My Thought On The Celtics

Last night sucked...

It sucked not only because the Miami Heat and LeBron beat us, but it could be the end of an era. The Big 3 had their run and it may be time that the Lakers and Celtics hand the ball off to the young kids and let them run with it for a bit. But I don't think it's as gloom as people are making it out to be.

After the game we got some great news from Doc:
"I'm leaning heavily toward coming back," said Rivers. "I haven't made that decision, but I can tell you, I probably will. I've kind of come to that over the last couple of weeks. You know I'm a Celtic and I love our guys. And I want to win again here. I'm competitive as hell and I have a competitive group."

I'm going to trust him on his word that he's going to be back so the dominoes are starting to fall.

The second thing is Rajon won't have a flamingo arm and be able to play with both hands. People will overlook his ineffectiveness due to the arm when they talk about this series, but mark my words, if we had a healthy Rondo we would have won game 4 and we certainly would have won last night. We didn't score in the last 4 and a half minutes. He is the catalyst for this offense puts all the players in the position they need to be in to have the shot or drive they need. Him not being 100% was completely evident on how important he is to this team.

The turnover, I don't expect to see Troy Murphy, Sasha Pavlovic, Jermaine O'Neal, Shaq, Carlos Arroyo, Von Wafer and Glen Davis back. I would do everything in my power to bring Delonte back on a short term contract and go from there. Jeff Green will be back next year for around 5 million so we have something to work with. I don' know what is going to happen with the CBA, but getting into that already is too much to think about so I'm not going to get into it.

Kendrick Perkins trade time. Anyone who believes Perkins would have made a damn difference in this series is a fool. I'm sick of hearing about toughness and what have you, we have Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo we have enough of that. Perkins was a fan favorite and a guy I was saddened to see go, I feel like I lost a family member, but it would have made no difference. Everyone is making him out to be Kendrick Abdul Jabar and forget that he wouldn't have played in the final quarter in any of the games, he couldn't score and was a decent rebounder at best. I'm not trying to bash Perkins but him main objective every game was to take up room and have a scowl on his face. People's response will be, "well if we had Perkins the outcome wouldn't have been any worse" True, but we still would have lost the series.

The last thing is the Danny factor. Danny needs to have a better off season because the most underrated move that happened last summer was Chris Wallace scooping up Tony Allen. If Tony Allen was still on this team we wouldn't have had to move for a forward and everything would be status quo. Bob said it true last night, we would have been better off with Rasheed Wallace and Tony Allen. I don't know who will be a free agent, what the CBA will bring and what trades can be made, I just know Danny will need to do something drastic.

Grizzlies Can't Be Happy With Tony Allen

Things seem to be going well for Tony Allen in Memphis. He has the starting job now that Rudy Gay is out, and has been playing pretty well. Yet, I guess he still isn't all that happy...

“I’m a Celtic, but unfortunately, I wear a Grizzlies jersey right now,” said Allen, who was the only member of the Memphis starting five to receive a positive response from the Garden crowd during Wednesday night’s game. “It was a nice reaction. I liked it (WEEI).”

If I was a Memphis fan I would throw a fit over this. Where the fuck does he get off saying something like that after the Grizzlies gave him the contract he wanted and the playing time to go along with it? This is a guy who has already got in a fight with OJ Mayo. Now he is saying that even though he wears a Memphis jersey, he is still really a Celtic. That's called treason Mr. Allen.

As a Celtics fan, I have had a weird relationship with Tony. I hated him for a long time, then ended up really liking him for his tough play last season. These comments really mean nothing to me, but if Memphis is interested the Celtics should have an empty roster spot next season after I murder Troy Murphy.

Oh, So That's What Tony Allen Has Been Up To

"Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Grizzlies guards O.J. Mayo and Tony Allen got into a fight on the team's charter flight Monday after a card game.

According to the report, which cited unidentified sources, Mayo owed Allen money following the game and became increasingly angry toward Allen when asked to settle the debt. Several players eventually had to separate the teammates (ESPN)."

