Boston massacre
The cities of Memphis and Boston are cloudy and gloomy today. Both the Grizzlies and the Celtics went through an 82-game season and finished with the worst records, but thought victory would come in the form of either Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. Well, the lotto balls had another say in the matter and they came up with Portland and Seattle. I don’t know who to feel sorrier for – the two great players or the two teams they thought would have their rights.
Portland and Seattle will offer a lot of rain, long flights and very little chance at making the huge marketing dollars that I am sure Oden and Durant had envisioned playing on the middle or the East coast. But if they are thinking basketball without the distraction of the night life, then they are on the right teams.
I do feel sorry for Memphis. Oden or Durant would have raised them back to the 50-win team they were a short while ago. Plus they have struggled for so long that they really did deserve a break. If you want me to feel sorry for Boston, though, you might have to wait a long time.
The only people I feel sorry for in Boston are coaches Doc Rivers and Tony Brown. I might feel a little compassion for ex-teammate Dana Barros, who happens to live in Boston, but that’s where it stops. These people were not a part of the Celtics when they regularly beat up and embarrassed the entire league for a decade in the 80s and early 90s. Don’t even allow me to go back further when Bill Russell helped them destroy the league.
Why on earth should I feel sorry for them?
I remember when the Celtics went through the motions with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Danny Ainge, Dennis Johnson and Bill Walton for three quarters and then took your confidence in the fourth quarter. They would then laugh and have a good time on the bench. I saw so many highlights of the party atmosphere they used to have at the end of games it made me sick with envy.
I remember Bird coming up to me before a game my rookie year and asking me, “Are you going to be guarding me? If you are, I’m going to wear your behind out.” (I changed the wording).
He did not go back on his word that night.
I remember a few years later when I already had great self-confidence and I got the best of Bird. And to add to it, I allegedly popped him in the mouth at the end of the game. He was so confident that he walked in my locker room after the game and dropped his room key on my lap and said, “Let’s finish what you started later”.
I thought about going to his room that night, but not to fight. I wanted to get some pointers on how I could be half as good as he was.
It was that confidence from Bird and the feeling you got from the Boston fans that made you hate them with envy. The Celtics went into every season worried about one team and that was the Lakers. When you beat the Celtics, they always said they didn’t play well and it had nothing to do with who they just played.
So again, why should I feel sad for the Celtics? Don’t they have 16 championships?
Yes, I understand that the players there have nothing to do with my misery, but I just can’t help myself. I always cheer for the team that is trying to get what the other has had success in.
Heck, I even root against my hometown team Chicago Bulls. I grew up watching Bob Love, Chet Walker, Jerry Sloan and Norm Van Lier. But after being destroyed and dominated so many years by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, do you think I would feel sorry for the Bulls. Last time I counted, they had six championships.
I root for Utah, Memphis, Phoenix, Cleveland, Sacramento and any team that has not won a title. I never feel sorry for any team or city that has dominated like the Celtics, Lakers or Bulls.
So here is hoping that Yi Jianlian from China can become the next Larry Bird and Bostonians can say, “Look, we didn’t need that stinking lottery pick.”
bostonsucks Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 6:55 pm
There you go…insulting a couple cities you know nothing about. Go eat some Chowda and drink some rip-off microbrews (Sam Adams) you chump. Enjoy your basketball hell. The Celtics had a team once, but they might as well sell the team naming rights to Exxon. Tanking never pays.
@dam Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 8:14 pm
Great entry Eddie,
I root for the underdogs all the time, JAZZ and CAVS in 7!!
who knows wat Yi will become! im asian and im excited about this kid
no matter what people think of him. Just dont turn out to be another
Wang!
Anthony Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 8:37 pm
Eddie, I am laughing at Boston not because of their fans, but I want to see how bad Danny Ainge will look in front of all the people in a Boston home game. You agree that Bryan Colangelo looks very good sitting in our front offices (his last two places)..heh heh heh
Wally Sandabber Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 8:42 pm
Portland and Seattle have no nightlife. And Boston does. Um, hello, Portland is one of the best jazz and blues cities in the country and Seattle is a famous home of producing musical stars like Hendrix and NIrvana. But Boston does have a lot of Dunkin Donuts and Einstein Bagel shops. Also, Eddie did not even mention the tanking efforts of Boston. At least Memphis played Gasol at the end, so they really did get hosed.
Ian Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 8:48 pm
i’ll never forget the look on that celtics fan’s face they kept showing. i did feel like the shot they showed of Ainge and Rivers in the same room reacting to the pick put their best “well that didn’t work” facial expressions on national display.
karmic hoops retribution? maybe…
tony Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 9:07 pm
You are soooooo right. I have never liked teams that tank. Try to win every game. Period.
Iron Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 9:11 pm
Mediocrity always envie excellence!!!!!!
Iron Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 9:12 pm
Go Bostonceltics, go
Ben Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
Don’t worry Eddie we will survive, Boston fans can always put in tapes or dvds of the golden years. We will find a way to survive. Plus we have some talent and it isn’t too bad watching it.
Remember Dec. 11, 1985 however.
Let’s see I think Reggie Theus put it best
“It was a butt-whipping,” said Sacramento’s Reggie Theus. “How long did we have control of the game? About 30 seconds.”
