Alright, I know that the preseason means nothing, but I have to admit the Celtics 7-1 tune up for the regular season has me excited. I, at least, am excited that we'll be better than the Clippers, who finished their preseason 1-7 (they're like the Bizarro Celtics). So, heading into the season opening test with the Miami Mega-Heat, with the help of my C's blog of choice "CelticsBlog," we will examine each player's 8 game warm up.
Rondo: Rajon had a quiet preseason after making all the headlines for stepping down from the US team ahead of the overhyped WBC. Over the last three games, he averaged just over 10 points and just under 9 assists per game. I still think he's underrated, and he's one of the saving graces for me among the "top tier" players on this team (if you read the blog, you know I've been a bigger fan of the "B" team since the C's "got good").
Pierce and Allen: We can lump these two studs together because you know exactly what you are going to get. Ray Ray, pictured above sipping a smooth iced mocha from Dunkin' Donuts, is still a three machine, and Paul Pierce is still "the truth."
Garnett: Talk about a guy who had come back! KG has kind of been a shell of his former self the last couple of year for us. He's always banged up, and when he isn't, he's playing super safe so he doesn't get banged up again. This preseason, that wasn't the case. He looked like he was ready to throw caution to the wind, and that's a huge bonus for C's fans.
S. O'Neil: One of the big surprises of camp. Sure, Shaq is Shaq, and we all know he isn't going to be a day in day out player, but he averaged 9 and 5 over the preseason, and I'd say that we'll take that. He's looking pretty good for a 38 year old bench player.
J. O'Neil: Injuries took Jermaine out of the preseason for half of the games, but he had 8 blocks in the four games he played in, and showed some defensive stuff. His offense needs a lot of work, but as a late game defensive sub, I'm happy.
Davis: My favorite Celtic was hot this preseason, averaging 12 points and 4.5 boards, and he even averaged nearly 6 free throws per game, showing he's driving hard to the basket. Davis is my boy, and hopefully he's a main attraction this year.
West: It's nice to have another C back from the Walker/Pierce glory days. Unfortunately, he's been suspended for 10 games, and won't be able to play until November 17. Of course, you know he was suspened because when he was pulled over for speeding on his 3-wheel motorcycle last year he was in possession of two loaded handguns, a loaded shotgun, and an 8.5 inch Bowie knife (under pressure). Um, yeah, nothing but positive things to say about Delonte from this guy.
Robinson: Donkey played in all eight preseason games and shot 39% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc. Still, I like his ability to find a groove with this second unit and keep the C's in games late in the third and early in the fourth.
Daniels: Another big surprise this preseason, Marquis shot over 57% from the field and 80% from three point land over the eight game tuneup. More importantly, he's just looked a lot better. I'm impressed, and I'm hoping for more.
Erden: The capable Turk showed flashes of being a very good player this preseason. Homeboy had 6 points and 4.5 boards per game in the eight games, while shooting 62% from the field. Some things may need to happen for Semih to get playing time, but it sure is nice to know he's there.
Bradley: Avery played just 16 minutes, and has been shut down due to continued ankle problems. Tough.
Wafer: After a slow start, Von averaged 10 points on 5.3 attempts per game over the final three preseason contests, and went 7 for 7 from tree-ville over that span. It'll be interesting to see how much time he'll actually get, but with a name like Von Wafer, how can you not want to keep him around?
Harangody: Luuuuuuuuuke! My Notre Dame boy had a 16 and 12 double-double (animal style) against the Knicks in one preseason game, but failed to make the impact we all saw in the summer league. I hope he can get some floor time this season, because I really think (after watching him for all that time with the Irish) that he'll be a "good" NBA player.
So, it all comes down to this Tuesday. My Celtics versus ESPN's Heat. We couldn't really ask for a better season opener, in my opinion. And, I'd have to say it's kind of a must win. Now I'm not going to be concerned AT ALL if we lose, but beating the Heat on opening night would turn the NBA on it's head. It's got to happen.
Enjoy the season, fellas.
-- Sent from my Palm Prē
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