(DGA Productions)By: Greg Payne
Yes, at long last, the preliminary happenings of the 2009-2010 NBA season kick off tomorrow in Newport, Rhode Island. We have questions we want answered, expectations we want met and hopes we want to see fulfilled. So without further ado, here's where we currently stand:
- Is Kevin Garnett healthy? That's really anyone's guess at this point.
- Paul Pierce believes the Celtics will win if they stay healthy and plans to play for at least four more years.
- Ray Allen is a true professional. He spent the last few weeks of summer leaving various pairs of basketball shoes around Massachusetts for people to find. Right now, he's focused on another championship and not a contract extension.
- Speaking of contract extensions, if Rajon Rondo and the Celtics can't agree to terms on one before October 31, he'll become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. In the meantime, for Rondo's latest thoughts, check out this Sports Illustrated interview, if you haven't already.
- We haven't heard too much out of Kendrick Perkins lately. But, Perk is Perk, so we know he'll come into camp with a better mid-range jump shot, a better jumphook and drop step, a better pair of shoulders and, most importantly, a better, "What!? I didn't touch him!" scowl, which should come in very handy with the new replacement refs the NBA will be implementing this season.
- My dad really wanted the Celtics to pursue Rasheed Wallace over the summer. I wasn't so thrilled with the idea. As of now, I stand corrected. I'm excited about everything Wallace does indeed bring to the table, including a certain championship hunger. I was also thrilled to see him speak so professionally to a slew of reporters after this NBA 'Read to Achieve' event.
- Eddie House elected to exercise his player option to remain in Boston. He could have tried to pry more money out of the team, but he sacrificed for a shot at another championship. Expect House to play a vital role off the bench for the third consecutive year. Is he our backup point guard right now? Some would say so. Others would argue Marquis Daniels will handle the rock with the second unit. Let the experiments begin.
- As for Daniels himself, he could very well take on two roles by bringing the ball up and backing up Pierce at the same time. I believe the term I'm looking for is "point forward". Either way, he can slash to the hoop, he sacrificed money to be here, he wants to win a championship and I'm told by people who watched him throughout his seasons in Indiana that he'll effectively gel with the rest of the team.
- Glen Davis could kick your butt right now. Young kids in white shirts with floor seats beware. Just kidding. Kind of. Davis spent time this summer practicing Muay Thai kickboxing with his girlfriend. Davis has shed some lbs. as a result, but supposedly he's stretched his range all the way out to three-point nation. Are we expecting a more versatile Big Baby this season?
- No one's entirely sure what we'll be seeing out of Shelden Williams. According to him, the C's expect him to bring energy and enthusiasm off the bench. Should we assume he'll make the active roster?
- Tony Allen continues to be a mystery we just can't seem to solve. If he's healthy, will he even garner enough court time to contribute? Right now it seems as if the best part about him is his expiring contract.
- Brian Scalabrine didn't play basketball this summer. In the wake of three concussions last season, Scal stuck to a strict workout courtesy of Bryan Doo and didn't play organized basketball until about three weeks ago. I'm curious to see if a private battle between him and Williams will ensue for the right to grace the court. Keep in mind, like T. Allen, Scal's contract is also up at the end of the year.
- It seems like we all want Bill Walker to do well. We want to win and have him develop at the same time. Is such a scenario likely? I suppose it depends on what he worked on this offseason and how he incorporates that into the grand scheme of things. I'm excited to see what the kid's going to bring to the table.
- With the exception of some community service work, we didn't hear much out of J.R. Giddens this summer and after rarely seeing him play last year, it's difficult to gauge where he stands in the overall picture. It's unlikely he'll see too much of the court, with Ray Allen, House, Daniels and possibly even Tony Allen in front of him on the depth chart.
- Lester Hudson has yet to sign a contract with the team. He's optimistic he'll make the roster. No matter what happens, I'm confident Hudson will give this team everything he has over the course of training camp. I'm rooting for him, but if a veteran can help us more, I've got to side with the older guy.
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