[NBA] Boston Celtics Thread

[Tealey7]

Despiter Truly Awful Season - Rivers Extends Contract

Even though we had the worst record in the East, Doc was offered an extension to his contract, and rabbed it with both hands.

Originally Posted by Celtics.com

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that they have extended the contract of Head Coach Glenn "Doc" Rivers. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Doc is a leader and I have all the confidence in the world in Doc as coach of the Celtics. With Doc as our coach we have the continuity that is crucial in the development of the franchise," Danny Ainge said, Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations.

Rivers just completed his third season with the Celtics and has amassed a record of 102-144. Rivers earned his first coaching win with the Celtics on November 6, 2004 against the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden with a 107-73 victory. Rivers recorded his 100th Celtics coaching win against the Orlando Magic on March 28, 2007 in a 105-96 double-overtime victory.

In his first season with the Celtics, Rivers led the Celtics to their first Atlantic Division title since the 1991-92 season. During the 2005 Playoffs under Rivers, the Celtics battled with the Indiana Pacers but were ultimately defeated in the seventh game of the first round.

"I am happy to be the Head Coach of the Boston Celtics. Moving forward I am more determined to move this franchise in the right direction and I believe that I can do that," Rivers said.

Rivers is a recipient of the Red Auerbach Trophy for NBA Coach of the Year. Rivers, who won the trophy with Orlando for the 1999-2000 season, is one of four coaches to win the award in franchise history. Rivers is joined by the award namesake, Red Auerbach (1964-65), Tom Heinsohn (1972-73) and Bill Fitch who won the trophy twice (Cleveland (1975-76) and Boston (1979-80).

I suppose we need stability.

Rondo Named To NBA All-Rookie Second Team

Originally Posted by Celtics.com

BOSTON - Rajon Rondo didn't get the opportunity to show his stuff in the first part of his rookie season, but he came on strong after the middle of January and today was named to the NBA's All-Rookie second team.

Rondo received one first-team vote and eight second team votes, giving him 10 points in the overall voting from NBA head coaches, who were asked to select five players for both the first and second team, regardless of position. Coaches were not permitted to vote for players on their own teams.

Rondo averaged 6.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG and 3.8 APG, but emerged as one of the best ballhawks in the NBA. He led the entire league in steals per 48 minutes with an impressive 3.36 mark, and finished 4th in the steals per turnover (0.93) category. Overall, his 128 steals were good for 10th in the NBA despite playing just 23.5 minutes per game.

Brandon Roy, Andrea Bargnani, Randy Foye, Rudy Gay, Jorge Garbajosa and LaMarcus Aldridge were all named to the NBA's All-Rookie first team, while Paul Millsap, Adam Morrison, Tyrus Thomas, Craig Smith, Walter Hermann and Marcus Williams joined Rondo on the second team.

Fellow Celtics rookie Allan Ray also received one second-team vote.

Nice one Rajon.

Celtics Team Leaders 2006/07

Points Per Game

Paul Pierce - 25.0
Al Jefferson - 16.0
Wally Szczerbiak - 15.0
Delonte West - 12.2

Rebounds Per Game

Al Jefferson - 11.0
Paul Pierce - 5.9
Ryan Gomes - 5.6
Kendrick Perkins - 5.2

Assists per Game

Delonte West - 4.4
Paul Pierce - 4.1
Rajon Rondo - 3.8
Sebastian Telfair - 2.8

[Tealey7]

Draft Lottery Results

What's happened to the luck of the Celtics? Where did it go? After an appalling lottery, we have the fifth round pick in the draft. Even though the draft is one of the deepest in years, we'd still have wanted a higher pick.

Upcoming Celtics Events

June 9th: Dancers Auditions
June 28: NBA Draft
July 6th: NBA Summer League
October 1st: Celtics Training Camp (Italy)

[Tealey7]

The NBA Draft 2007

Last night, we did something really good in the draft. Yes, we offloaded Szczerbiak. Amongst other things.

The First Round - Ray Of Light

In the first round, we dithered and dawdled, before finally trading our pick to Seattle as well as other players. In exchange, we got their best player. Ray Allen. We also got their pick, Glen Davis.

To Celtics

Ray Allen (G)
Glen Davis (F)

To Supersonics

Wally Szczerbiak (G)
Delonte West (G)
Jeff Green (F)

Top stuff. It's not exactly a long term solution, but it will be great to have two superstars rather than one.

