Every week I gather some thoughts about the Celtics, the NBA, and beyond and dump them here. Because I once again was not invited to Michael Rubin’s white party.
- The Globe has basically confirmed my conclusions that the sale of the Grousbeck family’s stake in the Celtics is driven by Wyc’s dad Irv. The new detail is that Irv Grousbeck owns most of the family’s stake and Wyc Grousbeck is basically running the family business.
If I’m allowed to tweak my succession theory, it’s that Steve Pagliuca might buy enough of the shares to become the majority owner without having to buy out all of the Grousbeck family stake. All he need to do is buy up enough to own 51% of the team. Then the rest can go up for a new shareholder.
- It’s a total coincidence that Jeff Bezos is selling $5 billion worth of Amazon stock right now. I think.
- Jayson Tatum was blindsided by news of the sale, just like the rest of us.
At his JT Elite camp in Vegas, Jayson Tatum told @SInow he was “shocked” to learn of Wyc Grousbeck’s intentions to sell his stake in the Celtics. As to the next owner, Tatum says he “hopes the foundation and structure doesn’t change … what we built what we have, it’s a great…
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) July 2, 2024
If I can make an argument FOR a Bezos-type to come in, it’s that maybe someone detached from Boston can make the gutsy move to build a stadium nearby.
The most obvious place right now would be by the Encore casino in Everett. It’s very close to the Garden, so it’s not like they're going out to Worcester or anything. The only issues would be procuring the land, fixing the roads to avoid massive traffic problems, adding public transportation, and jumping through all the regulatory hoops it takes to do anything in the area.
Simple.
- I’m a little bit sad to see Jermaine Bucknor join Charles Lee’s staff in Charlotte, only because it takes one of the nicest people in the NBA away from Boston. That man works his butt off and does it with a smile. He’s going to do big things in the league, and he deserves every bit of success.
- While I’m here, shout out to Kemba Walker for joining the Hornets on the player development side. I think the Hornets coaches might actually win a couple of scrimmages in their practices. Also congratulations to Blaine Mueller, who coached the Maine Celtics, for joining the Hornets staff.
- Once the Celtics sign Baylor Scheierman, they’ll be done doing business for the summer. He’ll fill the 14th roster spot and they’ll keep the 15th open (a) just in case someone good comes along or they make a surprise trade, and (b) to save some luxury tax money.
- Jaylen Brown got his ring back
Here’s the special moment:
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) July 2, 2024
Luke and Adi met with 7uice to return the lost ring, and @FCHWPO surprised them with a hug, some goodies, and tickets to next season’s home opener
It always pays to do the right thing
(Via: JB’s IG) pic.twitter.com/Ks0IUsiMIV
He lost the ring at the parade, but it was found and returned to him. If you watch that video, there's a white envelope in there with enough money that the guy tells Jaylen to reinvest it into the community. I don’t know how much cash is in there, but I bet Jaylen was pretty generous with the reward.
- I'm shocked the Sixers didn’t keep Buddy Hield. They need shooting.
- The Klay Thompson era is over in Golden State. I don’t know if anyone is ever going to play an entire career for one team again.
- Shout out to Klay for picking Dallas over the Lakers, though.
- Miami’s run in the East is over. They're going to blow their chance at a rebuild by trying to hang on with Jimmy Butler.
I was just making that statement of fact, but if you want to read it as a celebratory declaration screamed aloud so as to dance on Miami’s grave, that's also acceptable.
- I called Xavier Tillman “Scal Horford” on my podcast. I’m not even sure what that meant so feel free to help me out.
- Does Tatum’s jumper look different here?
The 2020 Celtics were so fun to watch ngl pic.twitter.com/bC5U6TDOnn
— j (@lockedupjb) July 2, 2024
- What are people who set off fireworks during the day hoping to accomplish?
- Oshae Brissett asked off Team Canada to focus on his free agency. I hope it works out for him. It also means he’s almost definitely not coming back, because he didn’t have to miss the Olympics just to come back to the same role in Boston.
- Luke Kornet’s one-year deal gives him a no-trade clause by default. He was never getting traded anyway because not only do the Celtics need him, they can’t aggregate multiple players in a trade anymore. But knowing Luke, I’m pretty sure he’s going to comedically flaunt his no-trade clause around the deadline.
- Here’s today’s Bing AI-generated image, playing off Tatum saying “I still need to celebrate more,” it’s a Celtic who refuses to get off the Duck Boat.
I don't know why it added stuffed animals.
- Here’s my latest podcast, if you’re bored: