Bauer Nexus 2N Pro Stick

With the possible exception of the Las Vegas Golden Knights’ historic run from fresh franchise to Stanley Cup Final, nothing and nobody was more brilliant in the Stanley Cup Playoffs than Boston’s David Pastrňák.

Though the 22-year-old right winger played in just 12 games as the Bruins came up short in a second-round series with Tampa Bay, he managed six goals and 14 assists to total 20 points. It’s hard to say a kid who scored 35 goals and 80 points in the regular season found another gear, but Pastrňák may have made the leap from rising star to 2019 Hart Trophy candidate — no small notion considering his linemates, Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron, generally garner much more attention than their young cohort.

The Bruins’ next big thing reached such status with a stick that, too, may be destined for wider fame. Only six players in the league used the Bauer Nexus 2N, an addition to the Nexus line that won’t be available to the general public until this summer.

Nexus Notes

Pastrňák is in good company. There are some more-than-solid players among his fellow 2N users, including Philadelphia’s Ivan Provorov, the Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews and Minnesota’s Nino Niederreiter.

They all use a stick plucked from the Nexus line, which Bauer bills as a mid-kick point stick designed to promote accuracy and easy loading.

The rest of the league hasn’t yet caught on. Though use numbers compiled by geargeek.com show Bauer, at 32.7 percent, has nearly as large a share of the NHL stick market as league leader CCM (34.8), there are 17 models (from five different manufacturers) more popular than the 2N.

Pastrňák’s history, though, suggests change will come.

Rising Star

The 25th overall pick in the 2014 NHL draft has made a habit of stepping up quickly, joining the Bruins in November of that season after scoring 28 points in 25 games for Boston’s AHL affiliate, Providence. The next season, in 51 games interrupted by a trip to the World Junior Championship, then 19-year-old Pastrňák notched 15 goals and 26 points.

In 2016-17, his 34 goals and 36 assists nicely set the stage for the giant steps forward that came in ’17-18.

Even if mimicking Pastrňák’s equipment choice gains popularity, one aspect of his approach might go unmirrored.

Don’t Go to the Tape

His story has changed for the reasons why, but one thing meets universal agreement: Pastrňák’s tape job is ugly.

A year ago, he told reporters curious about his candy-caned blade and butt, “Three strips on the bottom, three strips on the top … it brought me luck all season.”

After becoming the youngest player in NHL history to record a six-point playoff game, he told another tale about an equally sparse, if less purposeful, tape job.

“The more tape I have, the less puck control I feel,” he said. “Since I was a kid, I’ve been taping my stick myself. Usually in Czech, we have to pay for our tape. I usually had to save some money and use the least tape I could.”

Never mind that Pastrňák signed a six-year, $40 million contract extension in September. Apparently, he’s as good with a buck as he is with a puck.

Author bio: AJ Lee is Marketing Coordinator for Pro Stock Hockey, an online resource for pro stock hockey equipment. He was born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, and has been a huge Blackhawks fan his entire life. AJ picked up his first hockey stick at age 3, and hasn’t put it down yet.

Making The Case: Heinen, Prospects On The Trade Block

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The Bruins may have missed out on the John Tavares sweepstakes, but they boast one of the deepest rosters in the NHL. In recent years, highly rated prospects such as Ryan Donato, Charlie McAvoy, David Pastrnak, and others have made their NHL debuts in Boston. As the Bruins roster for next season takes shape, many Bruins prospects will be looking to make their mark. There is not enough space for all of them, leaving Don Sweeney in a tough spot that many general managers wouldn’t mind being in. As the offseason progress, Sweeney may use some of these prospects to improve the roster.

Young Players To Deal

As the Bruins look to improve their roster, one player they should consider is Danton Heinen. He is coming off a solid rookie season in which he had 16 goals and 31 assists. He was very effective on the powerplay, as he had 12 points on the man advantage. Heinen is a good playe,r but his skill set is not overwhelming. If the Bruins were to deal him, they have prospects in Providence who could step up and fill the void. Three centers in particular who have high potential are Ryan Fitzgerald, Trent Frederic, and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson. The Bruins could also look to move one of these three depending on what trades come along.

Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Bruins Prospects To Deal

Unlike Heinen, Peter Cehlarik has yet to stick on the Bruins roster. Over the last two seasons, the Bruins prospect has appeared in 17 games for Boston. In his limited time, he has scored one goal and recorded three assists. Cehlarik is one of the Bruins highly touted young players but depth has prevented him from gaining a permanent spot. Involving him in a trade package would be beneficial for the Bruins; he has yet to make a significant impact but still holds some value on the trade market.

