CELTICS NOTEBOOK
LaFrentz a vital cog for Rivers
Center leads by example
By Shira Springer, Globe Staff | October 15, 2005
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- There was a time when the Celtics could not depend on Raef LaFrentz to contribute consistently -- when his right knee often kept him from playing, and required reconstructive surgery.
Almost two years removed from the operation and a year removed from concern about how his knee would hold up, LaFrentz is one of the most dependable players in the Boston lineup. Coach Doc Rivers knows what to expect and what role he will play as starting center.
He delivered as expected in the Celtics' 107-100 win over the Raptors last night at Verizon Wireless Arena.
''Raef is so important to our team," said Rivers. ''He does so many little things for our team that people don't know and don't understand. We need him to be there all the time."
Last season, LaFrentz played in 80 games. He hopes to be similarly durable this season, as one of the few veterans on a young team.
''It's kind of weird because it's only my eighth year in the league," said LaFrentz, who finished with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in 26 minutes. ''I'm only 29, yet I'm the old man on the team. We've got 19-year-old guys running around out here. I think 29 is in the prime of your career. I don't think I'm over the hill by any means. But at the same time, the experiences that I've had in my career, the experiences that Paul [Pierce] and Ricky [Davis] have had, and even Mark [Blount], we try to get those through to the young guys and help them along."
LaFrentz knows the best way he can help is by leading by example and playing the way he did last year. He averaged 11.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 27.5 minutes per game last season.
''It's enjoyable playing for Doc," said LaFrentz. ''I'm right on track. I think our whole team is right there. We've had a very good camp thus far, a very competitive camp. The first couple days are always a little rough. I try to get my legs under me. As we progress, as we get the roles played out and know who's going to be out there and get the pace of our game [established], that's when I'll start playing."
Change of plans at the point
Marcus Banks missed last night's game with a stress reaction in his left shin, changing the complexion of the competition at point guard. Rivers planned to start Banks tonight against the Bulls at the United Center, but now it's likely he will go with Delonte West again. However, West did not play last night because of a stiff right ankle.
Banks underwent X-rays yesterday in Boston and did not travel to Chicago. Tony Allen (right knee surgery) and Al Jefferson (sprained left ankle) also did not make the trip.
''The shin has been hurting," said Rivers. ''It was hurting last year a little bit. They did the MRIs right before training camp and he was fine. He actually practiced pretty well."
The contingency plan meant more minutes for rookies Orien Greene (18 minutes, 4 points) and Will Bynum (10 minutes) last night. And that could be a trend for the future.
Rivers acknowledged the stress reaction was serious and would dramatically affect the point guard rotation.
''You know Dan [Dickau] can play," said Rivers. ''You know Delonte can play. But we have to find out between Will and Orien who can handle the load . . . As the game went on, I thought they started playing better."
Second unit proves first-rate
It didn't take long for the second unit to come together. Ryan Gomes, Justin Reed, Kendrick Perkins, Brian Scalabrine, and Bynum pulled out the victory with surprisingly poised play down the stretch. After falling behind by 17 points (41-23) early in the second quarter, the Celtics closed with a 16-4 run behind the energizing play of Davis. Boston trailed, 57-55, at halftime. ''When [the second unit] decided to run plays through Ryan Gomes, No. 1, and Justin Reed, No. 2, they were pretty good," said Rivers. ''I thought [Gomes] settled the second unit down and that's rare when not only a rookie does that, but a guy from the 3 or 4 spot because he doesn't have the ball in his hands. But he did it." . . . The biggest draw last night was Concord product and Raptor Matt Bonner. There were other familiar faces on the Toronto roster, including former Celtics Eric Williams and Mike James. UConn standout and Raptors rookie Charlie Villanueva also took the floor . . . During the second quarter, Lucky the mascot sustained a right ankle injury performing his dunk show. He is listed as day to day . . . Rivers did not accompany the team to Chicago, returning home to Orlando to tend to family matters. Assistant coach Tony Brown will lead the team
LaFrentz a vital cog for Rivers
Center leads by example
By Shira Springer, Globe Staff | October 15, 2005
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- There was a time when the Celtics could not depend on Raef LaFrentz to contribute consistently -- when his right knee often kept him from playing, and required reconstructive surgery.
