Boston Celtics

That speculation about Doc Rivers leaving town? Well, it just got a little bit more interesting. According to a report from our friend Jackie MacMullan at ESPNBoston.com Rivers is being chased on the open market, despite being still under contract with the Boston Celtics. The suitor? A team probably willing to pay through the nose for him…..the Brooklyn Nets. In fact, team and league sources confirmed to ESPNBoston.com that Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge was contacted by the Brooklyn Nets, who wanted to speak to Rivers about their vacant coaching position. Ainge, according to those sources, denied the Nets permission to talk with his coach, who has three years and $21 million remaining on his contract. Reached late Thursday, Ainge refused to comment on the Nets’ interest in Rivers and reiterated that he expects him back on the Celtics’ bench next season. “Doc has told me he’s coming back,” Ainge said bluntly. “I talk to him almost every day about our team and what we are going to do moving forward.” In a news packed story by MacMullan, there is also another revelation about a job opportunity Doc had last summer. Last season, the Orlando Magic offered Rivers the job of team president, which would have entailed everything from schmoozing with corporate sponsors to running the front office. Though he had previously insisted he had “little to no interest” in running a franchise, the financial windfall and unilateral power that would come with such a position (not to mention the proximity to his home base) gave him some brief pause. Ultimately, Rivers rebuffed the Magic and determined he wasn’t done coaching. As MacMullan explains in the full piece (a must-read) Doc is back in town and appears to be back in action for next season. Until we hear the official confirmation from him though, we are left to wonder if there is more to the situation. More on the story as it develops…. Tweet

Am told Celtics are bringing in 12 draft prospects to workout over the next two days, 6 of them point guards. — Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) May 23, 2013 Of the PGs 4 are, shall we say, small: Shane Larkin (5-11), Phil Pressey (5-11), Pierre Jackson (5-10) & Peyton Siva (6-0) — Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) May 23, 2013 Total breakdown, as of now: 6 point guards (4 small, 2 normal size), a couple of shooting guards & four bigs. — Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) May 23, 2013 Another draft prospect that the Celtics will be working out: Texas PG Myck Kabongo. — Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) May 23, 2013 Ricardo Ledo will meet/workout with the Boston Celtics on Friday, Danny Ainge has the 16th pick in the First Round.— RI Hoops (@RIHoops) May 22, 2013 [Discuss on CG Forums!]

Jared Sullinger poses with Most Improved Pupil Tatiana Morales at the Celtics’ 22nd annual “Stay in School” celebration. As the Celtics honored hundreds of middle school students for their perfect attendance at Thursday’s 22nd annual “Stay in School” celebration at Northeastern University, Jared Sullinger shared the lessons he’s learned since undergoing the surgery to repair a lumbar disk that ended his rookie season in February. “In life, it’s kind of different,” said the recently turned 21-year-old power forward. “Teachers give you a lesson and then the test whereas in life you get the test and then the lesson. I’ve learned that through this situation right now. I’m getting a test of my patience, my discipline … so I’m just learning the lesson now.” The lesson in patience should be completed by the end of the summer. By his calculations, Sullinger’s 50 percent and on target to return fully healthy before training camp. “It’s a 10-week process,” said Sullinger. “Every two weeks, we’re going to bump it up 10 percent. By September or October, I’ll be 100 percent to go full. About two weeks ago, I met with the doctor. He said it’s a full go. Our medical staff — [strength and conditioning coach] Bryan Doo, [head trainer] Ed Lacerte — we’re just taking it slow. You don’t want to go right into the pounding, so every two weeks it’s just 10 percent bumping it up.” Sullinger averaged 6.0 points and 5.9 rebounds in 19.8 minutes a night over 45 games as a rookie, eventually earning high praise from his teammates for his basketball IQ and a starting role in late January. When he does finally play for the first time since aggravating the injury four minutes into a game against the Kings on Jan. 30, he’s been told the medical issue that’s plagued him since his Ohio State days will be gone. “Everybody says back with a question mark,” said Sullinger, “but you might as well put an X through that, because I had surgery, I’m taking my time and getting back right. There won’t be a reoccurring injury.” As a precaution, Sullinger will not participate in the Orlando summer league this July, but at least the long months of sitting around watching movies, playing video games and analyzing clips of his game are over. “It was very tough,” he said. “I had to find myself, find other things to do, kill time. I really wasn’t mobile. All I could was walk. But now, getting back in the swing of things, I have 10 weeks to get back to where I was or even better.” Throughout the process, Sullinger and Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, who tore his right ACL three games prior to Sullinger’s season-ending injury, have relied on each other for support. “At first, it was lonely,” said Sullinger, “but then seeing Rondo going through the same thing — maybe 10 times worse — it’s not lonely, because I have someone I can lean on and support me through my injury. We talk off and on, just trying to get each other’s mind right. Situations like this, if you go through it alone, it’s kind of tough, but when you have somebody by your side that’s trying to get back where they were as well, it really helps you out.” While Sullinger admits he sees Celtics coach Doc Rivers around the practice facility every so often, he hasn’t spoken to either Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett, so he’s in the same boat as everybody else wondering what direction the organization is headed in 2013-14. “I’m the same way,” he said. “I’m not the GM. I’m not Danny Ainge, so I don’t know anything that’s happening, but regardless of whatever they do, I support them either way. “Honestly, you can’t really always talk basketball. Sometimes, you just have to let people breathe, so that’s what I’ve been doing with Doc, Kevin and Paul, letting them be themselves. Aft

