cavs may be a better team, but they can still figure them out when they deal with them in the playoffs. It's a correctable problem. They will be fine and I believe they can figure out consistency and be able to have more games like this. Doc Rivers will be the key piece of this puzzle and if he can get everyone on board the C's will be a force to be reckoned with. So no, there will be no mass execution of this team and they will win the championship.

I knew I couldn't stay mad at them. Fuck BMack and the Captain and their racist thinking.

105 Celtics, 100 Pistons

This is why we brought in Nate Robinson. Nate had 9 of his 14 points in the 4th quarter. And Doc Rivers may have had his best coaching game of the season. With Kendrick Perkins out, he went with the hot hand and in this case that was the bench. The Celtics got a great effort (39 points) from their bench and stuck with Nate and Marquis Daniels till late in the 4th quarter and the second unit started the 4th quarter and rewarded Doc with a 17-6 run.

Rajon tied Tiny Archibald's record withh 11 straight double doubles (points/ assists) when he finished with 15 points, 11 assists, and was 4/4 from the line in the final 24 seconds.

With Nate gaining more experience and the Celtics starting to get healthier, things aren't as bad as everyone is making them out to be.

Celtics vs Pistons Preview

Well there isn't any other way of putting it, we have been playing like shit recently. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, Paul Pierce is back (Perk is out with the flu), so we are going to have all of the big three in tact. Hopefully, the loss to the Nets will spark a ridiculous Celtics winning streak or even some of the fire they have been playing without. Here are the lineups:

PG R. Rondo 14.1 R. Stuckey 17.4
SG P. Pierce R. Hamilton 19.2
SF P. Pierce 17.9 T. Prince 11.6
PF K. Garnett J. Jerebko 8.9
C R. Wallace B. Wallace 5.3

I want to see the heart and fire, and that will have to come from KG. He's going up against a nobody and should be able to dominate. I also expect Rasheed to play well against his old team also.

Celtics: 110-89

Tommy Award: KG

NBA Previews: Detroit Pistons

The Pistons underwent the biggest overhaul of players this offseason. They said good bye to AI and Rasheed Wallace and hello to Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. Obviously on paper this teams biggest strength is their backcourt scoring. Ben Gordon, Rip Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey are all guards that could potentially put up 20 points a night. Their biggest weakness is glaring and unlike many other Piston teams and that is their defense. They don't really have anyone to clog up the middle anymore. The guy who is most likely going to get the call on the block is 6-7 Jason Maxiell. And although I like him, he is hardly a starting center in the NBA. The Pistons made a lot of moves that generated a lot of noise, but nothing of significance. Gordon is an upgrade on Iverson, but little else changed on the perimeter and the frontcourt appears noticeably worse minus Wallace and McDyess.

I think they only win 38-42 games this year.

Random Celtics Rumor

The Celtics have said they would match any reasonable offer for Davis. The Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers, league sources said, tried to work a sign-and-trade deal for Davis only to be rebuffed by the Celtics. Boston did offer Davis and guards J.R. Giddens and Gabe Pruitt to the Pistons for forward Jason Maxiell and a first-round pick, but was quickly turned down. Marc Spears

I understand why they turned it down. Pay this no mind.

Pistons Sign Wilcox

"The Detroit Pistons have agreed to a two-year deal with free agent Chris Wilcox, a source told ESPN.com. The deal is for $6 million over the next two years according to sources (ESPN)."

The good news for the Celtics is this now is one less team that will be going after Big Baby. There had been a lot of rumors that the Pistons were the Celtics biggest threat to sign Glen Davis, but with them out of the picture a market for Davis seems to be drying up. I really hope Boston is able to bring him back, because it would really fill out their bench nicely.

Glen Davis Closer To Resigning With Celtics

I wrote a post last week assessing what Big Baby's value might be. It seems that teams are not willing to give him that mid-level deal...

"Though the Celtics have not made an offer to Glen Davis, the restricted free agent and his team may be drifting closer together thanks to NBA’s strapped economy. Though Davis is still hopeful of landing a mid-level-sized deal - one that starts at $5.8 million - the field is limited. Detroit, a team with clear interest, has $3.2 million to offer, and is reportedly hesitant to send Davis an offer sheet with the knowledge that the Celtics will gladly match that amount. The Pistons, rather than have their cash placed in limbo by the seven-day period the Celtics would have to match the offer, are instead pursuing other options (Celticsblog)."

Basically there doesn't really seem to be a market for Davis, so he is probably going to have to resign with the Celtics. I really like this. Even with the Celtics signing Wallace I feel like they need a guy who will crash the boards off the bench. Powe used to do a great job of that, but with him on his way out and Davis showing that he can do that and more in the playoffs, I think it is the perfect fit for the Celtics to bring him back...

Pistons Going After Glen Davis

"The Pistons, no longer among the Eastern Conference's power teams, are trying to build a new team on the fly, and will try to add anther piece in the next week at the expense of one of their old rivals, the Boston Celtics. A Monday trade of guards Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe to the Denver Nuggets was done to help make a run at Celtics restricted free agent forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis, according to several sources (NBA.com)."

Relax Celtics fans this isn't going to happen. The Pistons don't really have the cap space to pull this off. With the way their team is set up now they have only have 8 players under contract, and about $4 million left in cap room, so basically whatever the Pistons offer the Celtics would most likely match. This is more of just a kicking of the tires approach by the Pistons. Most likely they will just sign a couple of guys to the league minimum to fill out their bench.

Pistons Sign Gordon and Villanueva

"The Detroit Pistons made the biggest early splash in free agency on Wednesday, agreeing to terms with Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. Former Bulls guard Gordon will receive a five-year deal for between $55 million and $60 million, while former Bucks forward Villanueva gets a five-year deal for $40 million, sources told ESPN.com's Chris Broussard (ESPN)."

Well this is the first big splash of the NBA free agency period. The Pistons become flat last season, and really tanked it at the end getting swept by the Cavaliers, so a shake up of the team was expected. The good news for the Pistons is that this could be just the beginning. They have over $25 million dollars in expiring contracts going into the 2010 offseason. That is big since it is anticipated that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will all be free agents then.