Jackie Mac: "KG, a 36-year-old toothpick with bone spurs in his foot"

[PhoSita]

KG, the centerpiece of the team's defensive soul, is battling a minor hip injury and painful bone spurs that appear to float between his foot and ankle. Team sources confirmed Thursday they remain a hindrance to Garnett, but he will play in Game 3, buoyed by the 18,000 plus disciples who will delight as he lathers himself into a proper pregame Garden froth.

http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/9212930/nba-playoffs-2013-boston-celtics-overmatched-new-york-knicks

The quote is from Jackie Mac's latest (spot on) article on ESPN Boston about how the Celtics are overmatched and old in this playoffs series.

Is this yet another example of Jackie burying an inside scoop within one of her stories, or is this old news?  I don't remember anybody from the organization actually acknowledging that KG's foot issues were due to bone spurs, though it sounded a lot like that.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Surprised she was so blunt - "toothpick." I do hope he retires though. Think Paul should play 1 or 2 more years but hope (yet doubt) he hangs them up after this seasons as a Celtic.

[PhoSita]

At this point I'd be kind of surprised if KG doesn't retire after this season, with the team clearly on the downturn.  With bone spurs he's looking at surgery in the off-season whether he wants to keep playing or not.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Yeah, I agree. Ray was looking good tonight, which sucks even more.

Anyway, very curious to know: what do you think will happen in the near future? (i.e. 1-2 years?)

[PhoSita]

Yeah, I agree. Ray was looking good tonight, which sucks even more.

Anyway, very curious to know: what do you think will happen in the near future? (i.e. 1-2 years?)

I have a bad feeling the Rondo injury will be used as an excuse to run back pretty much the same group, even if KG does retire.

This ownership group will want to hold onto having a playoff team for as long as possible.  In Boston if you can't at least pretend to be competing for the playoffs nobody pays any attention to you.

If that does happen, next season will be a total waste of time, although at least we'll be able to look forward to seeing Rondo and Sullinger play again.

Two years from now I feel like the entire roster could be completely different.  I don't know if there are any players currently on the roster -- injured or not -- who are a sure thing to be part of the next competitive core for this franchise.

[tarheelsxxiii]

I have high hopes for Sullinger too, though back problems are a serious cause of concern long-term. What do you think of his longevity? And, is Rondo the same post-injury?

I am curious to know what the rebuilding process will look like. My biggest fear is that we become a first-round exit playoff team for many years. At this point, I don't see a way around it. We aren't likely to drop to, or acquire, a lottery pick... and we don't have much to trade for. Green is a puzzle to me, as well. He may be worth his contract in certain situations, but I think he has proven at this point that he is far more of a luxury than a critical factor on a championship team

[PhoSita]

I have high hopes for Sullinger too, though back problems are a serious cause of concern long-term. What do you think of his longevity? And, is Rondo the same post-injury?

I am curious to know what the rebuilding process will look like. My biggest fear is that we become a first-round exit playoff team for many years. At this point, I don't see a way around it. We aren't likely to drop to, or acquire, a lottery pick... and we don't have much to trade for. Green is a puzzle to me, as well. He may be worth his contract in certain situations, but I think he has proven at this point that he is far more of a luxury than a critical factor on a championship team

Once Pierce and KG are gone, I'm not convinced Rondo and the other young guys we have will be enough to keep the Celtics a playoff team, so barring some significant free agent acquisitions, I think the lottery may be an inevitability. 

I tend to agree with you about Green.  I think he's shown this season that he can score pretty consistently, if given the opportunity.  I'm not sure yet if he can do it on a team that actually has the pressure of winning rather than a team with major holes left by injuries playing out the string in March and April.  I hope he gets to showcase his talent even more next season and some other team wants him and we can sell high.


I think Rondo will be mostly the same post-injury, but I do wonder how his game will age.  He's already 27 and any rebuild towards legitimacy figures to take at least 3 or 4 years.  I think Rondo will be a capable floor general for the next decade barring any more major injuries, but how long he'll have that explosive game-dominating triple double potential, I don't know.

I think Sullinger will come back fine from the back surgery and he'll quickly prove himself to be a perfectly capable starting power forward.  I doubt he'll ever be a whole lot more than that, but I really liked what I saw from him this season as a hard working, do-work-in-the-trenches guy.  Kind of makes me think of a combination of Leon Powe and Glen Davis, in a really good way.  He's a smart player and he has a great attitude.  Hard work on the court, smiles and laughs off the court.  I hope he stays around here for a while, but he could be a trade asset anytime once he gets back to full health.  He's not a must-keep prospect by any means.