It doesn't sound like this will be an on going problem, but you have to think Mayo has got to be pissed of that he is coming off the bench. Everyone made such a big deal out of him after his rookie year, and since he has been good, but not great. I hated Tony Allen for most of the time he was with the Celtics, until last year when I started to have a lot of respect for him. I still think he should've stayed, but I understand that he wanted to do more with his career. Yet, it really hasn't worked out he is only averaging 5.7 ppg, 1.1 asts, and 2 rebs a game. I feel like he could've easily done that here, and been on a Championship caliber team.

Mayo missed the next game due to "illness", but I have heard rumors that it was the team that made him sit out.

Really Tony?

Here are his comments:
" "Ultimately, it was the way [the Grizzlies] embraced me, the way they reached out to me and let it all out," said Allen. "They let me know I was needed. In Boston, I was kind of overshadowed by those guys -- Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Here's a ball club that's on the rise and a lot of guys can make names for themselves. It's a coming out party for a lot of guys on this team."

"I don't mind embracing the [defensive] role, but there is more to my game; let's not get that twisted," said Allen. "Whatever I can do to win ballgames -- if that's just passing out Gatorades or flashing towels or giving somebody a high-five, I'm willing to do that."

Does he not know that he will be overshadowed by OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay? I'm really disappointed in this reaction by him, because it goes to show how selfish he actually was. Tony is a serviceable scorer and a great perimeter defender and that's it. If he is leading the team in scoring ever, it's probably not a good thing.

The crazy thing is that if he was looking for more playing time, he probably would receive it in Boston with all of the old bones guys. He actually also changed Bostons opinion of him last year, and would have looked at as a James Posey type of guy that could do no wrong.

Either way, I hope he can live up to his words, because I'm skeptical.

Also Rajon Rondo has something to say about Miami:
“They should be good, but they ain’t done nothing yet.”
Fact, Fuck LeBron.

Paul Pierce Not Happy With Celtics Roster

Paul Pierce in a recent interview had a lot to say about the Celtics current roster. Pierce says he has looked around the Eastern Conference and a lot of the teams have gotten better, while the Celtics may have gotten worse...

“Sometimes, I’m sitting here and I’m looking at all these players sign and I wish we’d get on the ball a little bit,’’ Pierce said. “But I trust in Danny. He’s done a good job putting a good team around us.’’

“We’ve got a lot [to do] right now,’’ Pierce said. “We don’t have a bench. We don’t have TA. We don’t have Rasheed. We’ve got to add a bench. We’ve got to add a bench. So we’ve got our work cut out for us this offseason.

“We’ve got to add perimeter defense, some shooting, maybe we need to add a point guard to help Rondo out. Definitely got to add another point guard if we don’t sign Nate [Robinson]. And we need another big. So we’ve still got a lot of work to do (Boston.com).’’

Pierce goes on to say that there is slim pickings now on the free agent wire, and the Celtics might have to look to make a trade to get better. Pierce also seemed very hurt that Tony Allen left the Celtics...

“That definitely surprised me,’’ Pierce said. “I was a little bit upset, because Tony is a guy I thought we needed. That’s a tough one to swallow, especially with the deal Tony got. I thought we offered him the same deal. Maybe he just wanted to get greener pastures. Maybe he thought it was a better opportunity. But that was a difficult one for me. I had a chance to call him and talk to him. That was a tough one for me to understand.’’

I am with Pierce on this one. The Celtics offered him the same contract, and yet Tony still left. I get that he doesn't want to be a backup his whole career, but I really don't see him being a starter on a playoff team. I guess his minutes mean more to him then his former team and/or winning. Losing Tony was a huge loss for the Celtics, and it's going to be really interesting to see how they are going to fill that void.

The last topic Pierce touched on was Rasheed Wallace. We heard earlier this week from Ainge that there was no shot Sheed would be coming back. Pierce didn't say that he wasn't coming back, but he seems to be holding out some hope...

