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NBA Loud - by Travis

Player News Boston Celtics - NBA Loud

The 2008 NBA Draft

July 1st 2008 03:49

I’d like to post about the previously finished NBA Draft. A lot of trades were completed/proposed making this years draft exciting and noteworthy. In this first post I will be going through the top five picks and thereafter with updates and all you need to know up to the minute stats and transactions.

Let’s get this post draft analysis going with the first overall pick for the Chicago Bulls DERRICK ROSE. Rose out of Memphis has a solid NBA body and can take the punishment as a player in the paint. He will mold himself into whatever type of player his team needs him to be as evident by the video below. He is one of the most ready-type players to enter the league. A truly solid addition to any team, kind of makes me think of the miss of Jay Williams. In which whom the Bulls took as the savior type PG years ago before he had his motorcycle accident stifling his promising career. With this pick Chicago puts themselves back into contention for a playoff spot in the East.

This video shows how Rose can affect the game as he will become a solid NBA-PG.

# 2

Undoubtedly the Miami Heat selected MICHAEL BEASLEY out of Kansas State. This PF needs no introduction to basketball fans as his huge wingspan makes up for any negativity about his height at the four spot. One of the perfect teams for Beasley to go to, I think his character issues would only become apparent if he were to have to battle with a solid proven veteran for his starting spot. He will be going in battling Udonis Haslem who has seen his stock drop as he needs to create more of his own offence. The heat I am sure are not finished in tweaking their team for the 08/09 season. Marion though will alleviate any concerns of the rookie being overmatched down-low as he is almost like an extra PF out there sometimes with his rebounding efforts and hustle in trying to make the right plays.

# 3

Minnesota at the third spot went with OJ MAYO, who I have seen and been hearing about for a good number of years. Mayo will be a solid two as at 6’4” 200lbs he is limited in selected positions, but this guy is just a born scorer and if he ends up in Grizz-town, look for him to team up with Rudy Gay as Mike Miller was moved with Memphis making the choice to let him go after he admittedly carried the Grizzlies last season at times. In return Minnesota looks to get #5 Kevin Love. I am in love with this deal as the T-Wolves send Antoine Walker also to MEM. Minnesota gets the scoring they desperately need and character guys, to build around. I know what fans may be thinking and no this isn’t the second coming of Wally World, Mike Miller is a gamer playing all three spots from 1-3 for the Grizz and did whatever was asked, as he became a versatile and proven scorer, unlike streaky Szczerbiak.

# 4

Russell Westbrook a surprise at number four as the top three had virtually been decided weeks beforehand. Westbrook though an unexpected pick is an explosive guard that will do well in this league especially when Seattle gets all the parts and can continuously run up and down with Durant and Green. The Sonics clearly want a guard that can break down the D and get up and down the court at breakneck speeds. They have found that guy with Westbrook. People want to compare him to NBA champion Rajon Rondo and maybe Monta Ellis, he is long and skinny and extremely athletic, time will tell if he can make the right passes for a long career with Durant by his side.

# 5

Care of NBADraft.net

Memphis picks Kevin Love at the number five spot and in turn will be sending him to Minnesota in the deal outlined in the third pick paragraph. Love is solid, not an athlete like the Grizz love at the four spot, but the T-Wolves just need ballers in which Kevin is for sure. Down-low he will be helped by Al Jefferson for sure on defense. Also he will have a great passer in Mike Miller to get the ball to him in good spots. I like Kevin Love on a solid team a rebuilding team he may flourish or sink as he’ll need to create his own offence and may struggle with the speed of the NBA at first.

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Paul Pierce: A Gangster?

May 1st 2008 15:03

Does this look like the face of a gangster to you?

I'm sure we've all heard about the ridiculous fine received by the Celtics' Paul Pierce the other day. Pierce flashed what some call a gang sign towards Atlanta's Al Horford in game five of the Celts-Hawks series. He was fined $25,000 and the team says they are going to appeal after the season is over. Of course Pierce denies that it was a gang sign and as much as well all love to hate on athletes that make millions, I'm on his side for this one.

