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Your Morning Dump... Is JaJuan Johnson ready to start?

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.

If Garnett is unable to play, the C's may very well call upon Johnson to get the starting nod. The Celtics may also consider Chris Wilcox, but Johnson appears to be a more likely starter if Garnett doesn't play.

... 

Johnson has done well with end-of-the-game, mop-up-duty minutes. But to play the way he did against a Chicago team that has been atop the Eastern Conference standings most of this season, was impressive.

"There's nothing like getting that game-day experience, and he's getting that," said Paul Pierce. "It's good to get him in there for some big games, like Chicago to where he's knocking down shots and playing well. When you do that, it creates confidence in the ball club. It also creates trust for the coaches, also."

CSNNE - C's Johnson may get first career start

The time is right to throw the kid in there. His confidence is high (following a career game vs Chicago) and the Pistons are second to last in the league in opponents FG%. 

The Celtics are about to embark on a grueling swing of road games. KG needs to nip this hip flexor issue in the bud. 

Good luck, JaJuan.

Related links: Herald - KG out of practice | ESPN Boston - KG doubtful vs Detroit | Garnett's turn to take seat | CBS - Pistons/Celtics preview

On Page 2, Mike Gorman shocked the hell out of me with this statement.

VIDEO: Pierce Surpasses Larry Bird on All-Time Scoring List

During last night's game there were several segments highlighting Paul Pierce before, during and after the moment he surpassed Larry Bird on the Celtics all-time scoring list.  Take a look at the video below to see a compilation of the best segments.  Also, I want to extend a huge congrats to Paul, one of the greatest Celtics of all time which is saying quite a bit for this storied franchise.  Just an amazing accomplishment but I agree with Paul: we all want to see you win one more championship!

 

 

Paul Pierce is the #2 scorer in Celtics history

Congrats to the Truth!

Larry Bird would have retired early if Len Bias had lived

Larry Bird was a guest on Bill Simmons latest podcast. Bird spoke about the trade rumors involving the original Big 3 and the new Big 3. He also said he would have retired in 1988 if Len Bias had lived. Here are some excerpts:

If you were the Celtics GM in the late 80s, what would you have done with the Big 3:

I would have kept them. The one thing about Red was loyalty and that's why I never wanted to leave there because I knew he had my back. He cared for me, he wanted me to do well.... Danny did tell Red he should trade us because we didn't have much in the tank. 

On trading McHale for Detlef Schrempf and Sam Perkins:

Red coached many great players on many great teams... and there's just too much loyalty there. The way he did things, he felt he could rebuild it in a short period of time. Kevin McHale's don't come around very often. If you want to hold on and play 15 years and two minutes a game, that's one thing. But in 1987 Kevin played through a broken foot and he's still paying for it. You don't find those types of guys any more. Kevin gave his heart and soul to the Celtics and Red knew that.

On contentious contract negotiations late in his career:

Red knew I wasn't going anywhere... I would have never left Boston unless they traded me.

If Len Bias sticks around, how much longer do you play?

I would have left in 1988. I would have retired in 88. I was having ankle problems. They were going to have to detach my Achilles to get these spurs out. I knew I was going to miss the whole year. If he was there I would have shut it down right here. 

Four years in a row, we went to the Finals. Playoff basketball is completely different. Our bodies don't have time to recover. You go 2 1/2 months and then you start again... you feel better but you haven't recovered. 

Detach the Achilles to remove bone spurs? Can you imagine LeBron James dealing with an injury like that? 

Listen to the podcast, there's some great stories from the 80s.

Pierce on the verge of passing Larry Bird

Via CSNNE:

After recording 21 points on Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies, Pierce has tallied 21,782 points in green. Bird scored 21,791 points and John Havlicek holds the franchise record with 26,395 points. 

“It means I’ve been in a Celtics uniform for a long time,“ Pierce reflected following Sunday’s game. “That’s something that doesn’t happen in this day and age. I’ve been fortunate to play with one franchise for my whole career to date, and you don’t really see that too much anymore. You’ve got a few guys who do it, but it’s a rarity. It’s pretty much extinct. It’s great to be amongst some of the best that ever played the game.

Pierce is on pace to pass Bird’s mark on Tuesday night against the Charlotte Bobcats at the TD Garden. Reaching that milestone in front of the home crowd would be significant to the Celtics captain. 

I expect the Garden crowd to deliver an epic ovation for Paul Pierce when he passes Larry Bird on the team scoring list. Such an ovation is deserving for anyone who eclipses Bird in anything.

Larry Bird will always be my all-time favorite Celtics player. It's because of him that I developed a love for the game. As for the "who is the better scorer" debate, I have to take Bird. His clutch scoring gene might never be duplicated. 

