Boston Celtics

I'll root for KG, If he goes or if he stays. I'll root for KG, Respect the man for how he plays. I'll root for KG, He's left everything on the floor. I'll root for KG, Whether he retires or plays one or two more. I'll root for KG, He's been the team's identity. I'll root for KG, When Springfield elects the heart of the big three. I'll root for KG, Eventually he will go. I will always root for KG, Just want to say Thank you.I'll root for KG, If he goes or if he stays. I'll root for KG, Respect the man for how he plays. I'll root for KG, He's left everything on the floor. I'll root for KG, Whether he retires or plays one or two more. I'll root for KG, He's been the team's identity. I'll root for KG, When Springfield elects the heart of the big three. I'll root for KG, Eventually he will go. I will always root for KG, Just want to say Thank you.

Herald Rivers will meet with Celtics tomorrowDeal in doubt, Doc Rivers meets Danny Ainge Column: Spurs' collapse starts at top with Pop Globe Final: Heat 103, Spurs 100 (in OT) Ray Allen reacts to tying 3-pointer, leaving Celtics Tired complaints about the NBA hold no merit after Game 6Paul Pierce the forgotten man in Celtics trade talks Sun Life Financial and Celtics forward Jared Sullinger score big at the Paint for ReVision Family Home Celtics Green Chad Ford Mock Draft 5.0 + a Couple More ThoughtsDoc to Meet With Celtics Wednesday and Speak on the SituationMiami Fans Are Who We Thought They WereCelticsBlog Where do the Celtics go from here? Post failed deal falloutDoc Rivers will make first public comments on future since end of season Ridiculous Upside NBA Mock Draft: Boston Celtics Select Gorgui Dieng From Louisville ESPN Rapid Reaction: Clippers walk awayKG's goodbye would hurt mostC's ball is in Doc's court It's Kevin Garnett whom the Boston Celtics would miss mostLex Nihil Novi Wicks' 26 Leads C's Past BravesRussell v. Chamberlain: Game 24Red's Army Your Morning Dump..Where C’s Ball Is In Rivers’ Court My apology to Stephen A. Smith CSNNE Felger: 'If I'm Danny, I'm calling everyone's bluff'Report: Rivers, Ainge to meet Wednesday Shaughnessy: Don't rule out Doc deal yet Tanguay: Boston teams have to win quick to stay relevant Rivers, Ainge finally come face to faceAllen shoots the Heat into Game 7 Celtics Hub Decision Day for Doc Rivers?Green Street NBA Draft’s Potential Celtics: Providence G Ricky Ledo NBA Draft’s Potential Celtics: UCLA SF Shabazz MuhammadCeltics Insider Pierce in Limbo?Mass Live The Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett trade that almost was: Boston Celtics' discussions with Los Angeles Clippers powered by a love storyNBA Finals 2013: Miami Heat force Game 7, but not before hundreds of fans leave the arena early The Sports Bank Tim Donaghy describes how the NBA allegedly fixes games (exclusive)Examiner Will Doc Rivers pull a 'walk of shame' back to Boston?Bleacher Report How Doc Rivers' Exit from Celtics Would Define Boston's Future Will Kevin Garnett Spurn Rebuilding Boston Celtics, Retire Before Next Season? Should Boston Celtics Trade into 2013 NBA Draft Lottery Using Paul Pierce?Will Clippers' Failure To Go All In On Rivers, Kevin Garnett Cost LA Chris Paul?Why LA Clippers Must Stay Away From Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett WSJ Rivers, Garnett Seek a Final RunSB Nation Chris Paul content after Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett trade falls throughProJo Bill Reynolds: Rivers’ behavior is sleazy at bestSt Augustine The Rant: Doc Rivers, Celtics fans, and the deal that left Doc hanging Opposing Views Doc Rivers to Clippers Saga Ranks Amongst NBA’s Strangest Trade RumorsDetroit News Crawford brothers unite kids, NBA players Rant Sports Atlanta Hawks: Free Agency Plans Crumbling Before Their Eyes?Clipper Blog How the Clippers could walk awayPress Telegram Can Clippers pick up the pieces and keep Chris Paul happy?Metro West Daily With Clippers deal dead, Celtics deal with questions USA Today Ray Allen hits one of biggest shots of career for HeatPatriot Ledger Celtics’ Doc Rivers’ legacy in Boston tarnished Deadspin Doc Rivers Isn't Going To The Clippers. Now What?Norwich Bulletin No move is right move for the CelticsTelegram NBA: Boston Celtics not yet up the Rivers Concord Monitor Tim O’Sullivan: No healing relationship between Doc, Celtics Modbee Is Celtics coach Doc Rivers, like Urban Meyer, bailing on sinking ship? MNN Scientists study the physics of NBA flopping Yahoo Why Jeff Green Should Be a Starter Next Year Peachtree Hoops Clippers-Celtics trade breaks down, is good news for the Atlanta Hawks