Bucks+v+Boston+Celtics+tfaPvnKMW06l.jpg" height="369" width="594" style="margin-top: 12px;"> Courtney Lee Lee came into his own after Rondo's injury. It didn't last long for Lee. After he suffered the ankle injury he never fully came back. He formed a special combination after Rondo's season was over not the intention by Ainge. The pit-bulls didn't last long. Green became a starter, and they moved Pierce to shooting guard. Lee was supposed to be an upgrade for the Celtics. He was younger then Ray, and his defense and ability to run,and to hit jumpers off the dribble was something that the Celtics wanted,and needed. They got it from him in stretches, like most inconsistent players they show what they can do in flashes. Lee will make 5 million next season. I see him as trade chip. Especially if the Celtics can bring in someone like Pietrus. They can use Lee to trade for a big man, that they desperately need. The post isn't about trading Lee. It's about if he can gel with Rondo. He has a chance to, and it's up to Lee as much as it is Rondo. Lee is a better scorer when you compare Bradley and Lee. Lee isn't that far behind on defense when he wants to play hard defense. Bradley's non stop. 2012-13 averages: 7.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 24.9 mpg, 46.4 FG%, 37.2 3PT% I think Lee will stick around in Boston, and I think he can have a better second season. At this point Lee could be Rondo's backup with Williams in limbo with his legal troubles. Jason Terry Terry showed up in the Celtics final three games, when the Celtics scrapped their way back into the series against New York. Terry like the others had an up and down inconsistent season. Terry ran his mouth during the off season, and throughout the season. At times it was annoying, and at times it was moving. Jason Terry will be a year older, and it's hard to say if he's the right fit in Boston. He's another player who needs the ball to be effective. Terry, who will turn 36 before the start of training camp, has two years and $10.7 million remaining on his deal. Will he be a trade chip like Lee? If I had to move one of them, I think Terry perhaps. The age of Terry is why,but on the other hand. Terry didn't look that old in my eyes. He was clutch in the final three games in the New York series. That's what he's here for in Boston. 2012-13 averages: 10.1 ppg, 2.5 apg, 2 rpg, 26.9 mpg, 37.2 3PT%, 43.3 FG% Terry didn't play great with Rondo. Then again like most of the role players on the roster, they didn't get a chance to correct the wrongs that hurt the Celtics in the first three months of the season. Terry will be a guy who probably won't play a lot with Rondo. But when they do play on the court. How will Terry be effective. Terry can spot up and hit three balls. Terry will likely have another chance with Rondo, and with building a good working relationship with Rajon. Jared Sullinger It's hard to say if Rondo and Sully built some kind of connection. Sully played hard when Rondo was healthy,and when he was gone. Jared was a steal for the Celtics,and all of us hope the back is okay. Sullinger appeared in only 45 games,but they were not in vain. He learned a lot, and he captured our minds with hope of a better future. Sully could provide the Celtics with much needed rebounding,and someone who can score in the post. Sully reminds me of David West,and hopefully he can develop into a player like that, if not better. The Celtics have Sullinger under contract for four years remaining on his rookie deal Next season he'll earn $1.4 million,and that's a damn steal. Jared seems to have that hard hat mentality that gets KG excited. Sullinger will work hard for Rondo and the Celtics. His second year should show improvements in his game. 2012-13 averages: 5.2 ppg, 1.4 apg, 1.1 rpg, 12.5 mpg, 43 FG%, 38.3 3PT% Sully isn't the type of big that will throw down alley-oop passes from