The Second Round

This round was much less exciting for the Celtics. We selected Gabe Pruitt, a Guard.

In other draft news, Portland selected Oden with the first pick and Seattle selected Durant with the second. Those two are apparently the best rpospects in the draft.

[Tealey7]

Celtics In The 2007 Summer League

Imagine my surprise when I read that this thing started tonight. It does.

The Celtics Roster

C: Lance Allred
C: Andreas Glyniadakis
F: Glen Davis
F: Torin Francis
F: Eric Hicks
F: Leon Powe
F: Brandon Wallace
F/G: Pat Carroll
F/G: Gerald Green
G: Gabe Pruitt
G: Allan Ray
G: Rajon Rondo
G: Sergio Sanchez

Celtics Schedule

6th July v Portland
9th July v San Antonio
11th July v Chinese National Team
13th July v Milwaukee
14th July v New York

Come on the C's.

[Tealey7]

Game Review - Celtics v Trail Blazers

Portland: 66------------Boston: 74

Could this be a wind of change blowing through Boston? Let's hope.

Originally Posted by NBA.com

LAS VEGAS, July 6 --In front of a sold-out crowd, the Boston Celtics ran away from the Portland Trail Blazers, 74-66, in the debut of first overall pick Greg Oden.

Oden grabbed the first rebound of the game, but quickly committed three fouls in the first 3:04 of the first quarter. Fouls hampered Oden the entire game as he played limited minutes (20) and finished with more fouls (10) than points (6). Summer league rules permit a player to commit up to ten fouls before fouling out. He fouled out with 2:47 left in the game.

“It is a different game and they call it a lot different here (college versus pro),” Oden said of his foul trouble. “There is a lot of hand checks and movements that you can’t do on this level.”

Oden showed flashes of brilliance with his soft touch down low and post moves. He wooed the crowd by swatting a Celtic shot out of bounds at the 5:01 mark of the fourth quarter.

“I didn’t play too well and I didn’t play hard enough, Oden said of his play. “When you don’t play hard enough you don’t win.”

The Celtics came out of the gates strong, ending the first quarter up 25-14 thanks to a 50-foot long distance three-pointer from Rajon Rondo to beat the buzzer.

Leon Powe led the Celtics with 19 points (7-13 FG) and nine rebounds, while high-flyer Gerald Green chipped in 14 points (5-11 FG). 35th overall pick Glenn “Big Baby” Davis struggled from the floor in his first game, missing all five of his shots, but contributed three points from the free throw line (3-4 FT).

“I tried to keep the big fellow (Oden) out of the lane,” Powe said of his match-up with Oden. “He is big and strong, so I tried to do my work early and not let in the paint.”

LaMarcus Aldridge was the star of the game for the Blazers, pouring in 24 points (9-16 FG, 6-7 FT) and nine rebounds. Aldridge played with confidence and took over the scoring load for the young Blazers. Swingman Martell Webster had 18 points (5-11 FG, 6-6 FT) and eight rebounds. Webster struggled in the first three quarters, going just one of seven from the field, but was red hot in the fourth quarter, hitting for 13 points (4-5 FG, 3-3 FT).

NOTES: Celtics’ fan Maria Menounos of Access Hollywood and the Today Show was courtside in a Paul Pierce jersey, while Boston native Donnie Wahlberg was also in attendance. Point guard Sebastian Telfair watched the game from the stands.

Welcome to the NBA, Durant and Oden.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Allan Ray----11
F: Glen Davis----3
F: Leon Powe----19
G: Rajon Rondo----6
G: Gerald Green----14

Bench

C: Lance Allred----6
C: Andreas Glyniadakis----0
F: Brandon Wallace----8
G: Gabe Pruitt----7

Nice start. I don't see the point of doing standings just yet, as so many teams haven't played yet. Our next game in this league is on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs.

[Tealey7]

Game Review - Celtics @ Team China

I missed our loss to the Spurs due to an awful migraine. Just so you know. Last night, we played China. They were tired.

Originally Posted by NBA.com

Las Vegas, July 11 -- The Boston Celtics cruised to an easy 80-52 victory over Team China Basketball at Cox Pavilion Tuesday night.

