Tag: Enes Kanter Freedom

On this day: Celtics beat Pistons in G1 of ’08 ECF; Enes Freedom, Dick Mehen born

On this day, the Celtics defeated the Detroit Pistons 88-79 in G1 of the ’08 East Finals, and Boston bigs Enes Kanter and Dick Mehen were born.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, the team would lose a single player to the newly-formed (then) New Orleans (now, Utah) Jazz expansion team in the 1974 NBA expansion draft.

That player — Steve Kuberski — a big man the Celtics drafted out of Bradley with the 52nd overall pick of the 1969 NBA draft, would go on to win two championships with the franchise in 1974, and1976 during the first of two stints with Boston over his eight seasons with the team. Kuberski was the last player to wear jersey No. 33 before Larry Bird arrived in 1979.

He would return to the Celtics as a free agent in 1975 after being dealt by the Jazz to the Milwaukee Bucks, who waived him.

Seven Boston Celtics changing places in 2011 redraft

As has been the case in past iterations of the exercise, the authors have reassessed a number of alumni of the Boston Celtics. 

As has been their wont in recent weeks, the NBA analysts over at our sister site of Hoops Hype have been re-drafting each season of the recent history of the NBA to get each year’s big event “the way it should have been,” most recently putting their analytical expertise to work on doing the 2011 NBA draft over again with the benefit of hindsight.

A draft they have suggested has been underrated with as many as four future Hall of Famers within it, they do their best to right the wrongs of the general managers of that time. And as has been the case in past iterations of the exercise, the authors ( Frank Urbina and Raul Barrigon) have reassessed a number of alumni of the Boston Celtics.

Let’s see where Celtics alumni got taken in this redux.

Enes Kanter Freedom to Nets owner: You’re far worse than Kyrie Irving

Enes Kanter Freedom: I applaud you for condemning @KyrieIrving after multiple antisemitic incidents. It’s time to condemn yourself for supporting the millions of Muslims being slaughtered in #China You literally contribute to genocide,you freaking …

Enes Kanter Freedom: I applaud you for condemning @KyrieIrving after multiple antisemitic incidents. It’s time to condemn yourself for supporting the millions of Muslims being slaughtered in #China You literally contribute to genocide,you freaking hypocrite @joetsai1999 You’re far worse than Kyrie

