NBA Media Day is a pretty silly tradition. We hold our breath and wait to hear from coaches, players and executives about how much they love their team as they start the season.
Everyone had a great summer. Most people are in the best shape of their lives. Many men gain 10-15 pounds of muscle. A handful of players have some new moves that this season’s breakouts can’t wait to see. Rotation players are ready to contend for the playoffs. The lucky team is ready to start their title run. Players appreciate the opportunity to attend NBA Camp.
For fans, it’s basically the main line to the pleasure center of our brain. Media Days are usually filled with hope and joy. Nothing bad has happened yet and only great things await.
not for boston celtics fan. Not this year.
Instead of excitement for the new season, there’s almost a sense of dread. How many more pairs of shoes will drop before the new year rolls around?
Last month (after summer trade speculation swirled), Boston lost a valuable offseason addition in Danilo Gallinari, learned that Robert Williams needed knee surgery again, and Ime Udoka was added to the lineup for the year. I experienced a scandal that resulted in a suspension. Additionally, Williams’ recovery time is double his originally reported time.
It’s no surprise that Celtics fans are already feeling a little tired. It’s no surprise that the new season’s opening day comes with Boston fans feeling angry.
Three months ago, the Celtics NBA Finals exterior. The pain of the loss was agonizing, but within weeks Boston had Malcolm Brogdon, Danilo Gallinari and been named a title contender for 2023. The biggest question was whether the Celtics needed a veteran backup.
now? There are more questions than answers.
It’s understandable that Gallinari would be upset about the injury. It really isn’t fair to be mad at Gallinari himself. Playing for your country should never be questioned. There are so many opportunities to do so. But it’s natural to be upset about the injury itself. He’s exactly who this frontcourt needed, and Gallinari was so excited to be with the Celtics, but he’s out this season.
It’s understandable that Robert Williams is upset that he needs more surgery. Is it fair to be mad at Williams or even the Celtics? Definitely not Williams. he fought with all his might. It’s probably not fair to be mad about how Boston handled Williams’ injury.They were looking to win the title, but it was a shade like Kevin McHale ruining his leg. . It’s a shame to start the season without Williams.
It’s no surprise that many members of the Celtics roster are angry about the summer trade vortex involving chief among them, Jaylen Brown. Stuff like that can really affect a team . Do players go all out when they know they might be traded? That’s a fair question. That was something the Celtics always had to face on media days.A summer of trade rumors comes with many unanswered questions. And it’s only natural that fans aren’t happy about that.
And about Imedoka.
It’s no surprise that Celtics fans are upset about this. In fact they should be angry. Whether or not you feel this should have been a private matter, it’s clear that it wasn’t. Even so, it ruined the season.
And that’s not even the important part. First of all, I wish the well-being of the parties directly affected by this situation. No one should be forced into a situation where they feel uncomfortable in their work environment.
Then we turn to the team because we are fans. In one year, Ime Udoka became the leader of the Celtics. By the playoffs, Udoka had a full buy-in from the player. Now he was set to have another veteran on Brogdon to keep the team calm and keep chugging things.
Instead, we’re left wondering who Udoka really is.Clearly, he’s a talented basketball coach. Apparently, Udoka doesn’t have a job leading the team at the moment.
Now, assuming they can rally, Boston are still title contenders, but they’re led by an unproven rookie head coach who’s younger than some of his own players. Before answering many questions about. Another reason fans are nervous when Media Day kicks off.
Media Day should be a celebration. With quotes shared across timelines, Twitter should be filled with reactionary and radical GIFs and memes of him about how Boston is progressing into his 98-0 season. . Media Day should end with a vision of Banner 18 being raised in the rafters.
Instead, Media Day will be filled with questions about whether this team is ready for the season. Are you ready to play for Mazura? What about injuries? Oh, what do many people think about being bombarded with trade rumors all summer long?
The last two were coming no matter what. It’s a natural part of Media Day. It’s a bingo card ready to ’10 lbs of muscle’ or ‘add X skill to my game’.
Any questions about your coach’s suspension this year? It’s new, even for someone who’s been around for a long time.
So it’s no surprise that the fans are angry today. One of his most ridiculous, fun days of the year has been robbed of a fan. Media Day is not just for media. Some teams have started naming this day as “Content Day.” It’s a fun, casual event to celebrate the new season.
Not in Boston. Not for Celtics fans.
But… don’t get confused with the Celtics fans who are excited today.
For many, today is your chance to turn the page. The season is coming. If you’re ready to see the guys in green take to the court and vie for Banner 18, no problem. It doesn’t mean that you don’t care about Udoka’s situation, or that you don’t attach too much importance to it. That means you move forward as the calendar inexorably moves forward.
Green Day once sang “Wake Me Up When September Ends”. It’s like the Boston Celtics theme song. September isn’t over yet, but it’s getting close enough. It’s time to wake up. Ready to turn the page into the new season. Last month was a mess of epic proportions. I hope the next nine months or so will allow us all to move forward in a better way.