Team China trailed by just four at 21-17 after the first period. However, Boston outscored Team China 22-8 in the second quarter and never looked back. After the Celtics scored the first six points of the second half they never lead by less than 20 points throughout.

Celtics forward Leon Powe registered a game-high 23 points and 12 rebounds in 29 minutes. Powe shot 77% from the floor (7-9 FG).

“I was upset with my performance in the last game,” Powe said. “I wanted to come out tonight and focus a little more on the defensive end, it seemed to work out.”

Boston’s second round selection (#35 overall) Glen Davis also recorded a double-double. Davis finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds in 22 minutes.

Meanwhile, Wang ZhiZhi led the way for the Team China. ZhiZhi netted a team-high 18 points and six rebounds in 31 minutes. In five Summer League games, ZhiZhi averaged 17.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 28.4 minutes.

Yi Jianlian, the 2007 first round pick (#6 overall) of the Milwaukee Bucks, once again struggled to find his rhythm. Yi ended the evening with seven points on just one of five shooting from the field, grabbed five rebounds and collected eight fouls in 22 minutes. During the Summer League, Yi averaged 12.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in 28.0 minutes.

Team China concludes the 2007 NBA Summer League with a record of 1-4 while Boston is currently 2-1 with two games remaining.

An 80-52 win against a knackered team? Hm, doesn't prove a lot.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Glen Davis----10
F: Leon Powe----23
F: Gerald Green----10
G: Rajon Rondo---- 12
G: Allan Ray----3

Bench

C: Lance Allred----5
C: Andreas Glyniadakis----5
F: Eric Hicks----0
F: Brandon Wallace----2
G: Pat Carroll----4
G: Gabe Pruitt----4
G: Sergio Sanchez----2

A win's a win however. And they've been thin on the ground. In other news, we've signed Brandon Wallace, but the press release isn't worth copying and quoting. We next play tomorrow night against the Bucks of Milwaukee.

[Tealey7]

Game Review - Celtics @ Bucks

Boston: 84-------------Milwaukee: 76

I don't know how we managed it, but we won again last night.

Originally Posted by NBA.com

Las Vegas, July 14, 2007 -- The Boston Celtics ended the game on a 9-2 run to close out the Milwaukee Bucks, 84-76.

Milwaukee trailed by just one at 74-75 with 2:57 left after two Damir Markota free throws. However, the Celtics closed the game out as rookie Glen Davis was involved in all four scoring plays in the final 1:44 to seal the win.

Davis had a team-high 16 points (6-8 FG, 4-7 FT) and nine rebounds in 25 minutes. The 35th overall selection from LSU was able to help control the boards and score in the paint throughout the win.

Overall, the Celtics dominated the boards, outrebounding the Bucks by 16 (38-22).

Guards Allan Ray and Gabe Pruitt scored 14 points a piece in the win, while Leon Powe connected on 11 points and nine rebounds. Powe’s dunk with 30 seconds left pushed their lead to four and sealed the game.

The Bucks were led by David Noel’s 18 points (8-17 FG) and six rebounds. Awvee Story and Lynn Greer had 12 points a piece in the losing effort.

The Celtics outscored the Bucks by 10 points in the fourth quarter (24-14).

Great stuff.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Glen Davis----16
F: Leon Powe----11
F: Gerald Green-----8
G: Allan Ray----14
G: Gabe Pruitt----14

Bench

C: Lance Allred----5
C: Andreas Glyniadakis----6
F: Brandon Wallace----6
G: Pat Carroll----4
G: Sergio Sanchez----0

Great stuff. Tonight sees us play our last Summer League match, against the Mavericks of Dallas.

[Tealey7]

[size=7]Game Review - Celtics v Mavericks[size]

Boston: 71----------Dallas: 91

A little while ago, we finished our 2007 Summer League programme.

Originally Posted by NBA.com

Las Vegas, July 14, 2007 -- The Dallas Mavericks eased past the Boston Celtics, 91-70, to finish the NBA Summer League with a perfect 5-0 record.

The Mavericks become just the fifth team in the four-year league history to finish with an undefeated record.

“It means a lot to go undefeated,” Mavs’ forward Reyshawn Terry said. “It shows that we were one of the better teams to come out here and we played great team ball.”

Dallas raced out of the gate, leading by as many as 12 points until Boston closed the gap to just four points (26-30) with 4:22 remaining in the second quarter. However, the Mavericks responded with a 12-0 run of their own and never looked back, leading by as many as 23 points in the game.