Happy 55th Birthday Larry Bird

Happy 55th to one of the greatest to ever play the game.  Here are some videos to celebrate!

Grey Flannel's annual NBA HOF auction

It's time for another group of NBA greats to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. That also means it's time for the 6th annual Grey Flannel Basketball Hall of Fame auction. I could spend hours going through the amazing items that Grey Flannel puts up for bid each year. This year's Celtics lot includes some absolutely incredible items:

KG's autographed, game-used H.S. jersey, Larry Legend's signed/game-used 1991-92 away jersey and...

Dave Cowens' actual NBA MVP trophy from 1973.

Those are just a few of the many cool NBA items up for bid this year. If you're a hoops fan, I definitely suggest you take a look. You can peep the entire auction at Grey Flannel Auctions' website.

 

 

Your Morning Dump... Where Larry Bird is still god

 

(Image courtesy @Celtics)

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.

I had the pleasure last night of attending the Sports Museum's 10th annual Tradition. Larry Bird was one of many legendary Massachusetts athletes (Micky Ward, Willie O'Ree, Mike Lowell, Ty Law, Bobbi Gibb) honored for their lifetime achievements.

While I never got close to Larry to speak to him or snap any decent pictures (he was the only athlete not to hit the reception floor and held a private media session with TV), I thoroughly enjoyed hearing his stories. Here are some of my favorite quotes:

On Boston fans: If you work hard, they'll treat you great. I know, I lived it.

On his legacy: I feel bad we just won three championships. We were better than that.

On relationship with Magic: We did not like the Lakers. If something went down out there, I'd punch him in the face.

His advice to LeBron: Get down in the post.

On the 92 Dream Team: Our plan was to move the ball and dominate.

On his back injuries: You get paid to play. You just play.

On late game situations: If score was tied, anyone of my teammates would shoot it. If we were down 1, I always shot it.

Yup. He said he'd punch Magic in the face. Vintage Bird.

Prior to Bird's award, they showed a fantastic montage of highlights on the big screen. It reminded me of how hard Larry played the game, his super passing skills and his ability to finish with the left hand.

Sure... players now-a-days are bigger, stronger and quicker, but Bird was a one-of-a-kind player who would have exceled in any generation.

The rest of the links:

 ESPN Boston - Larry Bird at Tradition | WEEI - Bird never would have coached in Garden | ESPN Boston - Antoine gets probation

After the jump, my pictures of Larry Legend.

Larry Legend is visting Boston next week

Honorees Micky Ward, Bobbi Gibb, Ty Law, Mike Lowell and Willie O'Ree Announced for the Signature Summer Celebration of Boston Sports

The Sports Museum is proud to announce this year's honorees for 'The Tradition'. Celebrating its 10th year, 'The Tradition' is the annual summer event that honors distinguished New England athletes and will be held on Tuesday, June 28 at the TD Garden.

Tickets are $200 for general admission and $300 for reserved seating. All net proceeds benefit The Sports Museum.

I'm happy to announce that I'll be representing Red's Army at this event, thanks to the fine folks at TD Garden. Should be a good time.

I realize many of you don't have $200 to burn on an event like this, but click here if you are interested.

Sorry, '96 Bulls... The '86 Celtics were better

The Sporting News just came out with its 10 greatest NBA teams of all time.  And, of course, it lists the 1996 Chicago Bulls team at #1.

I could go into how the league was terribly watered down at that point, having expanded three times in seven years... adding six teams over that span... including the year before the big 72 win run.  But I'll spare any further ranting about that (not really. It's a running theme).  The '96 Bulls were good.  Very good.  But they weren't the best ever. 

That title belongs to the 1986 Boston Celtics (4th on this list)  

The Big 3 of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish was dominant, combining to average about 63 points and more than 27 rebounds per game.  Add to that Dennis Johnson, whose 15.6 ppg, 5.8 apg, and 3.4 rpg didn't even do justice to his overall impact on the game and his defensive prowess.  Add to that the sharp shooting Danny Ainge, who shot 50.4% that year.  Add to that the C's bench, anchored by Bill Walton.  

The Celtics had five Hall of Famers on their roster, four of whom were named among the 50 greatest players in NBA history (though, granted, Walton had clearly passed his prime.  But still, his name is on that list). 

The Bulls had two on that list.  The only two hall of famers on that roster.  Kukoc was a good player, but he doesn't compare to any of the Big 3 as a third option.  Ron Harper couldn't hold Dennis Johnson's jock.  And I'll guarantee you Dennis Rodman doesn't come close to grabbing 15 rebounds against that Celtics front line.  I'll spare any comparisons with Bill Wennington, Luc Longly, Jack Haley or anyone else on the Bulls' bench.  

Larry Bird was on ESPN Radio Dallas this week and he says, flat out, his '86 team is the best he's ever seen.