RedsArmy.com - The Voice Of Boston Celtics Fans

A glimpse into how hard it is for the new guys

It's been a running theme around here lately.... the C's have a bunch of new guys and they're trying to get acclimated... blah, blah blah.  But the Globe has an interesting look into just how hard these guys are working to get themselves up to speed.

It was an unusual pre-game sight. The Celtics' locker room usually has game tape running with video coordinator Brian Adams working two MacBooks like turntables. But Carlos Arroyo was at his locker with headphone over his ears, buried in a MAcBook of his own picking apart film. He had a few discs worth of video sitting next to the computer, and it spoke volumes about how much cramming the new players are doing as they try to integrate themselves into the Celtics' system.

"I’m trying to catch up," said Arroyo. "I’m trying to obviously be on the same page. “Try” to be on the same page is the reality. I don’t have much time. Those guys have been playing together for many years. I’m just trying to learn the plays, what they’re trying to do out there offensively, defensively."

I can't imagine how hard it is to get caught up.  At least we know these guys are busting their asses.  I haven't hear a single thing to the contrary... so it's encouraging.  I feel like it won't be long before these guys start catching on.

Carlos Arroyo had to borrow Rondo's shoes

I guess Nike couldn't come up with a new pair of kicks fast enough for Carlos Arroyo.  While Rondo was rocking a pair of Air Max BB 360 lows... Arroyo laced up a pair of Rondo's Zoom Hyperfuses. 

Now... I know players get their own kicks sent to them and all that.  But why couldn't Arroyo send someone to the Nike store and get new pair?  Then again, the way he played last night... he might as well just keep those shoes and hope to replicate the performance.  I'll take that from him every night.

Your Morning Dump... The Cs didn't have enough bigs

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

More urgently, they gave up 31 points on 13-of-19 shooting to Clippers centers Jordan and Chris Kaman. Though newcomer Nenad Krstic thrived offensively with 20 points and nine rebounds on 7-for-10 shooting, his tutoring at the other end of the floor will require more time.

But Doc Rivers isn’t ready to dial code red with his defense — at least not yet.

“You knew it before the game,” the Celtics coach said of how, without an ample supply of big men, the result was predictable.

“Just one extra big is all we needed,” he said. “But we don’t have it with the injuries. This has nothing to do with the trade or anything. We just didn’t have healthy bigs. Hopefully Baby will be back soon.”

Shaq’s return is more nebulous.

Herald - Big problems for Celtics

Nads defensive shortcomings were on display last night. There's no way he can hang with an athletic big like DeAndre Jordan (7 dunks). At least Krstic was able to make up the difference with his offense.

How useless is Troy Murphy? Even with the team in desperate need of bigs, the 6-11 Murphy played just 5 minutes last night. I'm not sure he's going to find his rhythm this year.

Equally depressing was the performance of Mo Williams. How the hell does Rajon Rondo allow Mo to score 28 points? Yes... I realize he can't be held solely responsible, but where is the "Not on my watch" attitude from this kid?

This was the perfect Clippers storm. Their bigs dominated. They made clutch shots. Something that comes around once in 86 years.

At least Doc has a sense of humor:

“No one cried,’’ said Doc Rivers. “We lost the game. We’re good.’’

Related link: Globe - Not much time to adjust to changes |

On Page 2, Carlos Arroyo impresses.

Carlos Arroyo is saying the right things

"It’s been a roller coaster," admitted Arroyo. "But I'm truly excited to start a new career here in Boston. It's a great opportunity for me and my career, to do whatever possible to help this team win. Whatever coach needs me to do out there -- be a leader, get guys involved, put them in the right spots. I'm just truly excited be part of a great franchise overall with great teammates." 

ESPN Boston

It's no secret... I've been anti-Arroyo from the first mention of his name in Celtics rumors.  But he is what Sasha Pavlovlic is... insurance.  

Of course, I could totally buy into the theory that the right situation, right locker room, the right coach could all add up to a suprisingly effective stint in Boston.  I don't really want to go down that road.  All I want him to do is play about 15-20 minutes and not screw up.  That's it. 

But he's saying the right things.  He's not showing any bitterness when he could theoretically do so.  So the not screwing up is already happening.  We'll see how the rest goes.

Talkin' about practice

You have to love Trags and Forsberg. These guys give us great insight into everything C's with their daily video-clips. Quick shout out to both of them for the great video they post of practice, postgame and pregame.

Today, Mike has a great 5 minute video of today's practice, featuring newcomer Carlos Arroyo, Sasha, Troy, as well as the starters and all of the other Celts that participated today. They are running some intense drills/plays, and they are all very vocal. I do not think there are any squads out there that can match the intensity and focus that this group has. And it would be impossible for the new guys not to follow suit:

 

Chris Forsberg has video of one of the C's that did not take part in today's workout-Glen Davis. He talks about when he could next take part in a team practice, whether or not he'd be playing if this was playoff-time and about getting used to all the new faces:

 

Celtics sign PG Carlos Arroyo

 

The Boston Globe's Celtics blog reports that the C's have inked Carlos Arroyo. Arroyo is a 12-year vet who last played for the Miami Heat. He has career averages of 6 points and 3 assists per game.

Many felt with Delonte West banged-up, Bradley still green (pun intended) and Rondo logging alot of minutes, going into the postseason without another (true) point guard would be foolish. I personally think this is a very smart move. Arroyo is a solid backup, and has a decent amount of postseason experience. He was a member of the 2004-05 Pistons that were beat by the Spurs in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Carlos Arroyo plays slapsies

Heat back-up point guard Carlos Arroyo slapped and got slapped during Puerto Rico's game with Mexico in the Central American and Caribbean Games on Sunday.

What an enforcer. The hooker who slapped around Don Draper (during the season premiere of Mad Men) hits harder than Arroyo.

Will Carlos Arroyo Be Our Back-up Point Guard?

Via ESPN:

According to several sources, Arroyo, represented by Leon Rose, is in talks to join either the Boston Celtics or the Milwaukee Bucks. However, both teams told ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan that they have had no contact whatsoever with Arroyo or his representatives.

On Saturday, El Nuevo Dia, a newspaper out of Puerto Rico, reported that Arroyo was close to signing a deal with the Chicago Bulls. According to the report, the agreement would be for one season and $1 million.

Many of you may be asking - who the hell is Carlos Arroyo? He's a 6-2, 30-year old point guard who has played for 5 teams (Tor, Den, Utah, Det, Orl) in his 7-year NBA career. His career averages:

7 ppg, 3 apg, 43% FG, 31% 3 FG, 80% FT

Last season, he jumped overseas and played for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He averaged 14 ppg, 4 apg. Sounds like a serviceable back-up to me.

Arroyo says he won't reveal any more about his future plans until the FIBA tourney concludes (Sept 6th).

(hat tip Celtics Blog)