Hooped Up

I for one don’t mind the slappier and tauntier version of Garnett. After losing for so long with Minnesota, how can you blame KG for trying everything to win; even if it means a few suspensions or fines to stay on top. 

“Kevin Garnett has been going after smaller guys, including Toronto’s Jose Calderon and Milwaukee’s Luke Ridnour, and it’s starting to hurt his rep. One executive said of Garnett, “He’s nothing but an instigator.” With several teams complaining about Garnett’s antics in recent weeks, the league has taken note.”

New York Daily News

It’s beginning to look like McDyess will boomerang right back to the Pistons who traded him along with Billups to the Nuggets. Just ask the Celtics.

“The news is as expected on free agent Antonio McDyess. TheCeltics made their pitch and the big man let it slide on by. The early word after his trade from Detroit to Denver was that McDyess would take a buyout and return to the Pistons, and that is looking even more certain now. Danny Ainge spoke to Andy Miller, McDyess’ representative. “We spoke,” Ainge said, “but I didn’t get any sense that we should be optimistic about it.”

Boston Herald

Sometimes things actually work in favor for the New York Knicks.  According to reports, the heart and soul of the Celtics squad aka Kevin Garnett was suspended today for a game, starting tomorrow against the Knicks for striking Bucks center Andrew Bogut in the face on Saturday. This is surprising given the incredible verbal taunting superpowers Garnett posses.

The incident happened in the last quarter of the Celtics 102 -97 victory over the Bucks when Bogut struck Garnett in the mouth after being fouled. Bogut was tossed from the game after receiving his second technical of the match and today his foul on Garnett was upgraded to a flagrant foul penalty one.

Is it me or is the NBA is handing out suspensions like condoms at a V.D. clinic these days.

When your a superstar in the league you can get away with pretty much anything, including taunting another player from end to end as Kevin Garnett did last night with Jose Calderon.   At one point KG has his hands so close to Calderon’s face he could pick his nose.  

This was taunting / harassment at its finest, and I’m lovin’ it!

The defending world champions are interested in picking up Antonio McDyess if he is bought out as expected in Denver to join the Boston Celtics. Better hold off on that season lift ticket McDyess.

“The Celtics, like every other contender, were intrigued by Monday’s trade that sent Allen Iverson from Denver to Detroit for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb. But the C’s attention is focused particularly on the Denver side of the deal, with McDyess reportedly set to be bought out of his contract. According to a league source, the Celtics would be especially interested in bringing in the veteran power forward. The C’s initially attempted to sign McDyess in 2004. He instead chose to sign with the Pistons, who at the time were opening defense of a world championship. ”

Boston Herald

The clock is ticking towards opening day of the NBA season and this commercial with Kevin Garnett is making me itch for some real live NBA action.

How about you guys?

I really thought that Darius Miles would make the Celtics squad but, that’s why I’m not a GM.  Hopefully, Miles will end up with another squad to begin the season.

“Darius Miles’ hope of returning to the NBA is not going to happen with the Celtics.

The longshot free-agent signee, who missed two full seasons after microfracture surgery on his knee, was waived today by the Celtics, bringing the Green’s roster down to the league maximum of 15.

“Darius was a model citizen during his time here in Boston,” said GM Danny Ainge. ”He showed that he still has a lot of basketball left in him.”

Boston Globe

A team-by-team preview of all 30 NBA teams heading into the 2008 - 2009 season, Hooped Up style. 

Boston Celtics
Coming off a championship and the best record in the NBA last season, there is not much change needed to the Celtics formula heading into the 08 / 09 season. The calling card of the Celtics success was team defense anchored by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Garnett and a bench that swarmed the opposition (just ask Kobe Bryant) and they might be even better. 

Projected Starters: PG - Rajon Rondo / SG - Ray Allen / SF - Paul Pierce / PF - Kevin Garnett / C -  Kendrick Perkins

Additions: Bill Walker, Darius Miles, Patrick O’Bryant, Darius Miles, J.R. Giddens

Losses: James Posey, PJ Brown, Scot Pollard

Projected Wins: 60+

Team Theme Song:  Blahzay Blahzay- Danger
The Celtics are still the most dangerous team in the East!  

Overall
Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett will dominate the headlines but their measure of success relies on the bench. The Celtics added much needed young legs to their bench and will be scary despite the lose of James Posey and PJ Brown. Especially if J.R. Giddens, Darius Miles and rookie  Bill Walker can provide that same defensive spark off the bench as a platoon.  

At the very least the Celtics are poised to make the conference finals and the chances of a repeat looks good, if team defense is the straw that stirs the drink once again.

This isn’t a shocker because it’s been out their since Miles has been on the comeback trail, but now the team this will probably effect is the NBA Champion Boston Celtics.

“The NBA last week confirmed a 10-game suspension for forward Darius Miles, who is with the Celtics on a nonguaranteed contract. Once Miles returns (he will be eligible for a Nov. 15 visit to Milwaukee), his new teammates will be counting on him to produce the type of offensive spark James Posey provided last season. “I’m excited about Darius Miles,” forward Ray Allen said. “He hasn’t played in a while, and he’s excited to be here and help this team.”

Boston Globe

The Boston Celtics look good as the team to beat heading into this season and Paul Pierce is optimistic about his teams chances.

“Captain Paul Pierce’s evaluation of the Celtics’ offseason additions, including draft choices J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker: “We lost Posey [to New Orleans], and he was definitely a key to what we were doing last year. “But there are a number of guys ready to step in, who can take on a bigger role. Leon Powe, Big Baby [Glen Davis], Tony Allen, Perk [Kendrick Perkins], and the rookies might surprise you. Rajon Rondo is getting better - people forget he is only in his second year. Darius Miles has been looking pretty good; he had a devastating knee injury, but he has been looking good and only time will tell.”

Boston Globe