Ball Hawk Down
by BillfromBoston on Jan 11, 2007 4:37 AM EST
in Boston Celtics Articles
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PrintSeason of Adversity Continues as Emotional Leader Falls
Authors Note: There is an important and inevitable human element at play behind the performance on the court. Normally, I leave that intrigue to other writers in an attempt to uncover the more basic game elements that effect execution. But, the scene inside the locker room after the game was such that I felt it essential to step out of character and write a different sort of piece. Tony Allen’s injury tonight exacted a cost greater than what can be felt by his statistical performance. His life’s path may have forever been altered. In the words that follow I’ll attempt to place some emotional perspective onto the situation in an attempt capture the sentiment of the inner-circle…
There was a multitude of intriguing story lines beginning to coalesce as this game progressed into the third quarter of play. Doc Rivers had elected to start the tandem of Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins for the fist time this season, Sebastian Telfair had put together a promising first half running the point, and Leon Powe had dusted off the cobwebs to play some inspired defense on Jermaine O’neal. Yet, amongst all the various intrigue of the evening it was Tony Allen who rose above all else.
It has been a season of redemption for Allen. The well-documented troubles of a season past had placed him under the scrutiny of the public eye in Boston. The promise he showed as a young upstart in his rookie year had faded for many into the inner recesses of their mind’s eye as Tony struggled through a painful sophomore slump.
Whether it was by his own doing or a combination of the fates, Tony Allen had found himself in an unenviable position on this Celtics team. Where once he had found himself a starter unopposed, Allen came into this season with a slew of competition vying for attention at his position. Paul Pierce and Wally Szczerbiak were obvious obstacles in the way of playing time. But, upstart Gerald Green had brought a dramatic improvement in his game with him to training camp and it was his highlight reel dunks that had replaced Allen’s in the hearts and minds of the Celtics faithful.
Tony Allen came into this season with an uncertain future. Early season opportunity and optimism from Coach Rivers soon gave way to doubt as Allen’s wayward play cost him playing time and a spot in the rotation. During a season where “separation†had been the hallmark message to the youth of this team, Allen seemed to be fading to the background, becoming an afterthought to many Celtics’ fans and surely a point of concern for the team.
But Allen battled back. The team’s litany of injuries gave him new life and Allen played with a purpose and a fire that was contagious to the team. As much as Al Jefferson’s interior play factored into the team’s 5 game winning streak, it was Allen’s enthusiasm and full-tilt frenetic energy that brought life to his squad.
It’s somewhat ironic that a player who has lacked focus at times could be such a focal point for others to feed off of. The intensity with which Allen has played this season had been one of the few satisfying elements of a frustrating season. While Pierce has been out it has unequivocally been Allen who has stepped forward and “separated†himself from his peers. A burgeoning career had begun to take shape as Allen put the past behind him and exploded to the forefront of the team’s youth movement.
At the 3:01 mark of the third quarter of last night’s game this chapter of Allen’s professional life came to a close.
As suddenly as Allen had emerged from obscurity, so too was the tone in which he exited. There was no great collision, no spectacular accident to wrap the mind around. The play was as commonplace as it was cruel in outcome. A light foul followed by a dunk attempt after the whistle. Nothing. It was ill-fortune only that can be held responsible for the aftermath. Allen came down and his knee just buckled.
It’s a play that must have happened a thousand times thus far this season and no player to date has suffered the same fate as Allen. But, tonight that same play found Allen being rushed to the hospital, his season most likely over and his career in doubt. Until the results of the MRI are revealed, all any of us can do is pray for the best.
The point of this plea is not to over blow the incident. Of course there are more tragic happenings in the world. But it’s easy to summarize it as such, which wouldn’t give credence to the personal turmoil such an injury has thrown this team and that player into.
In the best situations a basketball team is like a family and tonight that family took a hit. When Rivers talks about Allen as an emotional leader that sentiment transcends the court of play and digs into the hearts and minds of the other players that make up that family.
Imagine if you were suddenly faced with the loss of your vocation. Imagine if circumstance found you no longer able to pursue that which you were most passionate about. Take the one thing that you love most and remove it from possibility. For some of you, imagine if you couldn’t watch basketball again, nor discuss it ardently on this board.
That’s the situation that Allen now may face as he prepares himself for the road ahead. In the very least, a year’s worth of rehabilitation will be necessary and who’s to say at what level he’ll return.
An ACL injury isn’t the career death sentence it was a few decades earlier, but it is still no small thing. Each injury is unique, but the probability of returning to full strength is less than ideal and for a player who’s game was predicated on explosive speed and power…who can say?