Herald Rivers will meet with Celtics tomorrowDeal in doubt, Doc Rivers meets Danny Ainge Column: Spurs' collapse starts at top with Pop Globe Final: Heat 103, Spurs 100 (in OT) Ray Allen reacts to tying 3-pointer, leaving Celtics Tired complaints about the NBA hold no merit after Game 6Paul Pierce the forgotten man in Celtics trade talks Sun Life Financial and Celtics forward Jared Sullinger score big at the Paint for ReVision Family Home Celtics Green Chad Ford Mock Draft 5.0 + a Couple More ThoughtsDoc to Meet With Celtics Wednesday and Speak on the SituationMiami Fans Are Who We Thought They Were CelticsBlog Where do the Celtics go from here? Post failed deal falloutDoc Rivers will make first public comments on future since end of season Ridiculous Upside NBA Mock Draft: Boston Celtics Select Gorgui Dieng From Louisville ESPN Rapid Reaction: Clippers walk awayKG's goodbye would hurt mostC's ball is in Doc's court It's Kevin Garnett whom the Boston Celtics would miss mostLex Nihil Novi Wicks' 26 Leads C's Past BravesRussell v. Chamberlain: Game 24Red's Army Your Morning Dump..Where C’s Ball Is In Rivers’ Court My apology to Stephen A. Smith CSNNE Felger: 'If I'm Danny, I'm calling everyone's bluff'Report: Rivers, Ainge to meet Wednesday Shaughnessy: Don't rule out Doc deal yet Tanguay: Boston teams have to win quick to stay relevant Rivers, Ainge finally come face to faceAllen shoots the Heat into Game 7 Celtics Hub Decision Day for Doc Rivers?Green Street NBA Draft’s Potential Celtics: Providence G Ricky Ledo NBA Draft’s Potential Celtics: UCLA SF Shabazz MuhammadCeltics Insider Pierce in Limbo?Mass Live The Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett trade that almost was: Boston Celtics' discussions with Los Angeles Clippers powered by a love storyNBA Finals 2013: Miami Heat force Game 7, but not before hundreds of fans leave the arena early The Sports Bank Tim Donaghy describes how the NBA allegedly fixes games (exclusive)Examiner Will Doc Rivers pull a 'walk of shame' back to Boston?Bleacher Report How Doc Rivers' Exit from Celtics Would Define Boston's Future Will Kevin Garnett Spurn Rebuilding Boston Celtics, Retire Before Next Season? Should Boston Celtics Trade into 2013 NBA Draft Lottery Using Paul Pierce?Will Clippers' Failure To Go All In On Rivers, Kevin Garnett Cost LA Chris Paul?Why LA Clippers Must Stay Away From Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett WSJ Rivers, Garnett Seek a Final RunSB Nation Chris Paul content after Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett trade falls throughProJo Bill Reynolds: Rivers’ behavior is sleazy at bestSt Augustine The Rant: Doc Rivers, Celtics fans, and the deal that left Doc hanging Opposing Views Doc Rivers to Clippers Saga Ranks Amongst NBA’s Strangest Trade RumorsDetroit News Crawford brothers unite kids, NBA players Rant Sports Atlanta Hawks: Free Agency Plans Crumbling Before Their Eyes?Clipper Blog How the Clippers could walk awayPress Telegram Can Clippers pick up the pieces and keep Chris Paul happy?Metro West Daily With Clippers deal dead, Celtics deal with questions USA Today Ray Allen hits one of biggest shots of career for HeatPatriot Ledger Celtics’ Doc Rivers’ legacy in Boston tarnished Deadspin Doc Rivers Isn't Going To The Clippers. Now What?Norwich Bulletin No move is right move for the CelticsTelegram NBA: Boston Celtics not yet up the Rivers Concord Monitor Tim O’Sullivan: No healing relationship between Doc, Celtics Modbee Is Celtics coach Doc Rivers, like Urban Meyer, bailing on sinking ship? MNN Scientists study the physics of NBA flopping Yahoo Why Jeff Green Should Be a Starter Next Year Peachtree Hoops Clippers-Celtics trade breaks down, is good news for the Atlanta Hawks [Discuss on CG Forums!]