Terry had his best game of the summer league for the Mavs, scoring a team-high 23 points (9-13 FG, 4-4 FT) in 26 minutes of play.

“I felt very comfortable from the start,” Terry said of today’s game. “The team got me the ball early and I was able to make some plays.”

Brandon Bass had another solid showing for Dallas, accounting for 16 points (6-9 FG, 4-4 FT) and five rebounds. Bass ends summer league as the team’s leading scorer with an average of 14.6 points over five games.

Point guard Jose Juan Barea collected a double-double of 10 points (5-9 FG) and 11 rebounds in 24 minutes of play. Barea averaged 14.4 points over five games, scoring in double figures in each game.

Second round pick (35th overall) Glen “Big Baby” Davis had a huge game for the Celtics as he showed his abilities to score down low, handle the basketball and create in traffic. The former LSU Tiger had a team-high 19 points (8-18 FG), 14 rebounds and six blocks. Gerald Green and Allan Ray contributed 15 points a piece for Boston.

Oh well. Let's try and get our losses out of the way before next season.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Glen Davis----19
F: Leon Powe----2
F: Gerald Green----15
G: Allan Ray----15
G: Gabe Pruitt----2

Bench

C: Lance Allred----5
C: Andreas Glyniadakis----0
F: Eric Hicks----2
F: Brandon Wallace----1
G: Pat Carroll----6
G: Sergio Sanchez----3

Hm. A 3-2 record would suggest improvement. Possibly. Our next important event is our October training camp in Italy.

[Tealey7]

Celtics Waive Allan Ray

Probably to take away confusion about Ray Allen and Allan Ray. Although there's still Tony Allen.

Originally Posted by Celtics.com

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that the club has requested waivers on guard Allan Ray.

Ray was signed as an undrafted free agent on July 6, 2006 out of Villanova University. Ray averaged 6.2 points and 1.5 rebounds in 15.1 minutes per game during his rookie season. The 6'2" guard scored a career-high of 22 points twice this past season against Indiana (April 7) and against Atlanta (January 15). Ray was tied for fourth in three-point field goal percentage by a rookie shooting at a clip of .414. The former Wildcat scored 10 plus points 14 times, including three 20 or more point games.

[Tealey7]

Garnett To Boston?

I have to write about this. It seems very likely that KG wil make his way over to Boston. Which would mean we have 3 All Stars on our team rather than one. However, it would appear we're trading Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Ryan Gomes, Theo Ratliff and a draft pick in a future draft. Green AND Jefferson? This is Gerald Green, one of the most energetic and imaginative players on court, as shown by his win of the 2007 Slam Dunk Contest, and Al Jefferson, who has the potential to be as good as McHale. I completely understand trading Ratliff and Telfair. Both are rubbish. However, unlike the Ray Allen deal, which saw Ainge trying desperately to keep his job, this KG deal could turn us into a contender, in what is a shocking Eastern Conference. Watch this space.

[Tealey7]

Celtics Acquire Garnett

Say no more.

Originally Posted by Celtics.com

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that they have acquired 10-time All-Star and 2004 MVP Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, a 2009 first round draft pick (top three protected) and a return of Minnesota's conditional first round draft pick previously obtained in the Ricky Davis-Wally Szczerbiak trade. Minnesota also receives cash considerations in the deal.

"Kevin Garnett is a great player in our league, with a fierce and competitive spirit, who brings offensive scoring prowess and a defensive presence to our team," Executive Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge said. "The players we're trading to Minnesota have bright futures in the NBA and we wish them well."

The 12-year pro is one of just five players in NBA history to amass at least 19,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists joining Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley. The 6'11" 253lb forward led the NBA in rebounding for the fourth consecutive season this past year and is just the fourth player in NBA history to do so. He joins Chamberlain, Moses Malone and Dennis Rodman as the only players to accomplish that feat. Garnett has been named to the All-NBA First Team three times (2000, 2003, 2004), the All-NBA Second Team three times (2001, 2002, 2005) and the All-NBA Third Team twice (1999, 2007). Garnett has also been named to the All-NBA Defensive First and Second Teams eight times. His NBA efficiency score of 29.2 was the highest rated of all NBA players in the 2006-2007 season.

