Couple Of Celtics Notes

ESPN caught up with Rondo recently and he discussed a bunch of topics, but there were two things that were noteworthy...

On his dislocated elbow: "It's the most pain I've ever been in playing ball. I'm feeling a little pain now, but the swelling is down. The only thing is there's swelling in my joint. I'll be fine, it just takes time. I've got a couple more weeks that I'm off, as far as rest and the repetition of weights."

On potentially playing overseas: "It's something my agent and I have spoken about. A lot of things go into playing overseas, a lot of little things to take care of. For me, right now, I'm just focused on getting healthy -- getting healthy and getting better for my team next year, the Boston Celtics (ESPN)."

You just knew that elbow was going to take a long time to heal, but since I think we all know they are going to be missing games this year due the lockout I am not concerned about it at all, and he doesn't seem to be either. As for playing overseas, I like everything he says. If the lockout becomes a long term thing he can jump on somewhere, but there is no reason to be deciding such things now. Actually, I loved everything Rondo said in this interview. He was asked if the Big Three have another run in them, and he basically said they do, because no one sees how good of shape these guys are in. He was also asked about the lockout, and said that he didn't give a shit, he just wants to get healthy and win another title for Boston.

The other note for the Celtics is Paul Flannery was on WEEI on the other day and discussed the chances of the Celtics getting Dwight Howard...

"Here’s the pitch: Come play with a defensive-minded, pass-first point guard in Rondo and for coach Doc Rivers (a strong selling point, by the way), and you’ll be joining forces on one of the truly historic basketball teams as they transition from one era to the next. Did we mention the 17 banners? Bill Russell? You might have heard we're building a statue for him (Celticsblog)."

Although, I agree with the author of this post that the Nets are still more likely in my eyes (just seems like Howard would like being in New York), I do think that the Celtics have a great case. Rondo is the perfect PG for a guy like Howard. I mean remember the beginning of last year when Rondo was making Shaq look like an All-Star again? I do. So, imagine an actual All-Star getting those passes. I do hate Howard, I think he is a loser and cares more about his imagine then rings (which is why I see him with the Nets), but if there is a coach that could reach him it's Doc.

Speaking of Dwight Howard

HAHAHA, it's bad enough you have every NBA fan make fun of you, but now Dwight Howard. Thanks for the ammo Dwight, I never thought to go after his hair line.

Sounds Like Howard Wants Out Of Orlando

A lot was made last month when Dwight Howard came out and said he wants to stay in Orlando. Not too many of us believed it, and we aren't the only ones...

From Howard-Cooper: "Howard reaffirmed his desire to stay with the Magic, but told NBA.com on Monday that he will definitely become a free agent rather than sign an extension in the next year and also left open the possibility he would reconsider his future in Orlando if the team does not win the title next season ... In a one-on-one interview afterward, though, he made it clear he is not happy with the collective personality of Orlando's roster and that changes need to be made."

I can't blame him a all. I think the Magic are no where close to winning anything, so if I was him I would take off. They have ruined that roster taking on terrible contracts, and I think they are only going to get worse. So, now comes the obvious question of where he will land. There have already been rumors of the Heat trading Lebron for Howard. Although from a basketball sense it makes sense, since he would probably fit better, and combining Howard and Bosh would be pretty special (as DP said while we talked about this). I just don't see the Heat having the balls to do it.

A team that makes a lot of sense are the Nets. Him and Williams being in New York seem like a perfect match. For all the Boston fans, yea I think there is a chance he comes here also. Bottom line I can see him a lot of places, just not Orlando.

Howard Staying In Orlando?

"I want to start my own path and I want people to follow my path and not just follow somebody else's path. I want to have my own path, and I want to start that here in Orlando. But I can't do it alone. Not only do I need the right teammates, but I need the city behind me. That's the only way it's going to get done. We can change this small city that we have — this small market that we have and we can make it a big market."

"As of right now, I'm a part of the Orlando Magic and I plan to be here," Howard said (CBS Sports).

I am not buying it. The Magic are in a ton of cap trouble, and aren't even close to being a team challenging for an NBA title. My guess is that they have a terrible season next year (6 or 7 seed), and Howard finally has enough and moves on. There are just such better franchises out there that are going to have the cap room to make the changes Howard is looking for. Eventually he'll get sick of the "small market" and want to go somewhere that he can be even more well known (LA, Boston, New York, ect).

The Magic Are Fucking Gone

Well Danny's plan in the East has held true. We aren't going against the Magic so we won't have to worry about any big time centers in the East. But on to the Magic who are in complete disarray. They are Stuck with Gilbert Arenas, they have Dwight Howard with 1 year left on his deal, a lame duck (but entertaining) head coach in Stan Van Gundy and their 3 point or bust strategy just doesn't seem to be working.

I don't know what they are going to do, but the future doesn't look good in Orlando. But after a 4-2 loss in the playoffs to the Hawks my bold prediction is that Otis Smith will once again blow up there team and maybe Howard will be in a different uniform next year.

