Doc’s Orders
Don’t wear him out early, Doc…There’s a reason (or three) why Celtics fans fear Doc Rivers could be the biggest hurdle standing between the Big Three and a championship. Take, for example, the way Doc has been managing Ray Allen’s minutes. Over the weekend Doc sat KG and Paul Pierce for a game in which Allen played big minutes. And Doc was supposedly going to let Ray rest for Monday’s Knicks game originally, but Ray ended up playing about 40 minutes. Last night Boston had the second of a back-to-back, and thankfully Doc made the right call by keeping Ray on the bench along with Garnett and Pierce. Keep an eye on how Doc doles out Ray’s PT throughout the year, especially early. Yes, you want Ray and the other All-Stars to develop chemistry, but you don’t want to put him through the grinder too soon — especially with the C’s lack of depth. KG kicking out of the double-team to Gabe Pruitt isn’t as appealing as having Jesus Shuttlesworth out there … With those three out last night, Big Baby finally got a chance to shine. He put up 21 points, 6 boards and 3 blocks in a loss to New Jersey, while Tony Allen had a stat line only Tony Allen could throw up: 2-for-15 FGs, 9 assists, 6 turnovers, 6 steals … This might be our favorite video we’ve ever put up on DimeMag.com: Kevin Garnett talking about his love for pro wrestling and going into Ric Flair mode … Uh-oh. Kevin Durant rolled his ankle near the end of Sonics/Warriors. Initial X-rays were negative … Josh Howard (wrist) also got hurt yesterday. He’s getting an MRI today to see if he’ll have to miss more than the two games he’s already sitting out for the Brad Miller incident … Without J-Ho, the Mavs will play at Cleveland on Opening Night. Between Dirk and Co. having chewed on last spring’s playoff loss for months, and Cleveland likely being a worse team than they were last spring, we have a feeling this one could get ugly … Speaking of ugly, the Heat wrapped up an 0-7 preseason by taking a San Antonio beating. But we did finally see Shaq and Penny together. Penny put up 10 points and Shaq had 17 in the first half before tweaking his thigh again … Shaq on why he’s picking the Rockies in the World Series: “Because it’s cold and they have altitude advantages.” … We put Shaq’s current backup and former rival, Alonzo Mourning, through the paces in yesterday’s “Hall of Fame Watch.” Is ‘Zo worthy of the HOF? We think so — he’s one of the best shot-blockers of all-time and has a couple intangible factors in his favor — but not everyone agreed. Come back later today for the next installment … More free sneakers being given away by the Bounce crew: Limited edition NBA Street Jordans. Click here to put in your bid for the kicks … Al Jeffferson had another beastly night, dropping 27 points and 17 boards against Indiana. Jermaine O’Neal didn’t play, but that’s still a good look for Al … But the best performance of the night was that of Kyle Lowry. He had 21 points, 11 boards and 12 dimes plus the game-winner in double-OT against Houston … So we were playing a little pickup ball yesterday, and there was this guy out there running who was at least 60 years old — he looked like a throwback from the Russell/Cousy era. Not for nothing, dude was doing his thing; not killing by any stretch, but at least contributing. We know we joke a lot about guys like Penny and Allan Houston and Doug Christie, but you know what? If you really love playing ball and you can still do it at a high enough level to get paid, why not ride until the wheels fell off? Just like the old guy at the playground: Was he the best player out there? No. Was he significantly less effective than he was in his 20s? Most likely. But he just loves playing, so he’ll strap up with guys 30-40 years younger than him because he can. That’s a real baller … We’re out like giving it up …
October 24th, 2007 at 7:10 am
Mark says:
About your Russel/Cousy guy, some people just love playing the game and at the opposite some people just love to get paid…
Can somebody please tell me, who is big baby?
October 24th, 2007 at 7:28 am
Captain America says:
I agree on minutes. Need to give more time to the second unit.
October 24th, 2007 at 7:37 am
Amar says:
big baby = glen davis
http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/glendavis.html
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/glen_davis/index.html?nav=page
October 24th, 2007 at 7:37 am
bigdre says:
i was wondering why jesus was playing a few games back when kg and pp was wittin out. the C’s ain’t a championship team to me, outside of the big 3, there ain’t nothin. and the coaching is pretty bad.
mark, you don’t watch college ball do you? big baby = glen davis. dude is a rookie from LSU
October 24th, 2007 at 8:04 am
Kobeef says:
27 and 17!!