While the fans in the Garden booed obliviously during the team’s third quarter collapse, the team was vicariously feeling the pain that Allen’s expression belayed just moments before as he writhed on the floor. At that moment the team was devoid of more than just the steals and deflections, the fearless forays to the basket and gritty put-backs that Allen provided. The team was a body missing their heart, lifeless.
Yet, there was more cheering for the possibility of a free t-shirt than there was an extended sense of sorrow at Allen’s loss. For a fan base that prides itself on its knowledge and passion for their local teams, there was very little recognition evident about what the team was going through. I’ve never seen such faces on a group of players before.
Say what you want about Doc Rivers, but tonight I saw clearly why this team an he are so close. The post-game press conference was a sobering a scene as I’ve seen. {styleboxjp width=300px,float=right,color=black,textcolor=white,echo=yes}Rivers looked visibly shaken at the podium, his eyes almost glistening and his voice unsteady. Rivers is known for his ability to put a situation into perspective and to sum up the realities of the moment with a fresh look toward tomorrow. Tonight he had no answers. {/styleboxjp}
In the games that follow this season, we’ll all get our chance to see the remaining players of this team have their shot at making a name for themselves. Friday’s game will be back to the X’s and O’s as life goes on. But just reflect for a moment before moving on. Remember how much these Celtic players have invested in each other and this team, a blend of livelihood and brotherhood. Tonight cut them deeply.
Anyone who’s experienced a close, personal loss should sympathize….
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ok, this is a disaster, i really liked the guy
by margeta2005 on Jan 11, 2007 6:53 AM EST reply actions
do you think that Spurs fans are losing any sleep these days over David Robinson’s injury???it set them up for the next 15 yrs.This season will help us if we get a good enough pick(and it does NOT have to be the #1 either).These injuries hurt our immediate trade values but do nothing but help us get #17 and longterm success.Summer 08 TA will be healthy and Wally’s deal will be expiring and we’ll be fine….
That was really well written might i add.
i feel sorry for him because he had so much to prove .. wonder if anyone in the celtics organisation feels sorry for us longtime fans who are numb from losing constantly
by havlicekstoletheball on Jan 11, 2007 7:18 AM EST reply actions
It sure looked like a torn ACL. Has the type and extent of the injury been confirmed? There are full and partial tears. If he needs surgery to reconstruct the ligament (likely), he’ll be out the next five months or so.
The good news is that quite a few guys come back 100% after that injury. Leon Powe tore his ACL twice.
I’m still stunned this morning. I was so happy for TA…coming back after knee surgery, and fighting through his slump at the start of this season…and now this. I feel bad for the guy. It will be tough for the team to recover from this loss until Pierce is back.
by PlanetMental on Jan 11, 2007 7:49 AM EST reply actions
Okay, guys, bad enough that the Herald runs the wrong picture; we don’t need to compound things by doing the same. That’s not Tony Allen.
Sadly, this is what Tony Allen looks like:
Big loss for the team right now. As much as I like seeing the kids getting playing time, being so short-handed does nothing for the team’s development. I see this turning into a situation where we’re completely overmatched, and the kids start to feel overwhelmed. I of course hope that isn’t the case, but how much adversity can a team take?
Nice piece. Listening on the radio I was impressed with the fans response to the spirited play that followed Tony’s departure (or is this the reference to tee shirts).
by gar on Jan 11, 2007 8:00 AM EST reply actions
Very well done Eric. I feel nothing but pity for Tony Allen. I hope that his surgery goes well and he rehabs with the same desire and determination that he plays with.
And to my beloved Boston Celtics…don’t hang your heads. Just go out there and pay your respects to Tony by playing as he would have been playing. With vicious mayhem and pure fearlessness.
Get well soon Tony.
Great piece, Eric. I feel so bad for the kid. I hope this isn’t career-ending for him. Even if it’s not, his game depends so much on his explosiveness both getting to the trim and tenacious defense. Encouraging to hear about Powe but this could affect Tony’s game much more.
Doc has a big challenge now to keep the team motivated, but I think he’s up for it. Say what you want about his in-game skills, but right now, I’m glad he’s the coach.
well done article Eric, it is a very sobering day indeed
I’m happy that Tony has had a chance to make a few million dollars doing what he loves and we have to remember that he’s still alive and reasonably well, but like Eric said, this has to be hard on him personally
I hope for his sake that he can come back from this, get cleared of the charges, and resurect his career (again) …but I admit I’m not terribly optimistic at this point
- THIS IS THE MOST HOPELESS SEASON SINCE AINGEâ€â"¢S ARRIVAL **
Poor Tony, yes…itâ€â"¢s sad.
