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.

Jermaine O'Neal Back Thursday?

"Boston Celtics C Jermaine O’Neal, who has played in just 17 games this season and has been out since Jan. 10 after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, said he’ll be ready to play Thursday night in San Antonio. Coach Doc Rivers, however, declined to confirm that.

“I’m able to go," O’Neal said, according to the Boston Globe. “No limitations.”

Rivers said, “I think Jermaine has his own personal time clock. ... There’s a chance (he could play Thursday), but I doubt it (AOL SportNews).”

Ugh, I can't believe I am about to write this, but the Celtics really need this guy back. Their lack of bigs has been killing them, and honestly getting him or Shaq back could breathe some new life into this team. They have been nothing short of pathetic lately, and although my hatred for Jermaine is pretty damn high, he should be very fresh and add some interior defense.

Do I think we will see Jermaine Thursday? For some off reason I actually do.

I am still waiting on word about Shaq, but those reports seem to be few and far between lately.

Shaq/Jermaine Back By April 1st? (UPDATED)

Here is the latest injury updates for Shaq, and Jermaine....

Shaquille O'Neal has not played since Feb. 1 due to a sore right Achilles tendon. His rehab is going well and the Celtics are targeting a return around April 1 to the active roster.Peter May for ESPNBoston.com writes: "A team source on Wednesday said that O'Neal is mending and on schedule for a return by April 1. That would give him two weeks to get reacquainted with the teammates he left -- and acquainted with the five new teammates with whom he has yet to play."

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed that O'Neal is making progress with his knee and he's on schedule to return soon. "It could be next week, which is about what we hoped for -- the end of the month," Ainge told the Boston Herald. "He looks good. I watched him go through his workouts (ESPN)."

Reports say that Jeramine has lost about 12 pounds during his rehab and has not had any swelling in the knee, which is a great sign. We have also been hearing all along that Shaq looks a lot slimmer. Shaq is obviously the more important piece to all this. The Celtics need his big body in the middle, and I believe his strong offensive play for about 15 mins a game could really help out this stagnant offense. When both these guys come back it looks like Jeramine will be the 3rd center behind Shaq and Krstic, which is where I would want him anyways.

Hey, at least he can't be any worse then Troy Murphy.


***UPDATE***

"Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com reports O'Neal had a cortisone shot in his right foot on Tuesday. Even though O'Neal was wearing a protective walking boot on Wednesday, the Celtics still expect him to return to the starting lineup next week (ESPN)."

I don't like the sound of that at all.

James Posey Coming Back To Celtics?

Celticsblog.com ran through all the different trade ideas for the Celtics (Josh Childress, Richard Hamilton, Troy Murphy, Ramon Sessions). The one they seem to think is most likely is James Posey making his way back to Boston. They kind of think of it as a Hedo Turkoglu back to Orlando kind of deal.

I would be a huge fan of this move. Posey gives the Celtics the perfect backup to Pierce and has shown to be clutch defensively. He isn't what he once was, but he knows the Celtics system, and has enough in the tank to really help that 2nd unit that is so banged up.

So what would it take to get it done? There are two way they could work this deal, Daniels and Nate for Posey OR Jermaine O'Neal for Posey. I am fine with either, but if the Celtics could get that waste of space O'Neal off the books for next year I would be happier with that.

Out of the list above the only other guy that I think has any chance of happening is Troy Murphy, since it is almost guaranteed he's going to get bought out.

Jermaine O'Neal Will Still Torture Us For The Rest Of The Year

(I wonder if Danny is regretting this)

Jermaine O'Neal will fore go surgery on his bum knee and take a month off to get minor surgery and rehab it rather then getting season ending surgery. This pisses me off in so many ways, 1. He's back next year, if this knee is going to bother him all year, it probably hurt him next year. He should just get the ligaments done and come back next year. 2. It's not like he was a great player this year, I'd rather see Semih get more burn. 3. Need For Sheed. It could still happen, but I'd rather deal with Sheed's frustration over O'Neal's disappointment.

Jermaine is still going to be out for 4 more weeks, so I'll hope he comes back rejuvenated, but I won't hold my breath.

D-Day For Jermaine O'Neal

Jermaine O'Neal was in New York on Monday getting a second opinion on his sore left knee and he may make a decision Tuesday on whether to have surgery or just try to recover through rehab. Surgery would knock him out for the rest of the year.

Jermaine has been a giant failure this entire year, so part of me thinks, go get the surgery and come back and try it next year. He may get a Maquis Daniels type of spark. This year he hasn't done anything anyways, so we might as well bring that asshole Sheed back for the remainder of the season.

Rasheed is an asshole and everyone knows it, but he's our asshole. You know he's like your friend who is awful when he's drunk, but you still hang out with him because there is a 30% chance he will be cool. So take the surgery jermaine because you have your excuse and could improve next year, and bring Sheed back for one more go around.

