Boston Celtics

Old friend Kendrick Perkins made headlines last week for his underwhelming performance in the playoffs. Perk’s playoff impotence revived speculation that OKC would consider the amnesty provision on their center. Thunder GM Sam Presti says such speculation is inaccurate: “We just haven’t considered using the provision,” Presti said. “I wouldn’t necessarily directly attribute that to any player on our team. Every team looks at the amnesty provision different based on their different circumstances. But it’s not something that we’ve really explored.” When pressed, Presti went on to praise Perkins. “We think Perk has a lot of value to our team,” Presti said. “He’s a member of a team that won 60 games and helped us to our third division title in three years. I don’t know that we can discount that. I’m sure he’d like to have had a better postseason. But I’m sure that’s pretty universal for the whole group. And we accept that.” The Oklahoman’s Darnell Mayberry lays out numerous reasons why it doesn’t make sense for OKC to amnesty Perk. For starters, the Thunder are not a big market team flush with so much cash they can pay a player $18 million to leave town. Plus, Perk’s toughness and defensive ability are still valued in OKC. But let’s be honest… an NBA GM worth his salt will never talk publicly about amnestying a player unless it’s the last resort. If Presti decides Perkins has to go, he’ll try desperately to trade him first. Brandon Bass and Courtney Lee for Kendrick Perkins works in the Real GM trade machine. But that’s too steep for my tastes. Maybe Ainge can get Presti to bite on a Lee, Fab Melo and Jordan Crawford for Perk deal.

Herald Built to win now, Knicks didn't get close Fab review from Ainge on MeloGlobe Police: Celtics guard Terrence Williams arrested Celtics Green Danny's in a Melo State of Mind Terrence Williams ArrestedCelticsBlog Greg Oden working out, "looking right" NBA Draft Combine observations Celtics Life Where do Paul Pierce & Kevin Garnett rank on the list of all-time Celtics? ESPN Report Card: Jeff Green Red's Army Your Morning Dump… Where Terrence Williams might have f’d everything up CSNNE Rivers return key for Celtics offseason Wakeup Call: LeBron irate at something that wasn't said Report: Williams arrested after domestic violence incident A look at former Celtics in the playoffs Pro Basketball Talk Thunder GM says team won’t amnesty Kendrick PerkinsGreen Street Report: Celtics guard Terrence Williams arrestedBleacher Report Potential Landing Spots for Paul Pierce Boston Celtics Shoudn't Bring Al Jefferson Back to BeantownBoston Celtics: Front Office Thinking to Terminate Paul Pierce Must Be Outlawed Hardwood Houdini A Letter to Kevin Garnett Celtics Title Town Celtics Legends Series: A look at Sam JonesBoston Title Town The Celtics Should Keep Shavlik RandolphMass Live Former Boston Celtics star Antoine Walker wants to return to basketball . . . as a scout2013 NBA Draft: Boston Celtics could move up or down, says Danny Ainge Fan Sided Boston Celtics Avery Bradley, Jared Sullinger Will Not Play In NBA Summer League

Terrence Williams was on the verge of coming back to the Boston Celtics next season after being one of the few bright spots of the Celtics’ postseason. Now, that journey is just an afterthought. According to a report from the Kent Reporter, a newspaper in Williams’ home state of Washington, the point guard was arrested yesterday following a domestic dispute. At about 1:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to meet the victim who resides in the downtown Kent area. The victim reported that the father of her 10-year-old son in common, identified as NBA basketball player Terrence D. Williams, arrived to her home for a scheduled visitation exchange of their son. She said during the exchange in the parking lot area an argument ensued. The victim reported that during the argument Williams brandished a firearm and made threats. Williams left the area prior to police arrival, but was later located and taken into custody. What does Williams’ arrest mean for his future with the Celtics? A charge as serious as this does not bode well for what had been an admirable comeback to the NBA for Williams this season. Now though, all of that comes into question. The former Louisville star is under contract for next season, at the veteran’s minimum ($947,000), but that contract is not guaranteed. If Williams does not make the team out of training camp and is waived on or before October 31st, the point guard can be let go without any charge to the salary cap. There are a series of guarantees associated with the deal, with the first deadline coming on June 30th for 200,000 (h/t: ESPNBoston.com). The legal process will play itself out with the Washington native over the next few weeks surely, but given how swiftly and seriously the Celtics’ ownership group has ridded themselves of players involved with gun charges in the past, I’d say I highly doubt we see Williams in a Celtics uniform next season, if the charges are proven. We’ll have much more on this story as it develops, as well as any reaction from the Celtics’ on the arrest. Tweet