But injuries are part of the game.
Just ask Rodney Harrison.
The fact is, THIS TEAM STINKS.
It stunk in the 2nd quarter just as much as the 3rd & 4th.
Theyâ€â"¢re going nowhere.
•5-9, in November
•5-10, in December
•2-3, so far in January
Pathetic.
Ainge, Doc, Paul, and Wally must go.
The season is over…and itâ€â"¢s only January 11th.
The one LONE bright spot is Gerald Green…as we all know…
So I say trade Paul Pierce NOW.
Package him with Wally Stinkiac…and throw in Sebastian (oops whereâ€â"¢d my platinum chain go) Telfiar too.
What a horrible, horrible, horrible mess we die hard fans have on our hands now (and before the 3rd quarter).
Good thing Ainge can blame this lame season on TA.
The light at the end of the tunnel has grown dim and further away.
It is obscured by clouds, injuries, lack of talent, leadership, management, and coaching.
very very well written!
You know people are always saying “trade guy X for guy Y” or “trade A,B,C for D”.. they dont care about the “team”
these “players” are people and when people really care about each other they can be a better “team”. The young celtics showed they cared about each other and that makes me feel good about the Celtics!
And dont worry about the kids being overwhelmed now they have lost pierce, west, wally, Tony… The need to play better will make them play better!
what’s up with the celtic trainer? Is he related to DOC?
Meanwhile Mr. Blount is playing for another contract in Minny….
depressing /ironic…..
Get well/good luck Tony.
Good Luck Celtics in the lottery.
Did DA say we are one trade away fron contending?
I think he is one trade away from getting fired.
Right now he look like an expansion team.
I agree with Brickowski that it is good that Tony is untradeable now. I was really worried about Danny making another dumb trade that included our most promising young guy (Tony). Tony will come back from this. I just hope us fans are more patient with him this time than we were with his first injury. Everyone wanted him traded away just a very short while ago and look at him now (well,not now, but you know what I mean).
Brick, Im with you all the way. Ever since Tony started playing well, most posters here haved him as trade fodder; the better he played the more tradeable he became. No chance of staying with us. We talk a lot about potential in here, but as players are close to their potential, as Tony was, the quicker we want to get rid of them; I just dont understand it.
We love to talk about Als, Perks and GG’s potential. We thrive on it. But Tony? he is tradeable because he is playiong good. GG is not tradeable even if he hasnt been able to carry Tony’s shoes; but Oh, GG has potential; apparently Tony doesnt have any, so he must be part of any trade.
This morning, everybody loves Tony; cause he is not going to be with us, if ever, in the unforesseable future; and if he does return and is not inmediately traded, are we sure he wont subconciously take care of himself a little better so this doesnt happen away; Will he continue to play with abandon, or just turn into a black Jiri Welch? Well, for those that thought Tony was not part of our future, you just might have gotten your wish, whichever way you got it.
Throw out the idea of TA the player for just a moment. 2 years ago while most players were sitting at AUTO tables at the team BBQ, TA got up and limped around to sign autos and meet and greet. A very engaging likeable guy. I feel bad for a great guy. Also Scal seemed to be a great guy, not that the others aren’t.
by dsbeave on Jan 11, 2007 8:57 AM EST reply actions
I wonder if Wally could land us Paul Millsap from Utah.
by Luke Middleton on Jan 11, 2007 8:57 AM EST reply actions
Sorry all but I’m still angered with Tony
The foul was called almost behind the 3-point arc and the knucklehead thought it would be worth while just to drive in with no one around him and dunk…. forgive me…but what am I missing here!!!!
Yes we have great upside with all this youth, but what good is it if they can’t use there brains correctly…
This is what I’m sick about, not by watching last nights game but others as well, Why the bleep do they always have to go in and dunk……………. because the opposing player will always go for the block…
Players need to learn to use the glass for a layup instead….It’s harder for an opposing player to block and defend then it is to go straight up for a dunk…..
I’m getting frustrated with the level of play and someone needs to get into these kids heads about fundamentals.
I agree 100% that we fans will never know what it’s like to be part of a team and this team strikes me as a particularly close group of guys which I think will only help as the team grows and develops. having said that I have to say that Tony Allen was a dope ( and that’s being kind) for trying to jam the ball well after the whistle blew. that play is a microcosm of everything good and bad about tony allen and unfortunately in the end his career will probably be defined by that play. It was unnecessary and not only did it ruin his career but it hurt his team and teammates as well. I can’t believe in this day and age of high priced talent that teams don’t have a rule that says you can’t do that. Yeah, I know hind sight is 20-20 but this didn’t have to be- that’s the real tragedy here.