Jeremy Lauzon, the twenty-one year old defenseman, is one of the most highly touted prospects in the Bruins system. He was selected by Boston in the second round of the 2015 NHL draft. He was seen as a puck moving defenseman, which would be a perfect fit for the Bruins roster. In 52 games for Providence last year, he had only one goal and six assists. While he still needs to improve his overall game, he is still one of the Bruins top prospects. The Bruins also have Urho Vaakanainen and Jakub Zboril in Providence, meaning the Bruins could deal from a position of strength.

Photo by : Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

How Sweeney Will Handle These Prospects

So far this offseason, it seems as if general manager Don Sweeney is preparing for a deal. The Bruins will have 11 defenseman competing for six spots, among whom are Lauzon and Vaakanainen. If the Bruins want to acquire an impact piece, many of their young prospects could entice other teams into a blockbuster agreement. The offseason is young and these three Bruins prospects, among others, are likely to be in another organization by the time season begins.

Follow me for more ( @JamieGatlin1217) and look out for next week’s Making The Case

Top 10 Red Sox All Stars in Franchise History (Players 10-6)

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Hot days, pool parties, no school, and trips to the beach. Summer is in full swing which means that the Midsummer Classic is almost upon us. The 2018 All-Star Game, which will be hosted by the Washington Nationals, is coming up on July 17th. The Red Sox have plenty of candidates to haul in votes. Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez, Chris Sale, Craig Kimbrel are among the front runners along with Andrew Benintendi, Xander Bogaerts, and Mitch Moreland who are also receiving a respectable amount of attention. It’s times like these that are suited for a walk down all-star memory lane. Here’s the top 10 all-stars in Red Sox franchise history.

10. Fred Lynn (75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80)

Fred Lynn is one of only two players (Ichiro Suzuki) who has won the Rookie of the Year award and the MVP award in the same season. He was a lifetime .308 hitter for the Red Sox and had a great run of eight straight seasons appearing in the All-Star game. Of course, he played only five of those years for the Red Sox. Fred Lynn did not appear on the ballot in 1975 but got voted in because of write-in votes. Lifetime, he has four home runs in All-Star games, three of them as a Red Sox. His five straight appearances prove just how important he was to the team in the late 1970’s.

9. Manny Ramirez (01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 08)

Manny Ramirez, one of the best Red Sox hitters in franchise history, was no stranger to the annual honor. In fact, in all seven seasons he was an all-star for the team, he was also a starter. In 2004, he hit a two-run home run off of Roger Clemens at Minute Maid Park in Houston in the first inning; it was his only home run in any All-Star appearance of his career, but impressive nonetheless.

8. Carlton Fisk (72, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 80, 99*)

Carlton Fisk, an all-time catcher for the Sox and Hall of Famer, played 2226 games at the backstop. In his 24 seasons as a major leaguer, he accumulated some of the best offensive stats ever seen by a catcher. As far as his all-star resume is concerned, he only accumulated three hits in 11 All-Star games. However, his most notable hit came in 1991 when he was a member of the Chicago White Sox. He became the oldest player to get a hit in an All-Star game (43 years, 8 months).

7. Jim Rice (77, 78, 79, 80, 83, 84, 85, 86, 99*)

Jim Rice was an all-time great left fielder for the Sox in the late 1970’s and most of the 1980’s. The Hall of Famer is very similar to Mookie Betts; he’s an all-around great hitter and fielder. In all eight appearances as a player (1999 he was a coach), he only had one home run, which was off of Giants pitcher Atlee Hammaker in 1983.

6. Wade Boggs (85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92)

Wade Boggs, a once in a lifetime franchise player, was an incredible hitter. He amassed 3010 career hits and a lifetime average of .328 (.338 with the Red Sox), proving just how dominant he was as a third baseman during his time. A starter for seven All-Star teams as a Red Sox, he had a .321 career average in All-Star games. His most memorable moment was when in 1989 – Boggs and Bo Jackson went back to back with solo home runs off of pitcher Rick Reuschel. What made it even more memorable was Vin Scully and President Ronald Reagan commentating the entire moment together.

Stay tuned for players 5-1.

