Friday, February 28, 2014

Wallace out for the season

As if things couldn’t get any worse for Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics health wise, there was another blow to the roster at the team’s practice facility in Waltham today.

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe first reported that Stevens revealed Gerald Wallace has a torn meniscus and bone spurs in his ankle. Team president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has confirmed he will need surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.

Wallace still has two more years left on his current contract. This is a tough break for the forward, who had been playing well as of late.



“Listen, a lot of teams go through injury and we’re going through our share right now and that’s just part of it,” Ainge said. “It’s been a very refreshing to have Gerald. He brings great energy to the game and great passion and intensity that I think our players and fans feel. He will be missed.”  [Boston Herald]

The Celtics are set to officially sign Chris Babb of the Maine Red Claws (D-League) tomorrow. That would push it to 15 players on the current roster, the max for any NBA team. Ainge says he has no intention of buying out Keith Bogans’ contract who has two more nonguaranteed years, which probably will be used as a trading chip this summer.

So despite Olynyk (sprained left toe) who is still questionable for Saturday against the Pacers, and Avery Bradley (sprained right ankle) who will be re-examined next week, Jared Sullinger (concussion) looks to be the one who could return sooner rather than later. He was expected to practice today and it is possible he will suit up tomorrow night against Indiana.

“We’re concerned to have a shorter number of guys than we usually do for players, developing of our players,” Ainge said. “For right now, we’re hurting but I see those guys (Olynyk, Sullinger, Bradley) coming back in a short window anyway.” [Boston Herald]

Let’s hope staying at home will help the cause, Celtics will play their next four games at TD Garden. Let the healing begin as we bring in a new month.

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