No Rondo? No Problem

This past week, I saw my beloved New England Patriots lose the AFC Championship on their home turf to the Baltimore Ravens, five days later my Boston Celtics blew a 27 point lead to the Atlanta Hawks en route to a double overtime loss.  Two days after that, I learned Rajon Rondo will miss the rest of the 2013 season with a torn ACL.  The argument can be made this was the worst week of my life, at least in the world of sports.  Most Celtics fans are on the Tobin Bridge ready to jump because of the loss of Rondo.  You won’t find me on that bridge.  In fact, I am at the opposite end of the spectrum.  I think the Celtics will be better without Rondo.

Go ahead, mock me.  Call me crazy.  Tell me to take my green shaded glasses off.  But let’s face it.  The Boston Celtics were 20-23 before Doris Burke would tell us during the game against the Miami Heat yesterday Rondo would miss the rest of the season.  The truth is I don’t believe the Celtics could be any worse than what they were.

I understand the Celtics just lost their superstar point guard who leads the league in triple-doubles.  I understand the Celtics lost their point guard who dishes out double-digit assists per game.  I get it.  At the end of the day the Celtics were a below .500 team going into yesterday’s game.  In my opinion, the two best games the Celtics have played all season were against the Knicks in New York and yesterday’s contest with the Heat.  In both games Rondo did not play.  He was suspended for the Knicks game and we all know about yesterday.

I must preface my next few thoughts with this. People who read this blog know I am a fan of Rajon Rondo.  Over the last few weeks, the Celtics were a dead team.  On offensive there was too much standing around watching Rondo dribble around everybody.  The Celtics were getting piss poor shots at the end of the shot clock because there was no flow to the offense.  With Rondo out, this now forces everyone to be apart of the offense.  The Celtics are now going to be forced to play team basketball.  I like seeing Kevin Garnett work out of the post.  The inevitable double-team comes and he kicks it out to a guard for an open jump shot.  It is really simple.  The problem is when Rondo was on the court KG wouldn’t play near the basket because he didn’t want to clog the paint.  With Rondo out, I expect better team basketball out of the Celtics.

Remember how excited I was about the Celtics depth back in October?  We will now see that luxury unfold for the rest of the season.  Avery Bradley, Courtney Lee, Jason Terry, and Leandro Barbosa know they are going to get their chance to play.  While none of the above are true point guards, I believe they can adequately handle point guard duties in small doses.

In a weird kind of way, Paul Pierce will be re-energized with Rondo going down.  Paul Pierce will once again be The Man for the Celtics.  Too much was made of making it known the 2013 Celtics were Rondo’s team.  The fact is this team belongs to Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.  I expect Pierce to embrace the challenge of being the go to guy.  He will play a lot of point forward.  Throughout Pierce’s career, he has always been at his best with the ball in his hands.  He is not like Ray Allen who runs off picks all day long.  Pierce is at his best when he can drive to the basket or pull off his patented step back jumper from the elbow.  Pierce is obviously on the back nine of his career.  This will be his last go around as the head honcho.

Even with Rondo out, I believe this Celtics roster as currently constituted can beat every team in the Eastern Conference in a 7 game series.  No doubt, Miami will give them their biggest challenge. I don’t see any scenario in which the Celtics can get better than they are right now this season.  Trading Pierce and/ or Garnett makes no sense.  There is no way the Celtics can obtain equal or greater value for either player.  Not only do they still have the talent to compete, they are also mentoring younger players like Avery Bradley and Jared Sullinger how to play the game.  Don’t discount that last intangible.  Garnett has done wonders for the likes of Kendrick Perkins and Big Baby Davis.  Garnett and Pierce are essential to the proper growth and development of Sullinger, Bradley, and even Fab Mello.

Maybe I am overly sentimental when it comes to my teams.  But I also believe I am being objective in looking at this year’s roster.  The season ending injury to the team’s best player could be the best thing that could have happened to this team.  I believe it will allow different players to step up and play key roles and it will motivate the players to “win it for Rondo.”As Sean Grande tweeted yesterday, “On a day when the Celtics lost their best player, they also found their heart.”

I believe in heart.  The Celtics haven’t played with it at all this season until yesterday.  Now the Celtics are motivated to shut up all the media pundits that are writing their 2013 obituary.  I won’t write off the Celtics just yet, and frankly, you don’t have any reason to either.

 

I can be followed on Twitter @ScottieNTCF

 

5 Things We Know About the Boston Celtics

I admit, I have slacked off the past week and let down the NTCF faithful, with zero Celtics coverage from the last 3 games.  I simp,y don’t have an excuse for this transgression.  But I am ready to move on.

The Celtics were 2-1 in the last three games that I did not provide a recap.  They lost to the Spurs, followed that with their best win of the season against the Thunder, and then beat the Magic in overtime. The Celtics are 14 games into their 2012-2013 campaign with an 8-6 record, good for fourth in their division, and 8th in the Eastern Conference.  In 14 games, I can tell you 10 things about the 2012-2013 Boston Celtics.

1) Rajon Rondo is good for at least 10 assists a game

Forget the streak.  Rondo is getting double-digit assists without any real trepidation because these assists are coming in the flow of the offense.  Thank you to Adam Lowenstein (@StatsAdam), who answered my question via Twitter when I asked who Rondo has found the most during this streak going into last night.  The answer? Paul Pierce with 112.  Kevin Garnett 110. Brandon Bass 79.  Rondo routinely gets guys open looks.  Think about how many wide open shots the Celtics miss.  10 assists a night is Clockwork Rondo.

2) Jeff Green is consistently inconsistent

One night Jeff Green looks like a young Paul Pierce, the next night he looks like Jerome Moiso (if you don’t know who he is, you aren’t a true Celtic fan).  Here are Jeff Green’s point totals in 14 games: 3, 11, 11, 6, 4, 12, 7, 16, 5, 9, 6, 5, 17, and 1.  The Celtics have zero idea what they are going to get from him night in and night out.  The fact that he isn’t rebounding (2.7 a game) makes his inconsistent offensive output all the more glaring.  Anyone who has read me since the season starts knows I love Jeff Green.  But facts must be acknowledged.  My love for him is without reason at the current time.

3) The Celtics perimeter defense does not exist

The Celtics have gotten killed by the 3 ball so far this season.  Here comes more game by game stats: Here is what the opposition shot from 3 and how made 3 pointers were made versus the Celtics:

Heat 50%, 8.     Bucks 44.4%, 8.    Wizards 30%, 6.    Wizards 34.5%, 10.     76ers 53.8%, 7.   Bucks, 15%, 3.    Bulls 33.3%,  3.

Jazz 46.7%, 7.    Nets   36.4%, 8.  Raptors 36.4%, 8.    Pistons 36.4%  4.       Spurs 50%, 8.     Thunder  25%, 6   Magic 42.3% 11.

