Michael Finley

[misha]

Michael Finley always kept faith

It would have been understandable if Michael Finley had some second thoughts.

Unhappy with a diminished role in San Antonio, Finley asked for and was granted a buyout by the Spurs on March 1. With a handful of teams interested in the veteran marksman, Finley signed with the Celtics [team stats] on March 6.

The decision made sense, as it presumably gave Finley a chance to win his second championship ring. But the C’s went just 10-11 in Finley’s 21 games, limping into the postseason as the No. 4 seed in the East.

Despite the struggles, Finley never second-guessed his decision.

“I’ve always thought this team was a good one,” Finley said. “I just thought we needed to be more consistent, take things a little more seriously. I think once we did that and once we realized the benefit of trusting each other, that’s when we started playing our best ball.”

Finley showed he can still contribute during the regular season, but he’s been relegated mostly to spot-duty in the playoffs, as coach Doc Rivers has tightened the rotation. Despite the lack of playing time, Finley said he’s in a better situation with the Celtics.

“Once that became an issue in San Antonio, I just thought it was best for me to leave there,” Finley said. “And I came into this situation kind of blindfolded but, in the same sense, I knew what I was getting into. I was coming to be a part of a good team. I just want to do whatever I can on this team to make it a better one.”

Finley has been a starter throughout most of his 15-year career and is accustomed to significant playing time. It’s been an adjustment to adapt to a smaller role, but he hasn’t changed his work ethic.

“The one thing that you don’t want to do is not be prepared when your number is called, because that opportunity may not come again,” said Finley, who is frequently the last player on the practice court. “I just try to keep myself game-ready, so when Doc does call my number, he has confidence knowing that I’ll be ready.”

That attitude hasn’t gone unnoticed by his new coach.

“He’s the best. He’s great in the locker room,” Rivers said. “He’ll be a coach. There’s no doubt about that.”

Finley is open to remaining on the bench after his playing days, but he’s aiming for the front office.

“I like the sport of the basketball. If coaching is something that will keep me around the sport, I’ll definitely look into it,” the 37-year-old said. “I really enjoy the management side. Putting pieces together to make championship-caliber teams, that’s the challenge I would like to pursue after my basketball (career) is over.”

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/20100523michael_finley_always_kept_faith/

Even though he's not playing much, I'm glad that we have him. Some other player might have been retired by now. I mean, Finley is 37 years old, was an all start, won a ring, made a lot of money, but he still have desire and passion to play the game and totally embraced his role in this team.

[twinbree]

TP for sharing. I love that Finley is here. I think it was the 2nd game in Orlando after Rondo slid on the floor and he got up walked to Rondo and laid a towel down on the floor for him to wipe his sneakers on then picked it after Rondo went back on the court. Not a big deal but I was so impressed. Sometimes it's the little things that say a lot of about people. 

[blake]

Here is to hoping he can get into management.

[xmuscularghandix]

If TA isn't playing tonight I'd rather see Fin than Marquis.

[Mr October]

Finley is a class act and is great for the locker room. If Tony needs a little rest, I'd like to see Finley play.

We're going to need Tony in the next round.

[lovely_20]

TP to the OP. 

If TA isn't playing tonight I'd rather see Fin than Marquis.

Absolutely agree. Finley is another long range threat that can make Orlando sweat. (I'm a poet and I didn't know it. )

[Neurotic Guy]

When the story of this season is told, it would not surprise me if Michael Finley has played a larger role than meets the eye.   He joined a team with a now acknowledged (KG) chemistry issue and I think may have been a balance guy -- a guy who helped tip the team back to Ubuntu.   It's surely an intangible, but I'll be interested in hearing the team reflect when all is said and done and whether teammates feel that Finley's presence had a role in the strengthening the team's psyche.

[biggs]

Love Finley!  We are so lucky to have quality veterans, even at his age. 

[mmbaby]

Great point, Neurotic! Finley seems to be a calming presence. Coaching might be his next step - after he helps us win this championship.

[Overrated]

Just don't ask him to pick up his luggage 'cause he'll hurt his back again.

[Roy Hobbs]

Finley is a good guy, and a nice addition to our locker room.

That said, I don't want him in the game except at the end of quarters.  He's simply too limited of a player at this point.  He's a negative on defense, and if he's not left wide open, he's a negative on offense, as well.

I'd rather see Nate or Marquis get the minutes if Tony can't go.