Category: Celtics

A little story on KC Jones’ kindness

Guy Zucker shares a story about Celtics legend KC Jones, who passed away at age 88.

NBA legend KC Jones, winner of 12 championships as a player or coach,  died this week at age 88. Longtime agent Guy Zucker reminisces on his first interaction with the then head coach of the Boston Celtics.

In early 1987, I was a freshman at Boston University. Having been a journalist in Israel prior to my arrival in the U.S., I continued to cover sports for various media outlets there during my studies.

The Celtics were the reigning NBA champions at the time.

I approached KC Jones, the head coach, after one of the games at the old Boston Garden, and asked him for a short interview. “Give me your number,” he said, ” Someone from the Celtics will be calling you.”

I was quite certain that he was just being polite and did not expect a call. However, within two days, I got a call from a staff member who told me to be ready at 3 pm the next day to be picked up to go see KC.

“Are we going to practice?” I asked Wayne Lebeaux (the Celtics equipment and road Manager), the man who picked me up the next day. “No, we’re going to KC’s home,” he said.

I couldn’t believe it.

Once inside KC’s home, he couldn’t have been nicer. Although I was young and a foreigner, he treated me with incredible interest and respect. There wasn’t even a trace of the inflated egos that are so commonly found in pro sports.

“What are you studying,” he asked (politely, I thought) before we started the interview.

“Sociology.’

“Anything interesting?”

“Actually, I’m writing a term paper about the evolution of leaders in street basketball.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I’ve been observing streetball for the past six weeks and I’ve discovered some patterns that seem to repeat themselves in every situation. It seems that it takes no more than 5-10 minutes for leaders to emerge, despite the fact that the players usually don’t know each other prior to playing together.”

As I was saying this I noticed that KC was listening, seriously. Then he said: “Can you make me a copy, once you are done?”

“Sure,” I said. “What do you need it for?”

“It sounds really interesting,” he said, “Maybe I could learn something from it.”

I was totally floored. Here was the head coach of the NBA champion Boston Celtics asking for my sociology paper because he thought he could learn something new from it!

Wow.

KC Jones
A moment of silence for former Boston Celtic and Hall of Famer K.C. Jones before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on December 25, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)

And so, once I was done, I made KC a copy, which I gave to him after another Celtics game. He thanked me. He also never forgot to say hello whenever he saw me afterwards. He once spotted me in a summer league game, when he was the Seattle Supersonics head coach. He came over, sat next to me and we watched an entire half together.

I never forgot KC’s graciousness, humility, and curiosity. It taught me a great lesson. When I read of his passing, a few days ago, I decided to share this story, for the first time.

Thank you, KC Jones!

NBA free agency notes on Fred VanVleet, Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley and Jeff Green

Take a look at the latest intel HoopsHype has gathered from some of the other top free-agent agreements of the day.

The second day of NBA free agency had several top free agents agree to new deals, including Gordon Hayward, who agreed to a four-year, $120 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets. As HoopsHype reported before the start of free agency, the Hornets were going to make a strong push to land Hayward.

Below is a look at the latest intel HoopsHype has gathered from some of the other top free-agent agreements of the day.

Latest NBA free agency intel: Gordon Hayward, Lakers, Pelicans, Kings and more

With NBA free agency upon us, here’s a look at the latest intel HoopsHype has gathered.

With NBA free agency upon us, here’s a look at the latest intel HoopsHype has gathered.

* The Charlotte Hornets are expected to make a push to land Gordon Hayward in free agency, league sources told HoopsHype. Hayward signed an offer sheet with Charlotte in 2014 when he was a restricted free agent, which was matched by the Utah Jazz.

Charlotte enters free agency with $19.4 million in cap space and would likely need to facilitate a sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics and possibly a third team to land Hayward. The Hornets have several trade candidates, as noted in a recent HoopsHype story, including Cody Zeller and Nicolas Batum, who are both entering the final season of their contracts. Terry Rozier also drew trade interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Sports Illustrated.

* The Hornets are also expected to be in the market for a free agent center addition, with Bismack Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez both hitting the open market.

* If Hayward leaves Boston, it could open the door for a sign-and-trade possibility for Danilo Gallinari, who’s one of HoopsHype’s top-ranked free agents this offseason. He’s also expected to draw significant interest from the Atlanta Hawks and other teams.

* The Los Angeles Lakers will be first in line to speak with two of their free agents Dwight Howard and Avery Bradley when free agency opens, league sources told HoopsHype. Both players are also expected to draw interest from several contenders as well. Howard has reportedly been linked to the Golden State Warriors, and Bradley has been linked to the Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks thus far.

