Shaq spotted at All Star festivities with Hoopz by his side... And no protective boot on. Phew!

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Here are Shaq and Hoopz last night, pictured at Shaq's All-Star comedy Jam. No boot on Shaq's foot, and he seems to be in high spirits. But can we just talk about how tall Shaq is? And how short Hoopz is? 

I just remembered why I hate All-Star weekend.

A couple of years ago, being the dork that I am, I wrote an email to the Celtics voicing my discontent in the cheerleaders (or Celtics dancers, whatever they want to call them) who had suddenly appeared on the parquet floor at the Garden. Red Auerbach was famously opposed to cheerleaders, because he said they detracted from the basketball game. He's right. They do. If you're at a game, you're supposed to be there to see the best of the best duke it out for forty eight minutes... Not to watch a squad of scantily clad, spray tanned, sub par dancers shaking it to cheesy music that's too loud (how old did I just sound? Oh jeez...). But seriously, the point of it all is to watch basketball. I want to know how cheerleaders, T-Shirt giveaways, jumbotrons and noise meters became intertwined in the experience of going to a basketball game. Going to an NBA game now a days is like going to the circus. When I go to see my high school play, the experience of being in a real gym, with one guy on a crappy microphone announcing the starting line ups, sitting in uncomfortable bleachers stuffed to the brim with excited on lookers, watching a game where guys aren't consumed by their own stat line, is a refreshing experience and feels much more authentic and satisfying.

If going to your run of the mill regular season NBA game is like going to the circus, All-Star weekend takes that and magnifies it times 100. It's not that I don't think the best of the best deserve recognition. These guys work incredibly hard and possess an amazing amount of talent, and for the amount of happiness and excitement I, along with millions of fans around the world derive from them, I'd say they certainly deserve recognition. I   I'm even willing to say that it's a fun idea, to have all of the best guys come together for one night and play against each other. The problem is that the actual playing of the game is at the bottom of the agenda. It's about press conferences, camera time, seeing and being seen, and flashy, selfish play. It's about artificially manufacturing TV friendly, 30 second clips that ESPN can flash on Sports Center, while the talking heads babble away mindlessly about everything except the game.

What's sad about it is that it's all unnecessary. The story lines are already there: we finally get the chance to get a glimpse of what it would be like if Miami's Big 3 played with a real point guard, in Derrick Rose, and for the first time since 1975, there are 4 Celtics on the team, to give a couple of examples. Frankly, I find the whole spectacle to be an insult to my intelligence. I'm an informed basketball enthusiast. All I need to be entertained, thrilled and moved is the game, and I know that there are hundreds of thousands of basketball fans around the country who echo these same sentiments.

P.S.- this does not mean I won't be watching the three-point contest. Excuse me- I mean the Footlocker three point contest. How could I forget the all important sponsor?  I didn't even touch on how it's all about money... That's a rant for another day.

Lebron parties with Drake for the debut of his new cartoon called... "The Lebrons."

Yes, Lebron really has a cartoon and it's really called "The Lebrons." It will air in four parts on You Tube, and will feature each of the four different versions of himself presented in the Nike commercials from last year. It's a must see if I've ever heard of one. Heeheehee...

(picture source)

While I generally enjoy fashion forward men, and while the one thing I actually like Lebron is his choice in clothing, I can't give this outfit a go. He's too big a guy to wear the fedora and cropped jacket. Everything looks squished in. I always love Drake. Rock that Jew-fro.

The Celtics have interest in Anthony Parker. Too bad the Cavs have lost their mind.

Marc Stein reports:
The Celts covet an extra playoff-tested shooter/defender as much as the Bulls, with Marquis Daniels out indefinitely and Delonte West missing much of the season so far. Yet it remains to be seen whether either of the two teams is willing to meet Cleveland's asking price.

The Cavs are seeking a quality draft pick or a young big man with promise in exchange for Parker, who’s averaging 11.5 points and shooting 47 percent on 3-pointers in February.

 Sure, the Celtics have young, big men with promise. In fact, there are several: Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis and Semih Erden. Out of those three, Semih is obviously the person that the Celtics would most easily part ways with... But not in exchange for 35 year old, 6'6 Anthony Parker. Not happening. Parker is a high basketball IQ, sturdy player. He would be a good fit for both the Celtics and the Bulls, and the Cavs probably think they can set the bar high because they see there are some desperate teams out there. Try again.