[Bahku]

I find it a bit odd that Jackie "Miss Thinks She's The Inside Scoop On Everything Boston" McMullan can make what even approaches a fair assessment of KG's performance in the post-season thus far when the officials have yet to give him enough court time, (twenty-four minutes in game two?), to get into any kind of rhythm at either end of the floor.

She has traditionally been one of the quickest Boston sports personalities to put a headstone on the careers of our aging stars, and I'm personally a bit tired of her pessimism and gloomy outlook, (I think it's a subconscious reflection of how she views her own demise, professionally ... at least I hope so).

[PhoSita]

I find it a bit odd that Jackie "Miss Thinks She's The Inside Scoop On Everything Boston" McMullan can make what even approaches a fair assessment of KG's performance in the post-season thus far when the officials have yet to give him enough court time, (twenty-four minutes in game two?), to get into any kind of rhythm at either end of the floor.

She has traditionally been one of the quickest Boston sports personalities to put a headstone on the careers of our aging stars, and I'm personally a bit tired of her pessimism and gloomy outlook, (I think it's a subconscious reflection of how she views her own demise, professionally ... at least I hope so).

Wow, you don't see many people hating on Jackie Mac.  I guess it just shows that even when you're one of the best at what you do, you can't please everyone.

[Bahku]

I find it a bit odd that Jackie "Miss Thinks She's The Inside Scoop On Everything Boston" McMullan can make what even approaches a fair assessment of KG's performance in the post-season thus far when the officials have yet to give him enough court time, (twenty-four minutes in game two?), to get into any kind of rhythm at either end of the floor.

She has traditionally been one of the quickest Boston sports personalities to put a headstone on the careers of our aging stars, and I'm personally a bit tired of her pessimism and gloomy outlook, (I think it's a subconscious reflection of how she views her own demise, professionally ... at least I hope so).

Wow, you don't see many people hating on Jackie Mac.  I guess it just shows that even when you're one of the best at what you do, you can't please everyone.

Well, let's just say I know her and see her in ways that many people don't, I guess ... don't think I said anything about hating her, either, but I'll repeat, I'm tired of her negativity and pessimism, (what others might call "realism"). To each his own ... she should've retired when Diesel did.

[PhoSita]

I find it a bit odd that Jackie "Miss Thinks She's The Inside Scoop On Everything Boston" McMullan can make what even approaches a fair assessment of KG's performance in the post-season thus far when the officials have yet to give him enough court time, (twenty-four minutes in game two?), to get into any kind of rhythm at either end of the floor.

She has traditionally been one of the quickest Boston sports personalities to put a headstone on the careers of our aging stars, and I'm personally a bit tired of her pessimism and gloomy outlook, (I think it's a subconscious reflection of how she views her own demise, professionally ... at least I hope so).

Wow, you don't see many people hating on Jackie Mac.  I guess it just shows that even when you're one of the best at what you do, you can't please everyone.

Well, let's just say I know her and see her in ways that many people don't, I guess ... don't think I said anything about hating her, either, but I'll repeat, I'm tired of her negativity and pessimism, (what others might call "realism"). To each his own ... she should've retired when Diesel did.

Like you said, to each his own, I suppose.

[Bahku]

I find it a bit odd that Jackie "Miss Thinks She's The Inside Scoop On Everything Boston" McMullan can make what even approaches a fair assessment of KG's performance in the post-season thus far when the officials have yet to give him enough court time, (twenty-four minutes in game two?), to get into any kind of rhythm at either end of the floor.

She has traditionally been one of the quickest Boston sports personalities to put a headstone on the careers of our aging stars, and I'm personally a bit tired of her pessimism and gloomy outlook, (I think it's a subconscious reflection of how she views her own demise, professionally ... at least I hope so).

Wow, you don't see many people hating on Jackie Mac.  I guess it just shows that even when you're one of the best at what you do, you can't please everyone.

Well, let's just say I know her and see her in ways that many people don't, I guess ... don't think I said anything about hating her, either, but I'll repeat, I'm tired of her negativity and pessimism, (what others might call "realism"). To each his own ... she should've retired when Diesel did.

Like you said, to each his own, I suppose.

Sorry, but I have litle positive to say about any Boston presser who would refer to KG as a "toothpick with bone spurs" .... regardless of the accuracy of the statement, or without arguing semantics, he deserves much more respect and love from our own than that. I truly hope he makes her eat those words tomorrow night, and when he does, it will go much deeper than a "froth" worked up by his "18,000 desciples". Jeez.