Italics = Starter, * = managed/coached

@ELJGON

Fresh Take Friday: Terry Rozier Should Be Traded this Summer

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The Celtics should find a trade partner for Rozier — soon

It’s been relatively quiet this summer around Boston. While other teams have gone after big-name free agents, the Celtics have focused on retaining their core and not much else. This is perfectly fine: the team doesn’t seem to have any need to make a splash. However, one move they should attempt to make this summer is moving Terry Rozier, sooner rather than later.

Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Reasoning

Rozier is coming off of an elite performance from the back end of the regular season through the playoffs. As a starter in the regular season, he averaged 15.6 points, 5.1 assists and 6.4 boards, including a stretch of 25 straight games scoring in double digits. He only got better in the playoffs, averaging 16.7/5.7/5.3 as “Scary Terry” emerged early on in the run. As a result, Rozier’s value is sky-high right now after showing the league what he can do.

The catch? It’s probably as high as it will ever get. Rozier will return to his role on the bench behind Kyrie Irving this season. With a fully healthy team, he’s likely to see the majority of his minutes disappear. The returns on Rozier would be higher this summer than at any other point down the line.

The other issue is that the young point guard becomes a restricted free agent come season’s end. Many fans are more concerned about the reports that Kyrie Irving wants to go to the Knicks. However, Rozier could be far more likely to leave if he wants to chase a starting role in the NBA, a role in which many teams think he is more than capable. Danny Ainge is more than intelligent enough to know that one would rather get something for a player than let him walk. Ainge is known for making smart decisions for the franchise. One such decision for him to make right now is shipping out Rozier.

Potential Trades

The Celtics can attempt to go in multiple directions with Rozier this summer in terms of a transaction. He’s certainly an attractive asset in any deal. Sure, he’s a scorer and a play maker, but also for his contract value. He carries a cap hit of just $3.05M this season. That’s a steal for a player of his caliber. With that in mind, here’s what Rozier could potentially fetch this summer.

If the Celtics decide that they don’t want to package Rozier with anyone, he could help Danny Ainge replenish his stash of draft picks. For a team in need of a point guard, Rozier could be worth at least a few second round draft picks, or even a top-10 protected first round selection for a team that really wants him. The Celtics could also potentially swap him for another player, a la Avery Bradley for Marcus Morris last year. They could target a true center that they’re still missing, or go for a point guard who’s locked into a longer deal.

However, if the team decides to add Terry Rozier to a package deal, it could fetch far more. His name has been included in packages for Kawhi Leonard, and if the Celts wanted to go get Jimmy Butler, his name could certainly entice the TImberwolves to pull the trigger. There could be any combination of Rozier and draft picks, as well as Marcus Morris, or one of Boston’s young end-of-the-bench players in Guerschon Yabusele or Abdel Nader. However, the Celtics would make Terry Rozier the forefront of any package.

AP Photo/ Michael Dwyer

The Bottom Line

If there’s any player that has the most potential to be traded this summer, it should be Terry Rozier. The talent that he showed last season, coupled with his team-friendly contract, should make him the centerpiece of any trade discussions. If the team doesn’t decide to go in that direction, then they have another reliable role player to help them contend for a championship this year. That being said, it’s in the team’s best interests to trade Scary Terry, before it’s too late to get a good return for him.

Follow me on Twitter for more (@jackbuffett_) and look out for next week’s Fresh Take Friday column on Boston Sports Extra!

2018 BOURQUE GOLF – Celebrity Tournament

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Here is your chance to golf with Ray Bourque and other Boston sports greats.

Photo courtesy:
Bourque Family Foundation

Bourque Golf is a celebrity golf tournament hosted by NHL Hall of Famer Ray Bourque. The event is held every year to help the Bourque Family Foundation raise money for charitable and educational endeavors, spanning all different organizations, people, and communities. Participants at the tournament go to the Golf Club and are treated to an entire day of golf with celebrity hosts, food, and auctions.

Bourque Golf 2018

Bourque hosts his celebrity golf tournament in conjunction with the Celebrities for Charity Foundation. This year’s event on August 30th at The Golf Club of New England in Stratham, NH. Former Bruins, Boston sports greats, and other local celebrities will be in attendance.

This past June they also hosted the Bourque 7.7K Race.

Back in June, over 400 New Englanders participated in Bourque’s 7.7K race at the Ferncroft Country Club in Middleton, MA. After completing the course, participants and spectators enjoyed live music, food, and drinks.

The Foundation presented checks to The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation and the Journey Forward Foundation on behalf of Joel Gonzalez.

