I don't know about you, but I'm really, really, really excited about this team. Here are some points of emphasis from day two of training camp.
Getting Defensive
Defense has been the priority so far, according to Celtics.com:
But the emphasis early in camp is going to be on defense, as Rivers says he wants to re-establish the Celtics as the best defensive team in the league. Right now, he estimated that he's spending 75% of the time on defense and just 25% on offense.
The report also touches on something I've been curious about since Tom Thibodeau's departure: There will only be "minor tweaks" to the schemes we've seen these last three seasons. Apparently Doc considered making these same "tweaks" last year when Thibodeau was still with the team, but ultimately decided against it. Doc also said he wants his team to lead the league in field goal percentage defense this season.
Links to videos of Delonte West and Kevin Garnett after the jump.
West Hard at Work
Delonte West, who will have to serve that 10-game suspension at the start of the season, has been working his tail off these first two days. For the second straight day, he's been the last one to leave the gym, opting to stay after and work on his shooting and conditioning. Here's what he told Celtics.com afterward:
"I'm just happy to be given this opportunity to do what I love," West said. "I'm lucky to be here, happy to be here. Put me out there.... I'm playing every minute this year like my life depends on it, because it does...my career, nothing's promised."
Bonus Material: Here's a great video of Delonte fielding questions after practice from CSNNE.com. Really worth watching.
Other Things Worth Noting
- Doc emphasized for a second straight day how great Kevin Garnett's looking, calling it "night and day from last season".
- Bonus Material: Here's an awesome video of KG speaking with Dennis and Callahan of WEEI. (Note: There is some adult language, in case any kids are around).
- After practice some of the younger guys hung around for some 4-on-4. Here's the link to Chris Forsberg's story, which includes two separate videos of the action. Keep in mind, with the NBDL's new rule, three of the Celtics' camp cuts can sign D-League contracts and join the Maine Red Claws, so they are indeed playing for something.
- Avery Bradley will most likely miss all of camp as he continues to rehab that left ankle, but hopefully we'll see him at some point during the preseason, which kicks off a week from today against the Philadelphia 76ers.