The Celtics are giving up about 24 points a game from 3.  In my opinion, that is much to high a number.  The return of Avery Bradley will help the Celtics leaps and bounds on the defensive end of the floor.  There have been reports that the Celts are looking to bring back Mickael Pietrus to help defend that perimeter. My hope is the Celtics go after a big man to fill the roster spot left open by Darko’s leaving the team.  But if the Celtics can’t defend opposing guards, Danny might be forced to bring back Air France.

4) Leandro Barbosa is instant offense

I find myself getting excited when I see #12 checking into the game.  He is lightning fast and has the ability to put up points in a hurry.  He isn’t a traditional point guard, but I am starting to think that is working in his favor.  He has been getting to the rack at will, and has the ability to find the glass on all of his shots.  He is averaging only 7 points a game, but has had 3 games where he has put up 15 or more points.  He is an added dimension the Celtics have not had in a long time. It is always nice to have scoring off the bench.

5) The Boston Celtics can’t rebound

What scares me most about the lack of rebounding illustrated by the Celtics 14 games into the season?  This is the same weakness that hurt them in the playoffs last season.  Opposing teams are getting on average 10 second chances a game.  That is simply inexcusable.  Once again, it’ll be interesting to see what Danny does with Darko’s now vacant roster spot.  Do you take a flyer on Kenyon Martin to beef up the front line? Do you put together a trade package for Marcin Gortat?  That package is likely to include Avery Bradley with another roster player.  The Celtics tend to play undersized and their bigs aren’t overly athletic.  There is no easy solution to this problem.  Until it is fixed, the Celtics will not get out of the Eastern Conference come playoff time.

I can be followed on Twitter @ScottieNTCF

Scottie’s Recap: Celtics Succumb to Trap Game, Pistons

I chalk the Celtics 103-83 loss to the Pistons as the Celtics being nothing more than victims of a trap game on a cold shooting night. There is no other reason why the Celtics would lose to the now 2-9 Detroit Pistons. From the opening tip, the Celtics weren’t into the game and to tell you the truth, as a fan, I wasn’t up for it either.  The game was the last of a 4 games in 5 night stretch.  Fatigue may have been a problem but then again, the Celtics coasted to an easy victory over the Raptors the previous day.  The Celtics do have two tough games ahead in the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. Maybe they got caught up in looking past the Pistons.  Whatever the case may be, the Celtics lost by 20 to the woeful Pistons.

The Celtics shot 45% from the field, 23% and 23% from distance.  The normally consistent Brandon Bass was 3-9 from the field.  It felt a lot worse than that.  I have come to know him as one of the more consistent shooters on the Celtics over the past two seasons.  His 18 foot jumper is usually money in the bank.  Jason Terry was 1-6 from the floor and was 0-4 from deep.  The 4 three pointers he missed all felt like shots that could have changed the game.  He was found in transition, was wide open, but simply couldn’t knock down the shot.

Rajon Rondo barely kept his 10 assist a game streak going.  He got his 10 assists but 3 of them were recorded in garbage time.  This wasn’t his fault.  He continues to get his team wide open shots time and time again.  It is not his fault his teammates can’t knock them down.  He found Chris Wilcox for what looked like a wide open dunk.  Wilcox lost the ball as he was going up in the air.  It was just one of those nights.

Jared Sullinger was the team’s highest scorer with 16 points on 7-12 shooting.  He was also a -20 in the box score.  I felt like he and Chris Wilcox were beaten repeatedly on the glass.  The Celtics bigs lack the fundamentals of boxing out properly.  It is such an elementary part of the game and is frustrating to see guys not able to perform such an easy technique.  The Pistons only had 7 offensive rebounds but it felt like a lot more than that.  They did out rebound the Celtics 39-30. Just a frustrating game.

On my way home from work today, I heard Marc Bertrand say that Darko Milicic was leaving the team for the rest of the season to go back to his country to be with his ill mother.  I got home and looked up available free agents.  It seems the Celtics veterans have already beat me to it.  They are lobbying for the team to sign Kenyon Martin according to report by Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski.  I would love this move if Danny is able to pull it off.  The Celtics need to bulk up their depth in the front court.  They have all the back court depth a team could ask for.  Bringing in Kenyon Martin, if in shape, will take a heavy burden off of KG’s shoulders.  I am all for bringing Kenyon Martin to Boston.

I can be followed on Twitter @ScottieNTCF

Not Scottie’s Recap: Nets defeat the Celtics

Scottie called out, so you’re stuck with me.

I’d be upset, too.

The Rondo-less Celtics played in Brooklyn against a Nets team that had won three straight going into Thursday night. I have to admit that as many other Celtics fans, I wasn’t too hopeful for a win without Rondo, who is possibly the most key piece of this offense.  Just as the Celtics were starting to find some chemistry and just as Doc seemed to find a few lineups that he liked, the man who is averaging 14.6 assists per game is not available.

For me, the game started out pretty hard to watch with the Nets getting several second chances on offense and it really seemed like it was going to be a rough night for the Celts. Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries seemed to have a lot of space inside to do pretty much anything they pleased as far as scoring and rebounding. When I was reminded by the announcers that Andray Blatche and Reggie Evans were the second string, I felt even worse.  The first quarter ended with the Nets putting up 31 points to the Celtics 26.  Things got a little bit better from here.

After the Celtics settled in and started doing some basic fundamental things like boxing-out, the Celtics kept it close for the most part, hung around, and took a lead by the end of the 3rd quarter.  A game that I didn’t expect to be this competitive, came down to the wire. Paul Pierce (82% FT for the year) missed two free-throws consecutively with 34 seconds remaining which would’ve cut the game to a one point deficit.  He came back, after Joe Johnson hit two free throws of his own, and drained a three to bring the Celts within two (99-97).  Fast forward 20 seconds to Jason Terry (86% FT for the year) missing two consecutive free throws of his own and shortly after, the game ended with a 102-97 final.

If this game took place without Rondo, two weeks ago, I would predict a 15+ point victory at this point. Even as young as this season is, several players on this team have already grown mentally to the point where they are showing more confidence and starting to become as crucial to this team as they eventually will be. Jeff Green, while only putting five points on the scoreboard himself, showed some good work on the boards and hit a crucial three with a minute left in the game to bring the Celtics within one point. Regardless of his numbers, you can tell that he’s starting to gain confidence and believe that he can be a force for this team.  Dunking on Al Jefferson’s head will do that, I suppose (See Right).

Courtney Lee put up 13 points and showed some effective aggression that has been needed from him. Jason Terry contributed 10 points and looked a little bit more like Terry we expected to see from day 1.