Source: Twitter @EnesFreedom

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
On his way off the podium, Kyrie Irving said of the outrage of the post: “I wish we felt the same about Black reproductive rights, and all the things that actually matter [instead of] what I’m posting.” nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 12:13 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Irving says he embraces all religions, defends right to post on Twitter nba.nbcsports.com/2022/10/30/irv… – 11:37 AM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Kyrie Irving said Saturday night he does not believe he did anything wrong in sharing a post about an antisemitic film and book on his social media accounts. es.pn/3SPRfqA – 9:42 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on ⁦@njdotcom⁩
In heated exchange with reporters, Kyrie Irving defends recent posts: ‘I’m not going to stand down on anything that I believe in’ – nj.com nj.com/nets/2022/10/i… – 8:41 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Kyrie Irving responds to the criticism he received after showing support for an anti-semitic film 👀 pic.twitter.com/zw52yPMChS – 5:45 AM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Kyrie Irving: Not going to stand down on anything that I believe in. I have a whole army around me sportando.basketball/en/kyrie-irvin… – 5:20 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Irving: Non rinuncerò mai a quello in cui credo. E sarò più forte, ho un esercito attorno a me sportando.basketball/irving-non-rin… – 5:08 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
If you’re still defending Kyrie Irving or Kanye West, unfollow me. I have no patience for fools, Stans or the clowns who tolerate hate speech just because they used to hoop/rap well. Even before they were washed, making excuses for what they’re spewing is indefensible. – 4:54 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Kyrie Irving attacked an ESPN reporter verbally in a post-game conference 😤
“Don’t dehumanize me up here.”
basketnews.com/news-180122-ky… – 4:03 AM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Kyrie stans straight up inhaling copium thinking he owned Friedell lol – 1:53 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Updated Kyrie story from yesterday: theathletic.com/3741410/2022/1… – 1:22 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie Irving doubles down on controversial tweet: ‘I’m not going to stand down’ #Nets #NBA nypost.com/2022/10/30/kyr… via @nypostsports – 12:55 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving: “I’m not going to stand down on anything I believe in. I’m only going to get stronger because I’m not alone. I have a whole army around me.”
nydailynews.com/sports/basketb…‘ – 12:43 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie Irving: “My (September 15) post was a post that Alex Jones did in the early 90s or late 90s about secret societies in America and cults. And it’s true.” #Nets – 12:41 AM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Somebody really needed to sit down Kyrie & give him some books. Not the self-published kind sold on the corner. Actual books that were originally printed in hard back copies. He’s always talking about what he finds on YouTube or a Google search, when he needed to visit a library. – 12:20 AM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Kyrie first proclaims:
“I’m in a unique position to have a level of influence on my community.”
Less than a minute later, Irving states: “I am no different than any other human being… You guys come in here and make up this powerful influence I have.”
pic.twitter.com/ASrfcxjNJ0 – 11:40 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
In heated exchange with reporters, Kyrie Irving defends posts on anti-Semitic film and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones nj.com/nets/2022/10/i… – 11:28 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
“Don’t dehumanize me up here”, Kyrie Irving says when answering a line of questioning pertaining to social media posts he made about dehumanizing those of the Jewish faith. – 11:11 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Know Nets PR cut off the Kyrie presser and beat reporters had other things to ask first, but at some point I’d really like someone to ask Kyrie if he believes that Jews worship Satan. – 11:02 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Kyrie on the film: “I’m promoting it? I put it out there just like you put things out there. You put things out there for a living right? Great, so let’s move on. Don’t dehumanize me up here. I can post whatever I want, say that and shut it down and move on to the next question.” – 10:56 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie Irving: “I respect what Joe (Tsai, #Nets owner) said but there has a lot to do w/ the not ego or pride of how proud I am to be of African heritage but also to be living as a free black man here in America knowing the historical complexities for me to get here.” @Joe Tsai – 10:52 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Kyrie doubles down on his post:
“I’m not going to stand down on anything that I believe in. I’m only going to get stronger because I’m not alone. I have a whole army around me.” – 10:50 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving said a lot of things in his postgame presser and I’m not going to do him the disservice of paraphrasing. Will have full quotes soon. – 10:48 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie: “I do not stand w/ Alex Jones’ position, narrative that he had with Sandy Hook or any of the kids that felt like they had to relive trauma or parents that had to relive trauma, or to be dismissive to all the lives that were lost during that tragic event.” #Nets – 10:46 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie Irving: “I’m not going to stand down anything that I believe in. I’m only gonna get stronger because I’m not alone. I have a whole army around me while we’re on the topic of promotion.” #Nets – 10:43 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked about his Alex Jones post from a few weeks ago, Kyrie Irving said “I do not support Alex Jones.” Said the post he had on Jones was from the 90s. – 10:43 PM
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
Those 1-and-5 Nets just lost first of two-game home set to tanking Pacers. ‘I’m racked with Jewish guilt,’ Kyrie Irving confided to Frank Drucker.., – 10:36 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Most points in losses this season:
165 — Durant
153 — Kyrie
129 — LeBron pic.twitter.com/rICRyhXAil – 10:19 PM

Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
Nash is obviously gonna be Fall Guy #1 for the Nets… but the Simmons trade was a catastrophe, Kyrie is one of the biggest week to week distractions in recent NBA history, and the front office has absolutely stunk for two-plus years. – 10:00 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Kyrie Irving last 4 games:
34.5 PPG
3.0 3PM
51.0 FG%
0-4. pic.twitter.com/ZUfl3sVypl – 10:00 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Final: Shorthanded Pacers beat the Nets 125-116. About as bad of a loss as there’s been in the KD/Kyrie era. Irving scored 35 points, Durant had 26. Pacers 23 made 3s tie a Nets franchise-record for most surrendered in a game. Same matchup at Barclays on Monday. – 9:55 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Nets with an odd strategy to change the subject from Kryie Irving tonight. – 9:50 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
kd after kyrie left mathurin all alone in the corner pic.twitter.com/xak9Hmyz8K – 9:50 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the third quarter: Nets trail the Pacers 92-90. Kyrie Irving has a game-high 26 points, KD has 14, Joe w/11. Nets up to 41 percent shooting from 3. – 9:15 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
The Nets offense tonight: Kyrie Irving
The Nets defense tonight: – 8:55 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Nets star Kyrie Irving denies being an antisemite despite promoting hateful film newsday.com/sports/basketb… via @Newsday – 8:52 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Halftime: Pacers lead the Nets 63-62. KD took just four shots. Very unlike him. Kyrie has 15 points on 75 percent shooting. Seth Curry is moving well, but clearly rusty. Feel like rust has replaced ramp-up as the word we hear at nauseam. Indy has 11 dudes and yet this is a game. – 8:37 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Half: Pacers 63, Nets 62
Irving: 15 pts, 4 ast, 6/8 shooting
Harris: 11 pts, 4/7 shooting
Simmons: 7 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast
Durant: 4 pts, 2/4 shooting
Brooklyn had a big lead early and let Indiana right back in the game. Strange half from Kevin Durant. – 8:37 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Bennedict Mathurin at half:
22 PTS
5-8 FG
4-5 3P
8-8 FT
Outscored Kyrie and KD combined. pic.twitter.com/tHo1WtO2E1 – 8:36 PM

Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Bennedict Mathurin was fantastic in the first half, 22pts (4-5 3s, 8-8 FTs) in 16mins.
Pacers lead by one at half, 63-62.
Haliburton also made four 3s and has 17pts. Irving has 15. – 8:36 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Nets heating up from three to end the half. Harris hit two, Irving and O’Neale just went back to back. – 8:35 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Nets with an interesting lineup to open the 2nd.
Mills
Irving
Watanabe
Morris
Claxton
Tiny backcourt, massive frontcourt. – 8:12 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the first quarter: Nets and Pacers are tied at 26. Kyrie Irving with seven points. Kevin Durant has taken just two shots. Nets are 1-for-10 from 3, 10-for-13 inside the arc. – 8:08 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Seth Curry checking in for Nic Claxton.
Irving, Curry, O’Neale, KD, Simmons is a fun lineup. Shooters, shooters, shooters. – 7:47 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Indifferent crowd reaction to Kyrie Irving tonight. Didn’t hear any boos or any loud cheers. – 7:39 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
#Nets starters are Simmons, Durant, O’Neale, Claxton and Irving. – 7:05 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Same starters for the Nets vs. Indy: Simmons, Irving, Durant, O’Neale and Claxton – 7:01 PM
Howard Beck @HowardBeck
The NBA just issued the following statement, presumably in response to Kyrie Irving’s latest: pic.twitter.com/AOQiysKR7f – 6:47 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
#NBA statement re: #Nets star Kyrie Irving 👇🏾 pic.twitter.com/0NSS2XUuW7 – 6:47 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kyrie Irving: “The “Anti-Semitic” label that is being pushed on me is not justified” nba.nbcsports.com/2022/10/29/kyr… – 6:18 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Steve Nash on whether the latest Kyrie Irving situation is a distraction to the #Nets: “I don’t think our group is overly effected by the situation. We’ve had so many situations over the last two and a half years that I think we’ve kind of built an immunity to it.” #NBA – 5:57 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Steve Nash when asked if the Kyrie situation is a distraction:
“I don’t think our group is overly effected by the situation. We’ve had so many situations over the last two and a half years that I think we’ve kind of built an immunity to it.”
Said Kyrie will address the matter. – 5:56 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked if he’s been in contact with the league or if Kyrie Irving will get suspended, Steve Nash said, “I have no idea.” Irving is playing tonight with no restrictions. – 5:54 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked if the Kyrie Irving situation has been a distraction, Steve Nash said the team has dealt with so much the past few years he feels like there’s an “immunity” to letting things like this become an issue. – 5:54 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Steve Nash said Kyrie Irving will play as usual. No suspension or reduced minutes, etc etc. #Nets – 5:53 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Steve Nash: “Clearly I think we all represent values of inclusiveness and equality…I’m not familiar with the material that Kyrie was promoting.” #Nets – 5:49 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Steve Nash addresses the controversy surrounding Kyrie Irving’s social media posts. pic.twitter.com/eEaE1leifz – 5:49 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nash says the organization has spoken to Kyrie about the movie/book he promoted on his social media accounts. Nash says Kyrie will speak more about things after the game. – 5:48 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Steve Nash: “I know Kyrie made a statement. I know that the organization made a statement. The organization has spoken to Kyrie about it.” #Nets – 5:48 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash has no update on Kyrie Irving’s tweet other than the organization has spoken to him about it. Said he’s not familiar with the material Kyrie was promoting, but said the Nets promote equality. – 5:47 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Steve Nash: “The organization has spoken to Kyrie about it.” – 5:47 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kyrie Irving warming up ahead of Nets-Pacers pic.twitter.com/C6dqWji7WH – 5:32 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Kyrie getting warmed up pregame. pic.twitter.com/dC0Qe5n6b8 – 5:32 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
Joe Harris getting some threes up and Kyrie Irving warming up his handle pregame. pic.twitter.com/9LZWbvHTjc – 5:23 PM

