Roland17:


No one holds the Celtics to ransom, no one is too big for the TD Garden. The Celtics are not just any type of team, we are an institution and we don’t need to roar for others to acknowledge our presence, they only need to use their sense of smell and good luck to those who don’t have it.

From time immemorial, we have set standards especially as the NBA transitioned into a monetized league. We had to become brutish and sometimes ruthless in managing the modern NBA player who reeks of the sense of entitlement. The funny thing is this, we will pitch and give the AD sweepstakes our best shot like we did KD and he acknowledges we came second but the Celtics will never go overboard with hyping players or situations just to lure them and that is the cold business approach in Boston. The TD Garden is a citadel of NBA knowledge and we must carry ourselves accordingly.

The Lakers can do all the PR, butttt licking and noise about AD, we would pitch our plans quietly and if it does not pan out, we move on keeping our assets.
#Celticpride

Except the Celtics brought the calvary including tom Brady to Durant's pitch meeting. Make no mistake in today's NBA, if a free agent superstar is out there you have to lick their butts

As for AD I don't see the pelicans signing him simply because they will be out to screw the Lakers. I suspect Dany ainge will pass under the table offer to the pelicans and convince them to wait till the summer.

etidy:

Except the Celtics brought the calvary including tom Brady to Durant's pitch meeting. Make no mistake in today's NBA, if a free agent superstar is out there you have to lick their butts

As for AD I don't see the pelicans signing him simply because they will be out to screw the Lakers. I suspect Dany ainge will pass under the table offer to the pelicans and convince them to wait till the summer.

Honestly, there is no great incentive for the Pelicans to let AD go now. They would get the picks in the summer as they would get now if they do the trade with the Lakers. Except AD pulls a no show, they don't have to pull any trades until the summer and the GM and owner have made it clear that they would not be forced and will do it at their own time and that makes me believe the underwork the Celtics have been doing about this trade since 2 seasons ago may yield some fruits. The Pelicans know the Celtics have the better package that would keep the Pelicans home court filled after AD leaves without necessarily tanking all out.

My take is simple, I have never said the Celtics are not interested in free agents, if you read my comments closely you would see where I said we give such opportunities our best shot and if that means bringing TB12 to the campaign so be it but we are not buuttt licking anyone. We are not going to tamper with players who have existing contracts, we are not going to hype any trade or player, no player is bigger than TD Garden or the Lepracaun. Danny Ainge is a specialist in these situations, he will wait it out until July (even though he can be unpredictable sometimes) and I believe the Pelicans are thinking in the same direction. Suffice to say, the Lakers and Magic understand the Celtics are better positioned and that is why they are desperate to land AD before the deadline because if it goes to the summer, they stand little or chance in comparison to what the Celtics can offer the Pelicans.

#CelticsPride
#Greenrunsdeep

Roland17:


Honestly, there is no great incentive for the Pelicans to let AD go now. They would get the picks in the summer as they would get now if they do the trade with the Lakers. Except AD pulls a no show, they don't have to pull any trades until the summer and the GM and owner have made it clear that they would not be forced and will do it at their own time and that makes me believe the underwork the Celtics have been doing about this trade since 2 seasons ago may yield some fruits. The Pelicans know the Celtics have the better package that would keep the Pelicans home court filled after AD leaves without necessarily tanking all out.

My take is simple, I have never said the Celtics are not interested in free agents, if you read my comments closely you would see where I said we give such opportunities our best shot and if that means bringing TB12 to the campaign so be it but we are not buuttt licking anyone. We are not going to tamper with players who have existing contracts, we are not going to hype any trade or player, no player is bigger than TD Garden or the Lepracaun. Danny Ainge is a specialist in these situations, he will wait it out until July (even though he can be unpredictable sometimes) and I believe the Pelicans are thinking in the same direction. Suffice to say, the Lakers and Magic understand the Celtics are better positioned and that is why they are desperate to land AD before the deadline because if it goes to the summer, they stand little or chance in comparison to what the Celtics can offer the Pelicans.

