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.
NBA vet Jonas Jerebko of the Boston Celtics has purchased what remains of the esports organization, Renegades.
Jerebko, a Swedish forward who worked in the past as a team rep for the NBA player’s union, will be the proud new owner of the Renegades Australian Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team. The roster of Aaron “AZR” Ward, Justin “jks” Savage, Yaman “yam” Ergenekon, Karlo “Ustilo” Pivac, Ricardo “Rickeh” Mulholland, Nicholas “peekay” Wise, and Chris “GoMeZ” Orfanellis will remain intact.
The team has relocated from Australia to a house in the suburbs of Detroit (Jerebko formerly played for the Pistons.)
Yahoo – Jonas Jerebko of the Boston Celtics has purchased esports organization Renegades
Esports are a rapidly growing business of professional video game playing. The top earning franchise over the past year, ‘Evil Geniuses,’ earned nearly $9 million in tournaments, according to esportsearnings.com. ‘Renegades’ has been the No. 89 earning team this year, earning nearly $50,000.
Jerebko is not the first professional athlete to invest in esports. Alex Rodriguez, Jimmy Rollins, Shaquille O’Neal and even Rick Fox have all put money into esports franchises. Jerebko had reportedly planned on making this purchase in 2017, but pulled the trigger on a deal when he got an offer he could not refuse.
MassLive – Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko buys ‘Renegades’ esports franchise (report)
Talk about living the dream. Some of the kids who spent countless hours playing video games in their basements have found a way to get paid. And it must be some serious money, because how often has Red’s Army posted a link to Forbes? Coincidentally, the NBA investors named above – Jerebko, Shaq and Fox – have all played for the Celtics.
Until yesterday, I’d never heard of these pro video leagues. My initial reaction is that “esports” is a misnomer. How does sitting in a chair and pushing buttons constitute playing a sport? In any case, good luck to Jonas, and go Renegades!
Related: Forbes – Boston Celtics Forward Jonas Jerebko Buys eSports Team | ESPN – Renegades revived under Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko
On Page 2: Jaylen leaps over the competition
The NBA unveiled the results of its annual rookie survey Tuesday morning, highlighting what the players in the 2016 draft class think of their contemporaries.
One Celtics first round pick, Jaylen Brown, was among the leading vote-getters in a number of categories, and was chosen outright as the most athletic rookie. Brown received nearly 40% of the vote, winning by a margin that was among the most decisive in any category, a clear sign of the respect held by his peers for his physical gifts.
Boston.com – Jaylen Brown voted most athletic by fellow NBA rookies
Brown won the “most athletic” category by a mile (38.7% of the votes, with the runner up getting 16.1%). Also notable: the rookies said their biggest adjustment entering the NBA is “speed or pace of the game.” Since Jaylen averaged 10.2 free throws over six summer league games, he seems to have a head start on making that transition.
Related: NBA.com – Rookie survey: Minnesota’s Dunn favored as top rookie | CBS Boston – Robb: Jaylen Brown Voted Most Athletic Rookie By 2016 Draft Class
On Page 3: In Kamloops, Kelly is larger than life
Check the tribute to KO at a playground in his British Columbia hometown.
The Fence is Real @KellyOlynyk (📰: https://t.co/q9wOXJqBnw) pic.twitter.com/putyTLlicQ
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) August 30, 2016
And, finally: Brad pitches in
@RedsArmy_John @ByJayKing Got to say hi to the coach and wish him good luck on the season today. #RaininJs pic.twitter.com/k5k1CvKRy2
— Brian Kelleher (@IrishKelleher) August 30, 2016
Brad Stevens was at Fenway Park yesterday to support a Boston tradition, the Jimmy Fund radio-telethon conducted annually by the Red Sox, WEEI and NESN to raise funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Brad was interviewed in a group with peers John Farrell of the Sox and Claude Julien of the Bruins.
The Rest of the Links:
WEEI – R.J. Hunter On Competing For A Roster Spot: ‘I Trust Myself More Than Ever’ | Celtics Owners Wyc Grousbeck, Steve Pagliuca On D&C: Kevin Durant ‘Would Have Been A Great Fit Here’
CSNNE – Dominique Wilkins Reflects On His Rivalry With Larry Bird | Potential Is There, Now How Quickly Will Jaylen Brown Reach It?
Sports Illustrated – The most intriguing NBA off-season moves (Horford signing)
