RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Celtics Set To Workout Six Point Guards, Four Centers

Fri, 24 May 2013 20:48:55 EDT

The Boston Celtics will host six point guards and four centers for draft workouts this weekend.

Point guards Shane Larkin of Miami, Phil Pressey of Missouri, Pierre Jackson of Baylor, Peyton Siva of Louisville, Erick Green of Virginia Tech, and Myck Kabongo of Texas are scheduled to attend.

The centers expected to participate are Jeff Withey of Kansas, Steven Adams of Pittsburgh, Colton Iverson of Colorado State, and Greg Echenique of Creighton.

The Celtics have the No. 16 pick in the June 27 draft.

Celtics Deny Request From Nets To Interview Doc Rivers

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:11:16 EDT

The Boston Celtics have denied a request from the Brooklyn Nets to interview Doc Rivers for their head coaching vacancy.

Rivers has three years and $21 million remaining on his contract.

Danny Ainge declined to comment on the interest Rivers is receiving from the Nets.

"Doc has told me he's coming back," Ainge said. "I talk to him almost every day about our team and what we are going to do moving forward."

Terrence Williams Arrested For Threatening Mother Of Child, Brandishing Gun

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:44:31 EDT

Terrence Williams was arrested on Sunday in Kent, Washington after making alleged threats to the mother of his child while also brandishing a gun, according to police.

At about 1:55 p.m., police were called to the home of the victim, who has a 10-year-old son with Williams, who was there for a scheduled visitation.

An argument broke out in the parking lot and Williams allegedly took out a gun.

Williams left before police arrived, but he was later taken into custody.

The Celtics signed Williams to a 10-day contract in February and was eventually signed for the remainder of the season and all of next season. Williams' contract becomes guaranteed if he isn't waived before Oct. 31.

Kevin Garnett To Rest Ankle Injury, Won't Have Surgery

Sat, 18 May 2013 02:12:45 EDT

After battling an inflammed left ankle late in the season, Kevin Garnett will continue to rest it and will not have surgery.

The Boston Celtics' medical staff is confident rest will heal Garnett's ankle.

Danny Ainge recently said the Celtics are awaiting for final word from Garnett about whether he will return for next season.

Sources: Mike Zarren Turned Down Offer To Become Sixers GM

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:20:39 EDT

Mike Zarren turned down an offer to become general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, two league sources said Thursday.

Zarren has served as the Celtics’ assistant general manager and team counsel for the past few years.

Danny Ainge hired Zarren as an unpaid intern in 2003.

"I don’t know all the details, but I know there was strong interest in Mike from Philly," said Ainge. "I don’t know why (he turned it down). You'll have to ask him."

Rivers To Remain With Celtics Next Season

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:32:17 EDT

Doc Rivers will remain as head coach of the Boston Celtics next season, his 10th with the franchise.

"Yeah (he'll be back), Doc and I are talking about our team next year," Danny Ainge said. "(No suspense) from my perspective. We've got a great coach. We've got a coach everybody would love to have and he's got three years left on his contract and I think Doc likes Boston, too.Coaches get tired, though. It's a hard job.

"You guys are the only one (who made it an issue)."

Rivers signed a five-year extension two years ago, but left open the possibility of stepping down following the Celtics' elimination in the playoffs.

Raptors Request Permission To Interview Tyonn Lue For Assistant Job

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:14:16 EDT

The Toronto Raptors have requested permission to interview Tyronn Lue for a position on Dwane Casey's coaching staff.

Lue has been an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics since 2009.

Ainge Anticipates Rivers, Garnett Will Return To Celtics

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:09:40 EDT

Danny Ainge expects Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett to be back with the Boston Celtics next season.

"Doc is always unsure [about his future]," Ainge said. "Coaching is very, very draining. Every year with Doc, he's had to go home and sort of recharge and ask himself that question, 'Is this something that I'm passionate about and want to continue doing?' I understand that. And we sorta give him time to unwind and relax, and after a couple of 92s on the golf course, he usually comes back."

Ainge is equally optimistic about Garnett, who has one year remaining on his contract after next season.

"I do the same thing as I do with Doc: I give him some time away and I'll touch base with KG probably sometime next week," Ainge said. "He's put so much into the game, he invests as much as any player I've ever seen. And he just needs time to chill and contemplate his life and then we'll talk at some future time. But I do anticipate that KG will play. Just like I did last year, I feel the same this year. I don't know for sure, but we'll know more in the next couple weeks."

Suns Hire Ryan McDonough As GM

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:47:18 EDT

The Phoenix Suns have hired Ryan McDonough as general manager.

McDonough will replace Lance Blanks and will report to Lon Babby.

McDonough most recently was assistant general manager of the Boston Celtics.