J. Michael Falgoust @ThisIsJMichael
I’m late catching up on this Kyrie nonsense and wish I hadn’t. Not sure the mental health card will work here, but everyone who likes attending his pity parties believe that’s a catch all for everything he says and does that’s wrong, dumb, selfish, dishonest and distracting. – 4:42 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Kyrie Irving has earned the label of being anti-semitic after tweeting & posting a link for a film that reportedly spreads conspiracy theories about Jews.
The Brooklyn Nets decided to respond to the accusations 🗣️
basketnews.com/news-180108-ky… – 3:32 PM
Kyrie Irving @KyrieIrving
I am an OMNIST and I meant no disrespect to anyone’s religious beliefs. The “Anti-Semitic” label that is being pushed on me is not justified and does not reflect the reality or truth I live in everyday. I embrace and want to learn from all walks of life and religions.
Hélà🤞🏾♾ – 2:07 PM

More on this storyline

Kyrie Irving: Mom, thank you for naming me KYRIE. I am grateful you hid me from the world long enough until I was ready to overstand who I AM. My roots and ancestors lead me back to AFRAKA and I am damn proud to overstand all of the KNOWLEDGE that was left behind for Application.🤞🏾♾ -via Twitter @KyrieIrving / October 30, 2022
When asked if he understood how many viewed it as anti-Semitic, he replied: “It’s on Amazon, public platform. Whether you want to watch it or not is up to you. “There’s things being posted every day. I’m no different from the next human being so don’t treat me any different. You guys come in here and make up this powerful influence that I have over top of the adultery of, you cannot post that. Why not? Why not?” -via New York Post / October 30, 2022
Irving also defended his post from six weeks ago in which he shared to his Instagram story a 2002 video of Alex Jones decrying a “New World Order.” “I don’t expect understanding from a media conglomerate group,” Irving said. -via New York Post / October 30, 2022

Enes Kanter Freedom: ‘This summer I did not receive one single offer’

“Free agency is open for one month. Normally, I should have already received offers. This summer I did not receive one single offer,” Enes Kanter noted updating his NBA status, roughly translated with a helping hand from Google, “The reason is that …

“Free agency is open for one month. Normally, I should have already received offers. This summer I did not receive one single offer,” Enes Kanter noted updating his NBA status, roughly translated with a helping hand from Google, “The reason is that I spoke out against what is happening in China in recent months. The Chinese market is a big part of the NBA business. So, they will allow talking freely about anything you want until it hurts them financially. As soon as you do that, they will cut you. It is very sad and unacceptable.” “I knew there was a price to pay. And I don’t regret my actions. These things are bigger than me, bigger than the NBA, and bigger than basketball,” he added, “While I am playing in the USA, people are being killed all over the world or imprisoned or tortured in prisons. If this is the sacrifice I need to make, I am ready to live with it.”

Source: EuroHoops.net

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Enes Kanter Freedom believes he ‘should have already received offers’ from #NBA teams, does not regret actions, talks #EuroLeague, and more
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 4:02 AM

More on this storyline

“I am 30 years old. I can play another five or six years. I don’t intend to retire,” he explained once more, “I can’t go back to Turkey, that would be a one-way ticket.” “Keep in mind that I can’t enter Turkey and that Turkish Airlines is the name sponsor of EuroLeague,” he expanded on potentially exploring options outside of the NBA. -via EuroHoops.net / August 2, 2022
Burack: You are not on an NBA team right now. Is that because you speak out about human rights violations in China and Turkey? Enes Kanter Freedom: Let me give you a very easy stat, it is not rocket science: last year, I played for the Portland Trail Blazers and averaged a double-double. We made the playoffs. And they are telling me that six months later, I forgot how to play basketball? Even the kids on the streets will laugh at that notion. I believe I could start in many cases right now, but because the things I say are hurting the NBA financially, they wanted me out of the league. It’s that simple. I just turned 30, and they are pushing me to retire. I can play another six or seven years easily. But unfortunately, with a league like this and with the players in it like this, it looks like it’s not possible. -via OutKick / June 17, 2022

Enes Kanter Freedom: ‘This summer I did not receive one single offer’

“Free agency is open for one month. Normally, I should have already received offers. This summer I did not receive one single offer,” Enes Kanter noted updating his NBA status, roughly translated with a helping hand from Google, “The reason is that I spoke out against what is happening in China in recent months. The Chinese market is a big part of the NBA business. So, they will allow talking freely about anything you want until it hurts them financially. As soon as you do that, they will cut you. It is very sad and unacceptable.” “I knew there was a price to pay. And I don’t regret my actions. These things are bigger than me, bigger than the NBA, and bigger than basketball,” he added, “While I am playing in the USA, people are being killed all over the world or imprisoned or tortured in prisons. If this is the sacrifice I need to make, I am ready to live with it.”

