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WALTHAM, Mass. -- The Boston Celtics seem stung by the suggestion that their hijinks off the court during training camp somehow diminished the hard work they put in on the court. Coach Doc Rivers said that hasn't stopped the joking, but both he and captain Paul Pierce made sure to stress Monday that Boston's No. 1 focus remains Banner 18.

"We're a loose, focused, hard-working group," said Pierce. "A lot of people say, 'They went down [to Newport] to have fun and goofed around.' But that's not necessarily the case. We got in a lot of good work and I think Doc was pleased with the work we got in. We really got better down there and we're taking it all in stride. There's a time and a place for everything and I think that we're having a good balance between the two. We know when to have our fun, but we know when to buckle down when it's time to focus."

Rivers said as long as his team's shenanigans don't upset anyone, he's fine with his players balancing work and play.

"I could really care less, they're serious in practice," said Rivers. "After that, they're grown men, I don't care how they act. If they wanna have fun or embarrass themselves, or do whatever they want to do, I really don't care. The only rule I always have is called the respect rule. If anything is getting where to disrespecting someone to point where problem, then it's a problem. They enjoy each other. I'm sure they'll cross the line at some point ... they'll get it. That's fine."

Celtics players might have toed that line Monday when Nate Robinson posted a locker room Halloween dance video that was pulled soon after. While some of the language and actions in that video might have been a bit profane, most of what Robinson and Co. have produced this preseason has been innocuous (hop HERE for our story from last week).

Maybe Kevin Garnett summed it up best in Newport noting, "Chemistry's been very good, needless to say. It's a [expletive] zoo around here, but it's all good, we're getting some work done."

The Celtics seem refreshed after a grueling 2009-10 season and the chemistry being forged has everyone in that locker room excited for the potential this season. Just ask Pierce.

"I'm excited about the season, truthfully," Pierce said Monday. "There's an energy here. Something that each and every day, you get that feeling. I can't explain it. I told y'all on [Media Day] about it and it's in here. I feel like something special is going to happen."

As long as the end results don't regress once the Celtics get on the court, expect the fun and games to continue. After all, all work and no play makes the Celtics a dull team.

NEWPORT, R.I. -- When Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett spoke to the media for the first time since his team's Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the question had to be asked: How's your knee feeling?

"I have a lot more confidence in my leg and my body," Garnett said at Monday's Media Day in Waltham, Mass. "I feel a lot better; I'm eager to start camp."

Garnett spoke to reporters three more times during Boston's five days at camp this week and, without fail, the question came up again. Each time, those assigned to the team on a daily basis cringed ever so slightly, waiting for a potential outburst. But Garnett politely fielded all inquiries, including one Saturday as camp wrapped up at the Rodgers Recreation Center on the campus of Salve Regina University.

"It's a new year," said Garnett. "Over the summer, rest is always good. I'm just excited about this year. I'm not really keying on myself, I'm just trying to make the other guys better on this team. I'm revived."

Garnett underwent right knee arthroscopy and removal of posterior knee bone spurs on May 25, 2009. One year, four months and eight days have passed since then, a total of 495 days overall.

In that span, coach Doc Rivers has fielded roughly 495 inquiries about Garnett's health. Indeed, Garnett labored through much of the 2009-10 season, looking particularly unsure of his own abilities after returning from a hyperextension of the same knee earlier this calendar year.

When questions began cropping up on a near daily basis about his health, Garnett quickly declared the topic off limits, feeling there was little he could add. After all, the answer was obvious in watching him play. If a reporter tried to sneak in a knee inquest, it had potential to short-circuit the interview.

But the catchphrase ever since Boston fell six minutes shy of a world title in June has been how much better Garnett will be this year, even further removed from surgery.

So it's no surprise the question returned this fall. But it's safe to assume it won't become a daily topic of conversation. At least not with Garnett.

Click HERE to read the full story.