The foundation has helped raise money for many charities. Ray plans is to have three events a year, the third this year being a curling competition.

For more information, or if you would like to sign up or give, please visit : https://bourquefamilyfoundation.org/golf/

Follow me on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

World Cup Quarterfinals Preview and Predictions

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There are only eight teams left as the battle for world supremacy continues. Will we see two teams in the final that no expects like Russia and Belgium, or will it be two powerhouses like England and Brazil?

Here are the matchups and my choices of who advances to the semifinals.

Photo courtesy: FIFA

France vs. Uruguay

Photo courtesy: FOX

Both teams are playing strong at the right time. However, Uruguay’s Cavani isn’t at 100%, and that could be a factor in their game plan. Meanwhile, France is a very focused team and with everyone rallying around Mbappe, anything but a championship will be a failure.

Verdict: France will get the victory in this one.

Brazil vs. Belgium

Photo courtesy: Bleacher Report

Neymar and his team have found their rhythm in this tournament. Belgium, on the other hand, is a team of destiny. Their heroics during their last match just adds to their story.

Verdict: Belgium stuns Brazil and their fairy-tale goes on to the semifinals.

Russia vs. Croatia

Photo courtesy: Goal.com

No one expected them to advance out of the group, never mind have a chance at winning it all. Russia has gained from all the support their home turf has given, and they seem to have found the right mixture. Croatia has slipped lately, and playing against the hosts in their homeland is a very tough task to overcome at this stage.

Verdict: The hosts carry the support of the country and Russia moves on.

England vs. Sweden

Photo courtesy:
The Quint

Sweden has been a strong team this whole tournament, and England has the leading goal-scorer. Something has to give as both battle for a spot in the semifinal. Does Kane keep up his torrid pace, or does Sweden’s team strategy prevail?

Verdict: Sweden advances in penalties as England lose again in the shootout.

Follow me on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

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Bruins Extend Sean Kuraly

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So far this offseason the Bruins have lost three key players from last years team. Those players are Riley Nash, Tim Schaller, and Anton Khudobin. Yesterday the Bruins were able to resign one of their key pieces on the fourth line. The Bruins and Sean Kuraly agreed on a three year extension worth 1.25 million annually. Kuraly showed his value last year in his first full NHL season. He is not a thirty goal scorer but his gritty play makes him invaluable to the Bruins on the bottom lines.

How The Bruins Got Kuraly

The Bruins acquired Kuraly in the 2015 offseason from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Martin Jones. Boston had acquired Jones hoping he would backup Rask but he wanted to be the starter. The Sharks also sent Boston a first round pick which would turn into Trent Frederic who is one of Boston’s highly touted prospects. This trade has worked out well for both sides and could end up being better for the Bruins depending on Frederic’s impact.

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Kuraly’s Makes His Debut

Kuraly made his NHL debut during the 2016-2017 season appearing in eight regular season games. He had only one point in the regular season but in the playoffs had a significant impact. In Game 5 with the Bruins facing elimination Kuraly had two goals including the game winner. Kuraly’s heroics would force a game six which the Bruins would lose eliminating them from the playoffs. The former fifth round pick would carry that disappoint into this past season.

Photo Credit: Matt Kalman, CBS Boston

A Solid Rookie Season

During the 2017-2018 season Kuraly appeared in 75 games mostly appearing on the fourth line. He had six goals along with nine assists as the Bruins fourth line became a fan favorite. He was not afraid of taking the body and his style of play was perfect for the Bruins fourth line. In the playoffs he was again productive as he had two goals and two assists. In game one against Toronto he had a truly unbelievable goal in which he batted a puck out of the air into the net. Next season the expectations will be even higher for the former fifth round pick.

Photo Credit:Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

What To Expect Next Season

With the departure of Riley Nash to Columbus Kuraly is a candidate to take his spot on the third line. The Bruins showed faith the center by extending him to a reasonable contract. So far this offseason the Bruins have prioritized depth which was reflected in extending Kuraly. He will never score 30 goals but he could see a boast in points if he does end up on the third line. Kuraly has shown that he will leave it all on the ice and next year will be no different.

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Jimmy Butler To The Celtics Makes Too Much Sense

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With the Warriors beefing up their already stacked team, It’s time for Danny Ainge and company to revisit an old friend.

