It’s been since the 1969/70 season that the Celtics have stumbled out of the gate to an 0-4 start. To provide some historical context, consider that Bill Russell had just retired after his 13th season, and promising rookie guard Jo Jo White was just about to begin his NBA career with the C’s.
This year’s squad is trying to find their first win against their fifth opponent, just like the Celtics from ’69/70 did. Boston squares off tonight against a Utah Jazz team that is also yet to taste victory in 2013/14. Here’s some notes about the Celtics from around the NBA:
- Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated tweets that he expects Gerald Wallace to remain in Boston for the time being. Mannix suggests that it will be difficult for the Celtics find a suitor willing to take on the veteran forward’s lofty contract without the Celtics giving up one of the first-round picks they acquired from the Nets this offseason. Wallace, 31, is set to make $30MM+ over the next three years.
- Mannix also tweets that Boston figures to be in full rebuilding mode this season and veterans on the team will more than likely tire of the team’s dedication to developing youth. Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reports that Wallace spoke out tonight, saying it was tough for him to accept a role off the bench.
- Mark Deeks of SB Nation discusses how the value of first-round picks has substantially increased over the last few seasons and cites the trade that sent Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Nets as an example of just how valuable early draft selections have become. Deeks notes that the Celtics were willing to send off a duo of future Hall of Famers in an attempt at success down the road, a deal which may not have taken place just a few years earlier.
- Doc Rivers was apparently a fan of J.J. Redick even before the Clippers acquired the Duke product in a trade this offseason. John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com reports that Rivers tried to arrange a deal to send then-Magic guard Redick to Boston on multiple occasions.