More Day 3 Notes

by Jeff Clark on Oct 3, 2008 7:47 AM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Some more news and notes from yesterday's practice.

Leon Powe played with the starters at Center: (Herald) "Rivers said he simply wanted to give the bench a little more size, and temporarily moved center Patrick O’Bryant onto the second team. But not surprisingly, it was Powe coming through with most of the hustle, as well as most of the rebounds, during his time on the floor."
Perkins pushed back: (Herald) "He actually told me it wouldn’t be until the third preseason game," Perkins said before getting on the bus following yesterday morning’s practice. "But I’m all right, man. I just have to try and get into the best shape I can."
Bill Walker is not intimidated by KG: (Herald) "Walker, who got into a mild jawing match with Kevin Garnett yesterday, also doesn’t seem to be unduly wowed by his celebrated company."
KG likes the intensity: (Globe) "We are here working hard," Kevin Garnett said. "There is a lot of jawing, diving on the floor, chest-bumping. We are practicing hard and this stuff all makes us better at the end of the day. The intensity in here is crazy. Doc [Rivers] has us shoot free throws to calm us down. But that's what you want, that fire in the belly. It's what you want to see."
Big 3 won't play much: (Herald) "Don’t expect to see a lot of Garnett, Pierce and Allen in the exhibition schedule. Not only does Rivers have to scrutinize the end of his 16-man roster, with one cut mandated by the start of the season, but the stars are already up to speed. "I’m not going to play them as much as last year," Rivers said."

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I am encouraged by all this Walker love. Between Walker, Tony and Miles maybe we have our Posey replacement. I am also pleased to hear that Leon is building on his strong finish from last year. This is going to be a great team again this year provided we don’t get bit by injuries.

by GreenBalls on Oct 3, 2008 8:24 AM EDT reply actions

Doc also talked about needing someone from the 2nd unit to step up as a leader – I think Powe has an early start on that. He’s more of a lead by example kind of guy, but I get the feeling that if/when he talks, the bench will listen to him.

by Jeff Clark on Oct 3, 2008 8:51 AM EDT reply actions

I was down at my alma mater today visiting with an old professor. I found time before leaving campus to see most of the player’s exit the athletic facility. Tony Allen came out first, and was really sociable with the fans, posing for pictures, slapping hands. However, for the most part, the players kept to themselves, just giving a quick wave before getting on the bus. Doc River’s walked out a side door & just yelled “How y’all doing?” to everyone, and autographing someone’s basketball, before leaving in a Volvo SUV. Ray Allen also left through the side door, and some guy ran up to him trying to get him to autograph, to which Ray declined, and took off in an SUV with someone. Everyone else, that I saw, (Pierce, KG, Cassell, Powe, House, TA, O’Bryant (whose knees were iced up, he was limping a tad bit), Bill Walker), & Miles all left via bus. The bus departed, I didn’t see Rondo, Big Baby, Perk, Scal, Giddens. Either they stayed behind, or didn’t practice today?? At any rate, the players seem to socialize a little bit with fans, just giving quick waves, maybe slapping a few hands, giving smiles. As I said, TA was the most sociable. However, it was good to see them & I can’t wait for the season to get underway .

by PaulPierce34G on Oct 3, 2008 5:13 PM EDT reply actions

From early returns it appears that POB, Pruitt and JR Giddens have yet to show aggressiveness during preseason. I take that to mean, in part, that they have yet to acclimate to the NBA style of play. Unless you’re prepared to “mix-it-up” you may find yourself at the end of the bench or looking for work elsewhere. Walker seems to have set himself apart from this trio and it could be that he wants it more…and if he continues to stand apart it could also suggest that he could be a star in the waiting.

Truly gifted athletes begin to separate from the crowd at an early stage of their careers and here’s hoping that Walker continues to improve and impress!

by moskqq on Oct 3, 2008 8:34 PM EDT reply actions