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.
In recent days Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry, Lakers coach Phil Jackson and movie director Spike Lee have all have spoken out about what they perceive as Garnett’s bullying ways.
Doc Rivers, asked about the latest round of back talk, including Lee’s comment in an interview that Garnett has to calm down, shrugged the whole matter off with some strong words.
“That means he’s on their minds, and that’s fine by me,” the Celtics [team stats] coach said last night. “Kevin has done nothing wrong. He plays the game the right way, and I think all of these people who call him out would take him on their team right now. Other than that, I could care less about that stuff.”
Gentry, responding to Garnett’s recent foul to Frye’s groin area and his subsequent ejection, said he’s lost respect for KG.
“I’ll just let Alvin talk,” Rivers said. “He seems to do that well. It’s the fact that our team is pretty good. When they were bad in Minnesota you heard nothing, and that’s all it is. Kevin’s not going to change. He’s a terrific player who plays the right way.
“I think all coaches would like their players to play like Kevin Garnett, be like Kevin Garnett and act like Kevin Garnett. I don’t worry about it.”
Herald – Doc plays defense on Kevin Garnett
Doc's right… there's not a single coach in the league who wouldn't like some KG intensity on their team.
KG's demeanor and reputation is a touchy subject for fans. I was ripped apart yesterday for saying Garnett should chill out.
I love Garnett and 95% of what he brings to the table, but there's a difference between 2010 KG and 2008 KG. The intensity is the same, but he's more chippy. I hate to say it… but there more Bill Laimbeer in his game.
I want him to be intimidating. I want him to get under the skin of opposing players. But there's a fine line between playing that way, and playing like… a punk (Cue the hate mail).
Dial it down a bit, KG. Revert back to the 2008 model.
Related links: ESPN Boston – Doc defends KG
On Page 2, the need for more bodies.
“I think what we have to do really is wait and see with the Marquis situation, how long that will be,’’ Rivers said. “If that’s long then we have to do something.’’
As it stands, the Celtics have no one to back up Paul Pierce at small forward. Even with Delonte West’s possible return before the All-Star break, the Celtics are still thin. Last night in Charlotte, with Semih Erden out with a strained right abductor muscle, the Celtics were down to 10 healthy players.
“Like I told our guys, nothing you can do about it,’’ Rivers said. “You’ve got to go out and play. [Last night], there will be a couple of guys playing spots, someone’s going to play [small forward] that’s never played it before. That’s just where we’re at right now.’’
Globe – The thinking is forward
The Celtics should have a better handle on Marquis' situation in the coming days. If he's going to be out closer to two months, they might have to make a roster move. That's a big question mark because the Celtics would have to ship someone out in order to bring someone in.
What's up with Semih? He's down as often as Shaq.
Related links: Herald – Daniels will take time on road to recovery | ESPN Boston – Injury bug keeps biting |
The rest of the links:
Globe – Short handed Celtis shown door by Charlotte | Herald – Back to back drains Celtics | ESPN Boston – Rapid Reaction: Bobcats 94 – Celtics 89 | CSNNE – Celtics flop against Bobcats |
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