Let me just get this out there, I love Leandro Barbosa.  He brings Rondo-like energy to the game and has not been apprehensive to do his thing whatsoever.  He is not a great point guard and he may not always make the best decision but he is always at full throttle and wants to score the basketball. It’s unfair to be too critical of him because I don’t think he knows how to run this offense just yet, anyway.

All things considered, this was not a miserable loss.  This was not the same type of loss as the last 3. To be honest, I wasn’t that impressed with the Nets, but they have a bunch of talented players and they’re trying to figure out their own formula’s. They will be better the next time the Celts play them. In general, having another team with that much talent in the Atlantic doesn’t make things any easier either.

The Celtics saw several players who they have been waiting to step up, start to do so. We’re starting to learn more about this team each game and there is honestly not one person on this team that I do not like seeing on the court, save Darko. I think that if the Celtics continue to show the confidence that they did in this game, they’re in great shape.  I can’t wait for Avery Bradley to come back and run the floor with Rondo, Terry, Barbosa and Lee.

Are the Celtics a championship contender in the current form? Absolutely not. Are they moving in the right direction while being incredibly fun to watch? I really think so.

The Atlantic division’s worst, Toronto Raptors (2-6) come into Boston on Saturday November, 17th.

Scottie’s Recap: Celtics Snipe Bucks

November 10, 2012 will be a day Celtics fans will remember this season. The Celtics beat the Bucks 96-92 and Jeff Green arrived. If you were only looking at the box score, his stats wouldn’t jump out at you.  In 25 minutes, he had 12 points and 3 rebounds.  But if you watched the game, you know exactly what I am talking about.  Green was awesome in the fourth quarter on both sides of the floor.  Seeing him take the ball hard to the rack was refreshing.  His 8 trips to the charity stripe are very telling.  Green was aggressive taking the ball to the basket.  He is a matchup nightmare for teams around the NBA.  He can post up smaller guards and take bigger forwards off the dribble.  Last night was the first night Celtics fans saw what Jeff Green is capable of.

Now I would be remiss if I didn’t say the true star of the game was Paul Pierce.  Pierce basically traded buckets with Monta Ellis as the game went on.  When Pierce reaches that other level that he gets to from time to time, he is truly unstoppable.  Milwaukee didn’t have anyone that could stop Pierce as he went for 25 points.  He still is very much The Truth.

Doc Rivers obviously read my recap from the 76ers game.  I called out Courtney Lee for not bringing anything to the table through the first 2 weeks of the season.  Doc promptly changed his starting five, putting Lee on the bench, and starting Jason Terry.  The funny thing is, the new starting five didn’t really work.  The Celtics had been getting off to fast starts prior to the change.  Last night they started slow but the end result is all that matters.

Jason Terry was very efficient last night and looks to finally be settling into his new digs.  Terry had 15 points on 5-7 shooting (2-3 from deep).  My concern, however, is the Celtics do not have a back up point guard.  Terry can’t do it.  I am not comfortable with Barbosa in that role.  And I don’t see Courtney Lee capable of handling that responsibility either.  Avery Bradley thrived playing with Rondo last year and struggled when he had to run the offense.  This is something to keep an eye on going forward in the season.

The Celtics travel to the windy city Monday night to take on the Derrick Rose-less Bulls.  The Bulls are 4-2 and are atop the Central Division being led by a resurgent Rip Hamilton.

I can be followed on Twitter @ScottieNTCF.

The Not-So Rapid Reaction- Celtics Lose 120-107

Last night, after Miami put on the finishing touches of a 120-107 opening night win against my beloved Boston Celtics, I really wanted to sit down and hammer away all my thoughts on to this blog.  Truth be told, I am getting old and I fell asleep after the game.  It is likely better that way, as I have had time to organize my thoughts and not publish my patented knee jerk reaction that I am famous for.  I would like to continue this type of post but any faithful reader of NTCF knows our promises usually ring hollow.  I will simply take it game by game.  So without further adieu, here is my thoughts following last night’s game.

I will spare everyone the tired “Ray Allen is my ex-girlfriend from high school” analogy.  Whatever the case may be, he didn’t want to play in Boston anymore.  He wanted to live tax-free in Miami, play golf on his off days, and ride the coat tails of LeBron James and get another ring before he called it a career.  Boston fans have been “betrayed” before.  No doubt it stings a little bit more when a fan favorite decides to go play for your most bitter rival.  See Damon, Johnny. I admit, I had a sense of rage seeing him don a Miami Heat uniform.  I was happy that KG ignored him when he thought during the game was the perfect time to try to clear the air and get some “daps.”  Yes, it did hurt to see Ray pour in 19 points on 5-7 shooting and 2-3 from long range.What hurt more than his stats, however, were the times when the Celtics needed a bucket and couldn’t get one.  Because it was those times over the last 5 years that Doc could draw up a play to free up Ray Ray and he would bury a jump shot.   That is what I will miss most about Ray Allen.

Maybe the emotion was too much for the Celtics last night.  Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry were awful for the most apart.  Garnett has been known to get himself so psyched up that he can’t produce.  Last night was one of those nights.  Maybe it was the ring ceremony prior to the game, maybe it was the national spotlight, maybe it was playing against a former brother, maybe it was everything combined but KG was largely ineffective last night.  I also believe that Jason Terry was caught up in the moment of trying to hard to be better than Ray Allen.  He was all over the floor and not in a good way.  His shots were out of rhythm and his defense was sorely lacking.  I found myself very concerned about Terry.  He is not a true point guard and  I am not sure how his game is going to translate when being asked to bring the ball up the floor, something he is not accustomed to doing.

Jeff Green was a no-show last night as well.  I am willing to give him a free pass at the start of this season though.  He is coming back from open-heart surgery.  At this point last year, he was probably thinking that he would never play again.  Believe it or not, life is more important than sports.  I think Jeff was a bit emotional last night and wasn’t able to get into the game.  I am excited to have him back this season and I look forward to having him play with a full training camp under his belt with the Celtics.  Once the chemistry is established he will be essential to the team’s success.

What I took away most from last night’s game was how much I now loathe Dwayne Wade.  Every time he takes the ball to the basket and loses it he stops and stares down the ref.  He has become the biggest (insert derogatory slang term for the female reproductive organ here) in the NBA.  He has the audacity to call Rajon Rondo a punk after the game last night.  This is the same guy who dislocated Rondo’s elbow with a cheap shot 2 years ago in the playoffs.  This is the same guy that bridged Darren Collison last season.  This is no longer the guy that had the awesome commercial, “I fall down 7 times and stand up 8.”   It also drives me crazy that refs allow him to use his off-hand to stiff arm his defender when he drives to the basket.  It was probably the most pivotal play in the playoffs last year and it happened again last night.  At this time last year, I despised LeBron James.  After what LeBron did in Game 6 last year, I…I… (gulp) respect him.  Now, my hatred, my disdain, my insurmountable intense dislike is toward Dwayne Wade.

