The Green Scene

Johnny Sunchips


At the so called midway point of the NBA season, albeit some 50 plus games in, the Celtics remain in the bottom seven in the race for the "cream of the crop" in the coming draft. But it's all star weekend in New Orleans and there are / were two members of the Green in uniform. It happened in Friday nights Rising Star Challenge. Both Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk were voted as starters for "Team Webber" and both were very productive. Sullinger connected on three of his first four three point attempts in route to a 13 point performance while dishing out four assists. Olynyk fared well, mostly on the defensive side of the ball, grabbing 3 steals while blocking a shot. He also netted 9 points. Here are some other news and notes...

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- The big news for the Celtics remains off the court, specifically Rajon Rondo. Will he be a member of the Celtics after Thursdays 3pm NBA trade deadline?! Much more, we will know the immediate as well as future direction of the franchise. If the belief is that he is a cornerstone, and there are plenty of mixed reviews on this subject, he more than likely stays and the near future is a little brighter. If dealt, quite simply, the rebuilding process will take longer and require some real patience for the Celtic faithful. Carmelo Anthony has hinted that he would take less money to stay in New York if the team would pursue impacting free agents. Rondo and Minnesota's Kevin Love are the two that come to the forefront. The Knicks could trade for Rondo, but that would obviously hinge on him signing a long term deal after 2014. 
 

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- Forward Brandon Bass has also bee rumored to be of significant trade value. Golden State, Phoenix and Charlotte are three teams that have shown the most interest along with Oklahoma City. Bass is due 6.4 million this season and another 6.9 next season, so it could be a tough sell. OKC's Kendrick Perkins would fit from a financial standpoint, but he does not seem to fit the future philosophy. Guard Thabo Sefolosha is on an expiring contract worth 4 million, but the Thunder are not likely to part ways with him.

- Celts president Danny Ainge had some insightful comments this past week saying that the Celtics are exploring all avenues to return the team to championship form. Ainge, who is not in New Orleans for all star weekend said. "We would do a deal to make our team better and use assets to get better right away. And we would also move veteran players to create flexibility and get draft picks. So we could go either way right now. But right now I think it's a feeling out process". The translation here seems to be that Danny Boy wants to get significantly better much more sooner than later. One thing is sure! This week has the potential to be the biggest of the season for these Boston Celtics.

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