Stevens hopes C’s clear heads prevail
WALTHAM — On just the 19th day since he first took the floor for the start of training camp, Brad Stevens was hoping he got in enough — but not too much — preparation for Tuesday’s regular-season opener in Cleveland.
“When you’re a coach, you’re so excited for the first day of training camp,” he said. “There’s always that desire to build Rome in a day. And with this group specifically, I felt like we really had to focus on what was best to put in early that we could then build off of that would allow us to play with a clear mind as soon as possible.
“I know that’s a lot, but I think we’ve got a good foundation.”
Thinking more of the younger Celts, Stevens then made a statement that could apply to all, considering he is beginning this year with four new starters and 10 new players of 14 on the roster.
“I don’t know if there’s anything that will prepare you for it until you’re in it,” the coach said. “Our deal is to try to prepare for what we’re trying to accomplish on both ends of the floor — so how do we want to play on both ends of the floor or what are our responsibilities. We try to build those into habits, so when those lights come on, it’s something you’re doing almost unconsciously.”
Looking ahead to Cleveland Tuesday, a home game against Milwaukee Wednesday and a Friday affair in Philadelphia, Stevens said, “Obviously next week’s a really tough week for us. We play in three home openers, so ultimately it’s going to be that kind of excitement and that kind of buzz everywhere we go, and we’ve got to play well to start our season well.”
Dream debut
Jayson Tatum may be slow and measured with his words, but his eyes will likely be a little wide when he faces the Cavaliers.
“I used to watch LeBron (James) on TV growing up,” he said, “and playing my first game against him, it’s a lot.”
Tatum acknowledged that he grew up thinking about playing against James. Asked the outcome of those daydreams, he smiled and said, “It went good in my head.”
Overall, the rookie said, “I’m getting anxious. I’m excited to get the regular season started.” As for what his teammates have told him, he said, “Basically that the regular season and preseason are just like night and day, and it’s going to be a totally different ballgame.”
Tatum got a little uberveteran help when Paul Pierce came in to have a conversation with him that aired on ESPN.
“That was pretty cool to have him up here and talking a little history about when he was on the team and some of the things he went through,” Tatum said.
On the comparisons between the two, he added, “Pretty high expectations. He was one of the best players to ever play, especially in Boston. I mean, it’s an honor to be in the same sentence as his name.”
Baynes questionable
Aron Baynes went through a full practice after hyperextending his left knee in last Monday’s game against Philadelphia and missing the preseason finale in Charlotte Wednesday.
“I’m doing well considering how I felt the other night and even two days ago,” he said. “I’ve been able to get out here and run around a bit with the fellas, so it’s always good. Yeah, the old bloke’s not doing too bad.”
On if he’ll play Tuesday, he said, “I definitely think I’m on track for that. It’s still day to day, but I’m going to go out on a limb here — literally — and say I should be available.”
Baynes then laughed and added, “Love a good pun.
“It’s just a little bit slower than the other leg right now, but today being out there and going live should get me back on track.”
Looking back on the injury, Baynes said, “Actually a minute before I got hurt, I got scratched in the eye, so it was a bit blurry. So I didn’t see so much going on, and I should have seen Guerschon (Yabusele) coming through because he puts his whole body on the line every play. He kind of came through me a bit with one of his defenders, so they hit my leg front on and just hyperextended it a little bit. I felt the full force of Guerschon on that play, but it’s all good. It’s one of those things. If I hadn’t been hit in the eye, I would have been able to step out of the way. I would have seen it coming.”
Ochefu on board
The Celtics signed 6-foot11 center Daniel Ochefu Friday after he was cut by Washington and cleared waivers. The C’s planned to cut him yesterday and have him play with their GLeague affiliate in Maine. In fact, after yesterday’s Celtics practice, Ochefu was working out with the Red Claws’ coaches.