jlp@inmet.UUCP (10/08/85)
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Here's the latest from the Hub of the universe:
There is nothing wrong with Bird's elbow. Although he had a poor shooting
game against the World Champion Lakers on Sunday, Bird's form and rhythm
were on Friday night against the Sixers.
This reporter watched the Sixers' game. The first quarter was played by the
starting team, which looked a little sluggish. About halfway through, Head
Coach K.C. Jones substituted Bill Walton, Scott Wedman, Sly Williams,
Carlos Clark, and Sam Vincent. Carlos blew a good assist opportunity after
Walton set two picks and popped up weak side baseline under the basket. Carlos
then proceeded to shoot a brick.
Walton looked good. This man lives to play Celtics' style basketball. He
was in constant motion. He connected well with Bird. His outlet passes were
already in mid-season form. He played 19 minutes in this game, giving fine
performance in response to several standing O's. Could Bird be losing a lot
of his ink this season?
Sly Williams worked hard this game. He looks fat, and was sligtly slow.
Nevertheless, the clever NBA veteran forward managed to get four straight
rebounds without having to leave the ground, entice Rookie Terry Catledge
into a handful of fouls, and just generally raise ruckus with the Philly
frontline. If he can be this consistent in his intensity throughout the
season, Boston may have come up with quite a steal.
Jerry Sichting showed up in shape for this game, but since he only had one
day's practice, was not a contributing factor.
Sam Vincent has impressed Boston watchers so far. Although he tends to pull
out of rebounds pretty quickly at this point, the first-round guard had an
excellent point game. He pushed pretty well. At this point he doesn't come
down the middle until well after halfcourt. He layed off well, and has
quick hands. The Celtics may have found the replacement for Tiny
Archibald.
Tracy Mitchell is QUICK. He beat his way through two blind screens and
still found his man on an upcourt push sequence.
Scott Wedman was much improved on D. He's reading situations better.
Perhaps they have no intention of using him at the Guard spot this year,
allowing him to concentrate on Forward defense skills.
Rick Carlisle was a big suprise. Apparently the 25 year old 2nd year man
had a much better summer than we realized. His offense-to-defense
transition is much improved, as is his defensive footwork. This could be a
boon for the Celtics- a young(?) fifth guard who is able to fill in for the
aging starting backcourt in a few years.
On Monday, the Celtics released Rick Lamb, Ronnie Williams, and Andre
Battle, all of whom did not play against the Sixers in the opener.
David Dupree played 42 seconds at the opening of the fourth quarter. Look
for his article (first installment) in the October 8 issue of USA Today,
with a sidebar by some guy named Kevin McHale.
The Current Depth Chart ( in this reporter's estimation ):
DEFINITE WORKING
Larry Bird Sly Williams
Kevin McHale Rick Carlisle
Robert Parish David Thirdkill
Dennis Johnson Greg Kite
Bill Walton Tracy Mitchell
Danny Ainge Carlos Clark
Jerry Sichting David Dupree
Sam Vincent
Scott Wedman
The Organ Keyboard of
Jerryl Payne
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