The Lakers and Jared Dudley also have a mutual interest in a return, league sources told HoopsHype.

* The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to show interest in free agent center Aron Baynes, league sources told HoopsHype. Baynes and new Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy spent two seasons together previously with the Detroit Pistons. Baynes, who will be 34 when the season starts, could be a potential replacement for Derrick Favors, who is also a free agent.

* There’s mutual interest between free agent Kent Bazemore and the Sacramento Kings on a return. The 31-year-old swingman averaged 10.3 points, shot 38.4 percent from downtown, and grabbed 4.9 rebounds while playing 23.1 minutes per game off the bench for the Kings. Bazemore is also expected to speak with multiple teams once free agency opens.

You can follow Michael Scotto on Twitter: @MikeAScotto

Latest NBA draft and free agency intel: Kelly Oubre, Danilo Gallinari, Gordon Hayward and more

With the draft upon us and free agency at the end of the week, here’s a look at the latest intel HoopsHype has gathered. * The Oklahoma City Thunder , who just acquired Kelly Oubre Jr. , is looking to flip him for a first-round pick, league sources …

With the draft upon us and free agency at the end of the week, here’s a look at the latest intel HoopsHype has gathered. 

* The Oklahoma City Thunder, who just acquired Kelly Oubre Jr., is looking to flip him for a first-round pick, league sources told HoopsHype. He’s entering the final year of his contract this season. As noted in our HoopsHype players most likely to be traded story, following the Chris Paul and Dennis Schroeder trades, executives believe the Thunder will continue to explore the trade market on their veterans, including Steven Adams. With Al Horford reportedly on his way to the Thunder, Adams could be on the move sooner than later.

* The Los Angeles Clippers, who currently own the 57th overall pick, are looking to buy a pick and move up in the draft, league sources told HoopsHype. 

* As noted a week ago on the HoopsHype podcast, the Boston Celtics are looking to upgrade in the frontcourt and are eyeing trading up in the draft to get Onyeka Okongwu or even James Wiseman, HoopsHype has learned the Celtics called as high as the Golden State Warriors at No. 2 overall to gauge trade interest. Marcus Smart was made available, but talks didn’t escalate. 

Once the dust settles from the draft, the focus will shift to free agency right around the corner, where there are several developments. 

* Gordon Hayward is the first major domino some free agents are waiting to fall. With the Atlanta Hawks trying to acquire Hayward, as Yahoo Sports reported, it could dilute the money available on the market even more. If Hayward ends up leaving Boston, it could open up the possibility for a sign-and-trade there for a free agent.

* Atlanta also has interest in Danilo Gallinari, one of HoopsHype’s top-ranked free agents this offseason, as the team looks to make a push for the playoffs next season, league sources told HoopsHype. 

* The Miami Heat previously showed interest in the Italian forward at the trade deadline. If Giannis Antetokounmpo signs an extension with Milwaukee, some around the league expect Miami to extend Bam Adebayo, try to bring back Goran Dragic, and upgrade at forward. That could open the door for Gallinari to land with Miami as a free agent on a multi-year deal. At the trade deadline, Miami didn’t want to tie up a ton of money for the next offseason to chase Antetokounmpo. However, Milwaukee’s pending acquisitions of Jrue Holiday and Bogdan Bogdanovic has many convinced that Antetokounmpo isn’t going anywhere. If the Bogdanovic sign-and-trade falls through, as The Athletic reported could happen, it’s unclear what it’ll mean for Antetokounmpo’s future.

* Another Miami note, Heat center Kelly Olynyk is exercising his player option, as expected, a league source told HoopsHype. 

* The Dallas Mavericks also had interest at the trade deadline in Gallinari and have been shopping their 18th overall pick. With Thunder GM Sam Presti collecting as many first-round picks as he can, the Mavericks can use their pick to facilitate a sign-and-trade.

As Gallinari noted during an appearance on the HoopsHype podcast, he and New York Knicks President Leon Rose remain close. If the Knicks can land a star point guard like Russell Westbrook on the trade market, it would increase the chances of New York going after Gallinari in free agency. Another relationship that’s worth noting is Detroit Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem previously represented Gallinari when he was an agent. Currently, Arn’s son, Michael Tellem of CAA Sports, represents Gallinari. However, both teams are headed for a rebuilding season, which would lessen their desire to make a run at Gallinari. 

* The Hawks also had plans to make a big run at Joe Harris in free agency, but rival executives expect him to remain with the Brooklyn Nets and land a three or four-year deal worth an average of $18 million annually. The Charlotte Hornets were another team who had Harris on their wish list, but the team is expected to pivot towards less expensive guards who can provide veteran leadership and shooting off the bench instead. 

