Chris Vernon on Celtics after watching Grizzlies matchup

[Ed Monix]

I know KOC has stated issues with Thompson, but during ‘The Mismatch’ podcast, Vernon I believe said he was there and said he felt a strong ‘weird vibe’ with Celtics team, they didn’t seem very together or much team spirit. After the game he made some calls (he made this statement before KOC) and he said that what he’s heard is Smart has been off for a while because he’s upset and hurt by the understanding he is involved in current trades. Apparently Ainge and him are very close and perhaps he feels slighted. Also Tristin Thompson issue is that every time he’s been out ‘health and safety protocols’ it’s because he’s been ignoring COVID protocols and going out, essentially not giving a crap and Thompson was initially brought in for ‘veteran leadership’.

[Ogaju]

Thompson for leadership? Has anyone on the Celtics watched ‘Hanging with the Kardashians?’

[Who]

TP. Thanks for posting that info.

[footey]

Smart has been off for a while because he’s upset and hurt by the understanding he is involved in current trades. Apparently Ainge and him are very close and perhaps he feels slighted.

Stop taking dumb shots at end of games and those rumors will stop, Marcus.

[gouki88]

Smart has been off for a while because he’s upset and hurt by the understanding he is involved in current trades. Apparently Ainge and him are very close and perhaps he feels slighted.

Stop taking dumb shots at end of games and those rumors will stop, Marcus.

He’s not used to his poor on-court decisions having consequences beyond the immediate (ie, never getting benched for that nonsense)

[Walker Wiggle]

Good summary of this whole thing here:

https://thesportsdaily.com/2021/03/23/the-ringer-dishes-some-troubling-rumors-about-thompson-team-chemistry-r1a1/

[PAOBoston]

This seems to have struck a note with the players. Both JB and Kemba have tweeted about this story now.

[Surferdad]

I was suspicious that trade rumors are having a negative effect on this team.

[Ed Monix]

This seems to have struck a note with the players. Both JB and Kemba have tweeted about this story now.

I think perhaps KOC used too strong of words but at the same time when has an NBA player ever came out and publicly put down their teammates while the season is going? Even if this report was remotely true, players will always deny for the benefit of the team, and so they should.

[Roy H.]

This seems to have struck a note with the players. Both JB and Kemba have tweeted about this story now.

I think perhaps KOC used too strong of words but at the same time when has an NBA player ever came out and publicly put down their teammates while the season is going? Even if this report was remotely true, players will always deny for the benefit of the team, and so they should.

At the same time, KOC’s “sources” haven’t been right one single time.  Teammates might stick up for one another, but they usually don’t straight up suggest a media member is lying, like Tatum did.