Celtics express displeasure with rushed training camp

[Roy H.]

"I think what you see, we're a rushed league right now," Garnett said. "Everybody is paying attention to the Chris Paul situation. But I don't know why everyone's shocked, because Stern has been pretty adamant about when he wants to do things and how he does things.

"Timing is everything. Chemistry is something that you don't just throw in the frying pan and mix it up with another something, then throw it on top of something, then fry it up and put it in a tortilla and put in a microwave, heat it up and give it to you and expect it to taste good. You know? For those of you who can cook, y'all know what I'm talking about. If y'all can't cook, this doesn't concern you."

When it was noted that a simmering Garnett was choosing his words carefully, he stressed that he didn't want to come off as mad, simply professional.

"I'm going to use Doc Rivers' saying here, and I hate this saying, but 'You gotta get past mad,' " said Garnett. "Come in, do your job, understand what this is, and that's what everyone is doing."

"I feel very rushed," Allen said. "I can't say that I've been particularly happy with the way things have transpired over the last two or three weeks, but I think everybody is in a situation where we just have to do the best with what we have. We have to adjust to the situation at hand, and it's a challenge for all of us. We're all going through it, so there's nothing more you can do about it but prepare yourself physically and mentally."

While Rivers has noted his team is not in basketball shape yet, Allen suggested that players are generally in good physical shape and it appears most of the Celtics players were ready to return to basketball activities when the lockout ended.

"Everybody's coming in and showing that they've at least kept their mind on playing the game and being ready for whenever we got back at it," he said. "There were some guys back in '99 [after the lockout] that when you saw them, it was like, 'Holy cow, this guy was on vacation for the last three months and didn't do a thing, didn't pick up a basketball or a weight.' In this locker room, that's not the case. And we knew it, because we got too many strong-minded individuals in this locker room. For us, working out is a way of life, so we never have to worry about that with our team."

"We talk about it. This is something that could have been avoided, especially when you see all the different trades falling through, the disorganization of rosters at this point. There probably should have been a period where you had a free-agent signing period and then training camp. Christmas Day was something that was really pushed amongst the players as a key day, and that's why we've rushed the way we've been rushing."

Link

I can't say that I blame them.  At the same time, the league and the players each would have missed more revenue if they'd delayed the season even further.  The ideal situation would have been to resolve the lockout sooner, rather than wasting weeks with the posturing on both sides and the de-certification nonsense, etc.

[LooseCannon]

Pierce is unhappy he didn't get a chance to try to talk the team into paying for another overseas training camp.

[Meadowlark_Scal]

I cannot sympathize with them at all...being out of shape, tough...is the season coming a new concept to these guys....I knew a guy who was an engineer, he got laid off, did he forget his math skills, no, because he couldn't, he had to be ready. A pro athelite knows how to be in shape, and what it takes, and is very compensated for it. If they are out of shape, then they should be docked more pay. SHOW UP IN shape to camp..what a bunch of non-pro's..where are the replacements..!

[BballTim]

"I think what you see, we're a rushed league right now," Garnett said. "Everybody is paying attention to the Chris Paul situation. But I don't know why everyone's shocked, because Stern has been pretty adamant about when he wants to do things and how he does things.

"Timing is everything. Chemistry is something that you don't just throw in the frying pan and mix it up with another something, then throw it on top of something, then fry it up and put it in a tortilla and put in a microwave, heat it up and give it to you and expect it to taste good. You know? For those of you who can cook, y'all know what I'm talking about. If y'all can't cook, this doesn't concern you."

When it was noted that a simmering Garnett was choosing his words carefully, he stressed that he didn't want to come off as mad, simply professional.

"I'm going to use Doc Rivers' saying here, and I hate this saying, but 'You gotta get past mad,' " said Garnett. "Come in, do your job, understand what this is, and that's what everyone is doing."

"I feel very rushed," Allen said. "I can't say that I've been particularly happy with the way things have transpired over the last two or three weeks, but I think everybody is in a situation where we just have to do the best with what we have. We have to adjust to the situation at hand, and it's a challenge for all of us. We're all going through it, so there's nothing more you can do about it but prepare yourself physically and mentally."