“I texted him a couple times,’’ Pierce said. “He was congratulating me on the contract. I think he’s still up in the air as far as what he wants to do. I’m not sure if he’s all the way retired. We could definitely use him. I’ll probably put a couple more calls in to him just to see, though. I definitely think we could use him. But right now the situation’s on Rasheed.’’

I really hope somehow Sheed does come back, and for some reason I still kind of believe he will.

Ainge Speaks About Celtics Offseason

Danny Ainge joined the Dennis & Callahan show on WEEI this morning and he touched on many different topics...

On Rasheed Wallace's future: "Rasheed has decided he's going to retire."

On losing Tony Allen to the Grizzlies: "Tony wanted to expand his career, play a bigger role, show that he could do more than just play defense."

On the possibility of signing Shaquille O'Neal: "We have had conversations with the Cavs and with Shaquille [about a sign-and-trade]. ... That door hasn't been completely slammed, although it's very unlikely now that we've signed Jermaine O'Neal."

On the LeBron James decision show: "It was over the top. It was too much. I think he should have told it to the Cavaliers well beforehand. ... It was not fun to watch and see. I didn't really enjoy the dance show the day or two after, celebrating in Miami."

On Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert's harsh comments toward LeBron: "I think they were inappropriate. I don't think it was the right way to handle it, either."

On the new-look Heat: "Three of the top 10 players in the league, including two of the top three -- that's going to be a tough team to handle. ... I think that team is the team to beat."

Wow, that is a lot of information. Finally we can clear the air with a lot of the rumors we have been reading. All the stuff about Wallace coming back seem to be false. It sounds like the Shaq to Celtics won't happen either, which I think I'm glad about.

A lot of what I have been reading lately is the Celtics were none too happy about Tony Allen leaving. It sounds like the Celtics offered a very similar deal, but Allen wanted to be more then just a role player. Well, have fun in Memphis Tony.

As for the stuff about the Heat, who the fuck cares. I hope that whole city goes underwater.

Tony Allen Going To Memphis

According to multiple reports, guard Tony Allen will sign with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Memphis Commercial Appeal first reported the deal.

Just days after rumors swirled that he would re-sign in Boston, Allen has agreed to a three-year offer from the Grizzlies worth $9.7 million, according to NBA.com.

I don't question Danny Ainge a lot, but I do with this move. Tony Allen was a key component to our run last year, and losing him will be huge. Tony played unbelievable defense on Dwayne, Kobe and whichever guard or forward he could. Yes, he is a headache offensively, but defensively he is a top 3 guard. Plus Tony has been consistantly one of my favorite players in the NBA since he got drafted. We paid him 2.5 million last year, so what's an extra 500,000? I don't get it. Tony loved Boston and gave the Celtics a chance to match it, but Danny declined. With Leandro Barbosa off the table now for a sign and trade with Sheed's contract, I have no clue what we are going to do now for a backup 2/3. In Danny I trust.

Celtics Re-Sign Tony Allen (UPDATED)

I don't know if it's a official or not, but there area a lot of rumors we re-signed Tony Allen. I don't know the details, but I can't believe I'm saying this but thank god. Tony Allen proved last year, he can pretty much keep up with everyone. I hope that it's a 3-5 year deal because we need a guy who is a lock down defender and energetic offensive guy.

So welcome back Tony, continue to kick ass.


***UPDATE***

Nowhere near official:

"The Celtics have not signed backup guard Tony Allen, according to his agent Mike Higgins. The two sides are still in discussions, he said (Boston.com)."

Tony Allen Injury Update

Scary moment when Tony Allen went down last night. Apparently he strained a tendon in his surgically repaired right ankle and now is doubtful for the Portland game tonight. This could be trouble for the Celtics, as Robinson is also doubtful for tonight's game leaving the Celtics with only 10 players.

There is no word on how long Allen could be out from, but it is needless to say the Celtics need Robinson here ASAP, and they also may need to start hitting the free agent market.

Tony Allen's Dunk

I hate Tony Allen, but you have to give credit where it is due, and this was a pretty sweet dunk...

