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.
“I just think if you don’t have Kobe or Shaq or Michael Jordan, the triangle doesn’t work,” the Celtics All-Star told the Daily News.
Phil Jackson has tried to prove that theory wrong in New York — some would say stubbornly — but the statistics have backed Thomas, specifically the 49-117 record since the installation of the triangle. Hornacek has been granted the freedom to tweak the triangle, giving the Knicks a quicker pace and more pick-and-roll opportunities. It fits the personnel with ball-dominant, penetrating point guards in Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings.
NY Daily News – Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas says Knicks’ triangle doesn’t work without legendary player
Interviewed after Saturday’s win, Isaiah expressed what everyone other than Phil Jackson knows. If you have the best player in the league, you’re going to win a lot no matter what offense you run. Conversely, without superior talent, the best scheme in the world won’t help you.
The Knicks should be improved over last season, but they haven’t won a championship in 43 years, and they won’t this year either. Long-time Celtics fans enjoy that fact. Boston and New York have always been bitter rivals, of course, but many of you are likely unaware that for a time the hardwood hatred was more intense than it was even for L.A. or Philadelphia.
From 1968 to 1974, New York and Boston split four playoff series against each other, and each franchise also won two NBA titles. Brooklyn-born Red Auerbach was always extra fired-up about beating his hometown Knicks. On the flip side, countless N.Y. college kids attending BU, Northeastern, etc., would show up for Celtics-Knicks games and make Boston Garden sound like MSG.
But back to today, IT spoke the truth about Jackson’s Knicks. The good news for us is that Phil definitely won’t listen.
Related: Yahoo – Carmelo Anthony would like Derrick Rose to ‘hurry up back’ from his civil rape trial (insert eye-roll emoji here)
On Page 2: Stylin’
Over the summer Rozier explored his interest in fashion by taking part in a multi-day internship at Esquire magazine in New York.
“It felt like I was a true intern this summer,” said Rozier, who returned to the magazine’s Manhattan offices Friday to take part in a promotional video shoot. “I didn’t have to get coffee for anyone or anything like that, but I was learning about all the different brands and seeing what they do at the magazine day by day.”
Globe – Terry Rozier stands out as Celtics’ fashion plate
This is reminiscent of another Celtic, Rajon Rondo, who explored the fashion industry by interning at GQ magazine. Perhaps Rozier will become as productive in the green-and-white motif as Rondo was. Rozier even has one advantage: he’s accessorized his game with a reliable jump shot.
On Page 3: Bill Russell, groundbreaker
This is a couple of days late, but we want to take note of this significant milestone in the Celtics’ heritage. It’s one more element of Bill Russell’s greatness. The Celtics won two championships in the three seasons that Russell was head coach.
Fifty years ago today (10/15/66) Bill Russell became the NBA’s first black head coach when he was designated as player-coach of the @Celtics pic.twitter.com/Hi4Geiey6h
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) October 15, 2016
And, finally: Can’t blame him one bit
Beyond excited to play in the Garden tomorrow, ready to see these amazing fans I’ve heard so much about #GoCs ️
— Demetrius Jackson (@D_Jay11) October 16, 2016
Links about the obsession with who will be the 15th man:
CSNNE – Bubble Watch: Six Celtics With Uncertain Futures
ESPN Boston – Has R.J. Hunter emerged in the race for Celtics’ final roster spot?
CBS Boston – Robb: R.J. Hunter Strengthens Case For Final Celtics Roster Spot In Win Over Knicks
The Rest of the Links:
CSNNE – Celtics Preseason Report Card
Herald – Celtics Notebook: Avery Bradley picks up game off dribble
