IT’S A WRAP!
It hurts for this Knicks fan to say it, but it’s true. "The Big Ticket" on the inside, Jesus Shuttleworth spreading the floor, and "The Truth" in between the seams… SI Cover Jinx, Schminx, Kool-Aid Schmool Aid. Rajon Rondo will be just fine and if not, Doc Rivers himself could dust himself off and suit up. The only thing that can stop "the big three" from taking the East is injuries.
Now onto other matters… I couldn’t help but notice that Kevin Garnett, a real community hero, is pointing his thumb back at Mr. Pierce. I thought that this was typical of the ultimate team player that is KG. For those who don’t remember, a couple of years back Sports Illustrated wanted Kevin Garnett on the cover, and he insisted that both Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell be on the cover as well [1]. Check him out dishing out some more assists!
But if you are still not sure what Kevin Garnett is about,
then check out this following classic video interview
with John Thompson if you are not one of the 134,805
people who have already seen this.
I promise you will not ask for your 10 minutes back!
[1] I can’t source the anecdotal reference of the "Three Wolves" SI cover. I read it somewhere, don’t feel like googling, and am repeating it.
Thanks for the link to the video. First time catching that. Great stuff. It’s good to know that Garnett is as passionate about important things OFF the court as well. He has a fiery calm about him that is inspiring.
They should be a lot of fun to watch. It really will be incredibly hard for them to stay healthy. But it’s impossible to double-team one of them without the others adding to the stat sheet. What’s up with the New England teams right now? That’s two sports in the same year that stepped it up in the offseason. The Bruins will probably steal away the Ovetchken and the entire Ducks roster… or maybe they’ve already done it… who watches hockey anymore, really?
At any rate, it’s hard not to be a fan of KG the player, teammate and person.
T3, that video is one of the best that i have ever seen! And yeah, Tim, It is hard not to root for KG… but then again, it IS the Celtics…
I’ve been hip a long time to KG as a stand-up man and athlete. But I’ve never seen that interview with Thompson. WOW!!
Having said that — and feeling the same about Jesus Shuttlesworth (ROFL) and Pierce (to a lesser degree) — I think it’s going to be a struggle for the Celtics to make the Eastern Conference finals. It’s no question Boston has greatly improved their talent level. But I’m a firm believer in basketball wins are largely driven by point guard play and to put it diplomatically, Rajon Rondo has yet to demonstrate he’s a NBA-caliber starter at the point.
There’s also the chemistry issue with Boston. It will take time for all the new pieces that have been assembled to meld together as a unit. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers and Wizards (the latter arguably more talented, younger and deeper than the Celts) feature lineups and a style of play that establish their squads as the most formidable threats to Miami and Detroit.
But it all should be fun to watch. (Hat tip to T3 for citing this blog.)
MODI…I’ve been Rethinking the C’s. I haven’t had the time to write about it – but in many respects, they’ve done better by Black folks than many organizations who have managed to secure loyalties – and I believe that includes the Lakers.
I’ve never been a Celtics fan (eeeegad!!), but I wouldn’t be a self-hatin’ Uncle Whitlock if I did. I’d just hafta ‘splain myself a little more often.
You’re most welcome MIB. You know how we do.
MIB, that Thompson video is incredible. I think that it will take about half a season for the Celts to find their chemistry, and even if they don’t secure the top spot, I don’t think it will matter. The other big thing is that these guys games complement each other. KG is a great passer and won’t get double-teamed in many games for the first time since his rookie year. Ray will provide great spacing on the floor. I think the biggest adjustment will have to come from Pierce who has been so used to being the man in Boston for so long. As for Rondo, KG might help out by also being a point forward in the high post.
T3, thanks for the link. Listen. I’m a Knick fan, so it is hard for me to root for the C’s just on GP. But if the Knicks are bounced from the playoffs (yes, they will make it), I could actually see myself pulling for them just so KG and friends could get a ring. ESPECIALLY if they end up playing San Antonio.
Now is your “better by black folk’ meaning HISTORICALLY. If this is the case, then yes, Red Auerbach was HUGE in integrating basketball. But otherwise, I’m not sure what you mean.