Sour grapes Eddie, sour grapes.
Eddie Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 10:21 pm
Boston sucks
i did not insult the city of Boston. I was just honest. LOL
BlazerDominationForever Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 10:30 pm
Eddie bostonsucks was talking about Portland and Seattle not Boston. Portland will be the most dominant team in the NBA for the next decade. Everyone knows it and that’s why everyone outside of the northwest is pissed off. Well get used to it losers. All of the bs Portland has had to withstand from the media all these years was totally worth it for this.
Richard Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 11:14 pm
I enjoy reading your articles, though I may not totally agree with everything, you were absolutely right about Miami last season and your NBA experience has to be taken into serious consideration when your opinion is voiced. Any coaching aspirations in your future? Anyway, I am not one who makes much noise about teams (franchises) that keep winning, I love that because it shows a model of what dedication, hard work and team play can accomplish. Winning. The only team I hated was the 80’s Pistons, for obvious reasons. Also, why don’t you ever mention the Spurs when you name teams (champions) that have your respect, just curious nothing implied. I happened to respect their brand of basketball alot, they come across as a through back to the 80’s Celtics and Lakers. Regardless great article but other than I wish Oden had gone somewhere other than Portland I can’t wait for the draft and to see how these young guys develop and who emerges from under the radar as the years go by. Thanks Eddie
Lucky Luciano Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 11:18 pm
Everyone should stop hating on Boston. Its as if all of u think it comes down to luck or karma, but its not, its a team with determination and dedication to the sport that wins champion rings. Boston have never won a great draft pick in ages but they’re still competitive and that can only be attributed to the hard working Celtics staff.. thats why the Celtics have been so successful, not lucky. so feel sorry for
boston u giant slappers.
Shawn Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 11:21 pm
Eddie
I think BostonSucks was implying that you were insulting Seattle and Portland.
“I don’t know who to feel sorrier for – the two great players or the two teams they thought would have their rights.
Portland and Seattle will offer a lot of rain, long flights and very little chance at making the huge marketing dollars that I am sure Oden and Durant had envisioned playing on the middle or the East coast. But if they are thinking basketball without the distraction of the night life, then they are on the right teams.”
Culturally, both cities have A LOT to offer. Anyway, whichever one goes to the SuperSonics may only be there for a year before relocation.
The Great Pacific Northwest Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 11:29 pm
The draft couldnt have been better being from Seattle and living in Portland. The blazers are gonna kill in coming years with Oden, Aldridge and B-Roy. Suck it east coast, and those that hate on the Northwest can keep hatin, cuz you dont know what you’re missin
John B Said,
May 23, 2007 @ 11:35 pm
Let me get this out of the way: I’m from Boston. But, I completely understand what you’re saying. I totally understand how people can hate the Patriots for their dominance, the Lakers and Spurs for their recent dominance, and the Red Sox and Yankees for their dominance of the media. I get it. It sucks. But come on, this is the Celtics!
Sure, they used to dominate, but that was a while ago. Doesn’t a little part of you cheer for the 49ers, despite their multitude of championships, just because they are so terrible now? I know I do. People think in the present, not the past. That’s why the Red Sox upsetting the Yankees was so big; who cares if teams in the NHL had come back from 3-0 before? That’s in the past. Who cares if Da Bears already had a title and the Colts bolted out of Baltimore? That’s before. This is now.
As a former player, your frustrations are at a level no fan could appreciate, but with all your distaste for the franchise, don’t you wish you could have been a part of it?
Besides, Red is dead, Tommy gives the wrong kind of points, and Bill Russell wouldn’t go to the draft lottery to represent us. It’s sad, really. Not deserved.
And while you may like the underdog teams, with parity and the ability of anyone to win titles, it creates over-expansion and really dampens the level of play. But that’s for another day.
angelo Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 1:34 am
I only feel sorry for Boston since they got screwed once again like back in 1997. But as long as Ainge is manning the helm over there I’ll never really feel bad for them since he really sucks at doing his job. He has a good eye for talent but the rest of his work is truly questionable. The way he’s running that team, I’m glad neither Oden or Durant is going there. What a waste if they did!
Luka Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 2:50 am
Boston’s problem is they were mismanaged before Ainge showed up, and are being mismanaged once again. The Celtics don’t have the experience, or the right pieces to be a very good ball club. They are also saddled with big contracts, and just lack consistency. Outside of Paul Pierce, this team really doesn’t have any direction. Then they decide to tank the season, and the Oden and Durant conversations were ongoing for months. Well, Boston doesn’t get either now, and now even if they get a guy like Yi Jianlian, it won’t make them suddenly a playoff contender. Boston needs to go back to the drawing board, try and package a few of their young players and try to land a player like Pau Gasol, and then go out and sign a few veterans, and draft the best possible player they can. That’s the only way this team will gain any credibility.
Omer Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 4:13 am
“I root for Utah, Memphis, Phoenix, Cleveland, Sacramento and any team that has not won a title.”
Talk about bad karma… While bashing my beloved C’s, you managed to get your records wrong- the Kings franchise won the NBA title on the 1950-51 season as the Rochester Royals (the original Kings team).