McDonough joined the Celtics in 2003 as a 23-year-old special assistant to basketball operations.

McDonough is the son of the late renowned Boston Globe columnist Will McDonough, and the brother of ESPN broadcaster Sean and NFL player personnel executive Terry.

Source Calls Griffin, Bledsoe To Celtics For Garnett, Pierce, Rivers Rumor 'Absurd'

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:26:15 EDT

Stephen A. Smith of ESPN reports that the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics could execute a trade of Blake Griffin, Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

"Absurd," said one source from the Celtics to Greg Dickerson of Comcast in response to the story.

Smith also reports that Doc Rivers could go with Pierce and Garnett to the Clippers.

"It is already being talked about in NBA circles," said Smith. 

Smith wouldn't answer definitively if it is actually being discussed between the two teams.

Sources: Garnett May Undergo Surgery On Both Ankles

Sat, 04 May 2013 20:26:21 EDT

Kevin Garnett may undergo offseason surgery to shave down bone spurs in his ankles, according to sources affiliated with the Boston Celtics.

Two of Garnett’s teammates privately speculated he is considering retirement.

"I have no clue," Doc Rivers admitted. "I was positive last year [he was coming back]. I'm not as sure this year."

Pierce Will Play Next Season, Unsure Of Future With Celtics

Fri, 03 May 2013 23:32:28 EDT

Paul Pierce plans to play next season, and it seems as though it won't matter if he's still with the Boston Celtics.

"That's up to Danny [Ainge] and them," Pierce said when asked if he expects to be with the Celtics in 2013-14.

"I definitely expect to be playing," he added, alluding that he'd consider continuing his career with another team.

There are questions surrounding the Celtics heading into the summer. Ainge will have to decide whether to begin a rebuilding project or try and bring the current core back for another run.

"I've been here 15 years, and I've seen a lot of changes every year," Pierce reflected.

Garnett: Celtics Need Additions To Contend

Fri, 03 May 2013 23:18:57 EDT

Kevin Garnett, who isn't a lock to return to the Celtics next season, doesn't believe the team can contend as currently constructed.

"No, I think we need some additions," Garnett said. "That's obvious. Health hit us pretty hard this year, and I'm sure we're going to address that."

A lot of what Danny Ainge does this summer will rely on whether or not Garnett decides to return.

Boston has nearly $74 million committed to 12 players for 2013-14.

Garnett Not Ready To Make Decision On Future

Fri, 03 May 2013 23:10:47 EDT

Kevin Garnett isn't ready to make a decision on his basketball future.

The Knicks eliminated the Celtics from the playoffs on Friday night in Boston.

"I haven't really thought about it, to be honest with you," Garnett said. "Doc pulled Paul [Pierce] and me to the side and all three of us agreed to speak later. It's too emotional, obviously it's a big game. Tough loss, especially at home. It's a different day for that conversation."

Garnett, who is signed for two more seasons, will turn 37 later this month. He is seventh on the NBA's all-time minutes list.

He hinted that his decision will hinge on whether or not Pierce is still with the Celtics.

"One of the big reasons I came here was because of Paul," Garnett said. "Obviously, you want to be in the situation where it's better. I want to make sure that I'm always able to help a team and be in a position to give something. I demand a lot of myself, both physically and from a skill level. I'd be lying to you all if I said Paul didn't play into that factor. It's just too soon of a conversation for me right now."

Ainge: Celtics Face 'Very Hard' Decision On Whether To Buyout Pierce

Thu, 02 May 2013 20:14:29 EDT

Danny Ainge candidly admitted the Boston Celtics face a difficult decision on whether to buyout Paul Pierce’s contract for the 2013-14 season.

The Celtics have a team option on Pierce’s contract for next season at $15.3 million, with a $5 million buyout before June 30.

"What's important to understand, yeah, it's going to be hard for fans and everybody else, but as far as what's doing what's best for the Celtics, it's probably going to be very hard, too," Ainge told CSNNE.com. "It's not a no-brainer. It's not like you get a 21-year-old All-Star player, or you get the number one pick in the draft [if you let Pierce go]. Those decisions would not be hard, but I have a feeling the decision is going to be very hard, yeah."

Ainge made it clear that no decision on Pierce's future had been made.

"I have not even discussed that with anyone within our franchise yet," Ainge said. "So that's something for like a few weeks from now to contemplate."

Rondo On Schedule In Early Stages Of ACL Recovery

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:17:08 EDT

Rajon Rondo was shooting jumpers before the Boston Celtics' Game 4 win over the New York Knicks.

Rondo, who is out for the season with a torn ACL, is finding it difficult to be a spectator.

