Ceatle Mania

I actually watched the Celtics play the Raptors in the first (Italian) preseason game of the year. I wasn’t exactly surprised to see KG drop 19, Pierce drop 21 of his own with Allen adding 10, but I was surprised that none of these guys forced anything and let the ball actually come to them.
There were times when 2 or 3 possessions in a row failed to include any of these superstars and yet they stayed in rhythm and got their fair share of buckets when the time was right. Because I am a hater, and sit here on my computer and hate, hate, hate all day, I can’t help but assume that this won’t last all season, or can I?
The most hopeful event for an effective Boston franchise didn’t come when Ray actually passed to Eddie House or Pierce’s dime to Perkins; it wasn’t even during the game at all. During a timeout, NBA TV ran a short segment in which Pierce, Allen and Garnett were enjoying paninis or espressos or something at a café, and discussing the new team. The expected was said, “we still have to prove ourselves”, “we’re excited for the season”, blah, blah, blah… but then KG gave the three all-stars a fateful nickname, a name that, if lived up to, would bring with it a new basketball era. He donned them “The Ceatles” (see-tulls).
Now, I’m not one to jump on the latest band-wagon that happens by, in fact I still don’t believe LeBron will be able to make the transition to the NBA, but a claim like this inspires hope, even in the pessimist blogger, not to mention 76ers fan. So, the best of luck to you Paul (KG), George (Pierce) and Ringo (Allen).
I guess John can be Posey or somebody, whatever.


(The fateful claim is made at about 1:40 in)

Did You Know Garnett Is An Irish Name?

Unforunatley, I am forced to blog about Kevin Garnett's move to the Celtics. This is because as a sports blogger, and specifically one of basketballic proportions, I must recognize this move as one of the most significant in recent memory.
KG is arguabley the best player in the NBA and many, myself included, thought he would end his career in Minnesota. Instead, he sacrificed his insane loyalty and moved himself to a team that doesn't even recognize draft karma as a tangible entity.
You can argue that Pierce and Allen are better players than Garnett has ever had the pleasure of playing with, and that would be true (the next best set is Cassell and Sprewell... awful), but as they both play the same position (with poor health history) and hog the ball even more than Garnett does, this franchise will go nowhere fast. Garnett's not getting any younger and this three year deal may solidify his title of best player to continually fail. And I'm not talking like Reggie Miller fail, I mean like "this team may win the Atlantic Division only once or twice" fail.
That being said, this move can't possibly hurt the Celtics, the 06-07 season's version of the 05-06 Knicks (best comparison I could come up with), and it will sell plenty of tickets. On the downside for Boston, they better be right about this guy because they sacrificed every young talent they had in order to get him. (Prediction: In eight years, Gerald Green will dunk on a a walker using Kevin Garnett hobbling around in the lane).
Is it possible for three aging, shoot first, ball-demanding, highly paid superstars to win some games? Sure, but don't excpect another Bean Town Dynasty.

KG May Want To Start Winning, Bad News For Minnesota

Just as fellow discontented superstar Kobe is looking to move, KG has grown tired of losing with a bunch of losing losers. Although he has yet to demand anything, Garnett is more than open to a trade. Many rumors have suggested a possible move to Boston, a 5 for 1 type of thing, but according to agent Andy Miller, “The Boston trade isn’t happening”.
So where does the Big Ticket want to go? Apparently, a team in a warm-weather city with a legitimate chance at a title, i.e. any other Western Conference team. Well, not ANY, but Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix, maybe even Golden State… But he has, fortunately, narrowed it down from that list. He’s looking at the Suns.
This would mean allowing the best player in the L to leave your team and help out someone in your conference, but it’s not like Minnesota could lose anymore games anyway. The T-Wolves would like to receive Amare and a first-round pick in ‘08 for their trouble. This deal is almost impossible given the luxury tax involved, but allegedly, they will be making an effort to get KG on their roster.
Garnett may finally be fed up with Minnesota and his addition to Phoenix could be legendary but it’s gonna take a lot of complicated moves to get him there.