Kris Humphries emerging as leader, wants to sign 3-4 year extension

Kris Humphries has been working hard during the offseason in hopes of leading the Celtics in the upcoming season and for a number of years down the road.

According to an ESPN New York story, Humphries worked on skill development this summer with Phil Weber, a well-respected coach who has experience as an NBA assistant. Weber had this to say about Humphries:

"Kris had about as hard a working month as I've ever seen. He's in unbelievable shape," said Weber. "He just worked, worked, worked, and the last workout before he went back to Minnesota -- after about five weeks of hard work -- he made 15 (shots) in a row from the elbow and 10 in a row from the corner 3. Kris is transforming his game, and his belief level is starting to soar." [ESPN New York]

Humphries hitting jump shots is a good sign for Celtics fans. But hitting 10 and 15 shots in a row from different spots around the court sounds like something that almost every NBA player should be able to do. Not so impressive. 3 point shots? Somewhat impressive, I guess. But hey, he's trying and that's all we can ask for.

Playing for his sixth team in ten years, Humphries has struggled with finding a team he can commit to. He's been showing great leadership since being traded to Boston in June and is one of the oldest veterans on the roster.

Rookie guard Phil Pressey mentioned Humphries as one of the leaders in the locker room.

"Kris Humphries, Keith Bogans, they've been there almost everyday," said Pressey. "They've been helping out a lot. They've been in the league for 10-plus years, so I listen to everything they say." [Mass Live]

Although Humphries' future in Boston is uncertain, along with the other players involved in the Brooklyn trade, his business manager told ESPN New York that Humphries hopes to stay in Boston for more than just a season or two.

"He wants to get acclimated, he wants to get to know everyone, he wants to really prove to everyone 'Look, I'm here, I'm devoted, I'm ready to rock and roll,'" said Humphries' manager, Josh Ketroser. "That's where his head is at. He's looking to have a good year and would love to sign a three- or four-year deal and stay in Boston, and be part of them turning around." [ESPN New York]

 

Brandon Bass takes up swimming lessons

Celtics forward Brandon Bass recently took a swimming class at the Boys & Girls Club of Boston last Friday.

Bass faced his fears of floating alongside 10 children in Waltham. According to Bella English, Bass is doing it to show children that they can face their fears.

English wrote, "Though he is volunteering his time to help children conquer their fear of swimming, Bass has fears of his own."

"I'm nervous because I don't know how to float," said Bass. "I can't tread water." [Boston Globe]

A few things motivated Bass to take swimming lessons in the past few years. Brandon Bass Jr., Brandon's 6-year old son, who knows how to swim and found out about his father's inability to float in water. And in 2009, when Bass bought a house with a pool on a lake in Orlando.

"I can tell he's having the time of his life, and doesn't have a worry in the world," says Bass."But I'm a little worried."

"I just feel as the man of the house, I need to learn how to swim." [Boston Globe]

Bass isn't the only Celtic who can't tread water. Jeff Green also confessed that he doesn't know how to swim either and wants to learn someday before he starts a family.

"I want to learn how to swim before I have kids, and I want them to learn," said Jeff Green. "I think it's just a skill that kids and people in general should have. Whether a family vacation, or just with friends, a lot of activities take place near water." [Boston Globe] 

Bass says he will continue to take lessons with children of the Boys & Girls Club and plans on taking private lessons until he learns how to swim. 

Check out Bass' progress below: