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TechnographGarnett joins Pierce, Allen with new, improved Celtics
By Howard Ulman, The Associated Press
Posted: 8/1/07 Section: Sports
"I'm confident the (Minnesota) fans know that this is something we needed to do to get better in the long run," Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said.
The key for Minnesota is Jefferson, whom the Celtics were reluctant to part with. He had a breakout season in 2006-07, his third with Boston, when he averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds.
"I'll always have a special place in my heart (for Minnesota), but I think at this point in my career I can't do young," said Garnett, who spent all 12 of his seasons there, "and I think that you need veterans to win."
The outstanding scorer, rebounder, defender and passer signed a multiyear extension to the contract that had one year and an option year left. Ainge wouldn't reveal its length.
The Celtics were 24-58 last season and have won three playoff series in Pierce's nine years.
"I feel like a rookie again," Pierce said. "I'm just excited. ... It's been hard on me the last couple years just trying to stay motivated."
The last Celtics championship was the third with the Big Three of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. Ainge was on that 1986 team. Twenty-one years later he and McHale orchestrated the blockbuster deal. McHale is the Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations.
"These guys will never be the Big Three until they win," Ainge said of his new trio. "They know nothing has been accomplished by this team at all."
But, he acknowledged, "This is going to be a lot of fun."
The trade left the Celtics with a thin roster and needing veteran backups at point guard and center. Coach Doc Rivers said it would be "fantastic" to get free agent Dikembe Mutombo.
The starting lineup includes second-year pro Rajon Rondo at point guard and Kendrick Perkins at center. Only four other players are under contract.
"Clearly, we need a little bit more help just to shore up the bench," Rivers said, "but it's sure better talking about shoring up our bench than shoring up our starting lineup."
The key for Minnesota is Jefferson, whom the Celtics were reluctant to part with. He had a breakout season in 2006-07, his third with Boston, when he averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds.
"I'll always have a special place in my heart (for Minnesota), but I think at this point in my career I can't do young," said Garnett, who spent all 12 of his seasons there, "and I think that you need veterans to win."
The outstanding scorer, rebounder, defender and passer signed a multiyear extension to the contract that had one year and an option year left. Ainge wouldn't reveal its length.
The Celtics were 24-58 last season and have won three playoff series in Pierce's nine years.
"I feel like a rookie again," Pierce said. "I'm just excited. ... It's been hard on me the last couple years just trying to stay motivated."
The last Celtics championship was the third with the Big Three of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. Ainge was on that 1986 team. Twenty-one years later he and McHale orchestrated the blockbuster deal. McHale is the Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations.
"These guys will never be the Big Three until they win," Ainge said of his new trio. "They know nothing has been accomplished by this team at all."
But, he acknowledged, "This is going to be a lot of fun."
The trade left the Celtics with a thin roster and needing veteran backups at point guard and center. Coach Doc Rivers said it would be "fantastic" to get free agent Dikembe Mutombo.
The starting lineup includes second-year pro Rajon Rondo at point guard and Kendrick Perkins at center. Only four other players are under contract.
"Clearly, we need a little bit more help just to shore up the bench," Rivers said, "but it's sure better talking about shoring up our bench than shoring up our starting lineup."
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