Why am I on his side you ask? Because he's Paul Pierce. He's one of the last superstars in the league that I would associate with a gang. He looks like your average Joe, just 8 inches taller and more athletic. A lot of players have their little signs they throw up before games, during games or after games. Some of it I find quite abnormal, like when Darius Miles used to do the horns or whatever it was... never liked it. So, Pierce got knocked $25,000 for throwing up that sign where you have the thumb and index forming an "O" and the other three fingers are extended as you would when you are holding up three fingers. Wish I could find a photo of Pierce doing this, but I couldn't. Not to fear though, I found something even better...

First Pierce, now Calderon?

Seems as if Calderon has joined Pierce's gang. Calderon might even be the leader since he's holding up two hands instead of one!

No, Calderon is not in a gang... at least none that I am aware of. Pierce was not flashing gang signs at Al Horford. He might have been trying to make a statement by flashing "his" sign (similar to giving a hard stare in my opinion), but it had nothing to do with any gang. The NBA overreacted and I'm glad the Celtics' organization didn't fall for it. They are fighting it, which is the right thing to do. It's not about the $25,000, because that's meaningless to Pierce, but it's the principle of the matter. That's my take on the situation, feel free to agree.

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The Minnesota Timberwolves Originally Didn't Want Kevin Garnett.

December 20th 2007 10:02

The Boston Celtics may have dropped their first game of the season at home, but they still own the best record in the NBA, and it is due to the presence in the team of a certain player by the name of Kevin Garnett. Yes, KG has reinvigorated a proud franchise and even if the Big Ticket never gets his title, he’ll still be considered as one of the

KG is the G.O.A.T. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

greats.

Garnett has been so good for so long that it is hard to remember that the man once had to prove himself. Yes, all rookies do have to earn their plaudits, even the elite of the elite. However, KG was a high school phenom jumping straight to the NBA at a time when this occurrence was a rarity. There were many question marks regarding Da Kid.

Current coach of the Detroit Pistons, Flip Saunders, who funnily enough is the puppet master of the team that defeated the C’s today, was the man calling the shots on the bench when KG broke into the league with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Before today’s contest, Saunders was reminiscing about that crazy time in 1995 when the T-Wolves owned the fifth pick, and wanted to sabotage the lottery teams ahead of them by hyping up the high schooler by the name of Kevin Garnett. In consultation with head office personnel, Flip was waxing lyrical at how much they wanted KG, whilst secretly hoping that the franchises with the higher picks would snare him so they could get either Rasheed Wallace, Antonio McDyess, Jerry Stackhouse, or even, Joe Smith! Eek.

"So we went and we watched him work out," Saunders said, "and about five minutes in, I turned to (vice president Kevin) McHale and said, 'We better hope he's still there at No. 5.' "(Jahnke, Free Press, 2007)

To be fair, ‘Sheed, ‘Tone and Stack aren’t total busts, but Joe Smith! This anecdote just illustrates how inexact the science of drafting rookies is.

The success of Garnett as a high school player, jumping to the pros was the start of a flood that saw players such as Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and LeBron James bypass college and straight to NBA glory. Those days are behind us now with the new NBA laws in place, but it is funny to remember how much reservation there was at the time at how Garnett would fare in the pros. Experts and pundits were in almost universal agreement that KG would suffer, and that a boy didn’t belong in a man’s game.

How things have changed. Let’s leave the final word for Saunders though who was a sage when coming to assessing the talents of the Big Ticket.

"He's going to go down as one of the greatest power forwards of all time," Saunders said. "I said it eight years ago when he was 24, he would go down as the most versatile player to ever play the game.

"No one is as versatile as him when you look at a guy who can score, rebound, can defend all five positions, is a great passer, his unselfishness and his passion to play. He's a special player. Fortunately for me, I was lucky to coach him for nine years." (Jahnke, Free Press, 2007)

Here are today’s top 10 plays for everyone to enjoy.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Boston Celtics

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Five Players to Watch in the New NBA Season.

November 8th 2007 10:01

With the second week of the new season underway, now would

Josh Smith can soar like a hawk! (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

seem an appropriate time to forecast who is going to have a breakout year. The beginning of the new NBA campaign sees the same familiar names pop out, but there are a handful of players that seem to come out of nowhere and have career years, or enter into wider public consciousness.

