Welcome back to Friday Free Throws, a weekly recap of the most interesting news, notes, and information that have not made the headlines but are still worth a read.
With Rajon Rondo - Chris Paul trade rumors buzzing this week, Shaquille O'Neal weighed in on the topic during a recent interview with Toucher and Rich on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
O'Neal recently revealed in his book, Shaq Uncut, he believes playful insult from President Obama messed with Rondo's head. Nonetheless, he wouldnt trade his former teammates if he was in the front office.
Everyone is tradeable, you could probably get a lot for Rajon Rondo but he is the heart and soul of the team, he said. I dont think that would be a good idea. If I was the general manager, I wouldnt do it.
Shaq followed that up by giving Rondo an edge over Paul on the court.
Chris Paul is not better than Rajon Rondo, he said. Rajon Rondo is the true definition of a point guard, period. He gets everybody involved and he scores when he has to. Chris Paul scores a lot of points, but when was the last time they made it to the playoffs? Thank you very much.
Bias Remembered 25 Years Later
Boston Celtics
To commemorate its 25th anniversary, the Washington Post Magazine took a look at 25 moments that changed Washington. The first moment -- June 17, 1986, the day the Boston Celtics drafted Len Bias with the second overall pick. The photo caption includes, "When he completed his extraordinary basketball career at the University of Maryland, the only question surrounding Len Bias was whether he would dominate the NBA in the same fashion he ruled the Atlantic Coast Conference. Twenty years later, many still wonder."
Johnsons Jersey Already Retired
JaJuan Johnsons college number has been retired before he even suited up for the Celtics. On Tuesday, Johnson was honored by Purdue University with a dedication ceremony in which his jersey was hung in the rafters. It still hasnt sunk in, all of the stuff that Ive done at Purdue, Johnson told the Purdue Exponent. Its kind of weird and I just left last year so I can still enjoy it while Im young. Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter praised the Celtics rookie, noting the 6-10, 221-pound forward is stronger than he may look. Its just special to see somebody develop like that as a player and as a person and achieve some of their dreams, he said.
Marbury Wants a Championshipin China
Former Celtics guard Stephon Marbury is hoping to achieve a goal that eluded him in the NBAwinning a championship. Marbury, who is playing for the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), is focused on one objective this seasonWe have to think of the championships, whether you are able to achieve it or not, he said, according to ChinaDaily.com. The report also noted Marbury is learning Chinese and would like to play the rest of his career in the league. "I will retire as a professional player in CBA and that is my aim, he said.
Whats Gabe Pruitt Up To?
As the Celtics look to add depth to their bench this season, lets take a look back at a former bench player. Celtics 2007 second round draft pick Gabe Pruitt (remember him?) is playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA Development League this season. The guard is off to a quick start this season, averaging 22.5 points and 4.5 assists in his first two games.
Celtics Tweet of the Week
@Aabradley11: Best bday gift ever.. It's time to hoop
Celtics Birthdays of the Week
Celtics guard Avery Bradley turned 21 on November 26High-flying Dee Brown turned 43 on November 29. He is currently an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons. Jerry Sichting, a member of the 1986 championship team, turned 55 the same day.Five-time All-Star and 1974 championship-winning Paul Westphal turned 61 on November 30. He shares a birthday with Mark Blount (36) and Darren Daye (51).
This Week in Celtics History
On November 27, 2007 the newly revamped Celtics lost, 109-104, in overtime against the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road. LeBron James scored a game-high 38 points and dished 13 assists. Days later, the Celtics fought back at home, beating the Cavs 80-70 on December 2, 2007 at TD Garden. James did not play in that game, and Ray Allen led all scorers with 20 points.On November 26, 1995, the Celtics traded Sherman Douglas to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Todd Day and Alton Lister.