Rasheed Wallace Rumors Just Won't Go Away

Just when you thought it was over, Stephen A. Smith (self proclaimed long time friend of Rasheed Wallace) had this to say on WEEI today....

"So, I simply said I think he's going to end up coming back to Boston, because I believe that Boston is going to be the team that fights the Lakers for the world championship, and I believe that Doc Rivers is the ultimate motivator. And I think if you have an opportunity to play for Doc Rivers for a couple of months, that's not something that you're going to turn down. I still believe that. I still believe that Rasheed Wallace is going to come back (WEEI)."

Do I believe it? Ugh, well I have been going back and forth on this all year, but if you put a gun to my head I say no. It doesn't seem like Ainge wants him back and I don't trust anything Stephen A. Smith says, but I will say this... After the loss of Perkins, if Sheed was popular in that locker room you might see them bring him back to smooth things over (especially with KG and Rondo).

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.

Rasheed Wallace Coming Back To Celtics

Well it looks like DP was right all along...

"Stephen A. Smith joined the show to talk about the NBA and the latest trade rumors. Smith said that the Celtics counter the Heat's athleticism with "brute size" and Rasheed Wallace will come out of retirement to come back to the Celtics. Smith said Wallace told him that's the plan, because he wants another shot at the Lakers in the NBA Finals (Celticsblog)."

Wow, I really didn't think we'd see him come back. If this is true it is going to be real interesting to see how he fits back in with the Celtis now that they have Big Baby, KG, Perkins, Shaq, Jermaine O'Neal, Semih Erden, and Luke Harangody already on the roster. Like I said I don't know how he'll fit in, but one this is for sure...the Celtics have more characters on their team then anyone in NBA history.

Pierce Thinks Sheed Will Come Back

Rasheed is retiring and has been very consistent with the thought, recently when asked by CSNNE.com about whether his NBA career was indeed wrapped up, Wallace responded, "Like Christmas."
But then Paul Pierce also said this:
"I told him, 'Go ahead, do all you need to do,' " Pierce said. " 'Take the kids everywhere. We'll see you in February.' "

I think it's pretty obvious Rasheed is coming back for the playoffs. He only likes to play in big time moments and I'm fine with that. If we have the option at the end of the year to bring Sheed back, why not?

Also Paul Pierce had this to say about coming back
"Everybody knew I was coming back. I didn't need a special."

Fuck you LeBron

Rasheed Waived

The Celtics announced Tuesday that they have waived Rasheed Wallace after agreeing to a zero buyout of his contract. This was the first step needed to remove Wallace and his salary from the Celtics cap. Wallace can now retire without having his salary number count on the books.

The team now has 14 players under contract for next season after that transaction and the signing of rookie Luke Harangody on Tuesday.

The team will only sign a player to a minimum contract, if they decide to fill the 15th roster spot. ESPN

Sheed is now officially off the team and the Celtics tried their hardest to trade his "expiring" contract but it just didn't work out. The Sheed experiment almost worked, we knew what we were getting into when we signed him and we got exactly what we expected. A guy who only tried during the playoffs. I have a sneaking suspicion this isn't the last of Mr. Wallace on the court in green. Expect him to take that vaunted "PJ Brown" signing when it comes to playoff time because there is always a need for Sheed.

Sheed Is Done

Despite the speculation otherwise, the Boston Globe reported on Monday that Wallace's agent, Bill Strickland, said his client indeed plans to retire.

Shaq already started stirring the pot, while he said he knows Rasheed wants to come back, but I'm pretty sure Rasheed is content with hanging out on his couch.

Part of me wants him to come back so this team is just ridiculous, but since that obviously isn't happening I'm getting concerned about him possibly retiring before we trade his "expiring" contract.

We might be hold on to it until the trade deadline, where I hope we can pick up a nice back up wing player, because I don't really trust Von Wafer, Quisy, and Nate Robinson.

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.

Celtics To Make Run At Josh Howard

Sources have indicated that the Celtics have shown "serious interest" in free agent forward Josh Howard. Howard tore the ACL in his left knee as a member of the Wizards in March. He was projected to be out of action from 6-8 months but now he says that he is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation process and expects to be ready by the start of the regular season. Howard averaged 12.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in 26.2 minutes per game last season.

The Celtics would most likely would have to do a sign-and-trade deal to acquire Howard, since the Celtics have already used their mid-level exception on Jermaine O'Neal. Which mean the Celtics would be dealing Wallace contract in any deal for Howard. Overall I would be fine with this deal. He does make me nervous, since he is a shithead, but with the core of veterans the Celtics have, they should be able to keep him in line, and if he is healthy he can be a very solid contributor.

Rasheed Wallace Coming Back?

I don't know how much I believe this, but Sonny Hill (Sheed's high school coach, and close friend) says that he doesn't believe Sheed will retire...

“I don’t think he’s going,’’ Hill said earlier this week. “I think that what happened is he was so emotionally frustrated about what transpired at the end that this may have provoked him to think along that line.’’