For instance, last season saw the emergence of Luol Deng, and Al Jefferson, develop to potential All-Star calibre players. Even Gilbert Arenas could have been deemed to have a breakout year due to the higher public consciousness that was afforded to Hibachi.

Any readers familiar with this site would know that we here at NBALOUD like to do things in groups of fives. So, without further ado, we present the five players that fans should look out for, and give out much more love to than they are receiving, thus far.

Josh Smith – Atlanta Hawks

Yes, we are all familiar with both the mad athleticism and hops that this young fella possesses. However, do you also know that Smith has become a more mature player? No? Well, let us inform you dear, reader, as to why.

Joe Johnson might be the number one option in Hot-lanta, but as the alpha Hawk succumbed to injury last season, Joshua took the reigns of the team and more than lived up to expectations.

As the go-to-guy, Smith began to play more intelligent basketball by not settling for long-range jumpers and instead attacked the basket with vigour. Using his obvious physical talents, Josh was able to capitalise on his advantage, and as a consequence became a more dangerous player. His passing game has also come around nicely as well.

Now, that, Johnson is back, Smith has to refine his game once again but if he continues to develop in the way that he did last season, watch out. An All-Star game berth isn’t too far of a stretch.

Andre Iguodala – Philadelphia 76ers

As Allen Iverson bid adieu to Philly, many people were wondering where on earth is the next Sixers top gun? Look no further than, Andre Iguodala.

For so long, ‘Dre flew under the radar in Philly, but once AI left for the Rockies, Ig, took the team leadership by the scruff of the neck and bestowed himself the label of ‘Caesar’ for the Sixers.

Obviously, playing for a horrendous team helps with Andre’s numbers. However, what is often forgotten is that he is a great defender, explosive offensive threat, and a decent passer to boot. Some consistency is needed for Iguodala to make further strides, but watch out for him to make some All-Star noise in the years to come.

Gerald Wallace – Charlotte Bobcats

What on earth does Gerald Wallace have to do to get some attention? Yes, he plays for a small market team. Yes, he balls for a team that has had a dire history. But, what the hell? Wallace should be an All-Star!

G-Money is a righteous scorer that is a deadly one-on-one player with a mad jumper! What’s more, before, Jason Richardson came to town, Wallace was the only option amongst a group of collegiate All-Stars!

Once again vote for this guy to go to New Orleans this year!

LaMarcus Aldridge – Portland Trail Blazers

Well, LaMarcus Aldridge has arguably got his fair share of attention already on the account

Ronny Turiaf is a bundle of energy for the Lakers. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

that he does his work for the Blazers. With, Brandon Roy and Greg Oden on the squad though, LaMarcus would be hard pressed to get some ink. But as the theme of this post would suggest: why shouldn’t Aldridge get his due?

The Portland big man is a straight up playah! Yes, he is a good player, but what we’re saying here is that, LaMarcus is a playah! With silky offensive skills and a hardnosed approach on the defensive end, Aldridge and Oden would figure to become the potential new twin towers for a decade or so to come.

Ronny Turiaf – Los Angeles Lakers

Perhaps the most impressive revelation for the Lake Show has been the play of Ronny Turiaf. NBALOUD was mightily impressed with the energy and enthusiasm from the man and has become a big fan.

A sparkplug that can score, play defence, and has a nose for the boards, Ronny has become an invaluable component for the Los Angeles team.

Yes, it may still be, Kobe Bryant’s team, but the Lakers aren’t nearly as bad as people portray them to be. The real question really should be: Is Kobe as good as everyone says?

Today's video shows off Josh Smith in all his glory.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats

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Paul Pierce: The Truth is Out There!

September 1st 2007 10:45

The Boston Celtics are the ‘it’ team for this season with the additions of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, but it’s Paul Pierce who has been the one constant, since he was drafted by the team from Beantown almost a decade ago.

Wearing the nickname of ‘The Truth’ his legacy hangs in the balance at how the newest NBA sensations gel together as a squad. And that dear reader is the truth.

Before we get down with Paul, here are some of the basics about the man that wears the number 34 of the Celtic green.