We’ll see how the real season turns out but right now Al Jefferson is replacing KG’s points and reb’s with ease.
KG is a once in a lifetime player, a physical freak that does everything well and could not be REPLACED – but it looks like the Wolves did OK getting Big Al.
October 24th, 2007 at 8:33 am
OJ from the Freeway says:
Doc Rivers couldn’t coach Junior Magic game.
October 24th, 2007 at 8:36 am
Celts Fan says:
absolutely Kobeef. He’ll be missed in Boston and should be loved on whatever team he bolts to when he’s a FA and wants a nicer area (Charlotte maybe?)
Mark my words, Doc Rivers will blow this season. He should’ve been fired by Thanksgiving last year (before all the injuries) and he’s the worst gameday coach in basketball. Great assistant, but if he’s driving the bus, you know it’s flying off a cliff.
The C’s bench definitely isn’t nothing or garbage, but I doubt it’s championship level at this point. As of right now, the bench is:
PG: Eddie House (debatable, but will play some at both guard spots) and Gabe Pruitt (also a 1/2, but will probably get some run at the 1 also)
SG/SF: Tony Allen, Dahntay Jones, James Posey (who’s been playing some 4 too)
PF/C: Scot Pollard (already hurt, great), Leon Powe (an undersized 4 w/ KG’s heart and Reggie Evans’ game, though playing an undersized 4 at the 5 isn’t gonna fly against the Spurs and Pistons of the world), Brian Scalabrinie (finally in the position to contribute, can knock down a spot up, but will get KILLED defensively), Big Baby (GREAT body control for a guy so big, I love his game, so much talent, so many Whoppers), Brandon Wallace (has a lot of talent, great defender, a homeless man’s Gerald Wallace or Josh Smith, but an undrafted FA for a reason, probably a year or 2 away, but they love the kid and I see why…)
Needless to say, it looks like we’re really building for next year or a buy-out guy in midseason, but I like where they’re headed. We’re a new coach and backup 5 away…
October 24th, 2007 at 8:58 am
The Jed says:
Rondo can’t run this team. Not going after Brevin Knight is going to come back and haunt them.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:14 am
Amar says:
btw, not enough ronnie brewer love @ dime mag . . . he made kobe miss all of his 7 shots in the first quarter, and jazz were already up by 20 after one . . . game was over by then. lakers get 30+ fta and still get blown out. how bad was it? so bad that the lakers cancelled the next game vs. the jazz.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:25 am
Tom from Cleveland says:
I play pickup every week with a guy that is 70. And while he has trouble on D, he can still make shots and throws some pretty sweet dimes.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:32 am
Triple Threat says:
I don’t see why people are haten on the Doc Rivers. Playing Ray Allen for one game and resting KG and Pierce for one and than giving them all 40 minutes for one preseaon game doesn’t give any indication of Doc being a bad coach.
If anyone can please explain more of why doc sucks as a coach, please let me know. Doc Rivers has been there for the loses, rebuilding stage and now he has chance to win the east.
If LeBron can carry a team with a bunch of role players to the finals, KG, Pierce, and Ray can do it. Even if the Celtics have 2 out of 3 stars by the end of the season, they can still carry the team to the finals or atleast an interesting Con-finals.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Ashlov says:
I don’t know why people make such a big deal about bad preseason records, especially with a team’s star players either playing limited games (O’Neal) or not at all (Wade). Didn’t the Spurs and Cavs go 1-6 or something last preseason, and they both made the Finals?
October 24th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Amar says:
triple threat — problem is that aside from the big three, boston doesn’t have role players, they have eddie house, posey and 8 benchwarmers.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Dre in O Town says:
Random. And i know people are thinking it so i am going to say it. Trade Kobe to Cleveland for a whole lot of the crap that is clevelands roster. Lakers are in this rebuilding mode that can’t start until Kobe leaves and the Cavs are just in existance. Kobe and LeBron make the Dynamic Duo, Nike sells a but load of shoes, bunch of Commercials. It works for everyone, Kobe gets out of LA and into more of a rural-ish setting, Cavs sell out of tickets, the Lakers can start rebuilding, Bron and Kobe!!! WHy not!!! The Lakers don’t want Kobe in the west so this solves everyones problems. I mean come on, if Coby Karl (of all people) has a shot at making the Lakers roster then you know it’s time to move on. Love you guys and keep up the good work that you do. one.