With Doc, Pierce, and Allen all coming back maybe Sheed will want to make one more run at a title. I am not sure this guy is the best source, but it does kind of make sense. The best thing for the Celtics is probably if he does come back, but man I am going to need some blood pressure medication for the regular season if this is story becomes true.

Sheed Retiring

Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace will retire this summer, an NBA source said on Thursday. Wallace will walk away from the final two years and $13 million remaining on his contract and conclude a 15-year career that peaked with an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.

Wallace, 35, scored 15,860 points and grabbed 7,321 rebounds while playing with the Celtics, Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks and Washington Bullets (as they were known at the time). He had indicated to the Celtics that he was feeling too worn down to continue playing after this season. ESPN

At least Rasheed did the honorable thing and retire instead of playing out the rest of his contract and costing the Celtics a ton of money. I feel bad for Sheed, because had such a rollercoaster of a year, and he played extremely well come playoff time. He probably played his best game as a Celtic in game 7 of the finals, unfortunately we just couldn't win. I have always loved Sheed (even though he is a son of a bitch) and will be sad to see him and his antics retire. This will obviously leave a big hole in the Celtics frontcourt, but at least his salary is off the cap. So thank you for your time Rasheed, now go yell at your wife or the pool guy.

Need For Sheed

You know what? This is exactly why we brought Rasheed Wallace to the Boston Celtics. For moments like this. Which is kind of crazy because it seems as if everything the Celtics planned this season, happened. We brought Rasheed in for the playoffs and here it is, Game 7 NBA Finals and Rasheed Wallace is starting for the Celtics.

I believe he is the most important person playing tonight. If he plays well, we'll win. If he doesn't we'll have a harder time winning. He should be able to put the clamps on Andrew Bynum or bully around Poopface. And on the offensive end he spreads the floor, and that will open lanes for Pierce and Rondo. As long as he stays out of foul trouble, everything should be ok.

Should Doc Play Shelden Over Rasheed?

This is Doc being unwilling to take Rasheed out of the line up or unwilling to answer whether he should play Shelden.

I said wait until the playoff to judge Rasheed, and I did and realize he still sucks. Rasheed has been slow to pick up rotations, can't hit a 3, can't hit a turn around jumper (which is normally his best shot). Shelden may not have had the best year, but he at least acts like he tries and cares, he can gobble up rebounds and get some garbage points (much like Leon Powe). So Doc, I'm pleading with you, at least test out Shelden Williams.

Oh yea, they lost game 1 vs the Cavs, I'm too emotional to talk about losses come playoff time.

Does Rasheed Make The NBA Hate The Celtics?

As I was heading into work today there was what seemed to be a homeless man on the train with me. Looking at him, as he looked as if he hadn't showered in week, I naturally starting thinking of Rasheed Wallace (Come on, he does look homeless)...

Anyways, I was thinking about the Celtics loss last night, and their natural progression so far this season. DP and I have been talking a lot lately about how bad NBA refs have been. It is now at the point where I have a hard time watching a lot of Celtics games, because (not to sound too much like a homer) it seems the refs are really going after the Celtics.

Why is this (if it is true)?

I started thinking about the roster, and the Celtics have a bunch of guys who have a tendency to jump all over the refs (Garnett, Perkins, Sheed, Pierce, ect). Wallace obviously being the head guy, in that regard. We have seen him battle non-stop with refs throughout most of the season. To the point where the NBA has had to step and take back some of the technicals, because there was no just cause for them being called in the first place.

So, what am I trying to get at?

What if the Celtics struggles are being magnified, because of the calls that are being forced on them. Doesn't it seem like the calls this season are never in the Celtics favor. I know I sound like Tommy Heinsohn here, but is it really that much of a conspiracy theory? Doc is seeing it. Have you ever seen him this upset consistently with the refs? I know I sure haven't.

So, my question to all NBA fans is... Am I just making excusing for the Celtics, or has the arrival of Rasheed suddenly pushed the ever important (and seemingly vengeful) "officiating" against them?

My Love For Rasheed Grows

"Rasheed Wallace was told he should watch his critical statements towards referees, but he says he won't stop. He also plans on buying Tim Donaghy's book.

"Either way they're going to get me," Wallace told the Boston Herald. "If I don't say nothing I'm going to get fined, and if I say something I'm going to get fined. So I might as well say something about what's on my mind, what I want to say. They're going to hit me up either way. I've been through that before in Portland. When I wasn't talking to the media they were fining me. But then when I did talk to the media they didn't like what I had to say, so they fined me some more. So I was like, 'Well, (expletive), if you're going to fine me I might as well say what the hell I want to say (ESPN).' "

Sure the technicals bother me, but like I said before the refs gun for him and he really doesn't deserve a lot of what he gets. If they are going to go after him either way, I am glad at least that he is going out fighting, and really saying what is on everyone's mind.....NBA refs are the worst in all of sports.