After Heat losses, I've been posting the meltdowns from their fans where they turn on every player on the team. In every one, at the beginning of the threads, they love their team, every player is awesome, the Heat are going to blow out the Spurs. By the end of the game, when the Heat lose, every player, including LeBron, is trash. They want them all off the team. The Heat are the worst team ever and they don't want to follow them any more. If you don't believe me, just check out the Comments posts here, here, and here. Today, the Heat threads were pretty funny. They went from this team is awesome to this team is trash to this team is awesome again. But instead of all those comments, today's meltdown is a little video from Vine. The game was going on and Heat fans all started heading for the exits. No matter that it was a game 6. No matter that it was the Finals. No matter that it might be the last time they saw their team for the season. They all left. But the Heat came back (with some help from the refs) and tied the game to send it into overtime. When those Heat fans outside saw that the game was still going on, they started to beat on the doors trying to get back in. But alas, they ended the game outside as the Heat finished the comeback win to force game 7. This says all you need to know about Heat fans. They are who we thought they were. [Discuss on CG Forums!]

Will it all come down to this for Doc Rivers’ future in Boston? We should find out in mere hours, as Steve Bulpett of  The Boston Herald who has confirmed that Rivers will meet with Danny Ainge today to discuss his future. According to a league source, Rivers hopes after that discussion to make his first public comments regarding his future since saying on May 3rd that he was uncertain if he would be on the Celtic bench for the 2013-14 season. “I am meeting with Doc tomorrow,” Ainge confirmed to the Herald. “He’s coming to town. He was coming to town before the events of today, so we were planning on meeting tomorrow anyway.” “I don’t know if anything will be decided tomorrow or if anything will be resolved,” said Ainge, the Celtics’ president of basketball operations. “I just know that I’m meeting with him.” Ainge did speak with Rivers by phone today after the Clippers pulled away from the trade talks and both teams had proclaimed the negotiations done. “It went good,” Ainge said of that conversation. He was less certain when asked where Rivers now stands on his career. “I don’t know,” Ainge said. “I don’t know. I’ll wait for him to decide that.” So what can we take out of this report, as far as Rivers’ direct future is concerned. Less than you might think. Part of me thinks on the small but still legitimate possibility that Rivers comes back here, if he has assurances Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce will be back as well. I’m not sure if Ainge is willing to give into that declaration at this point, but perhaps after exploring the trade market for both players in the past couple weeks, he may be willing to be leaning towards holding onto them, with such lackluster returns out there. Knowing Ainge, I just can’t see him taking anything off the table, and Rivers needs to be willing to live with that if he wants to pull a mea culpa and return to the team. Can he pull it off without having egg on his face? I think so, since his first choice was probably always to be in Boston with Pierce and Garnett and many C’s fans can respect that. If he wanted out no matter what happened to those guys (and still wants out), that’s an entirely different scenario and there’s no doubt he will be judged appropriately. All in all, little has changed for the C’s. Big decisions still remain in place in the upcoming two weeks, but now time is running short to make them. There are no deadlines for today though. Doc may very well meet with Danny and still have to think about things again, as crazy as that sounds. He’s given no indication that a final decision will be reached today on his future, because there’s no way Ainge probably knows whether Pierce/KG are done in Boston or not. It’s all very fluid and that’s what makes it all very complicated. However it pans out, we’ll probably get a sense of what direction things are heading in. A team usually wants to know who it’s head coach will be prior to an NBA Draft. We’re only eight days away from that. Thus, the saga continues. Tweet

Back on May 6th, Stephen A. Smith “reported” on First Take that he was hearing talk about the Celtics moving Doc Rivers, KG and Paul Pierce to the Clippers. He promptly tweeted that we shouldn’t rule out anything between the Clippers and Celtics. The rumor was so absurd to us, that we didn’t deem it worthy of an individual post.  About a month later, as Smith reported possible tension between Danny Ainge and Rivers, I mocked him for failing to follow up on his claim. Fast forward to mid-June and, as we’ve seen from the deluge of trade reports over the past week, it turns out that Stephen A. Smith was right. Oops. In my defense, Stephen A. isn’t the most accurate when he starts reporting behind-the-scenes action. But he was correct in this situation and I was… wrong. FWIW: I reserve the right to use the term blowhole in future posts about SAS.

