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.
As the new year approaches, the Celtics are set to start an intimidating January slate. Following a New Year's Eve visit from the New Orleans Hornets, the Celtics will play five games in seven days, a span that includes trips to Toronto and Chicago.
After not playing more than 14 games in a month to start the 2010-11 season, the Celtics will play 16 games in January, culminating with a four-game western trip that includes tilts with the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers to wrap up the month.
The Celtics have 9 games over the next two weeks - Kevin Garnett's expected absence.
What can we expect from this team over those 9 games? Are 6 wins reasonable?
They do have the benefit of playing 7 of those 9 at home. And I gotta think Rajon Rondo returns soon.
It would be nice to see Garnett return in time for the January 17th rematch with the Orlando Magic.
On Page 2, Danny Ainge refutes the need for Sheed.
Ainge didn't discount the possibility, but also didn't see an opening for Wallace.
"I don't know, I know that he’s been in our locker room a few of times this year and he’s been to a couple of practices," said Ainge. "I know the guys are teasing him about that -- about coming back. He’s said that he doesn’t want to come back.
"I’m not sure there’s room for Rasheed, unless we just have a whole bunch of injuries. Right now our center position, we have three healthy centers, we have a fourth one that’s not too far away in [Kendrick Perkins]. Right now, I’m more concerned about our backcourt with Delonte [West] and Rajon down, and Nate [Robinson] not quite 100 percent. Again, with [heightened minutes for Ray Allen and Paul Pierce], we need Avery [Bradley] and Von [Wafer] and Luke [Harangody] to step up and contribute."
The fact that Sheed continues to hang around the guys shows how much he enjoyed his season in Boston. Now if only I enjoyed it as much as he did.
I think those who are clamoring for Wallace's return don't quite remember how poorly he played. He shot 40% and grabbed 4 rebounds per game. His effort and impact in the playoffs has been overhyped. Yes, his 11 point, 8 rebound, 2 block peformance in Game 7 was valiant. But he shot 37% for the series.
Like John so clearly stated a few weeks back, I don't get the obsession with Sheed.
Semih and Jermaine can fill that void...
The rest of the links:
Globe - Garnett to miss couple weeks | Herald - Small strain a pain for KG | Ticket back in two weeks or sooner | WEEI - Garnett, Rondo among leaders in All-Star balloting |