The trade deadline is 6 days away. Will the Celtics make a move? Is Richard Hamilton a possibility?

The rumors that the Celtics are looking to make a move have been swirling for weeks now. The team has been linked to many names, from Richard Hamilton, to Troy Murphy, to Anthony Parker. 

It seems that Murphy might have to be taken out of the equation.Talks between New Jersey and Denver have started again andMurphy would be included in any deal that sent Carmelo to New Jersey. it's okay with me if the Celtics don't get him, he's not my number one choice. 

My number one choice is already in a Celtics uniform, and that's Marquis Daniels. I'm holding out hope that Marquis is able to make a comeback. There has been no work from the Celtics on the status of Marquis, other than that he won't be coming back any time soon. I'd say it's safe to assume that whether he's able to make any comeback at all is still very much up in the air. With that in mind, Peter May compiled a list of potential trade candidates. This list includes Josh Childress, old friend James Posey, Richard Hamilton, Troy Murphy and Ramon Sessions. 

We've already discussed how Murphy won't be available, and I'd also cross Sessions off that list. I'm assuming that the Celtics are looking for a 3 man and some size in any deal that they make, and Sessions is a 6'3 guard. He's a sturdy basketball player, and can put up points, but it's just not what the Celtics are looking for at this point in time. I'd also take Childress off the list- May explains that while the Celtics could send Robinson and Daniels to Phoenix in exchange for Childress, Childress has 4 years left on his deal after this one. The Celtics will need to re-sign Glen Davis and Kendrick Perkins, and I don't think they'd want to jeopordize those signings but tying up money investing in Childress for anything after this year. So.... Next! The most enticing name on this list to me is Richard Hamilton. It's highly unlikely that Rip will end up in a Celtics uniform, but May lays it out: 

If Hamilton goes anywhere, it probably won't be for a while, but his name is out there because he basically has been euthanized by the Pistons. He has appeared in one game since Jan. 12. Hamilton earns $12.5 million this season, the same in 2011-12 and has a $9 million buyout in 2012-13. No one with that kind of contract gets bought out now. Additionally, there is going to be an ownership change in Detroit, so everything can be viewed to be on hold. Plus, why would the Pistons cut Hamilton a $20 million check when he still has some value around the league? Sure, he would be an ideal backup in Boston. And, remember, Joe Dumars owes Ainge. Seven years ago, when Dumars was desperately trying to get Rasheed Wallace from Atlanta, he needed a third team to make it work. Ainge stepped in and made it happen, getting a No. 1 pick out of the deal along with some flotsam and jetsam (Chucky Atkins, Lindsey Hunter). Dumars has always said that if that deal had not gotten done, the Pistons would not have won a title.

That's right Joe, so pay up and send Rip over. I just have to say that the way the Pistons are treating Rip is WACK and way beyond disrespectful. The man still has some basketball left in him and could be a contributer. Free Rip!!!

After the cut, May makes a case for James Posey.

Tony Parker wined and dined a mystery brunette on Valentines Day. Where was Eva Longoria?

Tony Parker was spotted in New York City having a grand old time:

San Antonio Spurs star Tony Parker celebrated Valentine’s Day, a win over the New Jersey Nets — and his divorce — by canoodling with a brunette at Tao on East 58th Street. Parker was dining and drinking champagne with friends while “kissing and hugging the girl at the table,” said a witness.

The ex-husband of Eva Longoria and the beauty continued partying at Greenhouse, where onlookers saw more flirting and kissing. Parker and the mystery woman left separately near 4 a.m. Parker’s rep said, “He had a fun night out with friends.”

Where was Eva? I don't know, but don't worry about her... She's doing just fine. She's been dating? Rebounding? Galevanting? Pick your choice, but she's been seen out and about with Eduardo Cruz, younger brother of Penelope Cruz.

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Am I wrong for being completely Team Eva on this one? I always thought they seemed like a really nice couple. Eva was ever present at Spurs games and seemed to be his number one fan.

And then come to find out he was having some kind of weird sexting relationship with Brent Barry's soon to be ex-wife. Team Eva all day.