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump. I really didn’t want to write about Doc today, but it’s unavoidable. The Celtics’ immediate future basically hinges on his decision to stay or go. Doc and Danny will be meeting today to discuss Rivers’ future with the team. From Chris Forsberg: Are you in or are you out? When Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge sits down with coach Doc Rivers to discuss where the team heads from here, the conversation could be as simple as that. For six weeks, the Celtics have given Rivers his typical after-the-season space to detox and ponder his future. Rivers’ uneasiness about spearheading Boston’s roster overhaul that almost certainly lies ahead ultimately forced Ainge to explore a potential swap with the Los Angeles Clippers that would have shipped the coach and Kevin Garnett out west in exchange for a rebuilding acceleration package headlined by DeAndre Jordan and at least one first-round draft pick. The deal to send Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers to the Clippers supposedly hit a snag yesterday when LA refused to add another first-round pick to it’s package. Most fans, Celtics fans anyway, felt that the Clips were easily getting the better part of the deal. The Celtics are now basically back at square one as far as offseason plans. So just how awkward will today’s meeting be? The meeting between Ainge and Rivers won’t be as awkward as some might think. The two have a tremendous working relationship and have been laboring together since Boston’s playoff exit by watching pre-draft workouts and strategizing for the offseason. Ainge, so adamant last month that Rivers would return, has to be somewhat surprised by his coach’s desire to explore the Clippers’ coaching vacancy. Rivers inked a five-year, $35 million extension two summers ago and pledged to aid the roster overhaul when it came along, but something about that impending process is giving him more pause than seasons past. So if Doc does come back, just how comfortable will he be after this mess. But more importantly, will he have the complete respect and trust of his players? Publicly, Rivers will have no problem winning back a fan base left squeamish by the idea of losing its longstanding helmsman (only Red Auerbach has coached more games and for a longer duration than Rivers, who is a mere 11 regular-season wins behind Tommy Heinsohn for second-most in franchise history). Most will forgive and forget. The question is whether the same can be said for some of the players in the Celtics’ locker room. Will some feel alienated by a coach who appeared ready to take his buddy Garnett and ditch the rest of the Ubuntu gang to chase a title out west? How can Rivers preach loyalty and team — two of the hallmarks he cited when he inked his long-term extension in 2011 — when he didn’t quite exhibit that himself by showing interest in the championship-chasing Clippers gig? Yet again, Rivers is so beloved by his players and such a powerful speaker that it will all likely blow over in time. So the question ultimately lies with Rivers. After all this deliberation and a near change of coaching address, can he give 100 percent of himself to the task at hand? Can he get past whatever has left him on the fence for the 45 days since Boston’s playoff exit? If he simply can’t, his talk with Ainge will devolve to an exit strategy. I have to agree with Forsberg that Doc is as beloved a guy as any sports hero here in Boston. I do think most fans can let this slide. But if he does come back, things will never be the same after this.. The rest of the links: Herald: Deal In Doubt Doc Meets With Danny  Is Doc Bailing On Sinking Ship | Globe: Pierce Forgotten Man In Trade Talks NBA.com: Bill Russell With Gametime Crew Me

Doc Rivers will be in Boston on Wednesday and plans to sit down with Danny Ainge, league source says. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 18, 2013 Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier that Doc will be in Boston on Wednesday and will sit down with Danny to discuss his future and, I imagine, the future of the Celtics. And Steve Bulpett is reporting in the Herald that Doc plans to make comments after he meets with Danny. According to a league source, Rivers hopes after that discussion to make his first public comments regarding his future since saying on May 3rd that he was uncertain if he would be on the Celtic bench for the 2013-14 season. Danny has insisted from the start that he wants Doc as the Celtics' coach this season. Now, it's up to Doc to decide whether he can come back and coach the Celtics after flirting with the Clippers' job. It should be an interesting press conference from Doc. Danny isn't sure if anything will be decided in this meeting, but at least they are headed in the right direction. Hopefully he will make his decision and the Celtics can get on with their off season without the dog and pony show that has been surrounding them. [Discuss on CG Forums!]