* The Hawks have also been heavily linked to Rajon Rondo, who they view as a potential veteran mentor and backup to Trae Young. A multi-year deal could entice Rondo to join the rebuilding Hawks, HoopsHype has learned. 

* Another veteran who could be changing teams is Paul Millsap. The Ringer reported Millsap is an expected target of the Portland Trail Blazers. Some NBA talent evaluators believe Millsap could be worth Portland’s mid-level exception this offseason.  

* Finally, the Memphis Grizzlies will extend a qualifying offer to De’Anthony Melton. The 22-year-old guard becomes a restricted free agent this offseason. He’s a noteworthy player who could draw an offer sheet from another team this offseason. 

You can follow Michael Scotto on Twitter: @MikeAScotto

 

Podcast: Gordon Hayward’s future, Brad Stevens, potential Celtics trades and more

https://omny.fm/shows/the-hoopshype-podcast-with-alex-kennedy/michael-scotto-and-jay-king-on-gordon-hayward-s-fu/embed On this episode of the HoopsHype podcast, Michael Scotto is joined by Jay King, who covers the Boston Celtics for The Athletic. …

On this episode of the HoopsHype podcast, Michael Scotto is joined by Jay King, who covers the Boston Celtics for The Athletic. Scotto and King discuss several topics, including whether the team met expectations this season, can Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead the Celtics to a title down the road, and reviewing the performances of Kemba Walker and coach Brad Stevens during the playoffs. The duo also discussed Gordon Hayward’s future and potential trade scenarios for the Celtics.

1:06 Did the Celtics meet expectations this season?

3:07 How Kyrie Irving and Al Horford being gone affected Boston and their futures in their current situations

5:43 Can Boston win a title with Tatum and Brown as the franchise cornerstones?

MORE: Find out where Tatum and Brown rank according to executives on the top players under 25 to build around

9:33 Was playoff criticism for Walker justified?

King: I thought some of his playoff run was just that he clearly wasn’t himself physically. The knee issues, which started before the NBA hiatus, didn’t go away while the NBA was shut down for four months. When he got back to training camp for the NBA restart, the Celtics kept him out of practices during the seeding games. They limited his minutes. They made it clear they were worried about that knee. That was a concern for them. I think part of it was, just physically, he didn’t hold up. I think if you look earlier in the playoffs through maybe two games of the Toronto series, he was great. He was fantastic, he was efficient, he was high scoring, he was making so many plays for the Celtics. Then, you look later on at the Miami series, and Kemba can’t get by Jae Crowder? Something’s wrong. I don’t know how big an issue that is for the Celtics long-term that he couldn’t get his knee right. Danny Ainge said they don’t expect him to undergo offseason surgery.

15:40 Evaluating Daniel Theis as a starting center and winning type of player

16:49 Upgrades who could help Boston in free agency

Scotto: I always felt whether it was in free agency or in a trade at some point next season, they’ve got to add another shot blocker or maybe a guy that’s more of a traditional four. I’m not saying this is going to happen. I’m not reporting this. I’m just throwing it out there. Someone like a Paul Millsap, a guy that’s a rugged guy who can rebound, pick-and-pop, and has veteran experience. Someone along those lines.

MORE: HoopsHype’s 2020 free agent rankings

20:39 What will Hayward do with his player option and what will his role be next season?

Scotto: I think you and I can safely say a $34 million player option for Hayward is getting picked up for next season.

King: When you talk to people, the assumption is he will pick that up. Obviously, with the way the salary cap uncertainty is, there aren’t going to be as many teams with cap space, to begin with, this offseason. A lot of them are younger teams that Hayward probably wouldn’t be a great fit on. I think he picks up the player option. I think that’s safe. The discussion around him mostly relates to how expensive this Celtics roster is going to get moving forward.

Do the Celtics want to pay him into the future to be a fourth option? I think that’s probably the easiest way to keep their talent cupboard stocked, but I also think the Celtics owners could look at that and say we’ve already got so much money committed in this core, the luxury tax payments on this roster are going to be so steep if they keep everybody together. If he opts in as we assume, do the Celtics look to trade him? I don’t think they can get equal value back. Do they let him go after the final year of his contract? Does he want to stay in Boston? I know he had big dreams for his career. He didn’t sign in Boston to be a fourth option. I know in a lot of ways it’s a really good situation for him. They’re going to compete in the East for years. He has been well paid for not much production, although that’s not his fault (injuries).