According to Ray Allen, Paul Pierce is talking a whole lot of trash about how he's going to win the 3 point contest during All Star week.

I can only imagine what "top form" sounds like... Because Paul Pierce talks maaaaaaad trash. It's hilarious, and part of his charm and part of why we love him, but he undeniably holds nothing back when it comes to bigging himself up and talking the competition down. In honor of the upcoming 3 point competition, I have compiled two of my favorite instances of Paul Pierce speaking his mind: 

Definitely an instant classic: 

Zing! And,

Paul with his three point trophy.. And some lovely commentary:

"If I just sat outside and shot 3s... I would probably be more known as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history." And no, he did not mean the NBA today. He said in history, and he meant it.

Obviously, these are only 2  many instances where Paul let it fly... But these are two of my favorites. I think he says the over the top stuff just to piss people off... And because he honestly believes everything he says. There's no doubt in my mind that Paul believes he's one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. I love the man for that confidence. 

Clips from the Pre-Game meal with Shannon Allen

A lot of people have been curious about this show... So here's a clip of Shannon talking about what to expect when you tune in. In it, she says she's been making Ray a pre-game meal for 15 years! I had no idea they'd been together for so long. Cute! She revealed that her favorite episode is with Rajon Rondo. She says that despite his guarded persona in the public eye, he's actually vibrant and hilarious. She also shared that Rondo doesn't have one set pre-game meal that he eats before every game, which she found to be shocking, because we all know Ray Allen is Mr. Ritual.

If you're looking for the recipe from the episode which already aired, with Kevin Youkilis, you can view it here. I watched, and it looked really yummy.

Read on for more video, with Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Wes Welker and Tiffany Ortiz.

A belated Valentines post: Poignant preparations for the holiday, care of Pierce and Perkins.

Better late than never- you can take notes on this post for next year, so that you may celebrate the holiday in Celtic style. It's a side of the Celtics that we don't often see, but how do the Captain and the Big Man woo their ladies on Valentines Day?

Well, Paul took to his Boston Globe blog and shared... A lot. Here's my favorite excerpt:

"But in general, there’s always a lot of pampering going on in the Pierce house on Valentine’s Day. It’s almost like another birthday or another holiday for your girl. And I can be romantic. There are definitely certain situations where I’ve been romantic. I’ve put together a nice dinner, put on a nice suit … maybe run the bath water. Make a quick stop at Victoria’s Secret and some of my wife’s favorite spots. Sprinkle some flower petals around the room. I got some romance in my game."

Don't get me wrong. I believe Paul has romance in his game. But I just can't resist myself here- I just really need to know what a nice suit looks like to Paul... Because I love love love the man 10 times over... But off the court fashion choices of his have never been my favorite. Oh there have been some classics, over the years... 

The colors... and the high waters... It's a lot.

And my man CONSISTENTLY wears the knee length jacket, so LA circa 1995. I just don't get it. But I love him, so he can wear whatever he wants. 

After the jump, learn how Perk got ready for February 14th. 

The Celtics have the worst luck.... Ever. Another setback for Delonte West.

WHY?!

No commentary. I just can't.

Kim Kardashian continues to infiltrate the NBA... The 4th Edition.

This happened last week, but since the Celtics and Nets are playing tomorrow, I thought it would be good to check in on Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian. K and K went on a date to see Prince at Madison Square Garden. The Artist Formerly Known As always pulls a celebrity up to the stage to dance with him. He chose Kim that night, and waited for her to bust a move... Which she didn't. He then proceeded to kick her off the stage. Check it out below. 

 

Funny funny... When Prince says jump, you ask how high! And when he says dance, you best dance!

But don't worry. Kim's man was there in support of her:

Is Kobe Bryant the new Gilbert Arenas?