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Five quick observations after the Boston Celtics wrapped up their fifth and final day of training camp Saturday at the Rodgers Recreation Center on the campus of Salve Regina University:

• That's a wrap: The Celtics completed their five-day camp adventure with a two-hour session that was scrimmage heavy, including referees in attendance. Celtics coach Doc Rivers gave the experience a thumbs up, calling it a "really good camp." Rivers added, "It was good to get them in a gym together. I thought everybody came back with a great attitude and great focus. For one week, we actually got a lot of good stuff in."
• No double sessions: For the third straight year, Boston stuck with single sessions, only holding a walkthrough on two of the five nights in Newport. That's to be expected with a veteran core, but Rivers put them through plenty of work with extended mid-day sessions. "You get your work in and, if they give you an honest day's work, they can go home." He then joked, "I don't want to see them that much any way."
• Robinson, Shaq earn high praise: As further indication that their joking stops when the whistle blows, Rivers singled out both Shaquille O'Neal and Nate Robinson for their strong camps. In regards to the latter, Rivers noted, "We joke about it, but he knows when to be Nate, and he knows when to be a Celtic. That's really important for him and it's important for our team."
• Shaq runs with the first team: While Shaq appears indifferent about whether he ultimately starts the season on the bench (he actually seems to be embracing that thought) or whether he gets the starting nod over Jermaine O'Neal, he actually spent most of the final two days with the first unit. "I know he's playing his butt off. The last two days, [Shaq has] been with the first team. Just watching what he's doing, he doesn't care, he just wants to play and help the team. You can see, he really wants to prove he can still play, No. 1. And he just wants to win."
• Robinson tutors Bradley: Rookie guard Avery Bradley hasn't been able to get on the floor for high-intensity activities, but he's been able to run skeleton offense with the younger players and get up some light shooting. As Saturday's session completed, both Robinson and Celtics director of player development Tyronn Lue spent time with Bradley as he worked on 3-point shooting (see video below). While Bradley has what Rivers dubbed NBA-ready defense, the key to increased floor time this season might be the development of his range and shooting ability.

 

NEWPORT, R.I. -- The Boston Celtics waived rookie forward Tony Gaffney Saturday, trimming their roster to 17 players on the day training camp closed on the campus of Salve Regina University.

Gaffney, who signed on the final day of the regular season in April, did not appear in a game for the team. He was inked to a non-guaranteed deal for the upcoming season and, with the team maxing out its roster with 11 offseason signings, he was on the outside looking in.

"Numbers, just a lot of numbers [in front] of him," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said when asked about Gaffney's departure. "He plays extremely hard. He's one of those guys that you would love to figure out a way to keep him on the team. At the end of the day, the numbers got him.

"I thought if we released his earlier, he'd have a chance to hook on [with another NBA team.] We're looking for more shooting at that position, quite honestly, and that's something he needs to improve on."

Gaffney expressed gratitude for his time with the team in a post on the social network site, Facebook, this morning:

"All good things must come to an end. It was a great time being w the Celtics, it ended today. I appreciate all the love n support. You guys are the best. My agent is back to the drawing board and stirring up something. So when the next move is finalized you all will know. Thanks again everyone."

Undrafted out of the University of Massachusetts, Gaffney latched on with the Los Angeles Lakers and was their final cut before the 2009-10 season. He signed in Israel, but injured his ankle in his first game and soon returned to the states to rehab.

The Celtics inked Gaffney along with NBA Development League standout Oliver Lafayette on April 14 with the idea of getting a better look at both players over the summer, particularly with potential for open roster spots given the amount of free agents. Despite strong performances at summer league in Orlando, the Celtics made enough signings that both Gaffney and Lafayette essentially had to play so well it allowed the team to eat a guaranteed contract.

That didn't happen. Both players were let go this week, along with training camp invites Jamar Smith and Chris Johnson.

Unlike the invitees, it's unlikely that Gaffney will latch on with the Maine Red Claws utilizing the new allocation rules for parent clubs and their D-League affiliates (teams can sign up to three camp cuts if they agree to D-League deals). Given the timing of his departure, Gaffney might be able to latch on with another NBA team (one not overflowing with proven NBA talent) and muscle his way onto a roster. Or he could try to go overseas again, where the payday might be greater.

"Honestly, I just wake up every morning saying no one in the world is going to work harder than me," Gaffney said last month while preparing for camp. "I kinda live by that motto in whatever I do, just be the hardest worker."

A native of Berkley, Mass., the 25-year-old Gaffney grew up a Celtics fan before starring at Somerset High School. During his senior season at UMass, he earned Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year honors in a season in which he averaged 11.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, 2 steals, and 1.7 assists per game.

NEWPORT, R.I. -- When you're an NBA rookie, even a three-man fast-break drill is enough to raise your adrenaline to a dangerous level.

Which is exactly what happened to Luke Harangody during the Boston Celtics' second training camp session on Wednesday on the campus of Salve Regina University. Lining up at one of the wings in a unit that featured Shaquille O'Neal in the middle and Stephane Lasme on the other side, Harangody sprinted too quickly out of the box, fumbled an outlet pass and missed a layup as the group stumbled through the drill.

Rivers instructed the unit to run it again and 38-year-old O'Neal -- the same player who had to ask Rivers who Harangody was when his signing was announced on the same day of the Big Shamrock's introduction in August -- shot Harangody a stare typically reserved for an opposing center with sharp elbows.

The group completed the drill with fewer hiccups the second time, with Rivers imploring Harangody to crank up the speed on his way back up the court. Harangody knows Rivers is simply trying to bring the best out of him.

"Doc's been great with me," Harangody said Friday. "I'm a guy that likes to go 100 miles per hour, but I play so much better when I slow down and relax. Today I feel like I finally did that and I probably had one of my better days."

Harangody, a second-round draft choice (52nd overall), isn't playing for a job. No, despite the late selection, he already proved he was NBA ready by starring for the Celtics' summer league team in Orlando in early July, which helped him earn a two-year guaranteed deal.

But even job security doesn't take away any of the pressure when you're a wide-eyed rookie on a team that is likely to boast more future Hall of Famers than first-year players this season.

And despite a penchant for keeping rookies glued to the bench, Rivers said he understands what Harangody is going through, and believes he can contribute this season.

"He just needs to slow down," Rivers said. "It's so much stuff for him now, his head is spinning. He'll get it, but it's going to take some time.

Click HERE to read the full story.

NEWPORT, R.I. -- When a coach takes his players to the movies, it's typically a flick with a moral. Think "Remember the Titans," which every athlete at every level of play might have been subjected to during the fall of 2000.

And while Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers is no stranger to using motivational films to inspire his team, he clearly decided this squad needed something that better fit their personality. And while an advance screening of "The Social Network" would seem appropriate for this social media-friendly squad, Rivers elected for an all-out comedy during the team's movie night on Thursday.

The Celtics put in a few phone calls and got an advance screening of "Due Date," which previews like a spinoff of "The Hangover," replete with a starring role for Zach Galifianakis, who's part of cast that includes Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx (see the trailer embedded above).

"Movie night was great, we saw a pretty good movie," said Rivers. "It will be out in November some time, but we have some pull... we know some guys."

Celtics players are no strangers to movies, with both Ray Allen ("He Got Game") and Shaquille O'Neal ("Blue Chips", "Kazam") having starred in their own films, while Rajon Rondo made a cameo in "Just Wright" earlier this year. But captain Paul Pierce said a trip to the theatre is just part of what helps bring this team together.

"That's where you build your chemistry," said Pierce. "After practice, guys get together in the lobby [of the team hotel], go play cards, or go to each other's rooms, or go out to eat. That's all part of building the chemistry and getting to know each other, on and off the court, and getting comfortable with each other. That goes a long way when you're trying to win a lot of games."

Pierce, who lobbied hard to take camp out of town, even if a return to Newport wasn't his first choice, admitted this is something the team would have missed out on if it had stuck with the original plan to camp in Waltham.

"We'd definitely be missing it," said Pierce. "Most guys live with their families, their wives and kids. Being that families aren't here, it's just us together at night. The time that you'd usually be putting your kid to bed, or eating dinner with the wife, this is the time we're using to bond with our teammates. It's been great."

And as his time in the NBA winds down, Pierce admits he's learned to savor these moments.

"One thing that me and [Kevin Garnett] always talk about knowing that we won't be in the NBA too much longer, we just say, 'Man, these years, we gotta enjoy it,'" said Pierce. "We know when to put our hard hats on and we know how to stay focused in practice. But we want to enjoy these years, man. You don't get the opportunity to play with these type of teammates, be these guys constantly. When we [joke around], that's just us enjoying one another, stuff we can talk about when we're done playing and look back."