Just goes to show- don’t mess with the green machine!
Scott Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 5:44 am
“Plus they have struggled for so long that they really did deserve a break”… What are you takling about? Memphis is a good team, they have an all-star power foward in Gasol and a great player in Gay. They deserved Oden or Durant for tanking the season? I am a Blazer fan through thick and then and most people forgot that happened to us last season and we got the 4th pick. We’ve drafted Bowie over Jordan, watched great talent leave town because of off court issues, forth quarter of the 2000 western conf finals, Jermaine O’neal for Dale Davis trade, and the list goes on. Portland deserved this pick. As for Boston don’t get me started you tanked the season for this pick twice, you should give all your season ticket holders a full refund.
Zaneos Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 5:52 am
There’s a good reason why Boston have been a mediocre to lost team over the last few years - Danny Ainge. The guy couldn’t organise a party in a brewery. One bad trade/draft after the other, and on it goes.
Eric Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 6:26 am
Eddie,
Great job confirming you root for and against teams like you are a 12 year old idealist, congratulations! Yes, why would a franchise that was responsible for putting the league on the map in the 50’s and 60’s and then helping save it along with the Lakers in the early 80’s deserve one of the top two picks after 20 years of disappointment and misery. Larry Bird busted your ass so we are supposed to buy this nonsense? Larry and the 80’s Celtics busted everyone’s ass not just yours. I liked and respected you as a player but this is rediculous. I suppose losing Len Bias and Reggie Lewis in the last 20 years along with losing out on the number one pick in 1997 was not enough.
And as for Luka above, I guess you missed the season Al Jefferson had last year.
Do some research before you post, please!!!
As for Eddie, I’d love to continue this discussion over email.
Let the trade rumors begin!!!
Big Lou Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 6:51 am
Eddie-I was present at the Garden for all 3 championships in the 80’s. That was great but was over 20 years ago. I’ve forgotten all about them. So thanks for reminding me about how great that era was and that championships are forever. 16 world championships to be exact….how many does NY have (nice job Isiah), Miami?
So don’t worry Ed. We’ll get over getting the 5th pick in a deep draft versus 1 or 2. Losing out on the Duncan sweepstakes was harder than this and within 5 years we went to the conference finals. Losing Len Bias and Reggie Lewis (as well as Red & DJ this year) hurt more but from your perspective I guess the Celtics deserved that as well. Get over it and yourself. It’s not this era of Celtic fans fault that you weren’t good enough to keep up with Bird or make the Celtics roster.
Mads Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 7:43 am
Dear Eddie,
Even as a Celts-fan, It’s always a pleasure to read your work.
MC
DoctaS.W.Grnthumbs Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 8:10 am
I guess all of you people from other parts of the country are just jealous because the Celtics are the most widely respected franchise in the NBA because they have more titles combined than any other team. With a healthy team next year, I really feel the Celts can compete in the lowly Eastern conference, and whomever they get with the # 5 pick, either by picking or trading for a veteran, will help them significantly. It’s cool if you all wanna hate, but I can’t think of anywhere else in the country that I’d rather live than in New England. While I congratulate Portland and Seattle, I feel bad for Oden and Durant for having to live there. GO CELTS !
Steve Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 9:06 am
This article is pretty dumb. Here are a couple of reasons why.
“Portland and Seattle will offer a lot of rain, long flights and very little chance at making the huge marketing dollars that I am sure Oden and Durant had envisioned playing on the middle or the East coast. But if they are thinking basketball without the distraction of the night life, then they are on the right teams.”
Yes, Portland and Seattle are both dark voids in the cosmos; there is, quite literally, NOTHING to do in either town. Nightlife? Not a single bar, club, or lounge exists in either city. The cities exist in a vacuum. Sucks to be you, Greg Oden and Kevin Durant!
“I do feel sorry for Memphis. Oden or Durant would have raised them back to the 50-win team they were a short while ago. Plus they have struggled for so long that they really did deserve a break. If you want me to feel sorry for Boston, though, you might have to wait a long time.”
In two sentences, Eddie manages to contradict himself. In essence, he’s saying, “They were a good team four years ago. But they’ve been bad for a long time.”
They made the playoffs three seasons in a row, until last year’s debacle. So he feels sorry for them, but not the Celtics, who have dealt with personal tragedy, bad luck, and bad management for at least as long as the Grizzlies have been part of the league. Moreover, the Celtics haven’t won it all in 21 years, which is about twice as long as the Grizzlies have been around, and haven’t been a legitimate Finals threat since the late ’80s, when Oden and Durant were in diapers.
“I root for Utah, Memphis, Phoenix, Cleveland, Sacramento and any team that has not won a title. I never feel sorry for any team or city that has dominated like the Celtics, Lakers or Bulls.”
Teams Eddie roots for:
New Jersey Nets
Phoenix Suns
Utah Jazz
Dallas Mavericks
Indiana Pacers
Orlando Magic
Charlotte Bobcats
Cleveland Cavaliers
Denver Nuggets
Los Angeles Clippers
Memphis Grizzlies
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Orleans Hornets
Toronto Raptors
That’s a lotta rootin’! I guess he doesn’t feel for the Western Conference teams that the Malone-Stockton Jazz beat up on for all those years. Nor the teams that the current Mavs and Suns have demolished. Because the Suns, Mavs, and Jazz haven’t won titles! So, if the Malone-Stockton Jazz managed to beat the Bulls just one of those years, Eddie would hate on them now? What?