Celtics Feel The Need, The Need For Sheed

As we wrote a couple days ago there are rumors going around that Rasheed Wallace wants to come out of retirement for the Celtics. When I first heard it I agreed with most analyst that say there is just no room for him. Looking at the roster ti made sense with Perkins/KG close to returning and the addition of Shaq and Jermaine O'Neal. But as day said in his Celtics recap, O'Neal is hurt again.

I don't think Jermiane O'Neal is ever going to be healthy. His knee keeps swelling up on him, and at this point even when he is healthy he isn't bringing a whole lot to the table.

Listen, Sheed is a pain in the ass, but at least you know when the playoffs come he is give it his all. Can you say that about Jermaine O'Neal? We saw him roll over to the Celtics last playoffs, and I really don't have any real memories of him doing anything in the playoffs. All this adds up to the fact the Celtics have a need, and that need is for Sheed.

Celtics Injury Bug Won't Go Away

The Celtics have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 14-4, but that doesn't mean that don't have their troubles. Jermaine O'Neal is said to be at least a week away from even practicing again. Delonte West is out for several months after breaking his wrist. Now there are reports that Rondo looked off last night because his hamstring is giving him trouble again. This is obviously terrible new for the Celtics as they are already thin at the PG position. To make matters worse Nate Robinson is having pain in his heal, and that injury only seems to be getting worse.

This could lead to Daniels getting more time at PG, and eventually I think you are going to see Bradley getting some minutes. You hope these injuries don't go on all year, but you just never know.

Jermaine O'Neal to miss 2 to 3 weeks.

Offensively Jermaine O'Neal has been a bit of a disappointment only averaging 5.6 points and 3.6 rebounds a game. However, he has been an excellent defender and I can think of one game (Dallas) where he was missed severely.

Jermaine O'Neal has a knee injury and Doc has chosen to sit him. Fortunately for the Celtics, we have this pleasure to sit a guy down for a while and it not effect the team that much. Shaq's been playing great, Semih has been good, Baby has brought his game to a different level and KG drank some water from the fountain of youth.

It's a little annoying that we haven't seen both O'Neals play at the same time, however, it's the Celtics and we have to hold our opinions to the playoffs.

Both O'Neal's Hope To Play Tonight

"That’s why we’re trying to get Semih (Erden) as many minutes as possible," Rivers continued. "When they’re both healthy and they’re both playing, we’re really good. We just haven’t had that this year. So for us we just have to get through it. Obviously it’s a little earlier than I anticipated, but we’re prepared for it."

Yea, that doesn't sound too confident, but I think the Celtics are pulling a Patriots with their injury report. Both O'Neals are traveling with the team and both O'Neals are taking their time, however, in a game vs. Miami, you know both O'Neals are going to arise to the occasion. I know I always have blind confidence with the Celtics, but write it down. Both are playing tonight.

I was listening to WEEI this morning and Chris Mannix was talking about Rondo being one of the most interesting people in Boston. He is currently 10th, and I disagree with him being on the list. He doesn't really even have a personality, nor talk to people or give anything back to the media to talk about like Gilbert Arenas. He might be the most exciting athlete in Boston, but he has a defiance towards really everyone. Every player hates him (Chris Paul, Kirk Hienrich, Russell Westbrook to give a few names), and it's like he watched all these people growing up like Jason Kidd or John Stockton and didn't say to himself I want to be like them, he said I want to be better than them.

Celtics (minor) Injuries

Jermaine O'Neal tweaked his hamstring and has apparently missed the last two days of practice ( but both he and Doc Rivers are saying the injury is nothing serious.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers indicated he'll likely sit Jermaine O'Neal all week (which would mean both exhibition games) to allow ample time for recovery, but O'Neal called the injury, "minor," and preferred to call his absence, "day-to-day."

Nothing to worry about, but this should prep the fans to see what we are going to deal with all year. Jermaine, Shaq, KG, Delonte, and Quisy are all fragile and will go through injuries all year. But who cares, I'm still excited.

Celtics Introduce Jermaine O'Neal

Kind of interesting. He definitely said all the right things...

What's really interesting in the other quotes that did not make the video...

Talking to friend and former teammate Rasheed Wallace:

"I’m actually going to see him before I get out of town. He had a lot of great things to say about the organization. That was kind of the selling point too. Him coming in and him actually being here for a year and understanding the situation, the scenario, the chemistry. I shot him a text and told him to come back one more year. He didn’t respond."

O'Neal said the player that made the biggest sell was Rajon Rondo though, who even last night called and invited him out to dinner as he got settled into his new city. I don't think O'Neal has ever played with a PG as good as Rondo.

“He (Rondo) just told me how I would fit with the team,’’ O’Neal said. “What they expected on a day-to-day basis from their team, and their focus. All I heard was, ‘championship run, championship run.’ That’s all that matters right now.’’