As Adrian Wojnarowski reported, Jimmy Butler and all star point guard Kyrie Irving would like to team up at some point. With the east looking like a one team race, it’s up to the Boston Celtics to bring banner 18 home. The question is, what would a trade package look like?The most obvious piece to first go is Jaylen Brown. He is a very physical guy who runs the floor, and plays somewhat solid defense. Here’s where it could get tricky. The other players that come to mind would be role players such as: Guerschon Yabusele or Terry Rozier. The Timberwolves get a win win player regardless. ” Scary Terry” can shoot the midrange and pop the three very consistently. While Yabusele can be a great defensive player while he has a keen eye in the perimeter and playing in the post. He needs development for sure.What’s a good trade package without draft picks? If the Celtics could maneuver this, there might be a first round swap of some nature. After all this… is Jimmy Butler worth it? yes!He has a natural sense for winning. Thus his problems with work ethic in Minnesota. He wants to improve as a team, not as an individual. Which could explain why he’s demanded trades for years now. In addition, Brad Stevens can turn any player better then before they came on the team.With no chances of acquiring Anthony Davis, Clint Capela, or Kawhi Leonard due to various reasons. ( rose rule, cap, luxury tax, etc.) Jimmy Butler has to be the move that can push the Boston Celtics on top for the first time since 2008. While resigning Marcus Smart remains to be the top priority, Jimmy Butler to Boston needs to happen to beat the evil ones.

No Fireworks Yet: Are the Celtics Striking Out This Offseason?

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If you’ve ever read an article of mine, you’d know that I’ve mentioned the ever-revolving door that is Celtics theatrics. From trading away near and dear to a franchise-altering trade, Danny Ainge has put the 2018-2019 Boston Celtics in position to reclaim the East. However, with names like DeMarcus Cousins, LeBron James, and Paul George each being linked to the Celtics this offseason, Boston has remained mum in the news and headlines. We’re all aware of the Game 7 loss to Cleveland in the ECF. But now that Lebron James has taken his talents to the West, do the Celtics need to make ANY changes to get to the next level? Some would say they’ve struck out, including with draft pick Robert Williams III, but have they? Let’s analyze the offseason so far, and where the Celtics either hit or miss…

Photo Credit: Getty Images

If it’s not broke, don’t fix it

Lebron James – SF

From the time LeBron was linked to possibly becoming a member of the Boston Celtics, there were mixed reviews on the potential addition. Without question, Lebron would immediately help any team he chose to be on; except maybe the Celtics.

With Tatum and Brown having exceeding expectations, there wouldn’t have been a need to add another ball-dominant wing player like Lebron James. He would ultimately hinder the young C’s development while possibly alienating them with the sideshow that comes along with an LBJ. His track record with players doesn’t fit the Boston mold, and the Celtics already have a GM and coach. If he decided to re-sign with Cleveland, there would have had to be a sign-and-trade which would force Boston to give up valuable assets. This is something Ainge worked hard to attain from New Jersey, then rob from the Cavaliers. Secondly, the Celtics would have had to rid itself of its three major contracts in order to make room for James, messing with Boston’s already high-caliber chemistry.

Hayward’s coming back from injury, and the young guys will certainly continue to get chances at offensive production. Oh, and how about that whole Kyrie Irving hating Lebron thing? As uplifting the idea may have been for LBJ to come to hang out with Tom Brady and David Ortiz, it would have done more harm than good in the long run. Any squad could use a Lebron James type player, but not everyone needs a Lebron James personality. Plus, what competitor joins their main adversaries when they struggle with beating them anyway?!

Hit/Miss: Home Run

Photo Credit: Bleacher Report

Ye’ Olde Faithful

Rajon Rondo – PG

There’s nothing like a classic: Pizza and fountain soda, the Mario theme song playing through your TV during childhood … and Rajon Rondo on the Boston Celtics.

Before there was Kyrie Irving, Rondo made it look easier driving to the hoop at will while dishing the regular no-look pass. Of course, playing with Pierce, Garnett, and Allen helps, but make no mistake that Rondo will forever be a fan favorite. From 07-14, Rondo averaged double-digit points, while averaging double digits in assists from 09-14 – all with Boston. Leaving the team in 2014, Rajon saw a dip in both categories. Even though he was playing for four different teams, his steady passing seemed to remain. Personality issues were what always surrounded Rondo, though you can’t take away the 4 all-star appearances he made while donning the green and white.