I will add to the compliment list by saying a job well done Eric. You achieved your goal to impart the emotions running in the locker room last night.
The only thing I can say is that Tony Allen was the biggest reason to keep watching games lately. We are finding less and less reasons to do so as the injuries pile up. I’ll keep watching because somebody else must step up, but Tony was fast becoming an inspirational story for a lost season. Maybe as a fan you did not despair, but while I am all for getting a top pick, I was still hopeful for entertaining basketball while the losses piled up. Tony Allen was the player who provided that as of late. The return of OB ball is imminent, but with many more defensive lapses as well, at least we’ll see Jefferson and Perkins side by side as well as a chance to truly evaluate whether or not Gomes can play SF or not.
Brickowski said:
It sure looked like a torn ACL. Has the type and extent of the injury been confirmed? There are full and partial tears. If he needs surgery to reconstruct the ligament (likely), he’ll be out the next five months or so.
The good news is that quite a few guys come back 100% after that injury. Leon Powe tore his ACL twice.
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One can hope Brick…my friend Rodger Bohn, who covers AAU/Prep for DX said that Powe was an absolute athletic monster in HS before the first tear…he’s gotten his quickness back, but he’s not as explosive as he once was…i’m hoping for the best for Tony, but psychologically it took him a long time to regain the confidence in his knee after the scope, this is an entirely different animal…Allen’s game is about playing with abandon, it’ll show the strength of his character if he can play that way again after getting back on the court…
EricW – your writing reminds me of why I don’t write articles very often for public display. That was extremely well written at an NBA level.
Like everyone else, I am both stunned and depressed by a cruel twist of fate that probably does negate the inspiring TA briefly on display this season. How cruel to carry a guy off the court who suddenly seemed destined to remain on the court for quite some time.
Ughhh
Peace
My son tore his ACL (football) and came back 100%. The key is the rehab. You have to do it faithfully and correctly.
BTW they don’t do the operation right away. They wait until the swelling goes down and some motion in the knee has been regained. So Tony may not even have the reconstruction done until February.
Let’s clear one thing up. Tony Allen has probably dunked the ball a thousand times in situations other than live play. He has probably never injured himself in so doing. It was a freak accident. Although many will, there is no sense in blaming him. This injury could just as easily have happened on a playground, in the gym, or a practice.
by ThickNThinFan on Jan 11, 2007 9:35 AM EST reply actions
Tony went up for that dunk because fans fill the setas to watch players dunk. Dunking has become the premier play in basketball. Lebron, Jordan, Kobe, and a lot others not named Larry Bird, became famous because if it. GG’s calling card are his dunks. He doesnt rebound; he has an average jump shot; he doesnt guard very well, but HE CAN DUNK like crazy, and Im sure many fans go watch the games to see gerald dunk. And dunking is an exciting endeavor, Im all for it, mind you. Sometimes its the best alternative, so Im not knocking it . Its just that players that are adept at dunking probably prefer not to hit a jumper but rather continue towards the basket for a dunk or an alleyoop with a dunk. Being such an exciting play; guyd here dont think that Tony was just trying to please the fans with another spectacular dunk, even if it didnt count? The dunk was there for the taking; it would have been an exciting dunk, cause all dunks are exciting; The crowd would have loved it; and now with 20-20 hindsight we are accusing him for doing what he did? It was an unfortunate dunk; one whose repercussions will be unknown for a long time, but he did it for the fans, because Fans go to see players dunk, not to see them hit jumpshots. It has maybe gotten out of hand, but thats the way it is. Get well, Tony, we love you.
Brickowski said:
My son tore his ACL (football) and came back 100%. The key is the rehab. You have to do it faithfully and correctly.
BTW they don’t do the operation right away. They wait until the swelling goes down and some motion in the knee has been regained. So Tony may not even have the reconstruction done until February.
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Absolutely…my friend Felix just tore his ACL and has been sitting around waiting for the swelling to go down so he can have his surgery…hopefully its a “favorable” tear, something with a more promising recovery…
The first three knee surgeries I had on my knee (basketball) did not affect me mentally on the court. The fourth surgery (ACL) nver stopped hurting and basically that was it. I never never stopped thinking about my kneee on the court after that. I was an old scrub at the time on some adult old timer league and not a world class athelete like TA but still…………. TA will need everything working in his favor – I hope he gets just that.
Shoot me now and unplug my NBA league pass
Well
Celtics Season
R.I.P.
Now….