‘So here is hoping that Yi Jianlian from China can become the next Larry Bird and Bostonians can say, “Look, we didn’t need that stinking lottery pick.”’
But…wouldn’t Yi Jianlian being the next Bird…be…GOOD for the Celtics?
Anyway, not saying anyone should “feel sorry” for either team, just that this article is kinda silly.
JR Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 9:43 am
Being a Laker fan I don’t feel one bit bad for Boston. No matter how bad things get for my guys at least I know we’re better off than the people who cheer for the leprechauns. May their suffering continue for another 20 years for trying to tank in order to get the first or second pick.
Congratulations to Portland and Seattle by the way. Both teams deserved the picks they got and should instantly become a lot better due to their good fortune.
max Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 9:52 am
you’re right eric! celtics had enough bad luck in the last 20 years!! now the celtics have the buils around al jefferson and I’m sure that without pierce’s injury the celtics would have made the playoffs last year so with this number 5 pick who’s like a number 1 pick in last year draft they will be back into the playoffs if pierce and big al stay healthy
Chrs Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 10:36 am
I’m so glad the Celtics didn’t get their wish to get the # 1 and 2 pick in the draft …. they purposely tanked games .. cheating their fans, the league and the history of the game ….
They got what they deserved …. the 5th pick … hopefully Ainge and Rivers can get together and ruin that pick too
Porky Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 10:51 am
The Celtics recent past (more recent than the examples cited in the article) include the death of Len Bias and Reggie Lewis. Can you feel sorry for the Celtics in these deaths?? Come on, the Bird era was over 20 years ago. I can feel sorry for them since. Stop living in the past, man. The Celts luck is no more and we can feel sorry for them with the 2007 lottery. It would have resurrected this sorry franchise.
Eddie Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 11:19 am
Steve
you are too serious my man. sometimes i think you guys don’t read the articles the way i intend them to be. Steve listen i don’t feel sorry for Boston. It has nothing to do with actually hate. It really comes from respect. (READ THE ARTICLE). Let me ask you a question since you like to break down things? Has there ever been a time in your life that you encountered someone that had it going on and you had envy and respect at the same time? thats my article. Not one time in my article did i say i hated Boston in the true sense of the word hate. People stop using the excuse of Len Bias and Reggie Lewis passing away for Bostons struggles. Len Bias definitely had hall of fame potential and Lewis was not only an All Star but was a quality individual.
We all know that life and sports are mixed together regardless of a player passing away or a player like Sam Bowie in Portland who couldn’t stay on the court because he continually would break his leg. Bottom line death or injury can affect a player and his team and their are no guarantees. I like every other basketball fan was saddened by what happened in Boston.
I am not saddened by a team that has won more championships then anyone that is struggling right now. You think 20 years is enough? they won 16 championships and probably played for the title another 10 years.
i still Love Bird and I miss DJ.
Eddie Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 11:27 am
Luka
yes i am mad that Boston did not draft me in 1981. They took Tracy Jackson. Go look at my numbers and Tracy Jacksons, are you kidding me. i could have been 6th man of the year on those championship teams 4 straight years. wow all i would have to do is stand in the corner and wait for Bird or DJ to kick it to me. Yea revenge is mine LOL
Jacob From Ma Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
hey blazer nation, you didn’t win anything yet! and dont forget about that 20 point lead you blew in game 7 vs the lakers. Also alot of youth doesn’t amount to anything if you dont have any veterans to show you how to play the game. We all know veterans win championships, not rookies.
ill bet the celtics make the playoffs next year and the blazers and sonics miss out once again. Im comfortable with the talent boston has. And to say that they tanked because they sat pierce out the rest of the way?
Did anyone watch pierce get beaten up?! gerald wallace one game bruised it his and his arm. David Robinson and Michael Jordan took the whole year off for the same injury paul had, but no one yells at the spurs for being careful with their superstar.. and btw they ended up getting another star the following year, the same hopes this town had.
you are all a bunch of whining babies. we dont feel sorry for ourselves and neither should you.
portland will trade you our 5th pick for 2 future first rounders and brandon roy.(back)
Mitch Connor Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 12:18 pm
HA!!! The Celtics deserve the bad luck they get. Bostonians have always been the most pompous of fans. Ooooh, we got sixteen titles, I’ll accept the 74, 76, 81, 84, and 86 titles but the 11 prior were in an era where they stacked beyond belief. Any team in the league could have won 11 titles with their talent, and it’s an era that is far over-rated. Give me the seventies or eighties anyday (liked the seventies more due to the disparity of champions thanks to the merger of the ABA). I hope the Curse of the Celtics lasts as long as the Red Sox. Go Portland!!!!!
p.s. Eddie is the greatest player never to make an All-star game, followed by Rod Strickland.
robert searcy Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 12:26 pm
the celtics have a great young team. their in need of certain things like most nba teams. the point guard is a little weak. the center postion is even weaker. jefferson is on every nba teams radar. future all star. allen should be a big key to a playoff run if he’s not traded. he could become the key to a very strong but inexperienced team. a little luck in the draft and kepping healthy their in the playoffs. everyone seems to be counting this very athletic, young and talented team out. i think that is a mistake. some of the #5 picks in weaker drafts like dwayne wade, kevin garnett and scottie pippen helped their team deep into the playoffs. i see a lot of talent in six or seven players coming out. we all have seen teams turn it around overnight. my guess is that is what is going to happen
Big Lou Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 12:31 pm
Eddie
My bad. Thanks for clarifying. Tracy Jackson….jeesh. WHen you put it in those terms I have to eat my words. Much respect and apologies.
