Shira Springer says there is a remarkable turnaround in Boston.  She reports in the Sporting News that Antoine Walker has done conditioning work for the first summer ever, and appears ready to show up in camp about 12 pounds lighter than last season.  Paul Pierce has undertaken a rigorous weight lifting program this summer, so obviously will be in better shape than after he was stabbed last year at this time.  Milt Palacio has added definition and muscle.  

Perhaps most remarkable, Kenny Anderson is working with a personal trainer in Atlanta.  Add all that to Jim O'Brien coming into camp as the permanent coach, and there is increased optimism in Boston.

Mike Kahn of CBS Sportsline ranks who he considers to be the greatest shooters in the league today.  His list, in ascending order, is: Stojakovic, Rice, Richmond, Houston, Steve Smith, Nowitzki, Pierce, Rasheed Wallace, Finley, McGrady, Allen, Carter, Kobe Bryant, and Reggie Miller.  A similar list by Kahn ranks greatest shooters of all time, with Larry Bird at the top.

It is all mental for Celtic's Guard Kenny Anderson.  Through all the disappointment and depression, all Anderson has been able to do is think, to reflect, and to drive.  ''You can prepare your body and you can prepare your game,'' said Anderson. ''But if your mind isn't really set, then doing all that's a waste. For me, my mind is like the No. 1 key. Being a teenage superstar in New York City, doing well in college, then having a roller coaster pro career, I know that.

Boston Globe writer Shira Springer takes a look at Kenny Anderson and his role on the Celtics.  Are things turning around for player and team?  Read on and find out...

Mark Blount has put up Todd MacCulloch-like numbers so far.  Perhaps even better than Calvin Booth.  But watch out for him next summer.  Peter May of the Boston Globe says if Blount plays anywhere near decent this coming season he'll be in line for "MacCulloch Money" next summer.  He also says the C's will be close enough to the luxury tax next summer that they probably won't match anyone else's MacCulloch-type offer.

May takes his weekly tour around the NBA, and mentions that league revenues could go up quite a bit in 2002/03.  The current four-year $1.75 billion TV deal expires then, and despite declining ratings, is certain to be more.  He also offers an opinion about the wisdom of Toronto and Denver signing fossils like Avery Johnson and Hakeem to multi-year deals.

The Cleveland Cavaliers traded forwards Matt Harpring and Cedric Henderson and center Robert Traylor to the Philadelphia 76ers for center Tyrone Hill and forward Jumaine Jones on Friday.

In a seperate move, the Sixers traded Roshown McLeod to the Celtics for Jerome Moiso, a 2000 first round pick. One has to wonder what Philly has up it's sleeve all of the sudden.

The Celtics and forward Paul Pierce have agreed to a six-year contract extension that would keep the young star in Boston for the bulk of his career.

The Celtics called a news conference for Wednesday afternoon to announce the deal, although it was not yet finalized Tuesday, general manager Chris Wallace said.  Pierce flew to Boston from his Los Angeles home on Tuesday.

Pierce would earn more than $85 million. The new contract would go into effect after next season, Pierce's fourth with the Celtics, during which he is set to make $2.05 million.