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.
When asked if he would come off the Celtics bench, Rivers recalled O'Neal telling him, 'Absolutely coach.And when asked if playing 10 or 15 minutes per game would suffice, Rivers remembered O'Neal responding, 'Oh yeah, absolutely coach.'
Rivers added, "that sounds great in August but when you're actually doing it, it's tough. Especially if you've been a guy with the ball in your hands."
"We can't focus on Shaq the star," Rivers said. "We have to focus on Shaq the role player on our team."
CSNNE - Doc says Shaq will be a team player
Face it critics, Shaq is buying in. For the first time in years, he's on a team with several players and a coach he must respect.
Anyone know why Doc is making the media rounds in August?On Page 2, could the Celtics possibly have interest in J.R. Smith?
J.R. Smith is a superb, long and explosive athlete who can shoot from anywhere. Who wouldn't want him? Perhaps, according to reports, the Nuggets who employ him currently. Should your team pick him up? He's not winning any nice guy awards, and his own coach has called him a "good bad player" in reference to his various shortcomings in mastering the team system, which are overcome somewhat by his attributes and skill. In my mind, a team with strong leadership -- the Celtics, Heat or Spurs -- would do well to experiment with Smith.
Smith (one year, $6.7 million) is souped-up version of Nate Robinson. Better player, worse attitude. I want no part of JR.
FYI - Due to league rules, the Celtics cannot trade Nate Robinson until December 15. Newly signed FA's must remain with their team for 3 months.