#CelticsPride
#Greenrunsdeep

The reality is this, the Celtics can have up to four first round picks but they may not be as valuable as at first glance. These are the first round picks the celtics have in 2019.
Sacramento Kings' first-round pick (top-1 protected) or Philadelphia 76ers' first-round pick; whichever is higher

-- Memphis Grizzlies' first-round pick (top-8 protected)

-- Los Angeles Clippers' first-round pick (top-14 protected)

-- Celtics' own first-round pick

-- Celtics' own second-round pick

Only the kings pick looks like a lottery pick but only if their firm continues to slide
The 76ers pick will probably be a late first round pick.

The grizzlies are already embracing the tank, as soon as they trade Conley and Gasol, their pick will probably fall in the first 8, because of their record ( unless if the pelicans are willing to wait till 2021 when the pick becomes unrestricted)

The Clippers will probably make the playoffs so their pick will still be low same with the Celtics pick.

So unless Danny Ainge is willing to put Tatum on the trade block then Celtics do not really have a huge advantage (keep in mind Ainge has categorically said that Tatum will only be available if AD agrees to sign long term with the Celtics)

Three first round pick, Tatum, and a player here or there and I will trade Davis.

He already said he is not resigning. Don't play around till time gets close

donlittle25:
Three first round pick, Tatum, and a player here or there and I will trade Davis.

He already said he is not resigning. Don't play around till time gets close

Just a question, will you give up Tatum if AD says he will not resign long term with the Celtics?

Khanben:



Just a question, will you give up Tatum if AD says he will not resign long term with the Celtics?

Not on earth!!! and that is why waiting until July is the card we are playing because it gives the Celtics a lot of clarity regarding AD's intentions.

Roland17:


No one holds the Celtics to ransom, no one is too big for the TD Garden. The Celtics are not just any type of team, we are an institution and we don’t need to roar for others to acknowledge our presence, they only need to use their sense of smell and good luck to those who don’t have it.

From time immemorial, we have set standards especially as the NBA transitioned into a monetized league. We had to become brutish and sometimes ruthless in managing the modern NBA player who reeks of the sense of entitlement. The funny thing is this, we will pitch and give the AD sweepstakes our best shot like we did KD and he acknowledges we came second but the Celtics will never go overboard with hyping players or situations just to lure them and that is the cold business approach in Boston. The TD Garden is a citadel of NBA knowledge and we must carry ourselves accordingly.

The Lakers can do all the PR, butttt licking and noise about AD, we would pitch our plans quietly and if it does not pan out, we move on keeping our assets.

#Celticpride

its ok for an owner to be self entitled, but not a player? ok.

but im glad you owned it like that. when the sixers and bucks spend thr next decade taking turns getting to the finals, celtics will eat humble pie willingly. just like the knicks. and lakers.

love or hate lebron, he has changed the game fundamentally. Players now feel comfortable challenging ownership as they should.

Khanben:



Just a question, will you give up Tatum if AD says he will not resign long term with the Celtics?

No, never.

You are only packaging that deal if you get long term commitment from AD.

See, if I was a superstar, I wouldn't go to Boston Sha. Ainge is a brutal businessman and anyone can get on the trading block quickly.Too brash for me, but on the other hand, he had the pieces to pull that trade and I don't think any other team comes close without losing depth

donlittle25:
No, never.

You are only packaging that deal if you get long term commitment from AD.

See, if I was a superstar, I wouldn't go to Boston Sha. Ainge is a brutal businessman and anyone can get on the trading block quickly.Too brash for me, but on the other hand, he had the pieces to pull that trade and I don't think any other team comes close without losing depth

i dont think Tatum is going to be as good as people think. The brashness is what im telling roland17 around. great franchises and loyalty go hand in hand.

Mr mvp shot 32. 18 from deep, 6 made and Rocket lost. I’m sure if KD or steph shoot like this, they will be averaging 40 every night without free throws.

ipledge10:
Mr mvp shot 32. 18 from deep, 6 made and Rocket lost. I’m sure if KD or steph shoot like this, they will be averaging 40 every night without free throws.

Lol, being highly efficient is not something Harden will ever be known for.