Last season, with 3 new rookies, a couple of second year players, and several spots to fill cheaply with free agents, the Celtics participated in both the Vegas and Orlando Summer Leagues. This season, with just one second year player and one draft pick, along with the trio from China to evaluate, the Celtics have announced that they will participate in only the Orlando Summer League. It's cheaper than Vegas and also in Doc's home town, which makes it the logical choice. Orlando Pinstriped Post has announced some details for this year's Summer League. The dates for the 2013 Orlando Summer League will be Sunday, July 7 through Friday July 12. The 10 teams participating this year will be: Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, and Utah Jazz, and Orlando Magic. The event will run from July 7th through the 12th. The games will be played on the Magic's practice court at Amway Center. As in years past, the games will be closed to the public due to space concerns. Following the Vegas Summer League's lead, there will be a new format for Orlando's Summer League. From Pinstriped Post: Each of the 10 teams will play four games over the first five days of the event. July 12th, designated Championship Day, will crown a winner of the 2013 Orlando Pro Summer League. Championship Day is a new addition to the event. To determine seeding for Championship Day, points will be awarded based on results from the first five days of Summer League play. Three points will be awarded for a win, with one point being awarded for each quarter won. In the event that teams tie in a quarter, then each team will receive 0.5 points. The tiebreakers, for seeding purposes, are, in order: total point differential and total points allowed. A coin flip will serve as the third tiebreaker. Check out the complete schedule after the jump: [Discuss on CG Forums!]

I'm a big fan of keeping Paul Pierce and KG but IF and only IF we must trade them then we might as well maximize their value so the only way I'm willing to part ways with the heart and soul of the Celtics is if we get something decent in return so try this on for size tell me what you think http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=oeqlomt If we HAD to I'd even be willing to throw in a first round draft pick to the T-wolves to make it happen. It solves a lot problems for every team involved an is not overly complex. espn says the C's would be taking the Loss but they would be in a solid place to start building around a starting line up of: PG: Rondo/first round pick/free agent/Jet/C Lee SG: C Lee/ Jet SF: Jeff Green/D Williams PF: K-Love/Brandon Bass C: Larry Saunders/Free Agent/ C Wilcox TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK ??? Am I dreaming ? I'm a big fan of keeping Paul Pierce and KG but IF and only IF we must trade them then we might as well maximize their value so the only way I'm willing to part ways with the heart and soul of the Celtics is if we get something decent in return so try this on for size tell me what you think http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=oeqlomt If we HAD to I'd even be willing to throw in a first round draft pick to the T-wolves to make it happen. It solves a lot problems for every team involved an is not overly complex. espn says the C's would be taking the Loss but they would be in a solid place to start building around a starting line up of: PG: Rondo/first round pick/free agent/Jet/C Lee SG: C Lee/ Jet SF: Jeff Green/D Williams PF: K-Love/Brandon Bass C: Larry Saunders/Free Agent/ C Wilcox TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK ??? Am I dreaming ?