Tony Allen Is The Man

The Dr. Jeckell and Mr. Hyde himself has been awesome of late and deserves to have a shout out. In his last week of work his numbers are:
@LAC: 10 pts, 10 reb, 4 ast, 4 stls, 2 TO
@GSW: 6 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, 2 stls, 5 TO
@PHX: 12 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast, 3 stls, 4 TO
TOR: 14 pts, 5 reb, 7 ast, 1 stl, 3 TO

Many people gave up on him and deservingly so, he is the most frustrating player in the NBA and it all begins with his head. He has been extremely smart on both ends of the court in being extremely aggressive and limiting turnovers on the offensive end and being patient and smart on the defensive end. He has done a great job in subbing in for Paul Pierce. It will be interesting to see how many minutes he will get when Quisy and Pierce come back.

Tony Allen Still Hurt

Wow, he is usually so healthy....

After surgery on his right ankle and leg in June, Tony Allen was expected to recover in time for training camp, but Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said he was unsure how much the oft-injured guard would be able to contribute.

"It's just not coming along as quickly as we wanted," Ainge told The Boston Globe. "So I think we'll just take it week by week. He probably won't do much this first week. And then we'll evaluate it next week (ESPN)."

God I fucking hate Tony Allen. He is the worst player on the Celtics. He brings nothing to the team. They say he can be a "shut down defender", but every time I see this no talent ass clown on the court he either fouls someone or gets beat. Fuck him, cut him. He is never going to stay healthy and is just a big cock tease to all Celtics' fans.

Update On Daniels To Celtics

"The Celtics’ attempt to sign free agent Marquis Daniels - a deal they have attempted to facilitate with a sign-and-trade arrangement with Indiana - has hit a snag. The Pacers are reportedly dissatisfied with what the Celtics are offering - with the primary bait said to be guard Tony Allen and possibly Gabe Pruitt. As a result, according to a source close to negotiations, the Celtics and Indiana are now searching for a third team to make the trade work (Boston Herald)."

As a Celtics fan I want this done ASAP, because it is a steal for the C's. With that being said, how the fuck can the Pacers do this deal? They get nothing in return. Maybe they just noticed how much Tony Allen sucks. Hopefully they can find a 3rd team, because Daniels would be a great asset to the Celtics bench.

It is also being said that the Pacers are starting back off this year because of Allen's "off-court issues, including death threats in Chicago that required extra bench security during last spring’s playoffs, cut against the grain of Pacers president Larry Bird’s attempt to move away from the legacy of players like Ron Artest and Jamaal Tinsley".

God I fucking hate you Tony Allen.

Celtics To Cut Pierce's Minutes

"Celtics forward Paul Pierce will turn 32 Oct. 13, and there hasn’t been a drop in his game, as he can still score at will. But to ensure Pierce will be able to play at a top level for as long as possible, the Celtics are expected to slice his minutes some next season. And even as competitive as the captain is, he’s not going to fight it. “If my minutes go down, I don’t really mind. It’s all about winning at the end of the day,’’ Pierce said (Boston.com)."

In theory this is a great idea. As the Big 3 get another year older there is going to be a need to cut their minutes so that they can stay fresh over the long and grueling season, yet I still don't know if they CAN do this. There is really no backup for Pierce. Bill Walker, J.R. Giddens and maybe Tony Allen are the only guys on the roster that could fill in for him. Allen is a waste, and really just doesn't have it, while Giddens/Walker are wild cards. Giddens/Walker might have the talent, but that is putting a lot of pressure on guys who really haven't logged in the NBA minutes. In the end, if the Celtics want to get this done they are going to have to go out and get some kind of veteran presence. There have been rumors of Jerry Stackhouse joining the team. I personally would love that move. He is old, but he might be able to buy the Celtics sometime to find out if Giddens/Walker are the real deal or not. Anyways, just something to keep an eye on during the season....

Tony Allen Has Surgery

"The Celtics announced today that guard Tony Allen underwent successful arthroscopic right ankle surgery and posterior tibial tendon repair today at the New England Baptist Hospital. Full recovery is expected with return by training camp this fall (Boston.com)."