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Five quick observations after the Boston Celtics wrapped up their fourth day of training camp Friday at the Rodgers Recreation Center on the campus of Salve Regina University:

• Hump day practice: Celtics coach Doc Rivers thought his team hit a bit of a wall Friday with its fourth practice session of camp, but unlike past years, he refused to ease up on them. "I didn't think we had a great practice, but I didn't think we had a bad one. Everyone tried to fight through the wall. This is that tough day, the third or fourth day, the [lack of] energy and guys are sore. Every year I make it an hour and a half practice, but knowing that, I went longer today because, mentally, we needed to fight through that, the thought that just because we're tired we can't practice today."
• Doc & the debate: Informed of a decision to move a Massachusetts gubernatorial debate up one day as not to conflict with the Celtics vs. Heat season opener at the TD Garden on Oct. 26, Rivers smiled and said, "That's power." Asked if that kind of pull might convince him to run for governor, Rivers declined. "I wouldn’t win. We had an owner who tried that already and I don’t want to spend the money that [Steve Pagliuca] spent, I can tell you that." Co-owner Pagliuca unsuccessfully ran for Senate last year. (For more, check out the video embedded above)
• Rondo chatter: A lot of talk Friday centered on point guard Rajon Rondo and whether his failed Team USA stint might provide a chip on his shoulder this season. "I don't know if it affected him, but when he plays those guys [from Team USA this season], I got a feeling he's going to give them his best," said Rivers. "But it wasn't anything personal. He called [Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski] and congratulated them when they won [gold at the FIBA World Championships in Turkey]. I know coach really appreciated that. He also called [Team USA director] Jerry Colangelo, and did the same thing. I think it all ended on good terms."
• Then there were six: After Boston waived camp invitees Chris Johnson and Jamar Smith, that thinned the team to 18 players in camp (only 16 on the floor with injuries to Perkins and rookie Avery Bradley). After practice, the youngest players hooped 3-on-3 with Green -- Von Wafer (12), Tony Gaffney (26), Stephane Lasme (46) -- vs. White -- Luke Harangody (55), Semih Erden (86), and Mario West (47). Check out video HERE.
• Ready for some football: Celtics players found a football inside the gymnasium after practice and that turned the court into the gridiron for a bit. It started with Rajon Rondo and Nate Robinson playing catch. Soon Kendrick Perkins and strength and conditioning coach Brian Doo were recruited as receivers (Don't get too excited, Perkins wasn't running patterns). Soon everyone from Shaquille O'Neal to Danny Ainge had joined in and, as the field stretched out, passes quickly became more errant. Robinson showcased his football skills with a leaping save on a high Rondo toss (see 12 seconds in below).

 

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Celtics coach Doc Rivers admitted he's a little too focused on getting his own team ready for the 2010-11 season to pay too much mind to a change in the NBA Development League allocation rules that will allow Boston to stockpile as many as three camp cuts on the roster of the Maine Red Claws this season.

Rivers did admit that, for the invitees that are likely to end up as camp casualties, it's a good opportunity to stay in the organization. What's more, Rivers would like to see even more crossover between parent clubs and their affiliates, leading to a system more like Major League Baseball or the National Hockey League.

"I still think they should change a lot of the D-League rules," said Rivers. "I think we should be able to rehab guys in the NBDL, even if it's a veteran. If a veteran doesn't want to, that's fine. But let's say Paul Pierce is coming back and he says, 'Coach, I'd love to go play a couple games [in Maine],' then it'd be great to able to use it in that way."

It would be quite a draw for that D-League squad to bring in a player the caliber of Pierce, as well, but Rivers admitted it'll likely never to happen. Such a set up would be particularly beneficial for the Celtics this season when Kendrick Perkins recovers enough from offseason ACL surgery to return to game action.

For now, Red Claws fans should keep an eye on camp invitees like Jamar Smith, Chris Johnson, and Stephane Lasme, who might be tempted by the recent rule change and stick with Maine, provided they'll sign a D-League contracts. After the interest in the four-on-four video posted Wednesday, you can check out Thursday's four-on-four battle in the clip embedded at the top of this entry. The two sides swapped colors, with White --Tony Gaffney (27), Luke Harangody (55), Smith (40) and Johnson (45) -- vs. Green -- Von Wafer (12), Mario West (46), Lasme (47) and Semih Erden (86). The Green team won an early game, but White carried play for an extended stint after that.

(Read full post)

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Another two-hour practice session behind him, Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett was lounging on the sidelines watching some of the younger players on the court scrimmage four-on-four when Nate Robinson scurried over in need of a cameraman.