When the draft workouts started last year, Jared Sullinger was considered a definite lottery pick, most likely in the top 10, with some people putting him as high as #5. Then came the medical red flag. He had a bulging disc in his back and that scared most of the GM's off. But Danny Ainge has never been afraid to take a chance and when Jared was still available at 21, there was no question that he would be a Celtic. That gamble paid off early as Sully became the Celtics best rebounder and, even as a rookie, was making a difference with his play. He showed a maturity beyond his years and even impressed Kevin Garnett who immediately became his mentor. He even cracked the starting lineup for Doc Rivers, who has never been one to play rookies without their earning the honor. But 45 games into the season he couldn't continue and needed back surgery, which should alleviate any further concerns about the back issue that caused him to slip in the draft. His play in his rookie season becomes even more impressive with this admission to ESPN Boston's Chris Forsberg: "Honestly, when I was playing, I was playing on one leg," said Sullinger. "My right leg was pretty much dead. I couldn’t push off, didn’t have any strength behind it. With the right leg being the way it was, and still being able to produce the way I did, I guess it sets a bit of a foundation, but mentally I know I can play better." Sullinger said doctors gave him the OK to resume light workouts about two weeks ago after being virtually immobile -- outside of walking -- since the surgery. Team doctors and strength coach Bryan Doo have constructed a 10-week program that will see his activity ramped up about 10 percent every two weeks. Sully has been rehabbing with fellow Celtic Rajon Rondo and the two have drawn inspiration and motivation from each other. Rondo is also on track to be ready for training camp. Sully won't be in Summer League, but after his play in his rookie season, he has proved that he can play and missing summer league isn't a big deal. Personally, I can't wait to see the new and improved Sully when training camp starts. [Discuss on CG Forums!]

KG to OKC for Lamb, PJ III, Perk and the #12 pick. C's amnesty Perk and opt out on Pierce. They start over with a young nucleus of Rondo, Lamb, PJ III, Green, Sully and two mid round picks in the draft next month. Plus some new found cap space for potential free agents in 2014. They will likely land in the lottery next year and will have a shot at getting Andrew Wiggins. Thoughts?KG to OKC for Lamb, PJ III, Perk and the #12 pick. C's amnesty Perk and opt out on Pierce. They start over with a young nucleus of Rondo, Lamb, PJ III, Green, Sully and two mid round picks in the draft next month. Plus some new found cap space for potential free agents in 2014. They will likely land in the lottery next year and will have a shot at getting Andrew Wiggins. Thoughts?

We don't know if Chris Wilcox will return next year or not. He didn't really get a fair shake this past season, considering that he had heart surgery on March 29 and was back playing in training camp in October. Jeff Green's surgery was on January 9, almost 3 months earlier and it still took him until after the All Star game to finally start feeling almost normal again. I think Chris came back too quickly because he was hampered early by injuries. He wasn't able to get back to where he was before the surgery. Chris's strength was his ability to run with Rajon Rondo and finish at the basket. By the time he finally was getting his conditioning and timing back, Rondo went down with the knee injury. I'd really like to see him get another chance with the Celtics next season. Along with what he can bring on the court, Chris is making a difference off the court. He tweeted the following about his upcoming charity golf game to benefit The Lupus Foundation and the American Heart Association. @sherrodbcsn Save the date for my #golfouting on Sept 9th. Hope you can make it. twitter.com/ChrisWilcox44/… — Chris Wilcox (@ChrisWilcox44) May 23, 2013 "At the end of the day, Boston gave me a second chance on life, a second chance on my career," Wilcox told CSNNE.com."I owe everything to them for giving me that opportunity. But at the same time, I want to give back to the community and show the fans that I appreciate the support they gave me when I was going through what I was going through." On May 13th, Chris hosted 10 students from Oak Hill Middle School for a basketball clinic. He gave them basketball tips as well as stressing the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. After the basketball clinic, Chris was able to share his story with the kids and he encouraged them to make every day count. He also took them on a special tour of the Celtics locker room and training room. I'll always pull for Chris, whether he's back with the Celtics or not. Personally, I'd love to have him back. [Discuss on CG Forums!]

The All NBA Teams have been announced and to no one's surprise, there are no Celtics on them. Also to no one's surprise, LeBron James and Kevin Durant led the voting. Paul Pierce received 24 votes. Kevin Garnett received 8 votes. Rajon Rondo received 1 vote. As I said, it isn't a big surprise. One thing I would add is that at this point in his career, I think Kobe Bryant made the team more on reputation than on his level of play this past season. Also, I don't believe that Dwight Howard deserved a spot, even on the 3rd team. There were centers this season who were better. But, that's just my opinion. History shows that the Celtics haven't been voted to the All NBA Teams all that often anyway. After the jump, see a chart of all the All past Celtics selections courtesy of RealGM. (Hint: thank goodness for Larry Bird.) [Discuss on CG Forums!]