Boston Celtics Notes: Ghosts of Years Past, and Injury News Galore

by Jay_King on Jan 11, 2011 4:12 PM EST in Boston Celtics Articles

Ghosts of Years Past

No matter how many months have passed since last season's 27-27 regular season finish, the Ghosts of Years Past lurk in the background like a preying tiger.

Afraid of Kevin Garnett reinjuring himself? Down he went with an injury to the same right knee, which looked exactly the same as his 2009 injury. The diagnosis was almost the exact same, as was the pained (and fearful) expression on his face, as is the guessing about his return. Garnett and the team swear he's okay, and I believe them. But man, that injury scared me. The C's can't win a championship without their heart and soul.

Afraid of a relapse of last season's .500 finish? Enter the annual January swoon, which leaves the Celtics looking like zombies and their opponents -- no matter how bad -- leaving the TD Garden with victory in hand. Look no further than last night, when the Celtics decided to remain in the locker room rather than play the Houston Rockets. When Patrick Patterson and Jordan Hill outplay your frontcourt (and pretty severely), you might as well concede victory. At the very least, your frontcourt's players should look deep within their souls and ponder their very existence.

Speaking of the Celtics' front-court...

Afraid of Rasheed Wallace's return? The 6'11" former Celtic -- who would rather launch miserable three-pointers than make beautiful low-post music, and who believes an offseason workout means "getting off the couch" -- reportedly told Stephen A. Smith he wants to return... to the Boston Celtics. Never mind that the Celtics have no open roster spots, and Sheed's return would mean the C's would need to cut someone. Never mind that Sheed probably hasn't touched a basketball since Game Seven. Never mind that much of Sheed's one season in Boston was a certified disaster. Never mind that the C's already have three centers, and that Kendrick Perkins will make four. Never mind that Doc Rivers says the Celtics haven't had any internal discussions about adding Sheed. Sheed wants back, and he wants to beat the Los Angeles Lakers, and he's plotting a comeback to the C's. At least according to Stephen A. Smith, who may or may not be considered reliable in matters such as these.

I'm not saying the Celtics, and their fans, should concern themselves with these coincidences. Not yet, at least. But the Ghosts of Years Past keep resurfacing, and it's a little unsettling. Where's Peter Venkman when you need him?

After the jump, Kevin Garnett misses practice (and is doubtful for Wednesday night), Kendrick Perkins returns to practice, and Delonte West shoots around.

Kevin Garnett misses practice

Kevin Garnett was held out of today's practice, according to WEEI. Doc Rivers doubts Garnett will play tomorrow night against the Sacramento Kings.

Originally, lest you forget, Rivers thought Garnett would play either yesterday (obviously, that boat has sailed away) or tomorrow (that boat is now ready to depart, without Garnett on board). Hopefully the Celtics are only being cautious, and Garnett hasn't experienced any setbacks since blogging that he was "real close to getting back" a few days ago. Rivers did maintain Garnett is still close to a return, listing him as "day-to-day."

Kendrick Perkins practices

Kendrick Perkins was recently cleared for contact drills, and returned to practice today. But Rivers wouldn't let him experience any contact in his first full session back to practice. According to the Boston Herald, Perk participated in skeleton drills (which he's already done before) and later completed an individual workout.

Perk's rehab has gone well, and the Celtics could use his impact. For a time, when Shaq set the clocks back a couple years and the Celtics actually thought Jermaine O'Neal was worth the mid-level exception, Perk's return looked like it might almost be excessive. But Shaq's production has slowed down, and JO has scored in double figures only twice as a Celtic. Yes, that's right. Only twice. And now, we know, the Celtics need Perk far more than we originally believed.

Delonte West shoots around

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a roller coaster for C's fans

should we be surprised?

shrugs

by j804 on Jan 11, 2011 4:22 PM EST reply actions

Will Rasheed make the Celtics any younger – my Senior Citizens, as I like to call them!? Injuries will do as again and again and again. Like my brother used to tell me: the difference between injuries to young players and injuries to older players is that the older players take a lot more time to heal.

by Dantenina on Jan 11, 2011 4:38 PM EST reply actions

NEED these guys back

Getting REAL sick of Nate, Davis, JO and Shaq (Shaq and Jermaine the least out of the 4). Can’t wait till West takes Nate’s minutes at PG. So glad it was his non-shooting wrist that he broke.