"While it's difficult to part ways with the young players we've worked hard to develop, Kevin has been the consummate professional player in the NBA and a player who I have marveled at over the years," Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers said. "Kevin leaves everything he has out on the floor every game. He has drive, passion and a hunger to win that is unmatched across the league."

The product of Farragut Academy High School in Illinois became the first player in more than 20 years to be drafted directly out of high school in 1995 when he was taken fifth overall by Minnesota. He currently has the longest active streak for scoring in double-figures with 398 straight games that dates back to the beginning of the 2002-03 season. That streak of 398 games is good for eighth best in NBA history. Garnett currently ranks 41st in scoring in League history, as well as 27th in rebounds.

"I am excited to become a Celtic," Garnett said. "It's wonderful to have the opportunity to play with players the quality of Paul (Pierce) and Ray (Allen). The Celtics have had a proud tradition and now I hope that we can add to the legacy."

"As owners we are delighted to have a core of three All Star talents to anchor our team," co-owner Wyc Grousbeck remarked. "Speaking for my partners, while we will miss the valuable players we have traded, we have assembled a group of veteran players who demonstrate Celtic Pride on the court and in the community and who will work hard to deliver a championship contender to the fans of New England."

The 2006 recipient of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship award, Garnett has career averages of 20.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. He has recorded 19 triple-doubles in his career along with eight games of 30 point-20 rebound performances to go along with 30 games of 20 point-20 rebound performances. Garnett has been named NBA Player of the Month nine times and Player of the Week 15 times.

That is a decent trade. I'm still not sure about letting Jefferson and Green go.

To Boston

Kevin Garnett (F)

To Minnesota

Gerald Green (F-G)
Al Jefferson (F)
Ryan Gomes (F)
Sebastian Telfair (G)
Theo Ratliff (C)
Celtics' 2009 First Round Draft Pick
Return Of Pick Acquired From Davis Trade

That could be a very good deal. However, I'm not holding out any great hopes. It'll also mean we'll have to delve into the free agency market to fill our roster. But this deal could make us a Playoffs contender.

[Tealey7]

2007-08 Regular Season Schedule Announced

Recently, our regular season schedule for next season was announced. Our opening week will certainly be interesting.

Originally Posted by Celtics.com

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced their 2007-2008 regular season schedule today. The 82-game schedule consists of 41 home dates and 41 road contests, and is set to run from Friday, November 2 through Wednesday, April 16.

The Celtics, led by five-time NBA All-Star Paul Pierce, seven-time NBA All-Star Ray Allen and 10-time All-Star Kevin Garnett, tip-off their season at home against Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards in a busy opening week for the Celtics on the famed parquet floor. The contest with be nationally televised by ESPN. The Green will travel to Toronto to tip-off their away schedule for the 07-08 campaign on Sunday, November 4, taking on the Raptors and Chris Bosh at the Air Canada Centre. The Celtics will then be back at the TD Banknorth Garden to wrap-up their opening week with home contests on Wednesday, November 7 against Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson and the Denver Nuggets.

The Celtics take on the 2007 NBA World Champion San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, February 10 at the Garden and travel to San Antonio on St. Patrick's Day. The Celtics take on LeBron James and the defending Eastern Conference Champion Cleveland Cavaliers a total of four times this season with home games on Sunday, December 2 and Wednesday, February 27. The Celtics take on Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal and the Miami Heat a total of four times this coming season with games on Friday, November 16 and Sunday, March 30 at the Garden. The Celtics take on reigning NBA MVP Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks at the Garden on Thursday, January 31 and travel to Dallas on Thursday, March 20. Allen makes his return to Seattle to take on the Sonics on Thursday, December 27 in a nationally televised broadcast on TNT. Garnett makes his much anticipated return to Minnesota on Friday, February 8 and the game will be shown nationally on ESPN.

The Celtics appear on national broadcasts 19 times this season with broadcasts on ESPN, TNT and NBA TV. The Celtics appear on TNT three times this upcoming season, on ESPN seven times and on NBA TV nine times. The Celtics have seven broadcasts at home while there are 12 on the road. Celtics marquee match-ups at home that will be nationally televised include opening night against the Wizards on ESPN, against Dallas on January 31 on TNT and against the defending NBA champion Spurs on February 10 on ESPN.

