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.
The thoughts bounced around.
“Selfishly, I could have went somewhere and put up a lot more shots and possibly had a greater chance of making a couple more All-Star teams,’’ Allen said. “But it’s just too much belief in the way we do things.’’
Ultimately, he chose to stay with the Celtics, signing a two-year, $20 million contract. He’ll take about 12 shots a game, score 16-18 points a night. He might make another All-Star team. He might not. But the tradeoff is the possibility of a championship, the chance to continue something special.
“You just don’t give up a great situation,’’ he said.
With all the new characters in the Celtics locker room, Allen’s straight-laced demeanor has almost fallen into the background in training camp. His personality is present but subtle.
“He’s still Ray,’’ said Kevin Garnett. “Still being a politician at times. Still acting like he’s Wikipedia. That’s Ray. That’s who he is.’’
Let me first start by saying... KG is on FIYAH this preseason. Not only is he "explosive" and outrunning guys... he's really busting balls. I like it already.
As for Ray... how awesome is he? He's a man of his word. He said he wanted to stay in Boston. And when he had the chance to leave, maybe get some more money or put himself into a better personal situation... he still chose the better TEAM situation.
That's impressive. Of course, when you've made almost $160 million over the course of your career (scroll to the bottom), the decision to be loyal for a couple more years is a little easier. But regardless... a lot of players don't look at things that way. A lot of guys won't say "Hey, I've made my money, this is where I fit best and maybe get a couple more rings... and this works best for my family... so I'll stay."
Ray says it best at the end of that piece:
"You don’t give up a lineup that we had for individual success,’’ Allen said. “We’ve all had that. I want to be able to say that I’m looking up and I have guys that I can count on every single night.’"
That right there is a grown man, making grown man decisions.
Add this to the list of things I already love about this team. We're not even 4 full days into camp and I'm bursting at the seams with excitement. I'm probably way too over-hyped right now... but I can't help it. I've loved just about every story coming out of Newport so far.
On Page 2: Von Wafer is a 3rd teamer
“But it’s unfair for [Wafer],” Rivers said of Wafer. “He’s kind of with the third unit, because Delonte is playing with the second unit. He hasn’t had an opportunity to play with the better players. Same thing with Luke (Harangody), same thing with Semih (Erden). In a lot of ways it’s very difficult to judge how good they are. In preseason I’ll have a better look at it.”
West, who will miss the first 10 games of the season as the penalty for pleading guilty to misdemeanor gun charges last summer, already has emerged as an important part of the rotation - Tony Allen with a jump shot, if you will.
But Wafer’s challenge is simply to get noticed.
“I think I have to calm down,” he said. “(Wednesday) I was a little sporadic and (yesterday) a little better, but I’ve been putting too much energy and pressure on myself. Just let it come to me, calm down.
“I hope to make my own role, but it’s not going to be easy. I just have to work hard. I just have to let them coach me.”
Herald: He won't Wafer in search of job
I don't know why I'm so surprised at this, but I am. I guess the numbers had to shake out somehow... but it's pretty clear that in Doc's mind, Delonte West is part of this team already, and Von Wafer is fighting for a seat on the bench.
And it's probably tough for Von to carve out a niche. Marquis Daniels was here last year and has a relationship with all the guys. Delonte was here before and everyone loves him. So Von has to be the complete newbie competing for time with guys who have established ties here. And he's got to try to make an impression while practicing against a bunch of D-Leaguers (video courtesy of Chris Forsberg here).
I still think Von makes the team. He's got experience, which is a tiebreaker for Doc. Right now, there isn't much time to teach rookies how the NBA game goes. And with Delonte's 10 game suspension coming... and Marquis Daniels no guarantee to stay healthy... Doc might want an experienced guy like Wafer to turn to on the bench rather than a rookie like, say, Luke Harangody or Tony Gaffney.
The rest of the links
Herald: Nate Robinson gets serious | Celtics comment on tech issues | Later practices refreshing for Shaq | KG: It's a Goddamned Zoo around here | The Shaq help plan | Globe: Expect technicals to be tempered | Austin Rivers picks Duke | ESPN Boston: Celtics camp balances work, play | Deep thoughts from Doc | Peace on the Parquet | WEEI: Training camp report: good times | The Celtics film crew | Doc on D&C: "Let's do it year to year" | MWDN: Shaq has changed his tune | CSNNE: Harangody takes hazing in stride | Garnett's improvement is 'night and day' | Nate Robinson is dead serious