Robinson thrust his iPhone into Garnett's hands, pressed record, and thus began the latest segment in Robinson's Twitter-based sketch comedy series featuring Shaquille O'Neal.

Over the span of 24 hours, Robinson posted videos that ranged from him slipping O'Neal some salt-infused water during a team meal, to dunking on an unsuspecting O'Neal at the start of a practice.

After Thursday's session, videos shot included a mock stare-down between O'Neal and Kendrick Perkins (which ended with the two "playoff rivals" dancing); Robinson running a clumsy suicide in O'Neal's size 23 shoes; and a sequence in which KG and O'Neal rough up Robinson, beating him with one of Shaq's oversized shoes at one point.

If Twitter was your only glimpse into Boston's training camp, it would be enough to make you wonder if this team ever focuses on basketball. Truth is, the Celtics are working twice as hard as they're playing, and all the ancillary antics are helping to forge a bond that this team came to Newport specifically in search of.

"Chemistry's been very good, needless to say," a smiling Garnett said, after being quizzed on his directorial debut. "It's a goddamn zoo around here, but it's all good, we're getting some work done."

Call it the Big Three ring circus, as there's no lack of shenanigans around the Rodgers Recreation Center on the campus of Salve Regina University. But coach Doc Rivers notes that once this team hits the floor, it's all business, particularly for ringleader Robinson.

"I think Nate has figured it out, so far, that there's a time to be focused and serious, and there's time to be Nate," said Rivers. "He's done a great job of that. During practice, he's dead serious; during water breaks, he turns back into Nate. He's figured that out, though."

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NEWPORT, R.I. -- Celtics coach Doc Rivers briefly chatted with his team about changes this season to guidelines on how referees will call technical fouls. But he's going to let the zebras that visit every NBA camp do most of the talking, and therefore receive most of the venom.

"It's been talked about, honestly, but, no, I'm going to wait until the officials show up with the tape," said Rivers. "Then everybody will get upset."

At the referees' annual meeting in Jersey City, N.J., last week, the NBA announced that guidelines for technical will expand to include "overt" player reactions to referee calls. Officials were instructed to whistle technicals for:

• Players making aggressive gestures, such as air punches, anywhere on the court.
• Demonstrative disagreement, such as when a player incredulously raises his hands, or smacks his own arm to demonstrate how he was fouled.
• Running directly at an official to complain about a call
• Excessive inquiries about a call, even in a civilized tone.

The Celtics have found themselves near the top of the league for technicals in each of the last three seasons, including a league-high 107 during last year's regular season. Rivers joked Thursday that one of the team's goal this season is to finally set the NBA record for team technicals in a season.

"We’re going to set the record again, we’re going to go for it," said Rivers. "Last year, we fell short. This year, we’re going to head out and get it. You gotta have a goal, right?"

Reminded that it will be tough to accomplish without both Rasheed Wallace (retired) and Kendrick Perkins (sidelined into the new calendar year after offseason ACL surgery), Rivers didn't back down.

"It's going to be tough," he admitted. "Think about it: We won't have Perk or Rasheed for the first half, so I don't know how we're going to set it. But we're going to have to work on it."

Rivers noted he was going to refrain from offering too much analysis on the new rules, in fear the league might fine him. But he did expand when asked about how it will affect his emotional team.

"Listen, the game is played with emotion," he said. "That doesn’t mean it has to be negative emotion. It is an emotional game, I just want the officials to see what they call and call what they see, and they’ll be fine. They can’t dehumanize the game. I do think officials are good enough to know that, even on stuff they could call every time, they know the difference when a guy is more upset at himself than upset at the official. We can’t get so caught up in the aesthetics of the game, where it takes away from the actual game of basketball. I think fans would be more upset if we’re calling technicals and now the game is being stopped. I can’t imagine some of the things, [like] 10 seconds left and you call a tech. I know we’re doing it for aesthetics, for the good of the game, and I think it’ll work it’s way into being a pretty good rule."

(Note: Probably just a slip of the tongue, but funny to hear Rivers say that the team won't have "Perk or Rasheed for the first half" of the season. If nothing else, that will do little to stem the line of thought that suggests Wallace could return to the team for a postseason run).