I am really hoping Doc lets Jared Sullinger play.  My one qualm with Doc Rivers is his knack for not letting rookies play.  Sullinger will be needed this season.  He will be needed to give Garnett rest.  He will be needed in the front court.  He is a large part of the future of the Boston Celtics.  Doc played him 8 minutes last night.  I understand there may have been matchup problems for him but I sincerely hope that Doc sets aside his policy about giving rookies minutes, and he lets the kid play.

I came away from last night’s game realizing the Boston Celtics-Miami Heat rivalry has surpassed the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry in my eyes.  The reason for that is two-fold.  1) The Red Sox are largely irrelevant right now and will be until they straighten out their operation. 2) LeBron has been public enemy #1 for the Celtics since the Big 3 arrived in Boston.  Now one of the members of the original Big 3 have joined forces with the enemy.  The Celtics are the only team in the NBA that have, can, and will take the Heat to 7 games in a playoff series.

Next up for the Celtics: Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis bring the Milwaukee Bucks into Boston on Friday November 2.

I can be followed on Twitter @ScottieNTCF

Gambo & Scottie’s 2012 NBA Mock Draft

It’s hard to believe that the NBA Draft is already upon us but tomorrow night it all goes down, starting with the consensus No. 1 pick Anthony Davis. The “unibrow” is that good and proved it, helping Kentucky to a National Championship. This class is stocked with talent as there are potential starters into the 20′s. The Celtics pick back-to-back at 21 & 22 thanks to the trade of

“Fear the Brow”

Kendrick Perkins. GM Danny Ainge has already confirmed they are looking for size but could also be in position to take the best player still on the board with one of the selections if someone slips as this is probably the best draft class since 2003.

Scottie & I broke up the draft going pick-by-pick (of course I get the first; I always win) and gave some insight on each player.

Here, we, go:

1) New Orleans Hornets- Anthony Davis F/C, Kentucky (Gambo)

The only sure-fire pick to go to a team is the Unibrow himself. Davis has the potential to be a Kevin Garnett type player and will help transform a New Orleans team desperate for resurgence. If you didn’t like this kid before, the fact that he has already trademarked “Fear the Brow” and “Raise the Brow” should make you a believer.

2) Charlotte Bobcats- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist G/F, Kentucky (Scottie)

MKG is dropping like a rock on many other mock drafts that I have seen.  I can’t understand why.  I saw a fair share of Kentucky games this season and I saw a kid with boat loads of talent.  The Bobcats need anything and everything to get their franchise going.  In my opinion they should play it safe and go with the closest to a sure thing they can.

3) Washington Wizards- Bradley Beal SG, Florida (Gambo)

I’m with Scottie on the MKG pick, but could understand MJ taking Beal or Robinson there if he doesn’t trade. Beal is a sure-fire pick for the Wiz and makes for an intriguing backcourt combination with John Wall; one that could be a force in the league for years if the mesh well over the first few seasons.

4) Cleveland Cavaliers- Thomas Robinson PF, Kansas (Scottie)

Many people have Robinson going behind Davis in this year’s draft.  The kid does have an incredible skill set and did put Kansas on his back on their way to the National Championship.  Watching him and Kyrie Irving play together just may help those Cleveland fans that are bitter about that someone who left town 2 years ago.

5) Sacramento Kings- Harrison Barnes G/F, North Carolina (Gambo)

The Kings are rumored to be pedaling Tyreke Evans and Barnes could be a perfect replacement for him. Harrison has been stated by numerous media members as being the type of player that is better as a pro than in college and the UNC product has the potential to produce.

6) Portland Trail Blazers- Andre Drummond C, UConn (Scottie)

Drummond was a consensus number 1 pick most of the season.  Then he was everyone saw exactly

Will the “motor” be there in the NBA?

what he was.  He is a freakish athlete but extremely raw when it comes to basketball.  He can jump through the roof, run the floor, and block shots.  After that he is very much a work in progress.

7) Golden St. Warriors- Jeremy Lamb SG, UConn (Gambo)

The Drummond pick is the first one that I disagree on with Scottie. Portland is rumored to be salivating over Damian Lilliard and should be the pick at six. As for the Warriors, a two-guard to replace Monta Ellis should be on their list. Lamb looked disinterested at times this season, but should get motivated and put up points as a better “Marshon Brooks-type” player.

8) Toronto Raptors- Austin Rivers G, Duke (Scottie)

Most people have Damian Lilliard ahead of Austin Rivers in their drafts.  Toronto needs a point guard and I think Doc’s kid is the best one in the draft.  He has a great basketball pedigree.  He has an uncanny ability to get to the basket and can also bury his jump shots.

9) Detroit Pistons- John Henson PF, North Carolina (Gambo)

With the trade of Ben Gordon the Pistons could target Lamb or Rivers if they fall, but they could still use a shot-blocking and rebounding presence to team with Greg Monroe. Henson was intimidating near the basket and if he can add some size to his frame, Detroit would have an impressive one-two combo down low.

10) New Orleans Hornets- Damian Lilliard PG, Weber State (Scottie)

The Hornets also need a point guard and Lilliard is right behind Rivers in my opinion.  Lilliard comes from Weber St. I am not big on guys coming from small schools at all.  It is probably the wrong prejudice to have but I feel that Rivers has more big game experience and more exposure.

11) Portland Trail Blazers- Dion Waiters G, Syracuse (Gambo)

Depending on what the Blazers do with the first pick getting size or a point guard, they will most likely draft the opposite here, but if a player like Waiters is still on the board they could go after him, especially if they are serious about trading Jamal Crawford. Waiters played off the bench at Cuse, but when he was on the floor he often took over as the most dynamic scorer on the court. He could instantly contribute in the same way this coming season.

12) Milwaukee Bucks- Terrence Ross G, Washington (Scottie)

The Bucks need a 3 to play with Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis.  Ross handles the ball very well and would be able to find Monta and Jennings on the break.  At 6’7 he would be an oversized 2 that could come off the bench as well.  The Bucks are a team that would like to run and Ross is a terrific rebounder for a guard.

13) Phoenix Suns- Kendall Marshall PG, North Carolina (Gambo)

It’s hard to believe but Steve Nash may not be in a Suns jersey next season. Time for Phoenix to find “who’s next.” Marshall was fantastic for UNC before injuring his wrist and should be back to form in no time. The deft-passing, good-sized point should fill in nicely for the former MVP.

14) Houston Rockets- Tyler Zeller F/C, North Carolina (Scottie)

I once was a Tyler Zeller hater.  That changed this year with each game I saw him play.  I attribute a lot of his success to playing on a stacked team with Henson, Barnes, and Marshall.  But Zeller was no slouch either.  The kid doesn’t miss around the rim and has a deadly hook shot.