Celtics guard Terrence Williams was arrested on gun charges. (AP) Celtics guard Terrence Williams was arrested Sunday for allegedly brandishing a firearm and threatening the mother of his 10-year-old son, according to multiple reports out of Washington. On Sunday afternoon, during a scheduled visit to see his son in Kent, Wash., Williams and the woman argued in the parking lot of her apartment building, where he exposed the gun and made verbal threats, she told police. The first-year Celtics guard’s father Edgar Williams and mother Sherry Jackson both spent time in prison, and his father was murdered shortly after his release from jail on drug charges in 1993, according to The New York Times (h/t SI.com). The C’s signed Williams out of the Chinese Basketball Association to a series of 10-day contracts in February, and then inked him for the remainder of the season in early March. The deal included a non-guaranteed salary for 2013-14, when Williams was expected to compete for backup point guard duties behind Rajon Rondo. He averaged 7.1 points (49.5 FG%), 1.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 13.3 minutes over 24 games for the Celtics this season. He appeared in five of their six playoff games against the Knicks, averaging 1.0 point, 2.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 9.6 playoff minutes a night. When Sebastian Telfair was arrested on gun charges soon after the 2006-07 campaign, Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck disowned the former C’s guard — announcing the removal of his nameplate from his Waltham locker in an email to The Boston Globe — and the team included him in the deal for Kevin Garnett that summer. That shouldn’t get your hopes up for a Kevin Love deal involving Terrence Williams.

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. At about 1:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to meet the victim who resides in the downtown Kent area. The victim reported that the father of her 10-year-old son in common, identified as NBA basketball player Terrence D. Williams, arrived to her home for a scheduled visitation exchange of their son. She said during the exchange in the parking lot area an argument ensued. The victim reported that during the argument Williams brandished a firearm and made threats. Williams left the area prior to police arrival, but was later located and taken into custody. Kent (Washington) Reporter (via SI) We have to be sure this is what it sounds like.  Right now it’s “She said… Williams brandished a firearm.”  It’s one half of the very famous “he said, she said” debate… and we don’t know what he said yet. That said, if true, then Williams may very well be gone.  The Celtics aren’t going to take too kindly to someone making headlines like this.  And if he actually ends up facing weapons charges, then I can’t imagine them keeping him around. Basketball-wise, this sucks.  I was looking forward to a summer of Williams learning the ropes as a point guard, getting familiar with the system, and fighting to earn a spot as an actual back up point guard…. something we really haven’t seen much of in the Rondo era.   Now we’re looking at the possibility of the C’s cutting Williams over a stupid move, and losing that. Of course, there’s no guarantee they cut him if this is proven to be true.  They might find another way to discipline him.  I’m not sure what they’d actually do.  And since brandishing a firearm is a lot different from using one, the Celtics might not feel cutting him is necessary. We’ll have to wait and see what the outcome of this is.  If the story becomes Williams pulled a gun and threatened to shoot someone over whatever argument was going on, then he’s gone.  If the story becomes Williams got into an argument and his kid’s mom called in a fake report to get back at him for something, then this goes away as far as we, or the Celtics are concerned. I just wish pro athletes were smarter about their guns.  I know these guys say they need to feel protected because they’re now targets… but you’ve got to be smarter about it.  This isn’t a music video or a movie. Let’s see how this turns out. Listen to last night’s Celtics Stuff Live podcast with me and Jon Duke (skip the first few minutes of technical difficulties) The rest of the links Herald:  Fab review from Ainge on Melo  |  CSNNE:  Thunder GM: We won’t amnesty Perkins  |  Rivers return a key to C’s offseason  |  ESPN Boston:  Report card:  The incompletes

