It’s about basketball so don’t get your hopes too high. It is my birthday, and out of boredom at work I’ve decided to write a birthday blog of basketball (alliteration). Also, as a gift I am going to teach myself the difference between to and too, which is a well documented problem and for somebody who would like to become a professional writer, is a serious issue. Anyway, as I said in my last installment I’ll be doing team profiles for the coming weeks. Today, I am going too give you two (already learning). So, away we go.
Many people could be wondering why I didn’t delve into the Celtics when I wrote about some of the predominant story lines coming up. One reason is because I wrote about the Sixers instead, and as any homer knows, that was the right thing to do. However, there is a deeper and more delicate matter, too, that is prevalent here. The Celtics are old. I mean, in terms of golf old. They went into this lockout with an old team battling fatigue and injury. What would’ve been a blessing in disguise - long lockout, shortened season - has turned into a huge disadvantage - more games in a shorter time period. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that Ray Allen can run circles around anyone for no matter how long, but Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnet couldn’t explode to the rim if they held hand grenades too long. They shipped off their second best defensive player for a player who not only couldn’t fit in, but is now gone for the season (Jeff Green). Although I like the addition of Brandon Bass, they just don’t have enough youth in the post too make a serious run. Being in the east will help them only because they can constantly take games off and make the playoffs being 5-6 games over .500. However, the biggest problem they will face is the mental instability that has been festering in Rajon Rondo, caused by the Celtics organization. A historically mental player; Rondo has been shopped around for the last two off seasons. It will be interesting too see if he can use this as a motivator too show the organization up, or, if it will leave him disheartened to the point that he’ll play the goat for the season. Either way you slice it, this is a team ready to be rebuilt.
Indiana Pacers
This is a team I will be keeping my eye on. For one, they’re deep enough too give teams problems in the shortened season. Secondly, as we saw last year, they have enough fire too compete with the Bulls, and for me that’s enough too be excited. I love the trade for George Hill in the off season and the signing of David West gives them another legitimate scorer in the half court to contend with. Alongside the much improved Tyler Hansborough and the always reliable Danny Granger, this is a team that can score in bunches and when it counts too. This year I’m going too look to see how Darren Collison improves on what was a disappointing year last year. Also, will Roy Hibbert ever take that step and become one of the better centers in the league? He showed some flashes in the Playoffs last year, but once he becomes consistent (offensively and defensively), I’ll agree that this is a team that can definitely contend, and at the very least, provide us with some very exciting basketball.
Well, Happy Birthday to me. Obviously this is a blog about basketball but every now and again I like to impart some words of wisdom. Today, as it is my birthday, I would like too reflect on the year that has passed with the most optimistic glasses I have ever had prescribed. A year ago I would’ve thought it crazy to be where I’m at today. Within a year I’ve relocated to another city - albeit with the woman I love - and have a child on the way. To put it blunt, as short sightedness goes, I was one of the leaders. However, I can only thank God that I’ve been able too stay afloat in what often seems like a rough tide. I have the greatest friends in the world, and a family that has always kept me well grounded. Now, I depart on a new journey in my 26th year and can only show excitement and optimism for what lies ahead. Thank you everybody. Rachel I love you. Lucas (hopefully) or Daughter (we haven’t settled on a name for sure) I love you, and I can’t wait to meet you. Today is my new year and I intend to celebrate everything that comes.
Stay Tuned.