2nd Unit for April / Playoffs (assuming everyone is “healthy” and Perk is back to at least 75-80%):

West / Cookie / Quis / Davis / Shaq (JO)
Swap around the big guys based on foul trouble / need for FTs at end of game / matchup advantages.

Bench: Nate, Harangody, Erden, Bradley

Celtics will be either in the 2nd or 3rd spot in the east. Behind the cHeat and Orlando (maybe).

by SpecialKxm107 on Jan 11, 2011 4:45 PM EST reply actions

Sounds reasonable.

by clover on Jan 11, 2011 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

i think when delonte comes back it could happen

dropping wafer and addind wallace back. it would give us a huge advantage over other teams with that many bigs who can play both PF and C. with jermaine, semih and shaq battling injuries all year, and perkins and kg coming back from injury, it makes sense.

wouldnt be shocked if ainge makes a trade for a SF either

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!

i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"

by remembering9ergods on Jan 11, 2011 4:46 PM EST reply actions

I think Wafer's really growing on them.

But I think Jay’s being too tough on Sheed too. He could look mighty good to us come playoffs time.

So who is out? A trade may make some sense, but it’d be tough to have it be additive as they get further and further into the season. (Kinda amazing how smoothly Orlando has adjusted.)

by clover on Jan 11, 2011 5:18 PM EST up reply actions

depending on who they can get in trade

i wouldnt be surprised if any of nate, bradley, wafer, semih, harangody are traded but it would have to be for the right player. of all of these guys listed bradley is likely to be the closest to untouchable and the one with the most value IMO

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!

i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"

by remembering9ergods on Jan 11, 2011 5:49 PM EST up reply actions

Perhaps strangely, I think Nate would be the most expendable for us, perhaps with the most value as well.

I could actually see any of them going, though I think they really like Semih too.

by clover on Jan 11, 2011 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

+1

by fordescort on Jan 11, 2011 10:04 PM EST up reply actions

A NEED FOR SHEED!!!

I’ve been hoping, ever since JO sat out his first of 19 regular season games, that I would hear of a return of Rasheed Wallace. No offense to JO, but he is not doing anything besides blocking a couple shots here and there. No one can deny that Rasheed Wallace was a crucial piece during the post season last year, he can hit 3s and spread the floor. He is a great defender and a major offensive threat. Ray Allen had a bad few months last year too, does that make him any less important? I’m not recomending trading anyone, except JO who does nothing anyway. He has not contributed to any win yet this year. Sheed apparently has stayed in Boston since “retirement” when he could have dodged the winter and went somewhere warmer. That being said, I will highly doubt that he has not been working out or playing ball. Besides, six months is not that long. PJ Brown did the same thing and he was a great help to the raising of banner 17.

Knock Sheed all you want, but if you think that JO is a better option, then you probably have not watched many games this year or last.

by Brewnami on Jan 11, 2011 4:50 PM EST reply actions

+1 regarding your comment

“No one can deny that Rasheed Wallace was a crucial piece during the post season last year, he can hit 3s and spread the floor. He is a great defender and a major offensive threat”

by fordescort on Jan 11, 2011 9:22 PM EST up reply actions

JO

Who do you plan on trading him for? You need a trade partner ya know, you can’t just say hey Clippers, we’re trading you this guy because we want to. And Ray’s few bad months? Which months are you referring to? The guy never shot below 43% from the field. Unless you count the 42.7% for 3 games in October. So tell me, when did these few bad months come?

by SoxFan922 on Jan 25, 2011 6:18 PM EST up reply actions

Hey Jay - enjoyed the write up ...nice to have you here

My 10 Wishes (that’s right! I chose 10)

Perk…… I wish that we don’t hurry him too much…we can afford to be cautious even though I miss him

Sheed…….I wish he would he would keep watching reruns of the Sopranos, and keep eating fried Cheetos. Sheed just look at your gut once in awhile as a reminder you are a Christmas Goose that’s been cooked, picked over and stuffed in the freezer.