JUST IN: NBA player, Former Rainier Beach HS star, Terrence Williams, arrested by Kent Police & accused of making threats with gun. — Chris Daniels (@ChrisDaniels5) May 20, 2013 Terrence Williams' goal of staying with the Celtics next season may have just hit a snag. It is being reported that the Celtics guard was arrested after a domestic dispute that ended with Williams pulling a gun. The victim reported that the father of her 10-year-old son in common, identified as NBA basketball player Terrence D. Williams, arrived to her home for a scheduled visitation exchange of their son. She said during the exchange in the parking lot area an argument ensued. The victim reported that during the argument Williams brandished a firearm and made threats. Williams left the area prior to police arrival, but was later located and taken into custody. After a rocky first few years in the NBA with the Nets, Rockets and Kings, mostly because of behavior problems, Williams spent the last year playing in China. After signing a pair of 10 day contracts with the Celtics, he was signed to a contract for the rest of the year with an option for next year. On the court, he has talent and can help the team. Off the court he has had problems at every stop however, after this season ended he expressed that he had matured and felt that he has found his role on the team and wanted to return to the Celtics next season. “Before the Celtics, I always just wants to make a point when I play basketball for people to watch and say, ‘Why ain’t he on the court? He can help us.’ “I think in the playoff games I was in, I’ve done that. So I think I can help the team. I definitely do. “I think I’ve grown up — a lot — in the past couple of months. I’d be happy to be here .?.?. of course.” Williams had shown flashes in his time on the court with the Celtics. But it's never been Williams' talent or performance on the court that has been his problem. It is his immaturity and off court problems. If his maturity problems and off the court antics truly were behind him, the Celtics would most certainly bring him back. But now, with an arrest for domestic violence involving the use of a gun, Danny's decision is going to be much tougher. Personally, I liked Williams and feel he can help the Celtics on the court, but this may spell the end of his time in Green. [Discuss on CG Forums!]

The 2013 NBA Draft Combine took place on Thursday and Friday morning with players showcasing their talents to a gym full of general managers, coaches and scouts. On Thursday, players hit the court and displayed their basketball skills with each position participating together. Friday consisted of recording the players' measurables, from their height without shoes to their maximum vertical leap. Many players improved or hurt their draft stock with their performance and a number of them were potential Celtics draft picks. Lets take a look at who those players were that will likely be available when Boston makes its pick at 16: Guards Dennis Schroeder, PG, Germany: The wiry international point guard didn't participate in the skills portion of the combine on Thursday, but not for the same reason that many top prospects chose to sit out. Schroeder was suffering from a toothache at the time. However, it was reported by Chad Ford of ESPN that Schroeder, along with Greece's Giannis Antetokoumpo, received a promise by a team to be selected in the first round. That team is likely to be one that finds itself at the end of the lottery (the lottery is on Tuesday), or a team in the middle of the first round. Could that team be the Celtics? It would appear unlikely because Boston already has a player similar to Schroeder. Along with his game, Schroeder's measureables have drawn comparisons to Rajon Rondo. Like Boston's point guard, Schroeder's hand width is massive, recorded at 10.5 inches. His wingspan of 6'7, compared to his height at 6'1, also makes him incredibly long. The Celtics will be in search of a point guard this offseason and Schroeder is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft, but the likelihood of him ending up in Boston doesn't appear strong, especially considering Schroeder's preferences. Shane Larkin, PG, Miami: Larkin didn't initially reveal anything we didn't already know about him on Thursday. His quickness and shooting came through in the various drills. However, so did his height, or lack thereof. Among his own peers at the point guard position, he was clearly undersized. On Friday though, he shined and impressed with his athleticism. In the maximum vertical leap, Larkin recorded the second-highest mark at 44 inches. For comparison sakes, Victor Oladipo, who's athleticism is considered off the charts, measured at 42 inches. Larkin also did well in the sprint drills, but it's hard to ignore his height of 5'10.25 without shoes. Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse: Unlike Larkin, Carter-Williams' height helped his cause at the combine. He was considerably taller than the other point guards. He also tested well in the athletic drills and posted a jump of 41 inches in the max vertical leap. His shooting is a little suspect but with his size and ability to see the floor, he is a potential lottery pick. Myck Kabongo, PG, Texas: Kabongo wasn't particularly impressive in the skill drills and his weaknesses were evident. He's not much of a shooter and in the five-spot, around-the-arc drill, he shot horribly. Despite his size and athleticism, he's not much of a defender and in the limited reps he had guarding one-on-one against other point guards, he wasn't too stout. On one play, he was beat badly on a behind-the-back crossover for a basket by South Dakota's Nate Wolters, who is projected to go in the second round. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia: Like Paul George in the 2010 combine, Caldwell-Pope just looked like a prototypical shooting guard. On the surface, he fits the mold really well and when you look at his skills, it's transparent why. At Georgia, he was asked to do a lot and might have been stretched a little thin. But he is a good scorer and his one special skill that will translate well to the next level is his shooting. In the shooting drills, the ball came out of his hands quick and smooth, even after extending his range to the NBA 3-point line. It's hard to think he won't make an impa