NBA Takes Back 1 Technical On Wallace

"As A. Sherrod Blakely reported at CSNNE and NBA spokesman Tim Frank confirmed, the league took back one of the 10 technical fouls Rasheed Wallace had racked up in just 26 games this season. NBA official Bennett Salvatore made good on his word and rescinded a tech he issued to Wallace during a Nov. 29 win in Miami. Wallace was hit with a T for yelling "And one!" after a made basket. Wallace now has nine technicals. Should he reach 16, he would face a suspension for every other technical foul. Teammates have already expressed their concern, especially considering Wallace was on pace to reach that number by Jan. 11 (Boston.com)."

Well that is good news, but still he is on pace to go blowing by the 16 technical foul limit allowed. As I stated yesterday it does concern me that he will be on the bench during important games down the stretch, but as long as he is on the floor during the playoffs I guess I don't really care (but watch out for Perkins' technical fouls too).

Rasheed Wallace's Comments Scare Me

"Rasheed Wallace is not sorry for being ejected Friday night and says he's being victimized by officials. Wallace doesn't understand why official Bill Kennedy, who ejected him, was standing near the Celtics' huddle during a timeout.

"You tell me," Wallace told The Boston Globe when asked if he was targeted. "I can say all I want about anybody. If they are standing right near our huddle trying to stick their nose in there, so yeah they are going to hear some stuff. And that's exactly what it was. When have you ever seen a ref stand that close to our bench during a timeout?"

When asked if he was angry with himself for being ejected, Wallace said, "Nah, not really. To answer your question honestly, I wasn't. I still play my game. I ain't changing my game for nobody (ESPN)."

This is quickly becoming a problem for the Celtics. If Wallace keeps this up then he is going to start getting suspended by the league. Listen, I agree with everything Wallace says. I mean that. He is right the refs are going after him, and it is blatant. NBA refs are the worst of any sport, but in the end the do run this league, and Wallace has to learn to keep his fucking mouth shut. This team does not need him getting suspended and being a distraction. Plus, when playoff time come around is Boston going to be able to depend on this guy? Or is he going to throw a fit, and get kicked out (or at least rack up even more technicals)? It seems like most people don't find this concerning, but it is starting to worry me, and it has to be worrying Doc.

Rasheed Wallace: Refs Are A Bunch Of Cheaters

Have I told you how much I love Rasheed Wallace.

"Rasheed Wallace, he of technical foul fame, had this to say about former NBA referee Tim Donaghy and his betting scandal to the Boston Herald.

"I always said to myself and had the thing that there's no way that the things that he did he could do them by himself," Wallace told the paper. "I always said that. It's virtually impossible. The things that he's been accused of, there's no way, to me, in my opinion, he could have done those things by himself."

Wallace was asked if other refs were betting on games.

"Possibly. I mean, I'm not sure if they were betting or whatever. But I know it's going to be, to me, once all this stuff comes out, it's going to be like -- what year was that? -- I want to say, was it the '32 New York City basketball scandal?"

Wallace was referring to the CCNY scandal of the '50s here (ESPN)."

The Celtics have to be the most hated team by refs in the NBA. They hate Wallace, Garnett gets technicals, Pierce can complain, Rondo likes to be a tough guy, Perk is constantly the angriest man on the planet, and Doc has been down every refs throat since the beginning of the season. I hope it doesn't affect the way games are called, but I can't argue with anything Wallace has said.

Rasheed Wallace Talks About Technicals

"Much has been written about Rasheed Wallace and his NBA-leading eight technical fouls. Any player who reaches 16 will be suspended for one game for every one they receive after 16, and Wallace, at this rate, would reach 16 by Jan. 11. Coach Doc Rivers said Wallace needs to be careful, but Wallace doesn't seem as concerned. In his most previous technical Tuesday against Charlotte, he was whistled by official Derek Richardson after being headed into the bench. Wallace was still angry about a defensive foul on Flip Murray earlier in the second quarter.

"I cursed on that one, so I deserved that one," he said. "I don't have no problem fessing up when I deserve it. Because I did say a couple of obscenities at him."

Wallace said he waiting to hear from the NBA regarding the possible rescinding of three technicals -- ones against Indiana, New York and Orlando. Also, according to Wallace, official Bennett Salvatore told him he would look to rescinding one he received in Miami for yelling "And one!" after a made basket.

"I take that with a grain of salt," Wallace said. "Before I even came here, this was never an issue for me. I don't care about that. If they want to sit up there and call that (stuff) then fine, that's cool. But my thing is don't cheat me. I don't care about all that technical foul (expletive). (Boston.com)"

The Celtics can't afford to lose thing guy later in the season, because of this shit. Don't think for a second I am completely blaming Sheed. NBA refs are the most crooked, pieces of shit in all of sports. Hopefully the NBA does take a couple back, because a lot of them were complete horse shit. Still, Sheed needs to understand that NBA refs are looking for him, so he needs to be smarter, keep his mouth shut, and play ball. He won't, so that's why I am hoping the NBA takes back a couple of these...