Jermaine O'Neal Leaning Toward Joining Celtics (UPDATED - Done Deal)

Jermaine O'Neal is poised to accept a two-year offer to join the Celtics. The 6-foot-11 O'Neal is believed to have been offered the $5.8 million mid-level exception. I am a little split on whether or not I want this to happen. He did have a solid year in Miami last season (averaged 13.6 points and 6.9 rebounds in 70 games), and he would certainly help fill the void of losing Sheed (and Perkins for the beginning of the year). Yet, I read a lot of reports during the season that say O'Neal can't even jump anymore. I am not sure how he will hold up, but if the Celtics are deciding between Shaq and Jermaine O'Neal I would take Jermaine.

Jermaine O'Neal also reportedly has been considering offers from the Nuggets and Mavericks.


***UPDATE***

We are getting word now that it is a done deal. We will have the details in a little bit, but it looks like Jermaine O'Neal will be wearing green next season.


***UPDATE 2***

Reports say the deal is for two years at the mid-level exception (approximately $5.8 million per year).

Heat Trying Everything To Get Amare Stoudemire

There are many teams rumored to be going after Amare (Philly, Pistons, Nets, Chicago, Washington, Cleveland, Sacramento), but it is the Heat who really seem to be making a move to land him. The Heat are rumored to have offered combinations of young talent in Michael Beasley and Dorell Wright along with the expiring contracts of Quentin Richardson and Jermaine O'Neal, and also their first-round pick in this year's draft.

The Suns are getting rid of Amare, because they really don't think they can resign him. The Heat will have lots of space this offseason, so the deal kind of makes sense. I would totally do this if I was the Suns. Beasley is a hell of a young talent, and on top of that you get some expiring contract (not to mention a draft pick)? Seems like a great deal to me. To be honest I think the Heat would be giving up too much in that deal, but I can't argue that the combination of Amare and Wade terrifies me.

Marion To Raptors

The Toronto Raptors have agreed to send Jermaine O'Neal and Jamario Moon to the Miami Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, league sources told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.

Hell of a move for the Raptors. They were able to dump that bum O'Neal and got a great complimentary player in Marion. This move will definitely excite Chris Bosh, who has recently got a little frustrated with the Raptors organization for the lack of trying to win. If the Marion/ Bosh connection can work, they could be a scary team. For at least this year.

As for the Heat, this move is blatantly to free up cap room.

Celtics 118 Raptors 103

The Celtics never trailed in this game, and they did something that they have been having a hard time with all season...coming out strong, and holding a lead. Ray Allen was great scoring 21 points (8-12), and there was even a Tony Allen sighting as he scored 15 points, and grabbed 6 rebs. Chris Bosh looked good, but the Raptors have to really be worried from what they have seen from O'Neal so far this year. I thought the change of scenery, along with playing with Chris Bosh, would really help O'Neal comeback. Yet he still seems hurt, and unable to find his rhythm in this Raptors offense.

The Celtics continue to have the best record in the NBA (have won 11 of 12 since a Nov. 1 loss to Indiana), and tonight's win puts them 2 games up on Cleveland for the lead in the Eastern Conference. Right now, the Raptors would not even make the playoffs, kind of amazing for a team that was supposed to be in the top 4 teams in the Eastern Conference.

-BMack

Breaking News: O'Neal To Raptors

It's official: Jermaine O'Neal is a Raptor.

The breakdown is Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto in exchange for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic and the No. 17 pick in tomorrow's NBA draft. I like this trade for both teams. Jermaine may have just been "injured" because he was unhappy, and the Pacers get an extra pick in this years draft.

For Toronto:
Jermaine will be an excellent complementary player to Chris Bosh. He's a deadly player in the low post, and I remember a couple years ago when the Celtics played the Pacers in the play-offs it was an automatic two points every time he touched the ball. The deal will give many isolations to O'Neal and Bosh which is a great situation. If Jose Calderon can play like he did last year and O'Neal can stay healthy, this team will be on its way.

For Indiana:
It is obviously a rebuilding move. O'Neal wasn't healthy or happy so they had to move him. What this move really does is make the Pacers 11 pick much more important. They no longer have to worry about drafting a guard to back up Tinsley and can possibly draft a guy like Brook Lopez, Joe Alexander or Kevin Love if they're around.

All in all, I like it

Deal in the Making

“The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors have held discussions about a possible trade involving Jermaine O'Neal and T.J. Ford, according to reports in the Indianapolis Star and the Toronto Star (ESPN).”

This trade would greatly improve the Raptors immediately. Jermaine O’Neal is a six time all-star and at age 29 is still a second to third tier player. He is still a threat on the low post and has a deadly turn-around jump shot. A great alternative to Chris Bosh, and perhaps light a fire under Andrea Bargnani, an underachieving 1rst overall pick. The loss of T.J. Ford won’t have too much of an impact. They anticipate another strong year out of Jose Calderon, who played well in Ford’s absence this season. According to ESPN, the Raptors would also have to trade the 17th pick in the draft along with Ford and potentially one more player.

The Indiana Pacers sucked last year, and will undoubtedly suck this year regardless of this trade. Their number one need is a point guard, and many experts banked on them selecting D.J. Augustin. However, if this trade goes through the Pacers will have the 11th pick, the 17th pick, and T.J. Ford.

-Brian B