"I like to compete, I want to play but I'm fine where I'm at right now," Rondo said. "I'm just trying to support my teammates. That's all I can do and that's what I am going to do. I've been watching for four months now, it's hard sitting on the sideline watching. Can't do anything about it."

Rondo has played some of his best basketball during the postseason.

"That's what it's about, it's about stepping up to the plate, when the lights come on that's when you see what you're made of," he said. "I love the spotlight. I love the pressure situations and what other situation is better than the playoffs."

Rondo had surgery on Feb. 13 and is expected to return between six and 12 months.

"Every ACL surgery they say you can start running in about four to six months (after surgery)," he said. "I think that's when I'll start running. That's in the textbook of ACL rehab. I don't know how long training camp is far from my surgery. I get in between six to 12 months."

Derrick Rose, a rival to Rondo at point guard, still hasn't returned from his torn ACL.

"Everybody's different," Rondo said. "I can walk. I should be walking by now and I can walk. I can't jump. I can't run but I'm walking so for me that's on schedule."

J.R. Smith Suspended For Game 4 Due To Thrown Elbow

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:04:27 EDT

J.R. Smith has been suspended for Sunday's Game 4 of the New York Knicks' first round series against the Boston Celtics, the NBA announced.

Smith threw an elbow and struck the chin of Jason Terry in Game 3.

Smith has averaged 16.3 points in the Knicks' three playoff games.

The Knicks have a 3-0 lead over the Celtics.

Celtics, Bulls Sharing New York Hotel

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:21:57 EDT

The Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls are staying at the same hotel in New York as they respectively play the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Both the Celtics and Bulls lost in Game 1 on Saturday.

“This was a quiet, dark hotel last night. The New York-area teams didn’t treat the guests very well,” Doc Rivers said.

Rondo Playing De Facto Coach Role With Celtics

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 12:56:13 EDT

Rajon Rondo is taking on the role of a de facto coach for the Boston Celtics as he is out for the season with a torn ACL.

"He probably coaches as much as anybody," said Doc Rivers. "I don't know if it helps, I think it does. As a player you tend to listen to the players in the uniforms over the suits and ties. So we'll see. He was great today in shootaround. He knew every set the Knicks were running. When we called out a set to talk through it, he was pointing where everybody should be."

"It's amazing. He's always been that way. He's not playing and yet he studied the book."

Rivers has always spoken highly of Rondo's basketball intelligence.

"He's always been on another level," said Rivers. "I always tell him that if he wasn't so crazy he'd be a great coach."

Warriors Turned Down Pierce For Barnes, 2014 Expiring Offer From Celtics At Deadline

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:05:42 EDT

At the deadline, the Golden State Warriors turned down an offer of Paul Pierce from the Boston Celtics for Harrison Barnes and the expiring 2014 contract of either Andris Biedrins or Richard Jefferson.

Barnes was the seventh overall pick in last June's draft and started 81 games at small forward.

With Pierce, the Warriors presumably would have improved their short-term chances in the playoffs.

Celtics React To Marathon Bombing

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:39:30 EDT

The Boston Celtics reacted to Monday's Boston Marathon tragedy on Tuesday afternoon, just hours before they should have been facing the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden.

The game was canceled after the bombings at the finish line of the marathon.

"I always go down after practice and watch. I've done it every year that we've been in town, because I live literally two blocks from the finish line," coach Doc Rivers said. "I was on my way actually. I had just gotten out of the tunnel when the bomb exploded. It's just awful. It takes the joy out of sports -- because that's what sports is supposed to bring is joy. It took all the joy out of the event and out of the day."

In addition to Rivers, Jeff Green also lives close to where the tragedy took place.

"It was sad to hear about what happened yesterday," said Green. "You never think anything like that can happen. For something to happen here, right where I live, right down the street from where I live, and close to home, I mean, it's sad."

Rivers stressed pride in what he saw on the streets of Boston, the way people responded to the events.

"Being in the city, the one thing I will say, you're just really proud to be part of Boston," he said. "I saw people who didn't work for the police or anything like that, directing traffic, showing people where to go. I just thought the spirit of Boston was phenomenal last night. In a tragic event, it either separates you or brings you together. It clearly brought the city of Boston together, which was awesome."

Tuesday's Pacers-Celtics Game In Boston Canceled

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:56:43 EDT

The NBA game scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 between the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden has been canceled.

The game will not be rescheduled.

The NBA expresses its sympathy to all those affected by the tragedy in Boston earlier today.

Pacers Release Statement, Traveling Party Accounted For In Boston

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:21:19 EDT

The Indiana Pacers, in town to face the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, have released a statement in the wake of the Boston Marathon tragedy:

The Pacers are currently in Boston, to play the Celtics. We have talked to the team and everyone in the travel party has been accounted for.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected in Boston.