Khanben:


Lol, being highly efficient is not something Harden will ever be known for.

why they won’t win championships. Warriors won championship before KD. If Green wasn’t too stoopid, They would have won the second championship without KD.

birdman:


its ok for an owner to be self entitled, but not a player? ok.

but im glad you owned it like that. when the sixers and bucks spend thr next decade taking turns getting to the finals, celtics will eat humble pie willingly. just like the knicks. and lakers.

love or hate lebron, he has changed the game fundamentally. Players now feel comfortable challenging ownership as they should.

Ohhh just stop it already. Owners have more to lose than players if a franchise fails and that is a fact. consequently, if anyone should feel entitled, it should be owners. They pay the big bucks and ensure the arena is full for the city to have a sense of identity and belonging for the sport being played.

Modern players request for trades, sit out games even when they are under contract and the effrontery to even choose where they wish to play while under contract. Modern players tamper with each other, speak publicly about not wanting to be in the city, yet weak franchises cater to that nonsense. What level of disloyalty to the game, fans and the city is worse than that?

Did you see what Spurs did with Kawhi? Neither Pop nor the owners have the time to lick buuutts because the Spurs organization understand that no player is bigger than the team especially one with a history of success over decades. The Spurs are also brustish in modern transfers, like the Celtics, neither Pop, general manager or owners speak publicly or hype trades so why the press on the Celtics? Because of IT4? The Celtics have assembled great players and have shown loyalty, if anything players divide the team with their personal egos which cost us 2 season of no playoff games after the big 3 left. Did the Celtics cause the break? As we speak, we know Rondo, KG, The Truth are not in speaking terms with Rey Allen. Did you see reception he got after he returned to the garden and his tribute video
Was played at the Garden? Rey maintains his jersey retirement at the Garden would be single most greatest honor of his entire career. Not the rings or personal achievements and that is because ownership still keeps tabs with him and he knows he is welcome home any day anytime. So just stop it with Boston being business cold.

Is it because owners don’t speak too much about these problems? Do you know what it feels like to lose an investment? The risks involved with financing a team? Do you have any idea how much Donald Sterling lost when he was forced to sell his franchise? Albeit he cursed himself with his actions but that is by the way.

Look at what happened in Seattle when the Sonics failed! Did Durant, Collison, Jeff Green, D. Wes not move on? Do you know how much Schultz lost when his franchise failed to come up with funding for the arena that led to the franchising leaving? Stop it already with the emotional talks about loyalty. Franchises have shown more loyalty to players than players have ever in the history of the game and the Celtics sit at the pinnacle of loyalty from history. Being brutish and business like is what suits the modern NBA player. Do you think AD or any superstar can try sitting out the Celtics or holding them to ransome? Try visiting or watching a home game at the TD Garden to understand how loyal the fans are to the franchise because of what it has done for the city and the fans.

Roland17:


Ohhh just stop it already. Owners have more to lose than players if a franchise fails and that is a fact. consequently, if anyone should feel entitled, it should be owners. They pay the big bucks and ensure the arena is full for the city to have a sense of identity and belonging for the sport being played.

Modern players request for trades, sit out games even when they are under contract and the effrontery to even choose where they wish to play while under contract. Modern players tamper with each other, speak publicly about not wanting to be in the city, yet weak franchises cater to that nonsense. What level of disloyalty to the game, fans and the city is worse than that?

Did you see what Spurs did with Kawhi? Neither Pop nor the owners have the time to lick buuutts because the Spurs organization understand that no player is bigger than the team especially one with a history of success over decades. The Spurs are also brustish in modern transfers, like the Celtics, neither Pop, general manager or owners speak publicly or hype trades so why the press on the Celtics? Because of IT4? The Celtics have assembled great players and have shown loyalty, if anything players divide the team with their personal egos which cost us 2 season of no playoff games after the big 3 left. Did the Celtics cause the break? As we speak, we know Rondo, KG, The Truth are not in speaking terms with Rey Allen. Did you see reception he got after he returned to the garden and his tribute video
Was played at the Garden? Rey maintains his jersey retirement at the Garden would be single most greatest honor of his entire career. Not the rings or personal achievements and that is because ownership still keeps tabs with him and he knows he is welcome home any day anytime. So just stop it with Boston being business cold.