Height: 6’6” (198cm)
College: Kansas
Draft: 1998 (10th pick)
Average Points per Game: 23.6
Average Rebounds per Game: 6.5
Average Assists per Game: 3.9
Honours: 6-time NBA All-Star, 2-time All-NBA Third Team selection, NBA All-Rookie Team selection.

Looking back now it’s hard to believe that Pierce was the tenth overall selection in the 1998 draft, because of all the things he has done since then. The Truth’s fall from the top of the pack just illustrates once again the inexact science of picking the players that won’t totally suck in the pros.

Who were some of the ‘illustrious’ names that heard their names called before Paul’s? Try, Michael Olowokandi (one of the worst first picks in history), Raef Lafrentz and Robert ‘Tractor’ Traylor. Yuck, give this writer a barf bag!

For all the recent talk of a Celtics curse, they lucked out with this selection, and Pierce proved

Paul Pierce is always hungry for the ball. (Image from cnn.com)

himself to be a winner from the get, go.

Honing his basketball talent in the gyms of Inglewood, Paul’s basketball talents were apparent early on. Playing for a proud team like the Celtics, Pierce was acutely aware of the legacy that was evident before he landed in Boston.

Offensively, Pierce was a warrior, scoring seemingly at will, while having ice flow through his veins with his ability for late game heroics. In fact, Pierce was so good offensively, that in only his second year as a pro, he managed to score 2000 points in a season, becoming the first Celtic to do so since the legendary Larry Bird accomplished such a feat in 1988.

More success would follow in the next season when Piece would lead his team to the Eastern Conference Finals, whilst becoming the first Celtic in history to lead the league in total points scored. In a career defining Game 3, Pierce led the Celtics in engineering the biggest fourth quarter comeback in NBA history, when Boston recovered from a 21 point deficit to storm past the New Jersey Nets. The Truth was telling it like it is, scoring 19 of those points.

More was expected from Pierce and Boston, but they have been shocking the past few seasons, with Paul being increasingly frustrated by the performance of his team. Poor draft choices, insane signings, and horrendous coaching had led the once proud Celtics franchise stink it up in an already bad conference.

Boston’s poor recent performances had a profound effect on Pierce as he illustrates to ESPN.com writer, J.A. Adande, “It definitely weighs on me…This is not just any old franchise. This is a storied franchise, great. So many of the top 50 players come out of this franchise…I want to continue on what they did.” (Adande, ESPN.com, 2007)

In acquiring Jesus Shuttlesworth and The Big Ticket, Boston may be on the verge of adding a 17th championship banner to the already full Celtics rafters, once again bringing glory to the franchise.

Do we even need to tell you guys who is today’s video subject? Thought, so.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Boston Celtics

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Bill Russell: the Ultimate NBA Winner.

August 14th 2007 00:23

Many modern day fans of the NBA would anoint Michael Jordan as the ultimate NBA winner – who could overlook six titles in eight years? The two seasons where he didn’t win titles he wasn’t even playing basketball for most of that period! No, doubting that excellence there MJ.

However, regular readers of NBALOUD are probably getting rather sick of Jordan and the point of this post is talking about the gnarliest winner in league history? Is it Magic? Bird? Wilt the Stilt?

How about, Bill Russell?

Yes, the man who has made the Celtics the franchise they are today, which is one wrapped in glory and mystique is due to no small thanks to William Felton Russell, who revolutionised the game with his defensive attributes, and accumulation of titles, like the way Lindsay Lohan accumulates visits to rehab centres.

Want an illustration at how righteous Bill Russell was? Try on some of these numbers on for size:

Elected to Naismith Basketball Basketball Hall of Fame (1975); NBA champion (1957, '59, '60,

Bill Russell collects trophies, like Wilt Chamberlain collected conquests. (Image from nba.com)

'61, '62, '63, '64, '65, '66, '68, '69); NBA MVP (1958, '61, '62, '63, '65); All-NBA First Team (1959, '63, '65); Eight-time All-NBA Second Team; NBA All-Defensive Team (1969); 12-time NBA All-Star (1958-69); All-Star MVP (1963); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Olympic gold medallist (1956).