Pierce Still Upset Over Allen's Decision To Join Heat

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 21:33:17 EDT

Paul Pierce remains upset over Ray Allen’s decision to sign with the Miami Heat.

“One day when it’s all said and done, I’m sure we’ll talk about it off to the side,” Pierce said when asked if he was capable of forgiving Allen for joining the Celtics’ bitterest conference rival. “But not right now.”

“It definitely hurt me,” Pierce said. “Say we play the Lakers for the championship, and two years later I go and sign with the Lakers. That’s the equivalent of what he did.”

Allen was told of Pierce’s comments prior to Miami’s Friday night game against the Celtics.

“I miss playing with Paul, and being his teammate,” Allen said. “There’s a lot of sentimentality from me being there and walking with those guys. That doesn’t change. I wouldn’t take that away from him. I respect him feeling that way. Those feelings are justified. I’m not on his team anymore, I’m not helping them win.

“His feelings are hurt, but he knows, he understands. He and I can look at each other and exchange a glance, because he knows what I had to do. He knows.”

Garnett, Pierce Will Sit Against Heat

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:10:26 EDT

The Boston Celtics will not have Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce for Friday night's game against the Miami Heat.

Both players are nursing ankle injuries.

Garnett sat out eight games because of left ankle inflammation before playing the past two contests.

Pierce has missed two games recently because of sore ankles.

Rondo 'Didn't Hear A Pop' When He Tore ACL

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:03:32 EDT

In his first public comments since undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee, Rajon Rondo said it is "frustrating" not to be playing with his Boston Celtics' teammates.

"I'm in a place now where I am OK with it," Rondo said. "I know this is my main focus, getting healthy."

Rondo suffered the injury on Jan. 25 against the Atlanta Hawks and didn't initially believe it was serious.

"I didn't hear a pop. ... I thought I could play through it," he said.

Jason Collins 'Definitely' Interested In Return To Celtics

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:24:26 EDT

Jason Collins understood the situation, but he didn't want to leave the Boston Celtics when they traded him to the Washington Wizards for Jordan Crawford in February.

The injury-plagued Celtics were in need of backcourt help.

"I understand; they understand," Collins said. "With the injuries they had, they definitely needed another scorer. Jordan Crawford, he's definitely capable of doing that. I was last on the list, so it's part of the business."

Collins declined to comment when asked if he sought a buyout in order to finish his career with a contender, but said he would "definitely" consider signing with Boston next season.

"Might put a no-trade clause in there," Collins joked. "What an honor it was to play for a great organization that has so much history. Great group of guys in that locker room. The leadership with Doc, [Kevin Garnett] and [Paul] Pierce. Nothing but good memories."

Ainge Scouting 6-Foot-10 Point Guard

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 15:52:45 EDT

Danny Ainge recently traveled to Greece to scout Giannis Adetokunbo, a 6-foot-10 point guard who plays for Filathlitikos in the Greek A2 League.

With Ainge looking on, Adetokunbo scored 19 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and recorded 2 steals in the championship round of the Greek League.

Afterwards, Ainge was quoted by Greek media as saying Adetokundo reminded him of a young Scottie Pippen.

Rivers Likely To Keep Green In Starting Lineup When Garnett Returns

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:59:13 EDT

Doc Rivers was asked if he plans on leaving Jeff Green in the starting lineup when Kevin Garnett returns.

 “Yeah, I think Jeff has earned that,” Rivers said. “When your confidence is high you can do everything. You think you can jump off of a building. That, and knowledge. I just think being around longer in our system has helped us as well.”

Green has started 11 games for the Celtics this season and averaged 22.5 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game and 3.4 assists per game in those contests.

Green has played well alongside Paul Pierce, giving the Celtics an interchangeable combination at the forward positions.

“I don’t know who’s at the 2, but I’m comfortable with that lineup,” Rivers said. “I don’t think we have a 2. We’re playing a 2, two 3s and two 4s, if you wanted to really be honest.”

Rajon Rondo Shoots On Court Before Game

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 23:14:32 EDT

Less than three months after tearing his ACL, Rajon Rondo was in Boston Celtics warmup gear and put up shots before Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons.

Rondo initially took one-handed shots with his right hand, jumping slightly but never putting pressure on his right foot upon landing. He then took two-handed jumpers without elevating.

Rondo downplayed his shooting session, though.

I'm able to walk," Rondo said.

"There are eight guys in here that are playing basketball tonight. I'm not playing basketball."

Get Your Latest NBA News From RealGM's Basketball Wiretap

Sat, 25 May 2013 14:17:03 EDT

Get all the latest news and happenings from around the NBA with RealGM's Basketball Wiretap.