Random Thoughts and Game Preview

This is yesterday's news, but I thought it worth mentioning. The Herald reports that both Doc and Danny have said they will not cut Scal. His play so far in the preseason definitely doesn't warrant having him on the team. The fact that he was kept out of all of the playoff games speaks volumes as to his place on the team. But, Danny was clear that Scal is not getting cut. I have to believe that this is to keep his salary as a filler in a trade. Either that, or they are saving enough money on ambulance service to keep him around to drive players to the hospital when they get hurt.

Marc Spears had a little blurb at the end of his article yesterday that is very interesting.
Guard Sam Cassell, who has a guaranteed contract, sat out last night and has played in only one exhibition. When asked if Cassell could be an assistant coach and not a player when the season starts, Rivers said, "I don't know yet. We'll see." Doc is leaving that as an option and in my opinion, it is the best option for the team. They have Rondo as the starter, Eddie House to back him up, and Gabe Pruitt, who is showing some promise in the preseason, as insurance. They don't need 4 point guards. And, if Sam moves to coach, he will still be working out with the guys and will be available for an emergency should it arise.

I had worries before the preseason started about whether the Celtics would have the same hunger now that they have won a ring and 4 games into the preseason, I have no doubt that they do. Seeing Pierce's face bouncing off the court as he was fighting for a loose ball. Seeing how intense KG is, whether on the bench and cheering for his teammates, running the length of the floor to block a shot, or getting under Varejao's skin enough to earn him a technical. This is just the preseason, but the intensity and fire is already there.

I am pulling for Miles to make the team and get back to pre-injury form. It may be petty, but I would love to see him stick it to the Blazers. They got the #1 pick when the Celtics should have. It's not that I'm not grateful that things worked out the way they did, but I just feel like we were robbed. Also, I just have this real resentment that the league gave the Blazers cap relief for a player that was injured. As we can see, just the year following the verdict that his injury was career ending, he is back and able to play. When the Celtics petitioned the league for cap relief following the death of Reggie Lewis they were refused and got no relief whatsoever. It may be sour grapes, but I want Miles to play just to stick it to Portland and the league.

So far, I am encouraged by the preseason. The young players have showed some flashes of being able to contribute although they have been somewhat inconsistent. Tony Allen is getting close to pre-injury form. And the starting five look even stronger than they were last season. The bench players have pulled out close games down the stretch and that is a good sign. I am very excited about this season.
Tonight's Game
The Celtics take on the completely revamped New Jersey Nets tonight at the Izod Center. The Nets have changed as much as any team over the past season. They broke up their starting lineup and Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson are gone and only Vince Carter remains as a cornerstone of this franchise. They have gone into full rebuilding mode and are hoping to hit the jackpot with one of the big free agents in the 2009-10 off season. Because of this, they aren't expected to win a lot of games this season.
However, they are a surprising 2-0 so far in this preseason. The Nets swept their 2 game series with the Heat during NBA Europe Live. They played in Paris and then in London. Just as with the Celtics' wins, the games have been close with each of the Nets wins coming by just 2 points.
It is hard to tell what starting lineup the Nets will use because in two preseason games they have used two different starting lineups. The only positions that seem set are the guard spots and everything else is up for grabs. They started Ryan Anderson, Bobby Simmons and Sean Williams in their first game and Yi Jianlian, Trenton Hassell, and Brook Lopez in their second game. With so many new players, expect to see a lot of experimentation with their lineups.
Probable Starting Matchups
PG Rajon Rondo vs Devin Harris
SG Ray Allen vs Vince Carter
SF Paul Pierce vs Trenton Hassell
PF Kevin Garnett vs Yi Jianlian
C Kendrick Perkins vs Brook Lopez

The Celtics starters are set, but there is no telling who the Nets will start other than Vince Carter and Devin Harris. Even the game notes on their website have "to be determined" for the other 3 positions in their preview.

It is always a good thing to try to beat division rivals, even when the games don't really count. It gives a certain psychological edge to the winners going into the season. Just as we have seen with the Celtics' first 4 preseason games, every team will have it out for the Celtics this season and I expect New Jersey to be no different. Expect the game to be physical and for the Nets to give the Celtics their best shot. The Celtics have a target on their backs and tonight the Nets will be aiming for it.

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