(Source: NBA.com)

It wasn’t just blocking shots that was his forte, but grabbing rebounds as well. Snatching boards isn’t considered very glamorous work, however, for the true basketball aficionado the art of rebounding is one of the most important statistics in the game. How good was Russell? Amassing 21, 620 boards for his career, at 22.5 rebounds per game, once grabbing 51 rebounds in a game and 49 in two others. One would say he was pretty damn good at sniffing out the ball.

Others would just call him legendary.

The individual numbers are mind-blowing, but it is being part of a Celtics team that won 11 titles in 13 seasons which is the gold standard of success in the league. For anyone that is counting that is five more titles than Jordan.

Not only was Russell physically gifted, but he was the smartest player in the game as well, working out quickly opponent’s weaknesses and exploiting them without any remorse.

Allow another Celtic great, John Havlicek to explain how great Russell was as the cerebral basketball player: “Say it was a 3-on-1,” Havlicek said. “He could take away a whole side of the floor. He would know the tendencies of everyone involved, and depending on whether the man with the ball was right-handed or left-handed he could make him do what he didn’t want to do. He could take a sequence in which there was a 90 percent scoring chance and reduce it to 50 percent. He would essentially say, ‘I’m going to take away one-half of the floor. Go ahead and see if you can score from the other side.'” (Ryan, NBA.com)

That my dear reader is greatness personified.

Bill Russell was the original badass and we’re not worthy.

Check out today’s video that exhibits Russell’s greatness.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Boston Celtics

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Ray Allen: Jesus Saves!

August 13th 2007 12:32

The Boston Celtics are right now the hottest team in the league. Not only are they a foundation team but they are also historically significant. It isn’t a small feat that they have become significant again because with the ongoing match fixing scandal, the NBA are looking for any feel good story and the resurgent Celtics team is a biggie.

Since the Celts are the flavour of the month, we here at NBALOUD aren’t adverse to jumping on bandwagons, so we’re going to continue on with the shamrock love because it’s always St. Patrick’s Day here. Top of the morning to you, and give us a kiss because we’re Irish!

Here’s a pint of Guinness and a blarney stone to kiss. Wow, talk about your insensitive stereotypes. Next, we’ll talk about leprechauns, pedalled powered helicopters and get into some real hot water!

So, where were we? Oh, yes the Celtics, and the player that started the current wave of Boston-mania going, Ray Allen.

Ray-Ray has got to be one of the sweetest shooting ballers in league history and for the first time in his career will be playing with not only one, but multiple top tier players in Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

Since we have your undivided attention, here are some basic details of Ray-Ray to wet your

'Jesus' floats on air. (Image from nba.com)

whistle.

Date of Birth: 20th July, 1975.
Height: 6’ 5” (196cm)
College: University of Connecticut
Draft: 1996, 5th Pick (Minnesota Timberwolves, traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for the rights of Stephon Marbury)
Average Points Per Game: 21.5
Average Assists Per Game: 3.9
Awards: First All-Rookie Team Member, NBA All-Star Weekend 3-point contest winner and NBA Sportsmanship recipient 2003.

Most casual fans of basketball probably aren’t too familiar with Ray Allen the NBA player, but may have come across him as an actor in Spike Lee’s film, He Got Game. Ray ‘Jesus Shuttlesworth’ Allen was rather impressive in his first foray into the thespian arts, which is saying a lot since he had a starring role next to Rosario Dawson and Denzel Washington.

His acting skills may have been surprisingly silky, but his basketball game is worthy of plaudits. ‘Jesus’ is one of the rare players that has hit almost 40% of his shots from beyond the arc and 90% of his free-throws. For the uninitiated, these figures are phenomenal.

Ray-Ray’s offensive capabilities aren’t only limited to unbelievable accuracy, but he is second on the list of all-time 3-point field goals made, whilst being the record holder of most baskets from beyond the arc in a season at 268.

Having been in a lot of mediocre teams in his career, Allen, now has to chance to make a much deserved run for an NBA title, and we’re all waiting with bated breath at what will transpire in Beantown.

Today’s video is a beauty – Ray Allen versus Allen Iverson back in the day when they were both in college. This is a amazing clip!

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Boston Celtics

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Reggie Miller to Join the Boston Celtics? That's Crazy Talk! Or Is It?