15) Philadelphia 76ers- Perry Jones III F, Baylor (Gambo)

Will he realize his potential?

PJ III had a disappointing return season at Baylor but that does not mean he doesn’t have talent. The Sixers would luck out seeing jones slide to 15 and if they do end up trading Iguodala, he could be a key along with Thad Young in replacing his production.

16) Houston Rockets- Meyers Leonard C, Illinois (Scottie)

Let me start this out by saying I think Meyers Leonard is awful.  Every game I saw him play this year he was softer than a baby’s bottom.  He gets frustrated to easily and turns the ball over way too often.  But as the saying goes, “you can’t teach size” and size is something the 7’1 Leonard has.

17) Dallas Mavericks- Terrence Jones F, Kentucky (Gambo)

The Mavs could be in “best player available” mode and taking a National Champ at 17 is definitely not a bad thing. Jones is a player that could contribute immediately off the bench as Dallas looks to surround Dirk with talent and push for a return trip to the Finals.

18) Minnesota Timberwolves- Royce White F, Iowa State (Scottie)

White was very impressive this past season at Iowa State.  If the Timberwolves do in fact take him they just might become the best passing team in the history of basketball with White, Kevin Love, and Ricky Rubio.  I think this kid might be the most intriguing kid in the draft.  There aren’t many 6’8 guys that can handle the ball like he can.

19) Orlando Magic- Arnett Moultrie F/C, Mississippi State (Gambo)

If the Magic end up dealing Dwight they will need some serious size and shot-blocking. Moultrie flew under the radar this season at Mississippi State but scouts love his frame and wingspan. Orlando is facing some tough decisions across the board, but a defensive presence never hurts.

20) Denver Nuggets- Jared Sullinger F, Ohio State (Scottie)

Sullinger was projected to be the #1 overall pick in last year’s draft but decided to stay in school.  He has been red flagged by doctors because of a back injury and he his stock has plummeted.  Some say he can be another Kevin Love.  I disagree.  But the Nuggets need scoring in the paint and if healthy Sullinger could do just that.

21) Boston Celtics- Moe Harkless SF, St. John’s (Gambo)

Hmmmmm, I’m picking for my favorite team and the best player from my Alma Mater since Ron

This man would look good in Green.

Artest is still on the board? MOE BUCKETS! First, I don’t think he lasts past Denver, but Harkless is an athletic talent that played the 4 and 5 last year but is a true 3 in the League. A chance to learn from someone like Paul Pierce could transform Moe into an impressive player.

22) Boston Celtics- Fab Melo C, Syracuse (Scottie)

One thing that was apparent in the playoffs this season was the Celtics had a hard time defending at the rim.  There was nobody other than Garnett that could contest shots in the paint.  I am not a Fab Mello fan by any means but he is the fit for what the Celtics needs down low.

23) Atlanta Hawks- Andrew Nicholson PF, St. Bonaventure (Gambo)

Nicholson was a stretch-4 at St. Bonaventure and while you may not have heard of him, that doesn’t mean his isn’t good. The Hawks have been rumored to be off the Josh Smith bandwagon and if he ends up switching jerseys, Nicholson could have a sizable role in replacing him.

24) Cleveland Cavaliers- Jeffrey Taylor G/F, Vanderbilt (Scottie)

The Cavs need size and perimeter defense. Having Taylor and Varejao on the floor at the same time may limit the Cavs offensively but they would sure be difficult to score on.  The Cavs are a very young team and Taylor is a 4 year college player.  He would be able to provide some experience and compliment Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson pretty well.

25) Memphis Grizzlies- Marquis Teague PG, Kentucky (Gambo)

Memphis has transformed itself into a Western Conference Playoff fixture and is another team that can just go “best player available.” Teague is young but could become an efficient point guard in the league. Jeff’s little brother doesn’t have his size but is a someone who can get up and down the floor and can press the pace with the second unit.

26) Indiana Pacers- Doron Lamb SG, Kentucky (Scottie)

Doron Lamb is the best pure shooter in the draft.  The Pacers’ success revolves around everyone knowing their role and no superstar play.  Lamb fits in perfectly at the 2 alongside Danny Granger and Darren Collison.  Opposing teams would be reluctant to double down on Hibbert leaving Lamb open from the outside.  Lamb could be a steal in this draft.

27) Miami Heat- Quincy Miller F, Baylor (Gambo)

Miller’s injury has pushed him down draft boards but the World Champs would be glad to add an athletic player to their roster who could run with Bron, Wade and Rio. Miller was overshadowed by PJ III and never really found his niche, but could be a solid forward in the NBA for years.

28) Oklahoma City Thunder- Will Barton SG, Memphis (Scottie)

In reality the Thunder really don’t need any additional parts. They really only need to gain experience. Barton is a guy that can come off the bench and give Durant a quick rest.

29) Chicago Bulls- Tony Wroten G, Washington (Gambo)

Wroten could most definitely be gone at this point but with Derrick Rose on the shelf,

It’s a Festivus miracle!

Washington’s 6-foot-6 PG could fill in nicely for the Bulls. Even though his size may throw some people, Wroten is a true point that could run an NBA offense and would fit well with Deng, Boozer an Noah, while also sliding to the two at times once Rose returns.

30) Golden St. Warriors- Festus Ezeli F/C, Vanderbilt

Festivus for the rest of us! Golden State needs a big man to compliment Andrew Bogut, David Lee, and Andris Beidrins.  Plus I just wanted to sneak in a Seinfeld reference, so Ezeli it is.

We can be followed on Twitter @Big3Sports and @ScottieNTCF

Mumbles Therapy

Today is only Wednesday and it has already been one of the longest weeks I’ve ever experienced.  The best therapy is for me to just rant about subject matter that I feel I know best: the world of sports.  Beware here comes a slew of unorganized thoughts better classified as Mumbles.

*Chris Paul will be traded before Christmas 2011.  New Orleans does not want to go through the “Melodrama” the Nuggets went through last year.  With all the leaks about the Celtics wanting Paul, it would be in their best interest to acquire the best point guard in the league by any means necessary.  The Celtics current point guard Rajon Rondo is very talented but is beyond emotionally fragile.  He broke down last year when his BFF Kendrick Perkins was traded.  He broke down when he was “dissed” by President Obama.  Now the Celtics are reportedly (by every media outlet) pursuing Paul.  If the Celtics fail at acquiring Paul, they will be in for a very long and very uncomfortable season with Rondo running the show.  Get Paul now, worry about his contract status later.

