- Marc J. Spears explains that Paul Pierce is now a part of high-Level NBA discussions. He's up there with Duncan, Wade, Nash, Kobe, LeBron, and of course KG. I'd put Dirk there as well. Meanwhile, I found myself both happy for The Truth and a little concerned at the same time. The following stood out in particular,
"There were parties thrown in Pierce's honor in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Boston. He sat down with late-night TV hosts Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Kimmel. "P-Squared" was finally a star outside Boston, and he's "working on a couple things" endorsement-wise that could come to light by the time the season starts. Oh yeah, keep an eye out for hisNike signature sneaker with his left forearm tattoo, "My Gift. My Curse," on it." - Marc J. Spears
At the same time there is talk about Pierce's desire to stay on top. Time will tell.
- Over the last several years I've been fortunate to watch my favorite teams win their share of titles. In the process I've enjoyed the journey, the clinching moment, and the other major events that mark a championship. At the same time, I've come to appreciate the smaller moments as well. For example, kind words from the commissioner and the ring ceremony.
- I know I'm not the only one wondering a) if Sam Cassell's contract is guaranteed and b) how much he'll contribute this season. Of course when it comes to Cassell there is always plenty to discuss. As Frank Dell'Apa points out, he did win back-to-back titles with the Rockets. And Cassell makes a good point about being ready for the playoffs. I'd be more than happy to see the Celtics win fewer games if they are ready to hit the ground running when the playoffs start.
- Dell'Apa also writes about the Celtics as a whole looking to repeat. Some good insight from Doc Rivers and KG. In hindsight it's fantastic that the European trip was last preseason and not this one.
- I enjoyed Gary Dzen's Media Day Notes, including his take on the appearance of some of the C's:
"Garnett, Allen, and Paul Pierce all looked decidedly skinnier and less muscular than when we last saw them in June. Rajon Rondo, on the other hand, looks positively jacked."
Hopefully Rondo is not jacked in a Ruben Sierra type of way. Remember when Sierra thought he was a body builder and not a baseball player? Obscure reference. Anyways I doubt that's the case with Rondo. Turns out it's in the 7-pound range.
- I had three immediate reactions to Dzen's Darius Miles article:
1. Why did he get Nate Archibald and Dee Brown's jersey?
2. Everyone says he's healthy. I want to see proof.
3. I really should stop thinking about this so much until he officially makes it or gets cut.
- Scott Souza reminds everyone how Doc Rivers said all the right things last year as he downplayed Boston's success at every turn. Looks like Rivers has his talking points prepared for this season as well. Here a hint. They included the following word: repeat.
- Couper Moorehead looks at how the Celtics will put the championship behind them and focus on the task at hand. Apparently that process will included some hard days in training camp.
- Steve Weinman passes along a reminder that NBA guys are really, really good.
- Jeff Clark explores media day photos and the green smoke phenomenon.
- FLCeltsFan expresses excitement through random notes about media day. Check it out for a great Rondo quote about his goals a basketball player.
- Red's Army grapples with a media day snub and passes along the good news about Tony Allen finally taking off his brace.
- The Patriot Ledger, 7 News, the Nashua Telegraph, SouthCoast Today, and the Worcester T&G all offer up a variation of the back to work/stay hungry/repeat mantra.
- Lex Nihil Novi references KG's quest for a mini-dynasty and reminds everyone how quickly these runs can come and go.
- NBA Celtics Blog turns the clock way back and looks at an old Celtics loss.
- Perk is a Beast looks at some new faces and the return of a familiar one.
- Mike Petraglia reflects on what a difference a year makes.