As for JR, whatever dude. The way the Lakers are going it won’t be long before Eddie is writing this same article about the ever fading Lakers. Congrats to Seattle and Portland? Right. Enjoy having Oden and Durant in your conference and pushing the Lakers even that much further down the food chain. I guess lakers fans will just continue to settle for 2nd place behind the Celtics as the team with the most championships…..
Painter Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
I appreciate Eddie’s irony. Boston and Chicago were the best and everyone else was indeed envious. He’s not knocking the Celtics but saying that everyone wants what they had, and that not everyone gets it. I think some here have only read the title and not the body of the article.
Rob Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
I had Paul Pierce in my fantasy pool and I almost lost cuz the Celtics didn’t decide soon enough whether Pierce was gonna play or done for the season… They tanked their games, they even benched Delonte West too (who was also on my team) so I’m glad they didn’t get the 1st 2 picks… Karma’s a Byatch…
If Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 1:00 pm
If Oden & Durant, at 19 & 18, are more worried about marketing and where to go partying and getting high than improving their basketball abilities, they’re already busts of the century and all this is moot.
From reports, Durant at least is only interested in one thing 24/7, how to kill opponents on the court, which is why he’s such a highly touted pick. Skinny 6′10″ kids with a jumpshot have come & gone, it’s going to be his attitude if he wants to become a great one.
Matt from Boston Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 3:48 pm
Do any of you realize that this can save Seattle Supersonics basketball? I was at first very pssed off the Celtics, Grizzlies, and the Bucks got the worst they could possibly do, but I am happy that the Sonics got the second pick. With all the rumors NBA in Seattle is done, Durant could get them out of the situation. This could also be a Rashard Lewis we hardly knew ye if he leaves. Durant is an offensive machine, and actually can play some defense. What I am mad about is that this makes the tough west a whole lot tougher. The two worst teams in the west have the possibility of making the playoffs, now, we could see KG’s team as the worst in league. The draft this year actually looks really good. Sure, there are no players in this years draft that will be better than Durant or Oden, but I could see a few that look like all-stars, but you never know.
Edog Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 4:05 pm
Great article Eddie……I totally agree with what you are saying. As a life long, die hard Lakers Fan, I am smiling ear to ear that boston dropped down to 5th!! In the early 80’s, all we heard around the league was how regal and great the celtics were….about their 14, then 15, then 16 championships. It wasn’t until the Lakers punked them on their own crappy “sacred” home court for the championship in 85, that the celtic fans started to bite their tongue a bit. Today, I can’t find one celtic fan (or at least no one who will admit they are), because they know…..it’s been 20 years since they were even in the finals…..
Also, some guy named Richard asked why you didn’t mention the spurs with the Lakers, Bulls, or celtics. That’s because anyone of those championship teams would have smoked the spurs!! They aren’t a throw back to that era!! Those team could play defense AND SCORE!!!
Finally…as a Lakers Fan….I don’t expect any sympathy…..I just am thankful for the championships I have been lucky enough to witness…and look forward to hopefully seeing a few more!!
Eddie Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
If
what are you talking about man? everybody would like to work in the ideal environment, wouldn’t you? who said anything about getting high? thats obviously what you are thinking about or worse you are putting a tag on NBA Players. Now let’s talk about the word HATE again. I hate people who judge others based on perception. Durant has already proved how determined he is and him wanting to have more marketing dollars and play on the east coast where he can enjoy the city, nightlife etc does not deter him. IF you could only think before you make that kind of assumption would be nice!
LBJ Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 5:45 pm
I wonder if the NBA will change the lottery system so that so many teams won’t tank in the future. It wasn’t all Boston and Memphis…. ATL and MIL tanked badly as well.
LBJ Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 5:49 pm
They’ll have to hold off on the night life Durant and Oden are under age for a little while anyway….LOL How great did things turn out for Portland? Aldridge, Randolph, Oden/Durant they have some pieces on that frontline Is Zach going to be moved? Atlanta didn’t have a bad lotto night either.
