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Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 09:54 AM.
Lebron Drops 25 As Heat Win Opener




Ray Allen scored 38 points for the new-look Celtics against the new-look Heat in a losing effort as Miami earned its first win of the season.

"You know, it was a hard game. We went out there with the game plan for anyone but Lebron James to beat us. Ilgauskas certainly helped their cause scoring 18 points," coach Doc Rivers told the Boston media "Both teams played really hard and Ray was amazing. He really kept us in the game."

Newly acquired Celtics Danny Granger and David Lee pitched in as well as Granger scored 24 points and Lee scored 12, but both had some shooting troubles in the Garden. Granger shot 4-11 from behind the 3-point line while Lee was 6-16 from the field.

"I don't think it was first game jitters, I think it was just trying to adjust to some things. A brand new offense, brand new teammates, sometimes you just get lost in the shuffle a little." - Danny Granger

Granger was shooting well in the first quarter, scoring the team's first 10 points, but then had to go to the bench for most of the second half after picking up two quick fouls.

"Yeah it was tough having Danny on the bench," said Rivers "Those two fouls really hurt us and he wasn't able to get back into a groove because of all the time he was sitting on the bench. It's only one game against quite possible the best team in the East. Tomorrow we'll look at tape and move on, I'm not to worried."

Lebron James dropped 25 points in his Heat debut while Chris Bosh recorded a double double (23 points, 14 rebounds). Dwayne Wade had a quiet game, shooting 5-14 from the field and scoring 14 points.

The Celtics will travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on October 27.

Notes: This is Rajon Rondo's 6th time in his career he's had 15+ assists. The last time he did this was 2009-2010 season...Shaq scored his first points as a Celtic tonight but had some trouble at the free throw line shooting 2-6.
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 09:46 AM.
Pierce, Perkins In New Homes

- BOSTON, MA

It didn't take long for new Celtics General Manager Greg Ezell to trim away some years on this roster.

"I came in here knowing I had an aging roster. This team needed to get younger without risking it's chance to contend in the East. I feel that these moves made the Celtics a perennial championship team this year and for many years to come."


Granger will bring youth as well as scoring to the Celtics

The first trade saw Paul Pierce and Nate Robinson heading to Indianapolis for Danny Granger and James Posey. Pierce, who re-signed with the Celtics in the off-season, has only played for the Celtics his entire career.

"Paul's a great guy, but like I said, it's about making this team younger."

The 34 year old Pierce waived his no-trade clause under frustration. The 27 year old Danny Granger will more than likely lead the Celtics in scoring as he averaged 24.1 points in the 2009-2010 season.

"Danny will provide some youth while keeping up the scoring needed with Paul's departure. He's a solid player as his James Posey."



David Lee will bang the boards and start at center for the Celtics

An hour or so after that trade happened, Ezell sent Kendrick Perkins and newly signed Jermaine O'Neal to Golden State for David Lee, a 2011 2nd round pick and a 2012 second round pick.

Lee signed a 6 year, $79.54M deal with the New York Knicks in a sign and trade to Golden State.

"David will start for us at center. Last season he averaged a double-double (20 points, 12 rebounds) and will allow us to do things on the floor that couldn't be done before. We haven't had a center like him since 'Chief' (Robert Parrish)."

The starting 5 for the Celtics looks like this:


The Celtics will open up the season at the TD Bank Garden against the Miami Heat and it's Big 3.
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 09:46 AM.

After a disappointing loss in the NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7, a game that the Celtics had dominated up until the final 2 minutes, Wycliffe "Wyc" Grousbeck promoted Danny Ainge to President of Basketball Operations, thus leaving the General Manager position available.

Quote:
"We felt that Danny would be perfect for the role as President of Basketball Operations. With his insight and knowledge of the game, he will be able to not only teach our new General Manager the in's and out's of the NBA but also serve in a multitude of other roles" - Wyc Grousbeck
With the promotion of Ainge, the Boston Basketball Partners LLC (which Grousbeck is a part of) hired 27 year old Greg Ezell as their new General Manager. Ezell's pedigree comes at the college level where he coached Syracuse for three years, twice going to the NCAA Tournament.

Quote:
"Yeah he's a young guy, but there's nothing wrong with that. Like I said, we feel that Danny will be able to teach Greg the ins and outs of the NBA in a short amount a time. (Greg) worked well with the kids from 'Cuse and we feel he'll make a good edition to Celtics management" - Wyc Grousbeck
Ezell signed a 3 year contract and terms were not disclosed per team policy.

Quote:
I'm ready to take the team that Danny built and continue the dominance this team has shown for the past few years. Last season we were five minutes away from winning a second title in three years and while the Big 3 are in town, I expect championships. Boston has always been a great basketball city and this will be no different. We have the talent, drive and leadership to beat anyone in the East. Don't forget who the real Big 3 are.
Ezell will have the task to manage a roster that has five players (3 starters) who are past or nearing their 15th season in the NBA. Ray Allen (14), Kevin Garnett (15), Paul Pierce (12) and new comers Shaquille O'Neal (18) and Jermaine O'Neal (14) make up the oldest roster in the NBA with an average age of 34 years old.

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