October 24th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
masquerade says:
what do you guys think of this idea: the celts fire doc and hire larry brown. that man can coach and wouldnt make the same mistakes doc makes. ok, he might make other mistakes, but when it comes down to ride some stars and decent to washed up role players to the finals, why not give him a shot?
October 24th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Celts Fan says:
Dre, you’re an idiot. it doesn’t work for everyone, namely LA. HOw can you justify not getting anything of value back for Kobe? That might be the dumbest thing I’ve ever read…
October 24th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
MJAX says:
If you have the Big 3, with Posey, House, Perkins, Rondo and “big baby”. What else do you really need? Especially in the East! Look at what the Sixers, Nets, and Cavs have represented with over the last decade of reaching the finals. What makes Boston’s crew that much different from what the Spurs put on the court talent wise?
And if you were in laker management “Dre in O Town”, who from the Cavs roster would you take to help you rebuild that is a decent compensation for Kobe?
October 24th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Triple Threat says:
I agree with MJax, they have more than House and Posey, Rondo and Big Baby can make some noise this year and maybe Dahntay Jones can do something other than dunk at the G-F positions.
October 24th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Celts Fan says:
To answer the guy’s ? about Doc, here’s why he’s a terrible coach:
1. He’s refused to set a rotation for the past few years, leading to guys playing big minutes one game, then next to none the following game, etc. This probably stunted the development of a few guys. Also, if you’re not in a set rotation, your role isn’t clear, and you can’t focus on developing and honing skills that let you really succeed in that role.
2. He’s taken waaaaay too long to play young guys. Big Al could barely get off the bench his first 2 years, despite showing from day 1 that he has the offensive game to be on the floor. Any Celtics fan would tell you they could tell Al would be a good low post player (OFFENSIVELY) from day 1. The Celtics coach on the other hand, wasted a ton of time with other guys. Rajon Rondo was in the same situation last year. He’d show flashes, but it took half a season of Sebastian Telfair (not exactly a great pg) jacking up terrible shots and missing them all and playing no D whatsoever, when Rondo would come in and play shutdown D. Ya, the jumper’s a work in progress to put it mildly, but it’s not like Telfair’s ever gonna be confused with Steve Nash. Leon Powe put up 10 and 7 in his debut then barely saw the floor the next 2 months.
3. His substitution patterns make no sense!
4. Some of the guys he’s played out of position are ridiculous. Last season we were treated to Brian Scalabrinie at the 3 many nights, Ryan Gomes being stuck at the 4, out of position, and stuck there not just in certain match ups, but against anyone. TD and Zach Randolph were just KILLING him on the block as Doc looked on w/out going to a real PF.
These are just sweeping examples. Watch a game closely during the regular season. Doc’s not just tinkering w/ line ups like coaches do in the preseason, that’s how he coaches all year!
October 24th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Bron42 says:
well first off larry brown isnt a good coach anymore…hes too strict. Good coaches conform their style to the players they have and build off that. Larry brown tries for force players to conform to and him and that either works or fails miserable. Plus at this point in their career i dont think any of them want brown tryin to rip them in the paper once they lose 2 games.
That might be the most unrealistic trade ever. dre might as well have said trade kobe to the bobcats and jordan come out of retirement. You really think the lakers would get a better offer from the cavs then they would the bulls? who would they even want? shannon brown? daniel gibson? They wouldnt even start on the team the lakers have now.
October 24th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Dre from O Town says:
Celts Fan is a dicknose, the trade i mentioned works for the Lakers because they are shopping Kobe which means that it is rebuilding so think about it before you shoot your mouth off shit for brains.
October 24th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Kudabeen says:
Yes it is just Preseason…I know this trust me…But I said before the draft, during the draft, and after the draft…Kyle Lowry is better than Mike Conley…
Not because of what he did to Houston’s packed back court, but because of his leadership, tenacity, and defense. Conley may be a decent PG in the future, but I felt the griz could’ve have done more with that pick. But I guess people are already so enamored with Conley that time will tell. Hopefully coach Ivaroni won’t be pressured to give the franchises lottery pick more time just to not look like they didn’t properly assess what Kyle brings to the table. Griz would have been better served with flipping that pick into a versatile SG/SF to go with the rotation of Gay, Miller, and Kinsey and a veteran playmaker (they did pick up navarro, who I like).
They are talking about playing Kyle and Conley together, which I thought looked like it oculd work when they did it during the pre-season, but it was the pre-season.