Mh Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 6:13 pm
Sounds to me that Eddie is just a lil bitter, underdogs are great to root for, but lets not get all personal just cause certain franchises have dominated the league in the past. He doesn’t feel sorry for them just cause they were great franchises for long periods of times?? Shut up, maybe if other teams had the same determination those teams had, the work ethics of Bill Russel, Larry Bird, MJ, Magic, Scottie Pippen, Shaq, Kobe, Byron Scott, Kareem, those guys were the hardest working guys in the league even with the incredible natural talent they had. Me personally, I don’t feel sorry for the celtics, but not cause they dominated for so long, but because they tanked the season pretty much just to land Oden, or Durant. Memphis probably did the same. If you work hard regardless w/no intent to tank games, and you still have a horrible record, you’ll get rewarded. Night in and night out the Sonics and blazers played hard (I just moved back to cali from WA), no papers there were even talkin bout losing games to land the top draft picks, yet they lost, n lost game after game, n so finally the bball gods decided to shine on the rainy cities lol. So in ending, Eddie, don’t be bitter n sour, stop crying and holding grudges, your a freakin 50 year old man now, let it go. Did you ever win a ring, is that why your so bitter, someone fill me in.
Everyone else who hates on the Celtics, and especially the lakers, say what you want, how many titles does your team hold???
Mh Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 6:24 pm
Oh and to Jacob, I don’t doubt that the celtics have a chance to make the playoffs next year, you know why, THE EASTERN CONFERENCE SUCKS!!!!!!!! hahahah! Any team can make the playoffs in that division smart guy, where in so, the west coast is so stacked, I wouldn’t be surprised if PO or Seattle don’t make the playoffs, there’s too much comp there in the west for some young guys (great players I might add) to really take it up to that level at their age, but regardless, the future is bright. And they will boost up their wins a few more games, Seattle lost 22 games last year by 6 points or less, so you can’t say Durant can’t help them out with that.
Oh n when did Jordan sit out a whole year?
Martin Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
I watched Boston and Memphis games on purpose leading up to the end of the regular season. High scorers on the bench, low minute players getting big minutes, with paying fans in the stands. Not right.
The comment about tanking never pays, right on bro.
Its almost like the deserving teams like Portland and to some extent Seattle who battled hard to the last regular season game come out on top, and Boston and Memphis, the snakes who tanked games loose their chance at Oden and Kevin. They deserve those lower picks and it’s great to see a team “get what they deserve” and thats not a 1 or 2 draft pick
Luv the Celtics too, but they, along with Memphis deserve this.
Richard Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
Edog,
So I guess you know the Lakers & Celtics would have perhaps smoked the 90’s Bulls too. I’m just curious because Eddie mentioned the Rockets once or twice so I wanted to know his opinion of the Spurs in regards to their Championship prowess.
Bens Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 10:59 pm
Celtics will be better than the Blazers and the Sonics next year .( Period) Y’all Need to stop hating on the C’s, just because they didnt draft you …..Wow… get over it and come up with other reasons.
JV Said,
May 25, 2007 @ 5:38 am
i guess an awful lot of people love you here eddie. but what you said made sense:
‘So here is hoping that Yi Jianlian from China can become the next Larry Bird and Bostonians can say, “Look, we didn’t need that stinking lottery pick.”’
hell yeah. don’t need to have the number one draft pick to be winners anyway, unless they don’t know guys like kobe and karl and rashard and redd.
but Yi at number 5? hell naw, that’s too high, we gon argue bout this again… just like the jazz-warriors series…
JR Said,
May 25, 2007 @ 10:30 am
>
I will enjoy having Oden and Durant in the conference, especially so because I’m a UT fan and enjoy watching Durant play. The prospect of having to see him play in Boston was not one I wanted to see happen.
And why would it bother me to have more competition brought out West? Heck that’s what makes the West so much more fun than the other conference. There’s not many gimme games out West like there is out East. I’d rather see them play out West for teams that DIDN’T have coaches and front office personnel pushing their teams to tank in hopes of getting a top 2 pick. Both cities got rewards that were well deserved after what they’ve had to deal with from greedy owners (Seattle) to Portland having to deal with the “Jailblazers”…I’m happy that both cities now have a bright future ahead of them.
And again I’m more than happy to be a Laker fan because no matter how bad it gets, we’ll never sink as low as Boston and become one of the laughingstocks of pro basketball. It’s fun watching Celtic fans suffer through 2 decades now without a title or even a Finals appearance. I say sign Danny boy up for another decade of running the leprechauns!
Dervin Said,
May 25, 2007 @ 12:47 pm
I allegedly popped him in the mouth at the end of the game.
Oh my God, this is the greatest thing anybody’s ever written. This puts Barkley’s “misquoted autobiography” to shame.
The Celtic’s Misfortune amuses me on many levels.
As a Sixers’ Fan, I always enjoy seeing them suffer.
As a Basketball Fan, I’m glad they got punished for tanking.
The real problem with New England is they make mountains out of molehills. And that pisses off everybody else who actually have it worse than them. Take the Pats, at the start of their current dominance, they would lament on how their team suffered. But if you look at the actual results you’d see they weren’t that bad, 2 Super Bowls a few finals. It was above average mediocrity. For the Red Sox, sure they didn’t win a title in 80 years, but they were competitive - there’s nothing worse your teams season being over in July.