Our Team
1.Kandi
2.Perk
3.Al
4.Gomes
5.Powe…… As our only 4 and 5 and now ….were deep there….lol
Gerald
Gerald
Gerald…well im kidding
6.Gerald …lol
7.Sebastian
8. Rondo
9. Allen Ray
That team would be sick at the McDonalds All Star
Now it guarantees finally we will se all Al and GG can give if theres something more
and A chance to get Durant
That will de fun
Best wishes for Tony hopefully hell be O.K. sooner than we expect
Paul
Wally
DW
Scal
Tony
Theo
Our Veteran leadership and heart
be there in suits for our young
and enjoy watching how this kids go
all the way to maturity this year
Im out of here…….
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
I think Tony Allen is young enough that he can take his time rehabbing and, if all goes well, come back when he’s back at full strength. No need to rush him. Let the doctors fix him up, get him rehabbing, and don’t try to bring him back early. He could still have a long career in front of him – hopefully with the Celtics.
Eric, you did a great job of making this a personal rather than a team story. It is obviously a disaster for the team, but it is more a disaster for TA personally. It took so much for him to come back from his first injury and hopefully he’ll be able to do it again. I’m sure he’ll get great support from his teamates and the organization. It’s not just his career that we’re talking about, but TA, by having the opportunity to play in the NBA also has the chance to help his family and his community. That’s the first thing I thought about when I saw him go down.
Great piece Eric…in fact, one of my favorites (though the events surrounding it are terrible).
by TheUndertow on Jan 11, 2007 10:30 AM EST reply actions
I realize this injury has probably absolutely nothing to do with Allen playing hurt in the past. The Celtic organization has an irresponsible, ignorant, unprofessional attitude towards playing people that are injured. All I know is that last year when Allen played, he was still hurting and the C medical staff were more or less at a loss on getting a handle on it and let him play through it. The same has happened with Wally and West- allowing players to decide if and when they are playing while never looking out for the big picture and erring on the side of caution. There is way too many injuries on this club for this to all be mere coincidences. The Cs management (including the training/medical staff) needs a complete overhaul.
by bceltfan on Jan 11, 2007 10:33 AM EST reply actions
reading all of mcpu40’s comments made me thing of the line from Pitino someone has as thier sig….(is it Roy Hobbs?)
All the negativity in this town sucks…it stinks and it sucks.
Yeah we’re losing…we’re losing with a lot of kids who havent gotten a chance to lead a team on thier own since before they Graduated High School. We’re losing with kids who by all rights should be sophmores/ juniors in college
The David Robinson reference was excellent. The team needed a time like this, losing or not, to get the youngins minutes and give them some character. However, it is a sad day that when the only youngster bringing it night in, night out goes down while he was just completing a play that was done just stinks..they may have lost the game last night if Tony was in or not, but whos going to bring 40 mins of heart to the wing now tomorrow night, and every night until paul gets back??
bceltfan, Have to disagree with you. The C’s have a huge financial interest in these players (just keeping this on the business side). It makes no sense for them to knowingly play someone who can further injure himself by playing. Injuries, such as the one to Al last year, can take months to show up on x-rays (the bone spurs or bone bruise). Until they have objective data they need to go by the response of the player. DWest could have a serious back injury, but there may be no x-ray or other objective evidence of a problem for months. They are forced to go with subjective data such as what DWest says, or if Ed Lacerte or anyone notices he’s not moving right. This team has a history of players that will play hurt. McHale once played most of a season with a broken bone in his foot. He could have not played, but he made the call to play. As long as it is felt that playing will not cause further damage, they need to go with what the player says unless it is obvious he is not able to perform. Right now they are very watchful over Perk because of his heel. Perk won’t say he’s hurt, but the staff know him well enough to know when it’s bothering him. If you think as you do, look at all the injuries around the league and you have to say that no team cares about it’s players.
I hate to say this about Tony Allen but if it didn’t happen today it was going to happen sometime, if it hadn’t been an knee injury it would have been something.
I believe that Tony Allen’s intensity was good for the team but he doesn’t have the mindset of a good NBA player. He is to schizophrenic, you can’t endure a full NBA season like that either on or off the court.
It’s sad that it happened on the type of play that it did but I can’t say that I was surprised. I really feel like it takes a special type of mental aptitude to have consistent success at the NBA level, one that Tony Allen doesn’t have.
by orien greene sucks on Jan 11, 2007 11:20 AM EST reply actions
“Absolutely…my friend Felix just tore his ACL and has been sitting around waiting for the swelling to go down so he can have his surgery…hopefully its a "favorable” tear, something with a more promising recovery…"
With the torque and buckle I don’t think it will be a favorable tear, but I think we’ve all been wrong before.