Delonte…..I wish the same as Perk….easy big fella!! Wafer is now Ritz Cracker but he ain’t a PLAYA with creamy Peanut Butter…so don’t worry…your spot is there and safe.

KG …..I wish someone would just tell us the Truth (and I don’t mean Paul Pierce). Don’t say nothing else Doc or Danny.. until he plays!!! This is now my wish.

The Big Shaqolasses…… I wish Doc would tell him the Vet Minium doesn’t mean you coast into the All-Star break ….start moving more and drink some caffeine before you fall asleep under the Boards!!!

Nate……I wish you would either drive to the basket (under control) and draw fouls or penetrate and kick it back out…… but quit shooting ill advised threes!!!….and please just stay in front of your man….watch his waist – your right there already anyway

Quisy ……… I wish you to keep playing like you are now.

Luke ……I wish you would go into Doc’s office and offer him your first born for more playing time.

Semih …..I wish you would make a doctors appointement and see why you look like a frail POW in a NAZI war camp….you look terrible! Are semih- anemic? Semi -Alllergic to Shampoo? (no wait …that can’t be) Fully loaded on Turkish Hashish?

BBD……..I wish you would follow your shot…..because it ain’t going in on the first try very much these days so follow it!!! (visit with Luke about this).

Peace

Is it Soup Yet?

by Master Po on Jan 11, 2011 5:05 PM EST reply actions

"watch his waist – your right there already anyway" -> tops! cant stop LOL

by keychey on Jan 11, 2011 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

At least according to Stephen A. Smith, who may or may not be considered reliable in matters such as these.

Who on this earth considers steven i smith a reliable source? lol

I thought Sheed was for sure going to join us for the playoffs. The steven says he is is an absolute confirmation that Sheed will stay retired.

by Finkelskyhook on Jan 11, 2011 5:09 PM EST reply actions

he's been right before

i think he was the first to report the trio in miami too

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!

i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"

by remembering9ergods on Jan 11, 2011 5:50 PM EST up reply actions

steven defies even the blind squirrel concept

by Finkelskyhook on Jan 11, 2011 7:14 PM EST up reply actions

Sheed - let the man enjoy his retirement in peace.

Some people have to wait until they’re in their 60s to get to enjoy retirement benefits; some people, like Sheed, get to retire in their 30s- I wish him well and hope that he continues to enjoy his retirement, and to stay away from the Celtics.
Don’t even want him to visit the guys in the locker room, as whatever disease [ lethargy, listlessness and apathy ] he had last year during the season, might rub off.

Lygafe

Lionel Gaffen / Fotomix

http://lygaffen.blogspot.com/

http://community.webshots.com/user/lygafe

http://forums.internationalhockey.net/showthread.php?t=7448&page=2

International Hockey Forums > Europe > ISRAEL
Israel Recreational Hockey Association 2009-2010 & 2010-2011 [ Lygafe ]

Israel Ice Skating Federation - From the Media [ Lionel Gaffen ]

http://www.eurohockey.net/news/story.html?id=20090408104226_herzliya_emerges_as_israeli_national_league_champions

by lygafe on Jan 12, 2011 2:21 AM EST up reply actions

Glad that you believe the team and Garnett when they swear he’s okay because I don’t know what to think anymore. This really does seem eerily similar to ’09. Two weeks was supposed to be a “conservative” estimate, so where is he? Why is he not even practicing? To hear that was a little disheartening.

by 34green on Jan 11, 2011 6:20 PM EST reply actions

No Sheed!

by jessie1 on Jan 11, 2011 6:22 PM EST reply actions

al harington's on the trade block.. would u trade sheed for al? (straight up)

by greenbeand on Jan 11, 2011 9:50 PM EST up reply actions

They proved last season that seeding really doesn't matter

Let Garnett, Perk, and Delonte rest as long….If not longer than necessary.

by Finkelskyhook on Jan 11, 2011 7:15 PM EST reply actions

Sedding will be much more important this year

In my opinion, the top teams in the east are MUCH stronger than last year.