Welcome to Ainges' Auctions! "Where the deals are always square, and even the coaches are for sale." So it seems obvious that Danny is willing to make moves with the teams roster as long as it brings in young talent or cap relief. So it seems Ainges' Auctions is open for business. Allow me to show you a few deals we have on special right now. Please remember that all deals at Ainges' Auctions must either bring in young talent or cap relief, and if you're a true auctioneer..... both ;) Let's begin with those specials. Special 1: http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=n27l57v Boston Gets: Kendrick Perkins, Jeremy Lamb Oklahoma City Gets: Brandon Bass, Courtney Lee OKC gets a nice bench scorer/swing 4 defender in Bass, and a 3/D threat to replace Martin if he walks during Free Agency. The Celtics get Perks nice, big amnestiable (is that a word?) contract, and prospect Lamb. Only at Ainges' Auctions will you find such good deals! Special 2: http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=l6l6llw Boston Gets: Thomas Robinson Houston Gets: Fab Melo, Jordan Crawford Delfino might walk in FA, Crawford is serviceable as a backup to Harden. Melo is a throw in. For the Celtics, Thomas Robinson is a nice young big, and a rotation of him and Sullinger would be beasty at the PF. Special 3: Boston Gets: Anthony Randolf Denver Gets: Jordan Crawford Denver has a logjam in the paint, and could use some depth at the guard position. Boston is the exact opposite. Randolf who had a down season for Denver is a nice young prospect..... just what we're looking for here at Ainges' Auctions. If Denver twisted my arm, I might be convinced to throw Tyronne Lue in to be Denvers next head coach. Special 4: Doc Rivers for any first round pick. Seriously, if we can get it, why the hell wouldn't we? Special 5: http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=mtofc5l Boston Gets: Aaron Afflalo, Nikola Vucevic, 2nd overall pick, and 2015 first round pick Orlando Gets: Rajon Rondo Orlando gets their star, Boston get's a starting SG, a young C with potential, and two first.... Sound familiar? These are just a couple of Specials here at Ainges' Auctions.... Can you think of anymore? Let us know, we're always looking to expand. Remember the rules though, we only deal for young prospects, cap space, or picks..... Thanks for joining us here at Ainges' Auctions "Where the deals are always square, and even the coaches are for sale." As always, I look forward to your comments, and if you liked the post be sure to Rec ;) Welcome to Ainges' Auctions! "Where the deals are always square, and even the coaches are for sale." So it seems obvious that Danny is willing to make moves with the teams roster as long as it brings in young talent or cap relief. So it seems Ainges' Auctions is open for business. Allow me to show you a few deals we have on special right now. Please remember that all deals at Ainges' Auctions must either bring in young talent or cap relief, and if you're a true auctioneer..... both ;) Let's begin with those specials. Special 1: http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=n27l57v Boston Gets: Kendrick Perkins, Jeremy Lamb Oklahoma City Gets: Brandon Bass, Courtney Lee OKC gets a nice bench scorer/swing 4 defender in Bass, and a 3/D threat to replace Martin if he walks during Free Agency. The Celtics get Perks nice, big amnestiable (is that a word?) contract, and prospect Lamb. Only at Ainges' Auctions will you find such good deals! Special 2: http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=l6l6llw Boston Gets: Thomas Robinson Houston Gets: Fab Melo, Jordan Crawford Delfino might walk in FA, Crawford is serviceable as a backup to Harden. Melo is a throw in. For the Celtics, Thomas Robinson is a nice young big, and a rotation of him and Sullinger would be beasty at the PF. Special 3: Boston Gets: Anthony Randolf Denver Gets: Jordan Crawford Denver has a logjam in the paint, and could use some depth at the guard position.

