Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
“Boston is a great team with a lot of history and everything,” Bender said in a phone interview with the Globe Wednesday. “So I’m looking forward to working out with Boston, and we’ll see what will be in this draft.”
Bender said the Celtics have a “huge following” in Europe, and he knew that several Croatians have played for the team over the years. […]
“He’s been a fantastic player,” said Celtics president of basketball Danny Ainge. “At his age group and playing a little bit above his age group in international competition, he’s been a player that’s really stood out among a lot of players in the rest of the world.”
Globe – Dragan Bender offers Celtics ‘a little bit of everything’
Unlike all the draft prospects who played college ball in America, Dragan Bender has been a man of mystery. The average fan has seen very little of the 18-year-old, so we can’t really be sure if he’s worthy of being the No. 3 pick – or not. More than ever, it’s a case of “In Danny we trust.”
That’s about to change. We have the interview above, and Sports Illustrated posted a 10-minute mini-documentary about the big man that pulls back the curtain just a bit. During the segment about Split, Croatia, watch for a cameo by former Celtic Dino Radja, if you remember him.
Bender is now in the U.S. and is scheduled to work out for the Celts this coming Tuesday, just two days before the draft. The wait is almost over.
On Page 2: Really, Max? Really?
The film, which (debuted) on Wednesday at 8 p.m., was the product of a brainstorm nearly a year and a half ago between CSN special projects producer Torey Champagne and senior producer Jim Aberdale. From pitch to premier, it benefited from the contributions of numerous staffers.
It tells the story of those ’86 Celtics — winners of 67 regular-season games and the NBA title in a six-game defeat of the Houston Rockets — in full. Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Bill Walton are among team members who are interviewed. To a man they are candid and nostalgic, just as a Celtics fan would hope they would be.
“They kind of all remember why they care about it each other,” said Champagne. “That team was so special because there were so many unique individuals able to get on same page and accomplish something so great. It doesn’t happen very often. They definitely realize that and appreciate that.”
Boston.com – Comcast SportsNet’s ‘The ’86 Celtics’ does justice to its subject
After months of promotion, CSNNE premiered its documentary last night, and it was worth the wait. But then they followed up with a segment where troll Mike Felger interviewed Cedric Maxwell – the man who missed out on ’86 because he was traded for Bill Walton – and the result was not pretty.
Max admitted that watching the ’86 team win a ring “wasn’t the best feeling,” then claimed the Celts would’ve won more titles after that if they’d kept him. Okay, I get it, there’s some pride at work there. But he then said the ’87 Lakers were the best team ever (even adding that Magic Johnson was underrated – say what?).
None of this adds up, and it comes across as sour grapes. Just not a good look for a guy whose number is in the rafters.
On Page 3: It’s never over till it’s over
The danger in the Warriors failing to end the series in five games is that they become susceptible to more misfortune while Cleveland’s confidence can only grow the longer this series lasts. With Bogut no longer around to protect the rim after getting injured in the third quarter of Game 5, Green with likely start and most certainly get more minutes at center – a position where the undersized tweener relies on grit and grime. His presence in the paint might not present the same deterrent for Irving and James as they attack the rim, but Green still hunts down the occasional block and has to be careful not to collect another flagrant foul because it would result in a suspension for a possible Game 7.
Yahoo – Game 6 a shot at redemption for Steph, Draymond
The NBA season could end tonight, and you have to figure it will because 1) Golden State hasn’t lost two straight all season, and 2) Draymond Green is back from his self-inflicted suspension.
However, if the Cavs win at home, the Warriors and their fans will be facing a sphincter-tightening Game 7 that they never expected. An NBA team that fails to close out a series ASAP is playing with fire. The Warriors are already going to be without Andrew Bogut. Imagine if Green gets another flagrant foul tonight and then the series does go to the limit? Imagine if – after winning a record 73 games and pulling off their own epic comeback against OKC – the Dubs become the first Finalists to give away a 3-1 lead? The blowback will be vicious and endless.
It nearly happened to the 1966 Celtics. Red Auerbach had announced his retirement as coach, so the Cs were motivated to send him out on top. They were ahead 3-1 with Game 5 in Boston and the title seemed like a done deal. Except the Lakers rallied to win two straight and force a Game 7 in the Garden. When the Cs took a 10-point lead with 40 seconds left, Massachusetts Gov. John Volpe lit Red’s final victory cigar. And then L.A. ran off eight straight points! Time finally expired and the Celtics escaped, 95-93, but the lesson was: Never take anything for granted.
Just keep that in mind tonight.
Finals links:
73-win team doesn’t lack confidence.
Globe – Warriors aren’t ready to hit the panic button
Awesome – his first chance to work a Finals game. Everybody loves Sages.
Sports Illustrated – Craig Sager thrilled to join NBA Finals Game 6 broadcast
This comes up during the Finals?
Cleveland.com – Sources: Cavs guard J.R. Smith headed for free agency this summer
Eww.
ESPN – Steph Curry game-used mouthguard up for auction
Terrible luck for the Warriors and Bogut.
Andrew Bogut (knee) won’t play in Finals, won’t need surgery
If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.
Draymond Green on suspension: ‘If I play in Game 5, we win’
And, finally: Give it a thumbs-up
Noted chainsaw sculptor Jesse Green’s latest project will meet with approval from New England sports fans. The Medway-based Green displayed his newly released work in a recent Facebook post, showcasing a giant hand wearing championship rings from the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox.
ESPN Boston – New England local carves ‘World Championship Tree’ in honor of Boston sports
The Rest of the Links:
CBS Boston – Gorman: Unless Celtics Trade For Butler, Hard To Pass On Bender With No. 3 Pick
The Undefeated – The Basketball Trash Talk Hall of Fame (no surprise, Bird and KG made the team)
