Boston Celtics Daily Dish: LA Story

Morning, Celtics fans!

I woke up today and was treated to some good news thanks to my Bing News app: the Los Angeles Clippers appear to be destined for new ownership.

"Embattled Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling lost his attempt to block the $2 billion sale of the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer."

"In allowing the deal to go forward, Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas sided Monday with Sterling’s estranged wife, Shelly Sterling, who negotiated the record sale after the NBA banned the 80-year-old billionaire for making offensive remarks about blacks."

"Shelly Sterling sought the probate judge’s approval to ink the deal after taking over the family trust that owns the team because doctors found Donald Sterling had signs of Alzheimer’s disease and couldn’t manage his affairs."

"The judge said Shelly Sterling had negotiated a good deal and the removal of her husband as a co-trustee was in good faith and not part of a secret plan to seize the team."

"Shelly Sterling hugged her lawyer and wept after the judge explained his ruling from the bench."

"“I can’t believe it’s over,” she said. “This is the best thing.”"

  I can’t tell you who is happier to hear this decision: Shelly Sterling, Doc Rivers, players on the Clippers roster . . . or the NBA, who now doesn’t have to stay away at night envisioning the nightmare scenario of having an entire team participate in a boycott.  Either way, this is a great victory for everyone out there in LA.

Yesterday was Day 1 of Team USA’s training camp in Las Vegas – get the low down on what John Schuhmann noticed while he was there.

Of course, the biggest story to come out of Team USA’s camp yesterday was Derrick Rose’s strong showing:

"For several players at USA Basketball training camp, Monday was about making a first impression on managing director Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski in an attempt to earn a spot on the World Cup roster."

"For the few that seemingly have guaranteed spots, it was the first step in getting ready for the tournament that begins on Aug. 30. And for the 12 young players on the Select Team, it was about building equity with USA brass for future consideration."

"For Derrick Rose, it was much more than that. It was a big step in his return to the game after his second knee surgery."

"By all accounts, Rose is back."

I’m not a Chicago Bulls fan, but seeing this Tweet does make me happy:

My final link of the day deals with the Boston Celtics’ weakness at the center position.  Surprisingly, though, the team has five players who can – and should – actually play the position.  Notice I didn’t say five GOOD options. Enjoy the reads!