Is it because owners don’t speak too much about these problems? Do you know what it feels like to lose an investment? The risks involved with financing a team? Do you have any idea how much Donald Sterling lost when he was forced to sell his franchise? Albeit he cursed himself with his actions but that is by the way.

Look at what happened in Seattle when the Sonics failed! Did Durant, Collison, Jeff Green, D. Wes not move on? Do you know how much Schultz lost when his franchise failed to come up with funding for the arena that led to the franchising leaving? Stop it already with the emotional talks about loyalty. Franchises have shown more loyalty to players than players have ever in the history of the game and the Celtics sit at the pinnacle of loyalty from history. Being brutish and business like is what suits the modern NBA player. Do you think AD or any superstar can try sitting out the Celtics or holding them to ransome? Try visiting or watching a home game at the TD Garden to understand how loyal the fans are to the franchise because of what it has done for the city and the fans.

Where was the Celtics loyalty when they traded Isaiah Thomas in a heartbeat. Where was the loyalty from the Raptors when they package off Derozan and waved him goodbye just to get what might end up being a one year rental. Lets not forget what the Clippers did to Blake
AD has given the Pelicans seven good years with him performing at all-nba level for 5 of those years. I'm glad he asked for a trade because his situation was becoming like that of the Big ticket in Minnesota, who wasted most of his prime with a team that had no plans.
Loyalty should be a two way street, if the owner is expecting it from a player then he should be showing it also to same player. Do you know what players of AD's caliber count as loyalty, putting him in a situation where he can win. this dude has the 3rd best career PER in NBA history behind only MJ and Lebron and in seven years he has only made it to the playoffs twice common on man.
If he was a spoiled brat like you are trying to insinuate staying at the pelicans would be the best move cause in new Orleans he has the chance to be the first $300 million players.
We call a business when the owner trades a player after making promises but when a player decides to take charge of his life we cry foul. BIG WUP

Khanben:
If I was Magic, i would just tell the pelicans to just name their price and give them whatever they ask for at first time of asking. Kuzma, Lonzo, Ingram, Zubac, KCP, and one first round pick.

This is very risky considering how injury prone Anthony Davis can be. I would try to hold on to one of the younger guys at the very least

donlittle25:
Three first round pick, Tatum, and a player here or there and I will trade Davis.

He already said he is not resigning. Don't play around till time gets close

Tatum is on a rookie contract. Celtics would be daft to trade him. I'd move Hayward, Brown and a few picks. Hell throw in OhJaylay and Rozier if necessary

With all being said the most successful franchises have been the one's that put the players in their place sha. Make of that what you will

Khanben:


Where was the Celtics loyalty when they traded Isaiah Thomas in a heartbeat. Where was the loyalty from the Raptors when they package off Derozan and waved him goodbye just to get what might end up being a one year rental. Lets not forget what the Clippers did to Blake
AD has given the Pelicans seven good years with him performing at all-nba level for 5 of those years. I'm glad he asked for a trade because his situation was becoming like that of the Big ticket in Minnesota, who wasted most of his prime with a team that had no plans.
Loyalty should be a two way street, if the owner is expecting it from a player then he should be showing it also to same player. Do you know what players of AD's caliber count as loyalty, putting him in a situation where he can win. this dude has the 3rd best career PER in NBA history behind only MJ and Lebron and in seven years he has only made it to the playoffs twice common on man.
If he was a spoiled brat like you are trying to insinuate staying at the pelicans would be the best move cause in new Orleans he has the chance to be the first $300 million players.
We call a business when the owner trades a player after making promises but when a player decides to take charge of his life we cry foul. BIG WUP

Neither party is right nor wrong in this instance. AD has the right to decline an extension and the Pelicans are also allowed to stand Pat and wait for the best possible package.

Suggesting that the Pelicans didn't make moves to help him is a bit unfair, New Orleans are a small market and would always struggle to lure free agents. They got guys like Holiday, Mirotic and Handle (decent acquisitions) I actually thought they would be good this season but they have been one of the Amaka's of the year. I only hope AD is making a basketball decision not an emotional one. Can he handle LA pressure?