August 9th 2007 11:24

The Boston Celtics have been the biggest offseason winners so far and their triumphant lottery ticket may have gotten that much sweeter with talk that Reggie Miller might join their ranks.

Reggie Miller? Yes, the former Indiana Pacer great has been mentioned as a possible recruit to try and bolster the chances of the Celtics in attaining an unprecedented 17th title.

Since his retirement in 2005, Miller Time has been put on ice as an analyst for TNT and he isn’t a bad one in all honesty. However, Boston are really lacking in any help outside the big three, and are in such dire straits, that outside of second year point guard, the ultra cool named Rajon Rondo, and center, Kendrick ‘I’m just making up the numbers’ Perkins, only four other players are under contract. That my awesome reader is a small roster.

So, as a consequence of being undermanned, Boston is looking to a 42 year old great who may, or may not have the skills to contribute once again, but what the hell? All Reggie has to do is shoot the damn rock, while coming off the bench for roughly 15 minutes a game. Surely,

Don't call it a comeback! Miller has been here for years! (AP Photo/John Harrel)

he can do that!

Here is what Reggie has had to say about his attempts at being like Mike in making a comeback: “I'm always flattered when my name is mentioned as someone who can still help an NBA team win a championship,” Miller said Wednesday in a statement relayed to The Associated Press by the TNT network. “I've had limited discussions with Celtics management about their roster and a potential role for me. At this time, I'm enjoying my role as an analyst with TNT.” (Adande, ESPN.com, 2007)

Right now, Miller is weighing up all his options in trying to decide what decision to make. He is wisely seeking counsel from family and friends, whilst contemplating whether or not his body and mind can make it through an 82 game season grind.

Therefore, what would be the attraction for Reg in making a comeback? Well, the two-pronged answer is blowing in the wind my friends, and it relates to the fact that he is still sans title and the opportunity to play with Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

The Celtics are a shoo-in for a playoff berth in the horrendous Eastern Conference, and with the potential of Reggie Miller on board, Boston can have an effective backup to Ray-Ray, while having a clutch postseason performer in their midst.

It is almost too much to take with all the excitement surrounding the Celtics!

Today’s video is of the recent intra-team scrimmage involving members of the U.S. team. The ball on show is way better than any other all star game.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Boston Celtics

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Kevin Garnett: A Big Ticket Item.

August 5th 2007 01:41

In case you missed it Kevin Garnett, one of the best players in NBA history, is heading to the Boston Celtics, which is the most storied franchise in the league.

Acquiring the services of KG has reflected the iconic status that is associated with Garnett – in other words, Boston spent an outrageous amount of cash to garner the services of this ‘Big Ticket’ item. How much? Try a cool $US106 million over the next five years.

Here are some other things you can purchase for $100 million in a very rough estimate manner:

• Almost 100 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 cars valued at $US1, 192,057.
• The outrageous Toprak Mansion in London which boasts 28, 000 square feet of luxurious living at $US92 million.
• Pakatoa Private Island in New Zealand for $US35 million.
• Almost 850, 000 burgers at DB Bistro Moderne in New York at the cost of $US120.

Please, excuse NBALOUD if some of the math is a bit wrong because numbers isn’t this writer’s strong point.

Anyway, now that we have guffawed at some of the most outrageous things that The Big

Kevin Garnett Sports Illustrated High School Cover.

Kevin Garnett: Da Kid. (Image from wikipedia)

Ticket can buy with his big pay packet, it would be a good opportunity to look at the man behind the mammoth dollar signs because KG is an exceptional player.

Let’s begin with the basic info regarding Garnett:

Date of Birth: 19 May, 1976
Height: 6’ 11” (211 cm)
School: Farragut Academy
Draft: 1995 (5th pick)
Scoring average: 22.3
Rebound average: 13.4
Assists average: 5
Blocks average: 1.9
Awards: ’03-’04 NBA MVP, ’02-’03 All-Star game MVP, 7 time All-NBA First and Defensive team member, 2000 Olympic gold medal winner.

Boston has always been a city that has appreciated yeomen basketball players and although Kevin has a lot of flava to his game, he works harder than any other player during game time. The intensity and fire that KG brings to the court is probably only matched by Allen Iverson. Garnett puts everything on the line.

