ESPN Thinks Ray Allen is on the Thunder

Ok, now this is weird. ESPN has Ray Allen on the Thunder. Was there a trade none of us knows about?

Celtics Links for Today 10/4

Herald   Green sight for sore eyes
Doc Rivers delivers tough workout
Ray Allen cheered at Heat scrimmage
Globe  Roster focus: Jared Sullinger
Kevin Garnett in middle of Celtics’ scrum
Darko Milicic looking for fresh start with Celtics

Does This Shirt Say Russell Westbrook or What?

I came across this vintage silk billiards shirt and it pretty much shouts Russ's name. I can see him wearing it, can't you? I'll be watching for it (or one similar) on the podium this season.

Celtics Links for Today 10/3

Herald  Call him KG the courteous
Bleary-eyed Celtics open practice in Turkey
Garnett, Celtics getting comfortable in Turkey
Turkey a new world
Added security helps play it safe
Globe  Celtics work out for three hours before Turkish media
Celtics’ mission is to recapture Ubuntu feeling
Celtics coach Doc Rivers working his players
Postcard from Istanbul: An impressive, energetic city

Celtics Links For Today 10/2

Herald  Celtics see size as small matter
Dwight Howard ready to learn from Kobe with Lakers
Jeremy Lin, young Rockets ready for challenge
Chemistry test during Euro trip
Rick Adelman likes what he sees with older Wolves
‘New’ Suns begin first camp of post-Steve Nash era
: A Lakers title? Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard can get it, together
Grizzlies eager to erase memory of playoff ouster
Amid uncertainty, Kings aim for ‘winning mindset’
New-look Utah Jazz hoping for major transformation
Oft-injured Rashard Lewis ready to show Heat his range
Globe  Roster focus: Chris Wilcox
Doc Rivers wants Celtics to speed up the tempo
Garnett and Celtics focusing before trip

Some Perk on Media Day

Some Perk from the podium at media day.

Perk on the league punishing floppers: "I like it. I like it ... It's bad for the game and I'm glad they're making guys stand by it now."
— Royce Young (@dailythunder) October 1, 2012

Perk: "I think the Finals was overwhelming to a lot of us. I think we got caught up in being in the Finals and quit playing basketball."
— Royce Young (@dailythunder) October 1, 2012

Perk on if he's over the Finals loss: "Nah I still don't watch SportsCenter to this day because of it."
— Royce Young (@dailythunder) October 1, 2012

From the stream.

Perk says he's feeling good. Going to use training camp to keep getting better as a team.

He wants to do a better job of controlling himself on the court this season and to set a better example for the younger guys to do the same.

He felt that the post season run helped the team a lot. He thinks the team got caught up in the moment in the Finals and not they have the jitters out and know what to expect if they get back there this season.

He said that the team needs to stay humble and hungry.

With a very humble and hungry Perk helping to lead them, they've got a great shot at doing so.

On Perk's Importance to the Thunder

From Pro Basketball Talk's Thunder Preview:

Kendrick Perkins

With the acquisition in Los Angeles, Kendrick Perkins now becomes the most important player if the Lakers and Thunder meet in the playoffs, which most people think will happen in the Western Conference Finals. As I wrote previously, Kendrick Perkins is the best defender against Dwight Howard. (Superman's Kryptonite) Perkins will need to slow the big man down and take him out of the game in order for the Thunder to overcome the Lakers to advance to their second NBA Finals.

I love to see people realizing how important Perk will be to the Thunder should they meet the Lakers in the playoffs. I've read posts where people want to amnesty Perk to be able to offer Harden more. Those are so short sighted. As the Celtics found out, replacing a shooting wing for cheap is much easier than replacing a defensive post player.