Aaron Ray Said,
May 25, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
Listen, if Boston ended up with the # 1 or #2 pick it would have been disgusting, not because I’m the biggest Knicks fan in the world, but because it was obvious that the Celtics were tanking the season, they didn’t deserve it, I don’t think they had the worst team in the league, they just played like it. Seattle, Portland, even Atlanta were much more deserving than them. Also, yes the Celtics have 16 titles, when was their last one? I know the Knicks haven’t won in an even longer time, but I’m not crying about the lottery. I think both Seattle and Portland will have sick teams if they all stay healthy and everyone plays half as well as they should on paper. Here’s the next question, who’s going to be Rookie of the Year?
Monty Said,
May 25, 2007 @ 2:34 pm
I’m more offended by the Sam Adams rip in the first comment than by any anti-Celtics stab. At least the basketball comments were accurate.
terry Said,
May 25, 2007 @ 3:56 pm
i think boston sucks and should trade paul pierce to the lakers or any team on the westside .i think boston should trade for zack randolf or pau gasol
terry Said,
May 25, 2007 @ 4:05 pm
laker nation for life. just trade lamar odom or who ever on the team except for kobe bryant because every one else sucks on the team .lakers need a kevin garnett or a jermain oneal or jason kidd or chauncy billups make it happen better do it now cuz kobes is gonna get old hes needs a sidekick like michael jordan and scottie pippen combination then phil jackson will succeed wit another championship and possibly break the record for championships won for the lakers 17 over bostons 16 titles yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Eddie Said,
May 25, 2007 @ 5:19 pm
MH
I AM 48 and still built solid. although i have a 8 pack instead of a 6 pack. i hope and pray to reach 50 and beyond! i did say what i wanted too and yes i know how many titles they have. thats why i wrote the article!
Arthur Said,
May 25, 2007 @ 5:30 pm
Well Eddie this is a well written article. I don’t really see how you could feel sorry for Doc Rivers, it was he who decided that playing scrubs in 4th quarters was a good thing to do. The lottery is set up to limit tanking and hopefully teams will learn that tanking games is never acceptable. As for my Sonics, I hope they stay and I am glad they got the 2nd pick. I am not as high on Durant as some but he will be an above average player. He will top out at the Paul Pierce, Carmelo Anthony level, not the Nowitzki, Bryant level. He lacks the quickness you would like to see and he is a bit on the weak side and when he does gain some weight he will have a hard time maintaining his quite average lift. Oden on the other hand, will carry Portland to a title along with my boy BRoy. Looks like the East is going to have to wait another 10 years to have a chance at the title (notwithstanding the robbery of the Mavs last year at the hands of the NBA officials).
George Said,
May 25, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
Boston wanted only one player. Greg Oden. Durant would not be the answer because we already have fine offensive players at all positions that Durant can play. Now at the 5th pick there are 3-4 players that can really have an impact on the Celts. Don’t forget. Al Jefferson is more matured than ever and expect stats ala Amare from Big Al. If we draft Joakim Noah I think is a great choice for the Celtics because he can bring the winner’s mentality that the Celtics definitely lack. I admit that with Greg Oden we would have a different direction as a team but as you said we are not lucky. So let’s hope our young players will be even more mature than they were last season, and I am referring to Rondo, Jefferson, Green and Gomes. These 4 players are the key players for Boston.
niwdle Said,
May 25, 2007 @ 11:04 pm
i feel horrible with the way the lottery ended… i huge fan of memphis since pau gasol is one of my favorite players. i think it’s not because they are the underdogs that’s why i root for them but it’s because i want to see a young team get great success in its short time in the NBA… their franchise player is used to winning games which includes he’s dominance in FIBA World Championships. i think with their current team they still have a long ways to go which makes the Oden sweepstakes really sting… i really feel so bad that i felt we’ve been robbed and that is something beyond our control… luck really is a part of the game… some people might think that the grizz is tanking their way to the lottery but you guys are so wrong that you don’t know how it feels to be a grizzlies fan… each year they’ve been taking off the core that would have been very successful if hubie was still around and the salary cap really sucks that’s why it is so hard to maintain the core and add missing pieces to your team. man… i hope the team will get a smart gm and coaches to offset this disappointing lottery…
jmoney Said,
May 26, 2007 @ 11:39 am
the celtics use to be good, u may have all seen there great games wen they were kicking ass think bout the generation of celtics fans that havent even seen them win one tho. i want to c them win a championship before im lik grandpa. and the celtics been gettin screwed for years now with the gay lottory picks we should had tim duncan bak in 1997 nba draft but once again got screwed. so i do feel bad for boston.
Boss Man Said,
May 26, 2007 @ 1:19 pm
Eddie,
The Celtics have one of the most storied franchises, in sports… period. Along with that, some of the most loyal fans!.. True Die Hards!! We still pack the Fleet/TD Bank Garden drinking our Sam Adams, shadow by greatness from the rafters. So we sure don’t sit there and cheer for any other team but our own. Can’t really say that for Portland, Seattle or yourself. So with that being said, stop hating… Its cool to root for the under dog, but this has gone too far.
Now that is out of the way, 1st and 2nd pick wouldn’t saved my beloved C’s. Paul Pierce has gone on record, saying.. he doesn’t want or need any more teenagers to groom. C’s need vets!, this 5th pick is a blessing indigues mark my words!…
Boss Man
Alan Pardew Said,
May 26, 2007 @ 1:49 pm
What about all the Celtics fans born after the Celtics dynasty?
