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 sent a text message to Steve Ballmer about a month ago,’’ said Grousbeck, who is also the Celtics’ day-to-day chief executive officer. “And I said, ‘You know, when we bought the Celtics in ’02, we set a record price. Now you’ve taken the record . . . but you did it with some real style!’ ’’
Ballmer’s response?
“He wrote back a smiley face,’’ said Grousbeck, laughing with what might be interpreted as fan-like joy.
As for the two recent offers to sell, an adamant and more solemn Grousbeck insisted the club is not for sale. He also would not say whether the offers included a dollar amount.
“They might, but I don’t want to discuss it,’’ he said. “With all respect . . . sorry.’’
Boston Globe – Celtics owners Wyc Grousbeck, Steve Pagliuca are fans at heart
During the last few weeks we’ve now learned that Wyc and Pags have had at least two offers to sell the Celtics. Why didn’t they sell? Probably because they didn’t get a Steve Ballmer offer. I’m kidding, mainly at least, because within this wonderful piece by Kevin Paul Dupont (umm, hockey guy so, yeah a bit weird), C’s fans can tell that Wyc and Steve are huge fans that just happen to own the team (and just happen to have billions). They are just like us, and for fans like us, that is huge.
The Celtics have had their fair share of bad and/or absentee ownership throughout the years, so to have these guys who truly care about the success of the team (so much so for Wyc that he said he waits to sleep on any immediate feelings after a game before he says anything) is a great feeling to have. The piece goes into the backgrounds of each of the four main partners so it’s well worth your time. Just some solid all-around coverage of the C’s today, at the dawn of the 2015 season.
On Page 2, Scal might be the next Tommy Heinsohn
Scalabrine will serve as the color analyst alongside Mike Gorman on 35 road games this year. Tom Heinsohn — who joins Gorman for a 34th consecutive season — doesn’t travel much anymore, but will still handle color on the home games, with Scalabrine contributing as a studio analyst for at least 13 games.
Scalabrine is asked if he has assurances he will be Heinsohn’s successor whenever the day comes when he retires.
“My plan is to be here forever,’’ said Scalabrine, who raves about the broadcasting wisdom Heinsohn and Gorman have shared with him. “Obviously that could change from their point of view or my point of view. But that is the plan.”
Boston Globe – Brian Scalabrine is glad to rejoin the CSNNE team
For over 30 years, Tommy Heinsohn has been broadcasting Celtics games. He’s been doing them with Mike Gorman since the dawn of the Larry Bird era and has been both an analyst and play-by-play man (with Bob Cousy doing color). For the past few years, he’s been doing less and less road games, with various people sitting in for him. Donny Marshall, PJ Carlesimo and Cedric Maxwell have all filled in. Even Bill Simmons and Jackie MacMullan have done a game each. But none have been better than Scal. If this is indeed the plan, I couldn’t be happier with the choice. I love Max and he does a great job but Scal would be my choice as well. Remember, a big part of the viewing experience is to be informed AND entertained. Scal does both and only keeps getting better.
And finally… Brad Stevens, the shot doctor
RAJON RONDO
Mr. Pass First’s jump shot has been a project since he was a rookie, though he showed signs of a better perimeter shot last season. According to Stevens, the challenge lies in Rondo’s mentality.
• What works: “I really believe Rondo is, like Marcus, a better shooter than he has shot percentage-wise. The reason I believe that is because I watch him make shot after shot after shot when it’s just he and I and a rebounder in the gym. We’ve talked about the fact that he sees the floor so well — sees what’s happening so well — that sometimes he hesitates when he catches it, because he sees the next pass instead of the open shot.”
• His assignment: “The challenge I give to him is (to) shoot that thing without hesitation. When you shoot it without hesitation, it’s going to go in.”
Boston Herald – Brad Stevens’ aim: Cure Celtics shooting pains
Coach Stevens gives his assessment and prescription for a handful of players on the team, including Sullinger, Bass, Turner and Smart. His assignment for Rondo is spot on. For years, one of Rondo’s biggest shooting issues has simply been hesitating in taking a shot. We saw that start to change last year. Let’s see if it continues.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – James Young set to grow in the NBA
Boston Globe – In Year 2 of rebuilding plan, Danny Ainge likes where Celtics are headed | Motivated Celtics have plenty to prove | These Celtics will be anything but boring | A team-by-team look at the Eastern Conference | A team-by-team look at the Western Conference | Celtics transitions through the years | NBA preview: An overview of the 2014-15 season | Celtics’ Avery Bradley becoming more of a leader | Season begins with intriguing story lines (Sunday Notes)
Boston Herald – Brad Stevens at center of regular gatherings
CSNNE – Central Division preview: All about LeBron