by vinnie on Jan 12, 2011 11:37 AM EST up reply actions

stayin' healty and playin' for homecourt

man ,docs gotta find a way to keep these guys hustlein’ in these seemingly meaningless games , i don’t think they should rush perk or k.g. back untill they are as close to 100% as they can get , we should be able to stay afloat untill then . and jermaine o’neal’s knee is starting to frustrate the hell out of me , when we first signed him i thought that was goin’ to be the best off season move in the league ,now i’m starting to think he ain’t worth that 5 mill a year , i pray he prove’s me wrong come playoff time ………

by wal mark on Jan 11, 2011 7:16 PM EST reply actions

as for sheed

if he is keepin’ in shape , hell yes, he did a heck of a job on howard last year and gets in his head and would be alot better in a playoff run then that guy from turkey……

by wal mark on Jan 11, 2011 7:24 PM EST reply actions

Agree 100%

Rasheed played a big role in helping the C’s defend Howard and defended him well.

Lets not also forget the defense he played on Bynum and Gasol in the finals which was text book low post big man defense at its best.

To win the title there is a high chance the C’s will have to go through the above players and having Rasheed on the bench would be great just in case they do.

by fordescort on Jan 11, 2011 9:18 PM EST up reply actions

When was Sheed ever in shape last year?

He was great in the playoffs, but I seriously question the being in shape thing.

by vinnie on Jan 11, 2011 11:06 PM EST up reply actions

Well, Sheed's got a lot more in the balls department than JO does.

He’ll scrap with Howard and the Lakers’ bigs. I’m not sure JO’s got the belly for it.

The beatings will continue until morale improves.

by Mencius on Jan 12, 2011 2:02 AM EST up reply actions

Agree fully...

about your comment Sheed has balls and that he would scrap with Howard and Bynum and Gasol as good as any big currently in the NBA.

by fordescort on Jan 12, 2011 11:54 AM EST up reply actions

Not good...

Sheed definitely could help the Celtics come playoff time, especially if he is properly motivated. However everyone remembers how he came to Boston fat and out of shape, it took him most of the season to get into decent playing shape. The C’s wouldn’t have the luxury of waiting months for him to get ready so unless he comes in shape and ready to play he should just stay retired.

Hopefully the KG injury isn’t serious, but it is very strange how at first Danny talked about him being back sooner than 2 weeks, then KG blogged about being almost ready, then the rumor was he’d be back for the Houston game, now he didn’t even practice today - the recent developments are very concerning, how could he not even be practicing at this point? No point in rushing him back now because the C’s need him at 100% to win another title in June…

by warnerjohn on Jan 11, 2011 7:50 PM EST reply actions

It wasn't a rumor he would be back for Houston

Doc said there was a chance he could play Monday night. Now he is likely out Wednesday night. They could lay another stinkbomb against the lowly Kings, which would really stink. Doc should just stop speculating about when guys are going to play.

by vinnie on Jan 11, 2011 11:05 PM EST up reply actions

The Biggest Roster Mistake

…that the Cs could make now would be to take Sheed back. What’s the probability that he’s in NBA shape right now? Who knows?… How low can you go? So we’re talking about a gamble that in the next 3 months, Sheed will work himself into NBA condition, AND get motivated enough to contribute 100%, AND still have enough of his skills left for that contribution to be worthwhile. Too many ANDs. And there’s another and. And we would have to hope that his natural tendency to ‘minimize his workload’ does not ONCE AGAIN infect the other members of the team.

We already have a team whose bigs, with the exception of KG, are borderline. Bringing in the Grandfather of All Borderline Bigs – the guys for whom the term was invented – CANNOT be a good thing.

Just fuhgetaboutit.

(Ok, just one more and!)
And besides, either KG comes back at near-100%, or not. If he does, there’s no need for another borderline big. If not, no number of borderline bigs will make ANY difference. And that’s the last and.

by DRJ1 on Jan 11, 2011 9:12 PM EST reply actions

Would love to see Rasheed pull a PG Brown....

With questions around the health of our current bigs KG, Perk, J.O Shaq and Erden also the C’s could use the big man insurance Rasheed could provide…especially come playoff time.

Also considering he has a great history of playing Howrad, Bynum and Gasol well defensively he would be great to have on the bench to throw at them in case injury or even foul trouble strike are bigs in the playoffs.

by fordescort on Jan 11, 2011 9:13 PM EST reply actions