Damn I was kind of hoping that would have to cut off his leg or something. Anyways, seems like he will be fine, and ready for training camp. Boston is still going to need find a lot more bench help then that fag Tony Allen.

Someone Other Then Me Wants Tony Allen Dead

"Security around Tony Allen was increased on Thursday at the United Center after a Chicago man issued a death threat against the Boston Celtics guard, The Boston Globe and Yahoo! Sports reported on Thursday. The Celtics and Bulls had extra security around their benches during Game 3 of a first round playoff series to keep an eye on Allen. Sources told the Globe that Allen has been receiving threats in Chicago for some time. Allen was also threatened prior to a March 17 game at Chicago. He didn't make that trip because of a thumb injury (ESPN)."

Tony Allen wouldn't comment, and neither would the Celtics, but someone wants this waste of space dead. In April 2007, Allen was found not guilty of aggravated battery in a Chicago court. That charge was connected to a fight in August 2005 outside a Chicago restaurant, so you would have to think it had something to do with that. That or maybe it was ex-gay lover who wanted revenge...whatever just something to look out for during the game if you happen to be standing around Tony Allen.

Tony Allen Returns Tonight

"Tony Allen, who has missed 35 games with injuries this season, will return to action when the Celtics play host to Charlotte tonight. Allen has not played since Feb. 8. Allen, who injured his left thumb in practice two days later and has been out for 22 successive games, went through a full practice session Tuesday (Boston.com)."

If you read this site then you would know I don't think very much of Mr. Tony Allen, but I will try to be positive about this. The Celtics' glaring weakness has been the play of their bench players (especially at guard). Hopefully Tony Allen can at the very least add some kind of defensive spark. Still, I don't see him coming back having that much of an effect, but at least he is getting some games under his belt so Doc can decide if he will be useful for the playoffs.

Tony Allen Injury Update

"An injury has quieted one of the Celtics' most vibrant personalities. Allen is expected to return from left thumb surgery in two weeks, and the Celtics hope the Allen they know will be back soon (Boston Globe)."

I hate to say it, but at this point Tony Allen can't hurt. I still think he sucks, but that 2nd team is so bad right now that they could use any kind of spark to get them going. The hope is Allen will be back with a week or two to spare before the playoffs, which should get him enough time to get ready. I don't know how much help he can be, but like I said before at this point anything is worth a shot.

On a side note, I found out Allen's nickname is "Gucci" officially making him the gayest Celtic.

Kevin Garnett Update

"Celtics coach Doc Rivers said this morning at the team's shootaround that forward Kevin Garnett will still play about seven minutes in both the first and third quarters tonight against the Magic, but his workload will probably be increased by four minutes in the second and fourth quarters next week (Boston.com)."

Doc is doing the right thing here. There is no reason to overuse KG right now, and the Celtics are going to build him back up just in time for the playoffs. I really believe that overall getting KG his time off is going to pay dividends in the playoffs. The Big Three could be logging in some serious minutes if their second squad doesn't figure out a way to straighten themselves out, so this rest could prove important.

Other Celtic Injury News:
- Tony Allen, who is recovering from thumb surgery, will return in in two weeks.

- Leon Poweis expected to be back from his knee injury by the time the playoffs begin.

Tony Allen Injury Update

"Tony Allen is frustrated with yet another injury, but hoping to make it back before the playoffs: "Allen is scheduled to get the cast removed perhaps as early as late next week, and he’ll spend four weeks after that strengthening the hand. Allen is hoping he will be at least able to play in the last three regular-season games during the final week of the schedule in mid-April (celticsblog.com)."

If you read this site you know I hate Tony Allen, but lets be honest...does anyone really think Tony Allen is going to make any difference the rest of the season? He wasn't playing that well to begin with, and now he is going to come back a week before the playoffs, and I just don't think it will be enough time to shake the rust off. He is supposed to be one of the better defenders on the team, but being out of the "team defense" for a while may hurt him. If he can come back and contribute in some way great, but I see him supplying water to the big three for the rest of this season.