Max supports Scott’s nod
Close relationship makes Hall call extra special
Three Celtics were named to the Hall of Fame yesterday, including Ray Allen, Dino Radja by the international committee, and a stalwart of the 1976 championship team, Charlie Scott.
The latter will forever be dear to Cedric Maxwell, who played with Scott as a rookie.
“We had 13 players, and a bunch of rookies including myself,” Maxwell said before last night’s game against the Raptors at the Garden. “We had eight rounds at the time, so there were eight rookies in camp. He walks over. All the rookies were on the floor, and he goes, ‘I really don’t know why ya’ll are here. I’m not sure if you guys know how to count or not, but there are 12 guaranteed contracts.’ Then he points to me and says, ‘And I’m pretty sure he got one of them.’ And then he just walked away, and I was like, ‘Oh my God.
“He was a story-teller, a great defender, great passer. I’m just glad the Hall has got him in.”
Maxwell first saw Scott at North Carolina.
“He was one of the first black players to play in the ACC,” Maxwell said. “I saw him play at Chapel Hill and was absolutely in love with his game. He was radical, different, watching him from afar.
“Not a great shooter, but (he) could get hot. He could carry you for stretches. When his jump shot was on, he was unreal. He was a great passer, good ballhandler, great defender. Reminds me a lot of Dennis Johnson. He could be a scorer, good defender, and he could not stop talking if he wanted to. Whenever Charlie goes up to his next place, he’ll be talking all the way up there. He was that personality.
“Great complement to Jo Jo (White). Jo Jo was understated and quiet, and Charlie was the flip side. Charlie was a chatter box, Jo Jo was just Mr. Rock Solid. They complemented each other well.”
Irving on mend
Brad Stevens checked in on Kyrie Irving’s knee rehab routine Friday, which obviously is in its early stages.
“Spent a lot of time with him,” the coach said. “Spirits were good, bending, extending his knee on a training table. No on-court videos, no 360 dunks. Just extending his knee on a training table.”
Asked if Irving has started doing upper-body work, Stevens said, “Not yet.”
Tatum a Ray fan
Allen’s Hall of Fame induction certainly wasn’t a surprise.
As a young shooter attempting to develop his craft, Jayson Tatum developed an early appreciation for one particular part of Allen’s game.
“I loved Ray Allen a lot,” the Celtics rookie said. “He definitely was one of the best shooters of all time. He always had the same, perfect release every time. He never changed his shot.”
Said Stevens: “He’s the only one of the three who made it today who were Celtics who I don’t think I’ve met . ... Obviously he had a heck of a career here. He’s special in what he was able to accomplish, special throughout his entire career.”