Roland17:


Ohhh just stop it already. Owners have more to lose than players if a franchise fails and that is a fact. consequently, if anyone should feel entitled, it should be owners. They pay the big bucks and ensure the arena is full for the city to have a sense of identity and belonging for the sport being played.

Modern players request for trades, sit out games even when they are under contract and the effrontery to even choose where they wish to play while under contract. Modern players tamper with each other, speak publicly about not wanting to be in the city, yet weak franchises cater to that nonsense. What level of disloyalty to the game, fans and the city is worse than that?

Did you see what Spurs did with Kawhi? Neither Pop nor the owners have the time to lick buuutts because the Spurs organization understand that no player is bigger than the team especially one with a history of success over decades. The Spurs are also brustish in modern transfers, like the Celtics, neither Pop, general manager or owners speak publicly or hype trades so why the press on the Celtics? Because of IT4? The Celtics have assembled great players and have shown loyalty, if anything players divide the team with their personal egos which cost us 2 season of no playoff games after the big 3 left. Did the Celtics cause the break? As we speak, we know Rondo, KG, The Truth are not in speaking terms with Rey Allen. Did you see reception he got after he returned to the garden and his tribute video
Was played at the Garden? Rey maintains his jersey retirement at the Garden would be single most greatest honor of his entire career. Not the rings or personal achievements and that is because ownership still keeps tabs with him and he knows he is welcome home any day anytime. So just stop it with Boston being business cold.

Is it because owners don’t speak too much about these problems? Do you know what it feels like to lose an investment? The risks involved with financing a team? Do you have any idea how much Donald Sterling lost when he was forced to sell his franchise? Albeit he cursed himself with his actions but that is by the way.

Look at what happened in Seattle when the Sonics failed! Did Durant, Collison, Jeff Green, D. Wes not move on? Do you know how much Schultz lost when his franchise failed to come up with funding for the arena that led to the franchising leaving? Stop it already with the emotional talks about loyalty. Franchises have shown more loyalty to players than players have ever in the history of the game and the Celtics sit at the pinnacle of loyalty from history. Being brutish and business like is what suits the modern NBA player. Do you think AD or any superstar can try sitting out the Celtics or holding them to ransome? Try visiting or watching a home game at the TD Garden to understand how loyal the fans are to the franchise because of what it has done for the city and the fans.

so, lets get to the facts.

1. Seattle supersonics did not fail. They didnt even have a loss. They wanted the city to build them a brand new arena free! A billionaire wants paying customers to build his new arena. Of course the vote did not pass the educated people of Seattle, and the owner moved to OKC. They changed city. Owner still got his arena. Please dont put franchises and loyalty together ever again.

2. You know for sure Sterling made a loss? You saw his end of year taxes right? You do realize he SOLD it at a premium - it wasnt like he gave it away for free. Feel free to dig for other examples of billionaires you see making sports losses.

3. Let us assume your stance that owners should be able to run their businesses for a profit. Are players not self employed businesses of one too? Why can owners make deals to get better, or move to other cities but players cannot? We all know why Lebron is catching heat - a player has finally figured out a way to leverage his brand. And many owners dont like it

Just before you forget, the players, who actually play the game are making millions. The owners are leveraging other peoples money to make bilions on those same players. I fully support Lebron AD, Boogie and any other player that refuses to be other peoples boy.

5. Spurs are not the celtics. Please dont put them in the same category. In spite of Kawhis's behavior, Spurs acted with class to the end. Celtics are the opposite. They sell loyal players like dogs down the river. Kyrie wants out. Hayward knows there are talks. Even Tatum needs to beware. Larry Bird needs to remove Ainge and salvage the Celtics rep right now.

You guys are radioactive bro...everyone is avoiding you!

A40:
With all being said the most successful franchises have being the one's that put the players in their place sha. Make of that what you will

It depends on how you define this. If you say franchises should not throw money on unproven players in hope that they become the next Kobe, I agree. The best franchises know how not to overpay, while still keeping their superstars happy. Rockets were doing well until the CP3 debacle - they should have let him walk. But there are franchises doing worse.