[PhoSita]

I find it a bit odd that Jackie "Miss Thinks She's The Inside Scoop On Everything Boston" McMullan can make what even approaches a fair assessment of KG's performance in the post-season thus far when the officials have yet to give him enough court time, (twenty-four minutes in game two?), to get into any kind of rhythm at either end of the floor.

She has traditionally been one of the quickest Boston sports personalities to put a headstone on the careers of our aging stars, and I'm personally a bit tired of her pessimism and gloomy outlook, (I think it's a subconscious reflection of how she views her own demise, professionally ... at least I hope so).

Wow, you don't see many people hating on Jackie Mac.  I guess it just shows that even when you're one of the best at what you do, you can't please everyone.

Well, let's just say I know her and see her in ways that many people don't, I guess ... don't think I said anything about hating her, either, but I'll repeat, I'm tired of her negativity and pessimism, (what others might call "realism"). To each his own ... she should've retired when Diesel did.

Like you said, to each his own, I suppose.

Sorry, but I have litle positive to say about any Boston presser who would refer to KG as a "toothpick with bone spurs" .... regardless of the accuracy of the statement, or without arguing semantics, he deserves much more respect and love from our own than that. I truly hope he makes her eat those words tomorrow night, and when he does, it will go much deeper than a "froth" worked up by his "18,000 desciples". Jeez.

I guess I didn't really read the tone of the piece to be quite that negative.

I took the choice of the word "toothpick" just to be Jackie illustrating that KG is not just old, he's thin too.  He's a great big lank and unlike some other older bigs -- say, Shaq or Duncan -- he can't throw his weight around when he's slowed down a bit by injuries.

I also don't think "disciples" is meant to be negative, either.  The crowd is faithful and they love KG.

The bone spurs bit is just the reality.  Jackie could have been much harsher and called Garnett a "ghost" or a "shell of himself," either of which would be negative but not that far off the mark.

[clover]

I find it a bit odd that Jackie "Miss Thinks She's The Inside Scoop On Everything Boston" McMullan can make what even approaches a fair assessment of KG's performance in the post-season thus far when the officials have yet to give him enough court time, (twenty-four minutes in game two?), to get into any kind of rhythm at either end of the floor.

She has traditionally been one of the quickest Boston sports personalities to put a headstone on the careers of our aging stars, and I'm personally a bit tired of her pessimism and gloomy outlook, (I think it's a subconscious reflection of how she views her own demise, professionally ... at least I hope so).

Wow, you don't see many people hating on Jackie Mac.  I guess it just shows that even when you're one of the best at what you do, you can't please everyone.

Well, let's just say I know her and see her in ways that many people don't, I guess ... don't think I said anything about hating her, either, but I'll repeat, I'm tired of her negativity and pessimism, (what others might call "realism"). To each his own ... she should've retired when Diesel did.

Like you said, to each his own, I suppose.

Sorry, but I have litle positive to say about any Boston presser who would refer to KG as a "toothpick with bone spurs" .... regardless of the accuracy of the statement, or without arguing semantics, he deserves much more respect and love from our own than that. I truly hope he makes her eat those words tomorrow night, and when he does, it will go much deeper than a "froth" worked up by his "18,000 desciples". Jeez.

I guess I didn't really read the tone of the piece to be quite that negative.

I took the choice of the word "toothpick" just to be Jackie illustrating that KG is not just old, he's thin too.  He's a great big lank and unlike some other older bigs -- say, Shaq or Duncan -- he can't throw his weight around when he's slowed down a bit by injuries.

I also don't think "disciples" is meant to be negative, either.  The crowd is faithful and they love KG.

The bone spurs bit is just the reality.  Jackie could have been much harsher and called Garnett a "ghost" or a "shell of himself," either of which would be negative but not that far off the mark.

I'm with you: Jackie does a great job and was only being an effective writer with her pithy phrasing of KG as a 'toothpick with bone spurs'.  I've never heard her disparage KG or his play on any level.

Oh, and this was an inside scoop that Jackie had from the mouth of Doc a few weeks ago.  The rest of the lapdog Celtics press didn't want to print the bad news that went against the company line, however, so it barely got covered.  KG having bone spurs--and the C's thus being sunk in the playoffs before they began is old news--but still new news who didn't read it when Jackie first reported it.

[scaryjerry]

Jackie Mac has turned into a fraud, and her comments about kg disgust me...go back to around the horn and talking Larry bird you ancient, dusty, past your prime grandmother