*The Miami Marlins (have to get use to saying that) have been the biggest players in baseball free agency thus far.  They landed Jose Reyes, Heath Bell, and Mark Buehrle.  They are also in hot pursuit of Albert Pujols.  While this appears to be great news for South Florida, they have alienated their franchise player in Hanley Ramirez.  HanRam has reportedly asked for a trade because does not want to move to third base for Reyes.  If I am the Red Sox, I make a strong play at reacquiring the troubled shortstop.  He comes with baggage. There is no doubt about it.  But at the end of the day he is 27 years old coming off his worst season but entering his prime.  He is under contract until 2014 at a reasonable price (3 years $46 mil left).  He is a clear upgrade over Marco Scutaro or Jed Lowrie.  If I am Ben Cherrington, I offer Lowrie or Scutaro, Xander Bogaerts or Jose Iglesias, Ryan Kalish or Josh Reddick, and Matt Barnes or Anthony Ranuaudo.  Imagine this lineup:

Ellsbury, Crawford, Pedroia, Gonzalez, HRamirez, Youkilis, Ortiz, Saltalamacchia, Kalish/Reddick.

*The Boston Bruins benched Tyler Seguin last night during a 15 game unbeaten streak due to him missing a team breakfast in Winnipeg.  Now, I may be in the minority but I love that they benched the 19 year old leading scorer.  Nipping any antics that Seguin may be a part of in the bud is essential in his early development.  It’s clear to me that his benching has a lot more to it then missing his team breakfast.  His excuse will also go down as the worst excuse in sports history.  ”My clock was set on Boston time and not Winnipeg time.” Tyler may need a geography/time zone lesson to go along with that benching.  What we all need to remember is that the kid is 19 and he hasn’t had a chance to experience the night life like we all did in college.  I cut him some slack but at the same time applaud the management and coaching decision to discipline him.

* I once hated Tim Tebow with a unparraleled passion.  I think that was because I was an ignorant Longhorns fan that would hear nothing other than Colt McCoy was the best there was.  (In my defense he is the all time winningest quarterback in NCAA history). But after the last two months, how do you not love Tebow? Yes, the whole God squad thing can deter someone but as an athlete? The guy has “it.” Whatever “it” may be Tebow has it.  He wins football games and is exciting to watch.  Yes, I am all aboard the Tebow wagon!

*Unfortunately I don’t have any thoughts on the Patriots.  To me they are the most vanilla franchise in Boston sports.  It may be a reflection of the coach.  They win ball games and move on to the next opponent.  Until the playoffs, there is nothing I can really say about them.

*I love Ed Cooley.  When Providence College first hired him, I was skeptical at best.  My hatred of Keno Davis and his thug culture may have angered me to the point I was blind.  But there truly was no better person to hire for this position then who they landed.  Cooley has demonstrated a willingness to play defense (unthinkable during Keno’s time) and also to discipline players when needed.  (Kadeem Batts is yet to play a game.  Expected back for the URI game 12-23).  I have gone to as many games as I’ve could and have appreciated the development of Bryce Cotton.  I like that Vincent Council is playing under control.  I like that Cooley has Coleman playing defense.  I understand that the Friars may get smoked once the Big East schedule starts.  But I expected that coming into the season.  But because of Cooley, I now know they will play hard for 40 minutes every night.

*I can be followed on Twitter @ ScottieNTCF

2011 NBA Mock Draft: NTCF Edition

UPDATE: The Bobcats, Bucks and Kings have agreed to a three-team trade that sends Stephen Jackson to Milwaukee and nets Charlotte the No. 7 pick which they are expected to use on fast-rising Texas PF Tristan Thompson. The Kings meanwhile are said to be targeting Jimmer Fredette at 10.

 

Charlotte receives the No. 7 overall pick and Corey Maggette, while the Bucks get Jackson, Beno Udrih, Shaun Livingston and the No. 19 pick. The Kings get the No. 10 pick plus John Salmons from the Bucks.

Also, the Wizards have invited staff members of the Czech Republic Embassy to their draft party Thursday night. It’s a clue that the Wiz are planning on taking Czech F Jan Vesely

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – With less than 24 hours before the 2011 NBA Draft in Newark, N.J., at the Prudential Center, numerous questions remain, but one thing is certain. This is a two-player draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers appear primed to take Duke freshman point guard Kyrie Irving, and the Minnesota Timberwolves should take Arizona forward

Potential No. 1 Overall Pick Kyrie Irving

Derrick Williams, but could end up trading him, especially if they can get a young center in return. These two studs are the can’t miss pieces, but several other players could prove to have significant value.

This draft lacks the star power, talent and depth of recent drafts past, but both Irving and Williams have potential to be All-Stars. The youth of Enes Kanter and Brandon Knight make them intriguing prospects, but should need more time to make adjustments to the rigors of the NBA.

There are a few players who could make an impact down the road and one of the top ones is Kemba Walker. Walker put his name on the map, leading the Huskies through the BIG

UConn Star Kemba Walker

EAST and then on to the NCAA Championship. Walker may be a tad undersized, but his scoring prowess and leadership should vault him up the draft board.

There is also an international flavor to this year’s draft. Bismack Biyombo is a virtual unknown out of the Congo, but could be the best defensive player in 2011. There is some question as to how old he really is, but he should still be a lottery pick. Biyombo could be the defensive force that Ben Wallace was, but unfortunately he also shares his offensive prowess.

Jan Vesely should be the first international player off the board, but Jonas Valanciunas could be the best player. Valanciunas could slide to as far as 14 however, because of the uncertainty surrounding his buyout status.

One of the other big “names” in this draft is Jimmer Fredette. “Jimmer Mania” could go

"Jimmer Mania" > Draft Lottery

as high as No.5 (a stretch I know, but Toronto needs all the publicity it can get) and as low as No. 20. Expect Fredette to go in the lottery, but most teams are still unsure if Jimmer will be as productive on the offensive end as he was in college.

Surprisingly, there are a fair amount of seniors this year, which does further point to weakness of this class. Jimmer will probably be the first one off the board, but Providence star Marshon Brooks, NCAA rebounding champ Kenneth Faried, do-it-all Florida forward Chandler Parsons and Purdue standout JaJuan Johnson should all get a look in the first round.

The Celtics are slated to pick at No. 25, but could move up should Danny Ainge become

What is this man thinking?

enamored with someone earlier in the draft. Should they stay where they are, Michigan’s Darius Morris could make a lot of sense. After a picking Avery Bradley last year (a 6’3” SG), taking Morris (a 6’5” PG) could make for a dynamic backcourt with an eye toward the future. Should the C’s look big, they could take a look at JaJuan Johnson, Jeremy Tyler or Kenneth Faried should he slip.