With Smarts free agency decision seemingly on the back burner (i.e. Aaron Baynes – $11 MIL/2 years, or $5.5 MIL/yr), Rondo would have made a sweet backup to Kyrie and would have most likely had a welcoming visit back to TD Garden. His defense shouldn’t be taken for granted, as he’s averaging 1.7 SPG and has been selected to four all-defensive teams to Smart’s goose egg. Rondo’s also a better ball handler and floor general. Though age is on Smart’s side, Rondo signed with the Lakers for $9 MIL/2 years, or $4.5 MIL/yr. Cheaper than what Baynes was, and a hell of a lot cheaper than the $12-$14 MIL/yr Smart thinks he deserves. Boston didn’t need to bring Baynes back, but they do need to prepare should Smart take off.

Hit/Miss: Grounded out

Photo Credit: Bleacher Report

One mans trash is another man’s treasure

DeMarcus Cousins – C

By now, names have come off the free agency board and the pickings are gettin’ slim. We get it, Al Horford is getting old and needs help. With that said, you might find yourself asking why the Celtics re-signed a center – Baynes – who averaged 6 PPG/5.4 RPG, over one who averaged 25.2 PPG/12.9 RPG – Cousins – for more money. In any world, you would never do that. Unless your name happens to be DeMarcus Cousins.

Cousins isn’t the friendliest guy you’d meet in a dark alley. Still, he’s the same guy you’d want on your basketball team. Being an all-star for the past seven seasons, Cousins should be a household name. At 6’11 and 270lbs, there aren’t a lot of dudes, if any, that’s going to push him around down low. Already in the league for 10 years, Boogies averaged a double-double in eight of those seasons. He’s constantly in double-digit rebounds and points, can play the team’s bodyguard, AND won’t let you give dap to the other team .. what more do you want? Check out his unearthly stats below; Why didn’t the Celtics make a move for numbers like this when the Monstars of Golden State signed him for only $5.3 MIL/1yr??

Photo Credit: basketball-reference.com

Welp, because they didn’t get a chance. According to the Boston Globe, on Tuesday, a league source mentioned Boston never offered a contract. Having reached out to Cousins’ reps to gauge a possibility of signing the 6-time all-star, they were told he had decided with Golden State. Since Kobe, there hasn’t been another Achilles injury to a star player. It’s unclear how Cousins will heal and progress. Cousins did lead the league in technical fouls, but that didn’t stop him from posting eye-popping numbers before the injury. Interesting note, DeMarcus declined a $40 MIL/2yrs from the Pelicans to sign with Golden State. Tough loss for Boston, as DC will probably heal fine and be as dominant. Sure, Cousins comes with attitude. But wouldn’t you rather have a big man who does the dunking rather than one who’s getting dunked on?

Hit/Miss: Struck out looking with the bases loaded

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated

Who, What, Where, When, Kawhi

Kawhi Leonard – SF

Having taken the Kyrie Irving approach, Kawhi Leonard silenced himself in an effort to find a way to get traded from the San Antonio Spurs. Aside from James and Cousins finding new homes, Leonard’s names been a common denominator within sports columns and chat groups. While where he’ll end up is most questioned, which coast he plays on has taken a front seat on the latest episode of “As Kawhi’s World Turns”.

With stats not being the question, Leonard has been adamant that he wants to play for the LA Lakers. It’s widely assumed that if traded East, he’s leaving the year after. Same idea if traded West – though he might wind up going to the highest bidder per San Antonio “wanting to remain relevant”. Tall task. With the Rockets, Lakers, Warriors, and Thunder making headway, San Antonios aging team may have already seen its best days. Aside from Aldridge, can you name anyone on San Antonio that’s not Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili or Greg Popovich? Me either. The Celtics don’t look ready to sacrifice their future to the Spurs for a question mark. Asking close to a king’s ransom as a price, San Antonio surely realizes it must prepare for a life that doesn’t include Kawhi Leonard. Are his plans set for Boston though?

Probably not. San Antonios been eyeing Tatum as a centerpiece in talks involving KL but were quickly shot down. Danny would never trade the prodigal son of Bostonia, would he? Brown could be dangled with Rozier/Morris combo, but adding more than a Sacramento pick would be overkill. Plus, medical reports aren’t clean with Kawhi, and we don’t know what issues loom. Recent developments by Yahoo! reporter Shams Charania indicate that Kawhi has “little interest in the Boston Celtics scenario”. He also mentioned that the Clippers or 76s, if big enough players, could get Leonard to re-sign now that Lebron is in LA. There hasn’t been a bidding war – and it’s well known he’d like to go back home to Southern California. Chalk this one up in the ‘L’ column for Boston, no palm trees and surfboards over here.