While Rivers has noted his team is not in basketball shape yet, Allen suggested that players are generally in good physical shape and it appears most of the Celtics players were ready to return to basketball activities when the lockout ended.

"Everybody's coming in and showing that they've at least kept their mind on playing the game and being ready for whenever we got back at it," he said. "There were some guys back in '99 [after the lockout] that when you saw them, it was like, 'Holy cow, this guy was on vacation for the last three months and didn't do a thing, didn't pick up a basketball or a weight.' In this locker room, that's not the case. And we knew it, because we got too many strong-minded individuals in this locker room. For us, working out is a way of life, so we never have to worry about that with our team."

"We talk about it. This is something that could have been avoided, especially when you see all the different trades falling through, the disorganization of rosters at this point. There probably should have been a period where you had a free-agent signing period and then training camp. Christmas Day was something that was really pushed amongst the players as a key day, and that's why we've rushed the way we've been rushing."

Link

I can't say that I blame them.  At the same time, the league and the players each would have missed more revenue if they'd delayed the season even further.  The ideal situation would have been to resolve the lockout sooner, rather than wasting weeks with the posturing on both sides and the de-certification nonsense, etc.

  These guys need to grow up and handle the situation with a little more maturity, kind of like Rondo is.

[Kiorrik]

I cannot sympathize with them at all...being out of shape, tough...is the season coming a new concept to these guys....I knew a guy who was an engineer, he got laid off, did he forget his math skills, no, because he couldn't, he had to be ready. A pro athelite knows how to be in shape, and what it takes, and is very compensated for it. If they are out of shape, then they should be docked more pay. SHOW UP IN shape to camp..what a bunch of non-pro's..where are the replacements..!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Doc saying they *are* in shape?

[BASS_THUMPER]

we should be ok..

the core of the Celtic's is still together

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

I cannot sympathize with them at all...being out of shape, tough...is the season coming a new concept to these guys....I knew a guy who was an engineer, he got laid off, did he forget his math skills, no, because he couldn't, he had to be ready. A pro athelite knows how to be in shape, and what it takes, and is very compensated for it. If they are out of shape, then they should be docked more pay. SHOW UP IN shape to camp..what a bunch of non-pro's..where are the replacements..!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Doc saying they *are* in shape?

Exactly, OUR GUYS are in shape... no matter how good of shape you keep yourself in, playing basketball is different... if you haven't had the opportunity to play as you normally would it has you out of BASKETBALL SHAPE! You can be paid w/e doesn't mean you can be in basketball shape if you can't play as you normally would! Does anyone believe Ray is out of shape (he is saying it's messed up too)? Okay... try reading the statements better.

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Here we go again...maybe i misread it, maybe they are in shape.. Try to keep a commentary in perspectve....how can you take personal issue with something that wasn't even directed at you..? but, pro athleties do know what is expected, it isn't anything new, so YES, you should expect them to be ready. I play / coach in a league, and I expect my players who pay to play to show up ready for the season, as I do it myself. If you don't agree, that is fine...why, previously,  didn't know you existed..!

[Kiorrik]

Here we go again...maybe i misread it, maybe they are in shape.. Try to keep a commentary in perspectve....how can you take personal issue with something that wasn't even directed at you..? but, pro athleties do know what is expected, it isn't anything new, so YES, you should expect them to be ready. I play / coach in a league, and I expect my players who pay to play to show up ready for the season, as I do it myself. If you don't agree, that is fine...why, previously,  didn't know you existed..!

What Doc was talking about, was that players had kept themselves in shape, but that playing basketball at NBA level requires a fair bit more than just doing your daily drills. Hence training camp, that's what it's for, to get players in shape for the season by lettering them train with their peers.

If Ray Allen says players came into camp "in shape", of all people, I believe him.

I don't know what that "personal issue" is and the "directed at you" stuff that you're talking about, so I'm assuming you weren't talking to me when you said that.

[slamtheking]

much ado about nothing.  the players signed the CBA and agreed to those dates.  if this was a real concern for them, they should have either signed earlier or held out for a longer delay to the start of the season.

personally, I think the scheduling is very rushed and makes little sense to have free agency and training camp at the same time.  Should have had 1 week to sign rookies and 15 days to sign free agents.  start camp for 3 weeks after that.  6 weeks from CBA signing to season.  still rushed but more sensible in the flow of things.