For the 27th consecutive year, Fox Sports Net New England will continue to be the exclusive television home of Celtics basketball games. The Boston Celtics radio broadcast team of Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell are back as they move up the dial with the return of Celtics radio broadcasts to WEEI 850 AM.

For Celtics season ticket information, call 866-4CELTIX. For the latest and breaking news on the team, log onto Celtics.com.

The Opening Week

Friday Nov 2nd: v Washington
Sunday Nov 4th: @ Toronto
Wed Nov 7th: v Denver

Soon, the preseason schedule will be announced. That starts in early October.

[Tealey7]

Celtics Sign Pollard And House

Originally Posted by Celtics.com

BOSTON - Technically, Danny Ainge is on vacation, but he's been working hard to round out the Celtics roster.

After assembling a core of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett by making a five-for-one deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves last week, Ainge had some holes to fill. Looking for role players to fit in around the All-Star trio, Ainge dipped into the free agent pool to grab a few players who should complement the Celtics' top guns.

Thursday, the team finalized deals with three-point specialist Eddie House and reserve big man Scot Pollard. Both players arrived in the Boston area Wednesday night, took physicals Thursday and signed their contracts with the team before meeting with the media at the Celtics' Boston office on Causeway Street.

At 6'11", Pollard is a solid big man with nine years of playoff experience. A teammate of Pierce's at Kansas, Pollard knows how to bang in the paint with the big boys of the NBA and also provides depth and toughness for the Celtics in the front court.

"We've been talking about it all morning to each other about the teams that we have been on in the past where you get excited from the minute that you join the team or from the minute the team convenes and they get all the moves made. I'm not sure if they are done with all of the moves that they are going to make," Pollard said. "We both feel like, based on our careers, the teams that I have been on, probably three teams that I have thought from start to finish had a really good chance of being very, very good. And last year was one of them. And this team has already got that feel and we haven't even convened yet for practice. We haven't even got together. That's how I feel anyway. This is a team that from, definitely on paper and from the personnel that you see, not just on paper but the way they are. The way this veteran group is going to be together, it definitely looks very good.

House, a seven-year pro, is known for his marksmanship from downtown, and he ranked 10th in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage last season, shooting a shade under 43% from behind the arc for the New Jersey Nets. He also shot 92% from the free throw line last season.

"Oh it feels great. There is great tradition here, a good buzz going around right now. There has been a little cloud over this team for a little bit, they haven't been winning," House said. "With the moves that they have made, it looks like this organization is coming to win right now and I'm just glad to be a part of it and I'm going to do everything that I can to help us achieve our goal."

We're also, I heard on NESN, ESPN and also FSN that we are in discussion with Reggie Miller to get out of the TNT press box and come and be an impact player off the bench.

Miller Possibly Wants An NBA Return

Originally Posted by ESPN.com

Reggie Miller says he is contemplating a return to the NBA, this time with the Boston Celtics.

Miller, who turns 42 on Aug. 24, played his entire 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers before retiring in 2005. Since his playing days ended he has worked as a television analyst for TNT.

"I'm always flattered when my name is mentioned as someone who can still help an NBA team win a championship," Miller said Wednesday in a statement relayed to The Associated Press by the TNT network. "I've had limited discussions with Celtics management about their roster and a potential role for me. At this time, I'm enjoying my role as an analyst with TNT."

Miller was all set to continue that job when Celtics general manager Danny Ainge and coach Doc Rivers asked him to think about joining their revamped team in a reserve role, playing about 15 minutes per game.


"[I have] contacted Reggie and he is contemplating a comeback with us," Ainge told The Associated Press through a team spokesman.

Miller said he is calling friends and peers, seeking their advice and listening to their feedback before he makes his decision. He still plays recreationally, but must determine if he wants to go through the physical and mental grind of an 82-game season. He also wonders how his body would respond to the intensive training it would take to get him back to NBA shape.

The lure of playing in Boston is simple: with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen added to Paul Pierce, the Celtics feel they have a shot at an NBA championship. Like those three players, the only thing missing from Miller's list of accomplishments is a championship ring.

Miller, a five-time NBA All-Star, is seventh on the all-time list of games played with 1,323. He is 13th in scoring (25,279) and holds the NBA record for the most made 3-pointers in NBA history with 2,560.

Since the Celtics' trades that brought in Allen and Garnett, the team has been filling out its roster with less heralded players, including guard Eddie House and center Scot Pollard.

