Post by DanMcQ on Jul 10, 2013 19:39:46 GMT -5
bostonherald.com/sports/celtics_nba/boston_celtics/2013/07/jeff_green_well_primed_to_step_up_for_celtics
also:
espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/9464679/boston-celtics-young-core-scoffs-talk-rebuilding
www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/07/09/jeff-green-prepares-for-starring-role-with-celtics/4ZQrddDVojyF46jLhBZqwN/story.html
But Green sounds ready for the next step in his development, when his leadership is going to be scrutinized. That, anyway, was the spirit he carried into Orlando’s practice facility yesterday morning.
Along with teammate Courtney Lee, Green took a seat next to new coach Brad Stevens and let the new era soak in.
Stevens’ fresh perspective has Green excited. “We had a chance to talk about the style of play we’re used to,” said Green. “We just talked about the game itself, and got to know each other a little more off the court. I think we’re developing a great relationship right from the start. . . . We’re going to be in a great position to showcase what we can do. A coach like Brad is going to put us in a great position.”
Here’s what doesn’t seem to bother Green: the remarkable upheaval in the organization over the last month. Coach Doc Rivers, Pierce and Garnett, three individuals pivotal in his career over the last 21⁄2 years, have been replaced by a youth movement.
“It’s the NBA. It happens,” he said. “I won’t say I was surprised. I wasn’t shocked. I’m happy. It’s a great start. Trades happen. Coaching changes happen. I’ve had a coaching change early in my career, and I’ve been traded. You move on and take the opportunity with the players and the coach that you have. You can move forward and be positive.
“Now it’s time for the other guys to step up. We have (Rajon) Rondo, who has won a championship. He knows what it takes to win. We have myself, who was part of a 50-win team in Oklahoma. Kevin and Paul taught me the ropes to be a leader. I’m ready for the challenge, and I’m sure that Courtney and Avery (Bradley) will also be ready to step up and be more vocal.”
And that’s the point for Green. It’s time to step in, next to Rondo, as the player setting the example.
“If you look at it, I think I did that in any season here I was looked on to do more scoring,” said Green. “I’ve been heavily prepared for it by Doc, and mentally by KG before he left. Now I’m ready for that next step. . . . I’ve been a leader since my Georgetown days. I’ve had more guidance on the NBA level from some really great players, like a KG or a Paul Pierce. I’m going to be very prepared for it.”
Though Rivers was often Green’s harshest critic, beyond himself, don’t expect resentment over the coach’s decision to leave for the Clippers, and a more winnable situation.
“That’s his own decision. He’s been in this game for so long, and he didn’t want to be part of the rebuilding,” Green said of Rivers. “He’s a grown man. He can do what he wants. He paid his dues, and I think he has a right to not be a part of that again. That was his choice. Off the court I’m great friends with him. I’ve known him since I was in college and I played with his son (Jeremiah). I’m happy for him and what’s to come in his future with the Clippers.
“But I’m more concerned about what we’ve got to do. I’m still going to be a great friend of Doc’s when it’s all said and done. I’m happy for Doc, but I’m more happy for what we have.”
Along with teammate Courtney Lee, Green took a seat next to new coach Brad Stevens and let the new era soak in.
Stevens’ fresh perspective has Green excited. “We had a chance to talk about the style of play we’re used to,” said Green. “We just talked about the game itself, and got to know each other a little more off the court. I think we’re developing a great relationship right from the start. . . . We’re going to be in a great position to showcase what we can do. A coach like Brad is going to put us in a great position.”
Here’s what doesn’t seem to bother Green: the remarkable upheaval in the organization over the last month. Coach Doc Rivers, Pierce and Garnett, three individuals pivotal in his career over the last 21⁄2 years, have been replaced by a youth movement.
“It’s the NBA. It happens,” he said. “I won’t say I was surprised. I wasn’t shocked. I’m happy. It’s a great start. Trades happen. Coaching changes happen. I’ve had a coaching change early in my career, and I’ve been traded. You move on and take the opportunity with the players and the coach that you have. You can move forward and be positive.
“Now it’s time for the other guys to step up. We have (Rajon) Rondo, who has won a championship. He knows what it takes to win. We have myself, who was part of a 50-win team in Oklahoma. Kevin and Paul taught me the ropes to be a leader. I’m ready for the challenge, and I’m sure that Courtney and Avery (Bradley) will also be ready to step up and be more vocal.”
And that’s the point for Green. It’s time to step in, next to Rondo, as the player setting the example.
“If you look at it, I think I did that in any season here I was looked on to do more scoring,” said Green. “I’ve been heavily prepared for it by Doc, and mentally by KG before he left. Now I’m ready for that next step. . . . I’ve been a leader since my Georgetown days. I’ve had more guidance on the NBA level from some really great players, like a KG or a Paul Pierce. I’m going to be very prepared for it.”
Though Rivers was often Green’s harshest critic, beyond himself, don’t expect resentment over the coach’s decision to leave for the Clippers, and a more winnable situation.
“That’s his own decision. He’s been in this game for so long, and he didn’t want to be part of the rebuilding,” Green said of Rivers. “He’s a grown man. He can do what he wants. He paid his dues, and I think he has a right to not be a part of that again. That was his choice. Off the court I’m great friends with him. I’ve known him since I was in college and I played with his son (Jeremiah). I’m happy for him and what’s to come in his future with the Clippers.
“But I’m more concerned about what we’ve got to do. I’m still going to be a great friend of Doc’s when it’s all said and done. I’m happy for Doc, but I’m more happy for what we have.”
also:
espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/9464679/boston-celtics-young-core-scoffs-talk-rebuilding
www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/07/09/jeff-green-prepares-for-starring-role-with-celtics/4ZQrddDVojyF46jLhBZqwN/story.html