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This is a terrible turn of events. Our chances now are very slim. On the other hand, this does present an opportunity for someone to step up and really contribute. Even if it doesn't help that much this yea; it could benefit us down the line. Who will it be? Tony? Bill Walker? Marbury? Somebody needs to step up if we are to have any chance at all.

Doc is certainly making the right move there. I wonder how many other teams would treat their players like that in a similar situation. Not many I bet. I remember Red always said that loyalty was a two way street. If you expect the players to be loyal to the team; then the team must be loyal to its players.

Most of you are probably too young to remember Mal Graham. The Celtics made him a first round pick back in the middle 60's. He was a guard out of NYU and it was hoped he could one day step in to replace one of the Jones boys. He looked promising during the beginning of his rookie year; but toward the end of the season he seemed to tire very quickly. He wrote that off to the length of the season compared to the college season. He figured he would rest up over the off season and be fine in the fall. When camp began the next season, he immediately began having the same problem. Of course he went to the doctor and had all kinds of tests done. They finally decided that he had developed some rare disease that would cause him to tire very quickly with any strenuous physical activity. If he took it easy, he probably wouldn't have any problem. Of course, playing basketball was out.

Graham then went and told Red what the problem was and that he wouldn't be able to play anymore. Now this was before guaranteed contracts and salaries were not that high. Most teams would have said sorry and goodbye. Red then asked him what he was going to do. Graham said that he had been thinking of going to law school after his playing days were over so he thought he would apply to law school. Red asked him how he was going to pay for it and support himself. I don't know what Graham said; but Red told him that he was a Celtic and that the Celtics would continue to pay him. He could go to school and get his law degree. However, when he had free time he would do some scouting for the Celtics. I remember he became head scout and that Johnny Most would have him on at halftime once or twice a season. In time he finished his schooling and became a lawyer. I see this as somewhat similar to what Doc is trying to do. Very few teams or businesses would do that. That is one of the reasons why the Celtics are such a great organization. It's all part of Celtic's Pride.