Scotto: If you’re moving a guy like Hayward, you’re moving him to a team probably for a guy that’s got multiple years on his deal that a team is trying to get off his contract and Hayward comes off the books in a year financially. Also, keep in mind, the Celtics have four draft picks in this draft, which is considered a weak one overall.

27:21 Is Stevens overrated, underrated, or somewhere in between?

37:01 Other Celtics free agency decisions this offseason

Scotto: Theis has a non-guaranteed deal for next season at $5 million. I expect them to certainly pick that up. That’s not bad at all for a starting-caliber center. Enes Kanter has a $5 million player option for next season. A guy whose minutes fluctuated, but I don’t know financially if he’s going to get more than that.

King: The first dominoes to fall will be Hayward’s option and Kanter’s option. Kanter, I’m not sure he’d get any more money on the open market. He could look somewhere else where he’d get more minutes where Robert Williams and Grant Williams aren’t on his heels looking to take minutes. Even if he opts in, the Celtics could use his salary in a trade. I think the obvious move by Ainge would be to try and package those three first-round picks together to try to get some veteran help for the bench.

43:20 Potential cheap free agent center targets for the Celtics

Scotto: When you think about shot-blocking big men on the market that could be had maybe for a reduced price, you think of Nerlens Noel, Willie Cauley-Stein, JaVale McGee. Robin Lopez is going to have a player option in Milwaukee. What will he do? You’ve got other guys like Alex Len. Maybe even a Bismack Biyombo depending on what he’s willing to take. It depends on what they can do with that taxpayer mid-level exception.

You can follow Michael Scotto on Twitter: @MikeAScotto

Celtics’ Marcus Smart thriving as a defender when switching onto bigs

Boston Celtics wing Marcus Smart, despite standing at just 6-foot-4, has done a phenomenal job defenders players much larger than he is.

Boston Celtics wing Marcus Smart, despite standing at just 6-foot-4, has done a phenomenal job defending players much larger than he is.

The 25-year-old made All-Defensive 1st Team last season but has taken another leap forward with a bigger role this year. His ability to switch on to centers has been a focal point of Boston’s defensive identity and something that allows coach Brad Stevens to use his five-man lineups in a different way than almost any other team in the league.

We looked at all of the opponents that Smart has guarded so far this season, then isolated just the players who are classified as big men by Cleaning the Glass.

Based on this research of 146 possessions, Smart has allowed just 16.3 points per 70 possessions. These players are shooting 36.7 percent from the floor on 30 attempts.

For example, look at when Dallas Mavericks’ Kristaps Porzingis attempted three post-up attempts against Smart on November 12. The 7-foot-3 big was not able to convert any, however, despite the ridiculous size mismatch.

The largest workload came when he guarded Kevin Love for a total of 31.1 possessions during the game Boston played against Cleveland on November 5.

While Smart was guarding Love during the third quarter, the five-time All-Star was left completely flabbergasted to the point where he was forced to take an undeniably bad pass.

Smart, however, tipped the ball and forced a turnover that Robert Williams was able to recover. The guard leads his team with 2.8 deflections per game so far this season. Last season, he recorded more total deflections (228) than all but just one player in the Eastern Conference.

But even more impressive was when the Celtics played the Bucks early in the season on October 30.

Smart matched up against the reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for 16.9 possessions. The superstar scored just five points and managed only two attempts from the floor. That means Smart held the Milwaukee sensation to less than half of the field goal attempts Antetokounmpo has taken against all other defenders.

Antetokounmpo had three turnovers, was impacted by his defensive presence all game and he even ended up tumbling to the floor amidst a brief scrap with Smart.

Here is what the scrappy defender said after the game, which was a rematch of the Eastern Conference Semifinals (via NBC Sports):

“Every time I’m boxing him out, he’s trying to throw me out the way. It lets me know he’s frustrated, I’m getting to him, especially when he’s not getting to the ball, or he’s not getting to the rim, or he’s not getting the shots that he usually gets.”

Smart also forced New York Knicks star Julius Randle into a frenzy and picked his pocket on the perimeter, creating a transition opportunity for the Celtics.

Other notable matchups against bigs for Smart include his strong showing against Dario Saric. The Phoenix Suns starter took four shots (including a three-pointer) when guarded by Smart but missed all of them.

Another highlight was when the 6-foot-4 wing was able to record a block over 6-foot-11 big man Moritz Wagner in a game against the Washington Wizards.

Smart offers Boston a grittiness that Stevens can trust against and he has played a crucial role in their hot start and placement atop the standings in the East.

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