Happy Hump Day, Boston Celtics fans!
Let’s start out Hump Day by reminiscing fondly of ex-Celtics player Kris Humphries. Yep – he’s an ex-Celtic now, as he was involved in a sign-and-trade that sent him packing for Washington yesterday:
Washington, Boston have completed sign-and-trade for Kris Humphries, source says. Boston gets a trade exception and protected 2nd round pick
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 15, 2014
I enjoyed wasting Hump bust his, uh, hump last year for the Celtics. His hustle will be missed, in my opinion – but Danny Ainge continues squeeze value out of his assets, so if you’re not happy with the long-term implications of this trade, you might just be a Kardashian.
Let’s face it, though: this offseason has not been filled with the sort of fireworks Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck promised for us Celtics fans. While Boston was getting rid of Humphries, the Charlotte Hornets were further solidifying their claim as a true up-and-coming team to be feared in the Eastern Conference:
Report: Charlotte Hornets to sign Lance Stephenson to three-year contract http://t.co/bJGOjB8ARH
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) July 16, 2014
And anyone thinking that Dwyane Wade would flee South Beach after seeing his best chance at winning another championship – LeBron James – head home, well you just don’t understand how important Miami is to Flash:
Home Is Where The Heart Is... My Home,My City,My House..#HeatLifer http://t.co/lMmP2JTDQY
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 15, 2014
Of course, no one ever thought Wade was going anywhere! Nice sentiment, though.
I think the NBA is making a wise choice, copying the NHL’s off-location command center for video replay:
"The NBA will soon begin testing the off-site video review system that will be used to aid referees in making their in-game instant replay decisions during the 2014-15 season.At a press conference following a Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, commissioner Adam Silver announced plans to phase in the so-called “command center” setup that would provide centralized assistance of all in-game instant replay decisions.“[The replay center] is going to be in operation beginning in September,” Silver said. “We’re going to experiment with the WNBA and then use it in the preseason.”"
Nothing worse than watching a game come to a screeching halt while NBA officials huddle around a tiny monitor, especially when they don’t have access to every conceivable camera angle. I hope the NBA makes this official.
Just in case you were wondering, it would appear that the Minnesota Timberwolves have resumed talking to teams about a potential trade involving All-Star forward Kevin Love. I’ll you chew on this for a while before I touch it.
And finally, the Boston Celtics chose not to waive point guard Phil Pressey, meaning the young man will have a guaranteed contract with the Celtics through the 2014-2015 season. If you’re wondering why the team loves Pressey so much, you should check out these thoughts from his former AAU coach, among others.
Enjoy!