Hit/Miss: 0-3 in discussions with San Antonio

Photo Credit: The Boston Globe

‘Sleeper‘ Pick

Robert Williams III – C

If you haven’t seen my profile of the newest Boston Celtic, check it out here. Now that’s out of the way, someone gets this guy an alarm clock! Robert Williams III is the literal definition of a “sleeper pick”. Not only was he snoozing through an introductory conference call, he also missed his flight to his first day of practice with his new NBA club. The rookie is not off to a good start.

Williams mentioned that Brad Stevens had a conversation with him and that it was a “wake up call”. The irony of it is laughable

He did own up to his mistake(s) and indicated that he wanted to move past it as quickly as possible. These early issues and red flags could be a distant memory should he produce at a high level. Lest we forget, he was passed up on due to lack of effort by other teams. Here’s hoping those wake-up calls do the trick. His work ethic will need to do the talking, and that already needs attention.

Hit/Miss: AAA assignment (G-League)

Honorable Mentions:

Dwight Howard – C

A serviceable center who could’ve been useful off the bench. He put up good numbers in Charlotte with 16.6 PPG/12.5 RPG, but hasn’t stayed with a team longer than a season in the last five. Now with Washington, signed a $5.3 MIL/1yr deal that was the same as Cousins, but cheaper than Baynes. Locker room issues may have kept him away.

Hit/Miss: Pop Fly

Jamal Crawford – G

A crowd pleaser off the bench and a lifeline for Kyrie. With just as much handle as the next guy, Crawford can pull up from half court and drain 4-pt plays in your grill. Or, break whichever ankle you need least. Always one that could go for 30+, a league veteran like Jamal would elevate the C’s bench aside from adding lethal scoring. Another NBA “old guy”, youth is Crawford’s only demerit. Cheap buy, big reward.

Hit/Miss: At-bat

Report Card: C+

Not involving themselves with the LBJ sweepstakes was a major win for the Celtics alone. It didn’t take away from the main goal – defeating him. Also, resigning Baynes wasn’t terrible seeing the issues at Center for Boston. They could’ve done better though with Monroe most likely not returning, saving more cap space.

The circus of Kawhi Leonard docks Boston, time to put up or shut up at this point. Marcus Smart’s situation will figure out itself. Though it might be more of a loss if Boston can’t retain him without a plan B.

The Celtics don’t need a superstar or big name, they need to stay healthy. The East will be tough, but the West? Even tougher. A move for a bigger name big man could’ve possibly been a final piece. So far, so good. Bonus points for not adding anyone and destroying what you’ve built, yet.

Happy 4th of July!

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Julian Edelman’s Suspension Upheld

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Fireworks Out Of Foxborough

(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Tom Brady’s number one target, Julian Edelman, had his suspension upheld late last night. He will be out for the first four games of the season. All offseason, Tom Brady has been working one-on-one with Edelman in Chestnut Hill and in the practice field house at Gillette Stadium.

Edelman’s Suspension Is A Blow To The Offense

The night before the Fourth of July and Fireworks were coming out of Foxborough, it seemed like fireworks have been going off all off season with this team. The latest news on Edelman is another firework, but not the friendly kind. Tom Brady will have to rely on other targets like Rob Gronkowski and Chris Hogan. The loss of Danny Amendola to free agency is a considerable blow to the offense.

This is really not a good sign for Edelman, as he missed all of last season and was looking forward to getting back on the field in September. It looks like that will have to wait until October, when the Patriots play the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football.

For the first four games, the Patriots open with the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins. They will likely finish these games with better than a 2-2 record. As long as Hogan and Gronkowski stay healthy, they should be fine.

What Did Edelman Test Positive For?

(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

It’s worth noting that league won’t release what Edelman tested positive for. Richard Sherman got his suspension reduced for a PED that was accidental so why didn’t Edelman? It doesn’t make sense why the league wouldn’t release what Edelman tested positive for. We already have the Patriots conspiracies floating around that Bill Belichick had something to do with it, which is downright ridicoulous.

We are about three weeks away from Patriots training camp. At that moment, we will see Brady and how he builds chemistry with his new young teammates. Unfortunately, he’ll have to find a new favorite target to replace Edelman for the month of September.