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.
It’s hard to gauge Boston’s true potential after Game 1 of the post-Rondo era — it was the basement-dwelling Minnesota Timberwolves on the opposite sideline after all — but there’s something to be said for the way Boston dominated the final six minutes of the game en route to a 114-98 triumph at TD Garden.
The Celtics have now won three straight games, matching their season high. While there are still 58 games left in the season, Boston shuffled into the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference playoff standings, at least for one night.
For a team that just traded away its best player, the Celtics were a pretty jovial bunch after Friday’s game. While players admitted to being surprised — and maybe a bit disappointed given Rondo’s departed talents – many were quick to point toward the opportunity that still exists for them. Like Stevens, they don’t like the idea that they’re supposed to just wave the white flag on the season.
As Boston’s remaining young core were savoring Friday’s victory, the team’s three newest faces — Jameer Nelson, Brandan Wright, and Jae Crowder — convened at the interview podium to assess their new squad and hold up their new uniforms.
“On the plane ride up [to Boston] we were looking at the standings and the team is right here, goals are still attainable, playoffs are reachable,” said Wright. “We just want to come in here and do the best we can. Do what we do best: Play hard, add an aspect to this team that hopefully pushes up in those standings.”
Choo-choo… all aboard the playoff express! I don’t give a damn about the lottery. I want to see this team compete and play meaningful games ( even if the end result is a 4-0 sweep at the hands of the Cavs in the opening round of the playoffs).
I’m fully aware that Danny Ainge doesn’t give a damn about the playoffs and his roster moves in the immediate future will be based on a long-term view.
I’m fully aware that losing games improves our draft position and increases the likelihood of selecting an impact player come June.
But for now, I just want to watch Kelly Olynyk shoot threes, Jared Sullinger rebound, Brandan Wright dunk, and Marcus Smart defend and dive for loose balls.
Speaking of the rebuild, Ainge did say the franchise has more options this off-season than it’s had in a long, long time:
“This isn’t really much different than before,” Ainge said, referring to a series of drafts that led to deals for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. “It wasn’t like we didn’t try to do in ’05 and ’06 what we did in ’07.
“Those are things that we’ll always try to do, and I think that we have more assets now than we did then. We don’t have a Paul Pierce under contract, but we do have a lot of young players that have a lot of value and interest around the league. And this year’s end, we’ll for the first time have (salary cap) space, a trade exception, draft picks . . . and options. We’ll have choices. And the decisions we make, are very, very important.
“So I have to be patient,” Ainge said. “I can’t panic. I can’t rush it. I’ve got to make the best decisions on those things that are put before us. So my mindset is to do what’s best for the long-term benefit of the Boston Celtics.”
Good luck forecasting Ainge’s next move. I just don’t see why the biggest names (Aldridge, Gasol, Leonard) would leave their current situations. Maybe we can grossly overpay for Bulls RFA Jimmy Butler in the off-season. Is Reggie Jackson a target? Enes Kanter, Greg Monroe, Al Jefferson??? My head hurts thinking about it.
On Page 2, Rajon Rondo sets a Dallas reporter straight.
Never change, Rajon. Never. Change.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Ainge: Rondo move tough to make | Rondo fired up to join Mavs | Herald – Nelson surprised to be on Celtics | Rondo remained a true pro as Celtics faltered | C’s keep it sample to tame Wolves | Rookie shows Smart outlook | CSNNE – Wright, Crowder, Nelson get acclimated | Ball movement great vs Wolves | Sigh of relief with Rondo trade | Mannix: Another blockbuster coming | Globe – Following Rondo trade, it’s all about patience | Rondo ready to start new chapter