[Celtkicks.com]

The players are also neglecting to mention the fact that they have lucrative endorsement deals that rely on Xmas.  All the sneaker brands push the latest shoes on Xmas. I agree with KG , it's not ideal, but at the same rate.......get over it.  It's done.....focus on winning a championship.

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Well, low and behold, n todays Herald, DOC hm self sad "The players are NOT in BASKETBALL shape!!!"  OKAY....! NOW, you don't have to listen to me...but DOC himself said as I said. My point is again, a players knows the season stsrts in Oct....ish...and when you get paid enough to have your own court, you SHOULD show up ready, as a paid pro. THAT is one of the small requirements. The Celtics not being ready is not good. A younger team , maybe..they can get there easier = youth. It won't help our cause, and it will show. The report was pityful, after 1 minute of playing they needed a rest, don't agree, call Doc...! Hey, I'd like to work for you guys who think t is okay..pay me millions without much expectatons...i guess that is what is wrong with our country anyway...! You can bet the other teams wll be glad to hear this....! ( at least I could admit when I was wrong..but it turns out I am not...!).

[33_Larry Legend_33]

Sorry, can't side with the Celtics on this...  They whine when it's too long and now they're whining because it's too short.  Just shut up and deal with it...  EVERYONE is in the same situation, and this actually benefits the Celtics because of the few years these guys have been together.

Do you think the rest of the NBA world will feel sorry for us?  NOT FOR A SECOND...  It sounds like a whiner, so just deal with it and play ball.

[jdz101]

Here we go again...maybe i misread it, maybe they are in shape.. Try to keep a commentary in perspectve....how can you take personal issue with something that wasn't even directed at you..? but, pro athleties do know what is expected, it isn't anything new, so YES, you should expect them to be ready. I play / coach in a league, and I expect my players who pay to play to show up ready for the season, as I do it myself. If you don't agree, that is fine...why, previously,  didn't know you existed..!

What Doc was talking about, was that players had kept themselves in shape, but that playing basketball at NBA level requires a fair bit more than just doing your daily drills. Hence training camp, that's what it's for, to get players in shape for the season by lettering them train with their peers.

If Ray Allen says players came into camp "in shape", of all people, I believe him.

I don't know what that "personal issue" is and the "directed at you" stuff that you're talking about, so I'm assuming you weren't talking to me when you said that.

You're on the money here. If you're a professional sportsman, especially one that's a bit older than the competition, you've gotta have a proper pre-season to get your fitness and skills back to elite level again. Sure you can train away from the team and coaches, but that intensive team oriented training is the most valuable, and that's what these guys are missing with such a short camp.

As an NBA fan this year I'm expecting the first few weeks to be very rusty from the players skill-wise, and I'm also expecting some soft tissue injuries aswell. Hopefully not for the celtics  .

[Kiorrik]

Well, low and behold, n todays Herald, DOC hm self sad "The players are NOT in BASKETBALL shape!!!"  OKAY....! NOW, you don't have to listen to me...but DOC himself said as I said. My point is again, a players knows the season stsrts in Oct....ish...and when you get paid enough to have your own court, you SHOULD show up ready, as a paid pro. THAT is one of the small requirements. The Celtics not being ready is not good. A younger team , maybe..they can get there easier = youth. It won't help our cause, and it will show. The report was pityful, after 1 minute of playing they needed a rest, don't agree, call Doc...! Hey, I'd like to work for you guys who think t is okay..pay me millions without much expectatons...i guess that is what is wrong with our country anyway...! You can bet the other teams wll be glad to hear this....! ( at least I could admit when I was wrong..but it turns out I am not...!).

Okay, I'll try to explain what I meant, since I think I left out an important bit: there's a difference between coming into camp "in shape or not in shape" and being "in basketball shape or not in basketball shape". They came into camp in shape, and camp is there to get them in basketball shape. The two are fundamentally different. You can take care of your body all you want, being ready for NBA basketball takes NBA basketball.

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