All we know is mediocrity, this draft was a chance for the youngest generation of Celtics fans to look forward to the prospect of championships in their lifetime.
You can’t hold the success of the past against those who weren’t born to see it.
Fred Said,
May 27, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
Teams that win go in cycles, just look at HISTORY.
Boston, LA, Philly, they will all be back - some day, but I SERIOUSLY DOUBT adding just a #1 or #2 draft pick will turn around a franchise (see: LA Lakers - ONE star player - NOBODY else).
No, the days of dominance of one franchise are long gone, and have been since the days of multiple high-dollar free agency, the teams that will win it now will be the San Antonios, Phoenixes, and the Chicagos and Utahs - great TEAMS with no bonifide ‘SUPERstars’.
Erik Said,
May 28, 2007 @ 9:18 am
Hi Eddie.
A well written and truly a letter from the heart one must say. As a Boston fan I bear no grudges towards you or any other person not feeling sorry for the Celtics not getting top two pick. Why should you? As you stated so correctly with the tears in your eyes, the Celtics dominated the NBA in those days and that was because of smart decisions by the owners. Everybody who makes smart decisions should be rewarded and rightly so they did get rewarded. Today, on the other hand, there is no way in hell that Boston should have gotten Durant or Oden.
No matter if you are the bottom team in the NBA or the team with the best record outside the playoffs, you are not guaranteed with the first pick or the last.
That´s what makes the draft so exciting! NBA draft is like a box of unmarked chocolate, you never know what you´re gonna get! Other people tend to disagree but everybody is entitlted to their own opinion.
I also regret hearing about Boston trying to tank games just to get better % in the draft. This is just an insult to all the young players who were put on the battlefield for longer periods much quicker than Mr. Rivers anticipted. Of course there is a certain feeling looming over the place when you are battling at the bottom of the league, but those tanking rumours are just like pouncing salt in the wounds of us Celtics. Not correct!
Jim Said,
May 28, 2007 @ 9:32 pm
Let’s see, Portland was in the #1 position last year and the ping pong balls snubbed them to the #4 position — bummer. So, all Portland did, was come up with the ROY in Brandon Roy, who made the all rookie first team, along with another 2006 draft pick, LaMarques Aldridge. Who did Boston take in trade for their pick? Sebastian Telfair an overhyped (but east coast) point guard, how did that work out? So, in conclusion, its not only the position of the draft you get, but also the position you take when you trade — bent over. Thanks for the pick Danny Ainge, stay bent over.
Steve Said,
May 29, 2007 @ 2:09 pm
Why is it that when the Celts play their rookies they are accused of ‘tanking’ yet in the NFL when teams play their rookie QBs etc. once they realize they cant make the playoffs it is “the right move”? The Celts DID NOT TANK. They PLAYED THE YOUNGSTERS. If anyone tanked its Milwaukee. Holding out players who really could have played. Pierce, Scerbiak, Ratliff, Allen were all legitimately out. So playing Ryan Gomes more minutes would have been “not tanking”? Gimme a break. We played Allan Ray because we had no one else to play!
Eric Ginsberg Said,
June 1, 2007 @ 11:00 am
Good article Eddie. I’m a big fan. You were on my very 1st fanatasy basketball team. I agreed with a lot of what you said, but not all. I don’t know if it’s a good thing that one of the two superstars from this year’s NBA Draft will be going to a team whose fan support was so weak that they’re trying to relocate. Portland is a great city with great fans (I’m told. I live on the east coast).
As for rooting for teams, I don’t think that it matters. With free agency, teams don’t stay together very long. With that in mind, you can root for your local teams (out of loyalty) or root for whatever current collection of players you enjoy watching.
I was a big Celtic fan back in the day. It wasn’t just me “jumping on the band wagon”. It was also the good character of the players. Guys like Bird, McHale, DJ, Dee Brown, Ainge. Is it any wonder all of those guys have done well in coaching/front office/broadcasting positons. I want to see Sebastian Telfair, Darium Miles, Zach Randolph, Q.Woods in 20 years (I didn’t mean to pick all current/former Trailblazers).
The NBA’s character is getting steadily worse. David Stern better address it soon (I have no idea how) before something really bad happens. I was going to say, he’d lose his fans. There’s no way that would happen. The fans love the “troubled’ players. As for me, I’ll probably give up on the NBA (except for my fantasy teams) as soon as they start broadcasting Austrailian rules football on American TV.
sammie Said,
June 12, 2007 @ 6:47 pm
Ginsberg…
It is not the fact that Seattle has no fan support, it is the fact that their arena is relatively new and the new owner is asking for a new $500,000,000 arena. Seattle is tired of forking over the money after financing both Safeco and Qwest (Paul Allen supplied a decent amount for Qwest but the man is an uber billionaire). Bennet bought the Sonics for one reason and that was to move them to OKC. In essence, moving the team from the 13th largest market in the US to the 51st.
statusmvp Said,
August 10, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
serves boston and memphis right for tankin games and tryin to get the lottery picks…is that really wat ur franchise is all about…?? waiting for young rookies to save ur asses??….if ur team is depending on a rookie, then u suck