c2c basketball

Going Green is the Boston Celtics’ team report written by Michael Tiedemann.

Team reports are articles written by the General Manager of each franchise. Whether it is weekly, monthly, or after every trade or game, c2c’s team reports are an inside look to each franchise. Maybe an explanation of a trade or a week in review of how the team has faired in games, either way, these are the words of the league and owners.

Brace yourselves.

Somebody Has A Case Of The Mondays

There’s that old saying that Monday is the worst day of the week.  For Boston Celtics fans, this past Monday wasn’t so bad after all.

In two stunning moves, the Celtics welcomed Vince Carter and Al Horford to New England.  And they only shipped out one starter:  Brandan Wright.

“We had a lot of faith in Brandan [Wright].  But, Horford is a player that we thought could team with Andrew Bynum and give us an immediate upgrade,” said general manager Mike Tiedemann.  “And we all know what Vince is capable of.

In a move that had been discussed for a few days, the Celtics shipped Jason Williams’ expiring contract, Nene Hilario, Rashad McCants, and two first round draft picks to Dallas for Vince Carter, Vladimir Radmanovic and two second round draft picks.

“We thank Jason, Nene, and Rashad for everything they did during their stay here in Boston.  However, we had an opportunity at a proven All-Star in Vince.  We needed his scoring and his leadership in the locker room,” said general manager Mike Tiedemann.

Carter, who is averaging 23.3 points per game, was a part of New Jersey’s championship team and immediately adds credibility to the Celtics line-up.

“This takes a lot of pressure and expectations off of [Nick] Young’s shoulders.  We threw him into the fire early on and now he’ll be able to learn from one of the best,” said Tiedemann.

The deal with Dallas was a big splash and great news for the franchise.  And for the most part, the team and management would have been happy to see how this team performed with the addition of Carter.

That was until late Monday night when Tiedemann was reached by Philadelphia 76ers’ general manager Bill Weber.

“I almost dropped the phone.  I actually couldn’t believe what he said right away,” said Tiedemann.

After a brief exchange of words, it was official:  Al Horford was coming to Boston.  The full deal saw Wright and Wilson Chandler pack their bags in exchange for Horford and the rights to the LA Clippers 2008 first round pick.

Carter and Horford will join Raymond Felton, Danny Granger, and Andrew Bynum in the starting line-up.  The once young Celtic team was now looking to push for a playoff spot.

Something head coach Doc Rivers is looking forward to.

“Management promised that they will do everything in their power to provide us with the players to win.  Monday was a big day for the team.  I’m looking forward to working with the new guys,” said Rivers after the teams’ most recent practice.

Horford and Carter were unavailable for comment as they had to take their media guide pictures.

“I told [the media] before the season started that I would do everything in my power to give this city a winner.  And just like I said before, we will continue to make moves if it means that we as a franchise improves,” said Tiedemann.

NOTES: With the recent moves the bench will get a makeover as well.  Andray Blatche and Louis Williams will now dress for games.  Joel Pryzbilla has moved to the bench in exchange for Andrew Bynum. … The team was willing to let Nene leave town because of the progress reports they are receiving about Tiago Splitter, the teams’ second round draft pick. … The team is looking into offering Felton, Granger and Bynum extensions to keep them in Boston indefinitely.