As for the Hawks, please tire out the Bulls as I have a feeling they will have no trouble with you.

The Importance Of Game 2 For The Celtics

In the back of your mind, you have to wonder if the Celtics are going to revert back to the team that went 27-27 during the last 54 games of the regular season or will continue showing the impressive determination that they've displayed since the opening tip of round 1.

I think we'll get our answer tonight. If the Celtics come out firing on both sides of the ball again and go up 2-0, we'll obviously know this team has truly reached back to 2008 and is a legitimate threat to the Lakers in the Finals. If they drop a stink-bomb a la game 3 of the Cavs series, it's by no means the end of the world and they will still have home court for the rest of the series. However, it would show us that they're still lacking that consistent killer instinct.

Beyond the impact of tonight's game, I think this will be close.

The key offensive player for the Magic will play better. No, not Dwight Howard or Vince Carter. Rashard Lewis is the one who sparks this team and he will start hitting shots tonight. On the other side of the ball, Ray Allen probably won't be dropping 25 again tonight.


Even if those two aspects of game 1 even out, if this game is close, it won't matter. The Celtics have two things the Magic don't have:

1. A go-to guy in the waning minutes of a game, Paul Pierce. And don't even try to tell me Vince Carter is that guy. Since he's been in the league, he's proven time after time that's he's not.

2. The ability to lock-down defense around the arc. The Magic won't be getting any open 3's to decide a game like the Celtics gave them last year. A healthy KG and Rasheed Wallace make that difference because it lets the other Celtic players run out to those Magic shooters.

I don't see why people think that Dwight Howard will play all that much better in game 2. Is he going to learn some post moves in the span of two days? Or how to shoot a 5-foot jumper? I'm going to go out on a limb and say no.

Based on the past 4 games, I see no reason to predict a Celtic loss. This will come down to free throws again and the Celtics on top 95-90.

Top 25 Under 25: #7 Dwight Howard

Born: December 8, 1985

Hard to believe that this guy is only 23 years old. Think about all that he has accomplished already...

Youngest player in NBA history to reach:
-3000 rebounds
-4000 rebounds
-5000 rebounds
-Average a double-double
-Record 20 rebounds in one game
-Lead the league in rebounding at 22 years old
-Lead the league in blocks at 23 years old


That is fucking insane!!!! You add that to the fact that he already had 2 division titles, and a trip to the NBA finals, and you know this kid is for real. The scariest part of all of this is that he is going to be on our list again next year, and if he can get a championship under his belt he could lobbying for the #1 spot.

The media loves this guy, and he showed he can take over a team when he basically told his coach to go fuck off last playoffs, and carried them to the finals. He is going to be one of the faces of the NBA for the next 10 years, and with so few good big men in the league his stats might only get better...

Dwight Howard Vitamin Water Commericial

Your boy gets his vitamins ...

Dwight Howard Issues Apology

Many of the Orlando Magic players feel that there series with the Celtics could in many ways, already be over already should they have taken care of there business in both games 4 and 5. I see where they're coming from, and was astonished by there 4th quarter meltdown in Game 5 where they were unable to score from the field in the last 5 minutes or so. So why not give the ball to your All-Star Center? Apparently Dwight Howard feels the same way. He was angered by his lack of touches down the stretch and as we all have seen has publicly called out his coach Stan Van Gundy for not putting an emphasis on getting him the ball.

Howard and Van Gundy met on Wednesday to discuss there differences where Dwight stated, "Getting the ball shouldn't be a big issue for me,". "There's more ways to dominate the game than scoring. Me and coach, we talked about that. I just can't let my frustrations get to the point where I'll say anything."

The two seemed to squash any sort of riff which was also blown up a bit by the media in some aspects, giving the illusion that they'll be on the same page for game 6. I thought Howard was right for calling out his coach, who seemingly self destructs in high pressure playoff situations. He needed to vent, and it is obviously a major issue for the team.

As a Celtics fan I hope Orlando keep jacking up 3's and forget that Howard is on the court like they have been. Although I hate to say it, I feel the series is destined to go 7 games, and like the Bulls series, hope the Green Team can wrap it up on there home court. Game 6 tonight in Orlando.

Dwight Howard Was Right

"Offensively I have to get the ball," Howard said candidly. "I don't think you are going to win a lot of games when your post player only gets 10 shots. It's tough to get yourself going and get a lot of touches without a lot of shots. We have to do a better job with that."

and

"Our coach has to recognize that when he has a certain group out there and they are getting the job done we have to leave those guys on the floor," said Howard, who had 17 rebounds and converted two of his offensive boards into baskets. "We're going to make mistakes, but I think you have to go with what works."