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Five quick observations after the Boston Celtics wrapped up their third day of training camp Thursday at the Rodgers Recreation Center on the campus of Salve Regina University:

• Serious fun: It can't be overstated: The Celtics genuinely seem like they are having a blast together already. For all those concerns about chemistry, camp has been a pleasant mix of seriousness on the court, and hijinks off of it (highlighted by Nate Robinson's budding comedy series on Twitter). In the video embedded at the top of this entry, Robinson runs a suicide in Shaq's size 23 shoes, and all the action stops to watch (and laugh).
• Big shoes to fill: Robinson joked that he could probably put on his size 10 shoes, then still slide into Shaq's kicks. "[Shaq's shoes] are heavier than bricks, way heavier. They said [Robinson had] 30 seconds [to run the suicide], but I don't think they were counting for real. I think that'd be a good punishment. Guys gotta run in Shaq's shoes if you don't do something right."
• Not fair for Wafer: Celtics coach Doc Rivers admitted Von Wafer hasn't gotten a fair shot at proving himself yet. "It's been unfair for him, honestly, because he’s kinda been with the third unit with Delonte [West] playing with the second unit. [Wafer] hasn’t had the opportunity to play with the better players. The same thing with Luke [Harangody], the same thing with Semih [Erden]. It's very difficult to show how good they are. Preseason, we’ll see a lot more, then [Wafer will] be in with one of those [first] two teams, and then I think I'll have a better look at him."
• Austin to Duke? Rivers played coy at first, but admitted reports that his son, Austin, has committed to Duke, are true. "Austin Ainge?" Rivers joked, referencing the son of Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, who also coaches the team's NBA Development League affiliate in Maine. "I don't think he is... No, [Austin Rivers is] leaning [towards Duke] and most likely he'll commit in the next couple days. But it's not official, yet. I'll wait and let him do it."
• Something to prove: Every office has a LIFO (last in, first out). That's anything but Delonte West with the Celtics. For the third straight day, West was the last one on the court. The gym was empty and the bus had left, yet he was still shooting buckets Thursday. For more on West, check out this article by colleague Peter May.

"We have to come to work every day. A year ago, we'd come in and take care of business like the Dream Team against the [second unit]. Now we really have to lace them up if we want to be competitive with [the reserves] each day."

-- Paul Pierce on the Celtics' bench players … one season ago

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Against the backdrop of an offseason in which the Miami Heat united three of the NBA's best players and ascended to Eastern Conference favorites, the Boston Celtics are quick to point out that, not only do they still have their own Big Three, they have potentially the best compilation of talent in the league in spots Nos. 4 through 15.

Indeed, the Celtics this offseason signed what would be regarded as a quality starting five in some NBA cities by bringing in Jermaine O'Neal, Shaquille O'Neal and Delonte West, and re-signing Nate Robinson and Marquis Daniels. In fact, those five combined to start a total of 128 games for other teams last season (only Daniels spent the whole season in Boston), and have a combined 2,204 career starts.

Yet all five of those players are expected to occupy reserve roles (at least when Kendrick Perkins comes back from offseason knee surgery sometime around midseason).

Shaq has already dubbed the group the Boston Bench Mob and has been running with a second unit that features the Big Shamrock, Robinson, West, Daniels and Glen Davis, who is suddenly the longest-tenured veteran off the pine. (Jermaine O'Neal has been working with the first unit and is expected to start in place of Perkins.)

Celtics captain Paul Pierce calls this the deepest team he's ever been on and suggested Boston might have the most overall talent in the league.

Which brings us to Pierce's quote at the top of this article -- an example of how things often seem a bit grander in the preseason than they eventually turn out to be.

Click HERE to read the full story.

NEWPORT, R.I. -- NBA training camps have a way of extracting some of the most glowing reviews of players you'll hear all season. Coaches gush about players, who gush about new teammates, who gush about the organization they've joined and how they're going to challenge for a world title this season. This is true whether you're at Salve Regina University with the Celtics or at Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minn. with the Timberwolves.

On Wednesday, Celtics coach Doc Rivers tossed more verbal bouquets towards Kevin Garnett. Only time will tell if Garnett's truly ready to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2009-10 season:

"It's night and day [from last season]. I still wish he would take a break in practice more, but that's a whole other issue that we'll have to solve. He's explosive again, especially defensively, and that's great. He outran guys in our scrimmage earlier, at least three times. Once, he got the rebound, threw it out, and still out ran all the bigs down the floor. He couldn't do that last year, and even if he could, he didn't think he could. To me, that's the biggest change."