My two cents can’t wait for the season to start…Anyone have league pass? Hate Direct-TV, because they can’t get Sixers games (not a problem for many, but I want to Andre become an All-Star this year)…Is League pass worth the dough?
October 24th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Kudabeen says:
GM survey:
http://www.nba.com/preview2007/gmsurvey_players.html
October 24th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
sans says:
I love the Ricky Henderson’s in the world. No, there is nothing wrong with playing until the wheels fall off. I feel Kuba on the Lowry comment, despite how much I like Conley.
I am still baffled by the Zach Randolph trade. They could of got Richard Jefferson, someone and a pick from the Hawks, and a lot more than Channing Frye. With that being said, Frye might get 15 per this season, and Aldridge is going to light it up all year.
The contract Anderson Varejao wants is ridiculous. I wonder if the fact that no other team has come anywhere near to offering him that kind of money is making the young man think, “Hey, maybe I’m just not there yet”. What does Sasha want? More than 3.4, of course, but how much more. He’s worth 5-6. Will some GM offer these guys cash so the Cavs can match it already, and have all their players for the start of the season. I just hope they pick up Boykins to rain jumpers in his hometown.
Oh, and know team can match what Knicks can offer LA.
October 24th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
zpurz says:
how about an “HOF” watch on someone from a good team……..say……the spurs?
October 24th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
bigdre says:
ray allen go no business playing 40 minutes by himself with those shaky ankles
October 24th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Bron42 says:
everyone talking like channing frye will suddenly be nice when he was NEVER nice. even in college he was soft and the blazers are already tryin to trade him so lets not hype up some 15 ppg talk
October 25th, 2007 at 1:05 am
K-Dizzle says:
Dre, sober up. When you say Kobe to the Cavs, you should justify it by saying who to trade for.This ain’t a videogame, it’s a business. The only guy the Lakers would want back would be Lebron…..
October 25th, 2007 at 6:35 am
doc says:
I grew up around Kyle Lowrey’s way and he was born to be a PG. He was nice when he was 5. Conley nice but they coulda got somthing else cause he aint fuckin with Kyle. And Sean Singletarey next.
October 25th, 2007 at 8:00 am
Dre in O Town says:
Dre is sobered up, if the Cavs send some mixture of the following players why the hell couldn’t Kobe to Cleveland work. The players would have to be some sort of package of (Larry Hughes, Shannon Brown, Daniel Gibson, Drew Gooden, Donyell Marshall, Damon Jones, etc.) The Lakers would obviously send Kwame Brown over because of his expiring contract and possibly another player. Cleveland would also have to send some future draft picks. As for K-Dizzle don’t talk about business cause you don’t know anything about business. The NBA isn’t about basketball anymore, it’s about results and selling tickets. There is a trade or transaction being made constantly. Instead of players facing adversity and building a strong team they complain and whine until there traded. Nobody has the right to say that my suggestion is stupid when way worse trades have been made in the NBA. one.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Amar says:
If Kobe appears to be one of the major factors for Shaq’s departure, what makes you think that his ego will allow being on the same team as someone else who is in the same superstar influence stratosphere as he is again . . . but this time someone who is on the upswing of their career, and someone who got to the NBA finals by themselves, without the help of a HOF center?
Kobe is a prick. He’s only going to want to go to another team w/o that team being absolutely gutted to get him. Why go somewhere that’ll have to sell the farm to get him — only for that team to be worse (hard to believe) than his current lakers team of first round pretenders???
Kobe to Cleveland = homer fantasy. Esp when other teams out there have the parts to trade for him, and still be contenders (Mavs, Suns, Jazz, Bulls, Pistons, etc).
Cleveland doesn’t have the substructure to support one super-star, what makes you think that they have enough to lure another GM into sending his only superstar that way?
the Lakes need a superstar draw back. Things run differently in tinsle town. No one in the L is going to want the shit you’re offering . . .
October 25th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Celts Fan says:
how this idiot can say, basketball’s all about selling tickets, then suggest LA trade Kobe for a package centering on Larry Hughes is beyond me. What a moron. Can you guys bar him from posting forever?
October 25th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Dre in O Town says:
The trade isn’t centered on any one the same way Miami’s wasn’t when they got shaq. They packaged a bunch of players for Shaq so why not a bunch of players for Kobe. And can someone bar Celts Fan before he makes a mess, if he keeps talking shit will fall from his mouth.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:55 am
K-Dizzle says:
LOL…oh, he’s serious?