Mock Draft

1. Cleveland: Kyrie Irving, Fr., PG – Duke

2. Minnesota: Derrick Williams, So., F – Arizona

3. Utah: Brandon Knight, Fr., PG – Kentucky

4. Cleveland: Enes Kanter, Fr./19, C – Kentucky/Turkey

5. Toronto: Kawhi Leonard, So., SF – San Diego State

6. Washington: Jan Vesely, 21, SF – Czech Republic

7. Charlotte: Tristan Thompson, Fr., PF – Texas

8. Detroit: Bismack Biyombo, 18*, PF – Congo

9. Charlotte: Jonas Valanciunas, 19, C – Lithuania

10. Sacramento: Jimmer Fredette, Sr., PG – BYU

11. Golden State: Marcus Morris, Jr., PF – Kansas

12. Utah: Jordan Hamilton, So., SF – Texas

13. Phoenix: Kemba Walker, Jr., PG – Connecticut

14. Houston: Chris Singleton, Jr., F – Florida State

15. Indiana: Klay Thompson, Jr., G/F – Washington State

16. Philadelphia: Markieff Morris, Jr., PF – Kansas

17. New York: Alec Burks, So., SG – Colorodo

18. Washington: Donatas Motiejunas, 20, PF/C – Lithuania

19. Milwaukee: Marshon Brooks, Sr., SG – Providence

20. Minnesota: Nikola Vucevic, Jr., C – Southern California

21. Portland: Kenneth Faried, Sr., PF – Morehead State

22. Denver: Tobias Harris, Fr., F – Tennessee

23. Houston: Iman Shumpert, Jr., G – Georgia Tech

24. Oklahoma City: Tyler Honeycutt, So., SF – UCLA

25. Boston: Darius Morris, So., PG – Michigan

26. Dallas: JaJuan Johnson, Sr., PF/C – Purdue

27. New Jersey: Chandler Parsons, Sr., F – Florida

28. Chicago: Josh Selby, Fr., PG – Kansas

29. San Antonio: Davis Bertans, 18, F – Latvia

30. Chicago: Jeremy Tyler, 20, C – Japan

Would this man look good in green?

Pre-Draft NBA Depth Charts

PG	SG	SF	PF	C
Atlanta
J. Teague	J. Johnson	M. Williams	J. Smith	A. Horford
K. Hinrich	J. Crawford	D. Wilkins	J. Powell	Z. Pachulia
		P. Sy	M. Rolle	H.Armstrong
				J. Collins
				E. Thomas
Boston
R. Rondo	R. Allen	P. Pierce	K. Garnett	J. O’Neal
D. West	V. Wafer	J. Green	G. Davis	T. Murphy
C. Arroyo	A. Bradley	S. Pavlovic
Charlotte
D. Augustin	G. Henderson	S. Jackson	B. Diaw	K. Brown
S. Livingston	M. Peterson	D. McGuire	T. Thomas	J. Przybilla
S. Collins	G. Temple	M. Carroll	D.Cunningham	D. Diop
			E. Najera
Chicago
D. Rose	K. Bogans	L. Deng	C. Boozer	J. Noah
C. Watson	R. Brewer	K. Korver	T. Gibson	O. Asik
J. Pargo		R. Butler	B. Scalbrine	K. Thomas
J. Lucas
Cleveland
B. Davis	A. Parker	A. Jamison	J. Hickson	A. Varejao
R. Sessions	D. Gibson	C. Eyenga	S. Samuels	S. Erden
	M. Harris	A. Gee	L. Harangody	R. Hollins
Dallas
J. Kidd	R. Beaubois	S. Marion	D. Nowitzki	T. Chandler
J. Barea	J. Terry	C. Butler	B. Cardinal	B. Haywood
	C. Brewer	D. Stevenson		I. Mahinmi
	D. Jones	P. Stojakovic
Denver
T. Lawson	A. Afflalo	D. Gallinari	K. Martin	Nene
R. Felton	J. Smith	W. Chandler	A. Harrington	C. Anderson
		G. Forbes	M. Ely	T. Mozgov
				K. Koufos
Detriot
R. Stuckey	R. Hamilton	T. Prince	C. Wilcox	G. Monroe
W. Bynum	B. Gordon	A. Daye	C. Villanuva	B. Wallace
	T. McGrady	D. Summers	J. Jerebko
			J. Maxiell
Golden State
S. Curry	M. Ellis	D. Wright	D. Lee	E. Udoh
J. Lin	R. Williwams	A. Thornton	V.Radmonovic	A. Biedrins
A. Law	C. Bell		L. Amundson
Houston
K. Lowry	K. Martin	C. Budinger	L. Scola	C. Hayes
G. Dragic	C. Lee	T. Williams	P. Patterson	B. Miller
		M. Harris	J. Hill	H. Thabeet
			M. Cousin	Yao
Indiana
D. Collison	P. George	D. Granger	T. Hansbrough	R. Hibbert
A. Price	B. Rush	M. Dunleavy	J. McRoberts	J. Foster
T. Ford	L. Stephenson	D. Jones		S. Jones
		J. Posey
Los Angeles Clippers
M. Williams	E. Gordon	R. Gomes	B. Griffin	D. Jordan
E. Bledsoe	R. Foye	A. Aminu	C. Smith	C. Kaman
	W. Warren	J. Moon	I. Diogu	B. Cook
Los Angeles Lakers
D. Fisher	K. Bryant	R. Artest	P. Gasol	A. Bynum
S. Blake	S. Brown	M. Barnes	L. Odom	T. Ratliff
T. Johnson		L. Walton	J. Smith
		D. Ebanks	D. Caracter
Memphis
M. Conley	T. Allen	R. Gay	Z. Randolph	M. Gasol
G. Vasquez	O. Mayo	S. Battier	L. Powe	D. Arthur
I. Smith	X. Henry	S. Young		H. Haddadi
Miami
M.Chalmers	D. Wade	L. James	C. Bosh	J. Anthony
M. Bibby	E. House	M. Miler	U. Haslem	J. Howard
		J. Jones	D. Pittman	Z. Ilgauskas
				E. Dampier
				J. Magloire
Minnesota
R. Rubio	W. Johnson	M. Beasley	K. Love	D. Milicic
L. Ridnour	M. Webster	L. Hayward	A. Randolph	N. Pekovic
J. Flynn	W. Ellington		A. Tolliver
S. Telfair
Milwaukee
B. Jennings	J. Salmons	C. Delfino	L. Mbah a Moute	A. Bogut
K. Dooling	M. Redd	C. Maggette	E. Ilyasova	D. Gooden
E. Boykins	C. Douglas-Roberts	D. Hobson	L. Sanders	J. Brockmon
New Jersey
D. Williams	A. Morrow	D. James	K. Humphries	B. Lopez
J. Farmar	S. Vujacic	T. Outlaw	J. Petro	D. Gadzuric
S. Gaines	M. West	S. Graham	B. Wright
New Orleans
C. Paul	M. Belinelli	T. Ariza	D. West	E. Okafor
J. Jack	W. Green	Q. Pondexter	C. Landry	A. Gray
	J. McNeal	P. Ewing Jr.	J. Smith	D. Mbenga
		P. Mensah-Bonsu	D. Anderson
New York
C. Billups	L. Fields	C. Anthony	A. Stoudemire	R. Turiaf
T. Douglas	R. Mason	B. Walker	S. Williams	S. Williams
A. Carter	A. Rautins	R. Balkman	D. Brown	J. Jeffries
Oklahoma
R.Westbrook	T. Sefolosha	K. Durant	S. Ibaka	K. Perkins
E. Maynor	J. Harden	D. Cook	N. Collison	N.Mohammed
R. Ivey	N. Robinson		C. Aldrich	B. Mullens
Orlando
J. Nelson	J. Richardson	H. Turkoglu	B. Bass	D. Howard
G. Arenas	J. Redick	Q. Richardson	R. Anderson	D. Orton
C. Duhon		E. Clark	M. Allen
Philadelphia
J. Holiday	J. Meeks	A. Iguodala	E. Brand	S. Hawes
L. Williams	E. Turner	T. Young	M. Speights	T. Battie
	J. Kapono	A. Nocioni	D. Songaila	C. Brackins
Phoenix
S. Nash	J. Dudley	G. Hill	C. Frye	M. Gortat
A. Brooks	M. Pietrus	J. Childress	H. Warrick	R. Lopez
Z. Dowdell			G. Lawal	G. Siler
Portland
A. Miller	W. Matthews	G. Wallace	L. Aldridge	M. Camby
B. Roy	R. Fernandez	N. Batum	C. Johnson	G. Oden
P. Mills	E. Williams	L. Babbitt	E. Barron	J. Collins
A. Johnson
San Antonio
T. Parker	M. Ginobili	R. Jefferson	T. Duncan	A. McDyess
G. Hill	G. Neal	J. Anderson	T. Splitter	D. Blair
C. Quinn		D. Butler	S. Novak	M. Bonner
Sacramento
T. Evans	M. Thornton	F. Garcia	D. Cousins	S.Dalembert
B. Udrih	M. Daniels	O. Casspi	J. Thompson	H. Whiteside
P. Jeter	J. Taylor	D. Greene	D. Jackson
Toronto
J. Calderon	D. DeRozan	J. Johnson	A. Johnson	A. Bargnani
J. Bayless	L. Barbosa	L. Kleiza	E. Davis	R. Evans
M. Banks	S. Weems	J. Wright	J. Dorsey	S. Alabi
				A. Ajinca
Utah
D. Harris	C. Miles	A. Kirilenko	P. Millsap	A. Jefferson
E. Watson	R. Bell	G. Hayward	D. Favors	M. Okur
R. Price		J. Evans	F. Elson	K. Fesenko
Washington
J. Wall	J. Crawford	R. Lewis	A. Blatche	J. McGee
M. Shakur	N. Young	T. Booker	Yi	H. N’diaye
	O. Jeffers	M. Evans	L. Owens	K. Seraphin