Those were two quotes from Dwight Howard about his coach Stan Van Gundy. And he is completely right. The more and more I watch this series the more and more I realize Stan Van Gundy is the worst coach in the NBA. The fact he only got 10 shots by Dwight, the fact he drew up an inbound play that Dwight Howard(the worst free throw shooter in the playoffs), the fact the magic have been choking a majority of these games away. Regardless, this is perfect for the Celtics, when your opponents best player calls out his coach with their backs against walls, it favors us.

Never Change, Stan

I have never been a fan of Keyshawn Johnson. In fact, I've despised him for years. But I started thinking about his infamous "Get me the damn ball" quote the other night while watching the second quarter of the Celtics-Magic game. I'm sure you have an idea where I'm going with this. If the Magic were smart (to our benefit, they are not) they would lock Dwight Howard in a room with Keyshawn and not let him leave until the art of "getting the damn ball" has been effectively presented to him. Howard simply isn't imposing his will when his team needs it most.

This series is tied 1-1 but there were two points in which the Magic have absolutely needed him to take over. The first was late in the fourth quarter in game 1 when their seemingly insurmountable lead was slipping away. The second was midway through the second quarter on Wednesday when the Celtics were taking control. Howard went 2-6 from the field (including a wild 10-foot hook shot) and 1-4 from the line after returning with 8:15. At this point the Magic were down 35-27 and the game was still in reach but Howard didn’t come back with the mentality that he wasn’t going to let the Celtics run away with this one. That’s where the Keyshawn reference comes into play. Sure, the guy sounded like a jerk and he was an overrated ball-hog of a receiver but when you apply this thought process to basketball, specifically the best center in the league, it certainly has merit.

Howard had 12 field goal attempts in game 1 to go along with 5 free-throw attempts. You could make the argument that the game dictated his touches because the Magic were killing the Celtics up and down the court. He only had 13 and 8 in game 2. Seriously. That is an absolute joke. I don’t even pin all the blame on the Magic guards. Guys like Rafer “Love Tap” Alston or Courtney Lee can’t turn the proverbial switch on for Howard. I remember when Hakeem wanted the ball on the block, it was given to him. If they dropped it to him in the low post on a continual basis he could change the complexion of a game, regardless of the score. Patrick Chewing…er…Ewing is a better comparison to Howard in that I never considered him a game-changer in the light of an Olajuwon or Russell. Even Howard’s double-doubles often aren’t all that impressive.

Only after they announced he had 16 points and 22 rebounds in Game 1 did I realize how bare those numbers really were. Never at any point did me or my friends and I say, “Wow, he’s getting angry and taking over.” If I’m a Magic fan that would piss me off to no end. Paul Pierce may do some dumb things over the course of a game but has a keen sense of timing. He knows when his team needs his offensive willpower and production. I’m aware he plays small forward and creates his own offense as opposed to Howard, who needs a distributor. However, my point remains the same: the Celtics better hope Ron Jere…..I mean…Stan Van Gundy doesn’t wise up and force 20-25 shots from Howard.

Dwight Howard Suspended For Game 6

The Orlando Magic will be without two starters in their next playoff game after the NBA announced Wednesday that Dwight Howard has been suspended for Thursday night's Game 6 in Philadelphia.

Howard received a one-game ban for an elbow he swung at the head of 76ers center Samuel Dalembert in Tuesday's Game 5, and like teammate Courtney Lee -- who was later felled by an unintentional Howard hit -- will be absent when the 76ers try to force a Game 7 in the teams' tight first-round series. ESPN

This is perfect for the Celtics, because if the Sixers can lock up the series 3-3 without Howard, this series will be up in the air for game 7. I believe the Celtics will have an easier time defeating the Sixers than the Magic, so that was a big mistake by Howard. Do I personally agree with the decision of Howard being suspended, No. But will I take it. Yes.

Should Dwight Howard Be Suspended A Game?

He blatantly elbowed Samuel Dalembert and the question arises on whether he should be suspended for next game. Personally, I say fine him and let it slide, but if they suspended Amare Stoudemire for less I see the NBA suspending Howard one game.

Nate Robinson Takes Dunk Competition

Nate Robinson took home the Dunk Title over Dwight Howard by literally jumping over Dwight Howard. This dunk competition would have been terrible if not for Nate Robinson and Dwight Howard's personalities. None of the Dunks except for the Robinson over Howard dunk was that impressive. It was also funny to see how the judges judged Rudy Fernandez compared to Dwight Howard. Dwight Howard did a far easier dunk compared to Fernandez and he got a 50 compared to a 43. All in all a majority of these dunks were lame but the personalities of Nate and Dwight saved the show.

USA 106 Germany 57

Another joke of a game as the "Redeem Team" rolled over Germany 106-57. Dirk Nowitzki is the star of this team, but the Americans were just way to much. Germany looked like it was going to contend when it blew out Angola 95-66, since then they have dropped 4 straight. Dwight Howard scored 22 points and LeBron James had 18, as USA cruised. USA seems to fast for any team to be able to stop them. The difference between this team and the team in 2004 is that this team actually plays defense. USA is now 5-0 in these Olympics.

-BMack