Almost two years removed from the operation and a year removed from concern about how his knee would hold up, LaFrentz is one of the most dependable players in the Boston lineup. Coach Doc Rivers knows what to expect and what role he will play as starting center.
He delivered as expected in the Celtics' 107-100 win over the Raptors last night at Verizon Wireless Arena.
''Raef is so important to our team," said Rivers. ''He does so many little things for our team that people don't know and don't understand. We need him to be there all the time."
Last season, LaFrentz played in 80 games. He hopes to be similarly durable this season, as one of the few veterans on a young team.
''It's kind of weird because it's only my eighth year in the league," said LaFrentz, who finished with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in 26 minutes. ''I'm only 29, yet I'm the old man on the team. We've got 19-year-old guys running around out here. I think 29 is in the prime of your career. I don't think I'm over the hill by any means. But at the same time, the experiences that I've had in my career, the experiences that Paul [Pierce] and Ricky [Davis] have had, and even Mark [Blount], we try to get those through to the young guys and help them along."
LaFrentz knows the best way he can help is by leading by example and playing the way he did last year. He averaged 11.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 27.5 minutes per game last season.
''It's enjoyable playing for Doc," said LaFrentz. ''I'm right on track. I think our whole team is right there. We've had a very good camp thus far, a very competitive camp. The first couple days are always a little rough. I try to get my legs under me. As we progress, as we get the roles played out and know who's going to be out there and get the pace of our game [established], that's when I'll start playing."
Change of plans at the point
Marcus Banks missed last night's game with a stress reaction in his left shin, changing the complexion of the competition at point guard. Rivers planned to start Banks tonight against the Bulls at the United Center, but now it's likely he will go with Delonte West again. However, West did not play last night because of a stiff right ankle.
Banks underwent X-rays yesterday in Boston and did not travel to Chicago. Tony Allen (right knee surgery) and Al Jefferson (sprained left ankle) also did not make the trip.
''The shin has been hurting," said Rivers. ''It was hurting last year a little bit. They did the MRIs right before training camp and he was fine. He actually practiced pretty well."
The contingency plan meant more minutes for rookies Orien Greene (18 minutes, 4 points) and Will Bynum (10 minutes) last night. And that could be a trend for the future.
Rivers acknowledged the stress reaction was serious and would dramatically affect the point guard rotation.
''You know Dan [Dickau] can play," said Rivers. ''You know Delonte can play. But we have to find out between Will and Orien who can handle the load . . . As the game went on, I thought they started playing better."
Second unit proves first-rate
It didn't take long for the second unit to come together. Ryan Gomes, Justin Reed, Kendrick Perkins, Brian Scalabrine, and Bynum pulled out the victory with surprisingly poised play down the stretch. After falling behind by 17 points (41-23) early in the second quarter, the Celtics closed with a 16-4 run behind the energizing play of Davis. Boston trailed, 57-55, at halftime. ''When [the second unit] decided to run plays through Ryan Gomes, No. 1, and Justin Reed, No. 2, they were pretty good," said Rivers. ''I thought [Gomes] settled the second unit down and that's rare when not only a rookie does that, but a guy from the 3 or 4 spot because he doesn't have the ball in his hands. But he did it." . . . The biggest draw last night was Concord product and Raptor Matt Bonner. There were other familiar faces on the Toronto roster, including former Celtics Eric Williams and Mike James. UConn standout and Raptors rookie Charlie Villanueva also took the floor . . . During the second quarter, Lucky the mascot sustained a right ankle injury performing his dunk show. He is listed as day to day . . . Rivers did not accompany the team to Chicago, returning home to Orlando to tend to family matters. Assistant coach Tony Brown will lead the team