Terrence Williams has been known to make some questionable decisions during his basketball career, but this would rank among his most questionable. According to police from Kent, Washington, Williams brandished a gun during an argument with the mother of his child and has been taken into custody. JUST IN: NBA player, Former Rainier Beach HS star, Terrence Williams, arrested by Kent Police & accused of making threats with gun.about 1 hour ago via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite@ChrisDaniels5Chris Daniels Kent Police say Williams was arrested this afternoon. PD says T. Williams waved gun during scheduled child visitation, and made threats.about 1 hour ago via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite@ChrisDaniels5Chris Daniels More: A Kent Police detective says Terrence Williams is currently in custody, and will be booked into the King County Jail.about 1 hour ago via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite@ChrisDaniels5Chris DanielsCompletely setting aside the basketball implications, this is obviously an extremely disappointing story. We don’t have any of the concrete details at the moment, but you can be sure we will pass them on when they come. For now, these allegations, obviously, do not sound good.Follow Tom on Twitter: @Tom_NBA.

Boston Celtics guard Terrence Williams was arrested on Sunday afternoon after being accused of "making threats with a gun" during a child visitation, according to Chris Daniels of KING TV. KentReporter.com further reports that Williams pulled out a gun in Kent, Washington after an argument that took place with the mother of his child. The site also says that "Williams left the area prior to police arrival, but was later located and taken into custody." This could be bad news for Terrence Williams' future with the Boston Celtics considering he wasn't a lock to make the roster in the first place. With a overflow of guards on the team, Williams likely would have had to fight for a spot, so this arrest could hurt his chances to sign elsewhere as well. After playing this past year in China, Williams was signed to a 10-day contract to the Boston Celtics in February. By early March, he ended up signing an extension worth just under one million dollars for the 2013/2014 season. In 24 games with the Celtics, Williams averaged 13.3 minutes, 4.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Follow @Kevin__OConnor

Dear Kevin Garnett, First and foremost, happy birthday, and thank you for teaching a new generation of fans what Boston Celtics basketball was about. Regardless of whether you return for the upcoming season, your legacy has forever been cemented in Celtics lore. You were the backbone for that 2008 title team, and have kept us competitive since your arrival. I still remember that euphoric moment when your trade from the Timberwolves to the Celtics was finalized. It finally gave us true hope. Not blind hope that we might be able to compete, but that we now could compete. This commercial sums it up much better than I ever could. Most of us know what has happened since that time. There have been many more joyful memories than sad, but all good things must eventually come to an end. With the report surfacing that you will not be having surgery on your ankles, it leaves your future as a Boston Celtic in as much doubt as ever. It’s possible that maybe you really do not need surgery, but at points this year you claimed it was painful to even push the gas pedal while driving because of your ankles. Is this your way of hinting to Celtics’ fans that it is over? If so, then I understand. It will be hard to move past it, but you’ve given so much to this franchise and the game of basketball. The 15 All-Star game appearances, 25,274 points, and 2004 NBA MVP award says it all. You are a first ballot Hall-of-Famer, and Celtic nation has been lucky to have you. I understand the mental grind you go through daily to prepare for games, and that doesn’t take into account the physical toll the game has taken on your body. If you want to retire, you deserve to do so, and we all look forward to the day your jersey number is raised to the rafters. BUT, if you do want to return for one more run, then I must ask of you one favor. Please force Danny Ainge to find you a competent center to play alongside with. It’s not fair to ask you to carry the burden in the paint on a nightly basis. You still have a lot of gas left in the tank, evidenced by your 12.7 points per game and 13.7 rebounds per game in the postseason. Yet, the regular season is a long journey, and with all due respect, you need help. Give Ainge an ultimatum, either find a center capable of providing starters minutes, or retire. I realize this is easier said than done considering the Celtics salary cap limitations, but it’s a necessity. Adding a viable center doesn’t guarantee a championship in any form, but without one, this team stands no shot at raising banner 18. You will likely play the deciding factor on whether this team rebuilds, or re-tools. So what will your choice be? Celtic nation is waiting.