During his time in Minnesota, The Big Ticket also integrated with the fabric of the city, recognising the fact that just playing the game isn’t enough – he had to be more, he was Minnesota. Don’t get the wrong idea about KG, he would have been a T-Wolf for life if he wasn’t taken for granted, which is a rare attribute these days.

Being such a competitor missing out on the last three years of the playoffs would have hurt the psyche of the man, while the frustration would have been more palpable with each postseason trip ending in a first round exit, bar a 2004 trip to the Western Conference Finals.

This past offseason the murmurings reached a crescendo when the Timberwolves were actively seeking to trade their all-time great. Suitors came far and wide, including Boston, with Garnett rejecting their original overtures. As possible destinations began dwindling, Danny Ainge and the Celtics made Boston a more attractive proposition by acquiring Ray Allen, which already had fellow all-star Paul Pierce on board.

Boston was once again a basketball team worth going to.

Garnett although having an impressive personal resume, realises his legacy hangs on the fact

Kevin Garnett: The Man. (David Sherman/NBAE/Getty Images)

that he needs championships to validate his career. For any fan who has watched basketball they would surely realise that KG isn’t about the individual accolades, but rather about winning: “I have never been a personal stat guy. I have accomplished a couple of things, but I don't think I am above anybody. I overlook all those things and focus on team accomplishments.” (Benyon, nba.com, 2004)

It’s all well and good to say that KG is a great basketball player, but he is a better man. Having to grow up quickly after being born into disadvantaged circumstances, and having to take legal guardianship of his younger sister Ashley, and then an at risk teen, Michael Mason, all of this before he was even an adult. KG is one of those rare athletes that exhibit’s actual humility in his dealings.

The NBA is often seen as a repository for ill disciplined individuals, Kevin Garnett, is an antithesis to the outlaw reputation of the Association. Starting his own company that provides jobs and opportunities for the disenfranchised, and the 4XL foundation that gathers professional mentors to assist youths needing help, KG is a not merely an athlete, but a citizen.

Get ready Boston because The Big Ticket is on his way.

Want to know why KG is the real deal? Check out today’s video.

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Garnett Goes Green In Blockbuster Trade

August 1st 2007 12:37

The Lakers, Suns and Bulls all had their shot at trading for Garnett but couldn't get it done. The Celtics tried to get him on draft day but it didn't happen then. Boston went back with another offer and the rebuilding Minnesota franchise decided to part with their superstar, the price for Boston was five players and two first round draft picks.

Minnesota had to trade Garnett before his contract ran out as they were going to struggle to put a competitive team around him. It is several years since they were a contender, when Garnett had players like Cassell, Sprewell and Szczerbiak around him. To help with the rebuilding process, Minnesota now has Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair and a couple of future picks to use.

Ratliff was only included to make the salaries work, he is an expiring contract so that will help Minnesota clear their salary cap. Al Jefferson and Gerald Green are the two young stars that Minnesota are depending on to make this trade a success for them. Like Garnett, both Jefferson and Green entered the NBA straight from high school. Jefferson will be expected to take over from Garnett at power forward while Green will replace some of the highlight plays that Garnett would produce every game. Gomes is a solid player at the forward spots, he is on a cheap contract that only has this season to go, Minnesota might look to trade him as he has some value. Telfair, Stephon Marbury's cousin, has been in trouble off the court and as the Timberwolves have a lot of other options at point guard he might not stay long.

The Timberwolves now have a very young core to develop and build around. Randy Foye and Corey Brewer could be their starting backcourt. Gerald Green may be their new small forward, they do have high-scoring Ricky Davis but he is in the last year of his contract. Jefferson will start up front, either veteran Juwan Howard or former Celtic Mark Blount will start beside him in the paint.

While Minnesota is thinking about the future with this trade, for Boston it is all about winning now. Garnett, Pierce and Ray Allen will average a combined 60 points or more per game. Garnett has also reportedly signed a new contract with Boston, so this superstar trio has the next three years to win a title. They will need some help though and Boston will be looking for veteran free agents to fill their roster now. The point guard spot at the moment goes to second-year player Rajon Rondo. The center spot has wide-body Kendrick Perkins and outside shooter Brian Scalabrine. Second round picks Gabe Pruitt and Glen "Big Baby" Davis are also expected to be signed by Boston.