Questions: Something that has seemingly gone under the radar sense the deal seems to have fallen through, what happens to Paul Pierce? The general consensus during the trade talks was that Pierce would either be waived or moved to a team who would waive him, in order that he could than join the Clippers. What now becomes of Pierce? It's easy to say he just stays with the team (I'm all for it,) but there are some serious financial ramifications for keeping him. I don't want to hash them out here, but a full run down of these can be found here: http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/6/13/4425494/the-financial-truth-the-cost-of-keeping-paul-pierce The deal has fallen through so far, but what happens to Pierce now? Now for something that's blatantly obvious, what happens to Doc? Tough now to imagine him back on the sideline next season, but by the same token it's tough to imagine him not being there. Personally. I can go either way on this one. If KG and Pierce are going to be back than so is Doc I'd imagine. If not, Doc will go to broadcasting for a while, and rooting for the Pelicans. Hopefully we'll know more tomorrow. What about KG? If he's not going to Cali, is he going to call it quits? With seemingly no chance of a title in Boston, is it worth coming back for another year? Personally, I hope he sticks around next year and mentors our young big men, while playing limited minutes. Oh, by the way, you may have forgotten that the NBA draft is only a week and a half away, and the Celtics have the 16th pick. Question is who will they pick? Will they buy a late first/early second round pick? Will they attempt to trade up into the top 7? Personally, if I'm Danny Ainge, I'd sell an assistant coach for a late first, combo that up with the 16th, and move up.... too soon? Just kidding, but in all seriousness, I'd give my left nut to get Dieng at 16, then maybe buy a late first for Whitey. What happens in Free Agency? The Celtics have some holes in the roster, and only a mini-MLE to buy someone out of FA. I'd like to see us go after an experienced PG like Jarret Jack, who's capable of starting the season while Rondo is rehabbing. You could try to find a PG in the draft, but they'd have to learn the system very quickly..... I'd rather a vet. The question is, what does Danny want? What happens to Chris Paul? Unless the Clippers can pull off some other mega-deal, odds are Paul walks. If that's the case, where does he go, and what happens to the Clippers? Answers: Firstly, we've found out that if Ainge is going to move Pierce, KG, or Doc he's going to ask for the moon. 2 young players with potential, and two picks, for a couple of late-30 year olds, and a coach who was talking about not coming back prior to these trade talks. The only thing that Danny Ainge could have asked for to add more value to this deal would have been the rights to sign Cliff Paul to a deal. Good for Danny, shot for the moon and accept nothing less. Doc and KG are not Pierce. Think about this, Pierce's destiny is out of his hands. Ainge is making all the calls concerning Paul. Paul said he didn't want to go. KG and Doc, not only would they go, they'd be willing to go. If they weren't than KG could just use his NTC. Pierce is a lifelong Celtic, KG and Doc are something else. Eric Bledsoe is apparently the next HOF point guard in the league. I don't know if anyone else knew this before these trade talks, but if you didn't, you do now. I guess we'll all find out soon enough as it looks like Paul is probably changing zip codes. Clippers Lakers. The Lakers had one of their worst seasons in recent history, and don't look to be much better next with no Kobe for a while. It's the perfect time for the Clippers to make a huge deal, make themselves relevant in the Western Conference as serious contenders, and make sure everyone knows you're the best team in LA. Instead, it looks like the Clippers will always be playing second fiddle to the Lakers..... at least for the f