“I am 30 years old. I can play another …

“I am 30 years old. I can play another five or six years. I don’t intend to retire,” he explained once more, “I can’t go back to Turkey, that would be a one-way ticket.” “Keep in mind that I can’t enter Turkey and that Turkish Airlines is the name sponsor of EuroLeague,” he expanded on potentially exploring options outside of the NBA.

Enes Kanter Freedom: ‘I did not receive one single offer’

Freedom, 30, during a visit to Israel talked to local outlet Walla. The discussion went from missing out on offers during the NBA free-agency period to EuroLeague and the Turkey national team using naturalized players such as Shane Larkin. “Free agency is open for one month. Normally, I should have already received offers. This summer I did not receive one single offer,” he noted updating his NBA status, roughly translated with a helping hand from Google, “The reason is that I spoke out against what is happening in China in recent months. The Chinese market is a big part of the NBA business. So, they will allow talking freely about anything you want until it hurts them financially. As soon as you do that, they will cut you. It is very sad and unacceptable.”

“I am 30 years old. I can play another …

“I am 30 years old. I can play another five or six years. I don’t intend to retire,” he explained once more, “I can’t go back to Turkey, that would be a one-way ticket.” “Keep in mind that I can’t enter Turkey and that Turkish Airlines is the name sponsor of EuroLeague,” he expanded on potentially exploring options outside of the NBA. “Honestly, I have loved Panathinaikos for many years. As a child, I watched many of their games and of Maccabi Tel Aviv,” Freedom resurfaced his connection to the Greek giant putting the Israeli powerhouse in the discussion as well.

We talked with the 30-year-old center — …

We talked with the 30-year-old center — who’s played 11 seasons in the NBA — while he was in D.C. this week, and he told us he’s unsure if he’ll be granted another opportunity to play in the Association again because of his outspokenness against the league and authoritarians across the globe. “They’re pushing me to retire at the age of 30, unfortunately,” Enes said. “I’m going to push through it. I’m still working out. I’m still practicing.”

Enes Kanter Freedom: ‘The NBA is a 100 percent American-made organization that the Chinese dictatorship runs’

Enes Kanter Freedom: The NBA, in my opinion, is the most hypocritical organization out there. So we need to keep pushing the NBA to stand up for what is right. The NBA is a 100 percent American-made organization that the Chinese dictatorship runs. …

Enes Kanter Freedom: The NBA, in my opinion, is the most hypocritical organization out there. So we need to keep pushing the NBA to stand up for what is right. The NBA is a 100 percent American-made organization that the Chinese dictatorship runs. That is unacceptable. Someone, whether it’s the Senate or other politicians, needs to say “enough is enough.” And it’s not just the NBA. Chinese-controlled US institutions also include Hollywood and academia. Someone has to stop this.

Source: OutKick

More on this storyline

Burack: You are not on an NBA team right now. Is that because you speak out about human rights violations in China and Turkey? Enes Kanter Freedom: Let me give you a very easy stat, it is not rocket science: last year, I played for the Portland Trail Blazers and averaged a double-double. We made the playoffs. And they are telling me that six months later, I forgot how to play basketball? Even the kids on the streets will laugh at that notion. I believe I could start in many cases right now, but because the things I say are hurting the NBA financially, they wanted me out of the league. It’s that simple. I just turned 30, and they are pushing me to retire. I can play another six or seven years easily. But unfortunately, with a league like this and with the players in it like this, it looks like it’s not possible. -via OutKick / June 17, 2022
Burack: If you had known that speaking out would have cost you your NBA career, would you have still done it? Enes Kanter Freedom: I would do this every time. No question. Why? While they are playing basketball right now, there is a genocide happening on the other side of the ocean. There are three to four million people in concentration camps who are tortured every day. And Uyghurs are not the only ones — you see what’s happening in places like Hong Kong, Tibet, Taiwan and Mongolians. So this is bigger than my next paycheck. Of course I would do it all over again. -via OutKick / June 17, 2022
While the Celtics and Warriors battle on the court in a tightly contested NBA Finals, the governors of California and Massachusetts have joined in on the action. In a tweet Wednesday, about a half hour before the tipoff of game three, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker promised California Gov. Gavin Newsom that the Celtics would claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy this year. -via Boston Globe / June 9, 2022