No one will know the update till the team gives Tony the MRI results, my guess is that within 10 minutes every one in the org got the preliminary results before TA left for the hospital. They attempt to sheild that from the media if they can.
Not here nore there, I just wish Tony a healthy recovery both mentally and physically.
by Scotty on Jan 11, 2007 11:30 AM EST reply actions
This is horrible.
OK, I guess we are going to miss the playoffs….again, and have a lottery pick…again. I have no choice but accept defeat and hope for the best on lottery night, but I am done with draft picks and lottery picks. I hope GG turns into something, but from the looks of it, I doubt it…..oh well, I am frustrated/depressed now. I really hope this is the last time we miss the playoffs in a long time. I am kind of getting tired of the " that kid has potential" talk.
Wow, i don’t understand the gloom around this place. Don’t get me wrong, it sucks for Tony Allen that he tore his ACL But, for the C’s, it’s just another injury. Yeah, we lose Tony for the year – but this is a player that people were saying shouldn’t be getting any playing time, at the beginning of the year. For the C’s, i think this is the best possible scenario. We get to play the youth now, get a high lottery pick an a great draft, and for next year we’ll get everyone back, and healthy, to go along with the lottery pick.
Again, this is not to take anything away from what Tony is going through personally – to rehab those knee problems, finally get back to where you were, and then tear an ACL, i can’t imagine that kind of frustration
by Cullain on Jan 11, 2007 1:02 PM EST reply actions
I am starting the think the Celtics really are cursed. Allen denpends on his athleticism so much. I worry he will ever be the player he could have been without the injury. It is just awful. At this point, there is no reason not to tank the season for Oden. The Celtics deserve a break more than any franchise in the league. If San Antonio can tank for Duncan and Houston can tank for Olajuwan, the Celtics can tank for Oden. What a shame.
by JohnK on Jan 11, 2007 1:12 PM EST reply actions
That was a great piece. Tony was becoming an all star. He would have led the league this year in steals. Up until this injury, I think Tony alone was making the Celtics competitive. As long as Pierce is out, no one should waste their time hoping the Celtics to lose every game, now they definitely will. Now totally depressed, other than GG and Big Al and the lottery, I’d love to see Telfair step it up a notch and Rondo and Powe play 20 minutes a game.
by Guy_Fawkes on Jan 11, 2007 1:41 PM EST reply actions
Have you realised that only 5 players haven’t missed games due to injuries? These are the lucky ones:
Bassy (only celtic to have appeared in every season game), Green, Rondo, Ray and Powe.
The last three don’t play very often, so that leaves Bassy and GG as the only regulars who have avoided injuries…keep it up!
Truegreen, I got to disagree with you too my friend. I was a college athlete and I was good enough to qualify for both X-C and Track national meets. Many times, I have had “minor injuries”, maybe a strained achilles tendon for example. The 2 most important meets of the year were district (to qualify for nationals, and nationals themselves). When injured, the coach and I “erred on the side of caution”, so maybe I missed a dual meet or an invitational once a season during my career.
The goal as an athlete, as a coach, as an institution, is to make and compete well in the national tournament. The goal of every NBA basketball team is to make the playoffs and play for a championship. I am not under the illusion that we are a “championship team”. The fact is though, that is the goal!
The absolute stupidest thing I could have done was try to run through the injury and rupture my achilles which would have put me out for the rest of the season. This franchise has practiced the complete opposite. Players being macho and telling the coaches they are playing, so they play and continue to get hurt. Somebody has got to take the reins of this sorry franchise. If Wally, West or whoever doesn’t care about the best for the team and rest injuries, and Doc won’t sit them, and Danny won’t step in, then we deserve what we get! Please post the address where I can send all these get well cards.
by bceltfan on Jan 11, 2007 1:52 PM EST reply actions
Truegreen, I have one more point I failed to include on my post. There were times last year when Tony Allen was literally hobbling around after a game. He publicly said he was hurting but wanting to play, and again he was physically limping around. Yet the Cs played him. As a coach, you can see when a player (due to injury) in not capable of performing up to par. As a coach, GM, etc, you have to decide what’s best for your team and sit the guy, regardless of what he’s telling you, especially when it is obvious the guy is in pain and risking further injury.
by bceltfan on Jan 11, 2007 1:58 PM EST reply actions
Okay folks….. So now what…. what’s our next step….. do we let Doc just finsih out the season.. or do we want to try and make the playoffs…..
What is it?
