Monday, June 17, 2013

What Will the Celtics do with Doc, KG, Pierce?


This is a pretty weird situation that the Celtics are in right now. After the loss to the New York Knicks in the NBA Playoffs, Danny Ainge, the GM of the Celtics assured that head coach Doc Rivers would return for another season. But Doc, one of the most respected coaches, didn't comment.

Now, in mid June, it's apparent that Doc wants to go coach Blake Griffen and the Los Angeles Clippers instead of rebuilding an old Celtics team that will probably win 30-45 games next season. But what will the Celtics get for Doc? Are they going to trade KG with Doc in a package like the rumors say. In my mind, there are two things that can happen:

Situation 1: The Boring One

The Celtics will keep the legacy of Pierce and KG and try to get to the playoffs together for one more year. It seems like Doc has crossed the line with the Celtics' management so I can't see Doc returning as a coach. If I had to bet on it, he will either coach the Clippers or take a year off and instantly become a great announcer. KG and Pierce will try to get along with Rondo and see where they can go from there. That's pretty boring. Until KG and Pierce retire after that season and the Celtics win 50 games and get bounced in the first round of the playoffs.

Situation 2: The Best Scenario

In this situation, many things can happen, but it's unclear how many and which ones will. First, the Celtics will trade the Clippers KG, Doc Rivers, Jason Terry, and Courtney Lee for Deandre Jordan, Vinny Del Negro, Eric Bledsoe, and Willie Green. That trade works for both teams and could potentially benefit both teams. The only bad part about that trade for the Celtics is that they have to have one of my least favorite coaches; Vinny Del Negro. In all of his Clippers coaching years, VDN has had no set defense and no offensive plays besides, "Chris Paul, go do something.". I don't want that guy coaching my team. Also, there is a minor lack of shooting in that lineup.

Then, in mid January, when Pierce feels deserted and depressed, he hasn't even played himself into shape besides it being a contract year for him, Ainge shops him and Eric Bledsoe for Josh Smith and Kyle Korver. This trade works because Boston will want to get rid of either Bledsoe or Bradley because they're pretty much identical players. Josh Smith and the Celtics have been in every possible trade combination since 2006/2007 when Ainge wanted to trade Pierce. Getting Korver would solve the lack of shooting and suddenly, the Celtics have a surprisingly sexy lineup! Their roster would be young and include Rondo, Jeff Green, Avery Bradley, Kyle Korver, Deandre Jordan, and Josh Smith.



Whatever happens, it will be very tough to let go either KG, Pierce, or even Doc. Those guys are icons and they are treated like gods in Boston. Especially Pierce. But I think at this point, it's inevitable: Goodbye Pierce, Doc, or Kevin Garnett.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Top 10 ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts



In 2008, ESPN employee, Bill Simmons pitched the idea of making a strand of documentaries in honor of ESPN's 30th anniversary. ESPN and has been working on documentaries called "30 for 30", produced by professional directors since 2009, and they have been so successful, ESPN still makes new ones in 2013. Since 2012, they have incorporated short documentaries to go along with the long ones. These shorts are (not surprisingly) called "ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts. Because there are just simply too many good 30 for 30 full length movies, here is the top nine shorts that YOU must see if you're a sports fan. (There are only nine)

#10: THE IRRELEVANT GIANT

#9: THE ARNOLD PALMER