Garnett admitted Tuesday he only took one break during Boston's three-hour session. For a team that routinely offers breaks to its big men, Rivers and Boston would like to see him save some of that energy until the regular season.

NEWPORT, R.I. -- The life of an NBA rookie is not always glamorous.

As the Celtics broke after a two-hour practice session Wednesday afternoon at the Rodgers Recreation Center on the campus of Salve Regina University, Boston's freshest faces were ordered to the front of the huddle to serenade Austin Ainge, head coach of the the Maine Red Claws, with a (less-than-enthused) rendition of "Happy Birthday."

Then, as the veterans got in a quick stretch, maybe put some shots up and headed for the sidelines, the younger players were herded together for a spirited 4-on-4 game that quickly drew a crowd, including Ainge and his father, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.

For some of the guys in camp, this could be the biggest stage they'll get to show their worth. Boston already boasts a maxed out roster with 15 guaranteed contracts, and for those battling to get in (or those trying to hold onto jobs at the end of the bench), these pickup games can be important to their future.

Wednesday's action featured Green -- Von Wafer (12), Mario West (46), Stephane Lasme (47) and Semih Erden (86) against White -- Tony Gaffney (27), Luke Harangody (55), Jamar Smith (40) and Chris Johnson (45) -- in a game that often featured more scrappiness than baskets.

Wafer and second-round draft pick Harangody probably made the best impressions, each taking a turn carrying play in the early going, and making consecutive buckets for their teams. Defense seemed to carry play or, at the very least, a lack of referees (other than director of player development Tyronn Lue barking from a chair on the sideline) led to a more physical game and, therefore, diminished offense.

From the sideline, the Ainges, two parties with heightened interest in the younger players, watched much of the action (as did a handful of players who wandered over). A recent change in the NBA Development League allocation rules allows Boston to slide as many as three of its camp cuts to Maine, provided they'll sign an NBDL contract. For the player, that gets a foot in the door of the organization, while the Red Claws get a boost in talent with a free agent who might otherwise have tried to cash in overseas.

While Harangody and Erden, both with two-year guaranteed deals, are probably safe on Boston's 15-man roster, guys like Gaffney (non-guaranteed contract) and West (who spent the better part of the past three seasons with the Hawks) are trying to muscle their way past Wafer for an NBA job.

Rookie guard Avery Bradley also watched from the sideline. While he was able to get on the court for limited skeleton work with the third unit at the the end of the session, he remains sidelined during contact and high-intensity drills to allow his ankle to heal from surgery in July.

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Five quick observations after the Boston Celtics wrapped up their second day of training camp Wednesday at the Rodgers Recreation Center on the campus of Salve Regina University:

• Making strides on Day 2: Celtics coach Doc Rivers wasn't thrilled with his team's conditioning on Day 1, but offered positive reviews after Wednesday's session. "We had a really god practice today, good energy," said Rivers. "It was an hour less of time, so I figure that had a lot to do with it. But it was a good practice."
• A focus on defense: Rivers noted that the majority of sessions are spent with an emphasis on defense, saying as much as 75 percent of Wednesday's session was devoted to that side of the ball. "In our first two exhibition games [last year], we only had our early offense and we were fine with that. We're a defensive team, we've got to be a defensive team, so we gotta get that in first." The Celtics also did a good amount of conditioning work during Wednesday's session.
• Water under the bridge: Celtics forward Glen Davis was near the gymnasium doors as Rivers exited towards the team bus. Rivers hollered, "Are we OK today?" before flashing a big smile as Davis nodded in approval. After Davis sounded off about an undefined role at Media Day, Rivers fired back Tuesday saying he should know his role or sit on the bench.
• West putting in extra work: Celtics guard Delonte West can't even play until mid-November due to a 10-game suspension to start the season as a result of his off-the-court troubles. That hasn't stopped him from being one of the hardest workers early in camp. For the second straight day, West stayed late to get up extra shots after practice and was the last one to leave the floor.
• Happy B-Day, coach Ainge: Celtics rookies were forced to sing Happy Birthday to Maine Red Claws coach Austin Ainge as practice concluded (video below). Just one of the pitfalls of being a nontenured member of the Green before camp.