What you also dont want is the opposite end where the franchise is constantly shopping its players - like a married man looking for greener grass Franchise name and history aint putting the ball in the net or winning rings - something celts are going to find out soon

A40:
With all being said the most successful franchises have being the one's that put the players in their place sha. Make of that what you will

Thank you!!!

Andrew Wiggins is such an unbearable Basketballer. Christttt

Who else is observing this John Collins kid for the Hawks. I have not seen such an efficient big in a while! He moves like Prime Amare but super efficient. This kid can ball

Roland17:


Where is KD in all of these permutations?

In Clippers with Kawhi.

Lol..

ipledge10:
why they won’t win championships. Warriors won championship before KD. If Green wasn’t too stoopid, They would have won the second championship without KD.

A blessing.

Not winning that second championship pre KD, made them got KD and won next 2.

Klay isn't consistent enough to be a second star on a championship team especially beside player like Steph.
Warriors would want KD before Klay imo.

A40:
Neither party is right nor wrong in this instance. AD has the right to decline an extension and the Pelicans are also allowed to stand Pat and wait for the best possible package.

Suggesting that the Pelicans didn't make moves to help him is a bit unfair, New Orleans are a small market and would always struggle to lure free agents. They got guys like Holiday, Mirotic and Handle (decent acquisitions) I actually thought they would be good this season but they have been one of the Amaka's of the year. I only hope AD is making a basketball decision not an 9emotional one. Can he handle LA pressure?

I might not be the best basketball mind, but when a power broker like David Stern can predict by October of last year that the GM was gonna lose AD, then you need to start looking at some of his decisions critically.
First he was too in a rush to win, the Bulls, Warriors, sixers even Bucks are all good of how long it can take before getting the right pieces around your franchise player for a team to be in contention for a championship .But by AD's 3rd season he was already shopping picks, as a small market the fact is this trades only get you so much, your greatest asset is PLAYER DEVELOPMENT, since AD the pelicans have not developed any other player.
Demps IMO will make a good fit for a big market team, but for a small market team you need a less trigger happy GM.

Manutd19:


A blessing.

Not winning that second championship pre KD, made them got KD and won next 2.

Klay isn't consistent enough to be a second star on a championship team especially beside player like Steph.
Warriors would want KD before Klay imo.

I don’t think so. Maybe the arrival of KD made him inconsistent. Klay as a second star with steph curry have the best record in NBA history. The arrival of KD changed the league, every team now want to form a super team to be championship contenders.

A40:
With all being said the most successful franchises have been the one's that put the players in their place sha. Make of that what you will

Which ones??
Trying to put players in their place led to what is happening to a storied franchise like the Bulls till date(their problem started after dismantleing a 3peat team with their own hands)

The way Americans deal with sport is so fvcking weird.They don’t care about the happiness of their fans, everything is about business.Knick trading Porzingis to Mavericks

ipledge10:
The way Americans deal with sport is so fvcking weird.They don’t care about the happiness of their fans, everything is about business.Knick trading Porzingis to Mavericks

just saw it now....wow....

Could it be related to the meeting the Knicks had earlier with Porzingis questioning their winning mentality?

Khanben:



Which ones??
Trying to put players in their place led to what is happening to a storied franchise like the Bulls till date(their problem started after dismantleing a 3peat team with their own hands)

New England Patriots, San Antonio Spurs, Pittsburgh Penguins even my Steelers who started having problems the moment they started enabling their players. All players must know their place! That's why it's a team sport. Even in individual sports you still need to listen to your team

The Bulls didn't dismantle. It had run it's course. Abi what else is a double three peat Champion supposed to go out and achieve again?

A40:
New England Patriots, San Antonio Spurs, Pittsburgh Penguins even my Steelers who started having problems the moment they started enabling their players. All players must know their place! That's why it's a team sport. Even in individual sports you still need to listen to your team

The Bulls didn't dismantle. It had run it's course. Abi what else is a double three peat Champion supposed to go out and achieve again?

This is why I did not respond to the Blake Griffin example used to buttress the argument against owners because that Clippers big 3 had run its course.