The Art of Inspiration

Willis Reed overcame a torn muscle in his right thigh to inspire his New York Knick teammates to a Game 7 NBA Finals win over the Los Angeles Lakers in 1970.  He scored the first two baskets of the game, his only points, and the emotional momentum carried the Knicks to an NBA title.

Kirk Gibson made one plate appearance in the 1988 World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Gibson had a stomach virus and injured both his legs in the National League Championship Series and was not expected to play in the World Series.  Down 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth, 2 outs and a runner on first, Gibson launched a home run off of Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley to win the game.  The Dodgers went on to win the World Series four games to one.

Curt Schilling pitched Game 6 of the ALCS in Yankee Stadium after injuring his ankle and going through a surgery that would put 55 stitches in that ankle.  Schilling bleed through his sock in Game 6 as he shut the potent Yankees down through 7 innings beating the Yankees to force a Game 7.  The Red Sox carried that momentum and won the World Series in 2004, never losing again that post season.

I admit, I am a sucker for this type of drama in sports.  These are the stories that build sports legends and are the material for stories that get passed on from generation to generation.  Saturday night was the latest in that genre.  While the effects of the cause are yet to be decided, the even has already happened.  Saturday night Rajon Rondo went down to the ground on what most will say was a chippy play (bush league) move by Dwayne Wade.  Rondo landed awkwardly and dislocated his left elbow.  I personally thought that unless Rondo was Gumby, he was out for the remainder of this post season and into next season. I figured the series was over and I sat bitterly thinking that LeBron and friends were moving on to face either the Bulls or the Hawks and would eventually win the NBA Title.

Then Rondo appeared from the tunnel favoring his arm and cheered on his team a bit.  I figured it was cool he came out to the bench instead of sitting in the locker room.  Then he started walking toward the scoring table to check in and I was speechless mixed with being nervous.  But Rondo came out and his presence lifted the TD Garden crowd to its feet and pumped up the rest of his team.  He had a hustle play where he dove for a ball and landed on his left shoulder, a play which made all of greater Boston collectively gasp, and then he stole a ball from the eunuch known as Chris Bosh and converted a fast break dunk.

Fast forward to now.  The Heat and Celtics are an hour away from Game 4 in Boston.  Rational me sees the Heat winning this series in 6 games.  But the fan in me has become inspired.  Rondo returning from this injury conjures up memories of Dave Roberts stealing second base in 2004.  Just like then I held out hope for a miracle and it happened.  Rondo’s return did more than pump up his teammates and lift the Garden decibel level beyond deafening.  While Rondo dislocated his elbow, his return fractured the Heat psyche.

Don’t underestimate this.  The Heat have been front-runners all year long.  The second things go bad, they get ugly.  They start moping and crying.  Remember LeBron pushing his coach in the beginning of the year when they were a .500 team? Remember Dwayne Wade saying everyone in the world is happy because the Heat are losing? The Heat don’t handle adversity well.  The longer this series goes, the more pressure there is on the Miami Heat.  As my brother pointed out to me; the longer the series goes the more pressure there is on James, Wade, and Bosh.  Chris Bosh who has already admitted publicly he can’t handle the pressure of the moment.  The longer the series goes, the more the rest of the Heat will roster will defer to James and Wade.  The more pressure there will be on James and Wade.  How will they handle it? Will they try taking the Celtics 1-5 and eventually argue with each other on the court?  Time will tell.

The bottom line: In sports courageous events such as Rondo’s return from a gruesome injury have bolstered team’s efforts and demolished the morale of the opponent to the point where it determined a winner.  If Boston wins this series, look back to Dwayne Wade’s cowardly take down of Rondo, and Rondo’s courageous return to the court as the reason why.

I can be followed on Twitter @ ScottieNTCF