[Tealey7]

Our PreSeason Schedule

Despite the Celtics website keeping our preseason schedule shrouded in mystery, I've found the schedule on NBA.com. I'm so proud. Here it is:

October 6th: v Toronto Raptors (NBA Europe Live - Rome)
October 10th: @ Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA Europe Live - The O2 Arena, London)
October 17th: v New York Knicks
October 19th: v New Jersey Nets
October 20th: v Philadelphia 76ers
October 22nd: @ New York Knicks
October 23rd: @ New Jersey Nets
October 26th: v Cleveland Cavaliers

Interesting. Our Training Camp this year is in Rome, to coincide with NBA Europe Live.

[Tealey7]

Celtics Sign James Posey

Good signing for us. Nice to have some stability on the bench.

Originally Posted by Celtics.com

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that they have signed free agent forward James Posey. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"James is a both ends of the court player with versatility, and championship experience. He brings toughness and energy and is a good teammate. He compliments our talent and fits our system well." said Danny Ainge, Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations.

Posey, a 6'8", 217lbs forward, averaged 7.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Miami Heat last season. Posey averaged 7.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals in the 2007 Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls. Posey scored in double-figures 24 times last season including one game of 20 or more points when he came off the bench against the Wizards on December 12, 2006 and collected a season-high 26 points. He also led the Heat in rebounding eight times last year. The Cleveland, OH native has posted career averages of 9.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game over his eight year career.

The Xavier (OH) graduate was named to the NBA's All-Rookie second team for the 1999-2000 season when he was a member of the Denver Nuggets. Posey will wear #41 for the Celtics.

Nice. In other news...

Reggie Miller To Remain Retired

Originally Posted by ESPN.com

Reggie Miller's comeback has ended before it began.

The former Indiana Pacers star and TNT hoops analyst has decided he won't make a comeback with the Boston Celtics or anyone else, according to The Indianapolis Star.

"That's it,'' he told The Star. "Physically, I know I could have done it. But mentally, when you do something like this, you've either got to be all in or all out. And I've decided I'm all out."

Miller told the newspaper the decision came after two weeks of workouts designed to see how his body might react to the stress of an entire NBA season.

"Earlier [Thursday], I was ready to come back. I was going to do it. But then I flew back here, I thought about it, I talked to a lot of people, and honestly, most people told me I should come back," Miller said, according to the newspaper.

"Charles [Barkley], Mark [Jackson], Doug [Collins], they all said I should do it. And when I was back in Indy this week [for the Peyton Manning charity bowling event], people on the streets, they'd tell me to do it," Miller told the newspaper. "But as the day went on, I just realized I wasn't ready mentally to put myself through the grind again."

Miller, the NBA's all-time leader in 3-pointers, retired in 2005 after 18 seasons, all with the Pacers. But he considered a return when the Celtics picked up Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett and asked Miller if he was interested.

The answer is no, Miller told the Star.

"Please write, 'I will never, ever, ever try something like this again,'" he said laughing, according to the newspaper. "Any of the 30 teams in the NBA, if you're interested, please don't call."

[Tealey7]

Celtics Sign Contract With 2nd Round Pick Davis

Originally Posted by ESPN.com

BOSTON -- Glen Davis, a second-round draft pick out of LSU, signed with the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.

Davis, a 289-pound forward, was selected 35th overall and was acquired by Boston from Seattle.

He averaged 12 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in five summer league games.

Good.

Defensive Wizard Thibodeau Joins Staff

Originally Posted by ESPN.com

BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics added veteran NBA coach Tom Thibodeau, known as a defensive specialist, to their coaching staff Thursday.

In his 17 seasons as an assistant, the last four in Houston, Thibodeau has helped his teams finish in the NBA's top 10 in team defense 14 times. He helped the Rockets rank in the top five in the NBA in scoring defense and field goal percentage defense in all four years he was with the team.

He also has coached with the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Seattle SuperSonics, San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers.

His hiring in Boston is a homecoming for the New Britain, Conn., native, who played four years at Salem (Mass.) State, then coached at his alma mater for four years, including one as head coach, before joining Harvard's staff in 1985.

He got his first NBA job in 1989 with the expansion Timberwolves.

"I've admired Tom as a coach for a long time. It's good to have him on my side," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said.

The team did not announce terms of the deal.