Garnett becomes one of the most expensive players, in terms of the amount of picks and players, to trade for in all the years of the NBA. When Pippen went from Houston to Portland the price for Portland was six players. "Pistol" Pete Maravich was sent from Atlanta to the Jazz for two players and four draft picks. The Rockets needed to send four players away, including Horry and Cassell, to acquire Charles Barkley.

The Celtics will be aiming for the NBA championship but first of all they need to win their division. The Nets also have their three superstars with Carter, Kidd and Jefferson. They also have added big Magloire. The Raptors have a younger version of Garnett, Chris Bosh, as well as TJ Ford at the point and Bargnani at forward. The Celtics will also have trouble with teams that have a big center in the East. So the Heat with Shaq, and Wade, as well as the Cavs who have Ilgauskas, and also James, might be expected to win the East. The Pistons and Bulls will also be contenders. The Celtics sold their future to make a big run for another championship, they may not get there this year but they will have a huge increase in wins compared to last season and will be in the playoffs once again.

Garnett instantly turns Boston into a contender.(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

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Posted By: Sports Insider - Category: Player News, Boston Celtics

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Crazy NBA Draft Night Moves.

June 30th 2007 04:15

Draft day came and went with a few surprises, such as China’s next big thing, Yi Jianlian being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks after the player had snubbed off the city and Danny Ainge, head of basketball operations for the once storied franchise Boston Celtics making the perplexing choice of giving up a slew of decent youngsters for Ray Allen.

What on earth is Boston thinking? Picking up Ray Allen on paper seems like a good deal for the Celtics because he’ll be sharing space with another All-Star in Paul Pierce, but this is far from ideal for Boston. In fact they’re heading backwards in acquiring Jesus Shuttlesworth!

Ray-Ray comes off surgery for both of his ankles, while fast approaching 32 and is an All-Star back in the day, but no more. Allen would have been an excellent pick for a contending team that is one hot scorer away from an NBA title, not a team that is about as far away from a championship as Dick Cheney is to Allen Iverson.

Boston doesn’t immediately get better at all and in fact they gave up a good guard in Delonte West and the number five pick for what? A veteran that will be a short term fix to stop Paul Pierce from going postal.

This was a desperate move from Ainge and the Celtics front office that has turned the most

Look out New York! Here comes Zach Randolph. (Image from cnnsi.com)

successful NBA franchise in history into the basketball version of Guantanamo Bay.

Let’s be fair though, Ray Allen isn’t a basketball hack, but he isn’t an elite NBA baller anymore either. With two bad wheels and the lack of capacity to play any type of defence after the ankle surgeries, Ray-Ray will either marginally improve the team in the dreadful Eastern Conference, or it will be more of the same.

The other confusing move for a franchise on draft night was that of the Bucks picking up Yi as mentioned at the start of this posting. Jianlian’s handlers wanted their man to go to a city that has a big Asian-American population and let’s just say Milwaukee isn’t that city. In fact we can safely assume that the consumption of chicken feet and shark fin soup isn’t very popular in Milwaukee at all.

In fact so desperate where Yi’s managers and the Chinese officials that he go to a larger market that they gave the Philadelphia 76ers, who had the 12th pick, got a look at their man, whilst completely ignoring Milwaukee. Perhaps most intriguing of all is that most of the Bucks management hadn’t even really laid eyes on the kid before and now run the risk of him never playing for their franchise.

Crazy.

Finally, Isiah Thomas and his horrendous Knicks made a somewhat good move by acquiring Zach Randolph from the Trail Blazers whilst getting rid of malcontent Steve Francis and his massive contract. The downside is that Randolph also has a history of being a head case, albeit a more talented one than the player formally known as The Franchise.

We may have spent most part of today’s post bagging out Ray Allen’s move to the Celtics, but it isn’t a diss on him but rather the franchise. Jesus Shuttlesworth is still a handy player with the sweetest stroke out there. Coincidentally enough today’s video is of Ray-Ray teaching us mere mortals how to hit a sweet jump shot.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Boston Celtics

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