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.
With reports circling about interest in fiery if disgruntled Portland guard Rudy Fernandez, Ainge acknowledged that he was pursuing trade options, though he wasn’t sure a deal would fall in place.
“We’re just continuing to explore available players and trade possibilities and see what sort of options are there,’’ said the Celtics president. “There are some trade discussions that we’re having. I don’t know the likelihood of those happening, but we’ll continue to not rush into something unless it’s something that we’re really excited about.’’...
Ainge is considering Pierce’s suggestion.“We haven’t made a confirmation on that yet,’’ Ainge said. “We’re looking into the different possibilities, and Doc and I are discussing where we want to have training camp, what’s best for our team.
“I think he has a point. I’m not so sure that that’s the only way to bond together as a team, but I certainly understand where he’s coming from. There’s always a lot of factors in training camp, and we certainly try to do what’s best.’’
Globe - With a spot to fill, Ainge is looking
Aside from talks with Portland about Rudy Fernandez, I'm not sure what additional trade possibilities are out there. The Celtics may still have a 1st round pick on the table, available for Portland to grab in exchange for Fernandez.Ainge is also exploring different locales for training camp. I wonder if he'll consider my suggestion.
On Page 2, the ESPN expert predictions.
Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com: Boston Celtics.
If they had had Kendrick Perkins and a healthy Rasheed Wallace in Game 7, I think they would have won at Staples. Pau Gasol was just too much for them down the stretch. But now they'll have Jermaine O'Neal, too, to check Pau in a deciding game. I still think they need to replace the departed Tony Allen, but it's a long time between now and the trade deadline.
ESPN's math might be off, because Chris Forsberg also picked the Celtics to win the title.
I understand the love for the Lakers and Heat, but Orlando? Am I alone in thinking they got worse in the offseason (Quentin Richardson for Matt Barnes)? Vince Carter proved to the world in May that he's incapable of clutch post-season play and he's still on the roster.