This isn’t what I expected out of this group heading into the season. I realistically thought they had a good chance at 45 wins a playoff spot….. Now I’m left with a lottery race….
Granted we have a talented group coming out this year….but how many more years do we have to wait…..
As much as I like to Doc and think he has been a good teacher….he has shown many times where he is not a good game coach….
I take to heart what Carlisle said about the Celtics how looking at it from the outside we have a team that will compete in the next year
Ancient Red, before the tip off of the new season, I looked at the cards we fans were dealt and said 40W is not in our future. Here’s what I want, an Eric Mangini type basketball coach that can have these kids playing sound fundamental basketball and help us develop and be overachievers. Forget the playoffs, get a coach in here with the “knowledge and skills” to develop us for 07-08. With the right coach, I think it will take another 3 or 4 years (with or without Pierce) but I don’t want to see the 2nd half of the season wasted with Doc as coach like it has the past 1.5 yrs.
by bceltfan on Jan 11, 2007 2:23 PM EST reply actions
Absolutely wonderful piece of poignant writing. This article transcends great sportswriting and is just great writing. Bravo Eric.
by AllabouttheGREEN on Jan 11, 2007 2:45 PM EST reply actions
Eric W, I’d like to add my appreciation and thanks for another great piece of wirting from you.
Motown, those were my thoughts exactly. I thought most post showed some heart on the matter. Although I wondered how long it would take before Doc got the blame. I could only shake my head and laugh, when it finially appeared. Truegreen, great post by the way and give you credit for trying to get through, on that subject. Although I knew you would not get your point through to the one aimed at, it most likely got through to others. Acient Red, another good post and the refrence to Carlise’s comment about looking at the Celtics from and objective view point. I thought for sure that Jeff would of posted that quote from him. For me it gave me and hopefully the other positive posters here, some valadation of the way some of us have percieved the C’s, that this team could break out anytime. I still like this team, and again think we will continue to develop and grow, and hopefully Motowns post comes true, they do say history repeats itself.
Last my heart and prayers go to Tony Allen and his family. Peace, Keep the Faith, Rebuild the Pride
by The Real Alaska on Jan 11, 2007 3:26 PM EST reply actions
Wow! I was sick to see that paly and to watch Tony writhing in pain on the floor. From that point on the game didn’t seem to matter. I was in a trance. reounting all the problems tony had personally endured these past year and a healf to get bak to his rookie year production and status( a starter in front of Ricky Davis). I also recanetd all the enjuries other celtic had experineces all year long in such a short season. Other team were being hit with one and in some case two injuries but we had seen a to of them throughout our roster. Ratliff Kandi and Perk Plus Jefferson for a while then there was West and Wally and Pierce now here is Tony and Scalibrine. I can not remeber any other team in the NBA so affected with injuries as these 06-07 celtics. I sure hope they all recover especially Tony who has overcome so much in his life. Looking forward we stlli a few good players and I will be watching to see them perform and grow especially Telfair, Rondo Green Gomes perkins and Jefferson and Powe. I awoke from my trance last night in time to see them go all out to stay in the Game and they did inspite of what must have been a very depressing moment for all of them. THeir play reminded me we still have a team that will give its all to wi games. they may not win many but i will be proud to see them give their all and best for the sake of the team. For that reason I will continue to watch with enthusiasium(sp) I suspect we might wind up as a lottery team but if they give their all i will be as proud to be a celtic fan as I have ever been no matter the record.
Get well Tony I sure hope you come back strong Take your time and do it right. you have one fully Guaranteed contrcat year take full advantage and get well.
by Freeease1 on Jan 11, 2007 4:16 PM EST reply actions
Great piece of writing.
Tony was not becoming an All-Star. He was becoming a viable #3 scorer behind PP and Al, a much better option than Wally in that he played D and rebounded on both ends. Nor he was becoming trade bait. He was becoming a solid NBA starter, like a Doug Christie in his prime w/ Sacto, a valuable piece of a winning puzzle.
Gerald has a sweeter stroke, but it was clear that, for now at least, he deserved to be behind Tony when Paul returned. I’m very disappointed not to be able to see Tony and Paul get to mesh.
TA will be back, but his role will depend on where G$ is in a year. Can Tony ever get his spot back, assuming you’ve still got Wally and D-West and G$ and Paul at the 2-3?
by Lunchpail on Jan 11, 2007 4:23 PM EST reply actions
Shira Springer (Boston Globe) now reporting the results of the MRI…Tony tore BOTH his ACL AND his MCL! Tony out for the season and for an indefinite amount of time.
by moskqq on Jan 11, 2007 4:48 PM EST reply actions
Damn, just when he was doing well and starting to convince me that he doesn’t suck.
by Greenhorn on Jan 11, 2007 6:24 PM EST reply actions
I love the Celts, but man, that article was way too morbid. Nobody died. Nobody lost a limb. Talk about laying it on thick. I appreciate the effort, but there will be no funeral any time soon. The sun will rise tomorrow. I said the same thing a few hours ago, but my comment mysteriously disappeared from the site. I guess only certain comments are welcome.