Remember when Gilbert Arenas got served child support papers at half time? Click here if you don't. Well, the blogs are all abuzz that Kobe Bryant has walked down a similar path. Kobe is infamous for his philandering ways... And is also famous for the 4 million dollar ring he got for his wife as a consolation prize for his cheating  as an apology. He is now making headlines for apparent off the court behavior yet again. This video has surfaced on the internet:

And now, Terez Owens reports that people are speculating that the mysterious package he was handed in this video were child support papers:


Here’s what we’re being told, “Right around the time Tiger Woods was involved in his whole affair mess , a girl Kobe was mixed up with earlier in the year gave birth to his ‘alleged’ child…Kobe paid for her to live in Italy for the last year..She’s returned to the states and is now seeking legal rights.” This sounds plausible, Kobe has cheated on his wife Vanessa in the past…Haven’t these guys learned to keep their hands by their sides when exiting the court.

Oh jeez. I don't know how reliable the source is. It could be true, but it could just as easily be completely false... And "haven't these guys learned to keep their hands by their sides when exiting the court?" Who says that? Not for nothing, but you can be served anywhere, and it's just a weird thing to say. It's not like people are continually standing their trying to put things in to their hands. Most of the time its just screaming fans trying to get a high five. 

Some good news on the injury front!

ESPN Boston finally has some good news to report:

- The MRI on Paul's foot came back clean, and the injuries to his foot and his hand have been deemed minor. He will play Wednesday against New Jersey. As a precautionary measure, he did not practice today, and will also sit out practice tomorrow.

The Celtics don't fool me! Paul Pierce is the most stubborn man alive. I wish he wasn't going to play Wednesday, and call me a party pooper, but I also wish he'd sit out the All Star festivities. The Captain dealt with nagging injuries last year, and they especially plagued him in the second half of the season. I'd like to avoid that at all costs. In any case, I'm glad these current injuries are nothing serious, and I'm sure that even though he'll be playing in the game and participating in the 3 point contest, the break will serve him well.

-Delonte West participated in practice today, and barring any soreness popping up over night, he will play tomorrow against New Jersey. Wooohooo!!! It will be GREAT to see Delonte back out there, and even though he doesn't have the size to play back up to Paul, the Celtics can work with it in the mean time, while the Marquis situation gets figured out.

-Semih will be ready to return after All Star break, and will resume action with the team on their West Coast road trip. Any big body in a Celtics uniform who's ready to play is a welcome sight right now.

I'm not sure whether or not this counts as good news, but...

-Shaq is also expected to play during the West Coast road trip. Greg Payne of ESPN Boston reports that Doc was quoted to have said, "When he first injured it we all thought it was a one- or two-game thing, and now it's been longer, and now it's getting to the point where we're not sure if he'll play on the west coast trip or not. We're hoping he will. Right now we think he will, maybe not every game, maybe we play him every other game, but if we had to play today, I don't know if Shaq could play today." Well hey. It will be great to have Semih back, and if Shaq can come back, even in a limited capacity, that would be great as well. I'd rather be REALLY safe than sorry with Shaq-tus.

Jermaine O'Neal... Fashion Designer.

Jermaine has been hurt since he got here... So what's he been doing with all that free time, besides rehabbing? Designing clothes, apparently. Being 6'11" makes clothes that fit hard to come by, so Jermaine took matters in to his own hands and created a line of clothes catered to tall people. Above is a video I found on youtube, and below is a still from the line. Go ahead then, Jermaine.

(photo source)



My favorite highlight from Celtics-Heat: Rondo invades the Heat huddle.

And why is Jeff Van Gundy so mad? There was no timeout called, so Rondo's allowed to be wherever he wants on the court. Plus, he was probably just dropping in to say what up! Lebron was laughing. I GUARANTEE it, that if D. Wade or Lebron nosed their way in to a Celtics huddle, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson would have all KINDS of praise, about how competitive they are and how hilarious they are. Wamp wamp.

The injury bug just won't stop biting!

The Celtics, playing with 7 guys, beat the Heat 85-82 today. It was an impressive win, and showed how much grit this team has.

The win is even more impressive if you think about this: Paul Pierce played 40 minutes and went 0-10 from the field, tallying only 1 point. Eeeek! I thought he was still bothered by the flu, which hampered him during the LA game. Nope, turns out there are unfortunately, much larger problems at play here. Chris Forsberg reports that Paul is battling injuries to both his wrist and his foot, and has an MRI scheduled for tomorrow to take a look at his foot. Hopefully the MRI comes back clean. I have seven words for him: NO ALL STAR GAME FOR YOU, SIR! Rest, rest and more rest, please!!!!