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.
“I told him last year when he was out that it was good to even have his voice on the bench, because it was so important for the young bigs so early in their careers to have his voice in their heads,” Ray Allen said. “Definitely with him back in the lineup there is a trickle-down effect. “Kevin has never been an individual player. Statistically he’s never been a big scorer. He’ll dominate statistical categories from all aspects - from rebounding to scoring, assists, to get steals, the intangibles go on there as well.
“Really, defensively is where his ego comes into play, and he makes sure that everyone is on the same page.”
Herald: With Kevin Garnett Back, Green find way
KG keeps people in check. With Garnett back in the mix, some of the defensive lapses are less likely to happen.
That's not to say there won't be lapses. KG isn't exactly moving like he did even a few years ago, so he'll be responsible for a missed defensive assignment or two... but he's still unparalleled in directing traffic from behind the play. That makes a big difference.
Coming up, Page 2... where Rondo needs to stop gambling
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images“This will be a big game for Rondo,’’ he said. “It starts with the individual. You’ve got to take the responsibility of keeping them square, making them shoot over you. Don’t gamble because if you gamble on a bigger guy, now his body won’t let you back in front. And the team has to understand it’s a tough spot for us and we have to help early and then have better weakside help.’’Globe: Point of emphasis has emerged
In all my in-game conversations both in person and on-line, the "Rondo's back to reaching and gambling" topic is the one that's probably come up more often than any other lately.
If these are the dog days of the NBA season, then the reaching Rondo's doing makes sense... because it's lazy. Doc says it in the piece... Rondo's not squaring guys up... he's not forcing them to do what he wants them to do. He's reaching in for the "home run" steal.
The problem now is Rondo's turning in the NBA's version of Adam Dunn: It's either a home run or a strike out with him.
Stop gambling... square the guy up... and try to force a bad shot. It's just as good as a steal.
The rest of the links:
Herald: Clippers @ Celtics scouting report | MWDN: Celtics hoping to regain home edge | ESPN Boston: Downright offensive | WEEI: Ray on tough week: It's an us project now | Doc has no problem with All Star Iverson | Car & Driver: KG cruises through practice | Celtics Hub: A word to everyone: We know Tommy Heinsohn is a homer. Your announcer probably is too | CSL: 'Da Kid' makes Celtics great