This is not the normal vicissitudes of life. We are and have been for two decades now up against something evil and metaphysical. Expect GG to go down with a serious injury.
by Celtsfansince55 on Jan 11, 2007 7:55 PM EST reply actions
JohnK said: _
“At this point, there is no reason not to tank the season for Oden.”
———————————————————————————-
First of all, what you say may happen, but not because the players purposely lose games or the coach puts in players he knows will make the team lose. I assume this is what you mean by “tank the season”. I’ve said this many times before, remember Joe Barry Carroll, the consensus first pick in the draft in a year that the C’s had the #1 pick. He turned out to be a number 1 flop. Fortunately Red Auerbach caved to Golden State and traded the #1 for the #3. The #3 and the player who came along in the deal are both in the Hall of Fame and their numbers hang from the rafters of the Garden. Tanking the season is the worst thing the C’s can do.
Here here, never tank, always play to win!
by The Real Alaska on Jan 11, 2007 9:17 PM EST reply actions
bceltfan, I hear what you’re saying. But if players with swollen or pain in their knees, or pains anywhere weren’t allowed to play, most games would probably need to be cancelled. Most players have aches and pains and there’s alot of ice used when players are done for the night. Delonte made a statement a few days ago about the difference of being injured and being hurt. I can’t remember exactly what he said, but basically you don’t play if you’re injured you do if you’re hurt if you, the player, says you can play. Doc was a player, Danny was a player. Both played hurt all the time. I don’t think any coach would MAKE or allow a player play if to the best of his knowledge he could worsen a condition. Yes, mistakes are made, but they are mistakes, not deliberate actions.
Truegreen, I think we are seeing along the same lines and you make excellent points. I know players play with aches and pains and that’s part of the game. I guess the guy I hold out there as an example is Michael Jordan. After a few years he “bulked up” to absorb the punishment that he put himself through.
Here are several of my examples though 1) I never saw MJ limping after a game as Allen did last year. On top of that the C medics weren’t really for sure if he was going to be doing more harm than good. To me, you shut the guy down. We weren’t playing for a crown. 2) I can’t remember the exact time last year, but there was at least one game where the C’s medical team recommended rest or few minutes for Wally, however Doc went out and played him for something like 30 min. and he was hurt again. 3) Doc and Danny both told West in Portland not to suit and wait until getting back to Boston to evaluate his injuries. West suited up anyway and Doc put him in for 32 min. that night. I’m not a doctor, West isn’t either, but to me you make sure this often time “fragile” player is healthy to play. 4) Theo is finally healthy enough to play and instead of playing him 6 or 8 min. in an intelligent fashion, Doc says he plays him until his tongue will hang out. Theo plays over 26 min. that night, 17 min. the next, and he is lost for the season.
These are a few of the examples where nobody is in control of the asylum. None of these 3 injuries were aches and pains, much more serious. Allen’s injury was a “freakish” thing, most of these other continuous injuries are not. Look at these examples, they are so ludicrious you can’t make them up. Does this sound like a team that knows how to deal with handling its players health and well being? Absolutely no surprise we are in the shape we are in. The most common word/phrase heard in the Celtic locker room is “Medic!”.
by bceltfan on Jan 11, 2007 9:59 PM EST reply actions
I have one final point about the injuries. If I go out to a bar, get intoxicated 3X above the legal limit, get in my car, run over and kill a pedistrian, I can’t go in front of the judge and say I didn’t deliberately do it, it was a mistake. Even though my intentions were never to kill the guy, it doesn’t take a great amount of knowledge to know “bad things” happen when you don’t make responsible decisions.
So when Theo finally gets healthy enough to play, it is a “durability” issue with him at this stage of his career, but Doc irresponsibly treats it as a “conditioning” issue (“I’m playing him until his tongue hangs out” like a dog), plays him 26min/17min and those are his only minutes for the whole season. West is “fragile”, you don’t leave it in his hands either because he like many others will try to play through injuries. This should be the medical staff’s call in Boston and Doc didn’t have the conviction to sit West out in Portland like he should have.
by bceltfan on Jan 11, 2007 10:37 PM EST reply actions
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